Yogyakarta: A Remarkable City
Visiting Yogyakarta shortly after the recent earthquake, which caused enormous damage and death, one could be forgiven for not noticing a great change in this bustling and beautiful city.
As if by magic the signs of the catastrophe have been almost removed and certainly do not impinge upon the eye. The most obvious sign is the heaps of rubble, which are lying on the side of the roads awaiting collection. Buildings, which were slightly damaged, have been quickly repaired and restored. Some still have scaffolding around them as the structural cracks are repaired.
It is hard to find any evidence that this city has just been through a most devastating natural catastrophe. All services are working well and the people are as friendly and helpful as ever.
Jogya as it is commonly known is a special place. First it is the home of the King of Java and the centre of his kingdom. The present King, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X is also the Governor of the province in which the city is located (the special province named DIY).
The Sultan exerts a lot of influence over the people and is probably the reason why the city rebounds so quickly. The people respect him. He is a leader who is listened to.
Should you have been planing a visit to this city do not postpone your visit because of the earthquake. If your accommodation is assured (and there are many foreigners in Jogya at the moment with the AID teams) please continue your plans. Your visit will help the Jogya economy and bring you joy as you meet the people of the area.
Do not worry about the threat of the volcano Mt Merapi, which has been mentioned a lot in the press of the world and is sometimes described as "the world's most active volcano". While this magic mountain continues to rumble away and blow out smoke as if it was unaware of the "health hazard" warnings on the packet its "guardian" says it is unlikely to get much worse than it now is.
Teams of people have begun to help the locals in the areas where devastation has been greatest. They are coming into the area as a team and they are clearing land of rubble and using left over materials which can be salvaged, and a few things which they buy new, to erect semi-permanent structures for the landowners. These structures are more comfortable to live in than tents and will last till things get sorted out for the rebuilding proper.
The spirit and actions of people helping each other is known in Indonesia as "gotong royong". It is very strong in Jogya at the moment. Some of these teams come from outside the area of the earthquake. They charge a small fee to cover the materials they use and for as little as US$212 people can have a liveable dwelling once more.
The people themselves are smilingly moving forward and their city reflects this. Yogyakarta is certainly a remarkable city. It never ceases to surprise. Come and see for yourself.
The whole campus was literally destroyed including the library, galleries and classrooms.