June 2019: A Sentimental Mission to Indonesia

In June 2019, I travelled to Indonesia once again, this time to follow up on the humanitarian projects responding to the aftermath of the December 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami. The mission was both professional and personal for me, as it marked my last trip to Indonesia in my role as the Rapid Response Coordinator for Southeast Asia—a role that had brought me to this incredible country many times.

Field Visits: Kalodran, Caringin, and Sumberjaya

After initial meetings in Jakarta, I travelled to the affected areas of Kalodran, Caringin, and Sumberjaya. These regions had faced severe devastation during the tsunami, and it was heartening to witness the progress of the recovery projects we supported. The humanitarian interventions included:
• Shelter and housing reconstruction to provide families with safer and more resilient homes.
• Livelihood support to help communities restart their income-generating activities.
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives to ensure access to clean water and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Education in emergencies, focusing on restoring access to schooling for children affected by the disaster.

The visit was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Indonesian people, who continuously rebuild their lives despite living in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions.

Jakarta: Civil Protection Emergency Centre

Back in Jakarta, we visited the Civil Protection Emergency Centre, an advanced facility tasked with monitoring emergencies both within Indonesia and across the ASEAN region. I was particularly impressed by the modern technology and the coordination mechanisms in place to issue early warnings and oversee disaster responses. The system integrates real-time data, weather forecasting, seismic monitoring, and communication tools to ensure that communities receive timely alerts and that response teams are well-coordinated.

This visit highlighted the significant progress Indonesia and ASEAN countries have made in disaster preparedness and management—a crucial effort given the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

A Memorable Journey

The trip was especially meaningful because I was accompanied by my new Thai colleague, Nueng, whose dedication and talent shone throughout the mission. Her professionalism and commitment to the work were truly inspiring, making her an invaluable partner during the trip.

This being my last mission to Indonesia in this role added a sentimental layer to the journey. Over the years, I had built connections with many people and witnessed the strength and perseverance of communities recovering from unimaginable challenges. Indonesia had left a deep imprint on me, and it was bittersweet to know that this chapter of my humanitarian work was coming to a close.

Reflecting on Indonesia

Indonesia remains a country of extraordinary contrasts—devastated by the forces of nature but fortified by the resilience of its people. This mission was not just about monitoring projects but also about appreciating the progress made, the partnerships built, and the shared commitment to helping those in need.

As I departed, I carried with me a profound sense of gratitude for all the lessons Indonesia had taught me, and for the opportunity to contribute, however small, to the recovery and growth of its communities.

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