Papua/Earthquake

In connection with the earthquake which occurred in Manokwari on 17 October 2002, MSF-B Papua in cooperation with the Provincial Health Department has sent a team to assess the need in the water and sanitation (WatSan) sector in Ransiki and Oransbari. The team stayed in the location from 16 to 30 November, and managed to make a new borehole with handpump, repair several wells and placing filters, make a new well and assist in chlorinating most of the wells in the locations. MSF-B Papua also donated chlorine for a continuation of chlorination. The team concluded that a new water supply system is not required in those areas, as the current water system still can accommodate the people's need. However, cleaning wells and repair of water pipes in cooperation with the local puskesmas are required.

East Java - Pacet/Mud Slide

A mudslide, triggered by days of heavy rains, hit a hot springs resort in the Pacet sub-district, Mojokerto district, East Java, on Wednesday (11 Dec.). The mudflow was running at the speed of 70 kilometers per hour. According to a Government official in the sub-district office of Pacet on Thursday (12 Dec.), 26 people died, including 5 children under 8 years old. 14 of them (7 men and 8 women) have already been identified, while the other 11 remain unknown. It is estimated some 100 people are still missing. Hundreds of victims were treated in public hospitals and clinics in Pacet, and Dr. Wahidin hospital in Mojokerto. The Dr. Sutomo General Hospital in Surabaya deployed a medical team to provide first aid to victims at the scene. Local rescue workers, police officers, villagers and family members are still digging away at the debris to reach those trapped underneath the mud and combing the area along the Mojosari river. Heavy tools from some Government institutions in Mojokerto have just arrived to help moving the mud and stone for further search for victims. According to a Government official from the office of Pacet sub-district, no assistance has been requested.

2. ACEH (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam)

General Situation

According to news media, at least 10 people - 7 civilians, 1 TNI soldier, and 2 alleged GAM members - were killed in the province during the week.

The Government of Indonesia (GoRI) and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement on Monday (9 Dec.). The document consisting of nine articles was signed by GoRI Chief Negotiator, Wiryono Sastrohandoyo, and GAM Negotiator, Zaini Abdullah, at the headquarters of Henry Dunant Centre (HDC) in Geneva. According to the agreement, a joint security committee comprised of both sides and a third external party will be established as soon as possible to ensure both parties' commitment to the agreement. A Thai Major General will arrive next week in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) to lead the International Monitoring Team to supervise the implementation of the agreement in the filed.

Local media reported that TNI Commander Major Gen. Djali Yusuf and GAM Commander Tgk Muzakir Manaf on Tuesday (10 Dec.) congratulated each other over the phone on the success of signing the agreement in Geneva to end hostilities. Both commanders agreed to pull back troops to their barracks to avoid further confrontation, marking their full support for restoring peace in the province.

On Tuesday (10 Dec.) TNI forces pulled out more than 1,200 troops after having besieged a suspected GAM hideout in Cot Trieng village, Nisam sub-district, North Aceh for 40 days. Meanwhile, on Wednesday (11 Dec.) Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces in Jakarta strongly underlined to the media that there would be no withdrawal of troops at any time from NAD, as long as the province is still part of Indonesia.

Despite the Muslim Holiday festivities, a number of security incidents were still reported before the signing of the agreement. However, since the agreement was signed, general conditions are reported to slowly return to normal. It is also observed that the security forces are no longer carrying their weapons while walking in crowded towns.

Health

WHO recruited 8 people to carry out focus group interviews on the qualitative health study throughout the province.

WHO reviewed and finalised a Reproductive Health Programme proposal with the Provincial Health Department before submitting to WHO Jakarta for approval.

WHO published its first monthly edition of Health Bulletin for NAD province.

3.CENTRAL SULAWESI

General Situation

Reports from NGOs and local newspapers on Friday (6 Dec.) stated that at least three persons were found dead in Poso on Thursday (5 Dec.). Two of them were found with gunshot wounds. According to Christian political leaders, all victims are believed to be Christians. The police and civil authorities reported that these violent acts have hardly affected the communities. There are no reports of new displacements.

A local newspaper, Radar Sulteng, reported on Wednesday (11 Dec.) that two of the suspects of the Makassar bombing last week were arrested in a hotel in Palu on Tuesday (10 Dec.). In relation to this case, the police also raided several locations in Palu. Another suspect, who was found dead in the bombing site, is suspected as the actor behind the church bombing in Palu in 2001.

The Chief of Police in Central Sulawesi stated to the local newspaper, Nuansa Pos, on Tuesday (10 Dec.) that the new anti-terrorism law would be applied soon in Poso to prevent similar bombing and sniper incidents.

