Empathy for Passengers' Families of JT 610 Lion Air

Volunteers hugged the Lion Air JT-610 passengers’ families of  as a form of support at the Family Command Post at Bhayangkara TK Hospital. I R. Said Sukanto (Polri Hospital), Kramat Jati, East Jakarta.

Eight volunteers from Tzu Chi were present to accompany the passengers’ families of Lion Air flight number JT-610 at the Family Command Post, Bhayangkara TK Hospital. I R. Said Sukanto (Police Hospital), Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, Tuesday October 30, 2018.

"In this somber moment, we are here to help as much as we can, giving what we have, such as, attention and comfort," said Nelly Kosasih, West He Qi 1 Tzu Chi volunteer.

There, Tzu Chi volunteers showed their empathy by carrying and distributing medicines such as cold medicines, eucalyptus oil, headaches reliever, and stomach ulcers drugs. The medicines were given to families and relatives of passengers who were waiting for the news, as well as the Lion Air crew who were also in charge of accompanying the families in the post.

"In here, when the families wait for the news on the passengers, most of them have forgot to eat and drink. They are always thinking. It would make their body less fit," said Yang Pit Lu, volunteer from Tzu Chi North He Qi 1. "So we bring medicine to prevent them from getting sick," he continued.

Volunteers brought medicines such as cold medicines, eucalyptus oil, headache reliever, and stomach ulcers medicines for the families of the Lion Air passengers and the crew who were on duty at the Command Post.

Arriving at the Family Command Post at Kramat Jati Police Hospital, the volunteers were praying together.

Any small attention was regarded very valuable for the passengers’ families who were waiting for the news.

Such attention was considered very valuable for the passengers’ families. They also asked for a certain type of medicine and asked for it directly from the volunteers. All of the medicines that the volunteers brought were completely gave out. We would continue to pray for the best, that was what the volunteers said to each family.

Since the first day, when there was news about the disaster that hit Lion Air, Tzu Chi volunteers immediately responded and provided assistance. Until the next few days, volunteers would still continue to provide assistance to the passengers’ families at the Family Command Post, Kramat Jati Polri Hospital, East Jakarta.

Translated by Stefanny Doddy

Edited by Wida Maryani