In 2004, after the devastating tsunami caused by the Sumatra earthquake, a project focusing on preserving memories of the disaster was initiated in Aceh, Indonesia. Associate Professor Yoshimi Nishi (Indonesian Studies) and local organizations collaborated on the project, which has gained attention from major media outlets both domestically and internationally.
This initiative utilizes the smartphone application ”MemoryGraph,” developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Informatics as part of CSEAS’ “Ares Studies for Disaster Management” project. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tsunami, hands-on activities and a contest were conducted in the capital city of Banda Aceh using the app. The goal is to encourage the younger generation to learn from the tsunami disaster, understand the region’s history, and contribute to the development of resilient communities in the face of disasters.