Indonesia is still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami, which claimed more than 150,000 lives in the country. 
Schools, roads and water and sanitation systems were destroyed, and more than half a million people were displaced. A series of subsequent disasters have affected Indonesia, including earthquakes, another (much smaller but still deadly) tsunami, and outbreaks of polio and avian influenza. Amid these tragedies, organizations such as Sisters in Service have been ministering with humanitarian and spiritual assistance to men, women and children.
Issues facing children in Indonesia
- Tsunami recovery is continuing with construction of new permanent homes and schools and repair/replacement of other infrastructure elements.
Routine immunization coverage has deteriorated in the last few years.- Indonesia’s HIV/AIDS crisis threatens to become a full-blown epidemic.
- Malaria strikes up to 20 per cent of Indonesians.
- Approximately 28 per cent of children under the age of five are malnourished.
- More than 100 million people lack adequate sanitation, and more than 40 million people do not have access to safe drinking water sources.
- Nationally, primary school enrolment rates are over 90 per cent and junior secondary enrolment rates are over 60 per cent, with no gender gap.
- Human trafficking is a serious problem. Each year, thousands of women and children fall victim to trafficking, including being forced or lured into the commercial sex trade.
- There are nearly 3 million children in the labour force, many in dangerous occupations.
