The Situ Gintung Tragedy

“ A mini Tsunami! “ that’s what some news media reported when a water dam broke down at Situ Gintung, an outskirt of Jakarta, last Friday, causing heavy flood to the surrounding area, flattened more than 300 houses and killed many people.

Kompas reported that until this morning, 98 people have died and 115 people missing. The National Search and Rescue Agency is intensifying search by conducting join operation with other government agency, the military and student organization.

The Jakarta Post reported that around 400 people have been evacuated to nearby hospitals. The Governor of Banten i.e.Ratu Atut, whose province covered the flooded area, was quoted as saying that the heads of each affected household would receive at least Rp 5 Million compensation.

This tragedy has seemingly made some politicians suddenly change their campaign agenda by including a visit to Situ Gintung. Inilah.com wrote that Vice President Jusuf Kalla was the first to visit the area on Friday morning, followed by President Susilo Bambang Yudoyono several hours later, as well as others later on.

I hope that the attention of the politicians would expedite the handling of this tragedy, therefore ease the suffering of victims.