(ERTR) Livelihoods Programme - UNDP

UNDP EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND 

TRANSITIONAL RECOVERY (ERTR) 

PROGRAMME 

LIVELIHOODS 

24 - MONTH REPORT 

January 2005 - December 2006 

www.undp.or.id 

Menara Thamrin 8-9th Floor 

Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 3, Jakarta 10250 

INDONESIA 

Ph. +62-21 314 1308 

Fax. +62-21 314 5251

ERTR Aceh-Nias Livelihoods | 24-month Report 

ERTR Aceh-Nias Livelihoods | 24-month Report 3 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 

RESULTS 3 

INTRODUCTION 4 

PROGRAMME ACHIEVEMENTS 4 

1 IMMEDIATE EMPLOYMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION 5 

2 FISHERIES 7 

3 AQUACULTURE 9 

4 SMALL ENTERPRISES 11 

5 AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK 15 

6 TRAINING 16 

7 SPORT 19 

8 COMMUNITY GRANTS 20 

9 ENVIRONMENT 21 

10 CHILDCARE CENTRES 23 

11 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 23 

12 LIVELIHOODS WORKING GROUP 24 

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A RY 

The overall achievements of the UNDP Emergency Response and Transitional Recovery (ERTR) 

livelihoods programme. 

R e s u l t s 

54,181 people from 330 tsunami-affected villages temporarily employed through Cash 

for Work projects, as a quick response to restore income generation. 

525 public facilities cleaned and cleared of tsunami waste. 

114 public facilities rehabilitated and reconstructed, including the reconstruction of 3 

fishery docks and a mass grave memorial in Ulee Lheue, Banda Aceh. 

286 hectares of fish ponds cleared; 16.3 fish pond canals cleared; 311 fish pond gates 

reconstructed; 10 hatcheries rehabilitated and reconstructed; and 118 salt ponds made 

operational. 

16,602 hectares of tsunami waste cleared from community settlements. 

4,580 sacks of seed, 400 saplings and 1,553 sacks of fertilizer distributed. 

6,310 hectares of agricultural land cleaned and cleared for replanting. 

97.8 km of public roads cleared, rehabilitated and reconstructed. 

451 km of canals, irrigation systems and drainage systems cleared and rehabilitated. 

48 community facilities and infrastructure projects in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar and Aceh 

Barat are being constructed. 

Community involvement utilized through Immediate Employment projects; 

health/nutrition counselling and education services provided; equipment and tools for 

cleaning tsunami debris provided; and reconstruction of houses/communities 

completed. 

5,554 fishermen received various types of boats, fishing aggregate devices, fishing 

gear, and tools and materials for fish processing. 

2,600 fishermen benefited from the reconstruction of 3 fishery docks. 

7,032 fish pond breeders/farmers received aquaculture inputs, such as feed, fertilizer 

and grouper fry to restart income generation. 

6,627 small industry and trade ventures re-established through training, replacing 

assets, and developing a community group for business development, as well as 

providing working capital, micro financing and cooperatives. 

1,941 vulnerable people from two sub districts in Aceh Besar provided with community 

cash grants to cover their basic needs. 

1,773 farmers assisted with seed, fertilizer and farming inputs. 

1,447 livestock breeders given animals, including cattle, goats, buffalos, ducks and 

chickens. 

41 volleyball courts, 12 football fields and 1 basketball court rehabilitated and 

reconstructed. 

13,600 pairs of football boots distributed throughout the province of Aceh. 50,000 

footballs soon to be distributed, all of which were donated by NIKE and Mercy Corps. 

7,520 sets of sports equipment, such as equipment for volleyball, badminton and table 

tennis, will be given to schools in Aceh. 

19,314 Acehnese received vocational/technical, business, agriculture and labour-based 

infrastructure training. 

261,400 trees planted in an environmental rehabilitation effort. 

4 childcare centres reconstructed for 383 tsunami-affected orphans and children.

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I N T RO D U C T I O N 

The livelihoods component of UNDP ERTR Aceh has two main strategies to restore and recover 

livelihoods for tsunami-affected people in the Province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD). 

The two main programmes implemented include Immediate Employment and Livelihoods 

Recovery. 

Immediate Employment through Cash for Work programmes have benefited around 54,181 

tsunami-affected people, providing temporary income generation. These projects, which served 

around 300 villages in the province of Aceh, are nearly complete. Meanwhile, the Livelihoods 

Recovery Programme is being implemented on Aceh's east and west coasts, and on Nias island. 

This programme has already benefited 44,347 beneficiaries, helping to restore their lost income 

and occupations. 

P RO G R A M M E A C H I E V E M E N TS 

UNDP's livelihood recovery strategy focuses on the poor and vulnerable in tsunami-affected 

communities who need to return to their pre-tsunami income levels to sustain themselves. 

Livelihood recovery activities include providing support for the recovery of small enterprises and 

trade, fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture and livestock. They also include giving community 

grants, recovering sporting activities, providing vocational training, and developing 

environment and childcare centres. 

UNDP ERTR gives priority to the recovery of poor and rural communities in restoring lost 

livelihoods assets. The programme provides working capital, equipment, tools and goods to 

restart businesses. Communities are also given training, cooperatives, seed, fertilizer, materials 

and productive assets. 

Hasyim's Coffee Shop, Rigaih, Aceh Jaya 

Before the tsunami, Hasyim owned a small business 

buying and selling locally-grown produce. By saving 

what he earned participating in the UNDP Cash for 

Work programme, Hasyim could afford to build a small 

coffee shop in the centre of the vibrant village of 

Rigaih, Aceh Jaya. Hasyim even managed propose 

to UNDP local partner Project Concern International 

and other NGOs in the area to provide him with 

lumber, tarpaulin and the other building materials he 

needed to rebuild his modest lean-to café. These 

days Hasyim can be seen found at his café in Rigaih 

busying himself making coffee, and selling noodles 

and sweets to members of his community. 

To ensure that implementing partners and grantees continue to develop sustainable 

programmes in Aceh, UNDP required them to carry out the sustainable livelihoods assessment. 

The assessment was an abridged version of the sustainable livelihood framework, developed by 

the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID). 

A survey was recently conducted by Syiah Kuala University (Unsyiah) Research Centre to 

evaluate the impact of UNDP ERTR Livelihoods Recovery Programme on tsunami-affected 

people in Aceh. There were 451 respondents, all of who were UNDP beneficiaries located in 

Banda Aceh and the Aceh Besar district. The study concluded the following: 

96.23 percent of respondents agreed that the livelihoods assistance had a positive 

impact on their household income. 

93.35 percent of respondents used their livelihoods assistance for start-up capital, 

equipment, and productive assets to restore their livelihoods. 

The current income level of beneficiaries has no returned to their pre-tsunami level. The 

high levels of inflation, how ever, has led to bigger expenditures for households. 

The research concluded that the income level of UNDP beneficiaries has now returned to 

the pre-tsunami level. 

This two-year progress report is classified into several livelihoods sectors, which UNDP has 

been implementing since November 2005. The achievements in each sector are as follows: 

1. Immediate Employment and intrastructure Rehabilitation 7. Sports 

2. Fisheries 8. Community Grants 

3. Aquaculture 9. Environment 

4. Small Enterprises 10. Childcare Centres 

5. Agriculture and Livestock 11. Economic Development 

6. Training 12. Livelihoods Working Group 

1. IMMEDIATE EMPLOYMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION 

ERTR's initial focus on providing cash 

for employment was designed to 

immediately assist households in 

generating lost income and rehabilitate 

public infrastructures and livelihoods 

assets. Cash for Work (CfW) was also 

intended to be a community gathering 

effort, where working together may 

promote healing from the trauma of 

the tsunami. 

