Building Hope Amid the Disaster: The Religious Experience of Bantul People toward the 2006 Earthquake

Abstract

Experience of many disasters in Indonesia, especially that of the earthquake on May 2006 in Bantul, comes to the reflection about the solidarity of people in Indonesia, even in the world. Admiration and appreciation emerge that the human solidarity is still very strong. Material donations to the victims flowed from all corners of the world. Spiritual supports in the various forms of prayer or worship were held in many places to give consolation for the victims. Does the reflection just stop on the human solidarity as the most significant factor which raise the victims from their desperation?

This study suggests that hope is the strong power to push the people to arise from their despairs. Following Patrick Shade in his book Habits of Hope. A Pragmatic Theory (2001), there are three dimensions of hope that are particular hope, habits of hope, and hopefulness. Particular hope is that which has clear and distinct address. For example, I hope that I am recovered soon from my sickness. Someone who always has particular hope in his or her life, then, will have habits of hope. In turn, he or she will be hopefulness because of his or her habits of hope. Hopefulness manifests the personal maturity of someone. It was conditioned by the riches of their life experiences, whether in those of joy or sorrow.