Aceh twelve months on<\/p>\n
Aminah is 44 years old and a widow who lost three children and
\nher husband when the giant tsunami engulfed not only her family
\nand house, but also everything that was life itself. Three
\nchildren survived, which was indeed a blessing, but also it could
\nbe viewed as a burden when you have no money, no real hope and
\nyour dignity has been pushed aside in a living environment that
\nseverely degrades women and totally frustrates men.<\/p>\n
The tent camp at Lhoknga in Aceh province has been transformed
\nover the months into an area that has plants and flowers; it has
\na cleanliness about it as it nestles under the shade of coconut
\ntrees, which make the site look quite attractive. But this is
\ntwelve months on and that life, no matter how tranquil it may
\nlook, is nothing short of unhappiness and of helplessness.<\/p>\n
No doubt assessments will be made on the performance of aid
\nagencies and NGO's in Aceh and all I hope is that somewhere along
\nthe line people start to realize that it is the responsibility of
\nus all, as human beings, to push aside unwanted obstacles and
\nwork as a team to resolve the many logistical and frustrating
\nproblems. Inflation and greed have forced prices to a level that
\nis quite grotesque and we need to take steps to reverse that
\ntrend.<\/p>\n
There is a lot of money available, and that fact alone has
\nbrought forward the vultures that come in all shapes and sizes. I
\nvery much doubt at the end of the day if one single house in Aceh
\nwill cost less than Rp 100 million in real terms -- and this no
\nmatter what the tender document says.<\/p>\n
If we were to divide the costs of accommodating the hundreds
\nof NGOs scattered throughout Aceh and elsewhere, and then divide
\nthis into the achievements so far ..., but then we will never
\nknow that figure and probably just as well.<\/p>\n
Aminah looks forward to her new house and I guess when it
\neventually arrives, she will be able to hold her head a lot
\nhigher, and that I look forward to seeing. I meet with Aminah and
\nthe other widows every month and never fail to admire their
\ncourage -- let us hope the NGOs can turn things around quickly
\nand achieve the long-awaited progress.<\/p>\n
DAVID WALLIS, Medan, North Sumatra<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aceh-twelve-months-on-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }