Author: Uamdao Ben Noikorn

Regional Media Coordinator Uamdao Noikorn and Digital Vision Manager Taipida Moodhitaporn have met with families whose houses were destroyed when an earthquake hit West Sumatra in September 2009 to find out what their needs are after an early response was completed.

Sawinar’s house is in ruins following the earthquake. [Photo credit: Uamdao Ben Noikorn]

Padang Pariaman, (West Sumatra), Indonesia: When the earthquake hit West Sumatra and totally destroyed Sawinar’s house, it was not surprising to her as it had been damaged once before from a previous quake.

But it was the time and amount of money required for rebuilding her life and family that made Sawinar and her husband feel hopeless.

“An earthquake is a common thing here. But this quake was really powerful and the house wasn’t strong so we expected it to crumble but not totally into rubble like this,” said the mother of seven-year-old girl and three-year-old boy.

After the disaster, the Indonesian government has provided emergency help including cooking ingredients and emergency kits. However, most people’s biggest problem was finding shelter.

So when Sawinar learned that she would be given a cash grant of Rp1.5 million or approximately USD150 from Oxfam, she felt “a huge relief”.

“I felt as if a huge burden was suddenly lifted up from my chest… we don’t have our own farmland. My husband is a driver, my brother a farmer. I help around the house and farm works for my neighbours,” she said.

Sawinar is among 5,654 affected households, which were hit by the quake. There are about 670 houses partially destroyed or slightly damaged. Under the programme, Oxfam gives Rp1.5 million to those with severely or totally damaged houses and Rp500,000 (approximately USD50) to those with lesser damage.

Overall, the early recovery cash grant programme helped 6,000 families or 30,000 people from November to December last year in rural West Sumatra, thanks to DEC, AusAid and Oxfam Australia funds.

Each family or household also received Rp20,000 for travelling costs to town to get cash at the local bank where Oxfam staff were there to facilitate the process and ensure accuracy.

Children playing next to the ruins of their home. [Photo credit: Uamdao Ben Noikorn]

According to Oxfam staff member Budi Arifin, one woman in each eligible household receives a ‘verification card’ that gives information about the situation and the grant. They then present this card on the distribution day. “This is to ensure that money is in good hands because women are in charge of family finances in this area,” he said.

Meili Narti, another Oxfam staff member, said the reason money was the better option was because an early assessment showed that the community markets were functioning.

“The local economy here is resilient. Business went as usual a few days after the quake. Some families also have savings as their relatives go to work in Malaysia,” Meili noted, adding that most families earn regular incomes from farm produce, coconut plantations and related agricultural activities.

“So we realise that we should let them choose their priorities. Each house has different damages. Some families need to spend on daily needs or their children before fixing their homes.”

And the urgency for cash is great indeed. On the cash distribution day, the local bank was literally swarmed with hundreds of women dressed in colourful clothes as if there was a special event. Some were as old as 87.

Asparida, 36, a housewife from Sikucur Village said she came to the bank just for this and planned to go to the market after receiving the money.

“I receive Rp1.5 million. We plan to go the market after this to buy grocery stuff and cooking utensils. The money will have to go to daily expenses first. I’m very happy with it,” said Asparida whose comments were echoed by her friends and neighbours nearby.

But for women with young children like Nurahai, the money could mean a different future for her three children.

“Without the cash, I don’t know how it will take to be able to have a new house. One kid is in college while the younger two are already in school,” said the 40-year-old rice farmer.

Nurahai said after getting grocery and her kitchen stuff back, she would have to balance expenses between their tuition fees and the house. “Their futures are very important to me but we also need to repair the house urgently. It’s rainy season now.”

While most women said the cash did not cover all the expenses on reconstruction and households, they said it was “very precious startup money” that encourages them move on faster.

“Do you know that it takes between 15-20 years to save enough money for a house? It took more than 20 years for my parents to get this family house,” 30-year-old Sawinar said, pointing to the ruins next to her.

“That’s why money is the most useful help you could give. We’re really thankful for this.”

East Asia Disasters Appeal