Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 91
23 - 30 August 2002
1. NATURAL DISASTERS
Haze in West and Central Kalimantan from forest and ground fires during the week
caused respiratory problems among local residents and forced many schools to close
and flights to be suspended during the week. The provincial forestry office said
satellite monitoring detected at least 678 hot spots across West Kalimantan last
Sunday. West Kalimantan Governor Aspar Aswin led a two-day coordinating meeting
of local district heads and mayors in Pontianak on Monday to discuss efforts to cope
with the forest fires. The meeting discussed the follow-up to the national forestry
meeting on 9 July, which outlined efforts to deal with forest fires, illegal logging and
deforestation. Central Kalimantan Governor Asmawi Agani was quoted by Antara as
saying his administration received Rp200 million (US$22,500) and 30,000 masks from
the central government to help tackle the problem. Asmawi threatened to send to jail
those who set fires to clear land. Antara reported Wednesday (28 Aug.) that
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is expected meet with Indonesian
President Megawati Soekarnoputri in Johannesburg early next week to discuss the
haze problem.
2. ACEH (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam)
General Situation
At least 34 people-19 civilians, 1 TNI personnel, and 14 alleged GAM members-were
killed in the province during the week, according to news media.
National Police Chief Da'i Bachtiar visited Aceh on 25-26 August for a field inspection
to monitor the current security recovery operation. He said he would intensify trainings
for his officers to hunt down GAM if the search for a continuation of dialogues failed.
Local media reported that unknown armed groups attacked the vehicle of the vice
president of PT Arun LNG Plant (Pertamina State Oil Company) on Tuesday (27 Aug.)
after leaving one of the gas fields in Blang Pulo Village, Muaradua Sub-district, North
Aceh. This was the first attack on PT Arun LNG Plant. The vice president was not
harmed but his driver suffered mild wounds.
The Jakarta Post reported Tuesday that Coordinating Minister for Political and
Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said last Monday (26 Aug.) that
Indonesia is planning to sue Free Aceh Movement (GAM) leader Hasan Tiro and his
aides should the latter continue to carry out measures against the peace process in
Aceh. However, the minister said on Wednesday (28 Aug.) that Indonesia would
resume talks with GAM in September.
The Jakarta Post reported on Thursday (29 Aug.) that the police in Aceh arrested 12
members of the pro-independence Front for Acehnese People's Democratic
Resistance. Rufriadi, coordinator of the Banda Aceh Legal Aid Institute (LBH) said the
activists were arrested when security personnel found anti-government circulars in the
bag of one of them.
Assessments
A UNICEF mission travelled to Banda Aceh from 26 to 29 August to provide training
on the use of the "School in a Box" materials.
Another UNICEF team visited Aceh (27-28 Aug.) to observe the training of PMI staff for
the National Immunisation Day (NID), to follow up on the CAP for 2003, and to
discuss with local authorities about further expansion of UNICEF's activities in the
province.
An independent UNICEF consultant travelled to Banda Aceh for a two-week mission
starting on Monday (26 Aug.) to evaluate the impact of its peace education project
and make necessary recommendations for the expansion and improvement of
education services. The project is implemented by Non Violence International (NVI) in
96 schools in 11 districts.
Health
The Health Office and UNICEF on 27-28 August organized preparation training for the
National Immunization Day (NID) for 80 PMI field staff, regarding technical vaccination
procedures. PMI health workers generally have access to troubled areas in the
province.
Education
The Education Office and UNICEF provided training on 26 to 31 August for education
officials and teachers from a number of districts on the use of the "School in a Box"
materials. They were donated to the office by the Norwegian government through
UNICEF. The distribution of "School in a Box" to 100 schools is expected to start
next week.
Economic Recovery and Infrastructure
ICMC conducted capacity building training in Sabang Island from 25 to 30 August for
its local partners. The training on "Participatory, Learning, and Action" was related to
its programme in assisting vulnerable female-headed households.
CARDI conducted its second and third Partner Capacity Building training on
"Identifying Viable Sources of Income" on 26 to 27 August. It was part of CARDI's
livelihood and resettlement programmes. Partners included Muhammadiyah, Panglima
Laot, and SSG for the livelihood programme, and Birata and Paska for the
resettlement programme.
CARDI travelled to Bireuen on 29-30 August to coordinate with local authorities on the
continuation of its activities in a number of sub-districts in the area.
CARDI is conducting interviews during the week with relevant stakeholders, INGOs,
local authorities, and partners as part of its strategic planning exercise.
3. CENTRAL SULAWESI
General Situation
Three persons were injured after picking up package bombs on a street in Poso town
on Monday (26 Aug.). A package bomb was also found outside a shopping centre in
Palu Town early that day. The police made a controlled explosion of the bomb.
International NGOs and the police are reporting of an improved security situation, and
some of the international NGOs have been resuming activities this week. The road
between Palu and Poso town is reported to be safe enough to travel without escort.
The road between Poso town and Tentena still sees irregular groups sweeping,
especially in the afternoon.