Individuals often had higher motivation 

to work when they cleaned, rehabilitated 

and reconstructed their own villages, 

infrastructure and livelihoods assets, 

such as fishponds or agricultural land. 

Cash for Work project in Pidie clearing fish ponds 

CfW projects benefited 54,181 benefited 

54,181 beneficiaries, 330 tsunami-affectedvillages, 45 sub districts, and seven districts 

in Aceh. Syiah Kuala University conducted an independent impact assessment of 520 workers 

from six affected districts who participated in the UNDP ERTR CfW programme. The 

assessment found: 

81 percent of respondents agreed that the money gained from CfW covered their daily 

needs. 

24 percent of respondents were able to save the money from CfW, 39 percent of 

whom saved between IDR 250,000 and IDR 499,000. 

17 percent of respondents used the money saved to restart small businesses. 

83 percent of respondents felt that CfW helped reduce their trauma from the tsunami 

disaster.

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The short-term recovery and development activities from the past 24 months are as follows: 

2 . F I S H E R I E S 

Location Sector Beneficiaries and Result 

Bireuen 

Banda Aceh 

Aceh Jaya 

Aceh Barat 

Fisheries 

Aquaculture 

Rehabilitation of 

Public 

Infrastructures 

Income Generation, 

i.e. Cash for Work 

Aquaculture 

Community Health 

and Education 

Rehabilitation of 

Public 

Infrastructures 

Habitat Restoration 

Recycling 

Income Generation, 

i.e. Cash for Work 

Micro grants 

Vocational Training 

Psychosocial 

Outreach 

Programme 

Childcare Centres 

Villages cleaned 10,227 ha of land and rehabilitated 289.5 km of 

tertiary canals. 

6,240 CfW beneficiaries. 

6.7 km of roads, 9.2 km of drainage systems, and 13.7 km of 

housing areas cleaned. 30 public buildings cleaned, i.e. schools, 

hospitals, and markets. 

23 departments of Zainal Abidin Hospital made fully functional. 

Roads and drainage systems in 2 villages opened and cleaned, 

and 16,000 plants planted in the villages. 

5,211 people in the communities received immediate income for 

cleaning the affected areas. 

6,079 people employed to clear 18,100 metres of irrigation 

channels. 

70 ha of rice fields and 209 ha of agricultural land cleared. 4,580 

sacks of seed, 400 saplings, and 1,553 sacks of fertilizer 

provided. 1 fish auction building, 1 small-scale dockyard and 1 

small-scale workshop provided. 

A fish auction building and another small-scale dockyard 

constructed. 

10 boats built and 146 fishing tool sets distributed. 

4 Healthcare centres (Posyandu) rehabilitated, 76 Posyandu 

cadres trained, and 15 traditional birth attendants trained. 

2 Polyclinics (Polindes) constructed, and 1,519 individuals given 

health/nutrition counselling and education services. 

66 public latrines constructed; 7,200 metres of gravity-flow 

water systems, 9 spring water protection units, 6 water 

collection tanks, and 3 water supply hand pumps installed. 

9 religious schools (Madrasah) rebuilt and 27 teachers trained. 

Tools and equipment provided for clearing debris, rehabilitating 

structures, and the construction of 63 temporary houses in 45 

villages. 

3,706 metres of local road renovated, 11 bridges repaired, and 

19 Prayer Houses (Meunasah) reconstructed. 

23,234 seedlings of casuarinas, mangroves, coconut and sugar 

palm trees provided. These seedlings planted along 151 ha of 

coastal beach and 6 ha of crop terraces. 

18 ha mangrove fields cleared and 60,000 mangrove 

plants/seeds planted in three locations in Setia Bakti. 141 local 

people participated. 

23 cubic metres of wood recycled and 11 villages identified for 

developing a timber recycling industry. 

31 ha of land prepared for planting, 5,705 metres of drainage 

channels rehabilitated, and 2,300 metres of roads cleared by 

1,123 local workers. 

22 ha farm land cleaned and renovated. 

60 ha of village land and roads cleaned and rehabilitated. 

2 traditional fish markets constructed. 

1 school repainted and cleaned. 

125 units of school furniture and facilities distributed in MTSN 

Calang. 

1,112 km of road cleared, 58.3 km of road restored; 34 

mosques, 390 houses, and 12 schools reconstructed. 488 local 

people employed. 

100 women received a daily income from making school 

uniforms. 

82 women graduated from vocational training centres. 

More than 1,000 community members attended a psycho-social 

programme. 

19 children enrolled in a childcare centre. 

Implementing 

Agent 

Terres des 

Hommes Italy 

Panglima Laot 

Yayasan Matahari 

Yayasan Kata Hati 

International Relief 

Development 

Project Concern 

International 

Flora Fauna 

International 

Islamic Relief 

Mercy Corps, 

Samaritan’s Purse 

The fishery industry was the most devastated of all industries in Aceh. Along the east and west 

coasts, the fishery industry was brought to a standstill. Along the west coast, almost all boats 

were destroyed. Many fishermen and women supplying fishery-support activities were dead or 

missing, and many who survived were severely traumatized. 

On 20 January 2005, Bappenas (the National Development Planning Agency) reported in 

INDONESIA: Preliminary Damage and Lost Assessment that the destruction of fisheries 

amounted to almost one-fifth of the total cost of the disaster. The report stated that the 

Acehnese lost 64 percent of their boats, a cost equivalent to IDR 190,488 million. They also 

lost 66 percent of fishing gear and equipment, equivalent to IDR 161,953 million. Meanwhile, 

FAO reported that the disaster took 1,770 boats and destroyed another 896 throughout the 

province. 

Project Activities 

Through the Aceh/Nias Livelihoods Recovery Programme Round I, UNDP collaborated with 

government institutions, local NGOs and INGOs to help fishing communities recover their lost 

income. The UNDP fishery project has helped 8,144 fishermen restore their livelihoods. 

In Mesjid Raya, a sub-district of Aceh Besar, the Centre for Coastal and Marine Resources 

Studies (CCRMS–IPB) implemented an integrated fisheries project with LEIMA. This project, 

titled the Sustainable Coastal Village Development Planning Project (SCVDP), constructed 65 

boats of various sizes and functions. These boats were distributed to fishing communities in 

three coastal villages [see table below]. The activities supported all 772 households of 

Meunasah Keudee, Meunasah Mon and Meunasah Kulam villages. 

Boat Types 

Number Assisted 

Lift-net Boat/Palung 24 

Pull Boat/Boat Tarik 24 

Beach Seine Boat/Boat Pukat Darat 4 

Line Boat/Boat Pancing 10 

Mini Purse-Seine Boat/Boat Labi-labi 2 

Medium Purse-Seine Boat/Boat Langgar 1 

In addition to this project, CCRMS-IPB/LEIMA also provided and replaced three modified Fish 

Aggregating Devices (rumpons) in Teluk Krueng Raya, part of Krueng Raya Bay, Aceh Besar. 

This type of fishing device is a new technique introduced by a group of experts from the marine 

study centre. The device is designed to attract fish in large numbers and is located near the 

coastline, making it efficient for small-scale fishermen. 

