What Should We Learn from Recent Earthquakes in Asia?

Abstract

This keynote on lessons to be learned from the recent natural disasters in Asiawill complement and elaborate further on the points already made eloquently by the first two keynote speakers during this session: Dr. M. Gilbert on building local resilience and competencies, and the call from Prof. E. Rahardjo towards a more efficient, multi-national work on rescue and aid to disasters.Both speakers stressed the importance of strengthening external aid rather than substituting the national- or community-level capacity. I share the concern of the Indonesian medical professionals feeling marginalized in their own country, as said by Prof. Rahardjo. I also agree with Dr. Gilbert on our duty to build on the remarkable resilience and abilities of local communities. It is feasible, as he clearly demonstrated in local projects.