Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – "We are working tirelessly on three fronts: the floods in Papua, the eruption of the volcano Merapi in Java, and a new tsunami in Sumatra. The emergencies have come one after the next, without letting up. We are close to the people who suffer, this is our mission." These are the words of Fr. Sigit Pramuji, Executive Secretary of "Karina," Caritas Indonesia, in speaking with Fides on the situation on the ground and the humanitarian efforts under way. In Sumatra, says Karina, victims are more than 150 and there are 500 missing. In Java, there are 20 thousand displaced people, which is why in the next National Assembly of the Church in Indonesia - which will be held from November 1 to 5 in Bogor - Fr. Sigit intends to launch a strong appeal for solidarity to all the Catholic communities in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, at the Caritas offices the work is intense, the activity is frantic, the meetings continue for monitoring and emergency response strategies. Action has been taken by the network of local Caritas in the Diocese of Semarang (Java) and Padang (Sumatra), affected by the recent natural disasters, and the local contacts (priests, nuns, and lay people) provide continuous updates on the situation.
"We were still struggling with the reconstruction and rehabilitation after the floods in Papua, when we were called to face these other two events: the eruption of the volcano Merapi and the tsunami in West Sumatra. We immediately go to work," says Fr. Sigit.
"In Java, in the Diocese of Semarang, the situation is under control. The diocesan Caritas is very strong and well-organized. A team of priests is working closely with indigenous peoples living on the slopes of the volcano. Thanks to them and the Caritas volunteers – given the information on the imminent eruption - a vast work of prevention was carried out and we have saved many lives. Obviously, there are now internally displaced persons who fled their homes. We are providing them with tents, food, and humanitarian assistance."
Farther west, Sumatra was hit by an earthquake and a resulting tsunami, "According to our information, the victims were at least 150 and those missing, 500. On the Mentawai Islands, near the west coast of Sumatra, priests and religious are responding to the first emergency, comforting families and helping to bury the corpses. Today, an on-site team of Caritas arrived to take stock of the situation and organize aid. The population is suffering a great deal," said the priest.
The emergencies will also be discussed in the next National Meeting of the Church in Indonesia, a special meeting in Bogor which will bring together representatives of all the dioceses, November 1-5, to reflect on the identity and mission of the Catholic community in the country. "It will be an opportunity to launch a great appeal for solidarity and mobilize the whole community of the archipelago. Over the next few days, depending on how things evolve, we will decide whether or not to seek aid from oversees. Caritas English (CAFOD) has already pledged its support," said the Secretary. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/10/2010)
