Bumi Sehat Evacuation / Resource Center
When Mount Agung erupted in 2017, tens of thousands of Balinese families were forced to evacuate from the danger zone. Many lost access to safe shelter, food, clean water, and medical support. Among them were vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly — people in urgent need of dignified care.
Bumi Sehat quickly mobilized to respond to the crisis. With an initial contribution of US$8,000 from Hinoki, the team began by providing emergency relief. This seed funding inspired a bigger vision: to create a permanent facility that could both house evacuees during disasters and serve as a long-term community resource. With the collective generosity of donors, this vision became reality in the form of the US$80,000 Resource Center on Bumi Sehat’s clinic grounds. The resource center was officially opened in 2019.
At a Glance
Ibu Robin Lim is a Filipino–American midwife, mother, grandmother, and founder of Yayasan Bumi Sehat, a nonprofit organization that provides free maternity care for pregnant women, mothers and their babies, plus healthcare for all those in need.
Born in the Philippines in 1956, Robin decided to become a midwife in 1991, when her sister and niece tragically died during childbirth. She qualified as a midwife in the United States and Indonesia, and founded the Bumi Sehat Foundation International in Bali, Indonesia. To date, she has birthed over 9,000 babies and is known by locals and international fans alike as “Ibu Robin” (Mother Robin). Bumi Sehat (which translates to “healthy mother earth”) operates clinics in Bali, Sumatra Island Aceh, Papua and the Philippines, as well as temporary clinics in disaster areas around the world such as Haiti and Nepal. Through the foundation, Robin trains and inspires more than 6,000 midwives and nurses per year, and over 300,000 people have benefitted from Bumi Sehat’s services to date.
A Safe Haven During Crisis
During the crisis, Bumi Sehat’s camp became a safe haven. Expecting mothers and families found clean, secure shelter and comprehensive care. Medical teams delivered ongoing treatment to the wounded and ill, while volunteers ensured that food, bedding, hygiene supplies, and other essentials reached those in need. More than 10,500 N95 masks were distributed to prevent lung damage from volcanic ash, particularly protecting children. Compared to the difficult conditions in other camps, families often described Bumi Sehat’s shelter as “five-star” — not because it was luxurious, but because it provided dignity, compassion, and safety.
Dual Function of the Center
The Evacuation Center ensures that Bumi Sehat is better prepared for future emergencies. The facility includes two fully equipped rooms with bathrooms to house evacuees, as well as an upstairs bamboo pavilion. This pavilion provides space for meetings, arts and crafts, workshops, and livelihood projects, transforming the center into a hub for youth education and community activities in times of peace.
What began as an urgent response to a humanitarian crisis has become a sustainable, long-term resource for the people of Bali. The center stands ready to protect lives in the face of future disasters, while also nurturing the next generation through education and empowerment.
Support Our Impact Heroes
Earth Company is a value-generation organization.
Your donations and support ensures that we are able to continue empowering our Impact Heroes with the right support to create regenerative futures!