ACT Situation Report

South and south east Asia/Indonesia 26/05

ACT Appeal ASRE51

September 30, 2005

Indonesia

Information provided by ACT members in Indonesia: Yayasan Tanggul Benkana Indonesia (YTBI), Church World Service Indonesia (CWS) and CD Bethesda/YAKKUM Emergency Unit (YEU). Activities cover the period of September 1-15, 2005. Information compiled by the information officers of the ACT coordination offices in Jakarta and Medan.

GENERAL ISSUES

Around 800 Indonesian military (TNI) soldiers left Aceh on September 25 as the mass withdrawal of reinforcement troops from the province agreed under the recent peace deal began. The troops, from two infantry battalions, left from Lhokseumawe on a naval vessel after six months of duty in the province. A military commander said that about 6,000 troops from 11 battalions would be pulled out of the province in the coming weeks as part of the peace agreement signed in Helsinki on August 15.

The withdrawal of the troops will take place in four stages that must be completed by December 31, while the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) must simultaneously surrender 840 weapons. Over the past few days, GAM has surrendered 279 weapons to the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM), but 30 of them were rejected for failing to meet the agreed standards and 23 others are still being verified. AMM chief Pieter Feith said this is a good start to the peace process. The start of the troop withdrawal followed the departure of some 1,300 troopers from the police's paramilitary mobile brigade. As a goodwill gesture, TNI had earlier withdrawn around 1,200 troops from Aceh a few days after the Indonesian government and GAM hammered out the peace accord.

European Union and Southeast Asian monitors grouped in the AMM are overseeing the withdrawal of some 25,000 TNI soldiers and 5,000 police personnel from Aceh, the disarmament of GAM and further steps to create lasting peace in the province, where 15,000 people have died in three decades of armed conflict. Two previous peace agreements were short-lived. But many remain wary because of the collapse of earlier accords, and are watching closely to see if the military and the insurgents abide by the deal.

MEMBERS' ACTIVITIES

Health and nutrition

CWS

Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar: CWS provided medical treatment to several children and mothers suffering from fever and diarrhea in Lam Asan Village, Aceh Besar, along with height and weight measuring of the children, and also of the children in Meunasah Village in order to regularly monitor their nutritional status. 92 patients in Meunasah were diagnosed with dysentery and other conditions.

In addition, CWS distributed Vitalita (a multi-micronutrients supplement for under-five children) and fortified soy sauce provided by Helen Keller International in two locations in Trienggadeng sub-district, Pidie, covering 219 and 30 households respectively. CWS has allocated funds in support of the wet feeding program in Meunasah Village.

CWS conducted an assessment in Lampase Engking Barracks in Darul Imarah (Aceh Besar). The assessment shows that the large number of malnourished children in the area has diminished significantly. Based on the assessment and data cross-checking in Gudang Lamreng, CWS has decided to provide the community health center (Puskesmas) in the village with various medicines and vitamins for both adults and children. Medicines have already been distributed in Puskesmas Kaju and Mesjid Raya.

CWS has met with the mothers and cadres in Krueng Kala and Brandeh Villages, Aceh Besar to receive their input on CWS activities over the past three months for implementation of the next wet feeding program. In Brandeh, cooking classes to teach the mothers how to cook local dishes for their children have been held on a regular basis.

Nias: CWS conducted wet feeding for the first time in Sifalatete Tabaloho to a total of 80 children. Similarly, in Bawadesolo, 205 children under five years of age attended and 80 children in the same age group in Hilinaa (the three locations are all part of Gunung Sitoli). In the latter location, anthropometric measuring (height and weight measurements) of children was also conducted. In addition, CWS distributed a total of 600 Kids Against Hunger packages in two of the above locations to cover the needs of 299 children for one week.

YEU

Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar: YEU provided health services to 299 patients in eight villages, camps and Islamic boarding schools. The common diseases among others were joint pain, upper respiratory tract infections and headaches.

Lhok Seumawe: YEU provided health services to 197 patients in four locations and a supplementary program (fruits) for 64 children in one location. YEU identified a person who needed surgery and a patient who is suspected of having leprosy. Due to a limited supply of medicine, the team referred the patient to the nearest government health center.

YEU reported that common diseases were upper respiratory tract infections, muscle pain and headaches, stomach pain and skin irritation. In addition to provided health services, YEU conducted data entry of patients.

Nias: YEU provided health services in Lahewa (Posko, Tureloto, Muzoi, Mo’awu, and Hiligaka) and Sirombu (Onolimbu Raya, Tiga Serangkai, Tetesua, dan Onolimbu). In addition, YEU held a sectoral meeting in Gunung Sitoli. The meeting was attended by 20 YEU staff (eight doctors from the head office and 12 nurses from Banda Aceh, Meulaboh, Lhokseumawe and Nias). The meeting discussed the village medicine post (Pos Obat Desa), lessons learned from the health services, training, cadres, first-phase evaluator evaluations, health-services standards and guidelines, strategy and a plan of action in the health sector.

