THE NEED
The Crisis: In December 2004, a 9.2 earthquake deep in the Indian Ocean caused a devastating tsunami to crash across the northern tip of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. More than 170,000 people were killed and 550,000 displaced. Geographical areas were disfigured, and the transportation infrastructure was destroyed.
MAF was the first agency to respond in Meulaboh. Within days of the disaster, the first of three airplanes was dispatched to serve the people of Sumatra’s stricken coastline. MAF helped supply the immediate need for food, water, medicines and other first response necessities at locations that others were unable to reach.
The Aftermath: Three years later, life is assuming a semblance of normalcy for many people in the tsunami area. Most of those who were displaced now have homes to live in, and an adequate healthcare system is in place.
In the face of intermittent earthquakes, it will be some time before the infrastructure can be fully restored. Buildings are needed for schools, churches, health clinics and other public services. Though some roads and bridges have been rebuilt, many are still under construction. MAF flights remain in high demand by non-government organization (NGO) workers, as travel in the region is still very difficult.
Permanent operational MAF facilities are needed in Meulaboh, including an office, hangar, and training center. A wide variety of other items are also needed: aircraft spare parts, equipment, and an additional airstrip on Sumatra’s west coast, which will be essential to supporting long-term rebuilding efforts. Continued MAF air service to this area is critical.
THE SOLUTION
As Sumatrans recover from the disaster, MAF continues to provide essential aviation and communications services to assist the rebuilding phase.
Having served in Indonesia since 1954, the long-term commitment of MAF is recognized and deeply appreciated. Government officials have invited MAF to extend its ministry indefinitely in the province of Aceh. This opens a door of unequaled opportunity to demonstrate practical expressions of God’s love while establishing transformational relationships with the people who continue to suffer so much.
More than 60 mission groups and aid organizations still working in northwestern Sumatra depend on MAF for transportation and communications support. Among them are World Vision, Food for the Hungry, Samaritan’s Purse, Mercy Corps, OBI (Operation Blessing International) and many more.
Aviation: MAF pilots and planes provide reliable, safe air service to humanitarian groups to facilitate rehabilitation efforts in the regions of Aceh Barat and Aceh Jaya. Serving United Nations (UN) aid workers, NGOs, volunteers, government agency personnel and local villagers offers unique opportunities to present living witnesses of God’s love.
Transporting materials, supplies, and personnel into areas that are difficult to access, MAF delivers help and hope to thousands. Plans are now under way to open an additional airstrip at Lok Kruet to support the rebuilding efforts in western Sumatra.
IMPACT 2007 HIGHLIGHTS
In the past 12 months, the MAF program in Sumatra ...
- Saved humanitarian workers 3,128 days of travel time—or 12.9 work years redeemed for productive work!
- Executed 1,757 flights, transported 8,202 passengers, and delivered 287,665 pounds of cargo to support rebuilding efforts.
- Conducted safe, regularly scheduled air service for more than 70 mission organizations, NGOs, and humanitarian aid groups, as well as government officials.
- Established meaningful relationships with many Sumatrans, including the governor of Aceh province who has become a frequent passenger. These relationships have allowed the people of Sumatra to develop a more positive view of Christians.
- Installed an air conditioner in a shipping container, allowing it to be used as a maintenance office for the MAF Meulaboh facilities.
- Developed plans for the construction of a new hangar, office, house, and classroom facilities in Meulaboh.
- Developed construction plans for an airstrip in Lok Kruet.
KEY GOALS 2008
- Complete plans and begin construction of a suitable, permanent facility from which to conduct MAF operations in Meulaboh, including a hangar, house, and training center.
- Construct an airstrip in the Lok Kruet area.
- Commence regular flight service to the island of Nias to support the work of Samaritan’s Purse and OBI.
- Consider the changing role of MAF in Sumatra as relief organizations leave Aceh and the need for flight support for rebuilding efforts decreases. Devote more time to developing transformational relationships within the communities where MAF staff live and serve.
- Establish an aviation learning center to allow Sumatrans to develop job skills.
- Prepare for the arrival of four long-term and two short-term staff families.
- Explore ways to better serve the government of Aceh as other air services leave the province.
- Continue providing safe, regularly scheduled air service for some 70 NGOs, aid organizations, government personnel, and others.
MAF STAFF SERVING IN SUMATRA
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