2 - 4 September 2007
Hermes Palace Hotel, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

The Asian Tsunami in 2004 was a significant milestone in the history of global natural disasters. The severity of its impact was disastrous as it destroyed vital infrastructures, crippled economies and moreover killed hundreds and thousands of people in the affected parts of Asia. Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka critically needed international assistance not just to provide relief services but subsequently reconstruction, rehabilitation and re-integration measures. The Aceh tsunami disaster relief, in particular, was Indonesia's biggest non-military operation in the last 50 years with the assistance of 34 countries. What makes the task more daunting and complex is the fact in addition to the post-tsunami situation; Aceh has also had to recover from the effects of a post-conflict situation.

Three years on, the extent to which human security of Aceh has been ensured remains to be seen. The NTS-Asia subregional workshop in Aceh on Humanitarian Emergencies and Human Security was therefore timely and apt in assessing the post-tsunami situation. The workshop was jointly organized by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta and brought together a diverse array of participants, many of whom were involved in the relief operations in Aceh after the tsunami. Participants included members of international organizations such as the United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and OXFAM; various civil society organizations, academics as well as members of the Indonesian government and military.

Drawing on their various experiences during the post -tsunami period, the workshop reflected the significance of cooperation amongst both state and non-state actors in addressing non-traditional security crises. It was also highlighted in the course of the workshop that the tsunami was a crucial factor in getting Aceh separatists and the Indonesian military to lay down their arms and work together during the crisis. Issues relating to gender, children, multilateralism and prospects for the future were also raised in the workshop.

The discussions at the meeting covered a wide range of topics on the responses to the Aceh tsunami, the lessons leant and the challenges ahead. These themes were succinctly summed by Dr. Rizal Sukma (Deputy Executive Director, CSIS Jakarta) through his notion of PASCOE.

• Presence of the international community and NGOs as being significant actors in facilitating progress of relief and rehabilitation work
• Access of resources and information to all parties involved
• Speed to move about and need to accelerate the processes
• Co-ordination amongst various actors needs continuous and further discussion, and
• Exit strategy, which has not given sufficient attention but should be further considered and discussed.

RSIS and CSIS participants also had the chance to visit various areas affected by the tsunami and several landmarks of Aceh's rich history and culture, with the generous hospitality of Mr Humam Hamid of the Aceh Recovery Forum. Driving through the streets of Banda Aceh, one could not help but notice the immense presence of the international community in reconstruction and rehabilitation whether it be in the rebuilding of homes, mosques and schools or transport, water and energy infrastructure. At the same time, evidence of the tsunami's impact lingers on as much of Aceh's coastal areas remain deserted. As many residents living by the coast had perished during the tsunami, only a handful of survivors trickle back to rebuild their homes. The tsunami had also caused a brain drain within Acehnese society as many of those living by the coast, had worked or studied at the nearby Aceh University. Hence, at least 12 PhD holders and at least 50 masters holders were lost due to the tsunami. The magnitude of the tsunami was made even more crystal clear upon visiting the site of a ship that had been carried about 4 kilometres inland by the waves, destroying everything in its path. Finally, RSIS and CSIS participants savoured a scenic view of Aceh from the highest hillpoint while driving through much of the Aceh Freedom Movement's stronghold.

The trip to Aceh was thus indeed an enlightening and fruitful experience for all and further reinforced the significance of the study of non-traditional security issues. Given the vast beauty and potential that Aceh had to offer, participants remained optimistic that the region would overtime recover and ensure security for all.

To view the report of the workshop, click here.