Two decades after Indian Ocean Tsunami: Survivors reflect on loss in Indonesia's Aceh - Video
As the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami approaches, survivors in Indonesia’s Aceh province are reflecting on their resilience and loss.
The tsunami, triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off the west coast of Sumatra on December 26, 2004, remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.
The disaster claimed an estimated 228,000 lives across 15 countries, with Indonesia suffering the heaviest toll. In Aceh province alone, officials estimate more than 200,000 people lost their lives.
For many survivors, the pain of that day lingers. Baharuddin Zainun, a 70-year-old fisherman, lost his entire family. Clutching a framed poem, he shared how the tsunami reshaped his life and his community.
“This poem serves as a reminder for all of us, our community, and everyone, to never forget the memory of the tsunami. Our village was struck by the tsunami several years ago. When people read this poem, they shall be reminded about it,” Zainun told AFP.
Recounting his loss, he added, “My children, wife, father, mother, and all of my siblings were swept away. The same tragedy was felt by others as well. Everyone affected by the tsunami shares the same experience. We feel the same feelings.”
Marziani, a 51-year-old teacher, recalled her own grief and guilt after losing her child in the disaster. “At that time, I couldn’t stop crying. I felt guilty because I felt like I could not protect my child. Even though, when I think about it now, I realise I could not even protect myself, let alone carry my child. And that feeling of guilt lasted for months,” she shared.
