Aceh Recovery Newsletter

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 5 MAY, 2009 Aceh Recovery Newsletter

ANOTHER MILESTONE — ACEH RECOVERY FRAMEWORK — A L EGISLATIVE ELECTIONS GO OFF IN STRATEGIC ROADMAP TO SUSTAINABLE ACEH WITHOUT MAJOR INCIDENTS PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

espite widespread predictions to the contrary, April t’s a phrase that has become D 9 came and went like pretty much any day in the I synonymous with the global Aceh. Indeed, visitors to the Province could even have been for- tsunami recovery effort – “Build given for not appreciating the gravity of the moment. The national Back Better.” The motto, coined by and local legislative elections of 2009 were the first here since the the UN Special Envoy for Tsunami signing of the historic Memorandum of Understanding, nearly four Recovery, President Bill Clinton, has years ago. come to symbolize the resolve of stakeholders and communities alike As always, elections in Indonesia involve a vast political machine. to, not only regain that which was The country’s vibrant and young democracy includes 171 million lost, but to create opportunities for eligible voters casting their ballots over an immense and wide- future sustainable growth. spread archipelago. This year in Aceh, how- Continued on Page 10 Continued on Page 3

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL, PRESIDENT CLINTON AND OTHERS HIGHLIGHT TSUNAMI RECOVERY AT C ONFERENCE IN NEW YORK

ceh took the global center stage in A April at a major event held at UNHQ in New York. The event, dedicated to the release of a major report entitled “The Tsunami Legacy: Innovation, Breakthroughs and Change,” was well attended by dignitaries from across the globe and featured extensive discussions on the Recovery in Aceh. Commissioned by The Tsunami Global Lessons Learned Project, a Continued on Page 4 VOICES OF ACEH In This Issue... KUNTORO MANGKUSUBROTO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BRR AN ACEH GOVERNANCE PRIMER PAGE 10—11

KRF — A TWO YEAR SUMMARY PAGE 12—14

HERE ARE WE OW PDATES ON W N ? U WATER, HOUSING, POVERTY PAGES 15, 16, 18 SPECIAL FEATURE ON THE BRR CLOSURE

OLUTION XCHANGE PAGE 8— 9 S E PAGE 20—21 PAGE 2 Aceh NewsletterRecovery

END OF AN ERA — BRR CLOSES ITS DOORS

as its Chief of Operations. tries/ institutions, local govern- peace building and post-tsunami ment offices, and other related recovery process,” Pak Iskander S ince its establishment BKRA will be charged with syn- agencies. It can also request concluded. “But the Govern- by the President of chronizing program planning information, study and request ment of Aceh is very happy that Indonesia in April 2005, the activities, monitoring and evalu- help from technical assistants, donor agencies are continuing to Agency of Rehabilitation and ating programs, and providing experts, and practitioners in stay in Aceh. We would like to Reconstruction for Aceh and updates on their status to the related fields and other agencies offer our assistance to them for Nias (BRR) has played a central President of Indonesia. It is also when needed. coordinating their activities.” role in the rehabilitation and tasked with preparing the master reconstruction of Aceh and plan and action plan for rapid BRR completed 94 percent of Nias. With a far-reaching man- development of Aceh. With a the programs stated in the origi- dat, and a Master Plan to match more limited mandate than BRR, nal Master Plan. BKRA now only it, BRR coordinated more than BKRA’s authority is more cir- has until December 2009 to 12,500 projects, involving over cumscribed than BRR’s and, assist in the completion of the 60 bilateral donors and multilat- additionally, is much smaller in remaining 6 percent, of which, eral agencies as well as around size with only 60 employees. The Pak Iskander stated, 70 percent 700 NGOs, in addition to im- month-old agency, in its coordi- are infrastructure focused. plementing over 5,000 of its nation capacity, can consult and “Aceh still needs a lot of inter- own reconstruction projects. work closely with relevant minis- national support to sustain the No wonder then that when the IDDING AREWELL NTERNATIONAL OMMUNITY ENDS WAY IN TYLE Agency finally closed its doors B F — I C S BRR A S on April 16 it was truly the end of an era for Aceh and Nias. While BRR’s four year mandate I t was an evening to remember. The evening has come to an end, the recov- before BRR’s departure, the UN Office of ery work is, however, far from the Recovery Coordinator for Aceh and Nias done. Major recovery opera- (UNORC) had organised a farewell party for Pak tions are still under way. Indeed, Kuntoro and his BRR colleagues. The tennis at present, there are US$800 court of the UN compound had for the evening, million worth of projects still been transformed to an impromptu gala venue, undertaken. To ensure the with a clear sky filled of sparkling stars acting as smooth implementation of these ceiling. After a day of continued downpour, the projects – and to ensure that rain let up just in time for the guests arriving – the recovery remains properly almost, one of them noted, as if Aceh itself coordinated – a two-tiered wanted to say goodbye in style. structure has been decided on. If it did, it was certainly not alone this evening. The implementation of remain- Hundreds of organisations, government officials ing projects has been assigned and agencies involved in the reconstruction and to the Project Management Unit recovery of Aceh and Nias had all come to show (PMU) in the Department of their gratitude towards BRR and wish a good Public Works. For the coordina- farewell. "BRR has changed Indonesia forever,” tion task, a new Badan Kesinam- commented the IFRC Tsunami Envoy, Al Panico. bungan Rekonstruksi Aceh, or “The structure of the organisation and its anti- the Aceh Sustainable Recon- acorruption processes, are now being main- struction Agency (BKRA), has streamed nationally. These are not small changes been created with a clear man- and it truly takes remarkable people to create With the dusk settling around him, Pak Kuntoro deliv- date to coordinate reconstruc- something this new and important, not knowing what lies in the future." ered his concluding observations to the gathered tion and rehabilitation activities. crowd of key recovery actors. BKRA will be led by the Gover- After an evening of spontaneous speeches, a nor of Aceh, Mr. Irwandi Yusuf, touched Pak Kuntoro entered the podium and expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders for the and has employed Mr. Iskander time that has been but also looked forward to seeing people again: “Everyone here tonight is of that species that is always looking for troubled areas to help out. This provides me with a comforting PAGE 2 certainty that our paths will cross again. Even if no one of us wishes for another disaster.” Aceh Recovery ISSUE 5 Newsletter VOLUME 3

Continued from Page 1 — Aceh Recov- behind Governor Irwandi Yusuf ery Framework therefore spearheaded the de- “Developing the framework allows Powerful as the message of velopment of the Aceh Recovery building back better may be, Framework in early 2008. us all to identify how our various however, as any builder will tell you, building a solid foundation Now, one year, 15 community programs can best plug into the is not always an easy undertak- consultations, and countless ing. It requires close coordina- drafts later, the document has Provincial Government’s own plans.” tion and cooperation at every been signed and is available both step to build a house: a number in print and online for all stake- Dr. Kuntoro Mangkusubroto of craftsmen, engineers, design- holders. This is no small feat. Critically, the ARF document partners to glean their insight ers and, critically, the owners of With so many different plans and lays out the progress, challenges and expertise in the formulation the building have to work in programs in existence – relating and priorities of Aceh’s me- of Aceh’s future plans and priori- lock-step for final product to be to everything from the peace dium-term recovery. By devel- ties. livable. At the very least, all process and the rule of law to oping a shared sense of the involved parties need an agreed economic development, infra- “road ahead” — including ARF also took the national upon idea of what kind of struc- structure and basic services – through a results-based matrix budget processes into account. It ture it is they are hoping to the provincial government saw that outlines ongoing and integrates, not only the plans of create – a comprehensive road- the need to integrate them all planned activities and programs BRR, BRA or international ac- map for the task at hand. The further, in a bid to ensure that that support these deliverables tors, but also the RPJM, the same is true, of course, for the they are aligned with provincial — the ARF will strengthen and province’s mid-term develop- recovery in Aceh. The gains of government priorities. focus recovery planning and ment plan. As Governor Irwandi recovery following the 2004 The ARF will function as the budgetary decisions for the explains, the ARF will “develop a tsunami will make a more lasting province’s official strategic remainder of the Governor’s framework for Aceh’s recovery impact if it is put to work in a framework for the remainder of term, laying the foundations for process that can be implemented coordinated manner. the Governor’s term. Its pur- longer-term peace and develop- together with RPJM.” The Gov- ment. ernor’s SK (Kedua B) reinforces the linkage: a central role of the For BRR, the Governor’s frame- ARF is “to identify the main work promises the possibility of outputs, resource requirements articulating a smooth transition and gaps of the RPJM, the BRA from the BRR to local govern- Plan, BRR recovery plans and ment by linking them under one other essential planning docu- umbrella. Says BRR Director ments.” By fusing these various Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, plans and priorities into a coher- “Developing the framework ent whole, ARF helps strengthen, allows us all to identify how our enrich and coordinate Aceh’s various programs can best plug broader recovery and develop- into the Provincial Govern- ment planning and monitoring at ment’s own plans.” a strategic level.

