Since 6 Dec 2010, all refugees have been allowed to return to their respective villages. Since majority of people in 3 camps we supported are originated from Dukun and Krinjing villages (about 7km from summit of Mt Merapi), Biru Peduli continues to support them in rebuilding their village and most importantly their life post disaster.
Key activities now:
- Children Education: Continuing with our support to local schools (kindergarten and elementary) with books, educational toys and teaching aids, uniforms and school bags, and working with teachers on alternative program for children. We are also preparing to start Adopt-a-Student program for Merapi.
- Clean Water installation: One of major problems post disaster is availability of clean weater. Biru Peduli works with the villagers in securing and preserving source of clean water, building clean water storage and piping system for its distribution.
- Revival of Cow farming (both diary and meat fattening farms): After suffering from neglect and lack of food during disaster time, when owner and farmer were evacuated out of their village, the animals are in bad shape. Biru Peduli is working in reviving the farming with programs on addressing cow's health and training the farmer in making home made high protein cattle feed, to rapidly boost the health of the cows, as well as in providing alternative cattle feed when grass is not available. Azis, Biru Peduli's volunteer, is a certified professional in animal husbandry and farming having completed his education in Gadjah Mada University.
- Revival of crop farming: Volcanic materials erupted from Mt Merapi have obliterated the crops, even covered the farming land with thick layer of hardened mortar (mixed of volcanic ashes, sands and rain water). Biru Peduli started by constructing plant nursery and providing seeds of selected crops normally farmed there. The villagers have worked hard in planting the seed in nursery, looking after it, and now the hope is growing alongside the sprouts.
- Rebuilding of infrastructure: We are assessing physical damages to houses and other infrastructures around the village. We have yet to decide on what we will do.
It is a long process to rebuild the village and rebuild the life of people in Dukun and Krinjing villages. However, your continuous support to Biru Peduli has made all programs above possible. You have helped, through Biru Peduli, in keeping the hope and the spirit high.
