The numerical value of catastrophe

The numerical value of catastrophe

Again, catastrophe has struck. At least 16 people were killed in a landslide that hit Purworejo, Central Java. Floods inundated Kendal, Kulonprogo in Yogyakarta. A tropical storm lashed at Jakarta, causing traffic jams in some parts of the city. Similar catastrophes also occurred in Batam, Riau and Banjar, South Kalimantan.

From the numerical point of view, the more victims a catastrophe claims, the more attention the government gives to affected areas. The fewer the victims, the less attention it gives. If disaster occurs far from the center of business and power, it would totally lose its importance.

The deaths in Purworejo did not draw the action that would show national solidarity during times of misery. This indicates our lack of commitment to humanitarian affairs and sense of urgency.

This could be due to the lack of a collective conscience as a nation.

Catastrophes have become the business of local administrations. Sadness and solidarity are also being localized.

Imagine a nation whose solidarity is diminishing? Catastrophes have nothing to do with this.

A civilized nation always sees catastrophes as dangerous and unnatural. It cannot be reduced to numbers.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta