Percy Patrick in Indonesia (2008)

SCIAF’s Asia Project Officer Percy Patrick reports back from a visit to Indonesia where SCIAF is helping traumatised children recover from the Asian tsunami.

Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia

Indonesia is made up of 17,508 islands making it the world’s largest archipelagic state. With a population of 234 million, it is the world’s fourth largest country. Ethnically, it is hugely diverse with more than 300 local languages.

Following three and a half centuries of Dutch colonialism, Indonesia secured its independence on 17th August 1945 but the country has seen great turmoil in recent years. Indonesians experienced their first free elections since the 1960s following the fall of Dictator, General Suharto in 1998 after 32 years in office. An estimated 17.8 % of the population live below the poverty line and 49% of people are living on less than two dollars a day.

The Asian tsunami caused widespread destruction to the western island of Sumatra when it struck in December 2004. Through its partners SCIAF provided critical emergency aid to those affected and continues to work on long-term projects to help communities rebuild their lives.

Day 1 (20 October 2008)

Day 2 (21 October 2008)

Day 3 (22 October 2008)