Atut's adventures in Bicak

On Friday 18 August 2006, I accompanied my wonderful teacher, Ms Sari to the region of Klaten, in particular to the village of Bicak. I was keen to see the situation in the earthquake region; but I was not quite prepared to see so many damaged houses.

I was only there for 3 days. A really short time, but I tried to be as useful as I could. I noticed that although life can be tricky, the people in Bicak still had time for music.

The Klaten region is really pretty, there are lots and lots of hills. I made lots of friends around Bicak, I really liked that. I heard lots of stories about the day of the earthquake.

From what I could tell, many of the people around the Klaten region make a living from bricks, ceramic vases and guitars. I met lots of people who make a living making these things. It was interesting watching them.

I also met two foreigners. They were from Holland. I met Mbak Monique, Mas Dan and Mbak Rachel. All three were just lovely. They were all there because they wanted to help the people in Klaten. And they gave me cool presents - a bag and a pair of sandals!

While I was there they were preparing for a show in the grounds of the primary school (SD Brangkal 2), there were going to be games, prizes and everything! My teacher Ms Sari, organised it all. People were organised into three groups, little ones, teenagers and a group of oldies! The prizes were good too, there were sleeping mats, cooking oil, rice, clothes and lots more… I really wanted to join in, but it was almost time for me to go home.

My friends and I were very sad that it was already time for us to part, but we bravely exchanged heartfelt goodbyes.

Lek Mi and I went home to Sekaralas together on the Bus (I felt very sorry for the buskers who came to the bus every time it stopped). Lek Mi's full name is Suparmi, but I call her Lek or little aunty because she’s younger than my parents, and Mi is the short version of her name.

Once I got home, it hit me how exhausted I was, all I wanted to do was sleep. I thought about my new friends and imagined what it was like when the earthquake hit, which made me feel scared for them.

So here ends my story. Until next time… Here are some photos of my trip.

Here I am with my new friends from Bicak

Here I am with my new friend Kurniawati. Soon after the earthquake hit, I wrote a letter to the children of Bicak, and Kurniawati answered my letter, so we are now good friends.

Here I am with the two Dutch volunteers Dan and Rachel, and Lek Mi, who is also from Sekaralas. Lek Mi works with SGN with my teacher Ms Sari.

Here I am watching the clever guitar makers hard at work.