Survivors to Remember Java Quake: Yogyakarta, Central Java

An estimated 3,000 people are expected to attend a ceremony to be held at the Trirenggo field in Bantul on Sunday to remember the devastating earthquake that hit the region last May. The powerful earthquake, which struck on May 27, claimed the lives of 5,600 people and destroyed more than 200,000 houses in the province and other parts of Central Java.

A member of the event’s organizing committee Bambang Sugiantoro said representatives from 75 villages in Bantul are expected to attend the event, as well as Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, regents and mayors from across the province and representatives from non-governmental organizations.

“The event will commence with a dawn prayer at the Trirenggo field,” Bambang said.

This will be followed by a mass prayer conducted by representatives from various religions held just before 5:57 a.m., the time the 5.9 magnitude quake struck, he said.

“The commemoration is intended to help people reflect and take what happened as a lesson,” Bambang said.

The event will also be marked with the signing of an agreement between regional leaders in Yogyakarta concerning joint disaster mitigation efforts.

The Jogja Expo Center will also stage a performance of the Kyai Kanjeng traditional drama on Sunday to coincide with the events to be held at Trirenggo field.

Residents in Bantul will remember the event modestly in their respective villages.

“Many people from our village were victims of the quake and we will hold prayers together,” said Sumanto from Sriharjo village, Imogiri, Bantul.

Sumanto said the prayers were not intended as an outlet for people to grieve over the tragedy.

“We just want to pray and reflect on the tragedy together,” said Sumanto, adding that residents will also hold local arts performances.

Slamet Susanto