Int'l NGOs will continue to aid Aceh, despite ban

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

International organizations will continue providing humanitarian assistance for Aceh people, despite the government's ban imposed on foreign agencies wishing to enter the war-torn province.

Jakarta-based Deputy to the Humanitarian Coordinator and Chief of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) Michael Elmquist said the office would comply with the government's decision and would continue cooperation with the government to help the Acehnese.

"We have always worked with the government; if the government says we can stay in Banda Aceh we'll stay, but if it says we have to leave, we'll just leave," Elmquist told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

He added that humanitarian assistance for Aceh would continue as usual, as his office had established cooperation with the local administration.

"We are still working with the local government in Banda Aceh to distribute assistance," Elmquist said.

A week after imposing martial law in the province, the government decided on Sunday to limit the movement of foreigners in Aceh, even those involved in humanitarian activities.

UN-OCHA had earlier requested more access to Aceh to deliver humanitarian necessities for the Acehnese, as several UN agencies have been preparing assistance for the public.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on Monday that the government should be extra cautious about the activities of international agencies in Aceh as "there are questions about the sincerity of these organizations in helping the Acehnese".

"Especially non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which could have other motives or might support GAM," the minister said, referring to the Free Aceh Movement rebel group.

Hassan said the government did not want to be bothered by the unnecessary presence of foreigners in the province, which might disrupt the military operation in Aceh.

"We have our own humanitarian operation; basically, we do not need the presence of foreign NGOs in Aceh. We are open for aid, but let us distribute the assistance," he said.

The minister called on all foreign activists to leave the province as Jakarta had neither the time nor energy to ensure their safety in the province.

"As a sovereign country, we wish to remind all that we have the authority to impose sanctions on those who fail to comply with our request," Hassan said.

Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare Jusuf Kalla said his office had sent letters on Monday to all international organizations regarding the aid distribution process for the province.

"We are open for support, but work with the government or the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in the distribution. We do not want too many foreigners to stay in Aceh," he said.

The minister also emphasized that it would be difficult for the government to ensure the safety of foreigners, should they insist on staying in the province.

Currently, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has provided 300 school kits and 50 tents, along with hygiene kits for children, as education became one of the first victims of war, with the arson of more than 300 schools in the province.

Earlier, the World Food Program (WFP) provided 10,000 tons of rice, which has been distributed by the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).