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Tsunami Reconstruction

On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake unleashed a devastating tsunami upon the many countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Over 200,000 people died. In Indonesia alone, more than 160,000 people lost their lives. Farmland, fishing boats, schools—entire towns—were swept away by the waves.

As Indonesia mobilized to rescue stranded people, look after the refugees, and begin to rebuild the affected areas, it found strong international support. In particular, Indonesian-U.S. cooperation in reconstruction has been extensive. Indonesians will not forget the goodwill and generosity shown by both the people and government of the United States.

Support from individual American citizens began flowing almost immediately. Donations of food, clothing, and supplies piled high in front the Embassy, arriving so quickly that the Embassy had to arrange rapid shipping and nearly ran out of storage room. Less visible but just as important, Americans also sent money to non-governmental organizations operating in Indonesia. And the Embassy’s own relief fund received nearly $350,000 in private donations, enabling it to purchase new buses for destroyed schools and contribute to the national Victims’ Fund.

The U.S. Government also acted swiftly. After consulting with Indonesia’s Ambassador and speaking with President Yudhoyono, President Bush announced $35 million in emergency aid two days after the disaster. Later, after the extent of the damage became clear, the U.S. raised that number to $950 million. Further, as part of Operation Unified Assistance, the U.S. military transported and distributed massive amounts of supplies. A hospital ship, the U.S.N. Mercy, even cared for the wounded and sick.

Long-term cooperation also joined this immediate assistance. Today, American non-governmental organizations like Catholic Relief Services, the U.S.-Indonesia Society, and the Red Cross remain engaged in reconstruction and development activities. Indeed, many of these organizations have been active in Indonesia for decades.

Links to information detailing further Indonesian-U.S. post-tsunami cooperation follow below

Agency for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
The website of the Government of Indonesia’s Agency for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, also called Badan Rehabilitasi dan Rekonstruksi, or BRR.
USAID Indonesia
The website of the United States Agency for International Development’s office in Indonesia
Indonesia Relief
The website of Indonesia Relief, an organization established by the Washington, DC-area Indonesian community to contribute to natural disaster rehabilitation in Indonesia.
President Yudhoyono Speech
The speech delivered by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the one-year anniversary of the tsunami tragedy.
President Bush Remarks
The short remarks made by President George W. Bush during his visit to the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington, DC to sign a condolence book.