Synthesizing the multiple devel- To consolidate the gains of opment and recovery challenges Aceh’s recovery process so far, Aceh faces into a lean and useful and to build on them for the document is, of course, a daunt- future of the province and its ing task, a fact compounded by people, the ARF will need to the twin challenges of the tsu- remain a ‘living document’ – a pose is to coordinate, integrate In Aceh, nobody seems to have nami and long-standing conflict. strategy which evolves with and and expand upon the broad understood this reality more ARF’s net, then, necessarily alongside Aceh’s development. range of recovery plans, pro- than the Provincial Govern- needed to be cast wide. To do The strong support of all part- grams and activities that cur- ment. Tasked with steering the this, while at the same time ners has helped take the process rently exist throughout the Province into the future – navi- retaining a focused dialogue on this far; the continued commit- province into one comprehen- gating complex post-conflict, the issues, ARF structures ment to the framework through- sive document. This, to make asset management, governance Aceh’s recovery by six key clus- out 2009 will ensure that it re- sure, in essence, that provincial and infrastructure issues in the ter areas (see wheel-diagram). mains robust and relevant in the government, BRR, BRA, interna- process – yet lacking a compre- For each cluster, Aceh Govern- longer term and beyond. tional actors, etc. are all working hensive strategic framework ment led committees that con- in a coordinated fashion. Just the against which to plot their pro- vened stakeholders, donors and kind of blueprint “Build Back PAGE 3 grammes and plans, the team other local and international Better” requires. TSUNAMI GLOBAL LESSONS LEARNED PROJECT Special Feature: TGLL

“One of the principal lessons drawn early on from the tsunami is that all countries need to be better prepared for when natural disaster strikes. What is needed is bold action —from governments, the UN, and other partners — to make sure appropriate disaster risk reduction measures are instituted.”

Continued from Page 1 (UNDG) and Dr. Marty Natale- consortium of the five most gawa, Permanent Representa- tsunami-affected countries – tive of the Republic of Indonesia India, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri to the UN, featured an all-star Lanka and Thailand – the UN cast, including UN Secretary- Studying the lessons — the TGLL speakers peruse the TGLL report and a and the International Federation General Ban Ki-moon, former compendium on BRR’s management lessons. of Red Cross and Red Crescent UN Envoy for Tsunami Recov- Societies, the report documents Reflecting on the findings of the private sector, citizens and gov- ery, President Bill Clinton and lessons learned from the global report, the UN Secretary- ernments of the affected commu- Dr. Kuntoro Mankusubroto, response to the tsunami and General said: “Our capacity to nities, and citizens around the Chair of the TGLL Project shares best practices to help cope with natural disasters is world, significant progress has Steering Committee. prevent and prepare for natural much greater than we realize. been achieved in building and in disasters. Some 600 Ministers, Ambassa- Yes, we cannot prevent the preventing and mitigating future dors and Delegates were pre- events. But we can diminish the disasters. But much remains to The event, which was co- sent at the event, which was potential for disaster. Doing so be done. I’m hopeful we will chaired by Helen Clark, the held on April 24, 2009 in the requires foresight and advanced continue to strengthen our ef- new Chair of the United Na- UN’s Trusteeship Council planning, not just emergency forts to promote good govern- tions Development Group Chamber. relief. That is why this report is ance, economic development, so important.” and disaster preparation, even in these tough economic times.” “As UN Envoy for the Tsunami Recovery, I was proud to help The findings of the report…… the nations and communities There have been numerous affected by the tsunami to ‘build ‘lessons learned’ reports in the back better’,” President Bill four years since the tsunami. Clinton said. “Thanks to contin- However, the depth and breadth ued contributions of time, of this one is unmatched, as is money, skills, and needed items the scale of collaboration be- by UN, the International Fed- tween various actors including eration of the Red Cross and governments, the UN and the Red Crescent, hundreds of IFRC. A number of participants NGOs, donor governments, the Continued on next page

Former UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery, President Bill Clinton, delivering his opening remarks with Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, UNDP “I’m hopeful we will continue and strengthen Administrator Helen Clark, the Permanent Representative of the Republic our efforts to promote good governance, of Indonesia, Dr. R.M Marty M. Natalegawa, and BRR Director, Kunturo Mangkusubroto looking on. economic development, and disaster PAGE 4 President Clinton and the Sec- preparation, even in these tough economic S PECIAL FEATURE: retary-General were on hand to Tsunami Global formally launch the report and times.” Lessons Learned urge member nations to benefit Project from the study. President Bill Clinton Aceh Recovery TSUNAMI GLOBAL LESSONS LEARNED PROJECT ISSUE 5 Newsletter VOLUME 3

Continued from previous page indeed build back better.” said noted, for example, that when Helen Clark, Administrator of the 2004 tsunami hit, many the United Nations Develop- people were not able to access ment Programme and Chair of assistance simply because of the UN Development Group. their gender, ethnicity, age, “One of the principal lessons class, religion or occupation, drawn early on from the tsu- says the report. Women were nami is that all countries need particularly hit hard. However, to be better prepared for when according to the report, the natural disaster strikes. What is recovery process provided an needed is bold action —from opportunity to address underly- governments, the UN, and ing social disparities in the re- other partners — to make sure gion, strengthen human rights appropriate disaster risk reduc- protection for marginalized tion measures are instituted.” groups and creating an environ- “Through the tsunami, we have ment for social participation. also learned that there is a large Community capacity to respond reservoir of goodwill, which to early warning systems was forms the foundation for improved and disaster aware- strengthening the bonds of ness programmes were in- humanity and solidarity”, said cluded in many school curricula. Dr. R.M Marty M. Natalegawa, In addition, several countries Permanent Representative of adopted anti-discrimination the Republic of Indonesia to the measures to help all victims UN. “We should build on this benefit from aid, including vic- reservoir to forge closer ties tims of conflicts. between nations and inspire a “The tsunami recovery effort more humane world”. has showed that by working together —and by collaborating with local communities at every step along the way— we can Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon speaking to the audience

CROSS-BORDER LEARNING Representatives from the five most tsunami-affected states meet at the UN to discuss experiences from the recovery effort

from India. Mr. Sankar, who has noting, among other things, that recovery actors should cast their written two books about the the importance of community net wide: “The definition must be n the second phase of the tsunami recovery offered his involvement in the process. To expansive and include women, I April 24th event, the co- observations from the work, foster inclusion in programming, physically challenged, elderly, chairs of the first hour gave etc.,” he explained. over the floor to key individuals from the recovery efforts in Furthermore, he noted India’s India, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri resolve to include disaster risk Lanka and Thailand. In a session reduction into all construction moderated by Dr. Ajay Chhib- and zoning standards. Here too, ber, Chair of UN’s Regional India believes it necessary to Directors Team for Asia-Pacific. employ an expansive approach. For example, coastal ecosystems From India, CV Sankar, the have the potential for being both former Officer on Special Duty a buffer and a source of liveli- in charge of Tsunami Rehabilita- PAGE 5 tion and Reconstruction in the S PECIAL FEATURE: southern Indian state of Tamil- Tsunami Global nadu, the most affected state in Lessons Learned India, presented the findings Speakers settling in for the second session of the TGLL event Project Aceh NewsletterRecovery

hood. Similarly, risk mitigation erful marketing tool under which requires a holistic approach donor support could be matched incorporating both technical directly to a specific project. solutions and community education. By mid-2006, 44 percent of the US$41 million that UNDP had and provincial levels, and signifi- potential cases of corruption, The next presentation was by raised was mobilised through cant community involvement. or file a complaint. By October Mr. Rishad Bathiudeen, pres- Adopt-An-Island. The willingness 2006, the DRMU had received ently the Minister of Resettle- to be opportunistic and take Critical innovations were done 17,000 complaints and success- ment & Disaster Relief in Sri risks with “breakthrough initia- in the field of accountability and fully resolved most. Lanka. As Mr. Bathiudeen ex- transparency as well. The estab- tives” accelerated recovery and plained, in Sri Lanka, strong lishment of an effective com- From Maldives, Ms. Thilmeeza facilitated ‘building back better’. emphasis was placed on equity plaint mechanism through local Hussain, Minister of State for In the final analysis, however, lack and the targeting of vulnerable Help Desks (in response to Home Affairs, presented. Inter- of local capacity has remained an groups after the tsunami, espe- input solicited in consultations) estingly, the newly developed issue, throughout. In the Mal- cially with regard to permanent island of Duvafaru – where dives, the National Disaster Man- many of Maldives’ resettled agement Centre (NDMC) was “To foster community inclusion in IDPs now live – comes under set up to coordinate activities in her direct administration. programming, recovery actors should a similar vein to BRR. But while Here too, fascinating break- the Centre took the lead in many cast their net wide. Our definition of throughs were highlighted. For aspects, being new to disaster example, when Maldives faced a management it relied on outside the ’community’ must be expansive shortfall of nearly US$100 mil- help to a significant degree. And and include women, physically lion in recovery funds, a num- in the future, it must be remember of innovative partnership bered that building local capacity challenged, elderly, etc.” strategies were implemented to is an important priority if the secure additional funding. The purpose-built recovery agency is temporary and the local Govern- housing, road building and high- was a particular breakthrough. unique “Adopt-An-Island” initia- ment is expected to sustain the lighting of issues such as human The public could here question tive implemented by UNDP, gains in the long term. rights, participation and the eligibility for assistance, report emerged as a particularly pow- environment.

