| |
I.
Approval of Agenda and Minutes of Previous Meeting (June 29, 2005)
5. The draft Minutes of the third SC meeting dated
29 June, 2005 were approved and formally adopted. The agenda was
also formally adopted with one additional item.
6. An additional item was added upfront to the agenda.
A significant milestone was reached with the signing of the contribution
agreement between the Trustee and the Government of the Netherlands
for a pledge of US$ 100 million. Following its signing, the Dutch
Ambassador confirmed that the first tranche of $60 million from
the Netherlands would be transferred into the fund next week and
the second tranche would be deposited next year with the amount
being dependent on the liquidity prognosis of the fund at that time.
Being the largest contribution into the fund to date, this milestone
was acknowledged with acclaim.
II. Recovery Update
7. Co-chair Kuntoro provided a PowerPoint presentation
to update members not only on the amounts approved for reconstruction
projects in Aceh and Nias, as well as developments within the BRR,
itself. A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes.
8. Salient points of his presentation, with page references
to a hardcopy of the presentation, are as follows:
(i) Status of Project Approvals and Funding (Pages
11-13 inclusive) Funds pledged are US$ 6-7 billion with $4.1 billion
now approved totaling 391 projects. Of 401 projects reviewed, 209
are still being held pending because they did not meet BRR approval
criteria. Of the approved projects, $863 million, including MDTFANS
approved projects, are on-budget. With respect to off-budget, $202
billion have received unconditional approval and $1.258 billion
conditional approval. 364 projects have confirmed funding with the
sectoral breakdown being shown on Page 12. There is a shortfall
of $170 million in the funding of the approved projects (Page 13)
and Co-chair Kuntoro appealed for help from donors. He also reminded
the meeting of the larger port and roading projects, some of which
have already commenced construction. Therefore, he was hopeful of
being able to report on more physical construction next month.
(ii) Anti-corruption (Page 16) Attention was drawn to the proposed
Anti-corruption unit that is being created within the BRR. Co-chair
Kuntoro emphasized the quality of the staff being proposed for this
unit and that discussions were underway with the ex Head of Hong
Kong's Anti-Corruption Commission to head up BRR's Anti-corruption
Unit.
(iii) Upstream Processes (Page 10) Considerable work
has been undertaken on the planning and approval process and, in
addition, on fund matching and facilitation. The BRR is now focusing
on fund disbursement.
(iv) Badan Structure (Page 7) Like Bapel, each of the
Advisory and Supervisory Boards report directly to the President.
He expected that either Ernst and Young or Price Waterhouse would
be recruited as BRR external auditor, with support from the ADB.
(v) Personnel and TA Support (Pages 4 and 5) Page 4
shows the current staffing level of the BRR. Co-chair Kuntoro also
thanked donors for the provision of technical assistance personnel.
(vi) Peace Accord (Page2) Co-chair Kuntoro welcomed
positive developments in the peace negotiations with GAM and expected
a peace
accord to be signed in Helsinki on 15 August. He anticipated
that this would create an entirely new "ball game" with
BRR responsibility to be extended so that it not only focuses on
those areas affected by the earthquakes and tsunamis but also addresses
and integrates GAM-influenced areas as part of the reconstruction
program.
9. In the ensuing discussion, members concurred with
the comments on Page 17 of the presentation that progress in approving
projects needed to be matched with progress in their implementation,
and raised the following questions:
(i) What is the status/ progress with respect to the
Advisory and Supervisory Boards? Ibu Naima Hassan advised that she
is a member of the Supervisory Board and that it had met once. The
BRR was unsure of progress in respect of these boards because, although
both are components of the Badan, they are independent and responsible
for organizing themselves.
(ii) Are MDTFANS funds included in the on-budget component?
Those MDTFANS-funded projects approved to date that are on-budget
are included.
(iii) Must all MDTFANS funds be on-budget? In accordance
with the current policy of the Steering Committee, the majority
of funds should flow through the Government budget wherever effective
because the SC believes in the legitimate role of the Government
in key areas of the reconstruction and the SC can influence policy,
and play a positive role in strengthening public sector capacity
beyond the lifetime of the BRR. However, MDTFANS does have flexibility
and the SC recognizes that there are needs for an off-budget approach
as demonstrated by the proposed support project for the BRR that
will be administered by the UNDP.
