Ministry of Creative Economy launches trauma recovery program in Aceh Tamiang

The Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy has launched the ‘Creative Recovery for Children’ program in Aceh Tamiang to assist students affected by flash floods. The initiative aims to restore the psychosocial well-being of 100 elementary and middle school students while introducing them to the fine arts and crafts subsectors.

A unique aspect of the program involves using natural pigments derived from flood mud and dust as painting media, transforming disaster remnants into artistic works. Under the themes ‘Rise’ and ‘New Hope,’ participants received three days of intensive training guided by local artists, professional mentors, and clinical psychologists.

Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya stated the program follows presidential directives for post-disaster economic empowerment. This initiative aligns with Presidential Decree Number 1 of 2026 regarding the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. The ministry plans to conduct 103 such activities, targeting a total of 5,788 beneficiaries by the end of the year.