Singapore was the location for the 3rd Meeting of the Project Steering Committee for the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) Phase II project, which took place on the 19th of February, 2019. With the development of two satellite warehouses for DELSA stockpile currently in final stages of development, this meeting would form the primary driving factor to prepare the warehouses for their launching date.

The meeting – co-chaired by Malaysia and Singapore in their roles as Co-Chairs of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management Working Group on Preparedness and Response – was attended by Project Steering Committee (PSC) members including representatives from the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) management team, the ASEAN Secretariat, and representatives from the AHA Centre as the DELSA implementing agency. Importantly, representatives from the Philippines and Thailand were also in attendance as the host nations for the two DELSA satellite warehouses.

The central theme for the 3rd DELSA PSC Meeting was to update all parties on the five key action points resulting from the PSC’s 2nd meeting held in 2018. Among the key action points were:

 •  Updates on the renovation progress for both the Philippines and Thailand warehouse.

 •  Development of a stockpile “baseline” to allow interoperability and transfer of relief items between warehouse locations.

New staff were also introduced during the meeting, with the positions of DELSA Logistics Officer for the AHA Centre and National Logistics Officer for the Philippines recently filled. A comprehensive overview of relief item deployment was also delivered to the meeting by the AHA Centre, with significant numbers of varying relief items utilised during 2018 reflecting the scale of response requirements during 2018, as well as the overall value of the DELSA project for ASEAN communities.

Written by : Caroline Widagdo, William Shea | Photo : AHA Centre

January 9th 2019 saw members of the AHA Centre team involved in the Accelerating Impact for Disaster Management & Emergency (AIDE) Response workshop, a part of ongoing research being undertaken by the University of Lancaster to support the AHA Centre’s operational processes and decision making in times of disaster.

Taking place at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, this workshop brought together a range of engaged parties including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the University of Indonesia, other disaster response organisations, and representatives from the private sector, to further explore the latest tools that could improve decision making processes during emergency response.

The aim of AIDE-Response, and the research project overall, is to optimise the AHA Centre’s operations related to disaster response decision making, which was assessed by the University of Lancaster during the Centre’s responses in 2018. During the event a range of new tools and ideas were identified and discussed to ensure the AHA Centre remains at the forefront of disaster management, through the use of new and ground-breaking technologies. The Indonesian National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) and Humanitarian Forum Indonesia were also present during the workshop, providing relevant insights into processes and potential for engaging identified tools for the benefit of all involved.

Written by : Janggam Adhityawarma | Photo : University of Lancaster

After over 1,000 hours of training, and the successful completion of 23 courses – including, amongst others, the humanitarian logistics in Subang, Malaysia, the Critical Incident Leadership Course in New Zealand, and a study visit to Japan – the AHA Centre Executive (ACE) Programme concluded its 2018 programme on the 14th of December, with its graduation day at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The seventeen ACE graduates of the programme’s Fifth Batch now enter a total pool of 79 graduates, who will serve as future ASEAN leaders on disaster management.

As part of the graduation, the ACE Programme’s closing gala for 2018, each of the participants receive a Graduation Certificate from the Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, H.E. Kung Phoak, and a Graduation Medal from H.E. Kazuo Sunaga, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN. The ceremony was also attended by representatives from the ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, the United Nations, IFRC, and a number of AHA Centre’s partners.

As part of the ACE Programme, participants were also trained as ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) members, enabling them to be mobilised during disaster responses across all ASEAN Member States. The overwhelming success of the ACE Programme Fifth Batch would not have been possible without strong support from partners – such as UNOCHA, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP, IOM, Red Cross, USFS, Red-R Australia, DKI-APCSS, and New Zealand Aid – who supported the programme through the delivery of various technical humanitarian skills and leadership courses and activities.

The graduation ceremony is an embodiment of the participants’ hard work and commitment to complete the courses, and also forms the starting point for them to embark on their new journey in the disaster management sector. “This is a message of victory, in the sense that ASEAN now has 17 additional warriors to respond, to work, and to strengthen the region when it comes to disaster risk reduction and management”, exclaimed new graduate Jose Angelo Mangaoang of the Philippines during his graduation speech.

