Earthquake in Yogyakarta and Central Java

Pursuant to the Declaration of a Severe Emergency Situation in the areas of Bangkok and some provinces in Thailand implemented by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation of B.E. 2548 (2005), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports wishes to announce that political unrest in Thailand has been brought completely under control and order in the capital of Bangkok and the provinces of Thailand has been restored.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has strongly reaffirmed the government’s intention to continue on the National Reconciliation Roadmap to resolve the political situation nationwide. Peace and normalcy have been restored in Thailand, making it once again a safe and pleasant destination in the region for foreign tourists. Major tourism destinations in provinces across the country are still pristine, peaceful and safe. Various measures have been implemented to bring normalcy back to the country, and to reassure foreign visitors that Thailand still remains a high quality, value-for-money destination.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports places the safety and security of international tourists above all else. Free travel insurance for foreign tourists and a waiver of tourist visa fees have been extended to 31 March 2011. The Royal Thai Government has issued insurance measures to protect foreigners visiting Thailand who are injured or unable to travel out of Thailand due to rioting. This programme is intended to boost the confidence of foreigners visiting Thailand.

The Royal Thai Government has launched an urgent recovery plan with measures that enable the tourism industry, especially small and medium enterprises, to recover their businesses as soon as possible. The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, related government agencies and local residents have made a concerted effort to return normalcy to the Bangkok business environment.

Major tourist destinations, facilities and services are still regularly accessed by both domestic and foreign tourists. Public utility and mass transportation services are fully operational. Suvarnabhumi International Airport and other international airports have remained operational without any disruption. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working closely with other ministries and agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of all visitors traveling in Thailand.

With the integrated efforts of all government agencies and the full engagement of the private sectors and other related stakeholders, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports affirms that public safety and security, including peace and normalcy, flourish once more in Thailand.

26 May 2010

Some regions of Myanmar were struck by the severe Cyclone Storm "NARGIS" which originated in the Bay of Bengal as a low pressure area. This Cyclone Storm NARGIS with a diameter of 150 miles became stronger and stronger and on 2 May 2008 at 10 am, with a wind speed of 50 to 60 miles per hour; at midnight with a wind speed of 70 miles per hour and at 2 pm with a wind speed of 120 miles; struck Ayeyarwady, Yangon and Bago Divisions and Mon and Kayin States on 2 and 3 May and moved into north eastwards and had already weakened.

At the National level, the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee, has been formed since 2005 and this Committee headed by the Prime Minister and its Executive Members also head the (10) Subcommittees relating to Prevention, Relief, Health, Transportation, Security and Social Welfare.

According to News release in Myanmar at the prime time of May 2 and 3, this Cyclonic Storm claimed a number of casualties and property in several areas in Yangon, Ayeyarwady and Bago Divisions and Mon Kayin States. Immediate relief measures have been carried out as a rationed task. Regarding loss and casualties caused by the Cyclone Storm Nargis, claimed as of 8 May (22997)people died and injured and missing; (42119), majority in the Ayeyarwady Division.

Relief supplies which includes food and medical supplies, tents, water purifiers, plastics and clothes have been pouring in from donors local and international organizations and from Governments all over the world for the people who have been affected severely by the Cyclone Storm Nargis.

As from 5 May 2008 morning, domestic and international airlines have resumed their fights at Yangon International Airport which was temporarily closed on May 3 and 4. All hotels of international standards are operating now. Telecommunications and transportation services have now become accessible.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism under the supervision of the Minister for Hotels and Tourism prioritized its relentless efforts with the National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee and the Local Authorities of cyclone hit districts and townships.

Since the prime time of 3 May morning, there have been timely, communications between the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the responsible persons of the hotels and travel agencies. Basic relief measures have been contributed strongly supported by the private sector. The Nargis hit areas are (40) townships in Yangon and (7) in Ayeyarwaddy. There have been no casualties to any foreign tourists Myanmar during the Cyclonic Storm of May 2-3.