A local newspaper, Nuansa Pos, reported on Wednesday, (11 Dec.) that the police questioned three persons suspected of producing fake ID cards and stamps. The fraud was allegedly for getting side-dish allowance intended for IDPs in Poso.

Health

International Medical Corps (IMC) has temporarily suspended all mobile clinics due to lack of pharmaceuticals.

4.MALUKU

General Situation

The recently appointed acting Governor for Maluku Province, Hari Sinyo Sarundayang, arrived in Ambon City to take up his post. The event was preceded by demonstrations by two groups who objected to the appointment.

Two bombing incidents were reported in Ambon city. One was about 500 meters away from the office premises of the UN and aid agencies. No casualties or damage was reported and investigation is in progress.

A local newspaper, Ambon Ekspress, reported on Sunday (8 Dec.), that following a boat accident involving residents from two neighboring villages of Asilulu and Ureng on Ambon Island, a fighting broke out and resulted in the death of three persons and the burning of thirty houses. The local authorities have taken necessary actions.

On Wednesday (11 Dec.), a local newspaper, Ambon Ekspress, reported a fire incident in Siri Sori village Ambon Island, which destroyed 450 clove trees owned by the villagers. The villagers suspected that the actors behind the fire were criminals from the neighboring village of Ulat on Ambon Island. Meanwhile, security forces have acknowledged the rise of tension because of this incident. As a response, a security measurement was being taken.

Assessment

CARDI started an assessment of the school rehabilitation and furniture distribution in some schools in Pohon Manga, Paso, Halong, Wayame, Hila and Tulehu villages on Ambon Island.

Health

IMC clinic boat "The Srikandi" is distributing drugs to health posts in East and North Seram districts. IMC reported that a total 594 patients have attended the health centres in Seram and Buru Islands. Four of 20 planned health posts in Seram Island have been rehabilitated.

A team of MSF-B provided 198 consultations at its supported health centres on Ambon Island. Meanwhile, more cases of measles were identified in Tengah village and on Ambon Island. A vaccination programme targeting 600 children (6 months to 12 year olds) was started on Friday (13 Dec.)

A consultant of MSF-B has completed a one-month mental health assessment project covering health centres in Ambon and surrounding sub districts.

Water and Sanitation

Mercy Corps funded a local NGO to build 10 units latrines (MCK) and 3 public hydrants for 1,530 people in Limboro village and Luhu village on Seram Island.

A water and sanitation team of AcF has constructed a borehole in Air Manis sub-district on Ambon Island and two wells in Ameth sub-district on Saparua Island.

A water and sanitation team of MSF-B is in West Seram for routine support and maintenance.

Reconciliation and Economic Recovery

AcF has completed an Income Generating Programme in Leihutu and Salahutu sub-districts. Programmes in Tehoru and West Seram sub-districts are still in progress.

CARDI has completed the rehabilitation of community centre premises in Pohon Manga village on Ambon Island.

Mercy Corps funded a local NGO to conduct Micro Finance Institution Training for 33 local NGOs at the NGO Community Centre in Ambon City.

Mercy Corps funded two local NGOs from Tual to attend Micro Finance Training in Ambon.

A local newspaper, Koran Info, reported on Wednesday (11 Dec.) that UNDP Maluku Recovery Programme in cooperation with a local NGO Lakpesdam NU Tingkat II Ambon, handed over materials for prayers and recreation on Thursday (5 Dec.). These materials including music and sports equipment are expected to benefit 241 orphans at community centres in Batu Mera, Nurul Ikhlas, Kebun Cengkeh and Waihaong areas on Ambon Island.

5.NORTH MALUKU

General Situation

According to a Government official, thousands of people who were unsuccessful in a recent Government recruitment programme are expected to demonstrate against the Governor when he returns from Jakarta late next week. Over 20,000 people applied for the jobs but only about 300 were accepted in the recruitment exercise.

The North Maluku Government is reviewing a proposal from the Central Government to revoke the Civil Emergency in the province. Several Government officials have informed OCHA that although the Government acknowledged the improved security situation, the Civil Emergency would still be expected to remain for at least another 6 months. (see General Situation NORTH MALUKU Consolidated Situation Report No. 105).

Population Movement

The Head of the Provincial Social Affairs in Ternate has informed OCHA that the Central Government has approved funds to assist IDPs who had returned earlier but had not received any Government assistance. The IDPs will receive assistance for Life Security, Life Support and housing. There are also plans to move the remaining 500 IDP families, who are still staying in Ternate camps, to Tobelo before the end of the year.

Food Security and Agriculture

A WFP staff from Jakarta was in Ternate from 10 to 13 December to verify their food stocks stored in Dolog (Government Institution for Logistics Affair) warehouse.

