Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 111

11 January - 17 January 2003
1. NATURAL DISASTERS

The Jakarta Post reported on Wednesday (15 Jan.) that as many as 1,200 people fled their homes on Tuesday (14 Jan.) from Singkawang city, Bengkayang district, West Kalimantan, after floods triggered by several days of heavy rain swept Sungai Bawung village of Sungai Raya sub-district. Villagers took refuge at schools and mosques. The Division of People's Protection (Kesbanglinmas) stated on Friday (17 Jan.) that Bakornas PBP and the Social Affairs Office in the province were managing the situation by providing food and immediate relief items. Other inundated villages include Sungai Duri, Sungai Jaga Atas, Sungai Pangkalan II, Rukmajaya, Sungai Keran and Karumunting.

A landslide killed nine people in Panireman village of Pontianak, West Kalimantan on Friday (10 Jan.) following a day of heavy rain in the area. The nine fatalities were among the 12 who were buried when a small hill collapsed.

The US Geological Survey reported that an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter Scale occurred on Friday (10 Jan.) in North Sumatra. The epicentre was located at 0.16N and 97.85E with a depth of 22 km, 125 miles from Sibolga. No damages was reported.

2. ACEH (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam)

General Situation

According to local media, one TNI soldier was reported killed in the province during the week.

The Jakarta Post reported on Thursday (16 Jan.) that the Indonesian government lodged a protest with the Joint Security Committee (JSC) over an ambush on Indonesian Military (TNI) troops launched by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) elements in Lokop, Serbajadi sub-district, East Aceh on Tuesday (14 Jan.). The GAM fighters killed a soldier and wounded another in the incident counting as the latest violation of a month-old cease fire in Aceh.

According to local and national news media, co-chairs of the Tokyo Preparatory Conference on Peace and Reconstruction for Aceh, consisting of Ambassadors from the USA, Japan and the EU (Italy) and the Director of the World Bank visited Aceh from 13 to 15 January. The objectives of the visit were to learn about the implementation of the peace agreement, assess the prospects for reconstruction and development, and seek ways in which the international community could help the province. The mission travelled to Pidie district on Tuesday (14 Jan.) to meet local citizens and visited several development projects designed to improve opportunities for local communities and for those seriously affected by the hostilities, such as widows. The mission also received a briefing by local peace monitors of the district.

Population Movements

Local newspaper, Serambi, reported on Tuesday (14 Jan.) that over 2,000 IDPs from 8 villages in Lhoksukon sub-district, North Aceh, returned to their homes on Monday (13 Jan.) after security guarantee was granted by the Joint Security Committee (JSC). The IDPs were escorted by JSC back to their villages. They had been displaced in Bintang Hu village since 25 December 2002.

Assessment

WHO travelled to Aceh Jaya district, which is located between Great Aceh and West Aceh, on Saturday (11 Jan.) and visited three primary health centres (Puskesmas) to assess the health condition in the area. The mission identified an outbreak of scabies affecting children of the district, which mostly had already been treated.

UNICEF visited three orphanages in Banda Aceh and Great Aceh on Friday (10 Jan.) to explore possibilities of expanding its programmes for child rights training and child participation activities.

Food Security and Agriculture

WFP Deputy Country Director, Bishow Parajuli, travelled to Aceh from 14 to 17 January to socialise its food aid distribution programme in the province with the Governor, Vice Governor and other relevant authorities. He also visited a number of villages in sub-districts of Pidie district to meet potential beneficiaries for the assistance that is expected to be provided at earliest by the last week of January 2003.

Health

SC US travelled to Pulo Aceh sub-district to monitor activities of Posyandus in the Northwest Island of Great Aceh district.

SC US staff participated in an internal workshop on "Positive Deviancy on Nutritional Approach" from 13 to 17 January in Jakarta, as a preparation for the implementation of nutritional health support programme in its impact areas.

Education

Head of the Education Department, Syahbuddin AR, stated on Tuesday (14 Jan.) that the government would hire 7,000 contracted teachers for 2003 to cover the shortages of teachers in Aceh and agreed to allocate Rp. 24 billion for this purpose. In addition, Syahbuddin informed that another Rp. 200 billion had been approved by the Central Government to increase the quality of education for Aceh by providing: scholarships; schools materials and textbooks; trauma counselling for children victims of conflict; support for primary education; training for teachers; and building new schools.

