Indonesia: OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 134

21 June - 27 June 2003
1. Natural disaster

Nothing to report for this week.

2. Aceh (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam)

General Situation

Various local press reported that 11 civilians, 31 GAM members and 1 police officer were killed in Aceh province during the week.

The Jakarta Post reported on Thursday (26 June) that the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights was drafting regulations to limit the presence of foreign NGO activists in Aceh. The regulations will only allow activists to stay in the province for 14 days and a maximum extension of 30 days depending on the approval of the martial law administration.

Military Emergency Administrator mentioned on Wednesday (25 June) that he would issue a statement within the week to regulate international journalists reporting in Aceh.

Military officials announced on Wednesday (25 June) that 262 GAM members, 26 TNI soldiers and 4 police officers have died in the on-going fighting in the province.

Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday (25 June) issued a joint statement urging both GAM and the military to respect humanitarian principles as stipulated under the Geneva Conventions to avoid violence and taking of hostages of civilians.

Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh stated on Wednesday (25 June) that seven civil servants have shown involvement in supporting GAM after the government launched re-registration of Government officials in Aceh as a screening purpose.

National Radio News 68H reported that around 30 national journalists boycotted new updates on the security situation from military sources in Lhokseumawe on Wednesday (25 June) as an act of solidarity after the dismissal of a national photographer from Reuters Newswires on Monday (23 June) in North Aceh.

PMI officials reported on Saturday (24 June) that PMI has evacuated 179 corpses and 28 people injured from on-going fighting in Aceh. Meanwhile, a military official source said that 204 GAM fighter were killed as of Sunday (15 June). It is also reported that 24 TNI soldiers and 4 policemen were killed since the beginning of the military operation.

US journalist, William Nessen, surrendered himself to military forces in Alue Dua village, Nisam sub-district of North Aceh on Tuesday (24 June). On Wednesday (25 June), Nessen was charged with violating immigration laws during his reporting activities in Aceh and would undergo questioning for the next 20 days.

National Human Rights Commission Leader for Aceh, M Billah, arrived in Banda Aceh on Tuesday (24 June) to conduct investigations on several human rights abuse cases including burnings of schools, mass graves, killings, torture and rape.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Minister, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, stated on Sunday (22 June) that British-made Hawk jets used in Aceh were not to commit human rights abuses in Aceh. Yudhoyono's remarks came in response to the British government warnings that it would not sell Hawk spare parts to Indonesia, considering alleged human rights violations conducted to crush GAM in Aceh.

Three female independence fighters of GAM surrendered themselves to TNI forces over the weekend at Indrapuri and Montasik sub-districts of Great Aceh, and Sabang municipality seperately.

Assessments

UN Senior National Security Assistant travelled to Banda Aceh from 23 to 26 June for a four day mission to coordinate with armed forces on security of humanitarian workers in Aceh. He met with General Endang Suwarya, the Military Commander for Aceh and other armed forces officials in the province.

Population movement

WHO reported from the Crisis Centre (CC) at the Provincial Health Department (PHD) that as of Thursday (26 June), 8,233 families (a total of 35,099 people including 1,173 infants, 4,706 children between 1 to 5 years of age, 340 pregnant women and 1,042 elderly people) are displaced in Aceh Jaya, West Aceh, South Aceh, South West Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, Pidie, East Aceh, Norht Aceh, Bireun and South East Aceh districts.

A local newspaper, Waspada, reported on Monday (23 June) that 100 families fled their homes to an IDP site set up by the Government in Blang Asan, Peusangan sub-district of Bireuen district after receiving continuous intimidation from GAM.

Food and Agriculture

Antara Newswires reported on Wednesday (25 June) that 1,000 IDPs from 4 villages were facing food shortages since they fled from their houses in Sampoiniet sub-district of Aceh Jaya district on 19 June. The displacement was triggered by the killing of local GAM commander and a number of GAM members in the area.

Health

With the assistance of WHO, the Crisis Center (CC) in the Provincial Health Office (PHO) on Wednesday (25 June) established an Emergency Health Information and Management system that will analyse and report on the situation, needs, and emergency assistance provided.

As of Thursday (26 June), a total of 32 health facilities (2 Puskesmas, 7 Pustu, 2 ambulances and 23 Polindes) were burnt and damaged in Bireuen, Pidie, East Aceh, Aceh Jaya and Aceh Tamiang.

