The Salvation Army hands over 500 new houses in Meulaboh, West Aceh

'New House, New Spirit' was the message conveyed by Commissioner Johannes Watilete, the Territorial Commander of Indonesia Territory, in his motivational speech to the tsunami-affected community, government representatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) at the hand-over ceremony of 500 houses in Meulaboh, West Aceh, on 26 December 2005.

A crowd of more than 1,500 people, including government officials and Moslem leaders from each village and sub-district, gathered on a beautiful afternoon. Major On Dieu Quang, Assistant General Secretary, and Miss Karen Ng attended on behalf of the The Salvation Army Hong Kong and Macao Command, one of the funding agencies providing assistance to those affected by the Tsunami in Aceh, together with about 200 representatives from NGOs. The occasion not only commemorated those who died in the earthquake and tsunami a year ago but also celebrated the hand-over, through the government, of 500 new houses to families in Suak Ribee and Suak Sigadeng, Meulaboh. These houses were provided using funds donated to the Salvation Army in the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

As Salvation Army flags of red, yellow and blue fluttered on the sea breeze, Moslem clerics sang from the Koran and blessed the ceremony with prayers. The Indonesian national flag flew at half mast as a poignant reminder of events twelve months earlier.

Dr. Nasruddin (Bupati), Head of the West Aceh Region, thanked The Salvation Army for delivering on its promise to build the 500 houses. He said that what had happened was wonderful and that the government would support The Salvation Army in whatever they do. He hoped The Salvation Army’s building programmes would continue beyond phases two and three.

Certificates were presented to three community members and a group representing the other 500 beneficiary families. This was followed by Commissioner Watilete and Dr. Nasaruddin signing commemorative plaques which will be displayed in the villages. Joyful and colourful traditional Acehnese dancing brought the ceremony to a fitting conclusion of thanksgiving and praise.

The Territorial Commander and government representatives were then welcomed into the new homes by those beneficiaries who lived nearby before visiting The Salvation Army's new public Health Clinic in Suak Ribee, the equipment for which was donated by the United Kingdom's Heathrow Rotary Club.

Later, Commissioners Johannes and Augustina Watilete, together with Tsunami Projects and Development Officer Major Dina Ismael, opened The Salvation Army’s new Women and Children’s Community Centre, a project office and staff living quarters. They concluded their visit by joining in a celebratory meal with the members of the local Salvation Army 'Helping Hand' team.