Agencies accept Aceh travel tabs

By Steven Shukor
BBC News

Aid agencies have so far reported no hindrance from the military

New travel regulations for foreigners in Aceh should not hinder the relief effort in Indonesia, aid agencies have told the BBC News website.

They do not expect the requirements to curtail access to remote areas for now. The measures require foreign staff to register travel plans outside the main cities of Banda Aceh and Meulaboh.

However, human rights groups say they will be looking out for signs of "aid discrimination" by Indonesian troops involved in the distribution.

We have had absolutely no problem in moving around Shaista Aziz Oxfam

Aid workers in the field said the measures appeared to be more about monitoring movement rather than restricting access.

"On the ground the Indonesian authorities have been quite helpful," James East of World Vision said.

Shaista Aziz of Oxfam, which is providing water and sanitation in six large emergency camps, said the military had been helpful in providing transportation.

"They have assisted us in getting here and allowing us to get to areas where aid is most needed," she said.

"We have had absolutely no problem in moving around."

But she felt it was too early to know how the guidelines would be translated into practice.

"If there were restrictions placed, then clearly that would prove difficult for any agency and those who would suffer the most are the people of Aceh," she said.

'Polite announcement'

Aitor Lacomba, deputy director of International Rescue Committee, said he had met senior military staff to discuss the aid organisation's work in Aceh:

Human rights agencies are cautious about the military's involvement

"[They] said it would be good if we could report our movements but he did not mention anything about restrictions.

"[They] even said that if we had to get to an area in an emergency, that we should go and report back to them later."

Under the new guidelines outlined in correspondence to foreign organisations operating in Indonesia, "all foreigners are required to register at the foreign desk in Banda Aceh."

They must complete forms detailing their current and planned activities as well as any travel plans outside Banda Aceh and its suburbs, and Meulaboh.

Linda North, field programme director for International Medical Corps, which is providing mobile medical and psychological assistance to tsunami victims, described the measures as "a polite announcement and not a heavy-duty requirement."

"At this point, we don't see it having any bearing. It's not surprising they are trying to take some control," she said.

'Aid discrimination'

However, human rights groups have raised concerns about the role of Indonesian troops, who have been deployed since the government crackdown on Aceh separatists in May 2003.

State security forces face accusations of torture, intimidation and the indiscriminate killing of suspected rebel supporters.

The rebels have also been accused of taking hostages and using children as local spies.

"We are paying particular attention to any reports that aid distribution and assistance have been carried out in a discriminatory manor," Amnesty International said.

"While some of the concerns and frustrations so far may relate to logistical and administration bottle-necks, we are also closely monitoring any alleged human right abuses associated with the continuing conflict in Aceh.

"It will be important to ensure that the situation is not exploited by either party to further human rights abuses."