Tsunami Museum Aceh and UN Launch Permanent Photo Exhibition "After the Waves"

Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia - The Tsunami Museum Aceh, in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), has officially launched "After the Waves", a permanent photo exhibition that commemorates the resilience of the people of Aceh and the global humanitarian response following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Held at the Tsunami Museum Aceh, the exhibition captures the profound journey of recovery, from the devastation of December 26, 2004, to the rebuilding efforts that followed. Through powerful images, it tells the story of survival, solidarity, and renewal.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Syahputra Azwar Head of the Tsunami Museum Aceh, highlighted the exhibition's significance in preserving collective memory and educating future generations.

" This exhibition is a testament to the spirit of collaboration that has been fostered since Aceh’s recovery in the aftermath of the tsunami, “ said Putra. He stressed that the exhibition is not merely a historical documentation but also a reminder of the importance of global solidarity in facing disasters.

“We hope that the public, especially the younger generation, can gain valuable lessons from Aceh’s journey toward recovery. Each photograph displayed not only captures a moment in history but also serves as an inspiration for all of us to continue strengthening disaster preparedness for the future," add Putra.

The exhibition showcases the critical role played by UN agencies to support the Indonesia goverment in the immediate aftermath and long-term reconstruction efforts. Agencies including ILO, IOM, UN-Habitat, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNOCHA, UNOPS, WFP, and WHO worked alongside the Government of Indonesia, local organizations, and volunteers to restore lives and communities.

Miklos Gaspar, Director of United Nations Information Center (UNIC) Jakarta, emphasized that the exhibition serves as a reflection on the collective action that shaped Aceh’s recovery.
"In the wake of the tsunami, the world united to help Aceh rebuild. Through these photographs, we see how UNICEF ensured children could continue learning, how UNDP played a key role in rebuilding infrastructure, how UNESCO strengthened disaster preparedness, and how various UN agencies contributed to restoring health services and livelihoods. This exhibition is not only a tribute to those efforts but also a reminder of the lessons we have learned to improve future humanitarian responses," said Gaspar.

The images on display highlight key milestones in Aceh’s post-tsunami recovery, including the rebuilding of Ulee Lheue Harbour, the construction of homes and medical facilities, the restoration of health services, and initiatives supporting employment and education.

Following the exhibition launch, Miklos Gaspar would visit the Tsunami Mass Grave in Ulee Lheue and the Tsunami Memorial in Lampulo, where a fishing boat was swept onto the roof of a house—a striking reminder of the devastating force of the tsunami on December 26, 2004.

These visits serve as a tribute to the lives lost and the resilience of the Acehnese people in overcoming the tragedy.
The exhibition is expected to serve as a permanent space for reflection, learning, and advocacy for disaster preparedness.

By showcasing these moments of resilience and international cooperation, the "After the Waves" exhibition reinforces the importance of unity in times of crisis.

The Aceh Tsunami Museum was established in 2007 as a memorial to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami disaster. In addition to serving as a place of remembrance, the museum also functions as a center for disaster education for the public.

Currently, the museum houses approximately 478 collections, consisting of various artifacts, documentation, and interactive installations that depict the magnitude of the disaster and future mitigation efforts.

The museum has become one of the leading educational tourism destinations, attracting both local and international visitors. In 2024, it recorded a total of 326,680 visitors, including 20,384 foreign tourists and 306,296 domestic tourists. The number of visitors increases significantly during holiday seasons, when the museum is crowded with tourists from various regions.

UN in Aceh:
The United Nations, through its specialized agencies, continues to support initiatives in Aceh, Indonesia that promote resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development. UNODC, in collaboration with BNPT through the STRIVE Juvenile Project, works to prevent and counter violent extremism affecting children by disrupting terrorist recruitment, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration, and strengthening resilience. UNICEF, supported by the Joint SDG Fund, enhances Baitul Mal Aceh's (BMA) capacity to implement inclusive social protection programs, benefiting thousands of vulnerable children across Aceh. IOM provides educational support for refugee children, ensuring access to formal education and peer-led learning. ILO, through the PROMISE II IMPACT project, promotes post-pandemic economic growth by strengthening financial access for SMEs. Additionally, UNICEF, UNDP, and UNOCHA collaborate with the government to enhance child-sensitive disaster risk reduction and strengthen community resilience to climate change and disasters.