YTBI

Nias: YTBI’s implementing partner (BPB PGID Nias), supported by Norwegian Lutheran Mission, continues to provide health services in Lasara Bagawu, Nias. YTBI reported that IDPs’ health had been improving with the presence of BPIB PGID Nias. At the beginning, there were around 45 people who came to the clinic every day for treatment, but now it has decreased to 25 to 30 people per day.

Livelihood recovery

CWS

Banda Aceh: CWS distributed chickens and cages to 12 animal breeders in Neuhun Village, Mesjid Raya, Aceh Besar.

The furniture group in Sibreh Keumude II has completed construction of its workshop, but due to high mobility of the IDPs in the village, 50 percent of the initial group has been replaced with new members as the first group has left the village.

CWS provided funds and equipment to small trading groups to support their activities. Six out of eleven small trading groups have opened businesses, such as coffee shops and grocery shops.

Replacement of fishing boats will take place in Tanah Anoe and Cot Lheu Rheng Barracks in Trienggadeng sub-district, Pidie shortly, and CWS staff have met with the local communities in those locations to inform them about the distribution details. In addition, CWS is coordinating closely with Caritas Germany as it intends to implement a shelter project in the same locations.

CWS staff has met again with the women’s group in Ingin Jaya. Marketing and product promotion were some of the issues discussed, and capacity-building training of the group is scheduled to take place shortly.

Meulaboh: CWS decided to extend its livelihood interventions to Gampung Lhok and Kuala Tuha Camps in Nagan Raya District. The interventions will cover 52 beneficiaries and will be implemented by CWS’s local NGO partner Yayasan PAPAN.

Nias: CWS distributed 16 piglets in Madula Village (Gunung Sitoli), and is scheduled to distribute them to Sirombu and Mandrehe soon. Meanwhile, a feasibility study in coordination with the head of Hilinaa Village is currently taking place, as well as a program evaluation of the overall progress on CWS livelihood interventions there.

YTBI

Banda Aceh: YTBI’s local partner (L-PeKa HKBP) facilitated a group of 28 women in a sewing course. L-PeKa is supporting this course with a room which they renovated as a classroom, and tables, chairs, sewing equipment and 12 sewing machines and material. This course is planned to be conducted for three months.

Nias: YTBI’s implementing partner (BPB PGID) continues to organize meetings with groups that have been established to follow up the progress.

Meulaboh: YTBI’s working group conducted assessment in four villages. The assessment is aimed at projects that could be carried out in the locations. The working group is now under the process of grouping, budgeting and scheduling.

Material aid and food

CWS

Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar: CWS distributed relief items in six locations of two sub-districts in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar to a total of 5,355 people (1,220 households). The items were 1,181 relief kits, 351 health kits, 608 school kits, 175 children’s kits, 168 baby kits, 36 tents, 36 tarpaulins and 36 ropes.

Meulaboh: CWS distributed a total of 9,835 liters of kerosene to 2,002 households in two locations in Johan Pahlawan, in two locations in Kaway XVI (Aceh Barat) and in eight locations in Kuala sub-district (Nagan Raya). Meanwhile, 694 school kits were distributed to 694 students in Meulaboh.

Nias: CWS distributed relief supplies to a total of 390 beneficiaries in five locations of Sirombu and Gunung Sitoli. The items included: 677 Kids Against Hunger packages, one tarpaulin, six Interchurch Medical Assistance boxes and 20 baby kits.

YTBI

Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar: YTBI’s implementing partner (L-PeKa HKBP) distributed food (rice, mineral water, green beans, anchovies, cooking oil, sugar and soya sauce) and non-food items (women’s hygiene items, soap and others) to more than 1,400 IDPs in four locations.

Nias: YTBI’s implementing partner (BPB PGID Nias) distributed baby food and non-food items (mattresses, baby clothes, women’s hygiene items, kerosene, blankets, kitchen utensils, school kits, school bags, and shoes) to 131 households in Nias.

Water and sanitation

CWS

Meulaboh: The CWS/Norwegian Church Aid water-purification plant in Rantau Panjang produces approximately 140 cubic meters of clean water per day that is being distributed via CWS/NCA trucks to 26 distribution points, covering a total of 8,496 beneficiaries.

YEU

Banda Aceh: YEU is constructing a water pipeline in Blang Ulam to connect a communal well. Since the Indonesian Red Cross has stopped its activity in Blang Ulam, the IDPs expect YEU to provide assistance.

Nias: The team in Lahewa has started installation of a well in Tureloto and one bathroom and latrine unit. Construction of bathing, washing and toilet facilities in Tiga Serangkai (Mandrehe) village has started.

