Indonesia thanks world for post-tsunami aid

The Jakarta Post

When the deadly tsunami devastated Aceh and Nias in 2004, the global response was unprecedented. Millions of people -- from children to senior citizens -- donated huge amounts of money and goods to tsunami victims.

Indonesia on Thursday expressed its gratitude to the international community during a special ceremony called "Indonesia Thanks the World", held at Balai Sudirman in Jakarta.

Representing the international community, the chairman of Singapore's Red Cross, Winston Choo (photo above), said rebuilding Aceh and Nias was a difficult process.

But with the help of the Indonesian Red Cross and the Aceh-Nias Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR), he said, the international community was able to channel aid to tsunami victims.

Singapore donated some S$100 million in medical aid, food supplies, housing, pier and hospital construction.

"I would like to congratulate Mr. Yudhoyono's (President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) decision to establish the BRR, which has helped donors and partners contribute in the reconstruction process," Winston said. (JP/Esther Samboh)