On January 6th (Thurs.) and 7th(Fri.), we visited the city of Lhokseumawe, where the nearest refugee camps from Medan are located. There were four of us, including myself. We brought along our lunches because we thought it could be difficult to get food there, but actually the local restaurants were already open as usual.

It is said that there are 131 refugee camps around Loksmawe, and we visited 3 of them. The relief goods we brought were "EM (Effective Microorganisms)". It is quite famous among some, so please refer to their websites for further information.

Relief goods are distributed by the Indonesian Army. Everyday new stuff arrive and they are piled up high in their storehouse. And everyday they are carried to each camps.

The "EM" we handed over was "EM4" made in Indonesia. Usually it is for agricultural use, but we can also drink it. The reason we chose it was because it seemed the most appropriate for hygienic purposes. Food supply, clothing and other stuff may be arriving one after another, but "EM" is not used widely in Indonesia yet.

A few days later we were informed that "EM" is being effective. This time, we brought just a little amount to put it to the test, but hearing the results are well, we are planning to return at the end of this month.

Expenses:
EM (10 liters) 5 bottles Rp. 875,000
Water Rp. 450,000
Waterdispenser Rp. 165,000
Plastic Spray Botols Rp. 55,000
Gasoline Rp. 300,000
Accomodation(4 persons for 1 night) Rp. 230,000
Foods (Box lunches + 2 meals, breakfast on the 2nd day was treated by the people in the army) Rp.51,000

Total: Rp. 2,126,000

Plan for future : supply EM 500 bottles

(2005.1.10.�@Translated by ST)