Jakarta, Aug. 20 -- The Indonesian government has disbursed 44 billion rupiah ($2.5 million) to support disaster management efforts in earthquake-affected areas across East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed the disbursement on Wednesday, signaling that the central government is prepared to deploy additional financial assistance based on ongoing evaluations on the ground.

"I told the regents [local governments] to use this initial funding first," Purbaya said in a statement.

"If there is a shortfall, notify us so we can report directly to the President. Additional funds will certainly be allocated for areas hit by disasters of this scale."

The Finance Ministry, through its Directorate General of Fisca...