Indonesia is located in what is commonly known as the "Ring of Fire", a region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. It is considered one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.
In the provinces of Aceh and Nias, communities were devastated during the December 2004 tsunami and March 2005 earthquake. Thousands were left homeless and in need of basic humanitarian assistance. More recent disasters have included devastating earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides. These frequent and regular disasters illustrate the need to address not only the immediate disaster response, but also disaster prevention and risk reduction initiatives.
Canadian Red Cross
Indonesia Red Cross Volunteer conducting a household survey in Malalak village, West Sumatra
The Canadian Red Cross’ programming in Indonesia started with a commitment to build back better in 49 communities in the disaster-prone provinces of Aceh and Nias following the 2004 tsunami.
Today, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting the Indonesia Red Cross and targeted communities in enhancing their capacity to mitigate and manage future disasters and other vulnerabilities. The beneficiaries of this five year plus strategy are targeted communities in the Lampung, Jambi, and West Sumatra provinces. The project supports the strengthening of the Indonesia Red Cross headquarters, three provincial chapters and nine branches, corresponding local government units, 18 target villages and 45 educational institutions.
Key components include:
-
Orientation, knowledge sharing, training of trainers, exchange visits and other developmental activities for the Indonesia Red Cross, community volunteers and local government personnel
-
Activation and maintenance of Disaster Management Committees and Community Based Action Teams in target villages
-
Support to the development of community disaster risk reduction plans including awareness activities in targeted communities.
-
Training of teachers to conduct disaster risk reduction awareness-raising and training in their schools
-
Improvement of partnership, cooperation and resource sharing at all levels
-
Resource mobilization initiatives to ensure sustainability of disaster risk reduction programming
The success of the PERTAMA project rests on it being a participatory approach which includes both the Indonesia Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross, and respects and supports the insights, knowledge and priorities of the communities which are the primary targets and final beneficiaries.
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, empower the vulnerable, and ensure everyone has an equal voice.