Supporting village communities affected by a violent volcanic eruption

In January and February 2023, we joined forces with the Indonesian Education for Permaculture Foundation (IDEP) to help alleviate the consequences of the volcanic eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. As a part of our global emergency support program, we sponsored hygiene kits, sanitation facilities, and washing necessities for 474 families who were forced to move to evacuation sites. Our joint effort with IDEP also covered the provision of necessary equipment and logistic support to meet the needs of the temporarily displaced, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

11 years after its last eruption, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara has once more interfered with the lives of surrounding village communities. After almost a month of gradually increasing activity, on 9 January 2024, the volcano’s alert status reached Level IV (the highest level on a four-tier scale.) Authorities have evacuated communities in the vicinity of the volcano and advised residents to be vigilant for potential pyroclastic flows, lava flows, lahars, and landslides.

'Octa provided the much-needed support in addressing unmet basic needs in evacuation areas. As part of emergency assistance, our top priorities currently include ensuring access to clean water, adequate sanitation facilities, and non-food item supply. Octa's help was instrumental in providing the lacking necessities to hundreds of people who were forced to move to evacuation posts temporarily,' said Muchamad Awal, the executive director of IDEP. 

This emergency support program wouldn't be possible without a strong community of our traders in Indonesia and other regions. Not only does trading with us bring you profit, it allows us to scale our social responsibility projects where they are needed most.