Oxfam GB in Indonesia In Action

“I was thinking of having a booth for Oxfam during the commemoration. However, you can’t organise this event alone, Rina, “ I told her.

“So what should I do?” she replied.

“Get an event organiser and asked them to make an exhibition stand for Oxfam Jogjakarta. You’re not thinking about trying to set up the booth alone, are you?” I asked.

“I’m confused,” she said.  “But, thanks anyway. I think you’re right. I should ask someone to help me with this.”

She called me up few times after that call. Then, eventually, she invited me to come and visit her for the commemoration of the Jogjakarta earthquake. I agreed.

I landed in Jogjakarta at 6 pm, collected my luggage and looked for a taxi to take me to a hotel where Oxfam made a reservation for me.  Rina came over later and we had a long chat that night. We agreed to meet each other in the lobby the next morning at 8.30 am.  Rina picked me up on-time and we went to the Jogja Expo Centre, where the event was taking place from 25-27 May 2007.

Rina told me a lot about the earthquake and how devastated people were. She told me about how they were trying to cope and re-start their lives again afterwards.  She showed me pictures showing how bad the earthquake has shaken and destroyed Jogjakarta and the surrounding area.

The picture taken after the earthquake. People lost much more than their homes, shich were destroyed; all of their possessions were buried beneath the rubble.

Rina explained Oxfam’s response during the earthquake. During the first week after the earthquake, Oxfam provided emergency water trucks, which served the most vulnerable people affected by the earthquake such as patients in hospitals. I’ve never experienced an earthquake but I can only imagine how much people suffered.

Rina and I arrived at the venue and hurried over to the Oxfam booth. I amazed with the good quality of the display. Below is the picture of Oxfam’s booth.

The picture of Oxfam’s booth during the commemoration of Jogjakarta earthquake

Rina introduced me to the full team who staffed the Oxfam both. They were great.  Charming! I enjoyed spending time with all of them.

The Jogjakarta team: ready to meet and greet the visitors

Oxfam’s booth got lots of questions and comments from the visitors. Many of them asked questions about what Oxfam did during the Jogjakarta earthquake.  They also said that Oxfam’s booth was outstanding and different from the other booths.

Visitors to the booth came from various backgrounds

 The exhibition finished at 9 pm. We were exhausted but happy to see the enthusiasm of all the visitors.  My cheeks and lips felt cramped from smiling and talking all day long to all the people who visited the booth.