Along these lines, a number of successful – and flexible – inter- ventions were initiated, with many partners coming to see the importance of addressing conflict and post-conflict issues in the post-tsunami setting as a consequence. For example, conflict-affected people were moved given permanent housing under the Unified Assistance Scheme or had their houses upgraded. Hallmarks of the scheme included clear eligibility criteria, management at local

PAGE 6 S PECIAL FEATURE: Tsunami Global Lessons Learned Project TSUNAMI GLOBAL LESSONS LEARNED ISSUE 5 Aceh NewsletterRecovery PROJECT VOLUME 3

After Maldives, Ms. Sansanee Sahussarungsi, Minister Coun- “Thailand in particular has been a leader in numerous sellor for the Permanent Mis- sion of Thailand to the United disaster risk management initiatives, and its early warning Nations, took the stage, outlin- ing key learnings from her system is well-positioned to become a regional role model. country. Ms. Sahussarungsi Through ASEAN, the Thai Government swiftly proposed a focused much of her observations on innovations in disaster regional tsunami early warning centre that would risk management. Echoing the findings of the TGLL report, she coordinate with various nations’ early warning systems to noted the Thai government’s leadership role in establishing ensure complementarity.” reliable and effective early warning systems. its early warning system is well- eral important breakthroughs positioned to become a re- images, aerial photographs and “Thailand in particular has been and innovations. These included gional role model. Through base infrastructure maps, all a leader in numerous disaster the Tim Terpadu (a one stop ASEAN, the Thai Government available at the touch of a but- risk management initiatives, and shop for processing all visa, cus- swiftly proposed a regional ton in an emergency. toms, tax and other clearance tsunami early warning requirements for thousands of centre that would co- The final formal presentation aid workers and equipment) and ordinate with various came from Indonesia, where a mandatory Project Concept nations’ early warning BRR’s Director of Donor and Note (PCN) format for all pro- systems to ensure International Relations, Mr. grammes, which helped avoid complementarity.” Heru Prasetyo, introduced a movie about the tsunami recov- unnecessary duplication and en- It established a Volun- ery, complete with a greeting to sured efficient use of funds. tary Trust Fund and the gathered crowd from Presi- After the presentation from In- donated US$10 million dent Susilo Bambang Yud- donesia, a frank and spirited dis- in seed money to it; hoyono. cussion followed, where repre- additional funding came sentatives from a number of from donors such as As in the TGLL report, the countries — including Australia Sweden. video reaffirmed the unique relationship between the inter- and others — offered their per- The Thai Government national community and the spectives. From Indonesia, the also set up the Na- Indonesian Government in mak- UN Recovery Coordinator for The Tsunami Legacy: Innovation, Breakthroughs and Change can be downloaded at: www.unorc.or.id/TGLL

tional Disaster Warn- ing the recovery possible. Aceh and Nias, Mr. Satya S. Tri- ing Centre which is- pathi, provided a first-hand ac- sues public warnings in Closest to the epicentre, Aceh count of the experience of inter- case of an emergency faced one of the most complex national actors. Mr. Tripathi through 42 communi- situations with a massive loss of praised the efforts and all stake- cations systems, 280 life, extensive destruction of holders involved and noted: “the radio stations and SMS infrastructure, and an extraor- experiences and lessons we’ve messages to 20 million dinary influx of actors. By creat- shared here today, will benefit mobile phones. ing a national coordination future recovery efforts. It is my structure (BRR), giving it full sincere hope that we have all Thailand was also quick authority and basing it ‘close to heard the message from the ex- to create a ‘one-stop the action’ it was able to be- perts gathered here today. We map server’, combining come more responsive to the owe it to future generations to databases that previ- local context. internalise these messages and ously could not be PAGE 7 used together into one. Flexibility and know-how, cou- pled with a culture of risk- S PECIAL FEATURE: This clearing house of Tsunami Global information includes taking, was a central aspect of Lessons Learned high-resolution satellite BRR’s success and led to sev- Project Voices Of Aceh

ith a background in engineering and many years of experience in government and coordination, it is difficult to imagine W a better candidate than Dr. Kuntoro Mankusubroto to lead the post-tsunami recovery efforts in Aceh and Nias. Try as he might to share the praise for the BRR’s work in the past four years, for beneficiaries and recovery stakeholders alike, he has often come to represent his institution, both in terms of professionalism and attitude. Indeed, as one international participant noted at BRR’s ‘going away’ gala in April (see page 2): “If anyone doubts the leadership of a program as an important enabling point, just look at Pak Kuntoro.”

In the hectic days in the lead-up to BRR’s closure, Mr. Mangkusubroto nevertheless took time to speak to Aceh Recovery Newsletter during which he shared observations from his time in the region. Kuntoro Mangkusubroto Director of BRR

How would you describe in to think about simple logistics brief the BRR experience? such as extending visas, bringing “The real challenge now is to maintain in equipment, tax exemptions operations in the future. We need 3-4% It is important to understand, and other things. By having to before the tsunami, Indonesia manage and oversee everything of the local budget put aside for had never before had a natural like this, we were really operat- disaster on this scale. 800 km of ing kind of like a small country. coastline was destroyed, hun- maintenance, but I fear people are not dreds of thousands of houses From BRR’s perspective, this generally aware of this. “ crumbled, the whole infrastruc- meant we had to embrace an ture was essentially obliterated. attitude of ‘serving’ the volun- This meant we had to recover teers from all the countries government were paralyzed, as ery on this scale to watch out almost everything, from houses here. We tried to make sure was the case in Aceh, I would for what the procurement proc- to hospitals to the economic they were comfortable in doing advise them to seek to get full ess is because, at the end of the structure. their job, because we knew for control of all internal and exter- day, this will determine how sure that Indonesia could not nal issues. Take for example, the quick the beneficiaries can see We had a mandate with full do the job on its own. Our procurement procedure. I ini- and experience the result. authority to do reconstruction. budget only covered 30% of the tially assumed that, given the Also, we have found that innova- At the peak, there were more necessary funds. We were and crisis, I would not need to fol- tions are very important and I than 600 NGOs and more than are so grateful for the help that low the national procedure. But would advise anyone to look for 7,000 foreign volunteers in we received. that was not so. This really Aceh. This meant we also had slowed us down in our work. new and forward-looking ways What advice would you give While nationwide, 54 days may to confront pre-existing chal- PAGE 8 for future recovery managers? not be a slow process under lenges in their society. The re- normal circumstances, for us it covery effort offered an oppor- VOICES OF ACEH If the magnitude of the disaster was often too long. So I would tunity for us to push the enve- were the same and the local advise anyone involved in recov- lope. For example, our anticorruption unit, SAK, is now be- out the whole process. The coming a model in the whole international community came country. Before the tsunami, we immediately after the tsunami in never had such a thing as an the emergency phase, and then anti-corruption unit. The integ- a large proportion stayed on rity pact we introduced for all into the recovery phase. Al- our staff had very clear DOs though the recovery phase is and DON’Ts included in it. We not a life-and-death situation also had a remuneration anymore, it is important that scheme that prevented systemic we keep the “emergency mind- corruption. Of course, I cannot set” throughout the recovery. It deny that petty corruption on is easy to lose focus after 2 the project level may well exist, years, I understand this, but it is and we have dealt with every important to try and keep the case that was brought to our eyes on the prize – the work BRR Director, Kuntoro Mangkusubroto and Aceh Governor, Irwandi Yusuf, at notice. But we have successfully progress has to maintain the an asset transfer ceremony from BRR to the provincial government. avoided systemic corruption. same speed. And our model is being fol- costly. Also, during the emer- constrained in that way. The lowed by the Ministry of Fi- Another important lesson that gency phase we received many World Bank or the MDF do not nance now. I’m looking at now as we are drugs from pharmaceutical com- have fiscal years. So there is a getting ready to close down is panies that are unusable because need for synchronization. Un- In addition, we also imple- to adopt a coherent approach they are either not appropriate derstanding this will help inter- mented Joint Land Titling (JLT). toward supplying aid on a needs or expired. Right now, we have national actors better align their Why? Because the tsunami truly basis. We are grateful to the 12,000 tons of out-of-date medi- work with ours. did destroy everything, includ- international community for all cines that need to be destroyed. ing land certificates. The tradi- the provisions; however, we are Only problem is, we don’t have Has BRR managed to “Build tional system in Aceh was not Back Better”? providing any cover for the “The recovery effort offered an women after their husband’s Yes, for sure. Take for example death, leaving the widows in opportunity for us to ‘push the envelope’. the hospital in Gunungstoli in poverty and deprivation. So we Nias. It is the best hospital in introduced the JLT to protect For example, our anticorruption unit, North Sumatra. Also, road infra- the rights of widows. Again, this structure is now excellent out- is now becoming a model at SAK, is now becoming a model in the side Banda Aceh. The schools least in disaster-prone areas of built by UNICEF are of a much Indonesia. whole country.” better quality than what we had before. What lessons can the interna- enough incinerators. It’s not a The real challenge now is to tional community take away now left with loads of unusable crisis that Aceh has become a maintain operations in the fu- from the experience of tsu- equipment. For example, many graveyard of trucks and medi- ture. We need 3-4% of the local nami recovery? of the trucks donated are not in cines, but we should’ve done budget put aside for mainte- working order anymore, be- The first lesson is about keeping better. Therefore, there has to nance. But people are not gen- cause their maintenance is the sense of urgency through- be a way of re-exporting the erally aware of this. For exam- donated equipment or ple, the rubber used on the new obtaining the type of harbors has a lifetime. It will medicine required for the have to be replaced at some specific needs of the dis- point. How will local govern- aster. ments get the money for maintenance? The mentality of allo- Furthermore, I think the cating the money from the international community budget for maintenance needs should be aware that this to be developed. Private infra- is a national and interna- structure such as houses will be tional joint effort. From maintained well for sure but it is the national point of the public infrastructure that we view, fiscal years – while have to pay attention to. a headache – are critical. As a country we have to speed up the process to fit into the fiscal year. PAGE 9 A Meeting of Minds — Pak Kuntoro and UN Special Envoy for Tsunami recovery, International organiza- President Bill Clinton, sharing a candid moment during the BRR Director’s trip to the tions, however, are not VOICES OF ACEH New York in November, 2007. GOVERNANCE, RULE OF LAW AND DEMOCRATIC DECENTRALIZATION

