Aceh tsunami survivors receive start-up capital

Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh

Brothers Iwan, 26, and Eki, 22, sat next to each other as they waited to receive cash aid from International Relief Development (IRD). "We want to start a poultry farm," Eki told The Jakarta Post.

Eki and Iwan began attending a vocational training program in October, studying poultry breeding. Because their feasibility study to set up a poultry farm was approved by the IRD upon completion of the program, they were entitled to receive Rp 1.5 million (US$150) each in start-up capital.

The brothers were determined to start their own business after the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami. If their poultry farm turns out to be successful, they plan to rebuild their family home which was badly damaged in the tsunami.

"Raising chickens is easy. We can build the coops next to the barracks," said Iwan, who lives with Eki and their father in the Surin barracks for internally displaced persons in Meuraxa district. His mother and five other siblings died in the tsunami.

While acknowledged Rp 3 million was not a lot of money, particularly with the higher fuel prices, the brothers vowed to work as hard as they could to make their business a success.

"This assistance is very helpful to us," said Eki.

This was the same enthusiasm shown by the hundreds of tsunami survivors assembled at the Banda Aceh Social Affairs Office, where 778 people would be provided with start-up capital.

The IRD is offering this cash assistance program for tsunami survivors in Meuraxa and Kuta Raja districts, both in Banda Aceh and both hard hit by the tsunami.

"This is the third time the IRD has provided start-up capital to tsunami survivors, with 1,332 people receiving cash assistance so far who are engaged in 533 kinds of businesses," said IRD project manager Lukman.

Recipients must first attend a special training program, where they can choose to study different specialties. After completing a feasibility study on their planned business, the IRD will provide them with start-up capital of Rp 1.5 million.

The cash assistance is a grant in nature, but recipients are required to sign a business contract first. The IRD has received Rp 2 billion from the United Nations Development Program to fund the program.

"The IRD is flexible in its stance and will continually encourage people to be involved in business," said Lukman.

The IRD has noticed that most tsunami survivors are more interested in setting up small stalls selling various goods than getting involved in other areas of business.

"Some 60 percent of them have decided to set up stalls. This activity especially does not require much skill," said Lukman.

Oki, 24, is still waiting for his turn to receive start-up capital so he can open a cigarette stall.

"Selling cigarette has less risk than any other business," said Oki with a smile.