On Monday (25 June), the Department of Health in Jakarta sent 10,000 mosquito nets to prevent malaria from affecting IDPs in Aceh.

Education

UNICEF received information from the Provincial Education Department that from 19 May to 20 June, 525 schools (264 in Pidie, 138 in Bireuen, 31 in Aceh Besar, 52 in Aceh Timur, 16 in Aceh Jaya, and the rest in 5 other districts) have been burnt in Aceh province.

Water and Sanitation

Minister for Regional Settlement and Infrastructure, Soenarno, stated in Jakarta on Monday (23 June) that the Government allocated IDR 50 billion for provision of water and sanitation facilities to cover over 100,000 projected IDPs in Aceh. He mentioned that the funds would be used for provision of 100 water tank trucks, 400 public hydrants, 30,000 jerry cans, 100 water purifiers for capacity of 200 litres, 68 drilled wells, 100 public wells and latrines, and 30,000 buckets.

Others

UN Area Coordinator together with WHO, UNICEF and UN Security Assistant met the Vice-Governor of Aceh, Azwar Abubakar, on Monday (23 June) to discuss UN relief assistance for Aceh.

3. Central Sulawesi

Food Security and Agriculture

CARE conducted several meetings with Poso government officials to coordinate its Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAN) in Poso district.

Health

IMC conducted a refresher training on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) on Thursday (19 June) in Wuasa, the capital of North Lore sub-district. Forty participants (32 Puskesmas staff and 8 health cadres) participated in the training.

An IMCI consultant from IMC is evaluating and monitoring implementation of its IMCI programmes in 7 Puskesmas in Poso Kota, Poso Pesisir, North Lore and North Pamona sub-districts.

IMC conducted two sessions of mobile clinic activities in North Lore sub-district to treat 278 people. Cases found were mostly Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI), gastritis, and arthritic diseases. During the examination, IMC also conducted Ante Natal Care (ANC) to 6 pregnant women.

IMC conducted an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign focusing on Gender Based Violence and Malaria Disease through a local radio in Poso Kota sub-district, Bhayangkara. IMC also conducted IEC campaign on IMCI through Narwastu, a local radio station in Tentena, the capital of North Pamona sub-district.

IMC completed two sessions of its IEC campaign in Poso Kota, three sessions in North Pamona sub-district and two sessions in North Lore sub-district, which were conducted during implementation of mobile clinic activities at Posyandus in the 3 sub-districts. The campaign was focused on Safe Motherhood and Immunisation.

Water and Sanitation

CARE completed assessments and surveys in 54 sites in sub-districts of Poso Pesisir (14 sites), North Pamona (21 sites), Lage (7 sites), and Tojo (12 sites) for its Poso Emergency Water and Sanitation Recovery and Rehabilitasi (PEWAS) programme.

CARE selected 38 sites in sub-districts of Poso Pesisir (9 sites, 1,794 HH/6,766 people), North Pamona (12 sites, 2,011 HH/8,153 people), Lage (6 sites, 1,198/7,284 people), and Tojo (11 sites, 1,877 HH/4,841 people) for its PEWAS programme. Total selected beneficiaries are 6,880 HH or 27,044 people.

CARE established a committee for construction and rehabilitation of water facilities in the above mentioned 38 sites.

CARE recruited cadres to assist distribution of soaps, construction of sanitation facilities and conduct its environmental campaigns.

CARE is finalising its plans for distribution of soaps and construction of water facilities.

Economic Recovery and Infrastructure

CARE is currently conducting Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) for site selection and needs assessment for its Poso Urban Livelihood Emergency Recovery (PULER) programme in North Pamona and Poso Pesisir sub-districts.

4. Maluku

General Situation

A local newspaper, Siwalima, reported on Tuesday (June 24) that four artillery mortars were discovered on Monday (23 June) near a fishing port in Kapahaha of Ambon Island. The head of TNI for Ambon Island, Lt. Col. Yudi Zanibar, said that the artillery mortars were packed in a wooden box.

