Indonesia
Médecins Sans Frontières first started working in Indonesia in October 1995, when it provided emergency aid to the victims of a devastating earthquake in Kerinci, Sumatra. Since then, we have responded to various natural disasters and epidemics. In March 2009, our team withdrew due to the Indonesian government’s increased capacity to deal with natural disasters.
Before the withdrawal, Médecins Sans Frontières had worked throughout Indonesia including in former conflict zones such as Aceh and Ambon. Teams provided treatment and medication for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as general healthcare, surgery, vaccination campaigns, sanitation programs and training for staff.
After the Asian tsunami in 2004, we refurbished 28 health facilities, conducted more than 40,000 medical consultations and provided 2,000 individual counselling sessions.
On September 30, a powerful earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra leaving more than 1,000 people dead. Médecins Sans Frontières returned to Indonesia temporarily to provide survivors with emergency medical assistance via mobile clinics in some of the most neglected rural areas, and water and sanitation services and psychological care. Teams distributed essential relief items such as hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, blankets, mats and plastic sheeting to 1,600 families.
Médecins Sans Frontières has worked in Indonesia since 1995.
Indonesia earthquake update
05/10/2009
Three days after a powerful earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra leaving close to 1,000 dead, approximately 3,000 missing and more than 3,000 wounded, the first Médecins Sans Frontières teams arrived to the area on...
Asia Pacific Emergency Update
02/10/2009
Several Médecins Sans Frontières emergency teams, including many Australian staff, have already arrived, or are en route to countries in Asia Pacific after a succession of natural disasters in the region. In Indonesia, the...
Indonesia: Emergency team responding to quake
02/10/2009
Médecins Sans Frontières yesterday sent an emergency team of six people to Indonesia following the powerful earthquake of 30 September that authorities say has killed more than 750 people and left thousands trapped under rubble....
Médecins Sans Frontières' Mother and Child primary health project in West Papua
23/09/2008
Médecins Sans Frontières began working in southern West Papua in March 2006, after a measles outbreak in the region. During the vaccination campaign alarming indicators were found especially for mother and child health.
Interview: Psychosocial support in earthquake-affected areas in Sumatra
14/12/2007
Two major earthquakes hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra on 12 and 13 September 2007. Médecins Sans Frontières sent an emergency team to the affected area to distribute relief items and to provide psychosocial support to the...