Paper for the Workshop on ‘Disaster Management for the Health Sector in Indonesia’,
Bali Padma Hotel, Kuta, 11-13 Juni 2003

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE AT SANGLAH HOSPITAL
AFTER THE KUTA BLAST (12-10-2002)

13. Phasing out: parties and rewards

    Part of the phasing out of volunteers included a variety of activities (receptions, barbecues, concerts) organized by several consulates and hotels, while also from other sides commemorating events with a festive character were organized. This was very soothing indeed. The great cleansing ceremony on the 15^th of November in Kuta, which encompassed Balinese society as a whole, also had that effect and apparently was attended by many from Sanglah hospital, many volunteers and families of victims.

    Several government institutions, including the Sanglah Hospital, also organized events and religious ceremonies to close the disaster related period of stress and sadness. Apparently not many volunteers or community organisations were involved on these occasions. Nevertheless a number of volunteers privately received a reward as a token of acknowledgement from official authorities. Although basically meant well, this lacked the positive impact it could have had on the volunteer community as whole, because it was not done in a public way. It also raised the question why certain individuals were given the honour and others not.

    Recommendation: Acknowledge officially the volunteer and hospital staff effort by organizing joint commemorating and festive events and publicly granting awards.

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