Water and Sanitation

A water and sanitation team from CARDI returned from field trips to Pidie, Bireuen, North Aceh, Central Aceh and East Aceh districts on Monday (13 Jan.) where 5 resettlement and 2 IDP sites were identified for project implementation.

CARDI received an approval on its new programme on "Emergency Flood Response and Community Development Micro-Grant" to be funded by DFID-OCHA and OCPR (Office of Conflict Prevention & Response), on 14 and 15 January respectively. The usage of DFID-OCHA fund will be focused on the flood relief programme in the districts of Aceh Nagan Raya and South West Aceh, while OCPR funds will be used for the implementation of four community development programmes in East Aceh district.

Livelihood

CARDI conducted a skills training on "Fishing Technical" on Wednesday (15 Jan.) as part of its income-generation project in Lhoong sub-district, Great Aceh. The training was conducted after the completion of agricultural and fishing assets distribution, which was part of its livelihood programme.

Economic Recovery and Infrastructure

ICMC is travelling to West and South Aceh from 16 to 25 January to monitor and evaluate its previous programme and brief its partners (YPK & An-Nisa in West Aceh, and Yappika & Gardamadina in South Aceh) on the fourth phase of the economic empowerment support and skill training for female-headed households.

Others

SC US conducted a management organisational training on Thursday (16 Jan.) as part of a capacity building support for its local partner, BPSM.

SC US conducted skills trainings on "Cake Baking" and "Fence Making" for women and youth in Lamteuba and Lampanah sub-districts, Great Aceh. The trainings were implemented through its local partner, BPSM.

3. CENTRAL SULAWESI

General Situation

Local newspaper, Radar Sulteng reported on Friday (17 Jan.) that some students blocked the road between Palu and Donggala, and occupied a gas station on Jl. Diponegoro to prevent people coming to that area on Thursday (16 Jan.). One of their demands was the release of some 30 students arrested by the police as a result of an incident at the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDIP) office.

Radar Sulteng, reported on Thursday (16 Jan.) that some protesters attacked (PDIP) office on Jl. Hasanuddin on Wednesday (15 Jan.). Several glass windows were broken and some motorbikes and cars were damaged. Police arrested 30 students from the incidents.

Assessments

CWS started a one-week assessment on Monday (13 Jan.) to identify IDP needs in North Pamona sub-district.

CARE conducted an assessment on Tuesday (14 Jan.) for its cacao project in Malei Lage sub-district.

Food Security and Agriculture

CARE distributed flour, salt, oil and soap for 450 households in Poso Kota sub-district from 15 to 16 January.

CWS distributed red beans, rice and oil in Tentena of North Pamona sub-district on Thursday (16 Jan.).

Health

IMC treated a total of 456 patients through its five mobile clinics operated for IDPs in Tentena of North Pamona sub-district and Poso Pesisir sub-district from 10 to 16 January.

Water and Sanitation

CWS distributed materials for construction water and sanitation facilities in North Pamona sub-disttrict, which consisted of: some 1,240 bricks for the construction of four latrines in Posunga village; concrete rings for construction of two wells in Kulinti village; and eight closets for the construction of eight latrines Posunga, Kulinti and Petirodongi villages.

Shelter and Non-food Items

CWS distributed some 672 palm roofs to 24 households in Kelei village, North Pamona sub-district, and some 3,528 palm roofs for 84 households in Peleru village, Mori Atas sub-district, Morowali district, on Friday and Monday (10 and 13 Jan.).

CWS distributed cooking utensils, bedding, light bulbs, etc. for some 180 households in Malitu village, Poso Pesisir sub-district on Tuesday (14 Jan.).

CARE distributed cooking utensils for some 500 households in Poso Pesisir sub-district on Wednesday (15 Jan).

Other

IMC established a new office in Poso, which was officially opened on Wednesday (15 Jan.). The new office is headed by its field team leader, by Dr. Ira Tresna.

CARE conducted training on "Cacao" and "Sanitation" projects at its office in Poso on Tuesday (14 Jan.), which was attended by some 20 participants from Mercy Corps and government officials.

4. MALUKU

General Situation

Local media and the UN Field Security Office (FSO) reported that an overloaded speedboat sank in Saparua Sea (south of Serum Island) on Friday (10 Jan.). Four people were reported dead and 12 were injured.

