Yudi has been taking on the waves of Lhok Nga in Indonesia since he was ten years old. “Lhok Nga was an extremely different place then, compared to now,” says Yudi, now 24 years old. Until a year ago, the beach was a secret “untouchable” location that was a paradise for dedicated foreign surfers in search of exotic and undiscovered waves. Tourists and local people were only familiar with the white sands of Lampuuk and Cemara that neighbor Lhok Nga.
The devastating tsunami that struck in December of 2004 washed out all the privileges that were shared by surfers and the Lhok Nga community. The beautiful coast is now destroyed and totally exposed.
“The tsunami completely devastated the pine woods and washed out mangrove trees that grew alongside the coast. It also ruined our village as well as the houses, market and coffee shop. There is not much left,” Yudi said sadly.
Yudi and his family were lucky enough to survive the disaster. And while he lost many close friends, his surfing partners also survived.
“I will never forget when I saw the wave. It was almost like a dark wall coming after us. I kept thinking to myself; this is the wave that I used to play with,” he said walking along the beach.
It took six months before Yudi dared head back into the sea. “I still think about that wave. Whenever I closed my eyes and heard the sound of the waves, I feel that the tsunami has returned,” he explained. “But I convinced myself, it was only my illusion. When I shared this with other local surfers, they said they felt the same as me and that made me feel better.”
A year later, local tourists are coming every weekend. “The beach is now full of people. A year ago, before the tsunami, there were only one or two people who walked along the sea down there but now it’s different. Every time I go swimming or surfing during the weekend, I pass at least 20 people,” Yudi said.
But in recent month seven people drowned along this stretch of coastline because of the dangerous rip currents which can place even very experienced swimmers at risk.
Some people who drowned in the water died because they panicked and did not receive timely or proper first aid. “This is tragic as the deaths are preventable,” Yudi said. “Thankfully, International Medical Corps will give local surfers first aid training.”
International Medical Corps is one of the humanitarian organizations working in Aceh following the tsunami. The recent increase in drowning incidents along Lhok Nga and Lampuuk alerted them to the need for a beach safety and rescue program that would help prevent future deaths.
“It has been very satisfying working with International Medical Corps on this program, which combines both rescue training as well as a livelihood,” explained Yudi who has been working with International Medical Corps for a year and is also the project officer for the program.
By supporting the building of cafés, International Medical Corps makes the rescue program a sustainable and community-run initiative. The project is funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation and has helped young people from the community to build two new surf cafes along the beach, rehabilitate Okinawa cafes, and build a watch tower. Beside renting surf boards and selling food, these cafés will also serve as vital observation points and first aid centers.
“International Medical Corps is committed to working with young people in Lhok Nga to make it possible for them, and visitors to the area, to enjoy the environment and sporting activities with minimal risk,” said Rae McGrath, International Medical Corps’ Indonesia Country Director. “We also want to encourage the use of the beach and a surf-based economy, which is a vital element in the rehabilitation of Lhok Nga. Young people running their own small businesses and offering, at the same time, a community service through first aid and surf rescue activities is something we applaud and are happy to support. We will continue to seek out innovative and responsive ways to work with the people of Lhok Nga and the surrounding areas.”
Yudi walked towards the sea, which seemed to glow in the setting sun. His pace quickened as the foaming ripples of waves touched his feet. He swung his surfboard in front of his chest, ready to take on the waves of Lhok Nga.