Rebuilding a modern Aceh

We are all aware of the destructive havoc caused by the recent earthquakes and tsunamis. It is unfortunate that Indonesia has become the worst-hit country, and that the tsunami has left many parts of Aceh literally unrecognizable.

As strategies are still being contemplated on how to rebuild the streets of Aceh, I would like to point out that this is a good chance to improve on the infrastructure of the past. Before the tsunami struck, one would not say that Banda Aceh was a "modern" town. Many of the streets were unpaved, which left cars to drive on uneven dirt roads. The buildings had a very old- fashioned style, and some didn't even have the basic amenities, such as pipes for running water.

There is no doubt that Banda Aceh, and the surrounding regions, are among the more underdeveloped areas in Indonesia. Although the calamity caused by the tsunami certainly has had some devastating effects, we must not miss this golden opportunity to rebuild and improve Aceh's infrastructure. Paved, even streets; sturdy, modern buildings; easy street navigation; these things don't have to be a fantasy for Aceh anymore.

If enough planning, careful calculations and effort go in to rebuilding Aceh, the things mentioned above could very well become a reality.

YASMIN SOFYAN, Jakarta