Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 89
09 - 16 August 2002
1. NATURAL DISASTERS
Haze from forest fires blanketed many parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra, forcing
commercial planes to delay all flights from and to West Kalimantan capital of
Pontianak on Thursday (15 Aug.) morning. The haze also affected Malaysia. Officials
at the local Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said visibility in Pontianak and
surrounding districts was reduced to between 200 and 400 metres in the morning and
1,000 metres in the evening. Head of the Pontianak Health Office Oskar Primadi said
that at least 2,464 people experienced respiratory problems resulting from the smoke.
Smoke also blanketed many other districts in the province, including Putussibau,
Sintang, Sanggau, and Sambas. Satellite data from a local forest fire control body
showed that at least 544 hot spots were found in the province on Tuesday and
Wednesday, but the number decreased to only 90 on Thursday.
2. ACEH (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam)
General Situation
At least 16 people -3 civilians, 11 alleged GAM members, 1 police officer, and 1 TNI
personnel - were killed in the province during the week, according to news media.
Otherwise, the situation in general in Banda Aceh and other main cities in the
province is reported calm nearing 17 August, the day of the declaration of Indonesia's
independence.
The media reported on Monday (12 Aug.) that a GAM commander, Muzakir Manaf,
called for a general strike and asked all citizens in Aceh to remain in their homes from
midnight to 6 pm on 17 August.
The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono, visited Aceh from 11 to 14 August. He travelled to North, Central, West,
and Southeast Aceh districts to look at the security situation in the province. Local
media reported that the government would announce a new policy on Aceh on 19
August. Reportedly he also met with HDC in Lhoksuemawe to discuss opportunities
for further dialogues between Indonesian government and GAM.
The Jakarta Post reported Friday (16 Aug.) that some 700 Acehnese, coordinated by
the Democratic Front for Acehnese People's Struggle (FPDRA), demanded
independence from Indonesia during a rally in Banda Aceh on Thursday (15 Aug.).
Students taking part in the demonstration also demanded the local police to release
pro-democracy activist Reihan Diani who was accused of insulting the president while
leading a rally in the city recently.
Assessments
David Taylor, Director of the Office of Transition Initiatives, (USAID/OTI), along with the
Director and Deputy Director of USAID/OTI in Jakarta, travelled to Banda Aceh on
14-15 August. The purpose was to get an orientation on the OTI projects and to look
into the possibilities of further expansion of USAID programmes and funding for Aceh
Province. The mission was briefed by OCHA on the latest humanitarian situation and
the activities of international and local NGOs.
Population Movements
JRS Aceh is travelling to North Sumatra from 10 to 19 August to attend evaluation
meetings of their activities and to assess the condition of IDPs in Langkat, particularly
in Seilepan Sub-district.
Health
OCHA facilitated initial coordination meetings on the preparation for the National
Immunisation Day from 9 to 10 August—attended by the Director of the Provincial
Health Office, and representatives from WHO and international and local NGOs. The
NGOs agreed to provide logistic and technical supports for the immunisation drive.
Issues related to the security of vaccinators were also discussed.
SC US participated in two workshops on 8 and 15 August that the Provincial Health
Office organized to form a Regional Country Coordination Mechanism for fighting
AIDS, TB, and Malaria. The body seeks funding to organize anti-malaria campaign in
Sabang, Pulo Aceh, and Simelue.
SC US on 8 August conducted a routine monthly Posyandu volunteer meeting (on job
training) in Pulo Aceh. Volunteers from different Posyandu exchanged experience and
working issues. They also carried out an evaluation of results obtained during a pilot
health data collection system introduction at the village level in Pulo Aceh and
Baitussalam sub-districts of Aceh Besar.
Water and Sanitation
CARDI distributed on Tuesday (13 Aug.) water and sanitation equipment to IDPs in Idi
Sub-district, East Aceh District, consisting of two 1,000-litre water tanks, medical
supplies, mobile toilets, and water pumps.
