In September 2018, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, triggering a tsunami, landslides, and severe liquefaction that damaged critical transport infrastructure.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) supported recovery through an Emergency Assistance for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project, which rehabilitated three ports (Donggala, Pantoloan, and Wani) and Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport to disaster-resilient standards with gender-responsive and inclusive features. These revitalized facilities, which became fully operational in 2024, feature accessibility improvements for people with disabilities and proper relocation support for affected shop owners. The rehabilitation and reconstruction of these key transportation hubs symbolize Central Sulawesi's recovery, highlighting the power of collaboration while building back stronger and more inclusive infrastructure.
Transcript
Build Back Better: Central Sulawesi’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)
In September 2018, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, triggering tsunami, landslides, and liquefaction.
Thousands of lives were lost, and critical transport infrastructure were damaged.
In June 2019, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the 297ドル.75 million Emergency Assistance for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project.
Supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the project aims to rebuild key public works and transport infrastructure.
Sumarno, Head Department of Transportation Central Sulawesi Province
After the earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction, the economic impact has been severe.
Ports, airports, and other infrastructure are in a state of disrepair, causing significant disruptions to economic activity. Following the recovery efforts, economic factors have picked up, encouraging people to engage in various activities around the port and Palu City.
The project rehabilitated and reconstructed three ports and an airport to disaster-resilient standards with gender responsive and inclusive features.
Donggala Port, which serves both passengers and cargo, projected to become a key logistics and passenger hub in Indonesia’s eastern region.
Wani Port is a multipurpose port that supports agriculture, livestock transport, and government ships.
Meanwhile, Pantoloan Port is an important gateway for the economy in Donggala and Central Sulawesi, handling various types of cargo and passenger ships.
Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport, the largest in Central Sulawesi, is the main gateway to Palu and its surrounding areas.
Yandi Hermawan, Branch Manager PT Dharma Lautan Utama Palu Branch
Compared to the old terminal, our passengers are very enthusiastic about the new Donggala Port terminal. The facilities are quite comprehensive, including air-conditioned rooms and seating area. Our passengers have also shown greater comfort at the Donggala passenger terminal.
Alexander Allokendek, Head Palu Bay Port Authority
When it was built, we set a standard that accessibility for disabilities is crucial. In Donggala Port, we have tracking systems and accessible toilets, as well as proper signage. We also assist passengers all the way to the ship and back.
Rudi Richardo, Airport Head Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport
Regarding gender aspects, such as nursery areas and others, these remain a focus in the rehabilitation and reconstruction project. For the disability aspect, this has already been implemented at the airport, enabling persons with disabilities to carry out their activities independently.
Elias Katapi, Traveler with Disability
As a person with visual impairments, there are now tactile blocks that allow us to navigate independently.
Irmansyah, Traveler with Disability
Before the renovation, there was no access at all for wheelchair users inside the toilet; the door was too narrow, so it was impossible to use a wheelchair. Now, it is more accessible, allowing wheelchair users to move freely from the entrance to the inside.
With strong collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and the local government, the project became fully operational in 2024.
Former President Joko Widodo inaugurated several of them that same year.
The project’s implementation follows ADB safeguards to ensure compliance with social and environmental impact standards.
Idrus, Shop Owner Donggala Port
When there was a plan for port construction, we were invited by the local government for relocation, and we also had several meetings with AECOM, so the relocation process went smoothly.
Twenty-nine affected shop owners in the port area were relocated to the nearby temporary sites to continue their businesses.
The affected shop owners will move to the permanent relocation site in front of the constructed Donggala Port in early 2025.
For airport rehabilitation, tenants relocated to temporary sites have been returned to the terminal to continue their business.
Cici, Shop Manager Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport
Currently, everyone who was relocated has returned to their respective cafeterias upstairs. Because the air is cool inside, the place gets a lot of customers. During the relocation process, the cafeteria sellers were also given consultations by the airport authorities to ensure everything went smoothly.
Both temporary sites in Donggala Port and Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport were completed with associated facilities: electricity, water, and disposal.
The rehabilitation and reconstruction of these key transportation infrastructure symbolize recovery.
It highlights the power of collaboration and commitment.
Together, we are not just recovering; we are building stronger, more inclusive features.
We are building back better.
