On 13 – 14 February 2009, IDRL Asia Pacific Programme Officer Aishah Amin was in Jakarta to introduce the IDRL Guidelines at the Co-ordination Forum for Aceh and Nias (CFAN). The forum focused on lessons learned from the tsunami response in Indonesia, and provided a platform for knowledge- and experience-sharing activities.
The Forum coincided with the end of the four year mandate of the Tsunami Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Bureau (BRR) for Aceh and Nias Island. BRR’s rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts will be taken over by relevant ministries and local governments, with the Reconstruction Continuation of Aceh and Nias Body (BKRAN) in charge of coordination for a one-year period.
Speaking at the event, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono praised the BRR’s work in coordinating international and national assistance. He also pointed out the importance of international cooperation, assistance and solidarity in any disaster operation, and highlighted how acceptance of such assistance can save lives.
Jerry Talbot, Head of the IFRC Tsunami Unit (Geneva), stressed that the biggest lessons learned in Indonesia related to preparedness for large-scale emergencies, and facilitation and coordination of assistance, including through strengthened legal mechanisms.