Pidie, Aceh Besar, 

Banda Aceh, Aceh 

Jaya, Aceh Barat, 

and Nagan Raya 

Income Generation 

Restoration of 

Public Facilities 

967 ha of land cleaned and rehabilitated by 6,678 people doing 

CfW. 

58 public facilities cleaned and upgraded. 


Newly build Palung/bagan [lift-net boat] delivered to fishermen in Krueng Raya [left]. 

Fishermen celebrate the new boat labi-labi [mini purse-seine boat] and line boats in Panteraja, Pidie [right].

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Similar devices were also provided by UNDP implementing partner Terre Des Hommes-Italia 

(TdH-I). TdH-I provided 70 rumpons, supporting 933 fishermen in seven sub-districts of 

Bireuen. During the emergency period of 2005, TdH-I also assisted 3,410 affected fishermen in 

this district to immediately recover fishing livelihoods. They provided fishing nets, fishing long 

lining, and materials and shelters for fish processing. Three docks were also rebuilt, which 

supported 2,600 fishermen in three sub districts of Bireuen. 

Meanwhile, Islamic Relief provided one mini purse-seine boat (boat labi-labi) to a group of 18 

fishermen, and five line boats (boat pancing) to 10 fishermen in Panteraja. Islamic Relief also 

provided five line boats to 10 fishermen in Kembang Tanjong, and five line boats to 10 

fishermen in Kuala Raja. 

Jeunieb landing dock built on the river, well protected from 

waves causing abrasion from waves 

Achievements 

A different method of project modality was 

implemented by Project Concern International – 

Indonesia (PCI). PCI delivered a three-phase 

disbursement grant to 24 villages in Lhoong, Aceh 

Besar, and to 16 villages in Sampoiniet and Setia 

Bakti, Aceh Jaya. The grant disbursed funds to 

each community through an established village 

team (tim desa). some 341 fishermen received 

between IDR 8.5 million and IDR 11 million to 

purchase fishing gear and boats as group 

belongings. 

Community consultation (Duek Pakat) in Krueng Raya resulted in a community-driven charter, 

the Piagam Krueng Raya, enabling CCRMS-IPB/LEIMA to establish a cooperative called Koperasi 

Syariah Hidup Baru (KSHB) to manage all the deliverables for the project. The cooperative 

delivered boats, small grants and trishaws to involved communities, monitored by established 

community committees (komite masyarakat). 

CCRMS-IPB/LEIMA constructed and delivered 10 lift-net boats (palung) and 10 line boats 

through KSHB, and will deliver other boats by the end of this year. Livelihoods grants and fishing 

gear, such as fish finders and GPS systems, have also been delivered with the boats, which will 

enable fishermen to restart their fishing activities more effectively. 

Based on a recent survey, a huge number of fish of various types and sizes have aggregated 

around the 70 rumpons placed by TdH-I in Bireuen, and the three rumpons placed by CCRMS- 

IPB/LEIMA in Teluk Krueng Raya. Fishermen report that the rumpons have helped them catch 

increased numbers of fish without venturing too far from the shore. 

During monitoring visits, boat recipients in Pidie reported they had restarted their fishing 

activities. In Lhong, Sampoiniet and Setia Bakti, the beneficiaries reported to have received all 

three phases of disbursements, purchased required supplies, and returned to fishing activities. 

Applying the different techniques, CCMRS-IPB/LEIMA in Krueng Raya [left] and 

TdH-I in Bireuen [right] have delivered modified rumpon, Fish Aggregating Devices for fishing communities. 

Impacts / Effects 

The fishing communities gained new knowledge and skills through trainings, such as fish finder 

or GPS trainings, provided by UNDP implementing partners. 

Moreover, group-based work schemes brought about broader results as 'communal-benefiting' 

outcomes were absorbed by communities. This, in turn, altered the mindset and attitude of 

beneficiaries. 

Lessons Learned 

Cooperatives should be considered as an exit strategy that promotes project sustainability. 

Also, a well-established community-based institution is needed to ensure efficiency beyond a 

project completion. 

Types of resources available locally should be understood in developing programmes. For 

example, some of the parts used by local boat builders are not widely used outside Aceh. The 

local boat builders prefer using iron nails rather than galvanized nails. This variance needs 

further research and workshops with the fishing community. 

Recommendations 

Proper impact assessments and surveys of boat populations and fishing capacities have yet to 

be completed. These assessments will give a clear description of Aceh's fishery condition, and 

provide a foundation to develop a comprehensive strategy for the future to address Aceh's 

over-fishing problem. 

Fishing communities should be trained with more fish-processing skills, and educated on 

market-oriented fish products to stabilize their income level, especially during low seasons. 

Also, an easily accessible financial institution needs to be established within the fishing 

communities to help manage household finances and provide access to working capital. 

3 . A Q U A C U LT U R E 

Bappenas reported in INDONESIA: Preliminary Damage and Lost Assessment that the 

Acehnese lost 41 percent of their aquaculture assets, worth a total of IDR 466,063 million. The 

damage to brackish water culture ponds has been widespread. Even in areas unaffected by the 

tsunami, such as in the southern part of Aceh, floods have partially damaged the infrastructure. 

It is estimated that the output of the aquaculture industry will fall more than 60 percent. 

Previously, Aceh provided a large proportion of the natural Penaeus monodon broodstock for 

hatcheries throughout Indonesia. 


Located mainly on the east coast of Aceh, ponds (tambak) are one of most valuable sources of 

income for the Acehnese, but were heavily damaged as a result of the 2004 tsunami. UNDP 

identified the damaged ponds and delivered support to affected pond farmers, supporting them 

in restarting brackish water culture small-scale industry. In total, UNDP aquaculture livelihoods 

projects assisted 7,032 tsunami-affected fish pond breeders. 

UNDP, through Terre Des Hommes-Italia, supported 6,388 pond (tambak) breeders with feed 

and fertilizer for milkfish and shrimp breeding activities. This covers 134 villages in 10 subdistricts 

of Bireuen. In addition, 1.78 million frys, feed and fertilizer were delivered to 650 other 

breeders for grouper breeding within seven sub-districts. Fish ponds are one of the main 

sources of income for people in the Bireuen District of Aceh. The project began with a needs 

assessment, which collected and identified detailed information on damaged ponds prior to the 

tsunami. The project implementation then assisted almost 100 percent of the tsunami-affected 

fish pond breeders in the district.

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Achievements 

Since the project completion, all assisted pond 

farmers/breeders started their breeding 

activities. Recent data shows that more than 

50 percent of the breeders have gathered their 

first harvest. The others should also soon be 

harvesting, as one breeding cycle process 

usually requires four months. 

Impacts / Effects 

Most breeders have harvested their ponds and 

sold their products at market price. The harvest 

was partly exported to Medan, Lhokseumawe 

and other parts of Aceh. UNDP assistance significantly increased breeders' income. For example, 

one recent report stated that milkfish breeders earned an average income of IDR 3.1 million, and 

shrimp farmers earned IDR 8.2 million per harvest. 

Grouper breeders also received increased income from this project. Nearly 90 percent of 

fingerlings distributed were successfully sold at the market price of IDR 3,000/fingerling. Per 

harvest, beneficiaries received between IDR 1,350,000 for beginners and IDR 2,700,000 for 

professional farmers. 