(iv) Will the BRR address GAM-influenced areas after
the peace accord? The BRR confirmed that it is expecting to be asked
by the Government to extend its mandate so as to support these conflict
areas. The philosophy would be very much a bottom-up community driven
approach.
III. MDTFANS Steering Committee Policy
A. Finalization and Approval of Policy
10. The MDTFANS Manager made a presentation (copy attached)
that summarized the outcome of a meeting of the ad hoc Drafting
Committee, which was held on Tuesday 26 July at the request of Sweden
and Germany. Key revisions stemming from this meeting were:
- A logical framework approach would be used to organize
the policy and its indicators. This would be developed as the
first task of the Secretariat's Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
Officer, when appointed, and would then be presented as part of
the policy;
- The definition of a "better Aceh and Nias"
would be improved to incorporate social concerns (alleviating
poverty, improving livelihoods, and increasing equity) as well
as improving infrastructure and services;
- Three additional approaches would be added: (i)
pursuit of gender-sensitive activities, (ii) opportunities to
support the peace process, and (iii) avoid worsening regional
disparities;
- The Secretariat's new M&E Officer, when appointed,
will determine macro- indicators, baseline values, and deliverable
outputs for the expected results;
- Other bi-lateral and multi-lateral agencies would
be included as potential partner agencies subject to their policies,
procedures, and governance /fiduciary frameworks being acceptable
to both the SC and the Trustee;
- The MDTFANS Mission Statement has been revised to
include poverty alleviation;
- The MDTFANS Concept Evaluation Template should always
correlate with the policy, will include a graded scale 0-5 instead
of Yes/No, and issues such as risks, cost effectiveness, potential
for rapid implementation, and specific issues to be addressed
during appraisal will all be noted in the Additional Comments
section.
11. Subject to the approval of the SC, it is proposed
to update and circulate the Policy document for no objection in
accordance with the above. It would then be regarded as the SC's
current Policy. In future, should a member wish to revise the Policy,
the Drafting Committee would be reconvened to consider the request.
In addition, the Secretariat would review the implementation and
appropriateness of the Policy as part of its semi-annual report.
Discussion
12. While supporting the proposals, members responded as follows:
(i) Conflict Sensitive. With respect to the proposed
new approach of seeking opportunities to support the peace process,
there is a need to recognize the delicate and fragile nature of
the situation and, while supporting the approach, the SC should
be cautious and not be too eager to involve MDTFANS prematurely.
(ii) Partner Agencies. The SC should be more open to
other Partner Agencies. Co-chair Kundhavi had no problem with this
so long as their
policies, procedures, and governance /fiduciary frameworks
are acceptable to both the SC and the Trustee. However, she suggested
that the SC should concentrate on the comparative advantages and
quality of potential partner agencies. Also, if it is opened up
too much, the system may become too cumbersome.
(iii) Paid-in Capital, Implementation, and Possible
Prioritization of Approved Projects. If the required amount for
approved projects is more than the amount in the fund account then
how are projects prioritized? Members suggested that there should
be rank ordering of projects subject to availability of funds. Also,
a standard monitoring format should be developed for all approved
projects with outputs being defined that are clear and mandatory.
Members also suggested that if a project was forced to stop due
to lack of funds then the responsibility would probably lie with
the SC rather than the World Bank (IDA) as Trustee, because it is
the SC and not the Trustee that decides on the allocation of funds.
As a consequence members wondered whether the SC endorsement should
include conditionality with respect to funds availability. The MDTFANS
Manager and other WB staff responded that they did not consider
any perceived funding gap to be a problem. The projects already
approved are well within the envelope of pledges made, even though
they may not be within the amount of actual contributions received.
The four approved projects for which IDA is Partner Agency are longer
term projects with annual disbursement profiles that are tracked.
The Secretariat now has a clearer picture of expected paid-in funds
for the remainder of this year, and, as a result, has been able
to undertake forward planning. The commitments for this year will
not exceed the amounts that are, or will be, contributed into the
fund. Also, WB has wide trust fund experience and, having faced
this problem before, has included carefully crafted language in
the Grant Agreements stating that while the first year's commitments
are covered, projects are approved subject to funds availability.
