Recovering Life with Tzu Chi Pombewe Cinta Kasih Housing

Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security (Menko Polhukam) RI General TNI (Ret.) Dr. H. Wiranto, S.H conducted the Laying of the Stone of Cinta Kasih Housing Development in Tzu Pombewe, Sigi, Central Sulawesi.

Happy news again greeted the residents affected by the earthquake and tsunami in the areas of Palu, Donggala, and Sigi, Central Sulawesi. Because the construction of permanent housing (Hunian Tetap aka Huntap) will begin again. Located in Pombewe Village, Kec. Sigi Biromaru, Kab. Sigi, Central Sulawesi The laying of the first stone of the Tzu Chi Pombewe Cinta Kasih Housing construction was held on Monday, July 1, 2019.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Tzu Chi synergized to provide long-term assistance in the form of permanent housing after the earthquake struck the region on 28 September 2018. "We are very happy to be able to complement and help each other because from the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation Indonesia can immediately build," said Chairman of the Central Sulawesi Disaster Management Task Force of the Ministry of PUPR, Arie Setiadi Moerwanto.

The laying of the first stone of the Tzu Chi Pombewe Cinta Kasih Housing was carried out directly by the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security (Polhukam), General (Ret.) Dr. H. Wiranto, SH. This activity was also attended by the ranks of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing of Republic of Indonesia, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of ATR / BPN RI (Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency), Ministry of Finance, Head of BNPB (National Disaster Management Authority), and the ranks of the Central Sulawesi Regional Government. Not to forget, volunteers from the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation took part in carrying out the activities.

Volunteers take a photo together after the stone laying. The laying of the stone was carried out by the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs General TNI (ret.) Dr. H. Wiranto, S.H and was attended by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing of Republic of Indonesia, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of ATR / BPN RI (Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency),, Ministry of Finance, Head of BNPB (National Disaster Management Authority), and the ranks of the Central Sulawesi Regional Government.

To Wiranto, Hong Tjhin explained the stages of the distribution of assistance carried out by Tzu Chi after the disaster that hit Palu, Donggala and Sigi.

"This groundbreaking is a sign that we are starting and giving stimulus to all parties: the central government, regions, foundations, and communities to work together to work together so that our designs to build permanent housing for the community can be achieved. Without cooperation, thousands of homes are not possible to be built in a short time," Wiranto said in his speech.

Wiranto also reminded of the geographical conditions of Indonesia which are in the ring of fire so that people must remain vigilant. In addition, during the rehabilitation and construction phase, the construction of housing must be in accordance with the specifications and agreement on earthquake resistant houses. Which is, the construction of houses carried out by the Indonesian Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation has fulfilled the specified criteria.

Mrs. Andi, one of the residents who attended the event was happy because the news of the Huntap (permantent housing) development was not merely a figment. "How not to be happy to see immediately there will be development here, our house has been destroyed, it has gone, and it cannot be built again," he said. Her house in Lolu was destroyed by last year's earthquake. Until now, she and her family are still staying at Rumah Senyum in the form of refugee camps. She only hopes to be able to return to living comfortably as before.

Sarpin Lie describes the aspects of a residential building being built by Tzu Chi.

Ms. Rosmiati, other residents also felt similar happiness. "My house was also damaged but not too heavy, moderately damaged. So just temporarily evacuated. Seeing this development will begin, it's definitely nice. Hopefully it can be occupied soon, "she said.

It was also the hope of Sarpin Lie, Tzu Chi Development Coordinator Volunteer. "I am happy because the local government supports and provides land, land that is large and strategic enough to later become a place of residence for people in need. Hopefully the process will be fast so that the houses can be immediately lived by residents, "he said.

In the first stage of the construction of the Tzu Chi Pombewe Cinta Kasih Housing, Tzu Chi will build as many as 500 type 36 housing units with a land area of 150 square meters. The Tzu Chi Pombewe Cinta Kasih is the second housing built by Tzu Chi in Central Sulawesi - after the Tzu Chi Tadulako Cinta Kasih Housing which is still under construction. .

Rise Back After Disaster
That same day, Wiranto briefly reviewed the progress of the construction of the Tzu Chi Tadulako Cinta Kasih Housing, Palu. Tzu Chi volunteers welcomed and explained in detail what Tzu Chi had done during the disaster response period until the construction and rehabilitation period.

Through posters installed on the project site, Hong Tjhin, Tzu Chi volunteers pointed out that Tzu Chi had carried out three stages of disaster relief: Reassuring the Soul, Reassuring the Body, and the last that was still running was Restoring life. Meanwhile, Sarpin Lie, explained to Wiranto about the aspects of the housing being built.

Wiranto advised the residents to be grateful for the various assistance they had received, and could get back up and be independent. He also thanked Tzu Chi for providing systematic assistance.

"We are grateful that there is a foundation that has a humanitarian program such as Buddha Tzu Chi and I see there is sincerity and there is a systematic planning that is done. What is important is how we can also receive the assistance sincerely and then be able to build synergies between donors, recipients, and the government. If all of them support each other, I think a permanent residence will soon be established. So we are grateful to the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation for providing such humanitarian assistance to the community, "Wiranto said when taking time to review the process of building Tzu Chi Tadulako Cinta Kasih Houses.

Wiranto also appealed to residents to be able to move back independently and not just sit waiting for help. "Even though during the disaster, residents must also be grateful because a lot of aid is flowing. While this is what can be given to the community, then accept it as a gift. From the difficulties suffered to the assistance received, works again. Don't then continuously depend on help, "he ordered.

Translated by Andryan Viryadi Tanamir (He Qi Barat 1)