The disaster shocked each and everyone in the Hotel and Tourism Industry, during the primetime with much concern for the visiting tourists.However, we are relieved to know that the tourists who were visiting Myanmar were safe and sound touring Mandalay and Bagan in the central part of Myanmar.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the patience and tolerance for any inconvenience incurred, when the international flights have been disrupted for two days.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism expresses deep appreciation and gratitude to the local and international community and organizations, kind sympathy and emergency relief in words and kind by friends far and near.

The recovery measures are still under way and we look forward to more support and cooperation. The hospitality, the culture and the traditions of the people of Myanmar welcomes you to Myanmar.

Ministry of Hotels & Tourism

Directorate of Hotels & Tourism
Union of Myanmar

Sunday 16 September 2007, a passenger aircraft (U.S.-made McDonnell-Douglas 82) operated by Thai budget carrier One-Two-GO, Flight 269, left Bangkok about 14.30 hrs and scheduled to land in Phuket at 16.00 hrs, crashed at the Phuket Airport shortly after landing in heavy wind and strong rain with poor visibility. The plane carried 123 passengers and 7 crew members. 87 of the 130 people on board were dead, 43 survivors were foreigners from Australia, Austria, Britain, Germany, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Natherlands and Sweden. The plane skidded off the runway during a landing attempt then crashed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a Rescue Centre to assist relatives of the victims in sending those injured to hospitals and in receiving the bodies.
The nearest international airport is Krabi Airport which is one-hour drive. All flights from Phuket International Airport were canceled following the crash and the Phuket Airport was closed, however, the Airport will operate today, 17 September 2007, at 11.00 hrs.
The Government of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports by the Tourism Authority of Thailand are providing facilitation for the affected passengers.

Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Minister of Tourism and Sports, has visited and conveyed the message of condolence of General Surayud Chulanont, Prime Minister, to the injured and relatives of those who passed away, with commitment that the Government of Thailand will provide utmost effort in rescuing and facilitating the relatives in visiting the injured, sending the passengers back to home countries as well as issuing death documents. Should you need any assistance or have any queries, please contact the following telephone numbers:

Bangkok: (662) 643 5522, (662) 644 7245
Phuket: (6676) 351 390, (6676) 351 517

Thailand National Tourism Organization has consulted with Dr. Smith Dharmasaroja, Chairman of the Committee for the National Disaster Warning Administration, and was informed that the high waves in Andaman Sea which affected the west coast of Thailand in Phuket, Phang-nga and Ranong on 14 May 2007 was affected by storm surge from cyclone in Andaman Sea close to the coast of Myanmar and strong southwest monsoon over Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Moreover on 15 May 2007 the waves were higher than usual and the level of tide was highest causing floods in some areas in the capital, Bangkok. The water level near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River was high so the rain water could not drain to the Gulf of Thailand in time. It was a rare natural phenomenon and not related to tsunami. The only damage was on Sai Kaew Beach in the north of Phuket where some local restaurants were destroyed. Neither injury nor death of local people or tourists was recorded. All tourism destinations in the Andaman were safe and caused no panic for people in the area. We will appreciate all concerned to be updated with this information.

Thailand National Tourism Organization

Since its first appearance in the middle of year 2005, the Avian Influenza (AI) has been a great concern to the government of the Republic of Indonesia. Up to the beginning of year 2007, the total number of AI case in Indonesia has reached 76 cases, with 61 fatalities*).

In March 2006, National Committee for AI and Influenza Pandemic was established under Presidential instruction. The committee has worked together with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), farming industries, local government, research institution, and private sector to curb the pandemic. Information has been disseminated to develop awareness in mass media. Surveillance, treatment procedure, and infection control have also been arranged.

The committee would subsequently concentrate on disconnecting uncontrolled contact between human and fowl. Under coordination of the central government, the local governments of three provinces (West Java, Banten, and Jakarta) have initiated the disconnection effort by banning non-commercial, backyard poultry farming under strict local bylaws/ regulations. Fowl in farming fewer than 20 poultry will be culled, and compensation has been allocated for the farmers. Commercial farms with over 20 poultry must strictly adhere to health and hygiene regulations. It is surely hoped that the effort would prevent further dispersal of AI besides providing more hospitals for AI case.