CARDI conducted an evaluation meeting this week with its local partners—SSG and
Yadesa—about its earlier resettlement intervention programme in Banda Aceh.
Other
PBI this week accompanied one of its clients, Aceh Legal Aid Foundation (LBH), to
Sigli and Meureudu of Pidie District.
SC US travelled to Pidie and Aceh Besar on 9 August and established a partnership
with the Community Development Committee (CDC), which will implement its projects
in Tangse, Lam Teuba, and Lam Panah.
3. CENTRAL SULAWESI
General Situation
Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla headed a second round of
peace talks in Palu on 11 – 12 August. The meeting agreed that the civilian
population should take an active part in helping authorities maintain peace in the area.
The security situation in the Poso District deteriorated this week. On Monday (12
Aug.), the villages of Sepe and Silanca in Lage Sub-district were again attacked. The
church and newspapers reported that Sepe was totally destroyed, and that 90 percent
of Silanca was burned down. At least five persons were killed in the attacks.
According to the government, 3,500 people were displaced from Sepe and Silanca
and surrounding areas, apparently to Tentena. TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto
called on Thursday (15 Aug.) for the imposition of either a state of civil emergency or
martial law in Poso District to put an end to the renewed violence.
Following the increased violence, the international NGOs operating in Poso District
have temporarily stopped project activities and withdrew some of their staff.
Assessments
Chief of OCHA Indonesia Michael Elmquist is visiting Central Sulawesi 14 – 17
August and met with government officials and international NGOs in Palu. Elmquist
raised concerns over the security of humanitarian personnel with the government and
called for rapid access to new IDPs in Tentena. Currently, it was not possible to go to
Tentena from Palu. He and Turid Laegreid, OCHA's Palu-based humanitarian affairs
officer, are also visiting North Lore to meet with IDPs there.
4. MALUKU
General situation
The body of a man was found on Monday (12 Aug.) in Ambon Town after being
abducted by armed men on Sunday (11 Aug.) night.
Three land mines blew up on Sunday (11 Aug.) night in the forest near Galala Village,
Sirimau Sub-district, leaving three civilians and three soldiers injured.
Assessments
Mercy Corps returned from a five-day visit to Buru Island on Sunday (11 Aug.) to
assess the viability of seeds and tools distribution for its economic empowerment
programme in the villages of Wainibe, Waiputi, Waikose, Batlale, and Balbalu.
Health
IMC conducted 1,526 consultations through its health programme from 7 to 14 August
where IMC doctors conducted health services at the Puskesmas in Wamsisi,
Leksula, and Waimulang villages in Buru Island, and in Masohi, Tehoru, Werinama,
Wahai, Kobisonta, and Taniwel villages in Seram Island.
MSF-B conducted 631 consultations during the week in IDP Camps throughout
Ambon Island. Its outreach team returned from West Seram last Friday (9 Aug.) after
conducting 600 consultations. MSF-B also sent a team to Kelang Island, Central
Maluku District, on Friday (16 Aug.) to conduct medical consultations and a water
and sanitation assessment. The assessment was done as a follow up to an outbreak
of diarrhoea in Tiang Bendera Village that was discovered last month and caused the
death of 9 people. The team will also be visiting Tihu and Taha Lupu villages for
medical consultations as well as water and sanitation projects.
Shelter and Non-food Items
Mercy Corps introduced shelter guidelines for 30 local partners from both Muslim and
Christian communities in Ambon Town on Thursday (15 Aug.). A Mercy Corps team
returned on Sunday (11 Aug.) from a five-day visit to Buru Island to monitor on-going
shelter projects for returnees in Wainibe, Waiputi, Waikose, Balale, and Balbalu.
Economic Recovery and Infrastructure
Mercy Corps went to Porto and Haria villages in Saparua Island on Wednesday (14
Aug.) to monitor micro-credit projects for IDPs.