FROM LOGA TO THE KRFS — GOVERNANCE IN ACEH

been under way in Indonesia since the fall of the New Order W ith BRR closing its a decade ago. office in April and with the gradual downsizing of As made evident by the Gover- the presence of many interna- nor’s Aceh Recovery Frame- tional organisations, donors, and work (ARF), a complex set of NGOs, these are reflective governance issues faces the times for the Provincial Govern- administration, including anti- ment of Aceh. In the coming corruption, Syari’ah and Adat months, the local administration implementation, sustaining the and civil service will begin to ongoing tsunami recovery, the fully shoulder the burden of continued strengthening of local overseeing the recovery. In this institutions, environment, gen- brief article, ARN takes a look der, e-governance, the strength- at the issues the government – ening of civil society, etc. Guid- and the new legislature – will ing these efforts is the critically KRF Participants settling down for a strategic discussion in Pidie Jaya “the central government needs to meet its peace process and development cally, the LoGA is an ambitious of a happy Aceh.” decentralization effort – the law responsibilities as defined by Law No. 11, the stipulates the transfer of power The LoGA has its roots in the from the central government to Aceh government will do likewise. This way historic signing of the Helsinki the Aceh government in all areas peace can be ever-lasting in Aceh.” Memorandum of Understanding save for; defense, national secu- (MoU) between the Free Aceh rity, foreign affairs, fiscal and Movement (GAM) and the Gov- important Law on Governing monetary, judicial system and have to tackle, and the legal and ernment of Indonesia (GoI) on Aceh (Law 11/2006- LoGA). For religious affairs. As Governor political structure that will dic- August 15, 2005. An imperative the Governor of Aceh, Pak Yu- Irwandi notes, delegating au- tate their doing so. step in Aceh’s peace process, suf Irwandi, “the LoGA is the thority to the Provincial Gov- the MoU also set the stage for a most important step in the ernment in this fashion has been The last four years, of course, new governance paradigm. Criti- have seen a remarkable process Continued on next page of renewal and recovery for Aceh. Bold steps have been taken towards improved governance even as the province has tried to emerge from the three- fold specter of post-tsunami recovery and reconstruction; post-conflict peacebuilding and ex-combatant reintegration; and economic under-development. In addition, Aceh has also seen two sets of elections since the tsunami, the most recent one this past month. All these processes have taken place in the wider context of decentralization and the reform and democ- ratization processes which have PAGE 10 GOVERNANCE, RULE OF LAW & DEMOCRATIC Provincial Government Officials taking part of the “fit and proper test,” an attempt DECENTRALIZATION to improve governance in the province. GOVERNANCE, RULE OF LAW & DEMOCRATIC ISSUE 5 DECENTRALIZATION VOLUME 3

Continued from previous page an important step in securing the function as multi-stakeholder for progress and prosperity in “the methods of a clean govern- peace: “the central government consultation bodies, able to Aceh are “enormous, they ance such as transparency can be needs to meet its responsibilities suggest and validate strategies should not be over-hyped.” maintained and continued in the as defined by Law No. 11, the for recovery at the local and Many observers and commenta- further processes of develop- Aceh government will do like- grassroots level. The establish- tors agree: Aceh should not ment”. For Governonr Yusuf, it wise. This way peace can be ments of these KRFs, which are count its chickens before they is all about “[us] having to main- ever-lasting in Aceh.” chaired by Bupatis and Wali hatch; there is still a long path to tain peace. As a tree must be Kotas across the province, have tread. nurtured to grow tall, so too At the district level, another increased democratic participa- does peace require our effort to important governance initiative tion and decision making, im- Challenges notwithstanding, with sustain it, and the way to do that has been the setting up of 23 proving civil society and private a solid legal backdrop and an is for everyone to assume their KRFs (Kabuten/Kota Recovery sector associations. increasingly solid political frame- responsibilities.” Forums) in Aceh. In recognition work beginning to take shape, of the importance of community Challenges still remain, of there is significant momentum involvement – and of the critical course. Indeed, as BRR’s outgo- to ensure that the recovery role played by district governing director Kuntoru Mangkuso- continues. President Susilo Bam- ments in the Province – the KRFs bruto notes, while the prospects bang Yudohyono hopes that

Continued from page 1 — “Elections” ever, the elections also repre- “Although there sented a significant change: be- are some high- cause of key clauses in the MoU risk areas, these and the subsequent Law on Gov- do not reflect erning Aceh (LoGA), local parties the province as were allowed to contest the a whole. Those election for the Provincial and who plan to district legislatures. Of the 44 jeopardize the political parties that were in- elections will cluded on the ballot, 6 of these likely be were local. shunned by the community.” Voters began flocking to polling stations at 8 a.m., an hour after In the days and they opened. In some locations, weeks prior to voting continued until 2 p.m. the elections, While voting had to be post- media and inter- poned in some villages, police national observ- reported only minor local skir- ers were signifi- mishes. Governor Yusuf Irwandi, cantly less cer- who spoke to reporters while he tain. The vote and his wife, Ibu Darwati A. Gani, was preceded by cast their votes in Bandar Baru, a period of tension, with numer- national observers. struck a comfortable note: “I was ous reports of shootings and Irwandi to appeal for interna- confident that the situation tional election monitors, while grenade attacks flourishing in the The official results of the elec- would be safe,” he said. press. The attacks led Governor the central government sent 1,000 soldiers and 260 national tions were released in May (see police to join the 9,000 local next issue of ARN) and while “I was confident that the situation police on hand to provide secu- Aceh’s new legislature will face a rity. With such high stakes, the number of complex challenges would be safe. Although there are some peaceful outcome was nothing they can, however, feel confident short of remarkable and, ob- in the strength of their mandate high-risk areas, these do not reflect the servers noted, demonstrated given to them in these historic how far Aceh has come from its elections. province as a whole. Those who plan to violent past. While a few allega- tions of fraud and intimidation PAGE 11 jeopardize the elections will likely be were still being investigated GOVERNANCE, RULE OF throughout April, overall the LAW & DEMOCRATIC shunned by the community.” vote was applauded as free and DECENTRALIZATION fair by the many local and inter- Aceh NewsletterRecovery DISTRICT RECOVERY IN FOCUS

DISTRICT/CITY RECOVERY FORUMS: COMMUNITIES W ORKING T OGETHER TO ACCELERATE RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT By the end of 2008, KRF has been effectively absorbed into T he complexity of the the administrative and legal recovery process, the framework of most districts/ multitude of actors, the need cities through the validation of for coordination at the local, decrees which have been grassroots level, the lack of signed by the respective comprehensive information, Regent/Mayor. and the need to strengthen democratic governance within 25 KRF facilitation teams which the context of Indonesian each consist of two members, decentralization – taken the KRF Facilitation Officer and together, these were some of KRF Facilitation Associate, have the realities that provided the been deployed to: coordinate impetus for the establishment stakeholders; facilitate KRF local efforts can help to achieve that will be updated annually in of a participatory planning and sector meetings and other MDG commitments. coordination with KRF coordination mechanism coordination meetings between stakeholders. throughout every district and stakeholders; manage KRF KRF meetings have also played city of Aceh and Nias. Cyber Resource Centres (See an important role in the public “The concept behind the KRFs was developed directly in response to an approach from the newly-elected Bupatis for support in managing the many stakeholders who were pressing upon them with their competing demands. It was indeed a fundamental request which will provide the foundation to link the rehabilitation and reconstruction program with sustainable development.” - Kuntoro Mangkusubroto, Director BRR

