In Indonesia, CRS works to gain trust, rebuild devastated province

Published: 2005-01-25

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (CNS) -- In Aceh province, where the predominantly Muslim population follows Shariah, or Islamic law, Catholic organizations are viewed with suspicion and must take great care in how they are perceived by local authorities. So during the recent celebration of the Muslim holy day Eid al-Adha, the staff of Catholic Relief Services in Banda Aceh presented a cow and three goats to a mosque across the street from the agency's home. The act of good will also was a measured response to show Islamic leaders in the world's most populous Muslim country that CRS was in Banda Aceh to serve survivors of the tsunami disaster and that the agency would respect the local culture and customs, said Pat Johns, CRS emergency response director. "This was the first time in 30 years with CRS that I've ever bought a cow, but if it helps us complete our job, then I think it was a good thing," Johns told Catholic News Service in mid-January. The destruction in Aceh was shocking even for veteran aid workers; many said it would take at least five to 10 years for the province to rebuild.

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