Jakarta - It has been 20 years since a 9.1 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami struck Aceh on 26 December 2004. The tragedy, which claimed more than 170,000 lives and destroyed vital infrastructure, has become an important part of Aceh's and the world's history.
To commemorate the event, the Aceh Government held a grand reflection event at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, Thursday (26/12/2024). Thousands of people attended the zikir and prayer led by Habib Abdul Haris Alaydrus. The Acting Governor of Aceh, Safrizal ZA, was present along with leaders of the Aceh Forkopimda, ambassadors of friendly countries, several ministers, members of the House of Representatives/DPD RI from Aceh, regents/mayors, Regional Secretaries, as well as heads of SKPA and Bureau Heads within the Aceh Regional Secretariat.
Ambassador Safrizal stated that remembering this event is very important as a life lesson. "The earthquake and tsunami were a severe test from God. However, we also witnessed extraordinary world solidarity for Aceh. This is proof that humanity transcends geographical boundaries," he said.
As a token of appreciation to those who contributed greatly in disseminating information and assisting during the disaster, the Acting Governor presented the Aceh Thanks To The World award. This award was given to meritorious figures and institutions, such as Rafli Kande, an Acehnese figure whose voice was heard by the world; Bedu Saini, the photographer of Serambi Indonesia Daily who captured the moment of the tsunami; Cut Putri who recorded the event directly; and Metro TV who continued to report information about the tsunami to the world. Awards were also given to a number of representatives of friendly countries, such as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Ambassador of Japan, the United States Consulate, the Consulate of the Embassy of Kuwait, the Consulate General of India, and the Consulate General of Malaysia.
Act. Governor Safrizal ZA reminded that the tsunami became a momentum for peace in Aceh. The conflict that lasted for three decades ended with the signing of the Helsinki MoU on 15 August 2005. "This tragedy taught us the importance of peace to build a better future for Aceh," he said.
The 20th anniversary of the tsunami was the culmination of a series of activities that had taken place over three months, including disaster education, disaster mitigation training, tree planting through the Tahiroe Aceh programme, and flower sowing in Ulee Lheu and several other districts. Donations and education packages were also given to 300 orphans as a form of concern for Aceh's next generation.
"Solidarity and mutual cooperation are the noble values of our nation. We will never forget the services of friendly countries, donors, and volunteers who helped us rise," said Safrizal.
The people of Aceh are urged to make this commemoration a spiritual and social reflection. "Let us maintain this spirit of togetherness to build a better and more compassionate Aceh and world," he said.
Previously, Act. Governor Safrizal, together with Aa Gym, Aceh Police Chief Inspector General. Pol Achmad Kartiko, Pangdam Iskandar Muda Major General Niko Fahrizal, as well as the Heads of the Aceh Working Units, made a pilgrimage to the Ulee Lheue Mass Grave.