4 . S M A L L E N T E R P R I S E S 

The Government's Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Master Plan reports that the tsunami 

significantly damaged trade and cooperatives. The Central Statistics Bureau (BPS) administered 

the Survei Terintegrasi (SUSI) and published the BAPPENAS report about small-scale 

unregistered firms. The survey estimates 187,996 small-scale or unregistered businesses 

existed in Aceh in 2002, each employing an average of 1.76 people. It is estimated that 80,000 

of these enterprises may have been lost, generating job losses of around 140,000 people. 

To implement the livelihoods recovery project in tsunami-affected areas, UNDP ERTR Aceh is working 

with several international and national organizations; government agencies (Department of 

Industry and Trade), civil societies (with technical support from DFID), International Relief & 

Development, Project Concern International, Islamic Relief, PT. Mitra Lingkungan Duta 

Consultants, Mercy Corps, and ACDI/VOCA. 

Through December 2006, UNDP ERTR Livelihoods component assisted 6,627 small businesses. 

These have been re-established with several methodologies, such as assets replacing, training, 

providing working capital, developing community groups of businesses, providing microfinance 

and developing cooperatives. The involvement of the Department of Industry and Trade 

(DISPERINDAG) in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar and Singkil has been very helpful, especially in 

increasing programme sustainability and building local government capacity. 

Project Activities and Achievements 

UNDP and its implementing partners delivered the following activities to help restart the small 

enterprise and trade sector. The results achieved are as follows: 

1. International Relief and Development (IRD) 

This implementing partner was active in five sub districts: Meuraxa and Kutaraja in 

Banda Aceh Municipality; Baitussalam and Leupung in Aceh Besar; and Johan Pahlawan 

in Aceh Barat. These five sub districts were in the area most damaged by the 2004 

tsunami. Through this activity, UNDP assisted 2,598 small businesses. Grants of 

US$150 to US$250 and were rewarded to beneficiaries through small business 

management training. This was conducted in an IRD training centre for three days. 

Through monitoring and evaluation and business feasibility analysis by UNDP and IRD, 

successful businesses were rewarded with additional working capital. 

Pond farmers receive distributed nets and frys [left]; while in Alue Kuta, Jangka sub district, the farmers had their first harvest on November 8, 2006 [right]. 


Positive project results were experienced because local communities, government departments 

and stakeholders were all fully involved from the initial assessments onwards. Also, transparent 

identification of beneficiaries and distribution of assistance contributed to the positive project 

results. All inputs to beneficiaries need to be discussed with them thoroughly to avoid 

unnecessary assistance. Close collaboration with related local government departments (Dinas 

Perikanan dan Kelautan) is valuable for capacity building and programme sustainability. 


Comprehensive and integrated aquaculture programmes should be put in place. One complete 

training package should be delivered to pond farmers for post-harvest processing. While Aceh 

contributes significantly to Indonesia's aquaculture industry, the province has no experts, 

experience or infrastructure for post-harvest processing activities. In the future, further training must 

be provided for farmers, and the private sector must be involved for better production and marketing. 

Abdul Jamil, is a resident of Merduati, Kutaraja sub district. The tsunami took away his family 

and belongings, but it did not destroy his hope. He registered with the UNDP programme and 

joined the small business management training with his brother. He managed to restart the small 

business he owned before the tsunami, selling petroleum by the roadside in a small kiosk. He 

became successful, and expanded his kiosk into a larger grocery store. Abdul's outgoing nature 

has attracted a lot of regular customers, including other kiosk-owners buying goods for their 

kiosks located in several areas outside Banda Aceh. Abdul has received an additional grant for 

his successful business management.

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2. Project Concern International (PCI) 

PCI's project activities were located mainly in Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya, along the west 

coast of Aceh. 270 micro grants for businesses start-ups were distributed to 40 villages 

in three sub districts. The activities were conducted through a partnership with local 

NGOs, which served as community facilitators working closely with community 

empowerment groups (called village teams) in each village. Assessments, beneficiary 

selection and working capital disbursements were conducted within a transparent 

mechanism through community discussion and evaluation. The programme assisted 

businesses in many sectors, such as trading, sewing, cake-making, motorcycle workshops, 

coffee shops and restaurants. 

6. CCMRS – IPB 

Becaks parked at the mechanic shop before distribution to beneficiaries. 

In the fishing community of Krueng Raya, UNDP collaborated with the Centre for Coastal 

and Marine Resources Study – Bogor Agriculture Institute to assist 10 fish traders with a 

complete package of mobile fish-and-goods trishaws. This assistance was executed 

through a community cooperative established for and within three communities in the 

villages of Meunasah Mon, Meunasah Kulam and Meunasah Keudee. Through UNDP 

capital injection, 54 additional small businesses have been assisted. This assistance 

came through a cooperative, along with technical assistance and close supervision from 

the implementing partner. 

3. Austcare 

Beneficiaries of small business grants are maintaining their livelihoods through a sewing business 

and coffee shop in Lhong, Aceh Jaya. 

Austcare's project was active in rehabilitating brick factories affected by the tsunami in 

three villages in Aceh Besar. 40 brick factories were fully rehabilitated and granted hand 

tractors, buffalos for traditional brick processing, and brick printing machines. Some 

470 people (owners and workers) were able to return to their income-generating activity. 

To sustain the programme and its impact to the local community, three local 

cooperatives were established, and the revolving fund should be able to support more 

livelihood activities and other types of community livelihood projects in the future. 

Brick producers in a tsunami-affected brick kiln in Lampeudaya 

village, Aceh Besar, are grateful of brick printing machine granted 

to them. It helps increase the quality and quantity of the bricks 

they are producing 

5. PT Cagar Gigantara/Surabaya Service 

4. Islamic Relief 

As many as 1,656 small businesses in Banda 

Aceh, Pidie, Aceh Besar, Aceh Jaya, Aceh 

Barat and Nagan Raya were re-established 

through the implementation of grants and 

small business management training by 

Islamic Relief. A total of 710 were assetreplacement 

projects, and 946 businesses 

were given assistance through a revolving 

fund mechanism managed by local NGOs 

as the subcontractors of Islamic Relief. The 

local NGOs were intensively trained and 

closely supervised by Islamic Relief to sustain 

the mechanism for future community development 

programmes in Aceh. 

This project targeted poor trishaw (becak) drivers in Banda Aceh. Many becak 

drivers were affected by the disaster because they lived on the coastline of Banda 

Aceh municipality. A total of 150 trishaws were purchased and distributed to four 

becak associations. 

7. Supporting Small Industry and Trade in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar and Singkil 

Supporting Small Industry and Trade is a project implemented by UNDP to provide 

complete equipment, tools and goods for the small industry and trade sector. The project 

is conducted through close collaboration with the Department of Industry and Trade 

(DISPERINDAG) in Banda Aceh municipality, Aceh Besar and Aceh Singkil. In each 

district, DISPERINDAG completed the needs assessment, selected the beneficiaries, and 

completed the monitoring and evaluation. UNDP then hired a contractor to do the 

procurement, distribute the equipment and tools, and conduct the training for the 

beneficiaries if needed. 

Currently, 1,623 small businesses have received a package of equipment, tools and 

goods to restart their business in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar and Aceh Singkil. 

