Tsunami aid or strategic relationship?

This $50 million is all we have heard of from the summit dedicated to the disaster-affected area. What happened to the $1 billion? The remainder of issues discussed at the meeting were to do with terrorism and security, now items closely associated with the Australian aid program but not directly affecting the welfare of the many in Aceh.

The ongoing conflict in Aceh, that has variously simmered and raged, has certainly exacerbated the difficulties in delivering effective aid programs. Deep enmity and suspicion exist on all sides, be they the Indonesian military, Acehnese freedom fighters or the many civilians caught in the midst of this bloody sandwich.

Australia, with the international community, has refused to order and enforce a ceasefire in Aceh, deferring to the Indonesian Governments’ claim that this is an “internal matter”. This has certainly not assisted with the complex aid delivery process and is something that Australia and its strategic relationship with Indonesia should be pushing harder for.The Achenese, long shunned by the international community will not be holding their collective breath but such action is vital for any real effectiveness and long term development.

The closer relationship that has emerged in recent weeks between the two countries also provides Australia with the opportunity to ensure that Australian NGOs and other aid deliverers retain access for their workers and programs. Something which is not currently guaranteed, but both public and private donors will demand.

Much of the focus on accountability in relation to the aid money has been on the non-government organisations, which so many Australians supported. While this is understandable it should be remembered that this $1 billion is also public money and the Australian people will be demanding it is used as promised.

Hence, real questions remain as to how generous and effective Australia’s aid program will be in assisting those in such desperate need in Aceh. Will Australian generosity turn to political expedience with more focus placed on the strategic relationship between Australia and Indonesia? I know what Zainal and many of his fellow Acehnese will be hoping for. Strategic relationships are likely to dictate what they will get.