Midwives in East Flores Prepared to Face Climate Crisis and Disasters

Midwives in East Flores Regency are being prepared to face health challenges resulting from the climate crisis and disasters. This effort is being undertaken by the Indonesian Midwifery Education Association (AIPKIND) in partnership with the Australian Government through the MENTARI Project.

The MENTARI Project was launched at the Sunrise Hotel in Larantuka on Monday (31/9/2026). The project aims to equip midwives to be more resilient in the face of disasters and the climate crisis.

The Acting Counselor for Governance and Human Development at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Ms Elena Martin Avila, expressed condolences and concern regarding the recent earthquake that struck Flores.

“This earthquake serves as a reminder for our systems and services. Australia is committed to supporting an equitable and strong health system, specifically for mothers, children, and the community,” said Elena.

According to Elena, strengthening the health systems for mothers, infants, and children is essential for facing future health challenges. “As we continue to face climate change in the future, we must also ensure high-quality healthcare for women and infants,” she added.

The Chairperson of AIPKIND, Jumiarni Ilyas, stated that the MENTARI Project is a collaboration between AIPKIND and the Australian Government to strengthen midwifery education. “Through midwifery education, we can make a significant contribution to the development of mothers, infants, and children. We are committed to ensuring that Indonesian midwives are well-prepared,” said Jumiarni.

Jumiarni emphasised that the presence of the MENTARI Project in East Flores is not because the region is lagging behind. “On the contrary, these midwives are already facing situations that their colleagues elsewhere may not necessarily experience. Midwives are not positioned as objects, but as sources of knowledge,” she asserted.

The Regent of East Flores, Antonius Doni Dihen, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration. He hopes the project will strengthen a health and midwifery education system that is resilient, adaptive, and sustainable. “Let us work with the same spirit: data-driven science, need-based policy, humanity-based service, and collaboration that produces change,” he said.

Anton also noted that the MENTARI Project does not only increase individual capacity but also connects the midwifery education system, healthcare services, and community needs. “This is a very important approach. What is discovered in the field must become a lesson for the world of education. What is learned in educational institutions must be relevant to service needs. And healthcare services must truly answer the needs of the community,” he concluded.