Yogyakarta quake survivors' market spurs recovery

“The Survivors’ Market featured 20 micro, small and medium enterprises offering food, beverages, handicrafts and other products,” the ministry’s Assistant Deputy for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Monalisa, said in a statement on Sunday.

She said the market, held from May 22-23, served not only as a trading venue but also as a symbol of resilience and recovery among earthquake survivors.

“The booths displayed local handicrafts and culinary products. The smiles of business owners show that the people of Yogyakarta and Central Java never gave up,” she said.

According to Monalisa, survivors had transformed grief into motivation to rebuild and grow sustainably over the past two decades.

She said the commemoration, which brought together earthquake survivors, was a tribute to their resilience as drivers of local economic recovery.

Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy for Disaster Risk Reduction Andre Notohamijoyo said the survivors’ perseverance could inspire broader community resilience.

He added that support from institutions including InJourney Destinations Management reflected the importance of cooperation in strengthening the economic capacity of disaster survivors.

“The presence of survivors at this commemoration reminds us that disasters are real threats, while solidarity, preparedness and cross-sector collaboration can build more resilient communities,” he said.

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Translator: Victorianus, Kenzu