A local newspaper, Siwalima, quoted the Head of Public Work Department of Maluku Province, Piet Mustamu, on Tuesday (24 June), saying that the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Regional Settlement and Infrastructure agreed to provide funds for construction of houses for IDPs in the province. Mustamu added that according to Provincial Social Department, some 7,000 houses (each costs IDR 8.5 million) were going to be constructed on Ambon Island and another 4,777 on other islands of Maluku province.

Assessment

WFP visited an LNGO, Lembaga Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Anak (LAPPAN), in Waihaong village of Ambon City to assess progress of trauma and reproductive health counselling activities for displaced women. The activities are on-going in THR Waihaong camp, Kapaha village and Belakang Kota village of Ambon City.

A joint team of UNDP Ambon and Jakarta visited its sub-office in Tual of Southeast Maluku district to conduct interviews for staff recruitment and conduct routine office equipment maintenance.

A joint team consisting of a WHO consultant from Jakarta, a WHO staff from North Maluku, and officials from the Provincial and District Health Departments are assessing the coverage, progress and results of the "Health as Bridge for Peace Programme" that was initiated by WHO last year and is being implemented through the Health Department.

Under its Addressing Barrier to Return on Ambon Island (ABRA) programme, ICMC conducted a preliminary "Felt Needs" assessments in Liang and Tulehu villages, Salahutu sub-district of Ambon Island. The assessment was aimed at surveying the interest and desire of the primary stakeholders (IDPs who wish to return and the host communities) to participate in community-based reconciliation and advocacy activities through a facilitated dialogue process.

Population Movement

A local newspaper, Suara Maluku, reported on Monday (32 June) that the Social Welfare Department of Southeast Maluku determined to complete the return programme for 4,997 displaced families through two stages approach. The first stage will be for prioritised some 2,500 HH with the deadline of 31 August 2003. Meanwhile, the second stage is still under discussion and is expected to be completed by 31 December 2003.

Food Security

Under its Food for Work programme, WFP distributed 4.77 MT of rice to 106 people in Ahuru village of Ambon Island through an LNGO, Lembaga Peduli Rakyat (LPR), and 20.07 MT to 223 people in Batumerah village of Ambon City through an LNGO, Lembaga Kewirausahaan dan Pengembangan Ekonomi (LKPE).

Under its Vulnerable Members of Community programme, WFP distributed 8.10 MT of rice to 180 HH in Ruko Batumerah village of Ambon City through an LNGO, Lembaga Hatakau Membangun (LEHKAM), 20.07 MT to 223 people in Batumerah village of Ambon city through an LNGO, Lembaga Kewirausahaan dan Pengembangan Ekonomi (LKPE), and 31.05 MT to 690 selected displaced families in Lehitu sub-district of Central Maluku through an LNGO, GEMPAR.

In cooperation with LNGOs, Jaringan Pemerhati Anak (JPA) and Pelangi, SC UK conducted a workshop on Youth for Peace in Ambon on Friday (27 June). Participants are from 12 Christian and Moslem schools.

A local tabloid, Dhara Post, quoted the Mayor of Ambon City, M.J. Papilaya, on its 20 - 27 June edition, saying that the National University was in cooperation with Ambon City Administration to reform the education system. The Local Government selected four primary schools (SDN 72, SDN 73, SD Latihan I dan II), a junior high school (SLTP 2), and a senior high school (SMU Chandra) as "Reconciliation Schools". These schools are located in Nusaniwe area that has a balanced Christian and Moslem community. Therefore, the children can have easy access to those schools.

Economic Recovery and Infrastructure

Mercy Corps provided funds to an LNGO, Yayasan Binaya, to operate an NGO Center in Ambon City.

Mercy Corps provided funds for Lembaga Penelitian (Research Institution) of Pattimura University to evaluate an empowerment programme implemented by 14 LNGOs in Ambon City.

Others

OCHA organized a media briefing on Monday (23 June) at UNRC Maluku to give an explanation on the missions and operations of UN agencies in the province. Eight local media and a representative from the Governor's Office attended the briefing. Representatives from UNICEF, WFP, UNFPA/BKKBN and UNSECORRD were also present.

UNDP conducted a seminar on "Maluku Recovery Programmes - Update" on Tuesday (24 June) in Ambon City. The seminar was aimed at giving the latest update on the on-going programme, implementing partners and planned activities. Some 90 participants from the Local Government, local parliament, academics, youth organization, NGOs, religious organizations and media attended the event.

