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USINDO BULLETIN

Yogyakarta Earthquake Bulletin #11
0800 hours Eastern Time
Tuesday, June 6, 2006

For the information of USINDO members and supporters, following is a recapitulation of earthquake news; also please see today’s USINDO Factiva press roundup.

Two different death counts have been reported: 6,241 by the government’s disaster coordinating body in Yogya, and 5,782 by the Department of Social Affairs. Social Affairs reports 36,300 injured and 370,525 houses destroyed or seriously damaged as of June 5. Double counting was blamed for the discrepancy.

Media reports tell of survivors who are angry that assistance has not yet reached them. Reuters reported that “Dozens of aid trucks laden with rice” remain in government storehouses because of bureaucratic blockages. Others complain that the promised amounts of assistance have been reduced (see below). Vice President Kalla has arrived in Yogya to oversee aid distribution and was quoted as saying that 200 trucks would start delivering rice on Tuesday.

Tourism and handicraft industries are suffering; reportedly 3000 family-operated pottery kilns in Bantul district were destroyed. Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik has promised subsidized loans to ruined businesses and tax incentives for hotels and tourist agencies.

USAID clarifies the compensation packages announced by the government on June 3. Rp 30 million (approx US$3,300) is to be paid for destroyed houses and Rp 10 million (US$1,100) for houses with moderate to major damage. According to the UN, the government plans to provide each person with 10 kg of rice per month and Rp 3000 (US$0.30) per day for relief needs. Additionally, each family will be provided with Rp 100,000 (US$11.00) for the purchase of new kitchen supplies.

As of June 4, according to USAID, the number of hospitalized persons was 17,955, down from 21,000 on June 1. 26 of 177 health centers in the Yogyakarta special region were destroyed, 16 out of 26 of them in Bantul district. UNICEF, the Health Ministry and WHO have decided to immunize children under 5 against the measles, while the entire population between ages 15 and 69 will receive tetanus immunizations. A USAID airlift of emergency medical kits arrived on June, with another four sets due to arrive June 6. U.S. Marine medical personnel in Bantul have been augmented by personnel from the hospital ship USS Mercy and the USS Essex. The Bantul field hospital treated 509 people and the number seeking medical treatment is beginning to decrease. Several more U.S. military flights are scheduled today and tomorrow to transport relief supplies. In addition to the US$5 million pledged by USAID, the Defense Department has spent approximately US$2 million on relief operations.