The 2004 tsunami devastated Aceh’s coastal communities, wiping out livelihoods and mangrove ecosystems that sustained generations of women oyster pickers.

When a massive earthquake and tsunami struck the northern Sumatran province of Aceh, Indonesia, the coastal village of Alue Naga lost 80% of its population and left behind severe socioeconomic challenges. Women were particularly affected, as the loss of mangrove forests destroyed their main source of income, which is collecting oysters along the estuary.

In 2018, AirAsia Foundation awarded Natural Aceh a social enterprise grant to help these women regain economic stability. Through training and the creation of an artificial oyster farm, the project introduced a new way for women to earn sustainable income.

Since then, 55 oyster farmers have increased their income by IDR 680,000 per month, and the initiative has developed a line of oyster-based products such as oyster chips, crackers, and nuggets. However, over 500 women in Alue Naga still await opportunities to participate and benefit from this growing enterprise.

Natural Aceh combines artificial oyster farming and product innovation to empower women and restore the coastal ecosystem.

Building on the success of the first project, Natural Aceh established artificial oyster farms that retrain women as oyster farmers, drawing on their traditional expertise. The improved oyster farm collectors enhance growth conditions, leading to healthier oysters and larger harvests.

The organisation also began developing new oyster-based products, including cooked oyster meals and oyster powder, to create additional income streams. The expansion of farms and processing facilities not only helps uplift more women villagers but also reduces human disturbance in recovering mangrove areas. This allows mangroves to regrow naturally, forming a crucial barrier against sea erosion and future natural disasters.

AirAsia Foundation’s grant enables Natural Aceh to expand oyster farms, scale production, and empower more women oyster farmers.

With this funding, Natural Aceh will:

• Expand oyster farms to include more traditional oyster seekers and improve the quality of oysters for existing farmers
• Increase production capacity for existing and new oyster products through the purchase of new equipment
• Renovate the production house to support higher output
• Establish a food outlet to diversify income opportunities

This expansion strengthens both the community’s livelihood and the local ecosystem, providing sustainable income for women while safeguarding the coastline for future generations.