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.