Lhokseumawe: The team in Lhokseumawe monitored the construction of bathing, washing and toilet facilities and a water tank.

Psychosocial activities

CWS

Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar: CWS regularly conducts FEAT (Fun and Educational Activities in Tents) activities for a total of 214 children between 6 and 12 years of age in five locations in Aceh Besar with assistance from local volunteers. The activities, among others, are origami and cooperative games, followed by a light meal. In addition, CWS implemented its MADU Program (Mencerdaskan Anak Dini Usia - Early Childhood Development Program) followed by supplementary feeding in two locations in Aceh Besar. The activities conducted are similar to the ones of FEAT, focusing only on children in the age group 3 to 5 years.

Meulaboh: CWS organized FEAT (Fun and Educational Activities in Tents) activities in three locations in Meurebo and in one location in Johan Pahlawan sub-district with the participation of between 50 and 100 children between 3 and 15 years of age. Similarly, CWS implemented its MADU Program in two locations in Meurebo, with the participation of 50 and 32 children respectively. The activities included singing and dancing, among others.

Nias: CWS organized FEAT (Fun and Educational Activities in Tents) activities in Madula village (Gunung Sitoli) for 92 children under twelve years of age. Also, assessment and data collection of children under 12 years of age was carried out in the same location, as well as IDP assessments in Sifalete Tabaloho in conjunction with the water and sanitation and health and nutrition sectors, followed by focus-group discussions with local stakeholders in the area.

YEU

Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar: YEU held a Koran-reading activity in Kayu Jati camp, Banda Aceh (attended by 17 women) and in Tanah Merah camp (attended by 21 women). In Lamreh, YEU, assisted by the Ustadz (Muslim leader), is distributing daily record books to santri (students) at the Lamreh Koran teaching center. YEU also continues to provide teaching and learning processes in Beureunet, Kayu Jati and Blang Ulam

Nias: YEU held competitions in two places – Ramelling and Dora’a camps (desa Afia Puncak) in Gunung Sitoli. Counseling groups and individual counseling for beneficiaries are running as usual.

Lhok Seumawe: YEU monitored activities in a kindergarten of 37 students and planned to provide supplementary feeding for the children. The problem faced is the lack of motivation of the students in attending the school. In Tanah Anoe, YEU met the children’s dance instructor to discuss activities for a psychosocial program. YEU facilitated the group with some electronic devices and CDs. YEU coordinated with the coach and coordinator of a soccer club in village Kede Mane as part of the psychosocial program.

YTBI

Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar: YTBI’s implementing partner (L-PeKa HKBP) distributed additional play equipment to a play group. This play group was also equipped with carpeting, tables, desks, and chairs for 35 students who are 2 to 5 years old. There are three play group teachers who are HKBP deaconesses.

One of YTBI’s working group members in Meulaboh, who is a teacher, and other members have been helping children with their school assignments, especially when they are tsunami-related. It has become regular to the children to bring their school writing assignments to the central relief as their extracurricular education.

Aceh Barat: YTBI’s working group in Meulaboh taught children traditional dances folk songs at its relief center. On September 15, the children performed at a wedding party at the neighbor of YTBI’s relief center.

Teunom: YTBI’s implementing partner, Walhi, runs regular sports activities for youth in Teunom. In addition, Walhi continues to support women in Acehnese traditional food cooking. The women sell the food in their own places.

Nias: YTBI’s implementing partner (Handal Mahardika Foundation) continues to run an extracurricular program in Lahusa and Lagundri national elementary schools in the afternoon and at a public hall in the evening. 420 students in Lahusa and 184 in Lagundri participate. Subjects taught are math, Bahasa (Indonesian language), social science, science, and drawing. There are three types of activities conducted by Handal Mahardika Foundation: an educational program, a mental-recovery program, and a local capacity-building program. YTBI reported that there has been significant progress of Handal Mahardika work in Nias.

YTBI’s implementing partner (BPB PGID Nias) provided embroidery equipment to support a group of women in each village who are involved in the community-based livelihood initiative (CBLI).

Another YTBI partner in Mandrehe provided youth groups with two guitars per village, except for Lasara Faga Village, which has not formed a youth group yet. Some of them have been practicing in vocal groups and have performed during several services at church.

Some of the volunteers on the tsunami team of BPB PGID Nias are senior students in Sunderman Theology College. Once a week they conduct worship services in five villages. Besides religious activities, the volunteers have been organizing cultural and sporting activities for teenagers.

Shelter

CWS

Pidie: CWS has completed the foundation of 20 houses in Trienggadeng, Pidie. 16 of the houses have also been topped with roofs, and 16 local carpenters have been recruited to assist in the construction. A base camp for CWS field staff in Lhoong has now been set up, and another camp is underway in Pidie to facilitate and improve water and sanitation assistance in those two areas.

