Written by Albert Deby S., Yohanes Baskoro and Victor Dimas B. Putra (Karina-KAS’ volunteers for Caritas Joint Response).

A young boy (9) ran after us. “I’ll show you the house,” he said. He kept running, showing us the only way we could access. We stopped in a ruined house where a Caritas Germany’s tent was set up just in front a wooden temporary house. Two men were completing the kitchen wall while we were asking monitoring questions.

On the way to the next people for the monitoring survey for this village, I started a conversation with this brilliant kid.

“Where were you when the quake happened? Were you afraid?”

“I was outside with my little sister. It also happened a year ago. So, I’m not afraid. My sister is always crying when she feels aftershocks.”

“Did it hurt you or your sister, your mother or your father?”

“They ran outside. Just a few seconds before we saw our house collapse. Now we use the tent. My mother, father, my two little sisters and my grandparents share the same tent.”

“Where do you study or play after school then?”

“We still use our terrace. My grandparents put a coconut wood to prevent the wall and window frame from falling down. I play outside after school, because it’s very hot in the tent.”

“I see... How’s the school?”

“My school collapsed. We cannot use it. Most tables, chairs and books were buried there.”

“So, now you don’t go to school?”

“We couldn’t use it for weeks. Now I can study at the temporary school in a tent. But, I need to walk for 2 km. My school was moved to a safer place in another village.”

“How are your friends? Are they afraid?”

“Well… Some are, some are not.”

“Do you have any experience, before and after the earthquake?”

“The quake makes me stay alert. When the ground trembles very hard, I’ll bring my sister outside right away. My mother will bring my youngest sister. She is 2 months old now. I will give more attention to her.”

“You’re such a gorgeous brother! Anyway, did your teacher teach you the earthquake song?”

“Yes.”

Then he started singing while two of his friends follow his voice and movement during our way to the car.

Kalau ada gempa, lindungi kepala. Kalau ada gempa, masuk kolong meja. Kalau ada gempa, jauhi dari kaca. Kalau ada gempa, lari ke lapangan terbuka…”

If there is an earthquake, cover your head. If there is an earthquake, safe yourself under the table. If there is an earthquake, stay away from glass. If there is an earthquake, run to an open field