Another issue faced by the nation is the disappearance of Adam Air flight 574. Data showed that 96 passengers were aboard, including three (3) American citizens. According to the most recent news, a possible plane fuselage was reported to be detected on sonar by Indonesia's Navy ship KRI Fatahillah. The ship had detected three large pieces of metal objects off Mamuju in Western Sulawesi, at a depth of 1,000 to 1,500 meters below sea level. However, further investigation is needed to ensure if the chunks were indeed parts of the missing plane. The search is still continuing as the Indonesian National Committee for Transportation Safety urged any party to remain anticipative and try not to make any speculative statement on this incident. The government of Indonesia would like to thank the government of Singapore and the United States of America for their responsive assistances.

President Yudhoyono made special visit in Manado, North Sulawesi to speak with and console relatives of the missing plane's passengers. He reiterated his earlier promise that search efforts for the plane would not stop until it was known what happened to the passengers, and no time limit will be set to these efforts.

Meanwhile, the Motor Vessel (MV) Senopati Nusantara, a ferry crossing from Kumai Port, Central Kalimantan to Tanjung Emas Port, East Java, sank in a storm on December 30, 2006. In the manifest, there were 628 passengers including 57 crews. Around 400 - 500 people are feared to have drowned. The ship has license to carry 850 passengers and the Ministry of Transportation said that the ship is still sea worthy. Further news on this issue is still updating.

Following the peaceful transition of political power in Thailand implemented by the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy on September 19, 2006 the Ministry of Tourism and Sports wishes to advise that this transition has been totally peaceful in nature, with no incidents of violence in any form.

The Ministry also wishes to reaffirm that the Thai tourism industry remains an important part of the national economy and no action will be taken by the Council to undermine its growth and well-being. The Ministry is committed to supporting the operations of the Thai tourism industry whenever possible through continuous communication and cooperation in all areas of tourism development and promotion. Furthermore, the Ministry will work with offices concerned to ensure the safety and convenience of all visitors traveling to Thailand.

All tourist destinations, facilities and services in the country remain in operation without disruption, and all tourism-related events organized under the authority of the Ministry will be held as scheduled. These include the Thailand Travel Mart 2006 Plus Amazing Gateway to the Mekong Region, the Thailand Tourism Awards 2006 and the Thailand Open Tennis Tournament, among others. In addition, airlines have confirmed that domestic and international flights will operate as normal.

The Ministry will continue to closely monitor the tourism situation domestically and overseas, and will take appropriate and immediate actions to restore and maintain travelers' confidence when necessary.

Ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Bangkok were invited for a briefing and were informed of the policy on foreign affairs that Thailand would still adhere to the United Nations Charter, providing protection for diplomatic corps and foreigners, as well as good cooperation with foreign countries, maintaining international relationship and understanding.

The Ministry is of the view that if the situation remains stable and that there is a civilian government to revise the constitution leading to an election in a short period then we are optimistic that any long-term impact on the economy will be minimal.

Therefore, we request the kind consideration of international communities in fairly assessing the situation in Thailand and issuing travel advisories based on facts at that time. The Ministry is providing full cooperation for every segment of the media to relay to the world that Thailand is a peaceful and compromising country with various and extensive tourism destinations.

22 September 2006
Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand

Director-General of Marketing (DGM), Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Drs. Thamrin B. Bachri M.Sc. on 18 August 2006, visited Ciamis, for the agenda of Tourism Media Centre Pangandaran (TMCP) was delivered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to Ciamis District.

In the greeting, DGM asks to Ciamis District in order to improve the role of Tourism Media Centre become Tourist Information Center which has a duty to give accurate information concerning tourism activity in Pangandaran area. Tourism Media Centre Pangandaran has been done a good job during one month. And, it could be applicable in other areas if it is happened in the same crisis.

Tourism Media Center Pangandaran was formed by DGM on 20 July 2006, three days after Tsunami on July 17th, 2006, to give accurate information about tsunami, victims, and efforts which has been done by the government especially in tourism areas.

Situation of Pangandaran today much better, it seems some domestic and foreign tourists at some tourist attractions like Pananjung Beach and Stone Karas Beach, occupancy hotel 20%. And, a number of souvenir shops have opened, especially in some areas which are not hit by Tsunami.
After that, to indicate that Pangandaran have been visited by tourists, DGM sail and swim followed by a number of journalists such as TVRI, SCTV, and Sindo, Republika and Investor Daily.

