In Focus

A 7.3 Richter Scale (RS) earthquake struck West Java on September 2, 2009 at 14.55 PM. The epicentrum was located 142 km from Tasikmalaya at a depth of about 50 km.

Post Earthquake Situation       

According to assessment that was conducted by Church World Service team on September 4 - 9 2009, the following are some findings in three districts, Tasikmalaya, Garut and Ciamis.

Most people are still afraid to stay inside their houses as they remain traumatized by the earthquake. They have built huts outside their houses on safer ground. Assistance has not reached some locations; this is probably due to the uneven population distribution among the affected region and lack of data received by Satlak/satkorlak who is coordinating the aid distribution. It is estimated that conditions will worsen within 1-2 weeks if there is no significant intervention. Rainfall worsens the condition of the IDPs as the temperature drops at night.

Tarpaulins, blankets and mats are mostly needed by earthquake-affected people as many houses are badly damaged. In some locations food and clean water and sanitation intervention are needed as they have limited access.

According to the officer from Coordinating ministry of people’s welfare Department there are 11 subdistricts, which are heavily affected by the earthquake. Five of which have not received aids; they are Bojong Gambir, Redang Hilir, Taraju, Popayang, and Panca Tengah.

Tasikmalaya District

Garut District

Ciamis District

A week after the earthquake, which shattered West Java province, IDPs started to clean the debris and toppled down the remained walls of their houses. They expect to receive aids soonest to help them rebuild their house. Information gathered from Cikelet and Pemempek sub-districts, Garut district shows immediate needs of food aids. The earthquake-affected people are trying to survive by consuming cassava.

National Response

Some individuals and business cooperation gave distribution in some locations, such as in Puspa Raja, Jaya Pura Village, Cigalontang, Cisayong, and Salawu Subdistrict.

Government will cover 80% of total cost for recovery; the other 20% will be covered by local government.  Paskah Suzetta, the Minister of National Planning and Economic Development, said “we’re not requesting international aid, but the government would accept if foreign governments or international organizations offer assistance.”

Church World Service Response

CWS conducts rapid emergency response in two districts, Tasikmalaya and Garut. Non-food items were distributed to families in need, especially those in remotely located villages, which received limited aids. CWS distributed 207 blankets, 365 mats, 20 x 20 m nylon rope, 55 tarps, 10 mosquito nets and 30 family tents in Mekar Sari, Karya Mukti, Puspa Raja, Karang Mekti, Serang, Suka Setia, Taraju, and Kertanegla village, Tasikmalaya district; 70 blankets, 117 mats, 75 tarps, 13x 20m nylon rope, and 30 mosquito nets in Cikelet, Pamalayan, Sangarah, Sinar Bakti village, Garut district.

CWS also maintains coordination with the Coordinating Ministry for People’s Welfare Tasikmalaya district and report the result of the rapid assessment and CWS’ responses in the affected areas. Coordination is also carried out with the other members of Action by Church Together International, YTBI and YEU.

For further information, please contact:

Dino Satria

Program Manager Yogyakarta office

dinosatria@cwsindonesia.or.id