Culture and Reconstruction and Development of Aceh

Jakarta and BRR need to pay attention to cultural aspects when rebuilding Aceh. Reconstruction and development must understand local wisdom, values, character and culture.

The end of the conflict in Aceh provided a window of opportunity to improve on the blueprint and incorporate cultural considerations into the reconstruction projects.

Reconstruction of Aceh needed a new paradigm and perspectives and presently there seemed to be no vision for the way forward.

Dr Hasballah Sa'ad: Trying to restore the situation to some pre-tsunami state was not the "desired picture of Aceh, because before the tsunami Aceh was still at war. The goal of development should be to push people to be more civilized, to respect fellow human beings, to move to a more modern lifestyle, but one based on their traditional roots and their cultural values."