Jakarta (Fides Service) - Volunteers of the Jesuit Refugee Service JRS are working hard in Aceh to assist the homeless after the December 26 seaquake. Since 2001 JRS has been in Aceh to care for refugees, victims of secessionist rebellion. Now, to cope with the tsunami disaster its staff in Medan, capital of the neighbouring province Northern Sumatra, have been distributing medicine, food, cooking utensils and basic necessities to the homeless victims many of whom came to Medan from Banda Aceh in search of a better conditions. At present international aid coordinators are identifying areas most in need of intervention. For their part JRS volunteers note logistic difficulties and need for healthcare since most hospitals in Aceh were destroyed in the disaster.
Two weeks after the tragedy, JRS says life in Indonesia is slowly returning to normal and with regard to the rebellion, the secessionists have said they are ready to sign a treaty with Jakarta .
However JRS says in some areas humanitarian aid is still insufficient and hampered because many roads are still closed.
In the meantime while taking care of the most vulnerable groups, women, children and the elderly JRS are registering refugees. Registration is necessary to qualify for humanitarian aid.
“Material rebuilding and psychological rehabilitation will take time” said Ingvild Solvano a member of JRS Indonesia, adding. “economic and social Rebuilding in Aceh must take into consideration local culture and customs and local people must be involved in decision-making”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/1/2005 righe 27 parole 277)