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December 24, 2024 | 02:42 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The tsunami disaster in Aceh 20 years ago was one of the most heartbreaking tragedies. After the disaster, the people of Aceh continued to struggle in various sectors. The disaster became the starting point for the community to rise.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Aceh tsunami disaster, the State Islamic University (UIN) Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh collaborated with Teuku Umar University (UTU) Meulaboh to hold the Aceh International Forum 2024 (AIF 2024). The forum is scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 December 2024 in Banda Aceh and Meulaboh, West Aceh.
What is the Aceh International Forum 2024?
With the theme "Religion, Togetherness, and Humanity", the Chancellor of UIN Ar-Raniry, Mujiburrahman, stated that AIF 2024 was designed as an event to reflect on Aceh's journey for two decades after the tsunami. Reported from the UIN Ar-Raniry page, this forum is expected to be a forum for formulating strategic steps to accelerate Aceh's development in the future, while still prioritizing regional character and identity.
"These two decades are the right time to evaluate the progress that has been achieved and formulate future strategies. AIF 2024 will be a forum for sharing experiences, thoughts, and ideas from Aceh's disaster and peace figures so that the spirit of collaboration continues to be passed on to the younger generation," said Prof. Mujiburrahman, Friday, December 6, 2024.
Furthermore, he added that this forum will invite various Aceh's disaster and peace figures who have contributed significantly to Aceh's post-tsunami recovery. These figures are expected to share their experiences and ideas with the younger generation.
The same thing was expressed by the Chancellor of UTU Meulaboh, Ishak Hasan, saying that AIF 2024 is not only a commemoration, but also a vehicle to strengthen solidarity and build a vision for a better future for Aceh. "Meulaboh is one of the areas most affected by the tsunami. Through AIF 2024, we want to emphasize the importance of collaboration in developing Aceh from the humanitarian, educational, and economic aspects," he explained.
Activity Details
The peak of AIF 2024 will be an International Forum and Round Table Meeting with the theme "Religious Moderation, Humanities, and Global Partnership". Quoted from the aif.ar-raniry.ac.id page, this event will discuss crucial issues related to religious moderation and the importance of cross-national cooperation in disaster management. The activity is scheduled to take place at Anjong Mon Mata, Pendopo Governor of Aceh, Banda Aceh.
AIF 2024 Program Coordinator, Rahmad Syah Putra, said that preparations for the event had begun by involving a joint team from UIN Ar-Raniry and UTU. "Coordination with the government and other stakeholders continues to be carried out so that this forum can run successfully," said Rahmad.
The Chairperson of the AIF 2024 Committee, Saifuddin A. Rasyid, added that the collaboration between UIN Ar-Raniry and UTU reflects the spirit of togetherness. “Banda Aceh and Meulaboh, as the epicenter of the disaster, became a symbol of collaboration for moving forward,” he explained.
Flashback to the Aceh Tsunami
The tsunami disaster that hit Aceh on December 26, 2004 became one of the greatest human tragedies in modern history. The 9.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked the region was followed by a 30-meter tsunami wave with a speed of 360 kilometers per hour. In less than 30 minutes, most of the coastal areas of Aceh were destroyed.
Data from the UN recorded more than 230,000 people died, 500,000 people were left homeless, and material losses reached USD 4.5 billion. Global solidarity also poured in, aid from various countries came, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. The rehabilitation and reconstruction process that lasted until 2009 succeeded in restoring the condition of Aceh, from building houses to public infrastructure. “The Aceh Tsunami showed how human values transcend differences. "This is an important lesson that we must be more open to diversity," said Rahmad.
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