NEW HOMES OF OPPORTUNITIES

The first ASEAN Village was built to respond to housing needs after the triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction hit Central Sulawesi at the end of 2018. The realisation of the ASEAN Village became evidence of the shared humanity, solidarity, and connectivity between ASEAN stakeholders, including ASEAN Member States, ASEAN community, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and other ASEAN partners. It was a showcase of a nationally-led response, supported by the region, and enhanced by the international community as and when necessary.

As the primary ASEAN regional coordinating agency for disaster management and emergency response, the AHA Centre began its support of Central Sulawesi’s disaster response since the emergency response phase. Answering continued needs on the ground, the AHA Centre was called upon – for the first time – to support a disaster recovery phase, which was then manifested through the construction of the ASEAN Village. With tremendous support from friends of the Village, 100 houses, an auxiliary health centre, and a mosque stand side by side, ready to steadfastly give comfort and the promise of new opportunities to its residents.

This book narrates the heart-warming tale of how the ASEAN Village was built. It is hoped that the stories of those involved will inspire pride and joy, and cause the readers to reflect on practices conducted throughout the project for future recommendations.