Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yoyakarta (Agenzia Fides) - A week after the earthquake in Java which affected mainly the city of Yoyakarta, aid is funded more by private than government contributions. In the days following the quake in which 6,000 were killed, 30,000 injured and 350,000 left homeless emergency and rescue work was carried out mainly by NGOs, private associations and volunteers, with large international organisations such as UNHCR, World Food Programme.
Local Caritas offices and other Catholic groups are assisting the homeless. Fr Mulyatno aid coordinator in the diocese of Semarang said: “Christians and Muslims work tirelessly side by side, solidarity knows no frontiers or religious identity, it is a matter of helping people in need. We are visiting the affected areas and providing assistance thanks to volunteers who have come from all over Indonesia and from abroad. We are facing the emergency with dignity and with good results. Certainly much help is needed and will be needed for some time to come in hospitals, refugee camps. The people are still under shock and there is also fear the activity of Merapi volcano continues”.
Besides material aid, Fr. Mulyatno recalls the importance of the support of prayer. Bishop Ignatius Suharyo of Semarang diocese is in Yoyakarta visiting and comforting the people. “As Mass, often celebrated in the open air amidst the ruins, we pray for the victims and their families. We entrust this immense suffering to God’s hands”, says Fr. Mulyatno. “Recently Indonesia has suffered from various natural disasters and things are difficult, but with courage and hope the country will get on its feet again and we Indonesian Christians will do out part”.
In Java in the village of Klaten the Rome based S. Egidio Community opened an emergency centre in a large tent situated behind a catholic church. Evelin, a S. Egidio volunteer explained “we chose a village where aid arrives with most difficulty”. The vastness of the affected area and break down of communications render the work of assistance all the more difficult. The Centre prepares 1,000 meals which volunteers distribute to the displaced persons in the area. (Agenzia Fides 6/6/2006 righe 34 parole 346)
