Earthquake in Ranah Minang

Recovery through Cultural Approach by: Arsa Wening

A strong earthquake hit West Sumatra on Tuesday, 6 March 2007. A day post earthquake, DD supported by Singgalang Newspaper – one of the largest newspaper in West Sumatra – did a quick-act programs that included logistic and medical aid. At the same time, DD in synergy with BAZNAS also accelerate the mental recovery of the children victims through the establishment of 9 semi permanent schools and Fun schools.

The construction of the schools were done in two days-one-night in 9 locations. SDN 02 Sumani Tangjung Bingkung Kubung Solok, SDN 31 X Koto Singkarak Solok, SDN 12 Batang Slasiah Bukit Batabuah Candung Agama, SDN 17 Gobah Bukit Batabuah Candung Agama, SDN 39 Baing Malalo Batipuh Selatan Tanah datar, SDN 24 Gantiang X Koto Singgalang Tanah datar, SDN 36 Baringin Singgalang Tanah datar, dan SDN 09 Lawang Mandahiling Slimpaung Tanah datar.

The wooden-constructed-schools received appreciation from the Governor of West Sumatra, Gamawan Fauzi. Tanah Datar is one of the areas that was badly hit by the earthquake. The local government office met with DD and said that they are interested to use the school model as solution to their damaged schools.

As part of the recovery programs, DD in collaboration with the Government of Tanah Datar, on Saturday, 24 March 2007, held a cultural appreciation with the name of “The Strong Ranah Minang”. It was held in front of the Basa Pagaruyung Palace on Jalan Sutan Alam Bagargashay Nagari Pagaryung, Kecamatan Tanjung Emas, Tanah Datar.

One of the cultural appreciations was to have 1000 children from elementary school to participate in Basa Pagaruyung Palace drawing competition and Art performance Saluang. They are all elementary students from Tanah Datar Municipality. This activity is meant as tourism-based trauma counseling for children and people earthquake victims.

There are many attended the event including representative from West Sumatra governor, Tanah Datar Head of Municipality, DD Chairman, celebrities and board of directors of Singgalang Newspaper. In his opening speech, Rahmad Riyadi said that , Istano Baso is more than just a tourism object.

“In the heart of urang awak, the existence of Istano Basa is the unifying symbol, history and glory of a country. MInangkabau is an important part of Indonesia’s culture and one of world heritage. Even though we can only see the remains of the palace, let use the momentum to rebuild Istano Basa and to revitalize ethnical value and Minangkabau culture. This is the momentum to “mambangkik batang tarandam”.

DD synergized with Singgalang Newspaper to ensure the sustainability of the program, by establishing Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang. It has been working well till now. Its establishment is also supported by West Sumatra people as said by Gamawan Fauzi, Governor of West Sumatra.

Its launching and signing of memorandum between DDR and DDS was held in Rattan Room, Singgalang Newspaper, on Wednesday, 18 July 2007 by Chairman of DDR, Rahmad Riyadi and Chairman of Singgalang Newspaper, Basril Djabar. Gamawan Fauzi, Governor of West Sumatra and Editor of Singgalang Newspaper, other leaders of West Sumatra also attended the event.