WVI conducted training for fishermen groups in Tutumaloleo village, Togasa, Jere and Beringin Jaya sub- villages, Galela sub-district from 11 to 12 December.

Health

WHO reported that malaria outbreaks occurred this month in the province. The health surveillance teams have reported the high mortality rate and prevalence up to 60% of Malaria Parasitemia among children in Propaganda village in Bacan sub-district, Gurua village in Tobelo sub-district and Guraping village in North Oba sub-district. At least 25 deaths have been reported in these villages.

UNICEF reported that Cold Chain equipment has arrived in Ternate. The equipment including refrigerators, vaccine cold boxes, and a freezer will be handed over to the Health Department of Ternate City, North Maluku District and Central Halmahera District, so that the Health Department in those areas could provide more effective and qualified immunisation coverage.

Water and Sanitation

CARDI continued monitoring its water and sanitation projects in Jailolo, Sahu, Ibu, South Oba, North Oba, West Gane, Bacan and Obi sub-districts from 12 to 14 December.

Shelter and Non-food Items

WVI monitored its roofing kits project in Sabatai Baru village, South Morotai sub-district and distributed roofing kits to: Korago and Tawakali villages in North Morotai sub-district; and Aru Irian and Tilei Pantai villages in South West Morotai sub-district.

Education

The Youth Civic Participation Initiative team of CARDI is assessing sites for implementing its programmes in Jailolo, Sahu, and Ibu sub-districts this week.

WVI coordinated with KPM (Public Education Committee) of SD (Elementary School) Inpres 1 and 2 in Tobelo to provide equipment for its Happy House project. WVI also coordinated with KPM of SD Negeri Popilo/Mede, SD Inpres Wari, SD GMIH Gorua, SD Bertingkat, and SMP (Junior High School) Kristen Tobelo for implementation of its Play Ground project. WVI also monitored its Happy House project in SD GMIH 4 Tobelo.

Economic Recovery and Infrastructure

WVI conducted a survey to determine the location for its CRP (Community Recovery Project) II in Pune, Limau, Ori/Balle, Lalonga, and Bibisingo villages. It also socialised and made proposals of CRP projects in Dodinga, Toniku, Pasir Putih, and Riobari villages, South Jailolo sub-district.

Others

OCHA with the collaboration of the Khairun University, Ternate conducted a second workshop, 'The Media-Bridging Communities', for local journalists from 13 to 14 December. 17 print and electronic journalists attended the workshop funded by USAID Office of Conflict and Peace Building.

6.PAPUA

Health

According to local newspaper, Cendrawasih, on Thursday (12 Dec.), there has been no significant action taken yet for the spreading cholera in Numfor Timur sub-district of Biak Numfor district that has started a week ago. Head of District Health Department, Dr. Muh. Ansor, confirmed that a medical team at the district level is expected to go to the location on Thursday (12 Dec.) [an 11 hour trip by boat]. The team will take emergency actions and conduct in-depth medical assessments.

Local newspaper, Papua Post, reported on Thursday (12 Dec.), that the number of people affected by malnutrition in hinterland and remote areas increases significantly at 3-5% per year. The Head of Child Health and Nutrition Section, District Health Department in Merauke, Dr. Titus Tambaib, stated on Wednesday (11 Dec.) that the key problems are the lack of nutrition experts to convey proper information to the community, and the lack of fund for supporting facilities.

Dr. Michel Van Herp, a malaria specialist from Brussels, made a visit to Wamena in Jayawijaya district to launch a malaria resistance study. The general objective of this study is to contribute to the ongoing process of improving malaria diagnosis and treatment. This is considered as a priority activity by MSF-Papua.

Local newspaper, Cendrawasih Pos, reported on Wednesday (11 Dec.) that European Union offers Papua a development grant of 14 millions Euro (Rp 140 billion). According to Dr. W.E. Kalalo, the head of Provincial Health Department, the use of this grant will be focused on improving the health programmes in highlands and remote areas. The grant will cover operational activities, physical rehabilitation of puskesmas and Polindes (village policlinic), up-dating and up-grading trainings for health staff, and the supply of medical equipments and medicines. Local Government will provide supporting assistance in a form of office space and medical staff.

Education

Local newspaper, Cendrawasih Pos, on Thursday (12 Dec.) quoted the Vice-chairman of District Parliament Jayapura, Freddy Lumoindong, that one of the main factors of high rate school drop-outs is insufficient motivation from parents to send their children to school due to economic or financial conditions. As a response, the district and provincial Government will increase the current education budget that allows for a free education programme.

Selected Abbreviations Key

This report and previous ones can be found at www.reliefweb.int

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