Indonesia - OFDA-02: 20-Aug-02
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BUREAU FOR DEMOCRACY, CONFLICT, AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE (DCHA)
OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (OFDA)
Indonesia - Complex Emergency
Situation Report #2, Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 August 20, 2002
Note: the last situation report was dated February 26, 2002.
BACKGROUND
For many decades, Indonesia has experienced religious conflict and ethnic
violence in several regions of the country. Since 1999, serious conflict
and population displacement have occurred in the Moluccas, Kalimantan,
Sulawesi, Aceh, Timor, and Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya),
exacerbated by Indonesia's political and economic crises. Conflict in
each of these regions also has been fueled by resentments stemming from
the Government of Indonesia (GOI)'s now- abandoned transmigration policy,
which increased tensions between local populations and transmigrants
relocated from overcrowded to less populated areas. Other contributing
factors to the conflict include separatist movements, a lack of resource
distribution, and real or perceived social inequities in past government
policies. A summary of the current humanitarian situation in the more
volatile regions of Indonesia is provided below.
Numbers
Indonesia Affected Source
Total population 212,092,000 World Health Organization (WHO)
Internally Displaced World Food Program (WFP)
Total as of June 10, 2002 1,413,708
Aceh 13,210
Central and East Java 205,242
Central Sulawesi 58,185
Madura Island 80,000
Maluku 256,204
North Maluku 204,117
North Sumatra 94,411
Papua 16,870
West Kalimantan 41,073
West Timor 30,000
Total FY 2002 USAID/OFDA Assistance to Indonesia
$4,506,179
Total FY 2002 USG Humanitarian Assistance to Indonesia
$10,095,572
CURRENT SITUATION
General
On July 23, 2001, Megawati Sukarnoputri succeeded Abdurrahman Wahid as the
President of Indonesia. Under the direction of President Megawati, the
GOI stated that it intends to decentralize the government; institute
economic, political, and administrative reforms; and resolve the
internally displaced persons (IDP) issue by the end of 2002. The
international community generally welcomed these GOI initiatives and is
hopeful that these efforts will help to ease the humanitarian crisis. On
November 26, 2001, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched
a consolidated appeal to assist the GOI in addressing the needs of the
IDPs and their host communities. The appeal requests more than $40
million to support multi-sectoral humanitarian activities that encourage
IDPs to return home, resettle, or relocate. Maluku
Security Situation. Sectarian conflict began in January 1999, leading to
substantial dislocation of populations in the Moluccas and the issuance of
a state of civil emergency for the region. Since 1999, clashes between
Christian and Muslim populations in the Moluccas have resulted in at least
4,000 deaths, several hundred thousand displaced, and the widespread
destruction of homes, shops, places of worship, and public buildings.
Particularly hard hit has been the provincial capital and main island of
Ambon in Maluku. Living conditions have deteriorated and public services,
such as health, transportation, education, water, and sanitation have been
severely disrupted in affected areas. Although overall tensions have
decreased since the signing of the February 2002 peace accord, the
stability has been disrupted by sporadic violence.
Humanitarian Situation. Muslim and Christian communities remain divided
in Ambon, while many IDPs around Maluku continue to live in precarious and
insecure conditions. However, the critical humanitarian needs of most of
Maluku's 256,000 IDPs are being met through local resources and assistance
from the GOI and international relief community.
North Maluku
Security Situation. During recent months, there has been a continued
decline in tensions in North Maluku, allowing the return of IDPs to many
parts of the province.
Humanitarian Situation. As of June 2002, WFP reported that at least
204,000 IDPs still remain in North Maluku. A major challenge for
provincial authorities is to facilitate the return of IDPs who have fled
North Maluku to other areas of Indonesia. Although the basic needs of
IDPs in North Maluku are generally being met, shelter reconstruction
remains a priority for many of those returning home.
Central Kalimantan/Madura Island
Security Situation. Kalimantan region has experienced several decades of
civil unrest. Instability has been caused largely by resentment between
local Dayaks and Malays and the Madurese who were settled in Central
Kalimantan under the now-abandoned transmigration policies of the GOI.
In addition, economic competition and ethnic discrimination have
contributed to the tensions between Dayaks and Madurese. During February
2001, Dayak attacks in Central Kalimantan caused several hundred deaths
and the flight of more than 80,000 Madurese to Madura Island and other
parts of Java.
Humanitarian Situation. On June 10, 2002, WFP reported that at least
80,000 IDPs still reside on Madura Island. The majority of IDPs live with
host families in over-crowded conditions. In villages where significant
numbers of IDPs have settled, local resources have been severely strained,
and there are doubts about the long- term ability of affected communities
to host new arrivals. Adequate shelter and livelihood opportunities
remain a concern. The outlook for the return of Madurese to Central
Kalimantan in the near future remains doubtful, as local Dayaks actively
resist the return of Madurese.
West Kalimantan
Security Situation. Tensions between Madurese settlers and local Dayaks
and Malays have occasionally erupted into violence in West Kalimantan.
