9 February 2005
Radio 68H Helps Rebuild Media in Tsunami-Devastated Aceh
8 February 2005
In Aceh, one of the areas most ravaged by the December 2004 tsunami, the radio news agency 68H is helping rebuild the province's media one station at a time. Supported by the Media Loan Development Fund, the independent agency has sent technicians into the field to repair radio stations and distribute radios to refugees.
Already, its efforts are bearing fruit, with the launch of a daily news programme, Kabar Aceh, which is the only one of its kind in Aceh. Broadcast by 14 radio stations across the province, the programme gives listeners the most up-to-date news about developments in Aceh. Every Sunday, a one hour phone-in programme allows listeners to discuss their thoughts and comments concerning the week's events. 68H offers a toll free phone number to encourage participation.
"After the tsunami, people in Aceh were eager to know what is happening in the province, but had no way of getting information. We hope this news programme will fill the information gap and also help with the recovery of Aceh," says 68H Director Santoso.
The tsunami disaster has made it extremely difficult for people in Aceh to access accurate information about current events. Before the disaster, 68H had 14 radio station partners throughout Aceh. Of these, four were totally destroyed and others were severely damaged.
In the capital, Banda Aceh, 68H technicians have repaired the Radio Prima FM station and are now helping rebuild radio stations in Meulaboh and Sigli. The stations are expected to begin broadcasting by late February 2005.
68H is also distributing 700 radios to people in refugee camps and building fresh water wells using funds raised by 68H listeners in Indonesia. 68H is Indonesia's only independent national radio news agency, reaching 20 million listeners across the country through a network of over 400 local radio stations.
To find out more about 68H's efforts or make a donation, visit: http://indonesia-donations.mdlf.org
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