This was expressed during dinner with M.Adli Abdullah – recipient of CHF International Building a Better World Award 2006 along with George J. Mitchell— and Nashiruddin Ahmed, Head of Aceh Society Development (ASD) at Hermes’ Palace Hotel , Banda Aceh on Sunday (27 July).

“As long as there’s support from [local] communities and government, I promise I will continue my efforts to generate support for Aceh development,” said Judith who was accompanied by CHF Country Director for Indonesia, Louis O’Brien; and CHF Chief of Party for Aceh, Thomas White.

Judith explained –in English with translations by M.Adli Abdullah—that CHF is a humanitarian, non-political organization which has been assisting communities in Aceh since the first month after tsunami. M.Adli Abdullah remembered, “We received donations of fishing equipments for fishermen; as well as various empowerment programs for women”.
 
Judith also mentioned that her organization has constructed around 17 markets and 1,250 houses in Aceh. ” We are still working in tsunami-affected areas”, added Thomas White.

Judith also mentioned that working hand in hand with the people of Lamno has made it possible for CHF to construct safe water and sanitation systems which provides safe water for 10,000 people in Lamno.

Other rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for communities completed by CHF includes: Construction of drainage systems, [water pumps using] solar power, village roads, and electricity for communities in Lamno, Aceh Jaya.
 
Judith A. Hermanson --in Aceh to visit CHF work areas-- stated that her organization will continue market revitalization programs for Aceh, ”..With support from communities and local government”, she added.

There’s one hindrance, however, as she explained: there’s an issue with maintenance of some markets reconstructed by CHF. “These markets should be healthy markets. A lot of funds had been put into these revitalization efforts. Her organization will continue its efforts to promote community awareness in order to create healthy markets.

Judith also proudly mentions that the construction of Politeknik Aceh --a major construction project funded by Chevron—is on the verge of completion. “It’s an ambitious project for us. Hopefully it will be useful for the people of Aceh,” she said.


Support for peace

When asked about CHF support for the efforts to maintain peace and democracy in Aceh. Judith offered a diplomatic answer, “The sustainability of Aceh peace will be decided upon by the Acehnese people themselves. I think peace will stay for long in Aceh,” for this, CHF remains committed to assisting Aceh in terms of economic empowerment and education. She added that there’s no peace without development and that development is not possible without peace.

In an effort towards democratization in Aceh, her organization will continue promoting people’s involvement/participation in democracy.” We’re not a political organization, but we support participation of people in every democracy”, she added.

She believes that peace is key to a better future for Aceh, as well as people’s participation.

Regarding CHF work, Judith expresses her gratitude and appreciation towards all the support from various national and international institutions as well as government and the people of Aceh.
 

Media Name: Serambi Newspaper

Day/date: Tuesday, 29 July 2008

Title in Bahasa: CHF Berjanji Terus Galang Dukungan untuk Aceh