Assessments
CARE sent 12 project staff to Poso District on Monday (26 Aug.) to prepare for
distribution of food and shelter packages. The team met with authorities and
communities to inform them about the distribution plans, and conducted registration of
beneficiaries for the programme that will start next week.
Mercy Corps International (MCI) staff visited and assessed newly arrived IDPs in
Tagolu, Watualu, and Tentena, originating from Sepe, Silanca, Bateguncu, and
Matako.
A mixed MCI-team also made an introductory visit to Wuasa, North Lore to assess
the IDP situation, and to explore further partnerships with local groups to assist IDPs
staying in Wuasa. The team was accompanied by local NGOs based in Palu, and
held meetings with the government, local NGOs, and a community based
Inter-religious Communication Forum.
Health
International Medical Corps (IMC) mobile clinics treated 334 patients (all IDPs) in Palu
Town and in several villages in Wuasa (North Lore, Poso District). A large percentage
of the patients in Wuasa are newly arrived from Tangkura and Sangginora villages.
IMC distributed intravenous solutions (IV) and antibiotics to Poso Hospital and Tagolu
health centre in response to urgent requests from the health authorities. According to
IMC, it seems that the recent conflict has badly affected the normal government
supply system. A total of 240 solution bottles and 38 infusion sets were distributed.
Because of the security situation, the military had to facilitate distribution to Tagolu.
IMC distributed a large number of family planning items in Mapane, Lawanga,
Kayamanya, Tentena, Wuasa, and Tagolu.
Shelter and Non-food Items
MCI is in discussion with local NGO partners to fund projects to supply non-food
items, and to assist shelter requirements for IDPs.
4. MALUKU
General situation
Ministry of Defence Official Jhoni Lumintang told reporters in Maluku that the central
government would not lift the status of civil emergency in the province. He said that
the nature of the conflict in Maluku is religious-based and that it would take a long
time to achieve total recovery.
Registration for Maluku governor and vice governor election for the period of 2002 -
2007 officially opened on 28 August. The election process is expected to end in
November.
On Thursday (29 Aug.), local military and police diffused two explosive devices in Suli
Bawah area, Ambon Island, according to an official press release. During the month
more than four cases of injuries from explosions were reported from other parts of
Ambon Island.
Assessments
SC UK visited Haruku Island from 26 to 28 August to assess schools for its education
programme and children and youth social protection issues in Haruku, Samet, Oma,
Wasu, and Aboru villages.
Health
IMC through its services in the Puskesmas and through its mobile clinics in Buru
Island from 19 to 24 August, conducted 71 consultations in Wamsisi Village and 141
consultations in Waimulang Village. In Seram Island, IMC conducted 211
consultations in Tehoru Village, 62 consultations in Wahai Village, 266 consultations
in Kobinsota Village, and 547 consultations through mobile clinic in Masohi Town. In
the Masohi Hospital in Seram Island, IMC conducted 119 consultations during the
week.
MSF-B conducted 572 consultations during the week for IDPs in camps in Ambon
Island, where it found new measles cases in Belakang Kota, Rimba Raya, and Laries
IDP Camp. MSF-B also sent a team to Tiang Bendera Village in Pulau Kelang on
Friday (30 Aug.) to conduct measles vaccination for IDPs and local population in the
village.
Water and Sanitation
Mercy Corps in collaboration with the provincial Public Works Office conducted a
one-day water and sanitation training for 30 local NGOs in Ambon Island on Tuesday
(27 Aug.).
MSF-B sent a team to Tiang Bendera Village in Pulau Kelang on Friday (30 Aug.) to
repair the water-system pipes that supply clean water for IDPs and local population.
Economic Recovery and Infrastructure
CARDI conducted monitoring in Waipoti and Namlea villages in North Buru for its
fishery projects on Monday (26 Aug.). It will also monitor agricultural projects in Ewiri,
South Buru on Saturday (31 Aug).
Other
ICMC returned from a three-week trip to Seram Island on 23 August, where together
with local partners it facilitated meetings between returnees, representatives from
home villages, and government authorities. The meeting in Kairatu Sub-district drew
209 participants, in Piru Sub-district 174, and in Tehoru Sub-district 274.
ICMC, together with local partners, returned from Taniwel Village, Seram Island where
from 10 to 30 August it facilitated meetings between IDP returnees and
representatives from home villages, as part of its ABRM project (Addressing Barriers
for the Returns of IDPs in Maluku).
5. NORTH MALUKU
Assessments
CARDI carried out a security assessment in Jailolo, Sahu, Ibu, and Oba sub-districts
this week.
Population Movements
On 24 August, the government facilitated the return of 616 people (220 families) to
Loloda Sub-district. The IDPs from Ternate were transported in 3 boats to three
villages, Kahatola (34 families), Tolofuo (66 families), and Soa Sio (120 families). On
19 August, the government facilitated the return of 274 people (57 families) to
Kahatola Village, Loloda Sub-district and 314 people (58 families) to Mamuya village,
Galela Sub-district.
