The Indonesian Embassy in China and the Agency for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (BRR) of Aceh and Nias, on behalf of the Indonesian government, reported to the Chinese side on the progress of Aceh and Nias reconstruction after the tsunami in late 2004 in Beijing on Wednesday.

The Indonesian side also expressed sincere gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their donations when addressing about 200 representatives from the Chinese government departments, foreign embassies in China, international organizations, non-government organizations and international financial institutions.

BRR Deputy for Economy and Business Development Said Faisal said Indonesia is "very grateful" for the continued attention and tremendous contribution from the Chinese government and people for the recovery of Aceh and Nias, including large-scale infrastructure programs, systems of education and health care, and humanitarian aid through various international relief agencies based in China.

China has donated 51.4 million U.S. dollars, including 7.5 million dollars for housing projects, 5 million dollars for building materials of schools, 3.7 million dollars for 10 early warning system stations across Indonesia, 1.5 million dollars in funds, 500,000 dollars for delivery assistance for Nias.

In addition, the China's donation included 3.4 million dollars from the China Red Cross to build 300 houses, and 28.3 million dollars of emergency relief aid delivered through international relief agencies.

Indonesian Ambassador to China Sudrajat said the generosity of the Chinese people will be remembered, and will strengthen the ties between the two countries. The Indonesian side will continue to inform the Chinese side on the progress of reconstruction.

The BRR, a semi-government organization, was set up in May 2005 to use donations more effectively and strengthen cooperation with other relief organizations. It will work for four years. Now the agency has built 38,000 houses, 5 main ports, 35 bridges and 36 hospitals, clinics and health-care facilities. It is also building 335 school buildings and has distributed 1.7 million books.

Sudrajat said despite the achievements made in reconstruction, there is still much work to be done. The Indonesian side needs to improve the living conditions of people in tsunami-hit areas, provide them with opportunities for economic development and create investment opportunities for these areas.

The BRR's working plan in 2006 will further speed up house construction, strengthen infrastructure such as roads, ports and water supply, improve the working mechanism and human resources of local governments and independent organizations, recover education and healthcare facilities and create sustainable employment.

The tsunami breaking out in December 2004 in Aceh and Nias of Indonesia caused 37,000 people missing and 4.5 billion dollars of property losses.

Source: Xinhua