Other
SC UK conducted meetings and various activities from 7 to 14 August, including
interactive role-playing and 'draw and tell' about the conflict and its impact on the
community. 210 children from Waihaong, Batu Merah, Tawiri, Benteng Atas,
Belakang Soya, and Batu Gantung areas in Ambon Town participated in the activities,
which were a part of its ENACT programme (Engaging Activities for Involving Children
and Young People in Building New Communities).
Mercy Corps funded a local partner to conduct peace-building activities in Masohi
Town, Seram Island, involving the local community, local government authorities, and
academicians who will discuss the impact of conflict in their community. Mercy Corps
also funded a local partner to conduct a 12-day sports and arts competition
commencing on Thursday (15 Aug.) for IDPs and the local community in Wayame
Village, Ambon Island, to commemorate Indonesia's Independence Day on 17 August.
5. NORTH MALUKU
General Situation
The Pattimura Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Santosa was in Ternate on
Tuesday (13 Aug.) to install the new Military District commander Lt. Col. (Inf.) Oloan
Parulian Sianturi.
Population Movements
CARDI completed preparations for its next 'Go and See' visit programme for IDPs in
North Sulawesi to South Morotai on 17 August.
The government finalised plans for the return of 200 IDPs from Ternate to Katola,
Loloda Sub-district, and another 250 IDPs to Galela on 19 August.
Food Security and Agriculture
AcF monitored its seeds and tools distribution in 22 villages in Bacan Sub-district this
week.
WVI monitored its seeds and tools beneficiaries in villages in Tobelo, Galela, Kao,
and Malifut, and also checked on the conditions of fishing kit materials distributed in
Wari, Gorua, Gamsungi, Ruko, Wosia, and Tolonuo villages in Tobelo.
Health
WHO and OCHA attended a meeting on the final preparations for a training course on
emergency preparedness at the Central Halmahera Health Office. The training was
scheduled to be carried out in Tidore on 27-31 August.
Water and Sanitation
AcF this week signed MoUs with the communities of Pocao, Jangailulu, Baja Gulao,
Tate, Tolofuo, Kahatola, and Doitia villages, Loloda Sub-district for its water and
sanitation programme in those areas. It also continued its distribution of hygiene and
emergency kits in the sub-district.
Education
UNICEF is finalising the distribution plan of its 'School in a Box' items and a teacher
training.
WVI carried out educational activities with reconciliation themes among
schoolchildren at SMPN Kao, SMPN Malifut, and at SD Bobawa and SD Samsuna of
Malifut. WVI also had meetings with the Community Education Board in Tobelo to
discuss its education programme at SMPN I Tobelo and SD Inpres Bertingkat Tobelo.
Economic Recovery and Infrastructure
WVI monitored its Community Infrastructure Distribution Programme in Galela,
Tobelo, Kao, and Malifut. It also monitored its well renovation project in Talapao,
Tafasofo, Bobawa, Ngofabobawa, and Sabaleh villages of Malifut Sub-district and an
MCK project in Soakonora Village, Galela Sub-district. WVI also continued
transportation of local materials for MCK projects in Talapao and Tafasoho villages,
Malifut Sub-district.
Other
CARDI organized a two-day capacity building seminar for its potential local partners,
attended by 15 participants. CARDI also visited Jailolo, Ibu, and Sahu sub-districts for
pre-assessment of recently submitted project proposals.
6. PAPUA
General Situation
Hundreds of former Papuan political prisoners and their relatives demanded
independence from Indonesia during a peaceful protest in the provincial legislative
council compound on Thursday (15 Aug.). The demonstrators dispersed peacefully
after meeting several legislators.
7. WEST TIMOR
General Situation
Dozens of East Timorese refugees in Kalabahi, Alor District, staged a demonstration
at the district head's office on Monday (12 Aug.) demanding clarification on his recent
statement saying that there was no longer any East Timorese refugees in the district.