Banda Aceh - Collaboration with the Department of Industry and Trade provided 

assistence in re-establishing 361 small industries (cake makers, embroiderers, tailors, 

carpenters, bakeries, rattan industries, etc.) and 127 traders (small grocery kiosks in six 

sub districts in Banda Aceh). Beneficiaries received equipment, tools and goods through a 

consultant selected by UNDP, PT. Mitra Lingkungan Dutaconsult. 

This family-run home 

industry of Acehnese 

herbs and spices was 

totally destroyed by 

the tsunami. Sayed 

Hasan's wife and two 

o f t h e i r c h i l d r e n 

disappeared in the 

disaster. Sayed and his 

two surviving sons 

continued the business 

after receiving grant 

equipment from this project. “My biggest gratitude is to UNDP because I have received this 

equipment, which is even better than what we had before the tsunami”, said Sayed. “We can 

now catch up on our production since orders have returned to normal. There are even requests 

from outside Indonesia”. Part of Sayed's house, unaffected by the tsunami, is now used as the 

new factory. With their patience and hard work, Sayed and his sons plan to further increase, by 

employing mode people from the community.

14 



15 

Aceh Besar - The same programme was implemented in Aceh Besar, with ACDI VOCA as 

UNDP's implementing partner. The programme and DISPERINDAG Aceh Besar helped 

restart 806 small businesses in 52 villages and eight sub districts in Aceh Besar. 

Individual beneficiaries and groups received grants in the form of equipment. 

L a m c o k v i l l a g e i n 

Lhoknga, Aceh Besar, was 

one of the communities 

that benefiting from this 

project. It was famous 

for its rattan industry 

before the tsunami. 

Almost all the women in 

the village are skillful of 

making rattan products for 

sale. UNDP has assisted 

them through equipment 

grants and a building for 

use as a shop for all their 

products. 

Aceh Singkil - This is a district mostly damaged by the 28 March 2005 earthquake. This 

district is located in a remote area on Aceh's southwest coast. A similar process was 

implemented to assist the earthquake-affected businesses in this area. UNDP, PT. MLD 

Consultant, and DISPERINDAG Aceh Singkil successfully assisted 338 small businesses 

with productive equipment, tools and goods.This project will be finished by December 

2006 and is expected to assist more than 700 beneficiaries. 

5. AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK 

Damages caused by the tsunami and earthquake were mainly concentrated on Aceh's western 

and eastern coastal areas, where most of the agricultural land was affected. In some places, the 

tsunami travelled up to 5 km inland. The west coast's agricultural areas were badly affected, 

especially those located up to 4 km inland from the coast line. It is estimated that 23,330 ha of 

rice fields and 22,785 ha of rain-dependent cultivated land were damaged. BAPPENAS reported 

that large job losses occurred in agriculture, where about one-fourth of cash crop areas and rice 

fields were damaged. A similar percentage of all farms are likely to be unoccupied – affecting an 

estimated total of around 320,000 people. 

UNDP livelihoods component, in collaboration with NGOs, has also taken serious action to 

revitalize tsunami-affected agriculture and livestock farms in Aceh. Projects were mainly 

located along the west coast of Aceh, where much of the agricultural land and livestock was hit 

hardest by the tsunami. At present, UNDP has assisted 1,773 farmers ranging from ginger, 

crops, rice, watermelon, mushroom and chilli farmers. In addition, 1,447 livestock breeders 

benefited through the distribution of cattle, goats, buffalos, ducks and chickens. 

UNDP, through its implementing partner Lambrineu Foundation, helped 196 ginger farmers in 

Aceh Besar to plant 70 tons of Elephant ginger seeds. This covers 35 ha, over 10 villages in 

Lhoknga sub district, Aceh Besar. UNDP also supported the farmers with bulb wire, 

ploughing/harrowing services and fertilizer. Before the tsunami, ginger from Lampaya Village, 

LhokNga, was popular in Banda Aceh and in the whole province of Aceh. 

At the same time, Project Concern International (PCI) supported 1,054 farmers to plant food 

crops such as rice and peanuts on 750 ha of land in Lhoong, Aceh Besar, Sampoiniet and Setia 

Bakti, Aceh Jaya. In addition, PCI also supported livestock recovery for tsunami-affected 

people in three sub districts in Aceh Jaya by giving goats, cattle and buffalos to 146 groups of 

farmers, or a total of 1,347 beneficiaries. 


Two years after the tsunami, many programmes have been implemented in Aceh. Assisting 

small to medium businesses during the emergency period was mainly to give immediate support 

to people gaining back their livelihood. Grant systems, both cash and equipment, was very 

suitable during this period, even for those who started a different business than what they had 

before tsunami. Most of those who managed to establish get a business opened a small kiosk, 

and most continue to maintain them well. Failure has been caused by incidents such as grants 

that are too small, the wrong type of equipment, and/or project implementers lacking strategy 

or knowledge about market needs. Another problem surfaced when beneficiaries were only 

trained in how to manage their cash flow, while the businesses they started overlapped with 

many other businesses. There should be an orientation for beneficiaries to help them determine 

the needs around them, including the sustainability potential for their businesses. 


Based on the lessons learned above, it is clear that the beneficiaries who have received grant 

distributions in the emergency period should be monitored to determine their further needs. 

Often, because of the small amount of funds received, additional assistance from UNDP is 

needed, this time in larger amounts and distributed through a different system. Those who 

continue their business, for example, and need assistance for expansion should be directed to a 

micro-finance programme. 

A farmer on a hand tractor ploughs a community-run's cultivation field for ginger farming in Lhoknga [left]. 

In Lhoong, Aceh Besar, two women are planting rice [right]. 

Mercy Corps Indonesia (MCI) assisted farmers through a community grants programme by 

giving 15 hand tractors to farmers' groups and community groups in 14 communities in four 

sub districts in Aceh Barat. This programme increased the work capacity and the productivity of 

the area's rice fields. 

UNDP, with Islamic Relief, supported 300 farmers with peanut seeds and fertilizer; 18 farmers 

in Aceh Jaya with a watermelon and mushroom project; and 182 households of rice and chilli 

farmers in Pidie. Islamic Relief also organized the distribution of 100 cattle to 100 households in 

Aceh Besar, Aceh Jaya and Aceh Barat. In Trienggadeng, Pidie, 1,610 ducks were distributed 

to 23 beneficiaries, as well as 230 kg of cattle fodder and 46 sachets of vitamins.

16 



17 

Poultry assisted by Islamic Relief in Johan Pahlawan, Meulaboh [left], and 

cattle distributed in Krueng Raya, Aceh Besar [right]. 

IRD Community Capacity Building in Baitussalam and Leupung sub districts, Aceh Besar, [left]. 

Baitul Qiradh is a local partner of micro financing under ILO [right]. 

Lessons Learned and Recommendations 

It is difficult to see the results of the agriculture programme quickly because of challenges in the 

field, such as viruses in the soil and the long harvesting time for some crop varieties. For 

example, ginger takes nine months to harvest. Problems with cattle diseases should also be 

anticipated. Animal husbandry training is also crucial for new breeders to promote 

understanding of the local environment and climate conditions. 

6 . T R A I N I N G 

Overview 

Due to the catastrophe, many survivors lost all their assets and became unable to resume their 

previous activities. Similarly, because of the nature of the disaster, former fishermen may not 

want to return to their previous income-generating activity. Therefore, new vocational skills 

training was needed. In collaboration with ILO and some INGOs as implementing partners, 

multiple training activities were made available. For example, vocational training activities, 

small business management, and other livelihoods-related training were all provided. These 

trainings were provided after consultations with the local authorities, the private sector, and the 

ILO-managed Employment Service Centres. 

