While the Klaten District of Central Java Province suffered around 1,000 deaths as a result of the May 2006 earthquake, nearly 200,000 dwellings were destroyed or damaged. This led to a serious refugee problem, and since the number of deaths in the district was low compared with other areas and access difficult, international relief efforts were compromised.

The Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA) concentrated efforts to support children, the elderly and mothers, but most people were unwilling to leave the ruins of their homes for fear of burglary, making distribution of relief supplies more problematical.

In addition to the distribution of food, clothing, tents, and medical and personal supplies, IPPA started collaboration with a team from the Faculty of Psychology, University of Semarang, to provide counseling for trauma victims.

Psychologists played with children, and gave out prizes of stationery to encourage participation, while other psychologists conducted activities with mothers and gave out sanitary goods to participants.

Mobile services

To better reach people in remote areas, IPPA carried out mobile services at refugee coordinating posts (poskos), comprising one doctor, nurse, logistician and driver. The service provided private examinations, treatment, and information on preventing disease. Severe cases were referred to appropriate facilities.

IPPA says there is still need to provide housing, and public bathhouses and kindergartens.