Khong Guan Biscuit Factory Indonesia -

East Nusa Tenggara, August 23, 2026 — Khong Guan Group, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program Khong Guan Peduli, has distributed assistance to communities affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The assistance was delivered directly to several points across Ende, Maumere, and Ruteng in Flores, as part of the company’s efforts to support communities during the post-disaster recovery period. The assistance consisted of a range of Khong Guan Group snack products, including Malkist Crackers, Lemonia, Shortcake, Gabin, J-Bistar, and Top Wafer. The products were distributed through churches and local community organizations to help ensure that the assistance reached communities in need. In Ende, the distribution began at Rumah Bina PSE of the Archdiocese of Ende, where the assistance was received by RD Geovani Seso, Pr., also known as Romo Ivan. Romo Ivan shared that communities in Ende are still coping with the emotional impact of the disaster. He noted that the solidarity shown in the aftermath of the earthquake serves as a reminder that the impact of a disaster extends beyond those directly affected, bringing together people and organizations from outside the affected areas to show their support. “Disasters always give rise to solidarity. With the assistance from Khong Guan Group, we feel that this disaster is not only our suffering, but also a shared suffering. We would like to express our gratitude for Khong Guan Group’s care and solidarity. I always believe that blessings can be found in life when we share with others. When Khong Guan Group shares, it becomes a blessing to many people,” said Romo Ivan. The distribution continued at St. Joseph Onekore Church in Ende, where the assistance was received by Herlina Timugale, JPIC SVD, along with Epika Karawayu, who is involved in providing psychosocial support to affected communities, particularly children and the elderly. Herlina explained that the local community remains in the gradual recovery phase following the earthquake. In addition to essential food supplies such as rice and drinking water, psychosocial support remains an important need for communities recovering from the disaster. “The city is still gradually recovering from the disaster, so the situation remains unstable and we continue to stay alert. We have focused the donations we receive in Onekore, which are then distributed to areas that have not yet been reached by the government. Some of the most urgent needs at the moment are basic necessities, particularly rice and water supplies. In addition, we also provide support for mental recovery, especially for children and the elderly,” said Herlina. Epika Karawayu highlighted the emotional impact of the earthquake on children in the affected communities. Following the disaster, simple recreational activities have been introduced to help children feel safer and gradually cope with the trauma they experienced. Khong Guan Peduli team then continued its journey to Maumere, where assistance was distributed at Seminari Maria Bunda Segala Bangsa, an educational institution for aspiring members of the religious clergy that provides education at the junior and senior secondary school levels. At the seminari, the Khong Guan Peduli team also interacted with students who experienced the impact of the earthquake firsthand. One of the students, Agung, shared his experience when the earthquake struck, recalling how he and his classmates ran toward an open field for safety before attempting to contact their families. “When the earthquake happened, we ran, bumping into each other, and headed to an open area, to the field. After that, I asked the Pater for his phone so I could contact my parents. When I told them what had happened, my family and neighbors were already on their way to higher ground because the seawater had come quite close to our homes,” he said. Beyond Ende and Maumere, Khong Guan Peduli also extended its assistance to communities in Ruteng through the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Ruteng. The assistance was received by RD. Benediktus Gaguk, Director of Caritas of the Diocese of Ruteng. The distribution in Ruteng was also carried out through St. Francis of Assisi Karot Parish, where the assistance was received by Pater Rio Edison, OFM. The distribution across multiple locations reflects Khong Guan Group’s efforts to extend its support to communities affected by the earthquake across Flores. In addition to affecting food security and psychosocial well-being, the earthquake also caused damage to facilities used by communities for daily activities and worship. One of the affected sites was St. Mary Magdalene Nangahure Church, which sustained significant structural damage following the earthquake. Pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Nangahure Parish, P. Wilhelmus Lae, CP, also known as Romo William, explained that several parts of the church were damaged, including large sections of the ceiling that collapsed, as well as cracks in several areas of the building. The damage has also affected the community’s ability to carry out daily and religious activities as usual. “The church suffered damage, with most of the ceiling collapsing and cracks appearing in several areas. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the presence and support of Khong Guan Group,” said Romo William. Through the Khong Guan Peduli program, Khong Guan Group remains committed to supporting communities in need, particularly during times of emergency and throughout the recovery process following natural disasters. Yovita Ayu Larasati, Public Relations of Khong Guan Group, said that caring for others is part of the company’s effort to remain present in the communities it serves, particularly for those in need of support during times of disaster. “For us, caring is not only about providing assistance, but also about being present and sharing with communities who are going through difficult times. Through Khong Guan Peduli, we hope that our contribution can help ease the needs of communities affected by the earthquake and serve as a reflection of Khong Guan Group’s solidarity with our fellow Indonesians in NTT. We hope that the communities can recover soon and return to their daily activities with renewed hope,” said Yovita.