Relief Mission
To Indonesia with Love
Overview
AirAsia Foundation launched a regional fundraising campaign to support communities affected by the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami. Working with its grantee partner, Yayasan Arkom Indonesia, the initiative focused on rebuilding homes while strengthening community resilience through locally driven reconstruction and disaster-preparedness knowledge.
Impact At A Glance
- 200 temporary housing units built across five communities, including water and sanitation systems
- 200 permanent homes constructed through a collaboration between communities, the Indonesian government, and AirAsia Foundation
- 4 community centres built using locally sourced materials
- 10 trained community leaders equipped with knowledge of earthquake-resilient construction
- 5 community teams established to support economic, environmental, and construction planning
- 5 comprehensive village development plans created across four sub-districts
- 3 earthquake-resilient house design models developed based on local wisdom
- 3 local technological innovations for earthquake-friendly housing currently being developed
- 2 guidebooks on reconstruction and disaster preparedness published
The Crisis
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake and tsunami devastated Sulawesi, claiming over 4,000 lives and leaving thousands homeless.
On 28 September 2018, a powerful earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Shortly after, a series of tsunami waves surged into the Bay of Palu, destroying homes and infrastructure along the coastline. Entire communities were displaced overnight, creating an urgent need for shelter and long-term rebuilding efforts.
The Campaign
AirAsia mobilised a regional fundraising campaign to rebuild homes and strengthen disaster resilience.
Collection boxes were placed on flights operated by the AirAsia Group and AirAsia X Group, allowing passengers across the region to contribute to relief efforts. A dedicated donation page was also launched on the AirAsia Foundation website for those who wished to donate online.
All funds raised were channelled to AirAsia Foundation grantee Yayasan Arkom Indonesia, a local organisation specialising in community-led reconstruction and disaster preparedness. AirAsia also matched public donations, enabling communities to rebuild homes, develop earthquake-resilient building knowledge, and establish community-led planning for long-term recovery.
