Governor of the Province of Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, opens 52 temporary shelters in Kuwang, Argomulyo Village, Cangkringan, Sleman, Friday (3/5). This is the result of cooperation between UGM and the National Agency for Amil Zakat (Baznas). The inauguration was marked by the signing of the inscriptions by the Governor, Baznas Chairman, Prof. Didin Hafiduddin, and Senior Vice Rector for Administration, Finance, and Human Resources, Prof. Ainun Naim, Ph.D., witnessed by the Regent of Sleman, Sri Purnomo, and Chairman of the UGM Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Dr. Ir. Danang Parikesit, M.Sc.
Sri Sultan said the temporary shelter is expected to reduce social problems that often occur in refugee camps. "In the refugee camp there is quite a big social problem, and education of children is also at risk. For me, the coaching and improvement towards a normal and decent life is very important," he said.
On the occasion, Sri Sultan said that the post-Merapi disaster eruption reconstruction period would last until 2013. The local government has asked the central government to prepare a budget of 3 trillion Rupiah over 3 years. The funds will be distributed through various programs in several ministries. "We propose this budget in the form of Presidential Instruction because learning from the previous experience of other regions, the reconstruction funding has usually already run out in the second year," he added.
In relation with the construction of permanent houses for Merapi victims, the Sultan said the local government has earmarked 30 million rupiah in aid per family with a land area of 100 square meters.
Sleman Regent, Sri Purnomo, conveys his appreciation and gratitude to LPPM and Baznas in the development. According to the Regent, the cooperation assistance through a third party has been very helpful for the government. Purnomo reported that currently there are 2682 units in 10 locations that are already built. "Not all of them are built by the government, others are built from private aid, media, and various institutions," he said.
Prof. Ainun Na'im, Ph.D. said the construction is one implementation of the university vision of UGM. "UGM could not just sit back when the Merapi eruption occured. The programs conducted by UGM together with Baznas include providing 52 shelters and public facilities. In the future, UGM can develop the programs further to improve the quality of life of the community," he said.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Danang Parikesit, M.Sc., said the residents of Kuwang consist of 300 families from 10 sub-villages at Argomulyo Village located on the slopes of Merapi. These are Bakalan, Mbronggang, Gadingan, Banaran, Jetis, Karangelu, Jaranan, Liwang, Teplok and Manggung.