Australia hands over fund for bomb victims to Muhammadiyah
Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta
It is exactly one month since the Sept. 9 bomb explosion outside the Australian embassy in Kuningan, South Jakarta, which blew out part of the iron fence and shattered windows, as well as people's hopes and dreams.
"We're feeling better, but if people ask about him, I still feel sad," Sri Maryati, sister of Anton Sujarwo, who was killed in the blast, said on Friday. Her eyes brimmed with tears.
Anton, who was the fourth of five children, was a security guard at the embassy. He used to send between Rp 400,000 (US$44) and Rp 500,000 every month to his family in Lampung, especially for his youngest sister, who is in the first year of senior high school.
"She and Anton are the only ones to have attended senior high school," said Sri. Their father is a farmer, who, after an accident last May, cannot work odd jobs as a laborer between harvests anymore.
The family is among those to receive help from the Australian government, which has provided a A$1 million (US$716,000) fund for a three-year Family Assistance Program.
The program provides support for education from elementary school until university, medical expenses, training and family income support.
At least 10 people were killed in the Kuningan blast and more than 180 others were injured, some so severe that they have suffered permanent physical disabilities.
To channel the funds throughout the archipelago, the Australian government is working together with Aisyiyah, the women's group of Muhammadiyah, one of the two largest Islam organizations in Indonesia.
At the signing of the agreement between the two parties in Jakarta on Friday, head of Aisyiyah's social affairs division, Nurni Akma, said that the women's group had named 76 families in need of assistance.
"We're having problems with unclear addresses, but we'll continue our efforts to find others in the upcoming weeks," she added.
Every family whose financial capability was disturbed by the blast would receive a donation, said Akma. If deem necessary, they would also get between Rp 500,000 and Rp 650,000 monthly income support.
As for training and capital, Aisyiyah will first list the abilities and wish of the victims. "Iwan Setiawan, who lost his right eye in the bomb blast, for example, wants to set up a computer business," said Akma.
Australian Ambassador for Indonesia David Ritchie assured that this would be the first phase of the assistance program, as donations are still coming in.
"We will stand by you throughout this ordeal forever," said Ritchie to the victims' families.
Sri said that her father wanted to start rearing cows back in Lampung. "It would be great if we can get cows, although I don't know yet how many we need to start a business."