They also demanded clear information on Malaysian Government's medicine aid for
the refugees that was yet to be distributed. On Wednesday (14 Aug.), Alor district
head Ans Takalapeta and the parliament speaker held a dialogue with the refugees.
A Tactical Working Group coordination meeting was held in Boas, in the sub-district
of East Malaka, Belu on Wednesday (14 Aug.). During the meeting, Belu Police Chief
Adj. Senior Commissioner Agus Nugroho returned a UNPKF's rifle that was reported
missing from a border post in Turiscain, East Timor, since 2 Feb. 2001 and was
recently found in Belu.
Population Movements
At least 100 villagers from Ponu, Biboki, in North Central Timor District came to the
district parliament last Friday (9 Aug.) to reject the relocation of 27 refugee families
from Noelbaki Camp in Kupang to a resettlement site in Ponu on 2 August. They
stated that TNI relocated the refugee families without prior consultation with the host
community. The refugees have not yet settled down and may have to be relocated
again from Ponu.
A joint commission hearing on the handling of refugees by the government by the
provincial parliament was held on Saturday (10 Aug.) in Kupang. Deputy Governor
Johanis Pake Pani told the parliamentarians that one of the constraints of repatriation
was the indecisiveness of the refugees whether to return to East Timor or sustain
Indonesian citizenship. Other constraints include inadequate information campaign,
lack of campaign facilities, and intimidation and misinformation against repatriation.
IOM Kupang facilitated the return of 312 refugees to East Timor from 9 - 15 August.
Food Security
The Centre for IDP Services (CIS), a local NGO in Kupang, reported that camp
coordinators in Kupang District were distributing 58 tonnes of government's
emergency rice assistance. Each family was reported to receive 4 or 5 kg of rice. The
government planned to distribute rice only to families with under-five children,
malnourished children, and expecting mothers.
Health
WHO Kupang reported that diarrhoea outbreak in Kupang continued over the past
week, with 1 more death and at least 500 more patients treated. Since the outbreak
began on 28 July, 9 people have died and 1,600 patients treated.
CWS Kupang is treating three severely malnourished children in Tuapukan Camp in
Kupang District.
Education
CWS continued its informal tent school in Tuapukan Camp in Kupang District every
Monday with at least 300 refugee children attending. It completed the distribution of
2,700 school packages consisting of stationary and uniforms for students at schools
located near the camps on 7 August. Both refugee and local children attending these
schools received the package.
Other
IOM handed over some equipment to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday (15
Aug.) in Kupang for use at three new border posts between West and East Timor,
namely Motaain, Metamauk, and Napan. Equipment distributed included solar power
cells, computers, metal detectors, high frequency radios, ultraviolet lamps, and night
vision binoculars. It was part of IOM's capacity building programme for border
management, funded by the Government of Japan.
Selected Abbreviations Key
Bakornas PBP |
National Coordinating Board for the Management of Disaster and
IDPs/Refugees |
Brimob |
Police Mobile Brigade |
Bulog |
National Logistics Agency |
GAM |
Free Aceh Movement |
IDP |
Internally displaced person |
Komnas HAM |
National Commission on Human Rights |
Kopassus |
Army's Special Force |
Kostrad |
Army's Strategic Reserve Command |
MCK |
Combined Bathing, Washing and Latrine Facility |
OPM |
Free Papua Organisation |
PMI |
Indonesian Red Cross |
Posyandu |
Integrated health service |
Puskesmas |
Primary health centre |
Pustu |
Primary health unit |
Satkorlak PBP |
Provincial Coordinating Unit for the Management of Disaster and
IDPs/Refugees |
Satlak PBP |
District Executing Unit for the Management of Disaster and
IDPs/Refugees |
TNI |
Indonesian Armed Forces |
This report and previous ones can be found at www.reliefweb.int
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
UN Building 5th Floor
Jl. MH Thamrin 14
P.O. Box 2238, Indonesia
FAX: (+62-21) 319-00-003
PHONE: (+62-21) 314-1308, Ext. 126, 150
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