Local media and FSO reported that a bomb exploded on Tuesday (14 Jan.) on Jl. Hasanuddin, two hours after the arrival of several ministers from Jakarta for their routine visit to Ambon. An angry crowd suspecting that the bomb was thrown from a moving vehicle seized a commuter car, beat up two persons and burnt down the car. While details of casualties remain unclear, one person was reported to have died in hospital due to injuries sustained. Police investigations are on-going, but so far no arrest has been made.

UNICEF Representative in Indonesia, Steven Allen, visited Ambon city from 11 to 14 January to meet UNICEF field staff and the local government officials in conjunction with its programme and humanitarian activities. He also met the Acting Governor of Maluku, Sinyo. H. Sarundajang

Assessments

CARDI visited communities on Ambon and Seram islands to assess needs and evaluate 32 proposals submitted by potential partners for community development programme. It is expected 20 projects will be selected for implementation in this phase.

UNICEF has agreed with a local NGO to make assessments on and provide technical support for waste management in Ambon City.

WFP met some humanitarian organisations and government units in Maluku to establish a "Food Aid" group that was expected to be one of the forums to discuss food related issues in the province. The group will be chaired by WFP and consisted of representative from the local government, UN agencies, INGO and LNGO.

Population movement

Local newspaper, Ambon Ekspress, reported Thursday (9 Jan.) that some 186 IDP families (868 people) from Bacan sub-district, North Maluku province, have left Ambon after spending 3 years living in camps. The departure of the IDPs from Gudang Garang pier was seen off by the Head of Local Department of Social Affairs (Dinsos) and prominent Ambonese community leaders.

Health

IMC conducted a total of 1,327 consultations at its health stations in Buru district (covering Wamsisi and Waemulang wub-districts), Serum district (covering sub-districts of Taniwel, Tehoru, Werinama, Wahai, Kobisonta, and Masohi hospital), and in its clinic boat "The Srikandi".

IMC's clinic boat "The Srikandi" visited Kelang Island in West Seram district to assess the health situation after a malaria outbreak occurred several weeks ago in that area. No new malaria cases were discovered.

A mobile clinic team from MSF-B had 369 consultations in locations on Ambon Island. The team also visited Kailolo village on Haruku island to follow up on a diarrhoea outbreak already attended to two weeks ago (OCHA Sitrep No 109, Maluku section). No more cases were found.

A medical team from MSF-B reported that there was an increase of URTI (Upper Respiratory Track Infection) cases in several areas visited on Ambon island.

Education

CARDI completed training on "Participatory Methods for Youth Facilitators" on Saturday (11 Jan.) in Tulehu village of Ambon City, which was attended by some 20 participants. CARDI also purchased materials (sewing, cook, mechanic, motorbike repairing, hair salon, English lesson books, carpentry and cloth woven) for its vocational training in the selected community centres.

Several senior executives from CARDI hold a meeting with Social Affairs Departments officials from Jakarta to explain its programmes and progress of various activities.

Water Sanitation

A water and sanitation team from AcF monitored the progress made by its projects in Piru and Kairatu villages on Seram Island. The team also provided water by tankers in Benteng and Karang areas of Wailiha suburbs, Ambon City. In Buru district, AcF has started cleaning of wells programme.

UNICEF has started its programme to rehabilitate water and sanitation facilities in schools, and to promote hygiene. The programme covers 30 schools on Ambon island and another 30 schools in North Buru and Northwest Buru districts. The programme is implemented in cooperation with the local health and education authorities.

5. NORTH MALUKU

Population Movement

The Provincial Social office reported that some 1,378 IDPs (300 families) returned to Malifut sub-districts from Ternate on 31 December 2002. The government plans to continue the return programme for IDP's from Kao sub-district to Malifut sub-district, and Ternate city to Tobelo sub-district and Galela sub-district next week.

Food Security and Agriculture

WVI distributed fishery kits in: Sabatai Baru, Sabatai Tua, Momujiu, Totdoku, Juanga, Pilowo, and Sambiki villages of South Morotai sub-district; Wewemo, Buho-Buho, Yao, Tawakali, Korago, Lusuo, and Pangeo villages of North Morotai sub-district; and Aru Irian, Tiley Raja, and Wayabula villages of South-West Morotai sub-district.

WVI conducted training for fishermen groups in Domato village, South Jailolo sub-district on Wednesday (15 Jan.).

