Radios to Support Tsunami Survivors in Indonesia

The Freeplay Foundation’s in-country partner for “Radios to Support Tsunami Survivors in Indonesia” has just been honored with an Aceh award.

The Aceh Art Council presented a Tsunami Award to 68H Radio News Agency for its contribution in radio repair efforts and news provision in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster in Aceh.

The radio news agency’s enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers has already helped rebuild five radio stations, which allows post-tsunami stories and aid/support programs to be broadcast across Aceh. The agency has also developed its own news and information program in response to the crisis. "Aceh News” is aired daily over 15 radio networks throughout the province.

The award, given out on Saturday March 26, was one of 31 awards presented by the Aceh Art Council to groups and individuals that are contributing to Aceh in the aftermath of the disaster. 68H Radio News Agency, the only independent radio broadcasting service in Indonesia, won the category for radio.

The Freeplay Foundation’s radio project is currently seeking $50,000 in funding from Global Giving donors. Donations will be used to make self-powered radios widely available to tsunami survivors. Freeplay’s robust solar-powered and wind-up technology removes the need for radio batteries and enables people living without any form of electricity in temporary housing and camps to receive sustained access to news, information and advice programs.

The project was given a great ‘kick start’ recently, after being chosen as beneficiary for Duran Duran’s celebrity-signed soccer ball auction on eBay, which raised $4,000.

Just hours after the Aceh Art Council award ceremony, the whole province was again shaken by an 8.7 off-shore earthquake and several large after-shocks. In such difficult circumstances, radio becomes a vital lifeline that can inform and advise about aid and relief sources. It helps provide a sense of security and comfort to people living in a state of constant uncertainty and anxiety.