2018 Indonesia Tsunami Appeal Metasynthesis

On 4 October 2018, following the devastating effects of a series of earthquakes and a tsunami, the DEC launched a fundraising appeal to support crucial disaster response and recovery efforts in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The appeal successfully raised £29.6 million, including £2 million matched by the UK Government, to deliver a range of programmes for  people affected by the disaster. The funds were used by 13 of the DEC’s member charities to provide life-saving and rebuilding activities from October 2018 until December 2020. This study took place between February and April 2021 to examine shared learnings across partners and provide recommendations to inform future joint responses.

It finds that the DEC response was comprehensive, covering many sectors and sub-sectors of disaster response. The diverse mandates of DEC charities included both mainstream and specialised humanitarian partners and this contributed to successfully responding to varied needs and crucial rights of communities. Cash transfers are highlighted as having been particularly important and effective, ensuring dignity and flexibility for local communities.