Meanwhile, about 15 km from Pangandaran, seems some foreign and domestic tourists, have been surfing in Stones Karas Beach. And, a number of local tourists are exploiting boat which made of fiberglass enjoying calm wave towards white sand around Pananjung Beach (Pangandaran 20 August 2006, SY)

The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, in his visit to Pangandaran stated that number of tourist visit to Pangandaran, District of Ciamis, would be convalesced within a period of one year. One of the steps undertaken by the government is exempting tourism industry players undemanding financial rescheduling.

The Minister said that the Governor of Bank Indonesia has sent circulation letter to all banks, stating that the tourism players still having loan in bank under 5 billion (Rp) will be financially exempted until the early year of 2007. This also applied for reactivating those which have been innactive for some time.

The Minister hoped that the recovery process in Pangandaran area will be resolved less than one year, so that 50,000 residents of Pangandaran will work again in tourism area.

The Minister also said that "we realized that Pangandaran was once built without a comprehensive planning. For the future, Pangandaran will be built beautifully and well planned".

Related to Tsunami, the Minister said that a number of steps must be done. All tourist attractions in coastal areas have to be sheltered by The Early Warnings System. Tourists have to know what they have to do and where they have to go when sound alert is activated. Restaurants and hotels have to be provided with The Guidance of Early Warning System.

Minister Wacik visited Pangandaran, Thursday, July 27th, 2006, accompanied with the Director General of Marketing, Thamrin B. Bachri and several Senior Advisors to The Minister.

In the visit, the minister was received by the Mayor of Ciamis, Coordinator Police Authority, Commander of Military District and a number of other functionaries.

The Minister also visited affected location and symbolically took a ride of a Jet Ski to indicate that coastal tourism in Pangandaran are recovering swiftly.

During the visit, some journalists from various media asked the Minister about the role of The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the agenda of Pangandaran recovery.

The Minister also visited Tourism Media Center and took a rest about half an hour and at the same time enjoyed local food before returning to Jakarta on the same day.

An official from the Tourism Media Center in Pangandaran said that 60% - 70 % of citizen of Pangandaran depend on tourism sector. Around 70% to 85% of Earnings of Ciamis district are also obtained from tourist visit coming to Pangandaran.

Pangandaran up date:

A number of lodgings and hotels, small traders and restaurants and also activity along the beach have started to surge. Some foreign tourists are also seen, either along the beach or in Pangandaran town.

Hotels/Lodgings which have been operating:

Hotel	Address	Room
Pandai Indah Bazaar	Jl. Kidang Pananjung	40
Pantai Jaya	dito	17
Saluyu	dito	20
Socka	dito	25
Pondok Dian	dito	30
Pondok Niki	dito	12
Sun Rise	dito	30
Plamboyan	dito	15
Samudra	dito	25
Laut Biru I	dito	15
Fortuna	Jl. Kalu Buaya	50
Berdikasi 2	dito	30
Galura I	dito	35
Sinar Rahayu I-II	Jl. Pramuka	50
Pasific	dito	50
Nusa Indah	dito	15
Kembar Mas I	dito	20
Citra II	dito	30
Sofia	Jl. Sumardi	30
Bahtera Jaya	dito	20
Bandung	dito	15
Sinar Rahayu II	dito	60
Widuri	Jl. Bulak Laut	6
Puri Indah	dito	30
Karang Sari II	dito	25
Sari Harum	Jl, Pasanggarahan	25

Restaurants which have been operating as follows:

Restaurant	Address
Karya Bahari	Jl. Pantai Timur
Sari Melati	dito
Kidang Mas	dito
Putra Sauyunan	dito
Laksana	dito
Berkah	dito
Lestari	dito
Cilacap	Jl. Kidang Pananjung
Murasaki	dito
Padang Jaya	Jl. Bulak Laut Barat
Jambu	Jl. Babakan

On behalf of all officials of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI, I would like to express our deepest condolence to all the departed, the victims, and the families in the affected areas of the earthquake and tsunami.

