In The News

Rebuilding Lives in Aceh and Nias

Valentine’s Day this year took on a special meaning for the people living in Aceh and Nias Island whose livelihoods were drastically affected by the tsunami.

The day marked the inauguration of the completion of the Post-Tsunami (2004) Project for Aceh and Nias Island as officials from the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF), Dewan Koperasi Indonesia (DEKOPIN) and Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS) witnessed the handing over of equipment to the various fishing and farming co-operatives in Aceh and Nias.

The ceremony at Banda Aceh was graced by the Deputy Governor of Aceh Mr Muhammad Nazar. Other invited guests included Mr Adi Sasono (President of DEKOPIN), Mr Lim Neo Chian (Vice Chairman of SRCS), Mr Saraj Din (Executive Council Member of SNCF), Mr Zulkifli Mohammed (Chief Executive of SNCF), representatives from the SRCS and beneficiary co-operatives.

The funds have been put into good use with the construction of eight fishing boats for eight fishing co-operatives in Aceh, which would help 1,177 members with their means of livelihood. The procurement also included two rice mills, two hand tractors and two trucks that would benefit 14 co-operatives in both Aceh and Nias.

SNCF and DEKOPIN could not have achieved this without the generous donations totaling US$401,970.24 from the Singapore public through the Tidal Waves Asia Fund. The ownership of these fishing boats and equipment would go a long way to lift the spirit of the Aceh and Nias’ co-operative communities, empowering them to revive their livelihoods after the 2004 tsunami.