Tsunami in South Sea

Pangandaran Torn
by: Sunaryo Adhiatmoko

Pangandaran is smashed. When our concentration is being focused on post-earthquake recovery in Yogyakarta and Central Java, tsunami comes and startles Indonesia. Pangandaran then a little bit out of look when earthquake and tsunami shaking our yard. It is like uninvited guests, earthquake and tsunami always come without preceding notice.

In complicated condition, Dompet Dhuafa remain to prioritize humanitarian aids to Pangandaran. Through Lembaga Pelayan Masyarakat (LPM) – Community Care Institution, humanitarian action is immediately organized involving local people around West Java. As it took place in Yogyakarta, inter-institution synergy is tied at that time.

With headline “Solidarity for South Coast Tsunami Victims”, LPM, LKC, Dompet Dhuafa Bandung, TNI YON Zeni Tempur III Bandung – ground forces, Front Pembela Islam (FPI) – Islamic Defence Front, Jamaah Tablig – Preaching Community, STIKES Bhakti Tunas Husada Tasikmalaya, and FES Priangan Timur performed joint humanitarian action. Except TNI, synergy among these institutions uses command post in Ponpes Al Manar Pangandaran.

In its action they are divided into 12 points of aids delivery. Emergency programs which are carried out cover logistic aids for refugee posts, health care, burial services, and spiritual guidance. Mental rehabilitation programs involve volunteers from Jamaah Tablig under coordination of Ustad H Dudung Abdulloh, Pondok Pesantren Al Manar leader .

There is a considerable struggle to bury 31 tsunami victims in proper manner. After a wearing negotiation, Muhammad Rofiq, Dompet Dhuafa volunteer finally gains permission to handle mass burial of tsunami victims in Pangandaran, West Java, Wednesday (19/7/2006). Muhammad Rofiq acts as the negotiator, since Tuesday night 31 corpses have been laid down in a container in front of Masjid Besar Al-Istiqomah – Great Mosque - Pangandaran.

While DD and FPI volunteers are bathing the corpses then wrapping them in shroud, TNI – Armed Forces and Polri – Indonesian Police are digging graves at Moslem cemetery Astana Buda Pangandaran. “I have been anxious should this burial is not well-accomplished because of its terrible process. But praise be to God, on burial process TNI Yon – Z Pur III Bandung and Polri supports were tremendous”, said Rofiq emotionally.

TNI and Polri supports in manpower and heavy equipments really adds spirit among volunteers.

“I said to all media, this is not a mass burial. This is a right, decent and honorable burial. Each corpse is buried in one respective grave, bathed, wrapped in a shroud, and prayed for. Once again, this is not a mass burial. Is not that right, fellow”, Lieutenant Colonel I Wayan Aditya said. The Commander of Yon Z Pur III Bandung uttered this in his introduction before the burial process.

Moving to recovery programs, DD opens the isolated Logodor village. Until today Logodor revives. Empowerment programs are neatly packaged by Masyarakat Mandiri. Farming is systematically managed by Lembaga Pertanian Sehat.

Fishing boats are granted by Dompet Dhuafa Bandung, vanished school buildings and bridges now have been reerected. Logodor, a relatively rapid reemerging village from its ruin.