YEU

Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar: YEU is in the process of land measuring in Ujung Lancang, Banda Aceh for housing construction. The constraint so far is the shortage of lumber, which has delayed the project. In this phase, the team has finished 11 houses, and nine houses are awaiting completion, while three houses are still under construction.

NETWORKING AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS

CWS:

• attended the OBH meeting at Islamic Relief’s office in Banda Aceh. The meeting was also attended by representatives from other international and local humanitarian agencies, as well as UN agencies and BRR (Indonesian government agency overseeing tsunami reconstruction in Aceh). Issues discussed, among others, were the Humanitarian Action Forum, concept notes (project proposals) for BRR and security.
• attended the livelihood coordination meeting for NGOs of the north-west region representing the livelihood program in Mesjid Raya sub-district.
• attended the health coordination meeting at the health office on a sub-district level.
• attended the coordination meeting on psychosocial support at the ICMC office, focusing on PMH assistance in the following locations: Ujong Tanjong, Ujong Kalak and Meulaboh. The meeting was attended by representatives from various INGOs and NGOs operating in the area.
• facilitated a training session on early childhood development in Gunung Sitoli for its field officers and local volunteers. The material for the training included, among other topics, presentations, focus-group discussions, games and role playing.
• held a session on immunization for mothers of under-five children in four locations in and around Gunung Sitoli.

YEU:

• attended coordination meetings held by OCHA at the Bupati Jantho office. The meeting was attended by organizations, e.g., PMI, IRC CARDI, NRC, BRR and local authorities, e.g., Camat (head of sub-district) and the local department.
• attended a meeting facilitated by UN OCHA at the mayor’s office in Banda Aceh. The meeting was attended by Oxfam, Care, AICOS, governmental departments and UNICEF. The meeting discussed the action on work areas that are not served or covered yet by the organizations.
• met UNICEF’s social worker to discuss the program conducted by YEU in Muara Batu sub-district.

YTBI:

• held a monthly coordination meeting with its local partner at YTBI’s guesthouse in Medan and was attended by L-PeKa HKBP, YTBI’s working group in Meulaboh and Aceh Jay, Handal Mahardika Foundation, the tsunami team of BPB PGID Nias, and WALHI of North Sumatra.
• received visitors from FinnChurchAid in Nias and Meulaboh.
• hosted Lutheran World Relief visitors to its work in Banda Aceh through its local partner, L-PeKa HKBP on September 14 - Rose Ngunde, tsunami response manager, and Elhadi Mohamed Abdalla, country representative. They visited the L-PeKa psychosocial program in livelihood restoration and other places hit by the tsunami.

ACT COORDINATION

Regional coordination

The ACT International regional coordinator closed a four-day information and communication workshop in Medan on September 16. The workshop was attended by 17 participants from ACT International, YEU, CWS and YTBI. Three facilitators - Stephen Padre (ACT Geneva Information Officer), David Barnhart (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, USA) and Teguh Budiono (communication expert from the University of Indonesia, Jakarta) presented various materials on communication and information.

Ernst and Young (E&Y) started a second cycle (cycle 02-05 - monitoring) of activities at the ACT Medan office on September 12. This cycle is scheduled until October 11. During this cycle, E&Y will assist ACT members in the revision of appeal ASRE51 (Revision II). E&Y has been scheduled to conduct six cycles of monitoring until the end of 2006.

VISITORS

• Helena Maninnen-Visuri (program coordinator), Antti Pentikainen (director) and Par Stenback (board member) of FinnChurchAid visited the ACT office in Medan as well as Nias, Aceh and Jakarta.
• Knut Christiansen, director of international programs, and Kjell Helge Godtfresden, regional representative, South East Asia, Norwegian Church Aid, visited Meulaboh and Nias.
• Mikko Eronen, television news producer, Finnish Broadcasting Company, visited the ACT Medan office and met with Simon Sengkerij, ACT regional coordinator, and Dr. Edy Wibowo, YEU program manager. Mikko plans to make a documentary on the tsunami.
• Stephen Padre, information officer in the ACT Coordinating Office in Geneva, helped to facilitate the ACT information and communication workshop in Medan. He also visited Nias, Banda Aceh and Jakarta.
• David Barnhart, a communicator from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (Presbyterian Church, USA) visited Nias and Meulaboh to conduct field training for information officers of ACT members and to gather video footage of IDPs. David arrived in Indonesia on August 23 and returned after one month.
• Rose Ndunge, program director of Lutheran World Relief (USA), visited the ACT Medan office. The visit was aimed at seeking cooperation between LWR and ACT members. At the meeting, LWR introduced Elhadi Mohamed Abdalla as the new LWR country representative to replace Gilda R. Echaves, who will end her duty soon.