Smong Deep Learning Model (SDLM)

Smong is a traditional term from Simeulue Island, located in Aceh Province, Indonesia. In the local language, smong literally means “tsunami,” but its meaning goes far beyond a simple translation of the natural disaster. Smong embodies local wisdom, oral tradition, and a cultural system of knowledge that teaches the people of Simeulue how to recognize the early warning signs of a tsunami and how to respond in order to survive.

The wisdom of smong is transmitted through stories, poems, songs, and advice from elders to younger generations. The core message of smong is simple: when a strong earthquake occurs and is followed by the sudden retreat of seawater from the shoreline, people must immediately run to higher ground to avoid the destructive waves that will follow.

Smong is not only a survival technique, but also an integral part of Simeulue’s identity. It demonstrates how indigenous knowledge, oral tradition, and community-based education can provide practical, life-saving strategies. Moreover, smong reflects values of solidarity, responsibility, and respect for nature that are deeply rooted in Simeulue’s culture. Thus, smong represents both a word for tsunami and a powerful symbol of resilience and collective memory.

The history of smong is closely tied to the experiences of the Simeuluean people with devastating tsunamis. The earliest and most significant event occurred on January 4, 1907, when a powerful earthquake struck the island. Soon after, massive waves rose from the sea and destroyed coastal villages. Thousands of lives were lost, but the survivors learned an important lesson: earthquakes and receding seawater are the signs of an incoming tsunami. From that tragedy, the people of Simeulue began to develop and preserve the oral tradition of smong as a survival guide for future generations.

Smong became embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of Simeulue. It was conveyed through nandong (traditional poems and songs) and nafi-nafi (storytelling), which were often performed during gatherings and family conversations. In these narratives, children were reminded to “run to the hills” whenever the earth shakes strongly and the sea withdraws. Over time, this wisdom transformed into a collective memory that shaped the community’s instinctive response to natural disasters.

The effectiveness of smong was dramatically proven during the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of December 26, 2004. While the disaster claimed the lives of over 200,000 people across Asia, including tens of thousands in Aceh, Simeulue recorded fewer than ten casualties out of more than 70,000 residents. Researchers later found that this remarkable survival rate was due to the deeply ingrained tradition of smong, which guided the islanders’ quick and coordinated evacuation to higher ground immediately after the earthquake.

Beyond its practical function, the history of smong also reflects the spiritual and communal values of Simeulue society. It is connected with Islamic teachings that emphasize the sanctity of life, as well as with cultural practices that stress collective responsibility. Smong is not only remembered as a tragic past but also celebrated as a heritage that strengthens community resilience. Today, the tradition continues to be preserved through education, school programs, and cultural activities, ensuring that the lessons of 1907 and 2004 remain alive for future generations.