“The importance of a model action, even if it is small and simple, lies in investigating the possibilities of an idea hands-on and taking the first step with the community. Zulfadhly and I were inspired by Higashimatsushima, where we stayed for three months to carry out research for the 2nd OJT program. At the end of our stay, we made proposals for both Banda Aceh and Higashimatsushima. From the 10 proposals for Banda Aceh, we chose Basket Fishing Tourism as our model action, as it relates to both the Agriculture and Fishery Department and Tourism Department, where Zul and I belong respectively.
The inspiration for the Basket Fishing Tourism comes from the tourism programs run by fishermen on Miyato Island in Higashimatsushima. After returning to Banda Aceh, we began by discussing the concept with the local fishermen. We made the baskets together and the fishing ground was researched. Fishermen were not familiar with the idea of promotion, so using my experience in the Tourism Department, I promoted the program through local hotels and social media. Now the program is widely known within the city. This is just the beginning and there is much more potential for this program. For example, as an educational program for schools.
Through this model action, I made many new friends in the fishing communities. Also, I have a new perspective on tourism, as something that can improve the lives of people. It was a great experience to be able to communicate my idea to others and work towards it with them.”

“In order to carry out a model action in Higashimatsushima two university students were sent to Banda Aceh. They were from Nobiru Island and Miyato Island in Higashimatsushima, where the damage from the tsunami was most severe. Although they were away from Higashimatsushima for their studies, they had always wanted to do something to help their hometowns, but did not know how. Based on their research in Banda Aceh, together with two staff from the Banda Aceh City Tourism Department on the 4th OJT program, they developed strategies to attract tourists to these areas. One of the strategies that was implemented, as an one day event, was the Imoni Walk. These strategies were also shared with the local community. As the members of community organisations are ageing, it provided a rare chance for them to get an input from young people.
Even if the town is rebuilt it is not a sustainable situation if the community is gradually disappearing because of the shrinking and ageing population. Japan is good at making functional infrastructure but creative utilisation of these infrastructures is becoming increasingly critical to regain the vitality of towns. Unfortunately, there is no concrete methodology for such issues other than learning from the process of trial-and-error. It is important to keep on making attempts in many various fields. That is why making small-scale activities together with the people of Banda Aceh is very meaningful for the reconstruction and development of Higashimatsushima.”