The value of the ACE Programme was highlighted by Indonesian participant Ms. Rucky Dewi, as she shared her experiences throughout the course.

“The required humanitarian actions might be beyond our individual limits, and therefore that is the purpose of the ACE Programme training. To reach that individual limit, and to take on the impossible now becomes possible. To ensure the accelerated response for delivery of humanitarian assistance worldwide, and to promote greater benefit of strong leadership in times of disaster, particularly for the people affected by the crisis.”

With the support of the Government of Japan, through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the AHA Centre can successfully close the book on its conduction of this programme for the fifth time. Finally, the AHA Centre once more offers its congratulations to all graduates – we are sure you will undertake this role with great professionalism and responsibility.

Written by : Ferosa Arsadita | Photo : AHA Centre

With a total of seven disaster responses undertaken during 2018, the AHA Centre’s team, its Governing Board members from the ASEAN countries, and a number of its partners embarked on a comprehensive After-Action Review (AAR) of all responses, from the 26th to the 28th of November in Jakarta. This AAR covered a large range of areas relating to 2018’s responses – highlighting strengths and improvements, discussing weaknesses and areas for development, as well as gaining a range of inputs from all participants to support the strengthening of ASEAN’s disaster response efforts into 2019 and beyond.

Much of the 3-day discussions focused on ASEAN and the AHA Centre’s interoperability with the ASEAN Secretariat, NDMOs, the United Nations and other humanitarian partners, in the ongoing effort to ensure all parties can work efficiently and fluently side-by-side for the betterment of the ASEAN region. A key outcome was the agreement that there should be continuing increase in the numbers of ASEAN stakeholders engaged in ASEAN processes. Although many ASEAN bodies who specifically focus towards disaster management (such as NDMOs) are familiar and engaged with the AHA Centre, it was highlighted that other key sectors such as military and related ministries need to be more involved with ASEAN disaster management mechanisms, in order to truly realise the One ASEAN One Response vision.

The first day of the review was focused towards internal discussions for the AHA Centre itself, with all staff and management involved in disaster responses engaging on this internal review. Following the internal reflections, the AHA Centre opened the floor to their working partners from the region and local governments who form a key part of the AHA Centre’s work. Input was sought from the AHA Centre’s Governing Board, staff from National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs), as well as the ASEAN Secretariat – particularly staff engaged as ASEAN-ERAT responders who provided support to the AHA Centre Emergency Operations Centre during response periods. Finally, the AHA Centre spread its quest for input further again, inviting a range of partners engaged in the humanitarian response, such as the ASEAN Dialogue Partners, United Nations, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Written by : Shintya Kurniawan | Photo : AHA Centre

During October 2018, the AHA Centre Executive Programme (ACE) participants engaged on a learning trip to one of the world’s most innovative and prepared nations when it comes to disaster management, New Zealand. Participants were exposed to a number of teaching and learning methodologies, including classroom-based lectures, interactive discussion with subject matter experts, presentations by participants, and field activities, with a strong focus on evidence-based approaches. The programme was delivered across the cities of Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington and Auckland. The visits provided opportunities for participants to explore the key themes of New Zealand’s hazards, leadership, community resilience and disaster recovery efforts.

WEEK-1

Incident Command System (ICS) Training provided participants with further insight and knowledge into ICS activities from both a regional and international perspective. The training was facilitated by representatives from the United States Forest Service (USFS), including Mr. Joe Reyes, and the USFS’s ICS Expert Mr David McCandliss.

WEEK-2

ACE participants undertook two training sessions related to critical thinking and leadership, with the aim to improve participants’ capacity regarding communication, negotiation and decision-making during normal and emergency response times. The trainings – ‘Meta Leadership’ and ‘Thinking Preference’ – were facilitated by Christopher Webb from the Auckland University of Technology.

