Don't let Aceh wait

The experience of an executive of a Medan-based non- governmental organization (NGO) in dealing with the organization's donor, an European NGO, can give us a clue as to why the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the tsunami and war- devastated Aceh is criticized by many as too slow.

The two organizations are now building houses and community facilities for the victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami in Aceh. According to the executive, his partners rigidly stuck to European standards in the procurement of water and sanitation facilities and in building standards without taking into account local culture and habits.

"For instance, they insist the quality of drinking water must meet their standard. Three months later, they admit their standards are too high and difficult to achieve. Now they are more willing to listen to us," the activist said recently.

Meanwhile foreign donors and workers often complain about Indonesia's complicated bureaucracy -- especially the National Land Agency (BPN), the organization that zones land -- and the general corruption of local government officials.

The government-run Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency in Aceh (BRR) has strong credibility among the Acehnese, but it too is still criticized for moving too slowly.

Jan Egeland, the United Nations chief of emergency relief, has urged aid groups and NGOs to work more quickly and in a more coordinated manner to help people out of the refugee camps and temporary shelters and into permanent homes.

The Acehnese people and perhaps all Indonesians greatly appreciate countries, organizations and individuals -- all people, both Indonesians or foreigners -- who have helped Aceh after the tsunami in many ways. Their hard work in the field, the huge donations and attention given to the area, have greatly helped the residents of Aceh to weather an incredibly difficult time and to begin new lives. This work, however, is still needed; the Acehnese cannot yet go it alone because of the sheer scale of the devastation.

The tsunami in Aceh killed at least 130,000 people and made half a million more homeless. Many still live in refugee camps and have little means of making an income. They are also struggling to recover from the traumatic experience of losing loved ones, relatives, neighbors, even whole communities to the black waves.

Thankfully, the peace agreement between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is being implemented. The war there lasted about three decades and the peace process is still fragile. While it is not yet a final solution for lasting peace in Aceh, it is a major milestone in reaching that goal.

The peace and the reconstruction of Aceh are two giant operations which need patience, hard work and also sincerity and honesty from all parties. The cessation of conflict is vital in speeding up the rebuilding of Aceh. But when the rebuilding slows or stalls, the peace can be at stake because more people in Aceh become frustrated and lose trust in the central government.

Many of the tsunami survivors are also victims of the war between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) -- people who are still struggling for justice and economic security.

While the government is currently preoccupied with economic problems, it is hoped President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will take the time to be personally involved in the rebuilding process. Susilo needs to make more visits to the province and have more open and frank discussions with those who are responsible for the rebuilding.

Don't let Aceh wait too long. It will only damage what the government has achieved in winning the hearts and minds of the Acehnese.