Over 5400 people died in the Yogyakarta Earthquake tragedy last 27 May 2006, and more than 200,000 are homeless. As a result, water, food, medical aid, and other basic necessities is greatly needed by the victims.

We would like to call for your immediate action to extend your helping hand, and donate to the HK Coalition of Indonesian Migrant Workers Organization (KOTKIHO), which is arranging for direct emergency aid for victims in Yogyakarta, and is also offering counseling for domestic workers in Hong Kong affected by the tragedy.

Many of our members, particularly those working in HK, come from the area affected by the earthquake, and many of them have lost their houses and family members in the tragedy. KOTKIHO, in collaboration with the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI) and Indonesia Peduli, are directly working in the area, and have opened a temporary shelter for victims in Bantul. This shelter will also be expanded to the Klaten area, which is the most affected area of the earthquake. More than 3000 people from Bantul area are dead, while about 800 people from Klaten have lost their lives. (Source: Sekda DIY, 30 May 2006)

Methods of contribution include the following:

Bank in HSBC A/C: 0010339885 (THE HK COALITION OF INDONESIAN MIGRANT WORKERS ORGANIZATION) then fax receipt to 2992 0111 quoting "Earthquake Relief"

4/F, Room A and C Jardine’s Mansion, 22 Yee Woo Street, Causeway Bay

(Near with MTR Exit F, Causeway Bay) .

We are also collecting other necessities including clothing, food, toys, medicine, and household items such as blankets, cookware, etc. All of these items are desperately needed by the victims, and will be greatly appreciated. A moving company has generously donated to send these items directly to Jogjakarta for us, without charge.

The Hong Kong Coalition of Indonesian Migrant Workers Organization (KOTKIHO) is a coalition of seven Indonesian migrant women’s organizations in Hong Kong. This coalition was built on the basis of togetherness, destiny and solidarity. The member organisations are: Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (IMWU), Forum Komunikasi Mukminat Peduli Umat, Majelis Taklim, Amanah, Yogya International Club, Sanggar Budaya and Forum Da’wah Victoria.

KOTKIHO was formed in December 2000 and registered with the Hong Kong Societies Office in August 2001. The six organizations altogether have over 7,500 members. KOTKIHO works closely with the Coalition for Migrants Rights (CMR) as sister coalitions, particularly in campaigns.

KOTKIHO is open for membership to all Indonesian domestic workers’ organizations in Hong Kong, and its objectives are:

· To empower women and migrant workers in Hong Kong, especially those who are victims of exploitation;

· To enable migrant women workers to express the problems they encounter;

· To support migrant women workers to strive for better conditions and positions in society;
· To struggle for migrants' rights, human dignity, and against abuses exploitation and discrimination;

In addition, KOTKIHO provides both a shelter and a training centre for Indonesian domestic workers. Each year since 2001, there have been around 200 female migrant workers staying in this shelter while they filed cases against employers due to various illegal-treatment, such as underpayment, physical abuse and rape. KOTKIHO provides a temporary place to stay for the FDW while she pursues her case. KOTKIHO also provides training and counselling.

The KOTKIHO training centre, provides educational services for approximately 150 migrant workers quarterly. Courses are offered to teach migrant workers English, computer skills, guitar, Cantonese, dancing, make-up, sewing. There is also training linked to empowerment skills in areas such as gender, leadership, organisational management, and other activities.

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Your generosity will definitely help soothe the pain of the victims and is truly appreciated. Thank you very much. For enquiry, please contact Sumiati at 9255 6699, Sartiwen at 95880939, Aleng at 94465434 and Nurul Qoiriah at 6153 105.