Survivors of 2018 Indonesia earthquake mark Ramadan in new government-built homes

The Road to Recovery: Survivors of the 2018 Palu Tsunami Share Their Stories

The Struggle for Shelter: Achmad’s Journey to Rebuild

The 2018 Palu tsunami left deep scars on the landscape and the lives of its survivors. Achmad, a 38-year-old resident, lost his home near the beach to the devastating waves. Like many Indonesians, he goes by a single name, a cultural norm that simplifies identity in a nation of diverse backgrounds. Securing a new home in Talise, a housing estate for displaced families, was not an easy feat. The bureaucratic hurdles were as daunting as the natural disaster itself. Achmad explained, “The difficulty is that all the documents have to match the land we own. It can’t be engineered. The land certificate must be in your own name.” The loss of crucial documents in the disaster added another layer of complexity, as many survivors found themselves without the necessary paperwork to prove ownership. Yet, Achmad remained determined. “It’s difficult, but we keep trying, and yes, thank God, God has given it to us. The important thing is that we are not lazy to try.” His words encapsulate the resilience and faith that have carried many through the rebuilding process.

Paying Respects: A Cemetery on the Hill

Perched on a hill about 15 minutes’ drive from the Talise housing estate lies a public cemetery, the final resting place for many victims of the 2018 disaster. As the holy month of Ramadan approached, families flocked to this sacred site to pay their respects and offer solemn prayers to their loved ones. The cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the grief that still lingers. For many Muslims in Indonesia, visiting graves before Ramadan is a common practice, a time to reflect on those who have passed and seek blessings for their souls. Among those who visited the cemetery was Sumiati, a Palu resident who lost her young daughter in the tragedy. “She was my child. I think of her all the time,” Sumiati said, her voice heavy with emotion. “She always took care of her younger brothers. We will always remember her. The younger siblings sometimes cry and look for their sister.” Her words paint a picture of a family still grappling with the loss, their lives forever changed by the disaster.

The Comfort of Tradition: Ramadan andRemembering the Dead

The tradition of visiting graves before Ramadan is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, particularly among Muslims. Juni Hasan, the secretary of the Baiturrahim Lolu Palu Grand Mosque, explained that while people can visit the grave anytime, some prefer to do so at the start of Ramadan. “That’s not a problem. Most importantly is to remember those who have died and give prayers for them,” he said. This practice serves as a way to honor the deceased and seek solace in faith during a time of reflection and renewal. For families like Sumiati’s, these visits provide a sense of connection to their loved ones, even as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives. The cemetery becomes a place of both sorrow and strength, a reminder of what has been lost but also a source of comfort and communal support.

Moving Forward: The Power of Perseverance

Achmad’s story of resilience is just one of many in Palu. Despite the obstacles, he and others like him have managed to secure new homes, thanks to their relentless efforts and unwavering faith. The process of rebuilding is not just about physical structures; it’s also about healing emotional wounds. Achmad’s determination to rebuild his life serves as an inspiration to others, showing that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, hope and perseverance can prevail. The housing estate in Talise stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a symbol of what can be achieved when communities come together to support one another.

The Role of Faith and Community

Religion and community play a vital role in the lives of many Indonesians, and this has been especially evident in the aftermath of the tsunami. For people like Sumiati and Achmad, their faith has been a source of comfort and strength. The practice of visiting graves before Ramadan is not just a tradition; it’s a way to find solace and meaning in the face of loss. The support of the community has also been crucial, as neighbors and friends have come together to help each other rebuild and heal. Juni Hasan’s words emphasize the importance of remembering the dead and seeking blessings for their souls, a practice that brings people together and provides a sense of purpose. In a time of great hardship, faith and community have been essential in helping survivors move forward.

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned and the Path to Healing

As the survivors of the 2018 Palu tsunami continue to rebuild their lives, their stories offer valuable lessons in resilience, faith, and the importance of community. The journey has not been easy, but it has shown the strength of the human spirit in the face of disaster. Achmad’s determination to secure a new home, Sumiati’s unwavering love for her daughter, and the community’s collective efforts to support one another are all testaments to this strength. As Ramadan reminds us, reflection and renewal are essential parts of the healing process. For the people of Palu, the road to recovery is long, but with faith, perseverance, and the support of their community, they continue to move forward, finding hope in the midst of hardship.