Indonesia

Indonesia is located in what is commonly known as the "Ring of Fire", a region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. In the province of Aceh and Nias, communities were decimated during the December 2004 tsunami and March 2005 earthquake. Thousands were left homeless and were in need of basic humanitarian assistance.

Canadian Red Cross

Canadian Red Cross’ programming in Indonesia started with a commitment to build back and build better in 49 communities in the disaster-prone provinces of Aceh and Nias following the tsunami.  Adopting an integrated approach, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement embarked on a program that would rebuild villages that are and more resistant to future disasters, include women in the decision-making, and increase the capacity of the Acehnese and Nias to increase their income-earning potential.

Since 2005, the Canadian Red Cross constructed more than 5,450 safe and permanent houses for thousands of residents.

The Canadian Red Cross also implemented an Environmental Health program to prevent and reduce the risk of disease caused by exposure to harmful environmental conditions. Since the tsunami, we have constructed permanent public water and sanitation facilities at schools and health clinics in 15 Acehnese villages. In northern Nias, more than 30,000 residents are benefiting from improved access to water and sanitation.

As well, a Disaster Risk Reduction Program was introduced that increases the potential of communities to not only reduce their risk of disaster, but to know how to better respond when one occurs. Canadian Red Cross continues to provide the financial and technological know-how to support the Indonesian Red Cross in implementing this program.

In an effort to build back stronger and more resilient communities, Canadian Red Cross also wanted to help villagers increase their income-earning potential with maintaining the vibrant Acehnese culture. Hundreds of men and women attended various skill-building workshops, receiving training on topics such as logistics and procurement, tailoring and agriculture.

Canadian Red Cross has completed its Tsunami recovery programming.  We could not have done it alone, your donations contributed immensely, as did the active involvement of the people of Aceh and Nias. Today, Canadian Red Cross has shifted its focus from Tsunami recovery to supporting the Indonesian Red Cross and the targeted communities in enhancing their capacity to mitigate and manage disasters and other vulnerabilities.  The beneficiaries of this current five year strategy are targeted communities in the Lampung, Jambi, and West Sumatera provinces, the Indonesian Red Cross chapters and headquarters, and the local governments. Indirect beneficiaries are expected to be all the communities in the four provinces.

In all of our programming, Canadian Red Cross’ goal is to create an environment that will allow women, men, girls and boys to benefit equally, to empower the vulnerable, and ensure everyone has an equal voice.

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Posted:  January 18, 2011