KiDS Japan–Indonesia Delegation Strengthens Disaster Education in Banda Aceh
Delegation of the Kyoto and Kansai University Disaster Prevention School (KiDS) visited Banda Aceh from 4 – 9 September 2025. The program was led by Prof. Junji Kiyono of Kyoto University, founder of KiDS in 2005, alongside Prof. Yoshihiro Okumura of Kansai University, and brought together academics and students from both Japan and Indonesia.
KiDS was established in 2005 by Prof. Kiyono and his students in response to the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Since its inception, the initiative has been dedicated to providing disaster education to Indonesian children, with a focus on lifesaving measures during emergencies.
The 2025 KiDS delegation included Prof. Junji Kiyono (Kyoto University), Prof. Rusnadi Rahmat (Universitas Negeri Padang), and Prof. Yoshihiro Okumura (Kansai University). They were joined by students from Kyoto University—Tomoya Ueda, Takayuki Masukawa, Shunsuke Ohashi, and Haruka Doi—as well as Kansai University students Ayaka Fujiki, Taiyo Utsumi, and Haruki Kanazawa.
During their visit, the delegation carried out a range of activities, from cultural and historical site visits to environmental and educational programs. The group toured landmarks such as Rumoh Aceh, Gunongan, the Escape Building in Alue Dayah Teungoh, Boat on the Roof, the Tsunami Museum, PLTD Apung, and Al-Mahira Market. They also visited two historic mosques—Baiturrahim Ulee Lheue and Lampuuk Mosque—that survived the 2004 tsunami, and took part in mangrove planting at Lampulo Mangroves Park.
As part of their disaster education outreach, the delegation engaged with local students at SD Negeri 45 Lambaro Skep, SD Negeri 15 Tibang, SD Alam Pango, SD BMIS Geuceu, and SDTQ Nurun Nabi. These activities aimed to instill disaster preparedness awareness in children from an early age.
The delegation also visited Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), where Prof. Kiyono delivered a public lecture at the Graduate School in collaboration with USK’s Master of Disaster Science program. They further toured the Tsunami Disaster Mitigation and Research Center (TDMRC) and met with the Office of International Affairs (OIA) of USK.
The visit concluded with a trip to the National Tsunami Archive (ANRI-BAST) in Bakoy, where the delegation learned about efforts to preserve historical disaster records. Throughout their stay, the program was fully supported and coordinated by USK’s Office of International Affairs.
Through these activities, KiDS reaffirmed its long-term commitment to raising disaster awareness among communities, particularly young generations, and strengthening preparedness for future emergencies.