WEEK-3

The ACE participants visited Emergency Operation Centres across New Zealand, including the EOC in the city of Wellington. Visiting the centres allowed participants to see inside the operations of New Zealand disaster management, talk with key personnel, and draw examples of similarities and differences between the NZ system and our own ASEAN EOC operations. There were also information sessions about the toles of the NZ NDMO and local councils during the 2011 earthquake response.

WEEK-4

A number of interesting and innovative workshops were implemented for ACE Programme participants, including Creative Thinking & Innovation, which was delivered by Ms. Ke Lin of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Participants also engaged in Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) training (facilitated by Ms. Jeannette Fernandez from UNDP New York Headquarters) and took part in the ACE Programme Mid-Term Evaluation.

WEEK-5

Closing out a busy October, ACE participants got some hands-on experience in emergency logistics, undertaking an intensive Humanitarian Logistic Training course in the region’s key stockpile warehouse in Subang, Malaysia. The training was facilitated by representatives from the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot and World Food Programme (UNHRD/WFP), who co-manage the warehouse alongside the AHA Centre.

Written by : Putri Mumpuni, William Shea | Photo : AHA Centre

September 2018 saw the AHA Centre Executive (ACE) Programme hit full swing, with 17 participants from 9 ASEAN nations beginning their journey towards becoming the next crop of ASEAN disaster management professionals. A wide array of workshops and learning sessions took place throughout September, therefore this volume we bring to you a photo journal of September’s ACE Programme proceedings.

WEEK-1

On the 1st week of September, participants were engaged in the Executive Crisis Leadership – Complexity and Strategy course, which was facilitated by Dr. Benjamin Ryan and Professor Deon V. Canyon from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). Later the same week, participants learned about the AHA Centre’s Web Emergency Operations Centre (WebEOC) and Emergency Response Organisation training through a number of table-top exercises. These sessions were facilitated by the AHA Centre’s own Mizan, Grace and Dandi.

WEEK-2

Everyday is a learning day at the ACE Programme. This week, participants obtained firsthand learnings from Professor Dr. Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, who led the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency for Aceh and Nias after the 2004 tsunami, as well as from H.E. Ong Keng Yong, the former Secretary-General of ASEAN (2003-2007). The International Humanitarian System and interoperability with ASEAN also took place in the same week, facilitated by United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). The session provides participants with insight and understanding on a range of matters related to disaster management between the UN and ASEAN bodies.

WEEK-3

The sessions with UNOCHA continued to the Rapid Assessment course which highlights the practical skills regarding coordinated needs assessments for humanitarian response, including information management, data analysis, and primary data collection. This workshop was facilitated by UNOCHA’s John Marinos. The week was concluded with the Critical Incident Management Pre-Course which exposes participants to hazard classification system, concepts and frameworks of disaster management related to climate change and sustainable development, and continuous to develop basic knowledge of leadership in crisis situations. The course was facilitated by Chris Webb and Michele Daly, disaster management experts from New Zealand.

WEEK-4

The fun continues with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) who highlighted the specific needs of women and children in times of emergency. The discussion also covers tips on calculating contraception needs in emergency camps which relates to the following topic: Camp Coordination and Camp Management, facilitated by the International Organization for Migration. Throughout the sessions, participants gained understanding about camp establishment, management, and inter-agencies tasks distribution in providing basic services at emergency shelters.

Written by : Putri Mumpuni | Photo : AHA Centre

The fifth batch of the AHA Centre Executive (ACE) Programme formally commenced on the 14th of August 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia, with 17 disaster management professionals from the National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs) of ASEAN Member States to participate in the four-month course. Upon finishing the course, this new batch of ASEAN disaster management professionals will join the other 62 graduates of the programme, who have been prepared by the AHA Centre and its partners since the course first began in 2014.

By joining ACE Programme, participants are provided with the chance to acquire meaningful experience and knowledge on dealing with disaster situations, with such learnings supported by the programme’s wide array of diverse courses and trainings. In addition, the participants will also have the chance to undertake comparative studies by visiting disaster-affected areas in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand.

