Aceh foreign aid facing doubts

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4372025.stm
Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 March, 2005, 12:36 GMT

Aceh foreign aid facing doubts 
By Rachel Harvey 
BBC News, Aceh 

Uncertainty is growing over the future of international aid efforts in 
Indonesia's tsunami-hit Aceh province. 
The government is reviewing the activities of all foreign agencies working in 
the province, where the army has been fighting separatist rebels. 
Aceh was closest to the epicentre of the earthquake which spawned the massive 
tidal waves, and was particularly badly affected. 
More than 220,000 people are dead or missing as a result of the tragedy. 
There are more than 160 different aid organisations from all parts of the world 
currently working in Aceh. 
It is an awful lot, but there is an awful lot to do here. 
Now the Indonesian government says it is time to consolidate. 
The government had said it would announce by 26 March which agencies would be 
allowed to stay. 
But that has changed. 
Now all foreign organisations are being asked to fill in a questionnaire by 27 
April, providing details of their proposed activities. Only then will a 
decision be made. 
Trying to improve co-ordination and planning for the next phase of Aceh's 
recovery no doubt has merit. But the current uncertainty is causing problems. 
Aid organisations are having to make contingency plans in case they are asked 
to leave, looking for local partners who may be able to take over their 
projects, and in some cases, substantial budgets. 
In addition, all foreign nationals arriving in Aceh are required to register 
with the authorities and be given a special identity card. 
But all cards issued thus far expire on 26 March, which raises the prospect of 
either a mass exodus, or a bureaucratic meltdown - or possibly both 

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