Food Security and Agriculture
WVI distributed seeds and tools on 29-30 August in Ngidiho, Limau, Lalonga,
Bobisingo, Igobula, Ori/Bale, Seki, Togawa, Soakonora, Soatobaru, Gotalamo, and
Roko villages of Galela Sub-district.
A national consultant from FAO arrived in Ternate this week for a month long
monitoring of its seeds and tools distribution by its partners in North Maluku. The
consultant will also meet with related government agencies, including Satkorlak PBP.
Health
IMC continued with the provision of health services in Kao, Galela, Tobelo, Daruba,
Posi Posi Rao Island, and Bere-Bere, as well as the rehabilitation of Pustu and
Polindes in Galela.
The Central Halmahera District Health Office and WHO carried out an Emergency
Preparedness Training course from 27 to 31 August. 40 government officials attended
the training.
Water and Sanitation
A CARDI team was in the field for 3 days to follow up on proposals submitted for
funding in Jailolo, Sahu and Ibu sub-districts. Several projects should be approved by
next week.
Shelter and Non-Food Items
CORDAID is finalising a list of 36 Muslim and 54 Christian families as potential
beneficiaries for its housing assistance. The families identified are widows with
children and families with disabled/handicapped persons. CORDAID expects to
purchase the materials and complete construction before the end of September.
Education
UNICEF with the cooperation of the Education Office is preparing a training for trainers
(TOT) course, scheduled for 3 - 6 September, on its School in a Box scheme. On 2
September, UNICEF is expected to officially launch and handover the 'School in a
Box' to the government. Dutch Embassy representatives and UNICEF Jakarta are
scheduled to attend.
WVI is organizing school events with reconciliation themes in 5 elementary schools
and one junior high school in Tobelo Sub-district and in one elementary school in
Malifut Sub-district this week. WVI also had meetings with its Community Education
Board in Tobelo, Galela, Kao, and Malifut.
Economic Recovery and Infrastructure
WVI monitored OFDA funded projects in Galela, Tobelo, Kao, and Malifut. WVI
continued its distribution of infrastructure material for MCK in Ngofakiaha and Talapao
villages, and for a traditional market project in Peleri Village of Malifut. For its local
material transporting programme, WVI transported 2 m3 of sand for a water tank
project in Ori/Bale Village and 1 m3 of sand for a community centre in Lalonga Village
in Galela Sub-district.
6. PAPUA
General Situation
The Australian reported on Thursday (29 Aug.) that the Indonesian police have drawn
up plans to outlaw the main Papuan independence organization (Papua Council
Presidium) in a crackdown on separatism that started this month. The 60-day Adil
Matoa operation has the aim of identifying separatists or separatist organisations,
arresting and prosecuting individuals "committing treason or attacks against the
state" and shutting down organizations conducting separatist activities.
7. WEST TIMOR
General Situation
Portuguese Ambassador, Anna Gomez, visited Kupang and met with East Nusa
Tenggara Governor on Wednesday (28 Aug.).
Population Movements
23 refugee families from Noelbaki Camp in Kupang, who were rejected by the local
people at the Ponu settlement site, North Central Timor, are still staying at the transit
centre in Fatululi in Kupang Town. They were accommodated there since 16 August
after the refugees in Noelbaki Camp also rejected their return to the camp. Food and
water and sanitation for these families are a major concern.
This week, IOM (International Organization for Migration), in coordination with the East
Nusa Tenggara Satkorlak and Satlak, organized the repatriation of 2,199 East Timor
refugees from West Timor to the border of East Timor. There has been a significant
increase in repatriation during the past two months. In July, 5,738 refugees repatriated
and in August, the number is 4,785. IOM said that this increase was probably due to
Indonesian government's stated intention to terminate its repatriation assistance by 31
August. IOM will continue to facilitate the transportation of East Timorese refugees to
East Timor after the date.
Assessments
Responding to a request from the governor of East Nusa Tenggara, a joint
assessment team of WFP and FAO is visiting some areas in the province to assess
the need for emergency food assistance. The mission met with the governor,
government officials, and NGOs on 28 and 29 August before visiting Sumba and East
Flores.
Health
Diarrhoea outbreak still prevails in Kupang Town. Health Official Maxi Taopan said on
Wednesday (28 Aug.) that 242 patients were treated at the Puskesmas and hospitals
over the past week in Kupang. The figure was less than the week earlier.
Water and Sanitation
Speaker of Belu District Parliament Blasius Manek said on Tuesday (27 Aug.) that he
was worried about the diminishing water supply for the people of Atambua in the
coming months. He said some 40,000 people in Atambua would face water shortage
as the water supply from two reservoirs in Belu is depleting due to the deforestation
by the East Timorese refugees residing in Belu.
Shelter and Non-food Items
Bakornas's Deputy of Refugee Disaster Management Budi Atmadi announced in
Kupang on Thursday (29 Aug.) that the Japanese government granted US$5.3 million
to build 3,000 refugee settlement houses and health facilities for both refugees and
the local population.
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
|
