Having completed its tsunami programmes the Australian Red Cross continues to work with the Indonesian Red Cross in other areas of Indonesia.

After more than four years the Australian Red Cross (ARC) has completed its projects in tsunami affected areas of Aceh, Indonesia. Over AUD $112 million was donated by the Australian public to programmes that have been implemented by ARC in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Working in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), the Indonesia programme has converted $58 million into emergency response assistance, transitional shelters for 2000 families and earthquake resistant permanent houses for 1623 families. 1083 families now benefit from improved sanitation and ARC has built or repaired 908 wells. In total, over 2700 families now have better access to clean water.

The tsunami response was the largest overseas mobilisation for the Red Cross, since the Second World War. "It is with relief and satisfaction that we say thank you to the communities of Aceh for their patience whilst we built the houses and piped in the water," said Chris Staines, General Manager of the Australian Red Cross Tsunami Response.

Since the tsunami, ARC has built up strong cooperation with PMI branches in Sigli, Simeulue, Aceh Besar and Kota Banda Aceh. Support has also extended to Labui in Aceh Besar for the development of a tarmac road and to Nasi Island where a new jetty and tidal gate will be ready by the end of June. Livelihoods grants and training has been provided for over 500 families and tsunami funds have also been used to help the PMI develop a sustainable ambulance service in Aceh Barat, Aceh Besar and Kota Banda Aceh.

Commitment for other areas

The ARC first began supporting the PMI in 2002 shortly after Bali bombs tragedy. Today, the Bali chapter is recognised as one of the strongest Red Cross chapters in Indonesia. With the completion of their tsunami programmes the ARC is now moving towards longer term development programming and has committed to work with PMI for next five years in two geographical areas of NTT (Nusa Tenggara Timur - East Nusa Tenggara) and Aceh. As well as initiating community based development programmes the ARC will undertake various capacity building activities aimed at improving the level of service that the PMI chapter brings to the local community. These activities include orientation training for governing boards and staff, resource management, on-the job training for staff and volunteers' recruitment, training and deployment.

"We have learned a lot in Aceh and now need to maximise our success into other areas of Indonesia. It is the commitment of sister National Societies like the Australian Red Cross that help us to become stronger and deliver better service to people in real need," said PMI Chairman, Mar'ie Muhammad.

More information: See where the story takes place (requires Google Earth installed): http://www.ifrc.org/Docs/News/09/09061201/kajhu-en.kmz

En espanol: La operación en Indonesia: un montón de lecciones aprendidas a lo largo del camino http://www.ifrc.org/sp/Docs/News/09/09061201/index.asp

En francais: L'opération tsunami en Indonésie: beaucoup de leçons apprises en cours de route http://www.ifrc.org/fr/Docs/News/09/09061201/index.asp