Indonesian military to help Aceh in reconstruction
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-23 11:30

The Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) has prepared 15 battalions of Army engineers to speed up post-tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Aceh province.

"We are preparing 15 battalions of troops, both from combat and construction engineers, to speed up reconstruction and rehabilitation process in Aceh," Antara news agency Friday quoted Army Chief of Staff Gen. Djoko Santoso as saying.

Djoko said the forces are still waiting for an instruction from the TNI headquarters on target of the operation to accelerate post- tsunami reconstruction efforts in the province.

"Of course, we will coordinate with the Aceh and Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR). The Army will prepare its troops and equipment to help the Aceh reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts," he said on Thursday.

In 2005, TNI has built a total of 57 bridges especially on roads along Sumatra's western coast which were devastated by last year's tsunami.

It has also built 273 km of semi permanent roads that connect Banda Aceh and Meulaboh districts.