Jakarta, Aug. 17 -- Indonesian ministers and deputy ministers will lead flag-raising ceremonies in earthquake-hit East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province on Monday, marking the country's 81st Independence Day, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said.

Speaking before the national ceremony at Merdeka Palace, Hadi said several senior officials had traveled to NTT to oversee Independence Day events and disaster response.

They include Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo, Social Affairs Deputy Minister Agus Jabo Priyono and a deputy health minister.

Hadi said their presence reflected the government's commitment to ensuring effective emergency and rel...