The Early Program: 2005-2006

Its early work started before the signing of the Helsinki MoU by producing monthly Aceh Conflict Monitoring Updates since January 2005, and providing an initial assessment of conflict conditions and opportunities for supporting the peace agreement.

Later in 2005, the team developed a comprehensive socialization program to support BRA to engage the Acehnese population and raise awareness of the Helsinki MoU and BRA’s programs supporting conflict victim and ex-combatant reintegration.  The team also conducted an assessment of the needs of former combatants.

Integrating Analytical and Operational Approaches

The Conflict and Development program in support of sustainable peace and development in Aceh integrates research and analysis with technical assistance and operational programs. This integrated approach is based on the following assumptions:

(1)     understanding conflict dynamics can aid in the design of effective programs sensitive to local contexts;

(2)     evaluating interventions aimed at promoting stability and helping vulnerable individuals and communities in post-conflict areas can generate lessons with application to Aceh, Indonesia and beyond;

(3)     interventions are only likely to contribute to sustainable post-conflict development if they are owned by local government, civil society and communities.

Research and analysis serves not only to inform policy makers, but also grounds technical assistance and operational programs supported by the World Bank.