NGO accuses officials of abusing aid for Aceh

Forum-Asia, an Asian-based human rights watchdog, expressed concern on Wednesday over the alleged abuse of aid for tsunami victims in Aceh as some officials were selling the food aid to survivors.

The NGO received reports from its members and partners who were working inside Aceh that officials at Banda Aceh's Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport sold instant noodles for Rp 500 (US$0.05) per pack.

The NGO also recorded that desperate survivors at some distribution centers managed by the military were denied aid if they were unable to produce proper identity cards.

"In some cases, those who fail to present their identity cards are harassed and even beaten up. It is assumed that such incidents are more prevalent in remote areas," the NGO said in its report revealed at a press conference.

To prevent further abuses in the field, the NGO appealed to the Indonesian government to immediately outline detailed procedures for the disbursement of aid on the ground.

It also demanded the military authority create a code of conduct for military personnel supporting relief work, in order to enable civil society volunteers to assist the survivors. -- JP