Qurrata Ayuni, a 28-year-old who survived the earthquake and tsunami that struck her hometown twenty years ago, has turned her resilience into a purposeful mission. Challenging Aceh's male-centric coffee industry, she operates a café that creates an inviting environment for all, particularly women, by hiring and uplifting them in the region most affected by the disaster. On december 26, 2004, a massive 9.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered a tsunami that resulted in the deaths of approximately 230,000 individuals across multiple countries, extending as far as east Africa. Of those, around 160,000 were in Aceh, located at the northwestern tip of Indonesia. Ayuni narrowly escaped the tsunami by coincidence, as she was at her aunt's home in Banda Aceh instead of at her family residence in Lampuuk, Aceh Besar district. Nonetheless, the catastrophe devastated her childhood, taking the lives of her parents and younger sister, who was just 6 when their home was struck by the immense waves.
The infrastructure in Aceh has been rebuilt and is now more resilient than it was prior to the tsunami. Early warning systems have been established in coastal areas to alert residents of potential tsunami threats. Approximately 14 kilometers from Ayuni's café, students at a public high school in Lhoknga regularly participate in disaster drills, particularly when there are earthquake warnings, preparing to evacuate in anticipation of a possible tsunami. During these drills, students take cover under tables and recite dhikr (Islamic prayers) saying 'la ilaha illallah,' which translates to 'there is no god but Allah,' as they await instructions to move from their classrooms to the designated assembly area in the schoolyard.
The school carries a tragic legacy. Located roughly one kilometer from the coast, it was completely destroyed and leveled alongside many other structures. This institution was one of more than 1,400 that suffered destruction from the tsunami, according to a report from the Disaster Mitigation Research Centre at Syiah Kuala university in Aceh, released in 2019. Some of the educators there are survivors of that calamity. They were merely teenagers when they witnessed the colossal waves, some reaching heights comparable to coconut trees. They are the only individuals at the school with direct memories of the disaster, as all current students were born after 2004. These students have learned about the earthquake and the subsequent three enormous waves primarily from their parents' accounts.
'We want to ensure they are knowledgeable about the tsunami's history. We refuse to let them remain unaware of that past, as it is a tragedy that may be somber for many,' stated Eka Sari Dewi, the principal of the school. 'However, as the younger generation, it is crucial for them to know how to respond after a tsunami.' For this reason, Dewi has adhered to government guidelines regarding tsunami education, instructing her students to stay vigilant and ready to evacuate to safer locations when necessary. After conducting disaster drills at school on the 26th of each month for about a year, students have become highly alert and prepared to respond when the disaster alarm sounds. 'These drills are extremely beneficial because, in the event of a disaster, we will know how to self-rescue. This way, we will not be confused like those who were in the past,’ remarked Rihadatul Aisy, one of the students.
Fazli, who heads Preparedness at the Aceh Disaster Management Agency and, like many Indonesians, uses only one name, mentioned that the simulation is designed to enhance the capabilities of the school community, increase awareness, and prepare students for earthquakes by providing crucial earthquake and tsunami information and ensuring they are ready at all times and in all places. "Our greatest hope is to see minimal casualties when the next disaster strikes," Fazli remarked. Survivors like Ayuni, who experienced disasters at a young age, may struggle to fully comprehend their past experiences. Nevertheless, there is anticipation that future generations can be better equipped to handle such challenges. "I hope the younger generation will remember that we once endured a tremendously powerful tsunami. So even though our infrastructure may now be strong and our economy has recovered, we should not forget the past event," Ayuni expressed.
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