Project activities/achievement 

UNDP has tried to encourage individuals to restart their livelihoods by giving them free training 

on how to start and how to manage cash flow in their new business activities. Some 18,960 

people from tsunami-affected areas and community groups have been trained in a number of 

areas, including small grants, small businesses, micro finance, agriculture, fisheries and livestock. 

Other trainings have focused on management skills, vocational training and technical skills, 

life skills, cooperative management, micro enterprises, and labour-based intensive infrastructure 

development. These trainings were conducted throughout the affected districts in Aceh, all under 

one of four components: Employment Service, Vocational Training, Enterprise Development 

and Microfinance, and Labour-Based Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Reconstruction. 

Through the Employment Service Project for the People of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (ESP- 

NAD), jointly supported by ILO, UNDP helped empower job seekers with English skills. This is 

part of an effort to improve the skills of Aceh's people, particularly in Banda Aceh, Calang, 

Meulaboh, Pidie and Lhokseumawe. This project is also an instrument to speed up the 

reconstruction and rehabilitation process through the placement of skilled job seekers. In 

total,6,086 people completed this training. Its effectiveness was implied by Dermawan, a 

graduate from the English training held in Meulaboh. After the training, Dermawan reported to 

his English teacher that he was recruited by Muslim Aid and is now working in Banda Aceh. 

Several UNDP drivers were also recommended by ILO after they attended the course. 

Another component is Vocational Training. In collaboration with ILO, UNDP supported 2,958 tsunami 

survivors in five tsunami-affected districts. Islamic Relief, a UNDP partner for Cash for Work Round 

4, reported that 1,000 people were trained for income-generating activities in five tsunami-affected 

districts along the east and west coasts. Through Samaritan's Purse, UNDP provided a short sewing 

course for 82 women in Meulaboh. In addition, the Lambrineu Foundation helped improve understanding 

of ginger farming practices for 196 farmers in Lhoknga sub district, Aceh Besar. 

Also, Enterprise Development and Microfinance provided free training to individuals, groups, local 

NGOs and local government agencies. These groups are connected with UNDP in livelihood 

sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, livestock, and industry and trade. In 22 villages in Banda Aceh, 

3,550 people were trained in small business management by International Relief Development (IRD). 

Of those trained, 1,150 people had their capacity increased for medium-level businesses and 

became ready to find job opportunities. At the same time, ILO had a clear strategy to provide 

more in-depth technical assistance to a limited number of Micro Finance Institutions (MFI), 

specifically to replicate the efforts to others in the future. It became important to identify a key 

financial partner, particularly with a focus on promoting micro leasing. 

Furthermore, in two sub districts in Aceh Jaya and one sub district in Aceh Besar, community 

health and education capacity was strengthened in 112 communities. This helped rehabilitate and 

reconstruct villages and communities after the huge disaster. Project Concern International (PCI), a 

UNDP implementing partner for Livelihoods Round I, continued to support livelihoods rehabilitation 

in 44 villages in Lhoong, Aceh Besar, Setia Bakti and Sampoinit, Aceh Jaya. During the project 

implementation process, 1,006 farmers were trained in various agriculture sciences. 1,339 small 

business owners were supported with a grant after being qualified through business management 

training. Also, 216 fishermen were strengthened with fishing capacity and equipment. 

Austcare delivered training to 69 people from two different professions: brick kiln owners and 

cooperative staff and managers. In the fishery sector, Alisei trained 53 fish-pond farmers during 

their Cash for Work programme, funded by UNDP. Similarly, 555 fishermen were trained in 

immediate skill needs. This knowledge could be used to restart their pre-tsunami profession, 

such as fisheries processing technology, mobile market device or cooperative management. 

Business and small industry management training sessions for beneficiaries, which were supported with IRD business inputs [left]. 

A workshop facilitated by ACDI/VOCA on management, leadership, business and database for Aceh Besar Industry and Trade Department staff [right].

18 



19 

A total of 13 local NGOs, two Industry and Trade Departments, and five community 

cooperatives became the local partner of several UNDP implementing partners. As a result, they 

were revitalized and strengthened in areas such as organizational management, accounting and 

business ethics. These local institutions are now prepared to ensure the sustainability of the 

enterprises UNDP re-established, and carry on the development efforts by applying newlygained 

knowledge and expertise. Specifically within the livelihood recovery projects 

implemented by IRD and PCI, three members of each village were supported by the project. 

These individuals were selected by their communities and given training. Later, they helped 

their communities identify needs and worked with the implementing partners to distribute 

assistance. 

The last component was the Labour-Based Infrastructure Rehabilitation, implemented by ILO. 

216 male and female engineers, technicians and contractors from the Public Works of Aceh 

Besar received theoretical, contract management and on-the-job training on road rehabilitation. 

No Sector Training Activity 

Number of 

Beneficiaries 

District 

Implementing 

Partner 

some business management trainees, while others are still surviving and need more financing 

and marketing support. 

Problems and Lessons Learned 

A long list of problems and lessons learned was identified by UNDP implementing partners 

and/or monitors. The capacity of targeted participants was much lower than originally 

estimated; therefore, greater efforts were required than previously planned. There was a lack of 

understanding of what cooperatives stand for and how they can help promote democratic 

values to a community at large. ILO also pointed out that the coordination mechanism, originally 

launched by ILO, eventually lost its momentum and coordination became less apparent, while in 

some cases competition became the norm. 


To address these issues, the implementing partners made a few recommendations. For 

example, follow-up technical support is required; focus on outreach for capacity building 

training; clearly determine strategic alliances; and focus on capacity y building for Disnaker in 

labour relations and labour administration. The participants also offered some 

recommendations. For example, to divide participants into two groups: those with a business 

and those without, or beginners. This division will make the training more targeted and allow 

trainers to focus on entrepreneurship concepts and assess new business ideas for potential 

entrepreneurs. Also, the owners of existing businesses can go into more depth about actual 

business management skills. In addition, extra support should be provided to the younger target 

group to increase the likelihood of business start-up. Extra attention should be provided in 

targeting women and supporting women's businesses. This support is necessary as women's 

businesses tend to be smaller than men's, and some women are more vulnerable as lone 

breadwinners for their family because of the tsunami. 

7 . S P O R T S 

Post-tsunami, significant construction assistance was directed towards rebuilding schools, 

houses, roads and health facilities. Assistance to rehabilitate other community facilities, 

especially sporting facilities, was limited from local and international NGOs. Few NGOs 

designed a special programme to restore the sports sector as a tool for trauma healing for 

tsunami-affected youth. 

Dinas Pemuda dan Olahraga (Dispora), the government authority overseeing sports and youth 

issues, identified damaged sporting facilities in 12 districts in Aceh and intensively searched for 

assistance to rehabilitate these facilities. In many communities in Aceh, volleyball and football 

are major sports, played by men and women. 

UNDP, in partnership with Dispora Aceh Province, took a special initiative to rehabilitate and 

reconstruct 89 sport facilities. A Letter of Agreement was signed by both parties to initiate the 

activities. To date, UNDP has reconstructed and rehabilitated 41 volleyball courts, 12 football 

fields and one basketball court. 

