Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

On September 2, 2009, a powerful (Magnitude 7.0) earthquake jolted Indonesia at 3:55 in the afternoon. Its epicenter was offshore, 7.2km south-west of Tasik Malaya, West Java.

Tzu Chi volunteers, disciplined with prudent hearts, hope to grasp at every opportunity to rescue the victims within the first 72 golden hours. Volunteers from Bandung, Ciamis, and Jakarta formed a team to evaluate the damage in the disaster areas.
On September 3, Tzu Chi liaison office in Bandung sent 25 volunteers to Tasik Malaya, Cianjur and other disaster areas in evaluating the needs of victims and providing necessities. Tzu Chi Indonesia branch coordinated the freight transportation from Jakarta to deliver tents, rice, instant noodles, mineral water, biscuits, blankets, medicine, raincoats and other necessities to disaster areas.

Local military reported more than sixty victim bodies found in Tasik Malaya City and over 8500 houses were damaged in various degree. The survivors claimed that the locality had earthquakes frequently in the past, but this one was specifically powerful.

Urgent Relief With Thoughtfulness for Ramadan
Tzu Chi volunteers delivered rice, bottled water, instant noodles, and other relief goods promptly. Responding to Muslim’s upcoming Ramadan festival, volunteers brought black jujube to the disaster victims in accordance with their religious identity.

Tzu Chi volunteers of Jakarta formed a disaster relief team in support of the local government and military to deliver continuous support to the victims of earthquake.

Written by: Tzu Chi Foundation Wu Chi-Chun