Still searching: A search and rescue team carries the body of an earthquake victim found under debris of the Ambacang Hotel on Sunday. The hotel collapsed when the powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocked the West Sumatra capital city of Padang last week. JP/J. Adiguna
Your say on the recent earthquake in several cities of West Sumatra, which killed hundreds of people and devastated thousands of houses, office buildings, and other infrastructures.
For ages, everything is perfect as it is. Anything happening is a natural unfolding of perfection.
Natural and unnatural disasters are as perfect as any other events. What do you think?
Andy L.S.
Bekasi, West Java
We should learn about the cause of earthquakes from history and from the natural world. We know that West Sumatra and other regions in Indonesia are vulnerable to this kind of natural disaster. Therefore, we "must" improve cooperation between citizens and governments in terms of how to minimize the damage if it happens again (though I do hope not) by building stronger houses and buildings that meet the safety criteria of experts in our government institutions, and we all must collaborate in establishing rapid response teams in risky areas that will deal with victims quickly and effectively.
My sincere condolences to all the afflicted brothers and sisters in Padang and Pariaman.
Herdy
Leiden, The Netherlands
There are a series of messages from God to everyone, especially to Indonesian leaders. It now depends on us if we want to move toward hope or toward another tragedy.
Andoko Darta
Jakarta
The first thing to consider is improving disaster mitigation systems as, so far, the system in Indonesia is not yet optimal. Indonesia has never been serious about warning people, so people do not pay much attention to disasters, as they happen so often in Indonesia. Next time, it would be better to improve the disaster mitigation organization so victims can be minimized
Diana Murtianingsih
Yogyakarta
We experience one earthquake after another which causes thousands of casualties. How many more until the government (national, provincial and local) do something about building regulations?
Should there not be any enforcement with regard to how we construct our buildings, especially knowing how prone to natural disasters we are? Prayers and aid money will only do so much. We need resolute political will to fix our infrastructure.
Yuventius Nurman
Yogyakarta
When the earthquake hit our home in Ciamis, it was terrifying; so scary I thought I was going to die. Then the disaster happened again. God keep us away from danger and grief.
Herawati
Ciamis, West Java
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the earthquake. Unfortunately, people might not realize the extent of the casualties.
I found the news coverage on a national TV channel very unpleasant; with absolutely no censoring, it showed the evacuation of students' lifeless bodies. On another occasion, a newscaster thoughtlessly asked a mother of a missing student what if the worst was to happen, inciting her to tears on live TV.
Do we really need such dramatic images at a time when we should be giving moral support to the victims? The TV channel was both disrespectful to the memory of the slain and insensitive to their loved ones.
Ignatius
Jakarta
I think it is a terrible disaster and we have to try to help one another, as we never know what will happen in our next life.
Perhaps we don't have to help them with money, but help them with our actions in helping them find their families, friends etc.
Clarisa Mutriafica
Serpong, Banten
The airlines increased the fares for Padang flights. It is despicable that airfares for flights to Padang in the aftermath of the earthquake there have been raised to unreasonable levels by some airlines.
A proportional increase in fares because of more traffic than seats available is normal, i.e. the law of supply and demand; but in a situation like this, it is absolutely unacceptable that these airlines are trying to make a fast buck from the public who already have to deal with having lost loved ones and suffering enormous material damage in the earthquake.
The Transportation Ministry should step in and not try to blame this on rogue individuals (oknum) within the airlines or travel agencies.
V.T. Hopkins
Jakarta
Watching the effects of the earthquake in Padang, Pariaman and Jambi on TV made me sad and speechless.
To overcome and survive this calamity we need all kinds of assistance, either from domestic or international sources. Once more, we have received a divine warning that human beings always depend on other, especially in time of sorrow.
Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta
Please accept our sympathy to all those who have lost their loved ones. It is very painful to see the destruction and misery caused by the earthquake. Have faith and do not lose hope.
Nelson
Sabah, Malaysia
The earthquake that shook West Sumatra and the surrounding area was truly heartbreaking; as a result, many have lost contact with their relatives. In addition to food aid, medicines and clothing may be needed, but the problem of fuel should also be considered. As there is currently a shortage of fuel, the ability to deliver aid will be compromised.
The Bukittinggi area, located not far from the Pariaman, Maninjau and other areas, is relatively safe. Many brothers and sisters from the famous Bukittinggi vegetable suppliers who want to send food aid throughout the West Sumatra region cannot deliver because of the scarcity of fuel.
Herawati Sikumbang
Malang, East Java