First launched on a pilot basis Capacity Building on the consultation process for the KRF Data Profile in Aceh Timur during February following page); and assist in Aceh Recovery Framework (the Identifying gaps in district and 2007, Kabupaten/Kota the development of KRF Governor’s ’roadmap’ for sub-district data in Aceh and Recovery Forums (KRFs), Strategies and the KRF Data provincial recovery). Nias, the KRF facilitation teams district/city recovery forums Profiles. in conjunction with KRF that discuss and decide on members have been working strategies for recovery in the KRF Strategies together to gather district, are now operational in KRF Meetings administrative, demographic, 25 locales across Aceh and To ensure coherent and economic, basic social services, Nias enabling greater KRF meetings were initially sustainable recovery, the KRF health and infrastructure data. community involvement in the established as a forum for Secretariats (which comprise of This data will then be recovery and long-term recovery partners to discuss representatives from the local consolidated into development of each region. the immediate concerns and government, BKRA, and the KRF comprehensive data profiles. challenges with recovery and facilitation teams) in each of the Each KRF draws together reconstruction. Gradually these 25 districts/cities have been The KRF data profiles will representatives from local meetings have increasingly working to formulate draft become key reference tools to government, BKRA, BRA (the turned their focus to MDG- recovery strategies for the select assist local government as well Aceh Reintegration Agency), oriented development and priorities of each district/city. as national and international local and national NGOs, identifying where further Once drafted and validated by partners in planning, monitoring women’s groups, ex- efforts and funding are KRF stakeholders, these and evaluating reconstruction combatants and other required. strategies are adopted as the and development activities. community stakeholders Mayor’s/Regent’s vision for long- ensuring that everyone is With KRF meetings discussing term recovery and translated working together towards everything from access to basic into the district’s transitional common objectives. services to plantations and development plan for 2008 to child protection, KRFs help 2011. PAGE 12 facilitate not only participatory planning but also help socialise Most importantly, the KRF DISTRICT RECOVERY IN FOCUS the MDGs and identify ways strategies are living documents Aceh Recovery ISSUE 5 Newsletter KRF IN FOCUS VOLUME 3

“Ensuring that development remains in line INFORMATION MANAGEMENT with the needs of local communities is absolutely necessary for ensuring long term This tool provides important sustainable development. KRF has helped us W ith the extraordinary information to local number of projects governments in budgetary achieve this by ensuring that community that have and continue to be planning and resource voices are heard at every stage of the implemented, and host of allocation. development process.” actors operating across Aceh KRF members, via monthly and Nias, consolidated data and information management has meetings have taken a lead role -Ir. H. Nasaruddin, Regent been vital . in data collection and project mapping to update the Who COORDINATION One of the initiatives of the Does What Where (WDWW) KRFs in some districts/cities database. This database ensures has been to establish a that project overlaps are stakeholders together to reach recovery matrix which identify reduced and informs the consensus on the BRR assets gaps in reconstruction and government of project gaps iven the number transfer process and facilitating rehabilitation efforts. This has assisting them to plan budgets G of actors and the socialisation workshops to been an important tool to and devise development scale of the disaster recovery ensure the smooth transfer of assist the local government, agendas. and reconstruction efforts, assets from BRR to local BRR, as well as international filling coordination gaps has governments. and local NGOs in planning and KRF members have also been continued to be a vital role of strategising their activities. active in collecting and the KRF. KRF coordination has also consolidating data for the KRF stretched beyond recovery and Similarly, another tool used by data profiles; one of the key KRF sectoral and coordination development to emergency some districts to monitor outputs of the KRF initiative. meetings ensure that all situations. For example, KRF assets is an asset inventory. stakeholders are working members played an important together and that project coordinating role in the overlaps are reduced as much response to an outbreak of as possible. Furthermore, these dengue in Lhokseumawe in meetings enable stakeholders October 2008. While in Aceh to raise issues, discuss Timur, the KRF members have problems, and identify solutions assisted in coordinating the ensuring coherence among support for the Rohingya stakeholders in project people from Myanmar who implementation. landed in Aceh Timur during March 2009. With BRR closing on 16 April 2009, the KRFs have also been instrumental in bringing

CAPACITY BUILDING

microfinance, accounting and go beyond computer trainings, The KRFs are committed to bookkeeping, database however, with KRFs facilitating: building the capacity of local he KRF-managed management, to accountability gender workshops to government so they have the T Cyber Resource reporting and Information encourage stakeholders to ability to not only maintain the Centres (CRCs) which have Management Systems. mainstream gender in their gains of the recovery efforts been established in 25 districts/ policies; English language but also to ensure long-term cities throughout Aceh and Over the coming months, KRF training and workshops on sustainable development. Nias, have provided the space CRCs will play a vital role in drafting district regulations for and resources for numerous e-governance, with 10,000 local government officials; capacity building trainings. government officials across disaster preparedness Aceh and Nias to receive workshops; and agricultural The CRCs have hosted computer operations training training for women’s groups PAGE 13 everything from trainings in by the end of 2009. among others. basic computer operations to DISTRICT RECOVERY KRF capacity building initiatives IN FOCUS Aceh Recovery KRF IN FOCUS ISSUE 5 Newsletter VOLUME 3

MEDIATION & PROBLEM SOLVING

infrastructure, in particular housing, was immense. The he scale of the immediate need for housing T recovery operation saw disputes erupt over posed a number of challenges to discrepancies with housing BRR, local governments, beneficiary verification, land international and local NGOs as titling, (some people had to be well as the general community. relocated due to their land being submerged), housing KRFs have provided an construction bottlenecks, important and neutral forum for access to basic services among stakeholders to discuss issues other issues. Through bringing and effectively resolve disputes. the disputing parties together, DISASTER MANAGEMENT Furthermore, KRF members in KRFs have played a vital role in some districts have played an resolving housing disputes. ith the mechanisms to ensure a timely intermediary role encouraging devastation and effective response to collective planning and decision- Besides mediating disputing of the disasters when they occur. making among disputing parties parties, the KRFs provide a tsunami and Through facilitating stakeholder as well as suggesting ways to valuable forum for stakeholders W earthquake in Nias fresh in coordination meetings in the resolve their differences. to raise recovery and everyone’s mind, disaster risk aftermath of a disaster, KRF development challenges, and to In Aceh and Nias, the devastation management has been among meetings have provided a identify sustainable solutions. and destruction to physical the top priorities of local platform for collective planning governments. and decision making as well as enabled emergency response Recognising this, KRFs have been “The KRF initiative has been of instrumental teams to identify worst affected active in discussing ways to value in ensuring community participation areas and channel relief mitigate disaster risk including assistance accordingly. and gender equality in post-tsunami for example, identifying poor recovery response. I hope KRF continues its waste management as a disaster In collaboration with local excellent work for many years to come.” threat (the potential for waste governments and local to block drains and exacerbate authorities, KRF members have Mr. Salman Ishak, Acting Regent the impact of flooding). also played a vital role in Pidie Jaya monitoring areas that are Also acknowledging the fact that vulnerable to disasters and Aceh and Nias are susceptible disseminating early warning to natural disasters, KRF reports to stakeholders. REINTEGRATION members have established

One of the key initiatives of the have been active in The KRF Secretariat in several KRFs has been socialising disseminating information on districts in close liaison with ot forgetting the reintegration. For example, peace building, participating in KRF members, including, N 30 year conflict conducting a training session peace initiatives, and ex-combatants, are currently which serves as a backdrop to on values of tolerance and encouraging the mainstreaming working on Reintegration KRF the recovery operation, KRFs cooperation for teachers, of peace building into junior strategy papers which once have been active in ensuring principals, local NGOs and high school curricula. validated will serve as key that stakeholders are conscious district government reference documents. These Through encouraging the of the post-conflict setting and representatives. The objective strategies will guide participation of the community that the needs of conflict of this training was to socialise stakeholders on ways to foster in KRF forums, including ex- victims are not pushed to the values that could be taught and social cohesion and facilitate combatants, KRFs play a small side. practiced in the education the social reintegration of but significant role in ensuring system as well as be used as a ex-combatants. PAGE 14 platform for reintegration they are not segregated from projects. community planning and DISTRICT decision-making. RECOVERY IN FOCUS Furthermore, KRF members BASIC SERVICES

