SAI RESCUE: HUMANITARIAN RELIEF IN INDONESIA

Indonesia was afflicted by two major disasters in the early 21st century, namely the Yogyakarta Bantul Earthquake in 2004 and the tsunami in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam in 2005. In response, the SSSIO Indonesia offered humanitarian relief to the afflicted. Building on the experience gained by Sathya Sai volunteers, the Sai Rescue unit was formed by the Sai Study Group Denpasar on May 15, 2007. It currently has 30 active volunteers.

The unit’s search and rescue activities are carried out in coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency Office in Bali and the National Disaster Management Agency. The primary work of Sai Rescue is in three areas.

First, in the preventive phase, it supports education and mitigation of risk by providing information and helping with preparedness through simulations. For example, in April 2023, a disaster education and earthquake simulation was held at the Sathya Sai School Denpasar. Training programs are also offered independently and with national agencies to build the volunteers’ capacity.

Second, in the emergency response phase following a disaster, it acts as a first responder and reconnoitres to collect and communicate disaster information for local and national disaster relief coordinators. Sai Rescue and the SSSIO Indonesia also provide humanitarian aid to survivors and displaced people.

Sai Rescue has undertaken emergency response missions after the following events:

• 2009: Earthquake in Padang
• 2011: Volcanic eruption in Yogyakarta
• 2014: Volcanic eruption in Kediri (East Java)
• 2017: Volcanic eruption in Mount Agung, Bali
• 2018: Earthquake and tsunami in Lombok
• 2018: Earthquake and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi
• 2021: Earthquake at Ban Village, Karangasem
• 2021: Volcanic eruption of Mount Semeru
• 2022: Rafting accident in Ubud
• 2022: Flash floods at 3 locations in Jembrana
• 2023: Sinking of KM Linggar Petak 89 in the Indian Ocean.

During 2022–2023, more than 22 search and rescue operations have been carried out.

Third, in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, Sai Rescue responds to post-disaster needs and policies under a coordinated approach with other agencies.

Sai Rescue has proudly participated in local and provincial events and also represented Bali in national events. On December 21, 2023, it received an award from the Mayor of Denpasar, Bali, for participation in social welfare activities in Denpasar.

Jai Sai Ram,

Media Committee
Sri Sathya Sai International Organization