In 1999, Malays attacked Madurese villages in the Sambas Regency of West
Kalimantan, which resulted in the displacement of at least 60,000
Madurese, who fled to the provincial capital of Pontianak. The influx to
Pontianak increased tensions in the area, and under pressure from Dayak
and Malay communities, the GOI began resettling the Madurese IDP
population to outlying areas of the province during 2001.
Humanitarian Situation. As of June 10, WFP reported that more than 41,000
IDPs still remain in West Kalimantan. On December 15, 2001, GOI
authorities halted healthcare assistance to IDPs residing in the Pontianak
area of West Kalimantan. In addition, on March 22, 2002, GOI authorities
began to encourage IDPs to dismantle the temporary shelters at the IDP
camps and move to new settlement areas. The GOI is providing an incentive
package to IDPs who voluntarily relocate to designated settlement areas.
Central Sulawesi
Security Situation. Since December 1998, Central Sulawesi has experienced
sectarian conflict. During April 2000, civil unrest in the region
resulted in destruction or damage to more than 5,000 homes and public
buildings, an estimated 250 killed, and approximately 70,000 residents
displaced in the areas of Poso and Tentena. Both Christian and Muslim
militias, including those from outside Sulawesi, have been implicated in
the violence. During June and July 2001, following the upholding of death
sentences for three Christian militia leaders convicted of instigating
riots during April 2000, a period of relative calm was broken in Poso when
attacks on villages in the surrounding area were renewed. Houses,
temporary barracks, and mosques were burned, resulting in 25,000 to 30,000
newly displaced people. Fighting again escalated in November 2001,
prompting the GOI to intervene with the deployment of more than 2,000 of
its troops. Although tensions have decreased since the signing of the
December 20, 2001, peace agreement, the cease-fire has been disrupted by
sporadic violence.
Humanitarian Situation. Central Sulawesi continues to host more than
58,000 IDPs, as a result of sporadic violence and ongoing tensions between
Muslim and Christian groups. Except for some remote areas, most basic
needs among the displaced living in IDP camps and host communities are
being met through local sources and international humanitarian assistance.
However, shelter reconstruction remains a priority for many of those
returning or resettling.
Aceh
Security Situation. Since Indonesian independence in 1945, Aceh's
relationship with the GOI has been strained. This tension has been fueled
by anger over alleged GOI military and police abuses, perceived
exploitation of petroleum and natural gas reserves in Aceh by the GOI, and
limited GOI investment in Aceh of profits from the province's abundant
natural resources. Since 1999, the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the GOI
have been engaged in negotiations over issues of autonomy. During June
2000, both the GOI and the GAM agreed to a humanitarian pause, which led
to a notable decrease in violence. However, the conflict again escalated
in early 2001, resulting in the increased displacement of people within
Aceh and to the neighboring province of North Sumatra.
Humanitarian Situation. Violence during 2001 resulted in at least 1,200
deaths and an increasing number of IDPs. WFP reports that there are
currently an estimated 13,000 IDPs in Aceh and at least 94,000 IDPs from
Aceh in North Sumatra. Many IDPs are living in scattered camps, while
others have sought refuge in the jungle or other remote areas.
Humanitarian needs assessments in Aceh have been limited outside the
provincial capital due to security constraints. However, many IDPs are
reportedly living without basic services or access to livelihoods.
Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya)
Security Situation. Pro-independence activities by organizations such as
the Free Papua Movement continue, and violent confrontations with local
militias and the GOI's military forces have occurred. In an effort to
address demands for independence, the Indonesian House of Representatives
passed a bill on special autonomy for Irian Jaya on October 22, 2001.
The new law became effective in January 2002. The law grants Papuans the
right to create their own flag and national anthem, to change the name of
the province from Irian Jaya to Papua, and to extract a greater share of
profits from the sale of locally-mined natural resources.
Humanitarian Situation. According to WFP, more than 16,000 people remain
displaced in Papua, including those forced to flee as a result of local
conflict and others who have sought refuge in Papua from neighboring
affected provinces.
West Timor
Security Situation. A mob, including East Timorese militia members and
supporters, killed three UNHCR staff members in Atambua on September 6,
2000. The killings resulted in the cessation of U.N. and international
humanitarian assistance efforts in West Timor. Since this incident, the
GOI has taken a more active role in addressing security concerns. As of
February 2001, several international relief organizations, working through
local staff, had resumed their humanitarian assistance programs.
