Last night I received a text from my brother “r u alright? I heard what happened in Indonesia”. This was news to me – what had happened in Indonesia, the country that for now at least is my home? A quick search on the internet revealed an earthquake in Sulawesi, an island in the north east of Indonesia… although relatively close to Flores (which is in the south east) I had not noticed a thing.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other natural (and less natural) disasters happen frequently in Indonesia – the country covers the so called ‘ring of fire’ seismic zone – so much so that it often doesn’t make the news… either here or in the UK.
A particularly disturbing point in case is the recent floods in Aceh. This war torn region, familiar to so many after the 2003 tsunami was once again struck by disaster over Christmas. The effects of the floods were made all the worse as so many people in the area are still living in the makeshift accommodation provided following the tsunami. Kathryn has more information on her blog (www.kathryntomlinson.blogspot.com) – please take the time to visit her site and see how you can help.
Meanwhile, back here in Flores, I let my brother know that I am ok & he replied pointing out that Indonesia is “a damn big place” – true enough, but is that any excuse for the media’s (both Indonesian & Western) selective interest in these life and death stories? No one died in Sulawesi, yet it made the news even in England. Ten people died in storms in England, this made the news in Indonesia. So far 60 people have been confirmed dead in Aceh and 190,000 homeless… I didn’t even know about it, did you?
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1 comment:
I have to agree, world catastrophes are not 'shared' as they should be, and what has happened in Aceh is absolutely devastating. Ironically the headlines here the last week have been 'Big Brother' based, with the possible catasrophic effect this could have on the future career of a Jane Goody?? I rest my case.
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