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WEST ACEH, Meulaboh: International organisations assisting in the re-development of Aceh are beginning to withdraw from the Indonesian province, four years after the deadly Boxing Day tsunami struck the area.
Even as most are completing their last projects, Aceh authorities are urging international groups to remain engaged in the province through business and investment opportunities.
The vigour and smiles of these Acehnese have replaced the despair of four years ago. They have reason to rejoice as new boarding school complexes and orphanages are opened in the town of Meulaboh, West Aceh.
Doing the honors was Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zainul Abidin Rasheed.
Built by Singapore humanitarian organisation Mercy Relief, such projects are part of the US$6.4 billion the international community had contributed towards the reconstruction of Aceh.
No doubt physical infrastructures will directly benefit the hundreds of orphans. But more significantly, the new facilities have provided the community a psychological boost, strength and new hope to move on with their lives after the devastating tsunami.
The completion of these four projects also marked the end of Mercy Relief's involvement in the rebuilding of Aceh.
Mr Zainul Abidin said: "We are happy that Singapore, as a very close neighbour of Indonesia, is the first to be in Meulaboh in the Aceh area of post-tsunami. And now four years later we are doubly happy that we have been able to do and contribute to the reconstruction projects."
The Singapore government, its people and the private sector poured in about US$35 million for Aceh's reconstruction. Among the biggest projects is a pier in Meulaboh which expedited the delivery of construction materials to the area.
A new Meulaboh general hospital is also due for completion.
Looking ahead, the district's local authority is hoping the bilateral co-operation can continue beyond humanitarian assistance.
Ramli MS, Regent, West Aceh, said: "In future, we are inviting Singapore to invest in West Aceh. Beyond humanitarian assistance, we want to develop West Aceh's business sector, which can be beneficial to both countries."
Agriculture and mining are two potential sectors which West Aceh has to offer. - CNA/vm
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