In several parts of southern coast of West Java and Central Java especially in Pangandaran Beach, a tsunami occurred and destroyed many houses and other public and tourist facilities such as guest houses, hotels, cottages, restaurants, and shops. The tsunami was previously triggered by several strong jolts, one of them recorded to have reached 6.8 on the Richter scale at 03.19 pm. on western Indonesia time zone. The epicenter was around 355 kilometers from Jakarta, at 10 kilometers beneath the sea. As of July 18th, 2006, at 1.30 p.m. western Indonesia time zone, total casualties have reached 197 people from different coastal towns in West Java and Central Java. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono have order.

We understand the degree of the loss is inestimable especially at this very moment of uncertainty. However, we would like to ask every element of tourism stakeholders to work in concert, supporting our efforts in coordinating with all related parties to undertake this matter. We have assigned our commission right away to observe the affected areas to gather all the necessary information to formulate the best way to rescue, rehabilitate, and recover the entire situation, especially the tourism sector that plays important role in some of the affected areas. We would do our best within our capacity to lessen the burden from the victim. Like in Yogyakarta, we have implored the national bank to re-arrange any settlements made with the affected tourism businesses.

At the moment, our team from the ministry is on the site to set up a Media Center in the most qualified, accessible area. Setting up a coordinated and balanced media center has been part of the procedure established by the UN-WTO. Besides, in every disaster occurred in tourist destinations, information has always become the most crucial element needed by many parties, especially international communities. We need to make international communities understand that Indonesia is a vast country with various and extensive tourist destinations. The recent quake and tsunami is confined in several particular areas in West Java and Central Java, not the whole nation with the rest of its 31 provinces. We still have Bali as a leading tourist destination, and Yogyakarta is now picking up the pace for this coming holiday season. We also have North Sumatra and many other tourist destinations all over the archipelago to visit.

Jero Wacik
Minister of Culture and Tourism of RI

Jakarta, 5 Juni 2006 - The earthquake that hit Bantul, an adjacent region, 25 kilometers south of the historical and cultural city of Yogyakarta, was recorded to reach 5.95 on Richter Scale, at 05.55 a.m. on May 27th, 2006, according to the Indonesian Bureau for Meteorology and Geophysics. Few subsequent smaller earthquakes still happened during last week, creating a newly practiced habit of staying outside to avoid falling walls, beams, or unstable roofs. The impact of the quake was extreme in Bantul region, leaving hundreds of thousands made homeless, 20,000 injured, and over 5,700 people reported killed. The Minister of Culture and Tourism of RI, H.E. Jero Wacik, expressed his deepest condolence to all the departed and their families, including those who were injured. He hoped that all Indonesians can learn a valuable lesson from it, and always maintain good solidarity and patience as a nation.

The earthquake also heavily affected Gunung Kidul regency, Klaten regency, Kulon Progo regency, and Sleman regency among others. Yogyakarta itself was partly hurt in several areas, leaving old and frail properties completely or partially destroyed. However, a week after the disaster, Yogyakarta is now showing good sign of recovery, where people started to do their normal activities. Shops are opening, restaurants are serving, and many other businesses and public services are back to normal. Damaged telecommunication, transportation, and infrastructure systems are now in order. Hospitals, gas stations, police stations, and the national broadcasting station in Yogyakarta are back in business. Yogyakarta now is in fact as normal as it has always been. The damage is felt more to the image, although physical injuries are far from trivial.

Yogyakarta is one of the centers of Javanese cultural assets, and a tourism leading destination after Bali. The city has become a world focus since the escalating activity of Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes on earth, located 20 kilometers north of Yogyakarta. There are only two volcanoes in the world today creating non-vertical eruptions. The Mount Merapi is one of them, and consequently has attracted many special-interest tourists from around the world, calling themselves 'the lava hunters'.

According to a report from the Java Media-Tourism Crisis Center (joint collaboration and initiative from Yogyakarta tourism stakeholders, under the patronage of the Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare and the Minster of Culture and Tourism of RI), tourism sector has become a key economic building block for Yogyakarta, providing employments and income directly and indirectly to thousands of people in the province. Bantul region, where the quake did the most damage and left the greatest number of death toll, is a home to hundreds of craft villages that produce souvenirs, crafts, and local artists for the city's tourism sector.