ICMC conducted meetings to develop a plan for the next phase of facilitated community dialogue meetings in eight sub-districts of Seram Island. Implementing partners (YPPM, Diakonia, LAKPESDAM I & II, Lelemuku, Tiara Pusaka, YKB and PSEM) attended the meetings.

AcF, ICMC, Mercy Corps, MSF and a member of Waai Return Committee participated in the first Salahutu Information Exchange Session. During the session, the INGOs expressed the need for coordination and information exchange with IDP information center (POSKO) about the general situation in Salahutu sub-district and returnees from Waai who live in the sub-district.

5. North Maluku

General Situation

A local newspaper, Mimbar Kieraha, reported on Tuesday (24 June) that the Program and Planning Bureau of the North Maluku Governor Office started reconstruction of houses that were destroyed during the conflict. Some 200 houses will be built in Weda, Oba and North Oba sub-districts of Central Halmahera district, and some 600 houses in Jailolo, South Jailolo, Bacan, Loloda and South Obi sub-districts of West Halmahera district. The houses are provided for returnees who do not have houses. Under this project, 8 emergency schools will also be built.

Mimbar Kieraha reported on Thursday (26 June) that demonstrations were staged during the week in front of West Halmahera District Administrative (Bupati) Office to urge the District Government to start its operation in the new district capital in Jailolo sub-district.

Mimbar Kieraha reported on Thursday (26 June) that a clash between two youth groups from Weda sub-district and Patani sub-district of Central Halmahera occurred on Wednesday (25 June) at the Central Halmahera District Administrative Office. The two youth groups argued over where the capital of the district should be located.

Assessment

CARDI's Community Rehabilitation Initiative Team conducted a general field assessment and collected proposals from the community in Oba sub-district.

From 24 to 28 June, CARDI's Water and Sanitation Team conducted a general assessment to identify components required for preparation of health & hygiene training in Bacan sub-district.

Food Security and Agriculture

On Monday (23 June), WVI conducted a socialization activity targeted to craftsmen and coconut scrape machine users in Mira, Buho-buho, Goatalamo, Daco, Sabatai Baru, Wawama, Totodoku, Pandanga, and Juanga villages of North Morotai sub-district.

Health

From 23 to 24 June, WHO funded an education session for Religious/Public Leader, and training for Village Malaria Health Workers (health workers in villages who give education on Malaria) on Malaria who work in Drug Warehouse - Batch 1 in Oba sub-district and Payahe village. These activities were carried out by the Provincial Health Office.

Education

UNICEF and its implementing partner, WVI, conducted a socialisation activity on Creating Learning Community for Children (CLCC) Project to the District and Provincial Education Offices of North Maluku on Wednesday (25 June). Activities under this project will be Training of Teachers (ToT) for elementary school teachers and staff from North Maluku Education Offices.

UNICEF monitored the beneficiaries of school materials in 6 schools in Jailolo and Sahu sub-districts. On Thursday (26 June), UNICEF monitored a workshop for peer educators implemented by CARDI (under its Youth Programme) in Jailolo sub-district.

On 19 June, WVI monitored activities of the Happy House in SD Wari.

From 24 to 25 June, WVI distributed Harmonis magazine in SD Inpres Gonga, SD Inpres Talaga Paca, SD Inpres Birinoa, SD Negeri Suka Maju, SD Inpres Togoliua, SD GMIH Kakara A, SD Inpres Tolonuo, SD GMIH Tagalaya, SD GMIH Kumo, SD Inpres Gamsungi, Alkhaerat, Min Porimoi Gorua, SD Alternatif Dokulamo, SD Negeri Wangongira, SD KGBI Leleoto and SD GMIH of Tobelo sub-district.

Economic Recovery and Infrastructure

From 20 to 25 June, WVI monitored its Public Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project and Housing Kits Project in Morotai Island, Galela, Jailolo, and South Jailolo sub-districts.

From 23 to 24 June, WVI distributed building materials for its Community Recovery Programme (CRP) project in Soakonora, Togawa, Seki, Gorua, Mede and Limau villages of Galela sub-district, as well as in Rioribati, Pasir Putih, and Bangkit Rahmat villages of South Jailolo sub-district.

