ARCH Regional Consultation Meeting with JICA Detailed Planning Survey Team for the Preparation of the ARCH Plus Project, 11-12 February 2026, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

On 10–11 February 2026, the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) campus in Yogyakarta, Indonesia became the stage for a milestone event in ASEAN’s disaster health management journey. The ARCH Regional Consultation Meeting with JICA Detailed Planning Survey Team for the Preparation of the ARCH Plus Project was convened as the final gathering under the ARCH Project – Phase 2, marking the close of a remarkable ten-year chapter and paving the way for the next era: ARCH Plus Project.

The two-days meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Maki Ozawa from JICA Headquarters in Tokyo and Dr. Yodi Mahendradhata, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at UGM. Together, they guided discussions that reflected on the ARCH Project’s decade-long journey. Since its inception, ARCH has delivered groundbreaking outputs—ranging from regional coordination mechanisms and Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to DHM databases, training curriculars, and the ASEAN Academic Network on Disaster Health Management (AANDHM). These achievements have strengthened ASEAN’s collective capacity to respond and manage to disasters and public health emergencies with speed, coordination, and resilience.

The meeting also served as a platform to present evaluation results, highlighting the Project’s accomplishments that will inform the design and implementation of the forthcoming ARCH Plus Project (2026–2029). This successor initiative aims to enhance the organizational framework of the ASEAN Institute for Disaster Health Management (AIDHM), promote academic and research collaboration under the AANDHM, and further reinforce EMT capacities and regional training systems.

A highlight of the two-day program was the Group Discussion Activity on the first day. Representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and partners engaged in lively exchanges, brainstorming innovative ideas and sharing insights to shape sustainable initiatives for the region. This collaborative spirit underscored ASEAN’s commitment to resilience and regional solidarity, ensuring that disaster health management continues to evolve in response to emerging challenges.

The meeting concluded on a warm and memorable note with a dinner hosted by UGM at Desa Palagan restaurant. Participants enjoyed an evening of connection and celebration, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation that have defined the ARCH journey.

The gathering also witnessed a historic moment: the official retirement announcement of Dr. Tatsuro Kai, a legendary figure in disaster health management and a cornerstone of the ARCH Project. His visionary leadership and tireless dedication have left an enduring legacy in ASEAN’s regional cooperation. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of practitioners and policymakers in the field.

As the ARCH Project closes this chapter, the momentum carries forward with ARCH Plus Project. Building on a decade of achievements, the new initiative will strengthen resilience, deepen regional cooperation, and advance disaster health management across ASEAN.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all colleagues and partners whose dedication has made this journey possible. The ARCH Project has been more than a project—it has been a collective effort to safeguard lives, strengthen systems, and foster solidarity in the region.