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.