THE Salvation Army in Indonesia is assisting the local authorities with relief work after an earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale hit the island of Java in early September. More than 60 people were killed – with others missing, presumed dead – and nearly 30,000 people were displaced from their homes. Around 55,000 houses were damaged.
With United Nations agencies and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), The Salvation Army's Compassion in Action team visited affected areas to make assessments. As a result of coordination with local government and village leaders, the team members began to provide relief assistance in Sukasetia Village in Cisayong, a sub-district of Tasikmalaya, one of the worst-affected areas.
Major Widiawati Tampia (Territorial Compassion in Action Coordinator) indicates that the initial assessment identified a need for blankets and mattresses, an emergency canteen to assist in cooking meals and nutrition for children, the provision of dry food and basic health treatment.
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyone stated that international assistance is not required at this time, but the Salvation Army in Indonesia remains flexible and available to work in partnership with others to provide assistance to people who have been affected by this disaster.
 Salvation Army team members give out bedding and other supplies |
 A Salvation Army team distributes essentials in Indonesia |
Report by Major Raelton Gibbs
International Emergency Services