Impacts 

A number of impacts were observed. For example, more workers became qualified to enter the 

workforce of Aceh's emerging reconstruction and rehabilitation effort. Those trained for work 

placement became linked in and were recommended to NGOs. The overall reconstruction 

process was accelerated because organizations could identify workers relatively quickly and 

found access to qualified workers. The pre-tsunami economic level was effectively regained by 


1. Sports Site Reconstruction 

UNDP, through HOPE International, agreed to rehabilitate 89 sport facilities in 12 

tsunami-affected districts. 46 sports facilities were rehabilitated, including 35 

volleyball courts, 11 football fields and one basketball court. Close consultation and

20 



21 

participation with the communities were made in reconstructing the sports facilities. 

Workers were recruited from community areas to strengthen community participation. 

stakeholders, a block grant 

distribution system in 19 villages 

was established to provide cash 

grants to the vulnerable groups, 

such as widow groups, elderly 

groups and orphanages. These 

grants of IDR 50,000 - IDR 

375,000 were to be used for daily 

needs such as food, health care, 

school kits and basic house 

equipment. A total of 1,941 

people were assisted by this 

activity. 

Widows, the elderly and orphans in Baitussalam were in line 

to receive cash assistance for health and education needs. 

The volleyball court under construction in Desa Meunasah Mon, Mesjid Raya, Aceh Besar [left]. 

Youth playing basketball on a rehabilitated court in Lampriet, Banda Aceh [right]. 

2. Distribution of Sports Equipment 

In November 2006, UNDP procured 7,520 sets of sports equipment for schools in 12 affected 

districts in Aceh. The equipment included: 

3,500 volleyballs 

630 volleyball nets 

200 table tennis tables 

800 table tennis paddles 

600 boxes of table tennis balls 

800 badminton rackets 

190 badminton nets and 800 tins of shuttlecocks 


It is not easy to monitor the flow of cash distributed to groups, as the amount is not big and 

most of the money is used for daily needs, health care and educational needs. The impact is not 

very visible because the cash is spent quickly. Also, while beneficiaries feel it is a big help, the 

disbursement design is not sustainable. This type of project should not be maintained in the long 

run to avoid dependency on cash grants. Instead, vocational training for vulnerable groups, 

such as young orphans and widows, are needed to ensure future livelihood capabilities. The 

establishment of grant communities is very important for the transparency of beneficiaries. In 

addition, the involvement of female representatives is necessary to represent and identify the 

needs of vulnerable women in the community. 

9 . E N V I R O N M E N T 

8 . COMMUNITY GRANTS 

Overview 

The 2004 tsunami left a high number of vulnerable groups in Aceh, such as young orphans, 

widows, widowers and elderly people with dependants. UNDP tried to assist these vulnerable 

tsunami survivors through a community grants programme implemented by International Relief 

& Development (IRD). 

Project Activities and Achievements 

This programme was implemented through working together with established Community Self- 

Help Groups (project focal points) in 19 villages in the sub districts of Baitussalam and Leupung, 

Aceh Besar. Each committee is comprised of three village representatives who were appointed 

by their communities using a community meeting structure. These committees, comprised of 

57 people from 19 villages, identified vulnerable people from each village they represent. They 

also received capacity building training on how to run the project. 

Through IRD, UNDP facilitated the establishment of a three-person Community Grant 

Committee in each sub district, with at least one female representative on each committee. 

Each committee had to identify and register the vulnerable groups in the villages: widows, 

orphans and the elderly. The committees conducted the registration themselves, a process 

acknowledged by village authorities and verified by IRD. In collaboration with community 

Overview 

Based on the damage assessment produced by BAPPENAS (2005), the earthquake and tsunami 

had enormous impacts on Aceh's coastal environment, causing damage and loss of animals, 

plants, habitats and important ecosystem functions. Although the extent of damage to these 

ecosystems was not confirmed at the time of this assessment, some preliminary results have 

been obtained. For example, there was full damage to 25,000 ha of mangroves, which were 

already in poor condition, and some 300 km of coastal areas need restoration. 

UNDP is one of the concerned agencies that gave considerable support to environmental 

rehabilitation. For a full recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts must ensure that 

identified needs are met and that the results of recovery activities are environmentally 

sustainable. One of the major efforts undertaken was the mainstreaming of ecological issues in 

rebuilding livelihoods to ensures long-term sustainability of results for victims of the tsunami 

and for generations to come. By integrating ecosystem approaches into livelihood recovery 

activities that have been implemented by UNDP implementing partners, UNDP has helped 

prevent conflicts over resource use and reduce negative development impacts, such as 

pollution. 

Activities/Achievements 

Environmental awareness was mainstreamed in all livelihood activities. For example, a new 

firing system using rice husks was introduced to replace wood in 40 brick kilns rehabilitated in 

Aceh Besar. Community requests for chainsaws from people cutting down trees in the forests 

were rejected. Instead, they were taught to value the forest as an environmental resource and 

about the anticipated effects if it is destroyed.

22 



23 

In Setia Bakti, Aceh Jaya, the rehabilitation project for the mangrove forest provided 110,000 

mangrove seedlings, which were planted in an area of 12 hectares. As many as 141 male and 

female beneficiaries were hired on a contractual basis that paid workers a piecework rate, based 

on the number of seedlings planted. This rehabilitation will protect the adjacent villages from 

sea winds and recover the habitat for fish breeding, crabs and other creatures. 

In Aceh Besar, Islamic Relief planted 1,400 coconut palms, mango and casuarina trees in strand 

in the village areas in Lampuuk, Lhoknga. Also, in Pidie, UNDP recently planted 150,000 

mangroves. This project was a direct request from the community to UNDP, as they felt there 

was a strong need to have more shady trees planted in their village. 

During field monitoring in May 2006, Mahdi, the coordinator of Flora and Fauna (UNDP 

implementing partner) for Setia Bakti sub district, explained that they selected appropriate 

mangrove species that are similar to those previously grown in the area. These species are 

Soneratia Alba, Rhyzopora micronata and Rhyzopora apiculata. 

Impact 

The impact of this planting project will only be felt over a longer-term time period. For reasons 

still to be ascertained, many of the mangroves in Aceh Jaya have died. However, rehabilitated 

mangroves are predicted to give many benefits to the community living close to the area. The 

community in Lampuuk, Aceh Besar, now has mango trees planted in their home yards, which 

means they will have a much-needed shady area. 


Some of the projects were based on community requests to UNDP. These requests were 

forwarded to partners, some of which lacked the technical expertise on coastal plantations, 

while having the budget to carry out the proposed activities. Time constraints given by donors 

was another major issue faced. Time pressure caused last minute planning, last minute planting 

and insufficient maintaining, which affected the plantation growth. Moreover, involving 

communities in mangrove rehabilitation has been difficult. This is especially true before they 

have their basic needs met, such as housing and a more settled lifestyle. Communities should be 

involved in all planning activities to ensure a commitment for future care of the seedlings. 


Women in a CfW programme planting mangroves for an FFI project in Aceh Jaya [left]. 

Islamic Relief, through Cash for Work, planting mangoes at houses in Lampuuk, Aceh Besar [right]. 

Any future project should have a clear initial assessment, utilize strategic planning, provide 

adequate training to all workers involved, and include continuous monitoring and effective 

evaluation. The hope of the community is reflected in the perspective from Bang Yung (local 

community of Lhok Buya): “I was a fisherman. There were lots of mangroves here before the 

tsunami. If I don't want to go to the sea, I just find fish and crab in the mangrove swamp. For 

me, if there are mangroves here there will be more fish here. I used to get between IDR 100,000 

and IDR 150,000 per day before the tsunami.” 