Humanitarian Situation. According to the U. N. Transitional
Administration in East Timor's census survey conducted in February, more
than 200,000 East Timorese refugees have returned to East Timor since the
aftermath of the 1999 independence referendum in East Timor and the
ensuing violence. Many of the refugees returned in advance of East
Timor's independence, which occurred on May 20, 2002. However,
approximately 30,000 refugees remain displaced in camps or in villages in
West Timor. Although the refugees received assistance from the
international relief community and the provincial government prior to the
September 2000 killings of UNHCR staff, this assistance was greatly
reduced as the U.N. placed West Timor on a Phase V security status and
suspended all operations. The GOI continued providing food assistance
until December 2001. The suspension of GOI assistance, coupled with this
year's poor agricultural harvest raises concern about potential food
shortages. GOI has been encouraging the repatriation of remaining East
Timorese refugees and has offered Rp 750,000 (US $70) to each family who
will repatriate. The GOI also announced that all East Timorese refugees
still living in West Timor after December 31, 2002 will lose their refugee
status and be considered Indonesian citizens.
USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
On October 11, 2001, U.S. Ambassador Robert S. Gelbard redeclared a
disaster for the ongoing complex emergency. In renewing the disaster
declaration, which was originally issued in May 1999, U.S. Ambassador
Gelbard cited the continuing political and economic crises, as well as the
violent conflicts that continue to generate widespread population
displacement and urgent humanitarian needs.
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Indonesia, USAID/OFDA
continues, to monitor developments in the affected provinces, conducts
needs assessments in areas where the humanitarian situation is most dire,
and provides emergency relief assistance where required and appropriate.
In September 2000, USAID/OFDA posted an Emergency Disaster Response
Coordinator (EDRC) in Jakarta to assist USAID/Indonesia in the monitoring
of humanitarian needs and to coordinate USAID/OFDA emergency humanitarian
assistance to disaster-affected areas.
In FY 2001, USAID/OFDA provided program funds for IDP assistance totaling
nearly $5.4 million. Some of the programs funded during FY 2001 continue
in FY 2002.
Since March 2002, USAID/OFDA provided assistance to Indonesia through an
additional six grants: 1) $190,000 to Action Contre La Faim/France
(ACF/F) to implement water and sanitation projects for IDPs in North
Maluku; 2) $253,000 to World Vision International (WVI) to initiate basic
community rehabilitation projects and distribute hygiene kits and
subsistence fishing equipment to IDPs in North Maluku; 3) $377,000 to
CARE for the provision of shelter materials and seed and tools for IDPs in
Central Sulawesi; 4) $210,000 to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to
support subsistence agriculture projects and basic community
rehabilitation projects for IDPs in West Kalimantan; 5) $256,000 to WVI
to implement basic community rehabilitation projects and distribute seeds
and tools to IDPs in West Kalimantan; 6) $400,000 to UN OCHA in response
to the U.N. Consolidated Appeal for Indonesia IDPs. Since the last
Indonesia situation report on February 26, 2002, USAID/OFDA has provided
more than $1.6 million in emergency relief aid.
In FY 2002, USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI) is
providing assistance to Indonesia through 247 grants to local NGOs, valued
at more than $5.5 million. USAID/OTI's program areas include civil
society, civil/military relations, community stabilization, democracy and
governance, and local media initiatives.
During FY 2002, Department of State's Bureau for Population, Refugees, and
Migration (State/PRM) is providing approximately $2 million in regional
assistance. The program supports refugee reintegration and emergency
relief activities throughout the region, including Indonesia, through
international organizations such as United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
In addition, State/PRM also provided more than $2.3 million to the joint
U.N.- GOI Appeal "Solutions for East Timorese Refugees", which will go
toward grants addressing the needs of the more than 30,000 East Timorese
refugees remaining in West Timor.
U.S. GOVERNMENT HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO INDONESIA
Agency
Implementing
Partner
Sector
Regions
Amount
FY 2002
USAID $10,095,572
USAID/OFDA $ 4,506,179
ACF-F
Shelter, seeds/tools, and non-food items (NFI)
Maluku and North Maluku
$131,500
ACF-F
Water/sanitation
North Maluku
$190,000
CARE
Shelter and seeds/tools
Central Sulawesi
$377,000
CRS
Basic community rehabilitation
projects and subsistence agriculture projects
West Kalimantan
$210,000
CWS
Shelter, water/sanitation, and NFI
Central and Southeast Sulawesi
$570,717
IMC
Health services and water/sanitation
Madura Island
$378,000
IMC
Health services and water/sanitation
West Kalimantan
$457,450
IMC
Water/sanitation and NFI
Aceh and North Sumatra
$255,600
International Rescue Committee
Water/sanitation and NFI
Aceh
$178,300
Mercy Corps
Shelter, water/sanitation, basic livelihoods, and NFI
Maluku
$848,612
UN OCHA
Contribution to the U.N. Consolidated Appeal for Indonesia IDPs
Indonesia
$400,000
WVI
Basic community rehabilitation projects and seeds/tools
West Kalimantan
$256,000
WVI
Basic community rehabilitation, livelihood projects, and hygiene kits
North Maluku
$253,000
USAID/OTI $5,589,393
247 partners
Civil society, civil/military relations, community stabilization,
democracy and governance, and local media Indonesia
Total USG Humanitarian Assistance to Indonesia in FY 2002
$9,191,403
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