Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Berlin

The Director of Aceh and Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency Kuntoro Mangkusubroto stated that Tsunami and earthquake disasters in Aceh and Nias have opened the eyes of the world and given important lessons, not just to Indonesia but also to the people in the world. He gives his statement during the Third Anniversary of Tsunami disaster in Calang, Aceh Jaya, today.

Some important lessons learned are the importance of willingness to work together in responding to the tsunami disaster, the support and determination of Aceh and Nias people, government commitment, supporting regulations and the courage to take initiatives. “All those become very important lessons for other areas in Indonesia and for the international community in how to deal with massive disaster like the one happened in Aceh and Nias 3 years ago,” adds Kuntoro.

At the same time Kuntoro adds that during his three years tenure leading BRR executive body BRR, he has met various head of states, head of governments and various officials from different countries and international agencies. All give their appreciations for the determinations of the Aceh and Nias people in dealing with the situation post tsunami disaster.

“Because of that, I wanted to expressed my gratitude and highest regard to all Aceh and Nias people for their support all these time, as it one of the most important aspect in accelerating the rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in Aceh and Nias,” said Kuntoro.

Furthermore Kuntoro said that the support from the society and and other important factors, have made Aceh and Nias reconstruction efforts by far better compared to other countries that also experiencing similar disasters like Sri Lanka. “Even compared to reconstructions in other countries such as Iran (Bam), India (Gujarat), Honduras and Turkey for instance, the reconstruction progress in Aceh is much faster,” adds Kuntoro.

According to Kuntoro what is most important right now is how all parties in Aceh and Nias can look for a better future. “We remember the tsunami together but we should not be sad as I am sure the future of Aceh and Nias will be much better,” expressed Kuntoro.

Reconstruction achievements

Kuntoro also explained that at present in general, the rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in Aceh and Nias is going as expected without ignoring the fact that there are shortfall in various areas. “There are shortfalls which off course needs to be improved but BRR and all parties that are working in rehabilitating and reconstructing Aceh and Nias have shown significant achievements,” adds Kuntoro.

At present until the end of November 2007, new houses build are 102.691 units out of 120.000 houses that needs to be build. Agricultural areas that has been rehabilitated are 64.019 Ha (from the total area destroyed of 60.000 Ha), roads completed 2.191 km (from the total requirements of 3.000 km), rehabilitated and reconstructed sea ports are 17 units (from14 unit damaged) and Airports/Airstrips completed are 10 units (out of 11 units required).

Other achievements are: 23.095 teachers trained until November 2007 (from 2.500 teachers killed), 613 new medical facilities from previously damaged 127 units. “All these achievements can only happened with support and help from Aceh and Nias people. BRR itself stands firm with its commitment to finish its mandate in April 2009,” said Kuntoro.

Source : BRR