Trauma Healing to Magelang 12 - 14 November 2010

Komunitas Satu Merah Putih went once again for trauma healing. This time was for the children victims of Merapi eruption in Yogyakarta.

The planning and the organization went so quick. We had to prepare everything from the beginning in less than two weeks. Sending the announcement news on facebook, choose the best option for transportation (this was not easy as most of the roads to jogja are closed or at least they were covered by ashes), receiving donation, meeting with the other volunteers, buying things for the victims.

I called this programme or trip was a bit 'special' because 1. We received not only money but also goods to be donated: used clothes, new clothes, underwear, panties, baby milk, blanket, towels, medicine, maskers, food, snacks, rice, sugar, coffee, toys, puppets.
2. this time the disaster is still threatening so the volunteers have to be careful and aware of our own safety. I remember that a volunteer that is also a good friend of mine specifically asked me if something happens with the Merapi mountain while we are there, she asked me not to leave her or forget her. I took her request very serious, as I was aware that it could happen aytime.

In the beginning, we thought we would not receive so many goods to be donated but then boom…my house was suddenly full of boxes hahahaha. I barely could see my living room (look at the pictures)

I have many friends that came to my house the night before our departure. They helped me with selecting which used clothes are still worth to be worn and put them back again in boxes. Love them so much for that.


This trip was also special as my girl friend, Atoen and I had to buy things that should actually be done by guys. We went to buy Handy talkie and the genset. hahahaha. I felt so macho buying those things especially the generator.


Anyway, we had a 15-hour bus trip to Magelang. In Magelang, we already felt the devastation which you could also see in the pictures. It was like Magelang just had a winter season. All is white. I began to choke up when I saw all of these damages : damaged houses, dead trees,

We met the head of the village and some village men to listen to their needs and to hand over the donations from our generous donors. The men were there to clean up their village and to take care of their cows and chicken. And in the night they will be back to the refugees camp and join their wife and children.


From the village, we went to the refugees’ camp, which took almost one hour to reach the place. I could not imagine that when the volcano erupted for the second time a night, which was also the biggest eruption, these people had to evacuate to this place. It must be dramatic and traumatic for them.

The village people gave us the food that is consumed by the refugees. It was so not nice but I forced myself to eat that up as I want to feel what the refugees experienced.

Our activities with the children once again were a success. The children were entertained not only with our giveaways but mostly with our water rocket, group games, coloring.

The next day we moved to another refugees centre to hand over the left donations. The road to this place was very bad. We could only see 50 meter away from our bus. All is white.

After giving all of the donations, we drove back to Jakarta. This time it took us 20 hour on the road. bleeeh. The result????? I am having parathyphus at the moment :-p.

Still a lot of work to do for the post disaster. We still have cash in our bank account after the charity night yesterday that run by our beloved friends. So, no time for me to rest :-p. This typhus only slows me down but could not stop me 

Pictures are courtesy of Toto, Ricka, Nugi, Ime, and Umi