20 Years JICA Cooperation in Aceh after the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami

The 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, struck on December 26, 2004, triggered by a massive 9.1 Magnitude undersea megathrust earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra.

Two decades later, Aceh has been developed, and 2024 serves as an opportune moment to underscore the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience. JICA commemorates 20 years of cooperation in Aceh by documenting past activities supported by the Government of Japan and promoting disaster awareness through evacuation drilling and events related to disaster prevention.

We collected information from the past reports from various references and interviewed persons involved from both countries to share their contribution and grasped the learnings of Aceh's disaster rehabilitation, recovery, and resilience efforts.

In collaboration with Syiah Kuala University Students, we held a 3-day events from December 19-21, 2024 titled: " Aceh Tsunami Awareness Festival 2024". Activities included student campaigns on disaster risk mitigation, seminars, dissemination of study results, and tsunami evacuation drills at the Tsunami Evacuation Building in Lambung Village.

A highlight was the SMONG Poem from Simeulue Island, representing traditional wisdom and knowledge in reducing the number of victims during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. To spread the awareness and easier understanding, we collaborate with Museum Tsunami of Aceh and SMPN 11 Banda Aceh to musicalize it by translating the lyric to Indonesia Language.

Products and Documentation Resources Available:

A. Magazine of 20 Years JICA Cooperation in Aceh after the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami

B. Booklet
A-8 pages of simpler and summary of the Magazine

C. Video Publication

Finally, JICA would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of those who contributed to this long-collaborative effort for the past 20 years covering many backgrounds such as respected counterparts, implementer, local people of Aceh, and those who involved and provide their kind support for the success of this cooperation. We are committed to raising awareness of disaster risk reduction for the young generation. We hope that these documentations will serve as a valuable resource for future generations, inspiring continued collaboration, and improved resiliencies in disaster risk reduction.