The City of Malibu has adopted the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia as a “Sister Surf Paradise” through its partnership with SurfAid, a nonprofit organization that aims to help people living in isolated parts of the world through surfing. The partnership is intended to support the organization’s humanitarian efforts in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
“Both Malibu and the Mentawai Islands are iconic cradles of surfing culture that are faced with the duty of preserving their natural beauty,” Malibu Mayor Lou La Monte said in a statement. “Given our shared values of environmental stewardship, public health, education and community, the city is pleased to endorse SurfAid’s commitment to advancing these values in the islands of Western Indonesia.”
On the islands off West Sumatra, SurfAid conducts educational programs in nutrition, hygiene, healthy environments, disease prevention and emergency preparedness, along with support from a variety of individuals, organizations and corporations.
“By adopting the Mentawai Islands as a Sister Surf Paradise, the City of Malibu has demonstrated integrity and leadership that will help eradicate preventable suffering of the Mentawai people,” Dr. Dave Jenkins, founder and medical director of SurfAid, said in a statement.