YOGYAKARTA-Problems that emerged during the eruption of Mount Merapi on October 26, 2010 were not only logistics and IDP camps but also abandoned cattles. This has made the Disaster Response Unit (DERU) UGM together with the Police Office of Yogyakarta, on Saturday afternoon (13 /11) send cattle feed to Turen hamlet in Sardonoharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman regency.
"This cooperation has lasted for about one week and is not just limited to logistic distribution to IDPs. but also the delivery of forage for breeders of etawa-hybrid goat," said Fiqri Yudha Adam, the Volunteer Coordinator of UGM DERU.
Fiqri added that the aid was transported by two patrol cars to the farms.
"The target is the "Sakinah" breeder group which consists of thirty-five farmers in the Turen hamlet," he added.
It is expected that the cooperation will have positive effects on the goats which will eventually impact on the economy of farmers. According to Fiqri, livestock feeding will be held regularly until the eruptions subside or when members of "Sakinah" group are still in IDP camps.
Related to this assistance, according to Suparno, a member of "Sakinah" who does not evacuate, previously the breeders in the area had never received animal feed supply. Merapi eruptions also affect the psychological condition of these animals, making the goat stressed out, signed by reduced appetite and lack of physical moves. A goat has even died due to prolonged stress.
"We've tried to get the feed by cleaning the forages taken from around the volcanic affected areas. Animal feed from those forages are usually collected once in two to three days in a very limited amount," Suparno said.