Letter from the field:
Deborah Leaver, Country Director Indonesia

"Getting lost in Aceh ended up being a great indicator of development!"

When I first arrived in Aceh one of the most difficult logistical issues was simply getting around 'town'. Many areas were not yet cleared of debris and the state of the roads left a lot to be desired! Street directions often consisted of "go down the road, past the mosque to the boat on top of the house then turn left. Keep going past the muddy field with all the cars washed up until you get to the camp/office".

Now the landmarks such as the boat on top of the house that helped guide me through the past few years have all but gone. Where there was nothing but rubble and wasteland, there are now cleared paddy fields, new suburbs and paved roads with road signs. Getting lost because of the presence of a road sign may seem a bit odd, but to me it is a fantastic indicator of the sheer amount of change visible in Aceh.

In addition to the devastating effect of the Tsunami, Aceh has suffered from decades of conflict and was in a state of emergency for a year before the disaster. The presence of military and guerilla fighters and the constant threat of violence had a significant impact on the culture and everyday life of Acehnese people. Streets were empty soon after sunset and travel was both difficult and dangerous.

Now the streets are refreshingly busy, with young people drinking the famous traditional Acehnese coffee in the many cafes along the river and in the markets. The moving warungs (kind of a mini café on wheels) and the many street restaurants mean you can't go far without hearing the vendor singing about his es campur or mie goreng or smelling soto ayam or ayam bakar as you walk down the street.

As we near the 3rd anniversary of the Aceh Peace Agreement (signed 15 August 2005), the international community has a responsibility to maintain its commitment to the Acehnese people, to strengthen their community resilience. By continuing to work with local communities and organisations, Austcare is investing in a strong and sustainable future for Aceh and peace in Indonesia.

It seems simple but by increasing the income and effectiveness of traditional farming activities, for example, Austcare contributes to building a strong and engaged community that is less prone to conflict and more resilient to any future risks or hazards. We've achieved some great outcomes working with local organisations, such as increasing community access to essential services like water and education. Including people in local Government planning also ensures that community members have a voice in determining the futures of their villages.

It's important to remember that while most houses, schools and hospitals have been rebuilt, these are just the physical side of rehabilitation after a disaster or ongoing conflict. Investing in people is the only way to build a strong community that will continue to develop. Austcare and ActionAid's approach does this by building on the good emergency and rehabilitation work already done and addressing people's economic, cultural and social rights. It's a long process but a worthwhile and necessary investment to meet the long term aims of peace, prosperity and stability for the many communities with whom we work.

I'm moving to Sydney soon to continue my work with Austcare but am already planning my next trip back to Aceh later this year. I'd like to think that I might get lost again on my return…

Yours sincerely,

Deborah Leaver
Country Director Indonesia

The "boat on top of the house" was a common feature in street directions in post-Tsunami Aceh

Reuters/Supri, courtesy www.alertnet.org

Children search for school books
amongst the ruins of their school in
Solok district, which was leveled by
yet another earthquake

Agricultural programs are essential
to rebuilding strong and sustainable communities in Aceh

Me with local community partners