Apostolic Nuncio: The tsunami, survivors and children
The disaster has devastated life in the entire nation, children hit hardest. Among Christians and Muslims, there is greater spirit of collaboration and the desire to rebuild.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) -- The situation "is tragic", but the "will to get back to life" exists; the government is showing "special concern for children, those hardest-hit by this tragedy" but so far the Nuncio in Jakarta has had no "first-hand confirmation of human trafficking". AsiaNews spoke by telephone with Archbishop Albert Malcolm Ranjith, the Holy See's representative in Indonesia, following his return from a trip into disaster areas. He tells of the "suffering and pain" of those who have lost everything, but emphasizes the "new climate of cooperation and mutual assistance between Christians and Muslims" in areas that in the past have been marked by violence: he hopes that this new spirit can be the starting point from which "to revive life in the country".
Here is the interview granted by Archbishop Ranjith to AsiaNews:
Is there actually an "orphan trade" going on in the disaster areas?
I have not had any first-hand news of human trafficking or illegal adoptions, but I know that the government is dealing with the question and is taking to heart what can be called the tragedy within the tragedy, namely the suffering of thousands of children.
What is being done for them?
A great number of children were killed and many other have lost their parents. The situation is truly difficult, particularly in terms of the psychological aftermath. The government has worked out a project to find homes that will take children in and support them. Some children will be transferred to areas that are relatively in better shape: these children have lost everything and this public project aims to help them overcome trauma, by giving them new surroundings that will make it easier for them to heal and to attempt a new start on life, perhaps returning one day to their original areas.
Your Excellency, yesterday you were in the areas hit by the tsunami: what did you find there?
The situation is tragic: thousands have died. There could be as many as 200,000 victims, even if casualties are no longer being counted, since the tons of rubbish brought in by waves have buried many people and it is impossible to clear out the waste to find the corpses. To safeguard public health and to prevent the spread of diseases, the government has decided to destroy these heaps of rubbish without searching for other human remains. I celebrated Mass with a small community of Catholic survivors and then I set out to visit the disaster areas and meet with the people living in tents and in makeshift camps. What they described to me was of nothing less than apocalyptic proportion, having seen waves measuring tens of metres that brought enormous masses of water crashing in on their heads.
What did the faithful say to you?
One lady told me how she managed to save herself: she saw the sea waters recede and understood the looming danger. As she fled, she warned others: she jumped on a motorcycle and fled together with others as a huge wall of water, measuring tens of metres, raced after them. She then decided to do without the motorcycle when she found a bit of high ground onto which she climbed. From that vantage point, she saw a large number of people being sucked in by the water. A truly horrible sight.
This woman saved herself, but many others lost their life. Is there any story that struck you in particular?
Yesterday, I tried to console two youngsters who had lost their entire family: it had been a family of 9, but now just the two are left: all the others died. They were away from home when the tsunami hit and when they went back, no one was to be found. Not a day passes without them searching for their loved ones, but it's a hopeless struggle as, by now, there is no longer any chance of finding anyone alive, and it will be difficult to find their remains.
Do any of the stories have a "happy ending"
I met a child who survived but lost his parents: his story is truly incredible. The child was was in one of those baskets that is used to carry children around and the rush of water hurled this small container onto the terrace of a building: the child was found and saved, but no sign was left of his parents.
What can you tell us about the survivors that you met?
They know that they are lucky to be alive, but they bear the marks of trauma and suffering: I tried to hear out their stories and I prayed with them, but it will take a long time for them to recover psychologically. There is an Italian Capuchin missionary in Banda Aceh: his name is Ferdinando Saverio and he's from Forlì. The day of the disaster, he was on his way to Meulaboh, a small community 300 kilometres from the city. During the religious service, waters flooded the entire area and he was able to save himself only because he was near a piece of higher ground. He had climbed up together with other congregation members and saw the waters surge by. Then, out of caution, he stayed on his perch for a while longer, while others went back down: the second and third waves of surging waters hit much harder than the first, killing everyone in their path.
Are there any signs of hope in the midst of so much disaster?
The hope shared by all is that differences and divisions of the past be forgotten. Now people want to work together to rebuild life in an area that has largely been destroyed. The Church, which is a minority in the area, is seeking to build bridges and relations with the representatives of other religions so that they can give people a real hand. We want now to create true relations that are at the service of those in need. A group of volunteers has gone into the worst-hit areas with food supplies and medicine to bring tangible help to the people and to show the Church's real face, which is charity, love and hope at such a painful time as this for everyone.
How can these people be helped?
In all correctness and respect for the Muslim majority, the best way to bring relief is to refer to Muslim organizations and to work with them. When the Church receives relief material, it is made available to both the small Catholic community and to Muslim associations which then see to bringing all the necessary means. Delicate balances and relations are at play: we don't want to give the impression of proselytizing, but we want to work with them for the good of the peope. Charity is what mainly inspires us, as the help we offer is not self-serving.
But do people want to stay in the disaster areas or is the desire to flee prevailing?
Many have gone because of the threat of cholera and other contagious diseases, but many others are returning to wrecked shops and houses because they want to rebuild the area's life and economy. We must help these people and support them in their wishes: in this way, even those who have fled will have a reason to return. Besides, Indonesia is known for the risk of earthquakes and preventive measures will be essential. Unless urgent measures are taken, new catastrophes will be inevitable.
What do you ask of Christians in the West?
The whole world has been struck by this disaster, therefore it is the duty of every Christian to open their hearts to such great suffering. I ask you to pray for survivors and for their pain, without neglecting to make offers and donations to help them in a tangible way toward building a new life. It is a great opportunity for Catholics to witness their faith, a faith that is above all charity.
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03/01/2005
