Komnas HAM: Relocation of Disaster Victims Requires a Participatory Approach

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) recommends that the government adopt a participatory approach in handling the post-disaster situation in Aceh, particularly regarding the relocation of communities. “A participatory consultation process between the communities to be relocated and the government is an important prerequisite,” said Komnas HAM Commissioner Atnike Nova Sigiro in Banda Aceh on Wednesday. The statement was made to the media after attending a discussion on accelerating rehabilitation and reconstruction in Aceh post-ecological disaster from a human rights perspective in Banda Aceh. From a human rights perspective, she said, the relocation of residences has a significant impact on a person’s or family’s future, even in the context of threats of danger or vulnerability to disasters. In the relocation process, according to her, in addition to suitable locations, the government must also consider the economy of the relocated communities, their social and cultural aspects, as well as security, so that their right to welfare is not deprived. Furthermore, she continued, the government also needs to ensure that the relocation land has legal certainty. It should not turn out that land disputes arise in the future. Another important step, she added, is to consider employment opportunities for those who farm, trade, or work in the informal sector. Whether they can still carry out their activities as usual in the new location. Atnike acknowledged that the process is indeed not easy and requires patience from the government to find clean and clear areas, while still providing welfare for the relocated residents. “This process cannot be done forcibly. If done forcibly, the community will tend not to cooperate, this is important,” said Komnas HAM Commissioner Atnike Nova Sigiro.