Health

WVI had a health education session on Dengue Hemorrhage Fever in 18 IDP camps in Ternate from 13 to 15 January. WVI also aired a radio talk show in Gema Hikmah Radio on Wednesday (15 Jan.) with the same topic.

Shelter and Non- Food Items

UNDP continued its "Supporting Government Housing" programme in providing the stimulant for housing material assistance for: 20 houses in Gamlenge village, South Jailolo sub-district on Thursday (9 Jan.); 21 houses for Gamkonora Village, Ibu sub-district; 14 houses for Hokuhokukie village, Jailolo sub-district; 18 houses for Bukumatiti village and 18 houses for Tobowongi village, Jailolo sub-district; and 20 houses for Domato village, South Jailolo sub-district.

CORDAID reconstructed houses type 30 and 36 in South Jailolo, Jailolo, Sahu, Ibu, Kao, Malifut sub-districts.

Education

WVI is preparing its training on a method of teaching through magazine for elementary school teachers in Galela sub-district on Monday and Wednesday (13 and 15 Jan.) and several elementary schools in Tobelo sub-district from 9 to 13 January.

Economic Recovery and Infrastructure

WVI monitored its CRP (Community Recovery Project) I in all villages of Galela sub-district.

WVI distributed building materials for its infrastructure project of MCK Type 3 in Pune village on Thursday (9 Jan.); Bobisingo village on Friday (10 Jan.); Togoliwa village on Monday (13 Jan.); and Gura village on Tuesday (14 Jan.). All villages are in Galela sub-district.

6. PAPUA

General Situation

Local newspaper, Cendrawasih Pos, cited the Vice Chairman of PDP (Papua Presidium Council), Rev Herman Awom, on Wednesday (Jan 15.) that in 2003 the political situation in Papua remains a potential source of conflicts. Therefore, he reminded people in the province to be on the alert and critical towards provocative actions that might lead to conflicts. He also said that people must develop a sense of mutual respect, trust, and love in order to maintain Papua as a peace zone.

The Jakarta Post reported on Wednesday (15 Jan.) that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States would join the police to investigate the last year's ambush in Timika, Papua that killed two American teachers and one Indonesian. National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said that FBI had given its confirmation to join the investigation. The London Financial Times reported on Thursday (16 Jan.) that FBI agents would arrive in Indonesia next week to join the investigation. An initial police investigation found evidence that soldiers from an elite unit carried out the attack, despite military claims that local separatist rebels were responsible.

Cendrawasih Post reported on Tuesday (Jan 14.) that 15 ministers of the Gotong Royong Cabinet gathered in Sorong to extend discussion with the Governor and local authorities to obtain better understanding on the situation in Papua that would be used as a reference to design the development programme for 2003.

Cendrawasih Pos reported on Monday (13 Jan) that the Governor of Papua, Drs Jaap P. Solossa, issued a regulation to increase the official Minimum Wage in the Province. The new regulation is to be implemented simultaneously by both civil and private sectors throughout the province.

A PNG newspaper, Post Courier, reported on Monday (Jan 13.) that the Governor Jacob Solossa wanted Papua New Guinea security forces to arrest and deport back to Indonesia those OPM rebels who were using PNG soil to attack Indonesian soldiers. Referring to the reported incursions by the Indonesian military, the Governor said borders separating the two countries at present were unclear. On the issue or the reported incursions, the Governor defended Indonesia soldiers, saying they had a duty to protect the integrity of their territory.

Food Security and Agriculture

Cendrawasih Pos reported on Wednesday (Jan 15.) that due to heavy rains since early this month, plantations of local villagers in Kurulu sub-district of Jayawijaya district have been flooded for over a week. As a result, crops (i.e. cassava, corn, potatoes and vegetables) would not be able to grow properly and its was forecast that it might lead to shortage of food. The head of sub-district had asked district government to take proactive measures in this matter.

Education

UNICEF facilitated a meeting on Monday (Jan 13.) in Jayapura district to raise public awareness on the importance of primary education for children as a means of investment for the nation. During the meeting, which was attended by relevant local authorities, the head of Jayapura district encouraged parents to send their children to obtain formal and non-formal education. The same meetings will be held in the sub-districts of Jayawijaya, Bolakme Kurulu, and Assologaima.

Selected Abbreviations Key

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