Tzu Chi volunteers from Banda Aceh, Medan, and Jakarta commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Aceh tsunami disaster that occurred on December 26, 2004 by holding a health social service (baksos) at the Kesdam RS TK II Iskandar Muda, Banda Aceh, on December 14 and 15, 2024. The health services provided included cataract surgery, minor surgery, hernia surgery, and cleft lip surgery.
The 146th Baksos was attended by the Commander of the Iskandar Muda Military Regional Command (Pangdam IM), Major General TNI Niko Fahrizal, M.Tr.(Han), who also opened the activity. In his remarks, Major General TNI Niko Fahrizal expressed his highest appreciation to the Indonesian Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation for its ongoing concern for the people of Aceh.
"I give my highest appreciation to the Indonesian Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation which is very concerned about the people of Aceh, since the tsunami disaster until now by carrying out three health social services in Aceh. I salute the slogan of the Tzu Chi Buddha Foundation, which is 'Every second to do good,'" said Major General TNI Niko Fahrizal, M.Tr.(Han).
On the same occasion, Hong Tjhin, Secretary of the Indonesian Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation, explained that in carrying out its humanitarian charity mission, Tzu Chi implements three stages, namely saving lives, saving lives, and restoring lives.
"We help Aceh first by saving lives, namely bringing in doctors. Then, we calm the souls of the victims, and finally, restore the lives of residents affected by the tsunami," said Hong Tjhin.
This health social service activity is a real step in the development efforts in the health sector. In addition, this activity is also a manifestation of the Tzu Chi Buddha Foundation's concern in improving the quality of public health, especially in Aceh.