Survivors want low-key commemoration

Survivors want low-key commemoration

Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh

With billions being spent to commemorate the first anniversary of
the tsunami in Aceh on Monday, Aceh residents voiced hope for a
modest commemoration since many survivors are still living in
wornout shelters for displaced persons.

Funds for the event, reportedly reaching up to Rp 15 billion
(US$1,5 million), were derived from the Rehabilitation and
Reconstruction Agency for Aceh and Nias (BRR), the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, the provincial administration and money chipped
in from a number of non-governmental organizations.

"The BRR will set aside Rp 7 billion to Rp 8 billion, USAID
will contribute Rp 2.5 billion and the provincial administration
Rp 1.5 billion," BRR spokesman Sudirman Said told The Jakarta
Post in Banda Aceh on Friday.

A number of heads of state who have contributed money are
scheduled to attend the commemoration, for which the BRR is
planning to show the progress of rehabilitation and
reconstruction while at the same time remind donor countries that
the restoration process in Aceh is not yet over and still needs
assistance.

"We need Rp 60 trillion or $6 billion to rebuild Aceh and
Nias, and most of it will come from overseas donors," said
Sudirman.

"All these activities need funds, such as for marketing and
public relations. Let's say we'll lose $1 million to later gain
$6 million," said Sudirman, adding that he would announce the
total amount of funds spent on the commemoration.

A legal expert and survivor of the tsunami, Rufriadi, said the
huge amount being spent on the anniversary was irrational,
especially when there were many displaced people living in tents
even now.

"I don't know whether in disaster management an extravagant
celebration should be held for the continued provision of relief
aid, since there has yet to be any progress in Aceh," said
Rufriadi.

He said that Aceh had gone through a horrible ordeal and many
people had lost their family members, and to commemorate the
anniversary lavishly was indecent.

"I don't know if you look it from the business perspective,
but it would surely be different if we look it from the number of
casualties," he said.

A resident of Kampong Jawa, Banda Aceh, Narizal, 21, concurred
with Rufriadi, saying that the tsunami anniversary should be
modest.

"If possible, just divide the funds among survivors for start-
up capital because there are still many survivors who have not
been assisted at all," said Narizal.

A resident of Lampaya, Lhok Nga district, Hasra, 23, said that
he disapproved of the anniversary being commemorated
extravagantly.

"Don't let the anniversary leave the impression of being
extravagant," he said.

Tsunami survivors planned to commemorate the tsunami's first
anniversary by praying throughout the night and visiting mass
graves.

"The anniversary will be held as simple as possible because,
as you know, we are still living in tents. We will pray and hold
a simple ritual feast," said Ratna, a resident from Mon Ikeun,
Lhok Nga district in Aceh Besar regency, who is still living in a
shelter for displaced persons.