•  13 Nov 2024
•  Public

November 12, 2024

Following the devastating eruption of Mount Lewotobi on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 12:00 AM Central Indonesia Time, which tragically claimed nine lives, including Sr. Nikolin, SSpS, continued eruptions have expelled gravel and ash, displacing numerous residents and putting local communities at risk. In response, the Ledalero Institute of Philosophy and Creative Technology (IFTK Ledalero) and the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission of JPIC SVD, in collaboration with various local partners, have mobilized relief efforts to support those affected.

As of November 12, donations received through the Komisi KPKC – Sosial account and in cash total Rp 801,716,623, alongside substantial in-kind contributions, including basic necessities, clothing, and hygiene and sanitation supplies. Distributed aid has included 17 tons of rice and other essential items, with special provisions to meet the needs of women and children. These donations have reached 1,005 families, impacting 3,401 individuals across 33 villages.

JPIC SVD has received crucial support in managing and distributing these resources. The effort has been bolstered by the involvement of St. Paul Major Seminary Ledalero seminarians, more than 30 students from IFTK Ledalero, and 12 youth volunteers from St. Joseph’s Parish in Onekore, Ende.

IFTK Ledalero and JPIC SVD extend their sincere gratitude to all donors for their support and compassion during this challenging time. However, with continued eruptions displacing families and endangering livelihoods, the need for assistance remains urgent. We invite and encourage further support from all who are able, to help ease the suffering of the Lewotobi communities.

Father Ignas Ledot Kobun, SVD, the Coordinator of JPIC, reflected on the initial relief efforts:

“I remember November 4, 2024, when I, along with Father Charys Djuwa, SVD, Sr. Fransiska Imakulata, SSpS, and I, arrived in Hokeng at around 6 AM. The surroundings were in chaos, covered in thick ash. Residents were fearful and desperate to leave. I requested transportation assistance from Ledalero and IFTK to help evacuate them. With two trucks provided, Pater Vande Raring, SVD led the evacuation to Lewolaga, while our team waited for the recovery of Sr. Nikolin’s body."

He added:

“The Prologue of the SVD Constitution affirms the discipleship of every member: ‘His life is our life, His mission is our mission.’ In serving the victims of Mount Lewotobi’s eruption, JPIC SVD Ende and its partners embody a commitment to following Jesus’s example of compassion. JPIC members, donors, and volunteers have given their utmost to aid the victims. May those we help see Jesus's compassion in this humanitarian effort, and may all those who care be blessed.”

The Rector of IFTK Ledalero, Dr. Otto Gusti Madung, SVD emphasized the importance of community involvement in these relief efforts:

“IFTK Ledalero is actively involved in assisting the victims of the Mount Lewotobi eruption to help alleviate their suffering. As an institution of higher education, we must remain open to the issues around us. We need to show solidarity with the vulnerable. Moreover, as a Catholic institution, we are called to give hope to the victims—a hope that God’s love is with them, even in these challenging times."

The efforts continue as the community rallies together, inspired by the principle of solidarity and compassion for those affected. With each contribution and volunteer effort, IFTK Ledalero and JPIC SVD are working to ease the burdens of the victims and demonstrate the hope and support that embody the values of their mission.

How You Can Help

• Bank Account for Donations:

○     Account Number: BRI 0119-01-000645-56-0
○     Account Name: Komisi KPKC Sosial

• Contact Persons:

○     Fr. Ignas Ledot, SVD  0813-3836-3132
○     Fr. Otto Gusti, SVD     0812-3717-3271

Thank you for standing with us and showing your care and concern in these difficult times. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most.

Hermina Wulohering

BAGIKAN