As Indonesia prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, communities in the region hardest hit by the disaster are taking proactive steps to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. Hundreds of Indonesians participated in disaster drills on Wednesday, fleeing to higher ground as they simulated the response to a massive tsunami. These drills, organized by the United Nations, were conducted in Aceh province, the epicenter of the devastation, where over 60,000 people lost their lives in the tragic event.
The drills, which took place in villages near Banda Aceh, saw schoolchildren rush to safety following emergency evacuation protocols. As school bells rang, students followed designated escape routes, covering their heads and running through the streets, guided by volunteers shouting, “Evacuate!” It was a stark reminder of the chaos that unfolded two decades ago but also a demonstration of how much progress has been made in preparing communities for similar events in the future.
The exercise was a simulation of the magnitude 9.2 earthquake that struck off the west coast of Sumatra on December 26, 2004, triggering a series of massive tsunamis that devastated coastal communities. The quake and subsequent waves killed more than 200,000 people across 14 countries, with Indonesia bearing the brunt of the destruction. In Aceh alone, more than 60,000 people perished.
Rizky Firmansyah, a 34-year-old village official, participated in the drills, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “With exercises, we can prevent, rather than cure,” he said. “It’s better for us to anticipate than to have things that we don’t want to happen.” His sentiments reflect the growing recognition that disaster preparedness and awareness are key to saving lives and minimizing damage in the event of future tsunamis.
The drills were part of a broader tsunami summit organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This summit brought together experts to discuss the state of tsunami preparedness and the progress made since the 2004 disaster. UNESCO aims to have 100 percent of coastal communities in the Indian Ocean region fully prepared for a potential tsunami by 2030.
Ardito Kodijat, head of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre, highlighted the significance of continued efforts to ensure that communities remain resilient. “We must ensure the next generation remains informed, prepared, and resilient,” he said. “Ensuring community preparedness requires regular drills.” The focus on involving young people in these exercises ensures that future generations will be ready to respond should disaster strike.
Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The archipelago lies in a region where tectonic plates frequently collide, making it vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, experts believe that significant improvements have been made in disaster management since 2004, especially with the establishment of early warning systems for tsunamis. These systems, which were absent during the 2004 disaster, now offer a critical lifeline to coastal communities, giving them time to evacuate before a tsunami strikes.
Despite these advancements, UNESCO officials continue to urge caution. Vidar Helgesen, the executive secretary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, warned that while the world is much safer today, the unpredictable nature of tsunamis means that vigilance remains essential. “While we have made significant strides, the nature of this hazard requires us to remain vigilant,” Helgesen said.
The drills conducted by Indonesia’s meteorology, climatology, and geophysics agency (BMKG) tested key aspects of tsunami response, including communication protocols, evacuation routes, and emergency services’ coordination. Volunteers, including local graduates like Cutraa Rasmanidar, emphasized the importance of these drills in fostering community awareness. “This is extremely important for this community,” said Rasmanidar. “It’s reflective, so we can remember what happened in the past.”
As Indonesia prepares to honor the victims of the 2004 tsunami, the focus is squarely on building resilience and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. Regular disaster drills and enhanced preparedness are vital to minimizing the impact of any future catastrophe, ensuring that communities are equipped to respond effectively and save lives. The commitment to preparedness, along with the international collaboration led by UNESCO, underscores the importance of staying vigilant in the face of nature’s unpredictable forces.