In Yogyakarta and its surroundings, tourism businesses are swiftly to recover. Several hotels are still out for service to protect their guests. They are still reconstructing and assessing the properties due to structural or safety problem. Some of them are Sheraton Mustika, Novotel Yogyakarta, Ibis Malioboro, Jayakarta Hotel Yogyakarta, and Sejahtera Family Hotel and Apartment. On the other hand, Hyatt Regency, Melia Purosani, Inna Garuda, Saphir, Santika, Mercure, Sahid Raya, Puri Artha, Jogjakarta Plaza, Brongto, Mutiara, Mutiara, Quality, and many other smaller hotels and guest houses are open. The average occupancy rate is noted to reach 68.65%, according to the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association Yogyakarta Chapter.

According to the Java Media-Tourism Crisis Center's data and several other sources, cultural and historical attractions temporarily closed are the Kraton Yogyakarta (The Sultan's Palace) Yogyakarta, Taman Sari Water Castle, Prambanan temple, Perjuangan Museum, Sonobudoyo Museum, and the Vredeburg Fort. Ramayana ballet is still unable to be performed because of several structural problems in the open and the indoor stage. The reconstruction will take approximately two to four weeks. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI would immediately work together with the UNESCO and other NGO's to rehabilitate these world's cultural heritages.

Several villages frequently visited by tourists are still closed. They are Kasongan, Pudong, and Kebon Agung. Showrooms and ovens are still not functioning as they are seriously shattered. Mild damages happened in Kedungmiri-Sompok, Sendangsari-Krebet, Tembi, and Pucung.

There are many unaffected tourist attractions in Yogyakarta. Kota Gede as a center of silver handcrafts is still operating. Malioboro Street as the most visited street in Yogyakarta is still visited by many local and foreign tourists. Sambisari temple, a seemingly sub terrain temple, is completely intact. Ratu Boko Ancient Palace, where the designer of Borobudur once lived, is still standing. The Borobudur itself is unharmed and still offers many photographers and sunrise lover from Indonesia and foreign countries an hour to remember during the sunrise. Kaliurang, a village on the safest slope of Mount Merapi is as peaceful as it is. Local and foreign tourists are seen in several areas especially in tourist resorts and spa.

Cancellations were detected, although many tourists are also coming to and staying in Yogyakarta. The hotels where they plan stay transferred them to other hotels in Solo, a city next to Yogyakarta for safety reason. What people called as cancellations, according to a professional tour guide recently accompanied 12 French tourists, was in fact re-locations of guests from Yogyakarta to Solo.

Many would turn to the most reliable sources when it comes to information about Yogyakarta today. These reliable sources are mostly coordinated with the Java Media - Tourism Crisis Center (JMTCC) led by Wiendu Nuryanti. The JMTCC is working very hard in identifying destroyed tourism and cultural assets. The efforts are still progressing, along with the data collection on cancellations, transportation and accessibility. The center, located in Jl. Lingkar Utara 234 Yogyakarta 55281, can be reached at +62 274 520 907 or +62 274 583 783. The website is http://www.javacrisismediacenter.com.

Minister Wacik noted that tourism is a multi-sectoral industry. Collaboration and coordination are amongst the key to the swift recovery of Yogyakarta tourism industry, he said. As rescue and relief turns to recovery, it will be vital for the people affected to have the employment and income generated by tourism in order for them to be able to stand on their feet and rebuild their lives with dignity, Wiendu added.

Jakarta, May 29th, 2006 - A 5.9 Richter-Scale earthquake has shaken Yogyakarta and its surroundings on May 27th, 2006, at 05.55 a.m. local time, causing many injured and more than 5,000 dead (as of May 29th, 2006, 13.30 local time). Yogyakarta, a special district located in the heart of Java Island, is one of the prominent cultural tourist destinations in Indonesia. Recently, Yogyakarta has gained an international exposure for its mounting volcanic activity shown by the world's most active volcano, the Mount Merapi, some 29 kilometers (18 miles) from the southern coast of Yogyakarta Special District. On behalf of all the staffs in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI, the Minister, H.E. Jero Wacik, expressed his deepest condolence for all the victims and the families who have lost their family members in the disaster.

