A humanitarian worker and survivor of the 2004 tsunami on localisation and looking forward

Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami and earthquake, humanitarians met in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, in August to discuss the state of country’s humanitarian sector.

For Candra Kirana, Islamic Relief Indonesia’s Deputy CEO and Head of Operations, Candra Kirana, reflecting on the 2004 disaster has both professional and personal significance.

In August 2024, I joined fellow humanitarians, academics and representatives from government and international organisations in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, for a conference marking both World Humanitarian Day and the anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the city and wider region 20 years ago.

Attending events like this is a deeply emotional experience for me, because I am a survivor of the tsunami myself.

After the disaster, I felt called to work in the humanitarian sector, and I have been dedicated to doing so ever since. I chose to attend this event at the conference in particular because its focus on equal partnerships and empowering local civil society organisations resonated deeply with me.

Engaging in discussions about a disaster I experienced brought back vivid memories of loss and resilience, but it also allowed me to reflect on how far Indonesia’s humanitarian sector has come since 2004.

Localisation in the ‘disaster laboratory’

Indonesia has been described as a ‘disaster laboratory’ – the sheer number and variety of disasters we are vulnerable to presents huge risks, but also the opportunity to develop and test disaster prevention, management and response techniques.

Localisation in humanitarian aid means funding and giving decision-making power to organisations based in the countries affected by emergencies. It is vital because it empowers local actors who possess unique insights and understanding of their communities.

Local organisations often have established trust with disaster-affected populations, allowing them to communicate and respond to specific needs more effectively. They are deeply familiar with local cultures, customs and languages, and this familiarity enhances their ability to provide relevant and timely assistance when a disaster happens.

Local actors are typically more agile and adaptable than international organisations. They can mobilise quickly in emergencies, leveraging existing networks and resources to deliver aid more efficiently. While their proximity to affected communities allows them to identify emerging needs and gaps in services quickly, ensuring that responses are tailored to the local context.

Local knowledge saves lives

There is one very notable example from the 2004 disaster that shows just how powerful harnessing local expertise can be. ‘Nandong Smong’ is a traditional practice in Simeulue, an island 150km off the coast of Sumatra, where Aceh is located.

In 1907 Simeuele was devastated by a major tsunami. Survivors told the story to their descendants in a practice that has continued to the present day, instructing listeners to evacuate to higher ground if they see the tide recede following an earthquake.

Nandong Smong has led to community awareness of tsunami risks, enabling locals to recognise the signs of an impending tsunami based on these historical experiences and environmental cues. In 2004, many residents heeded this local wisdom, leading to successful evacuations and ultimately saving lives. Only 7 of the island’s more than 70,000 people lost their lives, compared to well over 100,000 elsewhere in Aceh.

By prioritising local capacities and solutions like Nandong Smong, humanitarian efforts can become more sustainable and effective in the face of future challenges.

Dedicated to making a difference

The conference in August led to an agreement to establish of several important localisation tools, including the National Reference Group (NRG), the Indonesian Localisation Lab, the Indonesian Humanitarian Pooled Resources, and the Anthology of Local Civil Society Organisation Movements in Indonesia.

These initiatives are set to play a crucial role in enhancing local ownership of humanitarian action, improving coordination, and strengthening the effectiveness of humanitarian and development efforts across the country.

Candra (second from right) shows Islamic Relief colleagues around one of Banda Aceh’s major mass graves in August 2024

Spending time with other humanitarian workers who share a commitment to improving disaster response felt empowering. It’s inspiring to see how our collective experiences can shape more effective strategies in disaster management and response.

But, at the same time, it can feel overwhelming to confront the realities that many in our country still endure, particularly as climate change leads to increasingly frequent and intense disasters.

The conference reinforced my dedication to making a difference. Sharing my own story and hearing from others helps create a sense of solidarity and purpose in our work as we prepare to address the future challenges that lie ahead.

More than just a commemorative event

The event concluded with the adoption of the Banda Aceh Declaration, which emphasises a commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s humanitarian system through an inclusive and sustainable localisation approach.

This declaration recognises the vital role of local civil society organisations and promotes a humanitarian response that is more relevant, effective, and aligned with humanitarian principles.

Overall, the Indonesia 2024 Localisation Conference was more than just a commemorative event; it marked an important moment to redefine and enhance future humanitarian responses.

As someone who works for Islamic Relief and a survivor of the tsunami, I felt this conference was a crucial step toward a more just and effective approach to humanitarian aid. I look forward to being part of this journey and the progress we can make over the next 20 years.

20 years on from the earthquake and tsunami, Islamic Relief is sharing the stories of survivors – including Candra – staff and our steadfast support of affected communities in the decades that followed the disaster. Read more here.

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Adnan Hafiz

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.