The AGE, 21 January 2005: "Aceh relief not being hindered"

MATTHEW Moore's report on Aceh (The Age, 15/1) asserts that the control of foreigners is fast becoming a more pressing issue for Indonesian officials and military than caring for the tsunami survivors.

First, this objectionable assessment pays no regard to the outstanding work by Indonesians in Aceh in running humanitarian missions, searching for survivors, and protecting those involved in the relief effort, be they locals or foreigners.

Second, his point that foreign soldiers and sailors conducting aid work will be allowed to stay for only 14 days before having to seek a permit extension ignores that extraordinary events require extraordinary arrangements and precautions. This in no way hampers the humanitarian operations that are now under way.

Third, he quotes only his two Australian sources known to harbour anti-Indonesian sentiments and made no effort to contact government sources.


The Age, 21 January 2005 Aceh relief not being hindered
MATTHEW Moore's report on Aceh (The Age, 15/1) asserts that the control of foreigners is fast becoming a more pressing issue for Indonesian officials and military than caring for the tsunami survivors. First, this objectionable assessment pays no regard to the outstanding work by Indonesians in Aceh in running humanitarian missions, searching for survivors, and protecting those involved in the relief effort, be they locals or foreigners. Second, his point that foreign soldiers and sailors conducting aid work will be allowed to stay for only 14 days before having to seek a permit extension ignores that extraordinary events require extraordinary arrangements and precautions. This in no way hampers the humanitarian operations that are now under way. Third, he quotes only his two Australian sources known to harbour anti-Indonesian sentiments and made no effort to contact government sources.
Dino R. Kusnadi, Second secretary, Embassy of Republic of Indonesia Yarralumla, ACT