Oxfam GB in Indonesia In Action

Aim of the Humanitarian Programme in Indonesia

The aim of Oxfam GB’s humanitarian programme in Indonesia is to prevent loss of life and reduce the suffering of people affected by natural or human-made disasters,  in a gender sensitive, accountable and participatory manner, through the delivery of humanitarian assistance, capacity building of key stakeholders, and advocacy with the government and other primarily duty bearers playing an increased role.

Purpose of the Humanitarian Team in Indonesia

To set up an efficient disaster management system, which can demonstrate its effectiveness in emergency preparedness, direct response and capacity building.

Current Humanitarian Work in Indonesia

Oxfam GB has a presence throughout the country, with a focus on the most vulnerable areas of Eastern Indonesia.

Demand for humanitarian support in Indonesia has steadily increased since the 1980s, as a result of natural disasters and conflicts. In 2004 and 2005, the frequency and severity disasters had reached a point that led Oxfam GB to open sub-offices in Aceh, Central Kalimantan, North Sumatra, West Papua and West Timor. These offices operate on a temporary bases for the duration of specific projects.

Humanitarian Partners

Oxfam GB does not work alone in Indonesia. Communities, local Non Government Organisations (NGOs) and the government work closely with Oxfam GB to limit the damage caused by disasters.  At a community, district, provincial and national level, Oxfam GB is determined to build the capacity of key stakeholders in Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Management.

PRIME

Over the years, the accurence of disasters in Indonesia has increased at a rate that has challenged the capacity of Oxfam GB to respond. The devastation of Aceh in 2004 was a lesson that could not be ignored, and has resulted in a new strategy that will help people to live alongside disasters threatening their lives.

This strategy is PRIME - Preparedness, Responses, Influence of Policy: a Model for Emergencies, set up in 2005 with its focus on three key issues:

1. Consolidating Oxfam GB’s response capacity
2. Increasing emergency preparedness
3. Strengthening national/regional/local disaster management capacity

Objectives of PRIME

• Preparedness: Preparedness & Mitigation for chronically vulnerable communities

Activities: 

1. Providing small grants for local partner to develop preparedness activities
2. Conducting workshop on Disaster Management Preparedness & Humanitarian Response, and Non-profit Accountability & Management
3. Training Communities on how to conduct “vulnerability mapping exercise”
4. Working with other stakeholders to determine best practise mitigation strategies and providing training on the development of proposal to recieve funding for mitigation project

• Response: Provision of Relief Assistance

Activities: 

1. Assessing the humanitarian needs of the affected population
2. Providing relief assistance over a 2-3 month period
3. Designing a 6-12 month follow emergency rehabilitation intervention if necessary involving the shelter, public health, and/or food sectors

• Influence of Policy: Preparedness of Provincial Stakeholders for Rapid Response

Activities:

1. Conducting capacity assessments and capacity building for government officers in Disaster Management: minimum standards for emergency response: project cycles, gender, participatory rural appraisal techniques, logistic, database management and contigency planning
2. Assisting with the development of risk maps
3. Advocating for the development of key policies and practices at provincial and district level

Sectors

Oxfam GB’s work is conducted within the framework of the following sectors:

• Emergency Public Health Interventions
• Distribution of Non Food Items
• Emergency Food Security and livelihoods
• Shelter
• Advocacy

Response Models:

• Operational: full deployment of Oxfam GB’s Indonesia Emergency Response Team, with possible support from Oxfam GB staff across the region and from the OI humanitarian department and/or from OI affiliates
• Semi operational: deployment of some of the Emergency Response Team along with selected partners, with possible additional support from the region Humanitarian Department and OI affiliates
• Non-operational: full deployment of partners from assessment to response with the Emergency Response Team assissting with technical back-up and ensuring coprehensive monitoring & evaluation of project activities