On May 27, 2006, a devastating earthquake with a maximum magnitude of 6.4 struck the Yogyakarta region of Java, Indonesia. The quake occurred along a fault line in the Sunda Plate, an area known for high seismic activity, and caused widespread damage. Nearly 6,000 people lost their lives that day, tens of thousands sustained injuries, and millions were affected by the resulting structural and economic devastation.

There has been considerable speculation regarding the reasons for the disproportionately devastating impact of this earthquake and the extent of the damage it caused. The city of Yogyakarta has many buildings constructed in an unreinforced masonry style, which resulted in the collapse of numerous homes and small businesses, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents. Additionally, Yogyakarta is situated near the active volcano, Mount Merapi. Previous eruptions have created areas filled with volcanic debris and deposits. Scientists speculate that the depressions caused by this debris may have amplified the shaking in the city, leading to even more catastrophic damage.

Following the earthquake, the Indonesian government declared a three-month state of emergency to respond to the disaster. It is estimated that the country incurred damages exceeding one billion dollars. To support Indonesia’s recovery efforts, donations came in from countries around the world, including China, Japan, Canada, India, and the UK, as well as a significant contribution from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.