Alanis Morissette's Donation Rebuilds an Indonesian Community Destroyed by the 2004 Tsunami

Story:

These residents have been provided the means to get back to work, which has provided and enormous sense of hope and promise for the next generation. Many families in Lhok Seudu survived by trusting their instincts and running for higher ground when they saw the ocean run dry after the earthquake. However, most lost their jobs and their homes.

Mrs Mutia and her husband received 3.5 million rupiah (U.S. $350) as part of a revolving loan fund that is benefiting dozens within the community. They have now opened a kiosk and sell their wares to other villagers and relief workers.

Many local residents that have received funds are doing all they can to maximize their assistance. “I want to make sure we use the assistance very carefully,” said Mr. Mualiadi. He added, “I am taking this help openly and with both arms outstretched, but I want to use it to make our lives better and better.”

In Lhok Seudu, 90 percent of residents rely on the fishing industry in order to make a living. All 15 of the village’s boats, which employ three to four people each, were destroyed during the earthquake-tsunami.

Through Alanis’ help, a boat-building workshop has been constructed, which already replaced ten of the 15 has lost boats. The boats and gear provided have enabled residents to catch huge lobsters, which they’re selling around Aceh.

Village leader T. Buchari says, “People now wait by the shorelines in order to purchase the freshest catch from Lhok Seudu.” The villagers report that they are now selling large lobsters for an astounding 140,000 rupiah (U.S. $14) each in Aceh.

While the lobsters earn community members the largest income, other varieties of fish are being caught in such plentitude that they have enough to eat for themselves, and enough left over that they can sell for a profit at the local markets. An irrigation ditch has been built to ensure the community’s crops have sufficient fresh water.

Through support from Alanis, small-scale farming for rice, watermelon, corn soybeans, ground nuts and vegetables has resurfaced. Watermelons have proven to be one of the most profitable crops for the villagers. The land was divided into three groups of five people who shared three hectares of land to farm. Each group can now harvest five tons of watermelon each season.

Everyone in the community is extremely grateful for the support from Alanis. But until recently, the lack of a CD player meant that no one had ever heard Alanis’ music. Through CHF’s staff that has visited the region, residents have been able to hear her music. Villagers have voiced their strong desire for Alanis to visit one day, so that they can thank her for themselves.

While much work remains, the generosity of Alanis Morissette has transformed Lhok Suedu, one person, one family at a time. Evidence that one person can make a difference.