NEW T EACHERS FOR ACEH, INTERNA- ACCESS TO CLEAN W ATER STILL AN TIONALLY T RAINED ISSUE IN ACEH AND NIAS the reconstruction efforts the key to its rebuilding and to that took place the results its future development.” ne sector in Aceh are more easily accessed. n agreement signed O A where the ‘build this year between Under this program, the first back better’ ethos is making Figure 3 shows that by 2007 Australia’s Deakin University 60 Aceh graduates will join the its presence felt the is water. the situation had almost and the provincial govern- RECSAM (Regional Centre for The combined impact of the recovered to pre-tsunami ment of Aceh has delivered Education in Science and tsunami and the earthquakes levels. Almost 40% of house- exciting prospects for the Mathematics) in Malaysia and had a severe effect on households now have access to field of education in Aceh. In 20 of these will then proceed holds’ access to safe water. clean water across Aceh and the second semester of 2009, for the Deakin Master of Edu- Prior to the tsunami, house- over 22% in Nias - slightly a first group of teachers will cation course. holds with access to clean less than the coverage re- be going to the University in water were less than 45% in ported in 2004. The graph Melbourne to join its Mas- Aceh and less than 25% in below shows that there is ters of Education programme. Nias. These numbers were large variance across districts. Deakin University’s Vice- further reduced due to the disasters. As shown in table 4 Chancellor, Professor Sally Apart from Nias which has in the annex, Aceh Jaya, Langsa Walker, explains the logic: over 100,000 households and Pidie had the most impact “The impact of the 2004 tsu- without clean water access, on clean water access, averag- nami on the Aceh province, three districts in Aceh - ing almost a 28% reduction in and its teaching community, Aceh Timur, Aceh Utara and was devastating. Deakin Uni- coverage due to the tsunami 50.00 35000 versity will train a new gen- eration of teachers as the 45.00 30000 province rebuilds its educa- 40.00 tion system and infrastruc- 35.00 25000 % of Number of ture” She added “ The prov- HH Households 30.00 ince has rightly recognized 20000 that high quality education is 25.00

15000 # HH w/ Clean Water 20.00 “The province has NAD 15.00 10000 # HH w/ Clean water rightly recognized that Nias 10.00 % HH w/ Clean Water 5000 NAD high quality education 5.00 % HH w/ Clean Water is the key to its - 0 Nias 2004 2005 2006 2007 rebuilding and to its Young Aceh teachers gearing up for their masters education, Graph from the 3rd edition of the Tsunami Recovery Indicator Package future development.” courtesy of Deakin University illustrates the number of households in Aceh and Nias with access to clean water

and earthquake. Banda Aceh, Pidie – each have over Simeulue and Nias all suffered 50,000 households without reductions of around 14%. access to clean water. There is little data showing the recovery effort in terms of water supplies. Damaged pipes were repaired and replaced, dams were cleaned and recon- structed, and water storage PAGE 15 and wells provided for rebuilt BASIC SERVICES and existing households. Back to school While it is difficult to detail INFRASTRUCTURE & HOUSING

Building Back Better — Housing

buildings in the Province. An uphill climb, to be sure. T he end of BRR’s mandate offers a Critically, since the recovery milestone to summarize the would be driven by the “Build advances made in various back better” philosophy, it has sectors in Aceh. Since the not just been a matter of majority of the recovery funding rebuilding houses. Stakeholders in Aceh and Nias have been have had to try to build directed to infrastructure- sustainable human settlements related activities – whether linked with infrastructure houses, roads, hospitals or networks for drainage and schools – ARN here takes a roads, as well as basic services in quick look at how far we’ve water and sanitation, schools come in this, the most visible of and health facilities. This has sectors. been both an objective and a challenge. Infrastructure in post-disaster Aceh was at a dismal state in Despite the hurdles and 2005. The tsunami and the challenges, according to BRR February earthquake damaged data from 2008, the housing 120,000 houses, 2,000 schools, needs in the affected areas have 114 medical facilities, 14 been met by 93% in Aceh and Number of Houses remaining to be built airports, 3,000 km long roads, over 83% in Nias. A few classified as IDPs in 2005, with Indeed, within two years of the 120 bridges, 20,000 hectares of districts, however, are still facing the rapid rebuilding of tsunami, the IDP numbers had fish ponds, 60,000 hectares of gaps, however. Almost 6,659 infrastructure such as houses, dropped to less than 6% of the rice fields, and 1,052 houses are still being built in roads and water supplies, and total population. This number in government office buildings in Aceh Barat, Aceh Besar, Banda the reopening of schools and January 2009 had dropped to Aceh and Nias, rendering the Aceh, Bireuen and Pidie, for medical facilities, families have less than 0.06% of the total region next to inoperable. Now, example. been increasingly able to leave population, representing over over four years later, where do As it stands, while 70% of the temporary houses and barracks 859 households (3,600 people). we stand? population in Aceh could be and return to their communities. With over 500,000 people displaced by the tsunami and Permanent Houses Built or Repaired (Total) earthquakes, housing was January 2009 understandably one of the top infrastructure priorities right 28000 26000 from the outset. Heavy 24000 populated coastal regions, such 22000 20000 as the city of Banda Aceh and 18000 the districts of Aceh Besar Aceh 16000 14000 Barat, Aceh Jaya, Aceh Utara, 12000 Pidie and Simeulue had been 10000 8000 Number of Houses Number among the most severely 6000 affected by the disaster – 4000 2000 combined, these areas 0 accounted for over 80% of the Nias Pidie

total damaged and destroyed Bireuen Simeulue Aceh Jaya Aceh Gayo Lues Aceh Utara Aceh Barat Aceh Timur Aceh Aceh Besar Aceh Nagan Raya Aceh Singkil Nias Selatan Kota Sabang Kota Aceh Tengah Bener Meriah Bener Aceh Selatan Aceh Aceh Tamiang Aceh Tenggara Aceh Barat Daya Barat Aceh PAGE 16 Aceh Banda Kota Kota Lhokseumawe District/City INFRASTRUCTURE & HOUSING Source: Aceh Info Aceh Recovery Newsletter INFRASTRUCTURE & HOUSING

WHAT’S IN A ROAD? F ROM SWITZERLAND, WITH LOVE

“We call on Walhi Aceh to withdraw its complaint against MS A road in South Aceh Kaban because this has caused district caused a stir in anxiety among the people of Bu- April, pitting the developers lohseuma, who really want a land against a group of Indonesian con- link,” said Irvan Nusir, the head of servationists. The group, the Indo- the association. nesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) filed a complaint against Irvan said residents of Bulohseuma Forestry Minister MS Kaban, were concerned the complaint charging that the road, which is could jeopardize the project to intended to connect the commu- repair the road, which at one time nities Keude Trumon and Buloh- provided the sole land link to the They also have all the seuma, would have an adverse area. The road was built during facilities." affect on the surrounding environ- the Dutch colonial era but is now L ike in many countries in ment. impassable, leaving the area acces- the world, the people Caritas Switzerland built the sible only by boat. of Switzerland were moved by new homes in just 3 years and four months. More specifically, argued Walhi’s destruction of the tsunami to Walhi Aceh’s executive director, donate their time and money to Aceh office, the proposed road "I would like to congratulate Bambang Antariksa, retorted the rebuild those communities would threaten the Rawa Singkil Caritas Switzerland for what next day that the non- affected by the disaster. Just conservation park. Accusing Ka- they have been able to governmental organization would after the tsunami hit, the Swiss ban of violating zoning regulations, achieve," Regazzoni said. conservation law and a govern- not withdraw its complaint against Broadcasting Corporation, ment regulation on national land Kaban. through its humanitarian arm Several Aceh provincial planning, the Forum filed their Swiss Solidarity, raised more administration officials, complaint with the National Police “We will not revoke the com- than US$200 million to help including West Aceh Regent in Jakarta on April 23. plaint because the minister has tsunami victims in Indonesia, Sri Ramli, Swiss Solidarity violated existing laws,” he said. Lanka and Thailand. Director General Felix Upon days of the complaint, how- “Don’t violate laws just to meet Bolimann and Caritas Part of these funds have been ever, equally passionate counter- the demands of people.” Switzerland representative put to good use by Caritas protests were lodged against the Peter Zihimann, attended the Switzerland, one of the oldest Group, however, by locals arguing ceremony, which was held at Bulohseuma, located in the subdis- Swiss NGOs, who was assigned that stopping the construction of the newly built traditional trict of Trumon, is home to 621 to rebuild some of the areas in the 32-kilometer road would con- market in Meulaboh. families in three villages: Raket, West Aceh regency. sign a community to continued Kampung Tengoh and Kuta In the aftermath of the isolation. Padang. It takes about three hours Swiss Ambassador to Indonesia, tsunami, Regazzoni continued, by boat to travel from the nearest Bernardino Regazzoni, was Switzerland focused mainly on The South Aceh Youth Associa- town, Keude Trumon, to Bulohse- proud to summarize the work immediate relief and on tion, or PAS, asked Walhi to with- uma. However, during the rainy of Caritas as over thousand rehabilitation of infrastructure draw its complaints against Kaban, Bulohseuma is often completely houses were handed over to for water and sanitation. arguing that the project would isolated because large waves pre- local communities in April: connect the town to the wider vent a reliable sea link. The area is "Caritas Switzerland built 1,048 "In 2007, during her visit to community. known for its production of high- houses and a traditional market Indonesia, then Swiss quality honey. at a cost of around $22 million. president Micheline Calmy- All these houses were handed Rey inaugurated a drinking over to tsunami victims from water treatment facility in Padang Seurahet, Suak Indrapuri Banda Aceh in order to supply and Pasir in a ceremony in the entire needs of the city," Meulaboh, West Aceh, on Regazzoni said. March 30,"