10. CHILDCARE CENTRES 

Overview 

The tsunami caused deep-rooted trauma among adults and children. A huge number of children 

lost their homes and families, depriving them from the love, care and support they need. The 

situation also resulted in no or limited access to education and health services. As a result, 

intensive trauma-healing activities have been conducted for orphans, as well as representative 

care centres opened for orphans and other vulnerable children. 

UNDP, through the Aceh/Nias Livelihoods Recovery Programme Round I, worked in 

collaboration with local NGOs to construct four childcare centres, which help orphans and 

children who were directly or indirectly affected by the tsunami. 

Activities/Achievements 

Samaritan's Purse constructed a child centre in Meulaboh, serving 19 children who play and 

learn while their mothers receive sewing training. In Blang Krueng, Baitussalam, Aceh Besar, 

Islamic Relief constructed a representative child centre, which supports 65 children. This fullyequipped 

child centre is managed by Syiah Kuala University and UNDP. Islamic Relief also 

participated by delivering equipment, such as computers, furniture and reading books. To cover 

the operational and managerial needs, Islamic Relief contributed funding for the centre for one 

year. Islamic Relief also built another child centre in Punge Blang Cut, Jaya Baru, Banda Aceh. 

The centre is equipped with furniture and books for 100 children. 

A well-equipped childcare centre in Blang Krueng, Aceh Besar [left], and a children's education centre 

in Punge Blang Cut, Banda Aceh [right]. Both were constructed by Islamic Relief. 

11. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

Finally, in Lamjabat village, 

Meuraksa sub district, IRD 

supported a local NGO's child 

activity centre. This centre 

serves 200 affected children 

in Meuraksa by providing 

continuous payment for 

caregivers and teachers. 

Meuraxa sub district is a 

'ground-zero zone', heavily 

damaged by the tsunami, and 

with many affected orphans 

and children. With activities such as games and studying, the reconstruction of the child centre 

may result in trauma healing. 

This is a collaboration project between UNDP ERTR and the Aceh Province Planning and 

Development Agency (BAPPEDA ACEH), developed under a Letter of Agreement (LOA) titled 

Supporting the Aceh Coffee Forum. This project was designed by UNDP and Bappeda to 

facilitate a long-term, sustainable economic strategy for the Acehnese coffee industry. 

Acehnese coffee has an established reputation for good quality and is well known, especially in 

the Netherlands, other parts of Europe and North America. With the return to normality in postconflict 

and post-tsunami Aceh, the forum is working to ensure that Acehnese coffee can 

regain its formerly well-established place in the world market, and provide long-term income 

generation for its growers. 

Bappeda NAD has designed a new strategy for the long-term, sustainable development of Aceh 

by zoning the local resources produced in certain areas. Coffee is a potential product in certain

24 


parts of Aceh, mainly in the Aceh Tengah and Bener Meriah highland districts. A supply chain 

study for this commodity was developed by Accenture Development Partnership (ADP) in 

collaboration with UNDP. 

The establishment of the Coffee Forum was recommended by major coffee stakeholders, such 

as farmers associations, coffee exporters and government institutions. The forum is a place for 

the stakeholders and planners to share recommendations, inputs and strategies to redevelop 

Acehnese coffee after the five-year armed conflict. The stakeholders have agreed on several 

initiatives recommended from the forum, i.e. rehabilitating land used for coffee, training farmers 

and revitalizing research centres and infrastructure. Regular workshops have been conducted 

with extensive involvement from the private sector, farmers and government representatives. 

To date, the Coffee Forum has successfully recommended to Bappeda Aceh the allocation of 

nearly one million USD for coffee development projects in 2006. BRR, INGOs and other donors 

have also shown their interest in developing this potential commodity in Aceh. 

As the LOA ended in November, UNDP signed a new LOA titled Aceh Partnership Economic 

Development (APED) to continue assisting Bappeda Aceh in developing coffee and other 

potential commodities in Aceh. 

12. LIVELIHOODS WORKING GROUP 

Coordination is one of the biggest challenges in the implementation of livelihood recovery 

projects in Aceh after the tsunami. Overlapping assistance, lack of government involvement, 

and insufficiency of assistance are some of the major problems occurring. 

In collaboration with Aceh Provincial Level for Social Welfare Department (Dinas Sosial Provinsi 

Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam), UNDP ERTR Aceh established a Livelihoods Recovery Working 

Group (LRWG) secretariat from April 2005 to November 2006. The working group was given 

additional staff through Dinas Sosial volunteers, and provided with a meeting room, furnished 

to accommodate LRWG meetings and other events held by Dinas Sosial. Participation in LRWG 

meetings increased as NGOs recognized the need to join together with other actors, share 

information on government policies, and learn about programmes undertaken by other 

organizations in the field. 

The LRWG has always been an open forum, held in Bahasa Indonesia and English. It has 

included participants from over 50 international, national and local NGOs, as well as 

representatives from the government. Since April 2005, the forum has also included the 

Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Board (BRR), which was appointed by the central 

government. Various initiatives were launched to collect information on project implementation 

and support better coordination of activities in the field. This information was managed by the 

UN information management provider (HIC) and published on the group's website. The LRWG 

mailing list currently has 400 participants registered. 

No Sector Training Activity 

1 

Small and 

Medium 

Enterprises, 

Micro 

finance, and 

employment 

2 Agriculture 

3 Fishery 

4 

Health & 

Education 

Small business management 

training 

Cooperative, book keeping 

and management 

Number of 

Beneficiaries 

District 

4,700 Banda Aceh 

Implementing 

Partner 

International 

Relief 

Development 

407 Aceh Besar ACDI/VOCA 

Sewing course 198 Aceh Barat 

Micro enterprises 50 

Various vocational trainings 2,958 

Employment services, e.g. 

English courses 

Labour-based infrastructure 

rehabilitation 

Cooperative, book keeping 

and management 

Vocational training as 

provision of incomegenerating 

activities 

Capacity building in managing 

supported businesses. 

TOT for NGOs, and training 

local communities to improve 

SME practices 

6,086 

445 

Banda Aceh, 

Aceh Jaya, Aceh 

Utara, Aceh 

Barat, and Nias 

Samaritan's 

Purse 

ILO 

69 Aceh Besar Austcare 

940 

Pidie, Aceh 

Besar, Banda 

Aceh, Aceh 

Jaya, Aceh 

Barat, and Nagan 

Raya 

40 Banda Aceh MLD 

1,339 

Aceh Besar, 

Aceh Jaya 

Ginger farming technology 196 Aceh Besar 

Farming and animal 

husbandry 

Training on mobile market 

device and fish processing 

technology 

Training to improve fishing 

infrastructure 

Training on ponds and canal 

maintenance 

Community health and 

education 

1,006 

Aceh Besar, 

Aceh Jaya 



International 

Lambrineu 

Foundation 


International 

555 Aceh Besar CCRMS IPB 

216 

Aceh Besar, 

Aceh Jaya 

53 Pidie Alisei 

112 Aceh Jaya 


International 


International 

5 Livestock Chicken raising 60 Aceh Barat Islamic Relief 

Total 19,430

(ERTR) Livelihoods Programme - UNDP

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