Aceh : Reconstruction in a conflict environment : views from civil society, donors and NGOs

This paper is based on interviews with representatives of local civil society, international NGOs and donor agencies in Aceh, Indonesia, in 2005. It looks at how the tsunami and the subsequent reconstruction effort relate to a long-running conflict in the province. The aim of producing this paper is to provide useful information for agencies active in Aceh, supporting a tsunami reconstruction effort that not only repairs physical damage but also helps build a more peaceful future. Key issues include: reducing corruption; extending support to those who need assistance across all of the province; building the role of democratic government and civil bodies; strengthening partnerships with local bodies; supporting Acehnese capacity at a technical level and amongst the wider population in villages or towns; and operating openly and accountably. Findings are presented here under separate questions, grouped into themes. After the introductory section, Part Two looks at how aid agencies work in Aceh, asking how long international agencies plan to stay, how they have adapted their work to consider conflict, what contingency plans they have devised, and what influence they have on the peace process. Part Three, called Reconstruction in a Conflict Environment, looks at access problems, networking and coordination, and reported incidents. Part Four covers background issues including views on decentralization and autonomy, and a wide body of responses on corruption. Part Five looks at civil engagement and women's voices in peace-building, and also presents Acehnese respondents' perspectives on how international agencies should operate. The final two short sections summarize findings and make recommendations. Lastly, an Annex lists some websites for further research.