Victims cry for help
Muninggar Sri Saraswati and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The recent massive floods that paralyzed the capital for more than a week, have resulted in severe destruction on several fronts, including economic conditions for small traders and vendors. Those employed in the informal sector have suffered the worst impact of the flood, causing them to lose everything except the clothes on their back.
Maman, 35, a sidewalk shoemaker living along the Ciliwung riverbank in Kalibata subdistrict, South Jakarta:
All my tools were swept away by the floods along with my other belongings. I could only save my sewing machine. I don't know what to do now.
I need money to buy the tools to be able to work again. I'm confused as my wife and two children continue to ask for money.
How can I earn money if I don't work? Many people have come here and brought food, medicines and clothes. I am really thankful for all of that.
But now, what I need most is money. You've asked me so many questions. Have you come here to give me some money?
Entang, a 35-year-old chicken noodle vendor living in Halim Perdanakusuma, East Jakarta:
The floodwaters swept away my cart, stove, bowls and everything I need to run my business. My rented house was inundated. I haven't repaired it yet. Until today, we have to live on other people's charity.
I only have Rp 200,000 (US$19.5) in my pocket. It's not enough to restart my business. Instead, I gave it to my wife to enable her to sell gorengan (fried snacks).
I'm working as a street car washer now, just to earn some money. I need help, particularly to start my business all over again. I don't want to depend on other people's goodwill for the rest of my life.
Yati, 30, a scavenger and a mother of one who is now living in Kebon Manggis, East Jakarta:
What people say is not true, that scavengers have reaped a lot of profit from the floods. Instead, the floods have made the price of recycled goods plummet drastically.
The price of recycled plastic has dropped to Rp 500 per kilogram from a previously Rp 1,000. The garbage carried away by the floods is also coated with mud. We must clean it first before selling it.
Besides, torrential rains also continue here. I'd rather stay here until the rainy weather tapers off. I still need clothes, food and money for now. My house and all my belongings have been swept away by the floods.
Yus, 41, a household wares vendor in Jatinegara market, East Jakarta:
My house was inundated for about a week just like many others. My family had to live in a temporary shelter for about 10 days. Now we have returned home.
The floods had taken away some of my merchandise but I'm still lucky that I was able to save some. Most of my merchandise is made of plastic, so I can still clean it and sell it later.
However, I plead with the city administration to help street vendors. We need cash as capital immediately. Don't let us become jobless. Some of us have to work as informal traffic wardens to direct the traffic. It disturbs public order but we have no other choice. We don't want to depend on other people.
Ayi, 25, a resident of Cawang in East Jakarta who works as a carpenter in Kemanggisan, West Jakarta:
I still can't work yet. It's impossible for me to abandon my family and house due to the fluctuating water levels. How can I go to work in peace if I'm not sure whether or not they are safe?
Currently I have a project to make chairs which were supposed to be for President Megawati.
The floods have swept away my television, refrigerator and also my savings stored in my cupboard. I hope the water recedes soon so I can rebuild my house.
The problem still remains. I'm broke now. I hope some kind people will donate construction materials instead of food. I'd be very grateful.
Elis, a 26-year-old resident of Halim Perdanakusuma, East Jakarta, who works as a seamstress:
It's a disaster. I live in my aunt's house with my daughter. I have to raise her by myself as I got divorced from my husband last year.
As a seamstress I can earn Rp 40,000 per week. It's enough for me and my daughter. But the floods disrupted everything.
My sewing machine is totally damaged and I can't fix it as I have no money left. I can't borrow cash from my relatives as they are flood victims too.
Please help me. What should I do? I can only work as a seamstress.