Don't let Aceh wait
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.