“We are all aware of how vulnerable our region is to natural disasters, ranging from cyclone, typhoon, earthquake, landslide, and drought. Knowing this, the ACE Programme is very useful for preparing our future leaders in the field of disaster management, and in promoting a culture of resilience and care for the environment”, said H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, the ASEAN Secretary-General.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, the Secretary-General of ASEAN; H.E. Kazuo Sunaga, the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN; H.E. Pam Dunn, the Ambassador of New Zealand to ASEAN; H.E. Jane Duke, the Ambassador of Australia to ASEAN; Mr. Dicky Fabrian of National Disaster Management Authority of Indonesia (BNPB); other partners of the AHA Centre and representatives of ASEAN Dialogue Partners.

The ACE Programme is an intensive course that is specifically designed to address the needs for a comprehensive and collaborative disaster management strategy in Southeast Asia. The live-in concept of the course enables participants to build strong operational ties and emotional bonds, which can be useful for coordination amongst NDMOs of ASEAN Member States at a later time. The programme will also strengthen the operationalisation of One ASEAN One Response commitment through building capacities of the participants in the area of disaster management and humanitarian assistance operations.

“When a disaster strikes, we know that we can always rely on the ACE Programme graduates when we need them, and they can always rely on us when they need us”

said Adelina Kamal, the Executive Director of the AHA Centre.“Many of the ACE Programme graduates have now represented their countries in ASEAN meetings; some even have confidently given their views and their directions to the AHA Centre in those meetings” she continued.

Written by : Valerie Bayhon | Photo: AHA Centre

2018’s ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2018 (ARDEX-18) is planned to be held in Cilegon, Banten, Indonesia, from the 4th to the 10th of November, engaging all ten ASEAN Member States and a range of other disaster management stakeholders within this all-important disaster simulation exercise. During mid-July, the AHA Centre, alongside the National Disaster Management Authority of Indonesia (BNPB) led the final preparations for ARDEX-18, undertaking the Final Exercise Planning Team (EPT) meeting and Final Planning Conference (FPC) for this key biennial regional exercise.

ARDEX-18 will form the 7th ARDEX simulation exercise for the ASEAN region, which has provided a substantial range of benefits to ASEAN nations as well as for a vast range of stakeholders within the international sector. Alongside this, it has formed an opportunity for the ASEAN Standby Arrangements and Standard Operating Procedures (SASOP) to be practiced, evaluated, and reviewed as the key mechanisms for disaster response within the region. The finalisation of preparations included determining contributions of each actor engaged in the exercise, the roles that will be undertaken by each participant, as well as ensuring the exercise will be implemented in a smooth and efficient manner.

“Conducting exercises will help gather valuable and proper assessments to address gaps in real emergency situations. In addition, doing simulations will help clearly identify roles, types of communications and resources needed,” explained Mr. Dicky Fabrian S.H., LL.M., from the Bureau of Law and Cooperation of the BNPB.

Cilegon has been chosen to host ARDEX-18 due to its identification by the Indonesian Government as one of the most disaster-prone areas, and based on scientific risk analysis undertaken on the location. Cilegon is in close proximity to the Sunda thrust and Krakatau volcano, thus prone to earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic hazards. Furthermore, as an industrial area, Cilegon faces an additional risk of hazardous materials due to the presence of various factories within the city. Due to this factor, ARDEX-18 will be the first simulation exercise that includes training materials related to chemical hazards within the scenario.

“First, ARDEX serves as a key disaster response preparation tool. Next, it serves as a strong platform for the participants to learn from each other. The lessons learned and gathered will be significant for improving the preparations in the future. Third, ARDEX builds a bridge in linking and strengthening the emotional bonding of sisterhood and brotherhood of ASEAN, which is important factor in strengthening the context of ASEAN unity,” said Adelina Kamal, the Executive Director of AHA Centre.

Participants for the upcoming ARDEX-18 are comprised of emergency response teams from all ASEAN Member States, United Nations representatives, private sector, academia, and international partners who wish to contribute to the implementation of One ASEAN One Response.

Written by : Valerie Bayhon | Photo: AHA Centre