Ambassador Regazzoni showed visitors around the facilities, PAGE 17 noting that, “these new houses INFRASTRUCTURE were built in accordance with & HOUSING earthquake-resistant standards. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

POVERTY ALLEVIATION — THE RURAL I MPORTANCE

growth. These funds will be used for infrastructure, T he detrimental impact education and agriculture and of the 2004 tsunami fishery development. and the following earthquake transformed Aceh and Nias The reason agriculture is so forever. The disaster caused important, as Governor immense social, economic and Irwandi has repeatedly environmental devastation to a explained, is straightforward. region that was already The impact of growth on suffering from years of conflict. poverty varies from different The province has experienced a sectors, with labour intensive very low and negative sectors such as agriculture economical growth rate for having a larger impact on most of the past three decades. poverty reduction, while mining The main reason for this have a smaller impact. slower growth was the Agriculture is twice as effective longstanding conflict, although in alleviating poverty compared structural economic to other sectors. Another deficiencies also contributed to identified factor for enhancing the economy’s poor the livelihoods is the ownership performance. The region has Source: World Bank of a non-farm business and been considered as one of the being involved in diversifies damage almost US$1.2billion with poorest parts of Indonesia however as figures from the agricultural productions. Since over 100.000 small businesses since the 70s where more than World Bank illustrates: in rural the agricultural sector employs destroyed and more than 60.000 30 percent of the people have areas where 78 percent of the 50 percent of the population in farmers – the main breadwinners been living in poverty population lives it is almost twice Aceh and since 40 percent of of the Province – at least compared to the national rate that of urban areas. The households are reliant on temporarily displaced. of 17 percent. In addition, the Provincial Government is now agricultural production, these facts are of primary importance province was impacted heavily During the last four years, billions tackling this challenge, keeping to continued poverty alleviation by the finance crisis 12 years of dollars have been pumped into rural development at the in the Province. ago,. a wide range of projects all over forefront of their plans. Aceh’s the region. Even with the early governor Irwandi Yusuf has set In 2004, then, the tsunami injection of external funding, aside US$828 million from its made an already lamentable however, poverty increased in budget to accelerate economic situation worse. Damage and 2005. Already by 2006 this trend Construct'n Transport losses from the tsunami and the 7% & Comms had been reversed and, even, 5% earthquake in Aceh has been Utilities Tr ad e reached a level below pre tsunami. Finance estimated to US$4.8billion and 0% 16% The rate is still alarmingly high, Manuf'ing 0% the productive sector suffered 5% Mining 1%

Se r v i c e s 16%

Agriculture Source: World Bank 50% PAGE 18 ECONOMIC Source: TRIP 3 DEVELOPMENT Employment in NAD 2007 by sector Aceh Recovery Newsletter ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SMALL LOANS, BIG POTENTIAL

Access to credit has been a ma- Microcredit Access as percentage of Housholds jor instrument to promote mi- T he use of micro credit to croenterprises in Indonesia. support small business However, many factors - educa- establishments has become in- tion, gender, age, formal financial creasingly popular in development services and collateral - influence discourse in past years. Aceh is no access to credit. Poor women different. Here, as elsewhere, have not had the same access to small business and families, are credit as men in many traditional able to access micro credit – small societies. Moreover, the formal loans extended to poor people financial sector has not been Microcredit loans as a percentage of households

to credit and the share of in- finance loans (142,544 total come of microenterprises in microfinance loans till 2008) were provided in Aceh in 2008, Source: TRIP 3 their total household incomes. an increase over 2007. These A survey conducted of 100 loans were distributed to just randomly selected micro- over 9% of households in Aceh. entrepreneurs living in Aceh In Nias there were 1,845 mi- Besar showed that only 10% of cro-loans (2,722 total loans) microenterprises have already provided in 2008 to approxi- participated in borrowing from mately 4.5% of households. The commercial microfinance insti- majority of loans were along tutions in the research area. the west coast, and in the However 60% of the microen- inland district of Aceh Tengah. that, often, lack the collateral able to meet the demand for terprises have had access to required for lending via regular financial services by poor rural microcredit. Access to credit is banks – to help them expand their households because access to significantly different between businesses, make much needed banking services is restricted in owners aged 25–34 years and investments, or hire an extra rural areas. Many international owners aged 35–44 years. hand. Equally important, propo- studies show that poor rural Other significant factors are the nents charge, the institutions can households often have no collat- time needed to reach the Bank instil financial awareness by pro- eral to offer against loans. These and the ability to provide col- PAGE 24 viding ongoing support and educa- studies also indicate that the age lateral. tion to borrowers. of micro-entrepreneurs and ECONOMIC their education influence access Since over 83,500 micro- DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION EXCHANGE

olution Exchange (SE) Aceh and Nias is a new 'knowledge sharing' initiative created in support of sustainable recovery and development in Aceh and Nias. A joint effort of the Provincial Government of Aceh, BRR and the UN, SE connects development practitioners across the region – and the S world – and enables them to benefit from the experiences and ideas that have been amassed from the massive Tsunami and earthquake reconstruction effort.

Through a virtual network of Communities of Practice (CoP) forums, participants are able to share ideas and "solutions" to the day-to-day challenges they face. By serving as a platform for dialogue and discussion, Solution Exchange encourages development practitioners to work together to identify best practices and create innovative and well-rounded solutions by building on the knowledge and experience of each other.

COVERING QUERIES

CONSOLIDATED REPLIES FIVE MONTHS LATER — WHERE IS SOLUTION EXCHANGE TODAY

F ive months after its launch and Solution Exchange is still growing, attracting development professionals and practitioners from a diverse range of organisations and places. Thus far, this wide variety of participants has enabled some rather unique examples of knowledge sharing.

As of March 31, 2009 SE has 1,411 members and 3,513 subscrip- tions (some members subscribe to more than just one CoP). Since the launch, there have been 364 contributions and all communities

1600 Members Grow th (Oct '08- March '09)

1400 1411 Female 1200 1199 Male 1074 1000 Total The president launching SE Indonesia 891 860 800 762 To further advocate for the forum and inform the members of Solu- 689 678 600 tion Exchange, a comprehensive website has been developed: 543 520 447 437 www.solutionexchange.or.id. The site explains and outlines the vari- 400 396 326 317 242 ous mechanisms of the knowledge sharing tool, and includes pages for 200 210 116 each Community of Practice, as well as archives of all the Queries and 0 Consolidated Reply knowledge products. Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March

In the first quarter of the Solution Exchange initiative there has been on average have posted 5 queries with the Economic Develop- enormous support and enthusiasm from the development community, ment CoP posting 7 queries. recognizing the utility and value of this knowledge-sharing tool. As the project moves into its second phase and moves to Jakarta to cover One of the major steps forward so far is the successful launching national issues as well, the processes and products will only improve, of SE Indonesia by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono which engaging more of the community and fulfilling the needs of the Solu- marked the second phase of SE’s roll-out plan for the country. The tion Exchange Community. president himself posted a query on the board, asking the members to reflect on the strengthening of democracy and good governance in Indonesia. Please join us! Sign up for Solution Exchange at PAGE 20 www. solutionexchange.or.id SOLUTION EXCHANGE Aceh Recovery ISSUE 5 Newsletter Solution Exchange VOLUME 3

Community of Practice Members by CoP and Organizations (as of March 31 '09) 700 Others DISASTER MANAGEMENT & RISK REDUCTION Association Private Sector / Independent Consultants Multi or Bilateral Agencies 600 Reaseach Institute, Foundation and Academy To join, contact us at [email protected]. UN Agencies and Multi Government Organizations 44 65 International and Local NGO 43 Government 500 40 62 37 38 33 40 35 40 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 45 41 400 56 35 26 39 124 113 25 To join, contact us at [email protected]. 125 26 32 42 300 125 117 127 120

200 223 258 HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE 221

181 139 149 181 To join, contact us at [email protected] 100

84 46 47 41 25 40 32 0 DMRR Ec onomic Education Gender Governance Housing and Health and EDUCATION Development Ifrastructure Nutrition

To join, contact us at [email protected]. GENDER

To join, contact us at [email protected]. GOVERNANCE HEALTH & NUTRITION

To join, contact us at [email protected].

“Best practices are often those that incorporate both policy goals and real-life experience. People all over the region — and around the globe — are thinking and working on issues that affect Aceh and Nias; Solutions Exchange unites these practitioners into a strong knowledge management resource.”