Although many still think and relate the earthquake with the Mount Merapi, currently discharging hot clouds and melting lava, an anticipated attraction for special-interest tourists from around the world, it was indeed not volcanic. The Indonesian Meteorology and Geophysics Bureau reported that the quake was caused by the movement of Australian plate towards Asian plate. The bureau also told that there are no indications of a potential tsunami. Indonesia is once again suffering from a natural disaster. It is a natural force that none can never predict nor avoid.

Around 33 thousand houses and several public facilities were destroyed. Several hotels and the Adi Sutjipto International Airport were partly wrecked. Plaosan Temple suffers a bit seriously. Prambanan Temple, one of the world's cultural heritage, was partly shattered. There was a power loss happened in the city and its surroundings, causing several vital public services to momentarily pause. However, public sectors, including the international airport are speeding up to recover in order assistance and supports to immediately reach the affected areas.

The disaster shocked the nation, especially the visiting tourists in Yogyakarta. In a coordinated meeting in the office of Coordinating Minister for Economy, there are steps taken regarding the rescue, rehabilitation, and recovery process. From June-July, rescue process will take place. Recovery and rehabilitation process will take 7 months, from June - December. All the interconnected institutions should plan programs and action plans according to the steps mentioned.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia has initiated some actions such as broadcasting condolence in printed media and television, reporting the situation to PATA and UN-WTO particularly on recovery action plan for Yogyakarta. Coordinating with local governments are also established in regard with compiling data bases on damaged tourism and cultural assets, domestic and foreign tourists, cancellations and the motives, and also other related information on traveling.

The Ministry, together with tourism industries, organizations, associations, and other stakeholders, has also established the Java Media Tourism Crisis Center immediately after the earthquake took place and lives. Minister Wacik has gathered as much aid as possible and have them continuously collected and delivered to the affected areas, and will immediately fly to Yogyakarta to stage a press conference and give direction for all culture and tourism stakeholders.

"Physically, Yogyakarta may suffer for a while, and it is surely recoverable. However, the spirit, the culture, and the hospitality that people of Yogyakarta have maintained for hundreds of years will never perish," Minister Wacik said.

Jero Wacik

Officially has operated 24 hour, Java Media Tourism Crisis Center with various programs Care Tourism. Participation in all kinds of form would be appreciated.

Java Media Tourism Crisis Center
Tel: + 62 (274) 520907
Fax: + 62 (274) 583783
Email: javamedia_tcc@yahoo.com
Account: 00102728150 BNI Branch Office at the University of Gadjah Mada

Supported by Ministry of Tourism and Culture, BPIPY, MPI, PHRI, ASITA, HPI, WIPI, etc.

To our overseas friends.

Please find the following are some brief facts with regard to the earthquake that hit Yogyakarta on Saturday, 27th May 2006.

The rate of the tremor was 5.9 on Richter Scale and its epicentrum was at 38 km south of Yogyakarta with 33 depth of Indian Ocean.

The most affected area is Bantul, indicated by the casualties rates due to home collapses. To date, there have been no report on hotel collapse, but some minor damage happened such as wall cracking and tiles. Further, there has been no injured or overseas tourists nor casualties. Yogyakarta airport, which part of building was slightly affacted, is expected to resume normal operation on Sunday, 28th afternoon. Once open, the airport will be used primarily for transporting relief-related goods and personnel. All Yogyakarta linked flights are redirected to Solo and Semarang, the closest airport locations from Yogyakarta. Number of reported casualties is 3098, with about 80% were origins of Bantul District.

Indonesians all over the country expressed the deepest condolence for the victims and their families. We appriecate some countries which have made pledges to support Indonesia in such a difficult situation. Among them are Japan, France, Malaysia and Singapore. We would certainly welcome any aids from other countries and agencies to help ease the pains felt by the affacted ones.

Thank you very much for your great assistance in advance, and we will update the necessary information.

Sincerely Yours,
Thamrin B. Bachri/Director General for Marketing-
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia
http://www.budpar.go.id/

Tel	:	95 67 406056 / 406057
Fax	:	951 242511 / 254417 95 67 406057 / 406063