More than 200,000 people are in direct need of emergency assistance after the tsunami, triggered by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, hit Sulawesi island in Indonesia on 28 September 2018. The death toll has surpassed 2,000 with a further 10,600 people injured and in need of medical services. Over 75,000 people are displaced as their houses and the infrastructure was destroyed. Moved by calls to assist the Indonesian people, South African relief and community-based organizations have united under the auspices of the MJC to launch a R5 million appeal.
The partner organizations are:
- MJC
- Daarul Qur’an South Africa
- Darul Islam Zakaah Fund
- Islamic Relief South Africa
- Muslim Hands South Africa
- South African National Zakaah Fund
Shaykh Irafaan Abrahams, the MJC President, noted that South Africa and Indonesia share a unique relationship through Shaykh Yusuf Al-Makassari, a prolific scholar who spread Islam through the Cape whilst it was under Dutch occupation. This was one more reason to respond to the humanitarian crisis. “It is our duty not to forget our roots and, therefore, we ask every individual to donate generously toward this cause. We want to exceed R5million and show our support to the people of Indonesia,” he said.
THE HUMANITARIAN NEED
The region is also recovering from further natural disasters that have put added pressure on disaster response teams. Mount Soputan erupted shortly afterwards. Another earthquake was recorded off the Bali coast 10 October that measured 6.0 on the Richter scale. According to Islamic Relief CEO, Yusuf Mohamed, conditions are slowly stabilizing in Palu, one of the cities badly damaged in the earthquake. “Electricity and water have been restored in some parts of the city and camps have been set up for families who have lost all their belongings in this tragedy. The challenge though remains in trying to reach families who are still trapped in areas that are inaccessible due to the destruction and debris.”
Meanwhile, Muslim Hands Director, Imraan Roomaney, called on the South African public to support the initiative which is a milestone for Muslims NGO’s. “The formation of this forum is groundbreaking. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the MJC for initiating this unifying campaign that will greatly benefit the victims of this disaster.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
All funds raised through this joint initiative will be disbursed to relief partner organizations, which are licensed and operating on the ground, i.e. Darul Quran Indonesia, Islamic Relief and Muslim Hands. The funds will be used directly to support emergency operations. This includes the supply of medical disposables, medicines and medical equipment together with the distribution of food, water, hygiene kits and materials for shelter.
The members of the public are encouraged to support this project by making a cash contribution to the following bank account:
Muslim Judicial Council SA
Al Baraka Bank
Account Number: 78600202803
Branch Code: 800000
Reference: Indo & Mobile Number
Email all proof of payment to sdd@mjc.org.za for the attention of Shaykh Fadhil Emandien.
Cleanup operation in Lombok, a town in Indonesia struck by an Earthquake at the end of August 2018.