UN Recovery Coordinator for Aceh and Nias, Satya S. Tripathi

The Fifth Query For the Economic Development Community

Query: Environment-Friendly Development Programmes: By Ishak Tayeb, Bener Meriah District

“I am a government officer working with the Nature Board at nity in the Central Highlands. Bener Meriah District, NAD. Bener Meriah, Gayo Lues and Aceh Tengah are districts well known for their vast conservation areas - Based on our observation and from the published reports of develop- forests, lakes and rivers. In the central highlands, 70% of Gayo Lues ment agencies that have been working in Aceh for the post-tsunami area is a conservation area (forest and national park), 50% of Aceh reconstruction and rehabilitation projects, we realize that they have Tengah, and 12% of Bener Meriah. always made special considerations to address the related environmental impacts. For example, environmentally sound practices were I think we all know that we have to maintain the condition of these applied in utilizing imported woods, for relocation arrangements, in conservation areas and at the same time proceed with develop- introducing organic agriculture practices, biogas, etc. ment initiatives for the local communities. Ideally, government programmes should cover both environmental considerations as If there was a way to use carbon trading to finance an environment- well as economic development considerations; but a lot of funding friendly development programme it could be an ideal solution for our and other resources are needed to address both. districts. Following from this, below are two questions to submit to Solution Exchange members: Our discussions with the KRF (District Recovery Forum) and government offices came up with a suggestion for a KRS (District Re- - Where can we find out more on the details of carbon trading and the covery Strategy) that included a new alternative solution for mobi- mechanisms for compensation? Has there been any experience with lizing financial resources through conservation, carbon trading. carbon trading in Indonesia that we can tap? Moreover, at the handover ceremony of BRR (Rehabilitation and - What strategies and schemes are members aware of that we could Reconstruction Agency for Aceh and Nias) assets in Aceh Tengah examine to help us formulate environmentally friendly development (November 28, 2008), Kuntoro Mangkusubroto (BRR Chairperson) programmes for the Central Highland Districts?” PAGE 21 said that Carbon Trading could be one solution for forest protec- SOLUTION tion and to provide economic development for the host commu- EXCHANGE Donor Page

Disbursement Distribution by Sector UPDATE ON DIS- BURSEMENT

T he relief response that followed the tsunami and the February 2005 earthquake generated an unprece- dented and spontaneous outpouring of concern for affected communities. In total, US$7.8 billion of aid was pledged to Indonesia alone, with over 600 organizations from all over the world assisting the efforts on the ground.

Pledges do not necessarily translate into commitments, however, and ever since the original pledges were made, donors have sought to ensure that most of the funds would actually reach the intended recipient. In Aceh, the results have been impressive: Of the US$7.8 billion that was pledged, as of February 2009, US$7.41 billion of this had been committed to various projects. Of these funds, US$5.75 billion has been disbursed so far through both on-budget and off-budget channels (on-budget for Indonesian Government funds and off-budget for projects funded by donors, NGOs and international organizations).

Generally speaking, about one Commitment and Disbursement by Sector 2.25 third of total disbursed funds Commitment financed housing sector projects 2.00 2.01 1.84 Disbursement and the remaining two-thirds 1.75 1.57 funded infrastructure, education, 1.49 1.50 1.35 health, social, economic develop- 1.25 1.20 ment and institution-building projects. 1.00 0.75 0.69 0.55 0.59 0.50 0.44 0.35 0.25 0.270.22 0.28 0.180.14 0.00 v ng ev i ure t c De lD tions i a ruc m na Hous o o l/Cultural st ti ra u Oper PAGE 22 f con it Multi-Sector In E st Socia DONOR PAGE Education/Health In Aceh Recovery ISSUE 5 Newsletter Donor Page VOLUME 3

A MULTI-DONOR FUND UPDATE

tance. To date pledges from 15 donors have concerns such as reducing poverty, improv- amounted to over US$680 million. ing livelihoods, and increasing equity”. As of he Multi-Donor Fund (MDF) for December 31, 2008, the MDF had allocated T The objective of the MDF is to “efficiently Indonesia’s earthquake and tsu- US$591 million to 20 projects in 4 sectors and effectively contribute to the reconstruc- nami related recovery program was estab- with an additional US$32.93 million commit- tion of a better Aceh and Nias”. In doing so lished in response to the Government of ted to 3 new projects. the focus is not only on improving infrastruc- Indonesia’s request for coordination assis- ture and transport but “also adhering social MDF Allocation of Funding

8% 15% Sustainable Managment of the Environment Recovery of Communities

Infrastructure and 43% 34% Transport Building Capacity and Go ve r n an ce

SAUDI ARABIAN AMBASSADOR OFFICIATES PROJECT W ORTH BILLIONS IN ACEH

nesia, Abdulrah- provincial capital of Banda there was little question this man Al Khayyath, Aceh. would be the case. He noted that recently visited children have already begun Abdurrahman came to survey Aceh to open an studying at the educational insti- the results of the assistance but important part of tution built by Saudi Arabia. All in also to officially open the build- his countries assis- all, he concluded, the partnership ings, both flagship initiatives tance to the Prov- is one he hopes will continue to under Saudi Arabia’s assistance ince. bear fruit in the future: “We program to victims of the tsu- hope Saudi Arabia keeps helping Constructed by nami in Aceh. “I hope that peo- the center until it is ready to be the Saudi Charity Campaign ple will be able to gain maxi- independent,” he said. (SCC) and worth Rp129 billion, mum benefit from it,” he said. he Saudi Arabian the project includes an orphan- PAGE 23 As Aceh Governor, Irwandi T age center and an educational DONOR PAGE Ambassador for Indo- Yusuf, explained to his guest, institution, both located in the Contact the KRF Field-Teams Aceh RecoveryNewsletter Aceh Barat Emil Salim 0813-6039-0968 Bener Meriah Jalan Jendral Sudirman No. 15 Geuceu Kayee Jato Yanis Saputra 0812-699-0092 Rosly Syamsulrizal 0811-680-1131 Banda Aceh 23239 Indonesia Khairul Bahri 0812-691-4464 Phone: 0651— 41914 (ex.413) Fax: 0651— 41913 Aceh Barat Daya E-mail: [email protected] Ferry Kushari 0815-3455-0505 Bireun Theophilius Yanuarto 0811-268-391 Aceh Besar Yos Sudarso 0813-7702-8457 Rusli Sulaiman 0812-693-3341 Aljunishar 0812-698-9872 Gayo Lues Delphius Ginting 0813-7684-7048 STAKEHOLDERS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE: Aceh Jaya

ARF 1, 3, 10 Firmansyah Gani 0811-680-1139 Lhokseumawe BKRA 2, 12 Andry Sose 0812-676-3806 Rendy Souisa 0825-4318-8028 BRR 2-4, 6-8, 10-14, 20 M. Pandiangan 0813-6154-8911 Caritas Switzerland 17 CRC 13 Aceh Selatan DEAKIN University 14 Susilawaty Selangor0813-6152-3920 Nagan Raya GoI 1-7 Fajria Hasbi 0813-6004-5210 John Sinaga 0812-6906-8626 IFRC 2-4 KRF 10-14 Aswadi Saputra 0812-692-7548

MDF 9, 23 National Disaster Management Centre 6 Aceh Singkil Nias PMU 2 M. Novan 0812-691-5792 Saudi Charity Campaign 23 Aida Hararap 0812-6421-8028

Solution Exchange 22-23 Swiss Solidarity 17 Aceh Tamiang TGLL 4,7 Husnur Estiwahyu 0813-8633-6005 Nias Selatan UN 1, 4-7 UNORC 2, 7, 20-21 Mukthi Ali 0812-694-8168 Azmil Umur 0813-6006-6782 UNDG 4 Hendri I. Salukhu 0813-9755-3542 UNDP 4, 6 Aceh Tenggara UNICEF 9 Walhi 16 Sutrisna Reja 0812-880-2959 Pidie World Bank 9, 18 Tito E. Syafjanuar 0852-6016-7872 Yuri J Raharjo 0819-3252-4141

Aceh Tengah Pidie Jaya Nelli Diana 0815-1163-8568 Evi Zain 0812-693-7277 Andy Armansyah 0812-691-4464 Abdul Nurdin 0813-6000-4397

Aceh Timur Sabang Baihaqi 0852-6032-2306 Mulia Nurhasan 0813-1015-5938 Zulfikar ST 0812-693-1764 Khairun Nisak 0852-6216-1322

Aceh Utara Simeulue Ismawati Arief 0813-8877-0168 Alfi Syahrin 0812-6526-8958 Humam Fauzi 0813-26573625 Sri Mulyani 0812-637-7034

Banda Aceh Subulussalam Marissa Baeha 0812-639-5588 Advento Andreas 0813-7509-6436 Muhammad Rizqi 0813 6000 0267 Khairani Gade 0812-699-2686 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 5 MAY, 2009