6. Papua

General Situation

A local newspaper, Papua Post, reported on 20 June that Yotam Fiang and his nine friends who were treated in a hospital in Jayapura were not TPN/OPM activists as accused by military/police. This information was given by a relative of Fiang, Marthen Yansen. On the contrary, Cenderawasih Pos quoted the Head of Provincial Military Information Office, Mayor CAJ GT Situmorang, on Tuesday (24 June), saying that the military obtained reliable data indicating Fiang as a TPN/OPM activist. Fiang and his friends are suspected as being involved in an armed clash in Sarmi district on 17 June. Meanwhile Cenderawasih Pos reported on Wednesday (25 June), that Isaskar Borom, who disappeared during the clash, surrendered to a sub-district police office in Tor Atas of Sarmi district on Tuesday (23 June).

Cenderawasih Pos also reported on Wednesday (25 June) that a member of TPN/OPM in West Biak, Andris Kapitarauw, surrendered to the district police in Biak after having an internal conflict with his TPN/OPM colleagues. Kapitarauw was previously a staff of Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad). According to the Chief of District Police in Biak, AKBP Fachrudin Andris, Kapitarauw would not undergo legal action or sanction.

Cenderawasih Pos reported on Wednesday (25 Jun) that the Sentani Airport in Jayapura was blockaded by the local traditional land-owners on Tuesday (24 June). The blocking was due to a dispute on land compensation given by the Government. As a result of the blockade, there was no operation at the airport in the morning. The mass finally went to the Provincial Parliament office for negotiation with relevant officials. The airport operation returned to normal in the afternoon.

Population Movement

Cenderawasih Pos quoted the Governor of Papua, Jaap P. Solossa, on Wednesday (25 June), saying that the Government would issue a special entry and identity card for Papuans living in the west side of Papua-Papua New Guinea (PNG) border and in the PNG territory. By having such a card, any Papuan crossing the border will easily be recognized.

Food Security and Agriculture

Cenderawasih Pos reported on Tuesday (24 June) that the communities in 34 villages of Bolakme sub district of Jayawijaya district needed Raskin (rice for poor). As a response, the Head of Sub-district, Roy Firmansyah, said that the Logistic Depot (Dolog) of Wamena would distribute 2 tones of rice for each village. The fund for purchasing the rice was raised by the community in the villages.

Education

Cenderawasih Pos reported on Thursday (26 June) that the District Parliament in Sorong decided to refuse implementation of the new education law. The District Parliament also insisted the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) should draft a refusal letter. Papua will develop a local education system based on its special autonomy law.

Water and Sanitation

Cenderawasih Post reported on Wednesday (25 June) that a water construction project in Rimbajaya village of Biak was badly managed. The project was started in 1996/1997 and was funded by foreign loan of IDR 1.5 billion. Up to now, it has not been able to supply water effectively to the community. Some key engines are no longer in place. The Chairman of Commission D of the District Parliament, Ottis Monsen, indicated corruption in the project.

Shelter and Non-food Items

Head of Sub-district of Sarmi, Zakarias Mayor, stated to the press on Wednesday (25 June) that development of shelters would be a priority for this year as the community in the area had been living in poor housing. Other priorities include education, health, and community economy.

Others

Cenderawasih Pos reported on Thursday (26 Jun) that two tribal chiefs from Manyambo sub-district, Warcep Wonggor and Yudas Ullo, handed over a standard mouser gun to the district military office in Manokwari on Wednesday (25 June). The Chief of District Military, Letkol. CHB Raplan Sianturi, stated that the police would take further investigation on the possession of the gun.

Cenderawasih Pos reported on Thursday (26 June) that the local community handed over 3 active grenades and 1 hand-made gun to the police authority in Merauke. The Chief of District Police in Merauke, AKBP Drs Hendrian Muntanzar, confirmed on Wednesday (25 June) that no legal action or investigation would be taken upon the community.

7. West Timor

Population Movements

A local newspaper, Radar Timor, reported on Thursday (26 June) that infiltration activities (from West Timor to Timor Leste) in Montaain border of Belu district had increased significantly.

Radar Timor reported on Monday (23 June), that some 20 religious leaders requested the Governor of West Timor to relocate former refugees residing in protected forests of Wewer and Kateri.

Selected Abbreviations Key

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

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