Jakarta, 16 April 2023 - The Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia Alumni Association (Perluni-UAJ) is still with the Cianjur earthquake victims after more than four months of the disaster. Many victims are still living in makeshift tents, while community and government assistance has begun to decrease.
Accompanied by the Ansor Youth Movement (GP Ansor) of Cianjur Regency, Perluni-UAJ distributed aid to victims affected by the Cianjur earthquake and floods. Precisely at the Ya Bunayyah Islamic Boarding School Foundation, Longkewang Village, RT 001, RW 005, Gasol Village, Cugenang District, Cianjur Regency, Friday, 14 April 2023.
This aid distribution is a continuation of the Cianjur Disaster Response Work Program, which on the first day went down to the disaster site supported by the leadership of Atma Jaya Catholic University (Unika Atma Jaya), Faculty Alumni Organisation, Alumni, Lecturers, Students, and various elements from other Atma Jaya Communities.
PC GP Ansor Cianjur chairman Ariful Holiq Zaelani recounts the horror of the 5.6 SR earthquake in Cianjur in November 2022, followed by flash floods in March 2023. The disaster caused thousands of houses to be destroyed, tens of thousands of victims with mild to severe injuries, and more than 600 people died.
"In addition, road facilities, bridges, irrigation, schools, mosques, Islamic boarding schools, madrasas, health centres, and other facilities were severely damaged, causing the victims to lose their jobs, drop out of school, and many even experienced mental disorders," said Ariful in a statement received by VIVA, Jakarta, Sunday (16/4/2023).
Perluni-UAJ management was again present at the disaster-affected locations. Tarsisius Tukijan (Vice Chairman), Irene Sinurat (Treasurer), Doctor Juanli, RFP, AWP (Head of Social and Environmental Affairs), and others were present. The management also invited Unika Atma Jaya students. They handed over hundreds of basic food packages (rice, cooking oil, and sugar) and dozens of prayer kits (mukenah, prayer mats, and sarongs). The aid packages that were handed over came from the kindness of alumni and other donors.
"This is a form of awareness and empathy from the alumni to be able to help each other, especially for the victims of the Cianjur earthquake. As well as a form of silahturahmi, tolerance, collaboration, and building religious harmony," said Tarsisius Tukijan, when leading the Perluni-UAJ Management to attend the three earthquake points.
Perluni-UAJ Chairman, Michell Suharli, expressed his gratitude that Perluni-UAJ is still chosen by God to be a channel of His blessings for the victims of the Cianjur disaster. "The assistance to Cianjur this time is a continuation of the defence action to you which is continued in another format. Unika Atma Jaya alumni continue to be present in society in a relevant and impactful way for God and the Motherland," he concluded.
