Sat, 15 Jan 2005

Refugees sort through used clothes

PHOTO CREDIT: JP/Ruslan Sangadji

Armini (back, left) and a number of children select used clothes dropped by an aid group at their displaced persons camp in Keutapang, Banda Aceh.

Armini, who is eight months pregnant, said on Friday that her husband and three children would be able to observe Idul Adha (Islamic Day of Sacrifice) wearing the clothes she selected.

"I'm sad to celebrate Idul Adha like this. Maybe, this is a test from Allah," said Armini. Idul Adha falls on Jan. 21.

Armini said she and her family had nothing left except the clothes they were wearing when they fled from the tsunamis.

"We ran and ran without taking anything with us ... So these clothes, despite being secondhand, will come in handy," she said.

Although she has nothing left, Armini said she was thankful that her whole family was safe and would join other people at the camp to celebrate Idul Adha. (JP/Ruslan Sangadji)