Banda Aceh, December 27, 2024 – The Europe Today: Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Masaki Yasushi, has called on the Aceh government to intensify disaster mitigation education for the younger generation.
“I hope that many young people can get disaster mitigation education in Aceh,” Ambassador Masaki stated during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Aceh tsunami, held at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh on Thursday.
The event, titled “Aceh Thanks The World,” commemorated the devastating tsunami that struck Aceh two decades ago. Speaking to the media, Masaki highlighted Japan’s longstanding collaboration with Aceh in disaster mitigation efforts.
“There has been a lot of cooperation for Aceh. For example, cooperation with the eastern part of Japan called Tohoku with Aceh has been implemented,” he noted.
Masaki expressed appreciation for Aceh’s commitment to disaster mitigation education following the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in 2004. He emphasized the need to further strengthen such efforts, particularly for the younger generation, to ensure better preparedness in the future.
His visit to Aceh was on behalf of the Japanese government to attend the 20th-anniversary commemoration. Reflecting on Japan’s own experience with a major earthquake and tsunami 10 years ago, he acknowledged the challenges of recovery and praised Aceh’s remarkable progress.
“After 20 years of the earthquake and tsunami, Aceh has truly recovered and shown extraordinary development. I can imagine how hard the Aceh people have worked,” Masaki remarked.
He underlined the growing strength of the relationship between Japan and Aceh, expressing hope that the 20th-anniversary commemoration would pave the way for enhanced cooperation.
“The relationship between Japan and Aceh is getting stronger. I hope the relationship will be further developed,” he said.
Masaki concluded by reiterating Japan’s commitment to supporting Aceh in disaster mitigation and recovery efforts, recognizing the resilience and dedication of its people.
