What do Haitians need to know about the international responses to Timor and Indonesia

What should Haitians know about the international responses to the humanitarian disasters in Timor-Leste and Indonesia? What can they learn about ensuring the international responses serve their needs and wishes? What lessons can be learned from the international responses to the destruction in 1999, the tsunami in Aceh, various earthquakes and volcanic eruptions throughout Indonesia?

Post your thoughts as responses as comments.

Banda Aceh mosque remains standing after tsunami devastates Aceh in 2004. AP Photo

Sumatra Earthquate and Indonesia's International Debt

Former ETAN field organizer and former Jubilee USA staffer writes from Indonesia on the Sumatra earthquake for Jubilee's Blog the Debt.

Some excerpts:

Indonesian government officials have estimated that at least $600 million will be needed to repair basic infrastructure damaged by the earthquake. Countries around the world have pledged and sent humanitarian assistance, but it is not enough to enable Indonesia to rebuild. Meanwhile, Indonesia continues to send almost $9 billion every year to foreign governments and international financial institutions in payment on its foreign debt....

Jubilee colleagues in Indonesia, including the Koalisi Anti-Utang (KAU/Anti-Debt Coalition) are calling on the Indonesian government to reallocate the money currently slated for debt repayment to finance reconstruction and to prepare for future disasters. They are also urging the Indonesian government not to take on new loans to finance disaster response.

More Interesting Reading

From Lao Hamutuk The tenth anniversary of the 1999 referendum that ended 24 years of brutal, illegal Indonesian military occupation of Timor-Leste is an opportunity to assess where the country is now, reflecting on the past and looking to the future. La'o Hamutuk has written several background papers which assess progress over the last decade, look at the current situation, and suggest what still needs to be done.

How much money have international donors spent on and in Timor-Leste?

Justice for Timor-Leste Remains an Unfulfilled International Obligation

Timor Sea Maritime Boundary: Still not settled!

Democracy in Timor-Leste: Information is required