Indonesian Military Hinders Distribution of Tsunami Aid in Devastated and Wartorn Aceh Province

Interview with Munawar Zainal, with the Aceh Center, conducted by Scott Harris

In one of the world's worst natural disasters, a deadly tidal wave battered the coasts of 11 countries from South Asia to Africa in the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26. Estimates of the death toll have steadily risen and may exceed 150,000, with another half million seriously injured and millions more homeless, hungry and in danger of contracting serious diseases triggered by the collapse of sanitation and health care.

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that produced the tsunami, was centered 93 miles off the coast of the Indonesian province of Aceh. Estimates of those who died in Indonesia alone is approaching 90,000 -- with most of the fatalities in natural gas rich-Aceh. The destruction wrought by the tidal wave has been compounded by reports of continuing hostilities between the Indonesian military and members of the Free Aceh Movement, who have been fighting for independence since 1976. The decades-long conflict, which has killed some 10,000 Acehnese since 1989, now threatens to hinder the distribution of sorely needed food, water, shelter and medical aid.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Munawar Zainal, of the Pennsylvania-based Aceh Center. Zainal, who lost his sister and another 20 members of his extended family in the tsunami, describes the destruction in his home province and how the conflict in Aceh with the Indonesian military has stalled the distribution of aid to tens of thousands of victims.

For more information on how you can help the people of Aceh call (717) 343-1598 -- or -- visit the websites of East Timor Action Network at www.etan.org or Nonviolence International-USA at www.nonviolenceinternational.net.

Related links:

"Many Thousands Cut Off from Relief: Small fraction of food aid has been delivered," by Peter S. Goodman, The Washington Post, Jan. 4, 2005

"Bodies Rot into the Soil and Poison the Water in the Land of Death," by Kathy Marks, The Independent U.K., Jan. 2, 2005 www.doctorswithoutborders.org

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