One member commented that it felt uncomfortable with such an approach
because donors can be fickle when it comes to pledges and the situation
cannot be controlled. Others commented that it is a question of
trust. Co-chair Nadim advised that in the case of the EC, the pledge
made is considered to be a legally binding decision and, in addition
to contributions paid in this year, the EC would expect to make
substantial payments by the first quarter of 2006.
(iv) Fiduciary Control. In order to safeguard funds,
members inquired if mechanisms are in place to track funds expenditure
and whether any assessment of fiduciary risk will be carried out
once funds start to flow. The MDTFANS Manager pointed out that the
SC delegates monitoring and supervision of projects to Partner Agencies.
Anti-corruption action plans are required as part of the appraisal
package. In addition, it is proposed to provide tracking on the
e-Aceh website.
(v) Standing Committee. Members that attended the
Drafting Committee meeting on Tuesday 26 July felt it was a useful
meeting. With the changes proposed by MDTFANS Manager today, the Policy
will be acceptable for now, but it will be flexible and dynamic document
that is likely to need amendment as the environment in Aceh and Nias
changes. Therefore, it was suggested that a Standing Committee be
set up. The consensus view was that the Drafting Committee should
not be formalized, but rather meet on an ad hoc basis if requested
by either a member or the Secretariat. B.
Reserve Amount
13. The MDTFANS Manager drew attention to a brief paper
provided by the Secretariat in member's hardcopy binders. This provides
information on (i) amounts pledged, and amounts of pledges both
committed and uncommitted, and (ii) cash forecast of expected paid
in contributions and expected disbursements up to 31 December 2006.
Based on this, the Secretariat recommends that the amount to be
held in reserve be based on the amounts pledged rather than cash
held by MDTFANS. Setting aside paid in contributions for future
operations may put unsustainable liquidity pressures on the fund.
The MDTFANS Manager suggested that there is no automatic answer
or clear number with respect to the amount that should be kept in
reserve. Based on standard experience with respect to contingencies,
he proposed that 10 percent of the pledged amount be held in reserve.
At the request of members Co-chair Kuntoro, on behalf of the BRR,
confirmed that a reserve was needed, not only for earthquake/ tsunami
reconstruction, but, with the positive outlook in respect of the
peace accord, to support activities in the GAM-influenced areas
of Aceh. All members accepted the rationale for holding some funds
in reserve. Co-chair Kundhavi and some other members suggested that
the reserve be smaller than 10 percent so that the fund can be seen
to be performing earlier on. However, based on consensus, it was
agreed to keep a reserve amount of 10 percent of the amount pledged
but, similar to the SC Policy, it can be reassessed at a later date.
IV. Grant Requests
A. Status of concepts received from BRR
14. The MDTFANS Manager also drew members' attention
to documentation contained within the binders that include current
status of all concept proposals submitted by BRR, and copies of
concept proposals and Secretariat evaluations both for those to
be considered today, and those that are pending or rejected.
B. Tsunami Recovery Waste Management Program
(TRWMP)
15. Staff from the UNDP, as the proponent and Partner Agency, presented
the concept. The objective is to build capacity in local government
for waste management, create both interim employment and longer-term
livelihoods in management of the waste generated by the disasters
while benefiting the environment through the collection, recovery
and recycling of waste materials for use in rehabilitation and reconstruction.
16. The concept builds on existing cash for
work pilot activities and will draw lessons from these. While in
accordance with SC Policy, the Secretariat suggested that the proposal
be on-budget, it has been proposed as an off-budget proposal. Tenders
have gone out for the hire of equipment and the activity would lose
momentum if it is delayed. In response to member's questions UNDP
staff confirmed that capacity building is provided particularly
in respect of recycling, and special activities would be provided
for women. Up until now workers have been sharing any revenues generated
from the recovered/ recycled waste. With an up-scaling of the project,
UNDP would examine other alternatives for use of generated revenues
such as small businesses or a small grants program. Members suggested
that such revenues should be used for future livelihood programs.
Co-chair Nadim considered the project to be indispensable and asked
how long appraisal would take, and if the resources were available,
bearing in mind the problems associated with a similar emergency
project in Maluku. He also suggested that, during appraisal, the
UNDP should examine trying to tap into some NGO funds for potential
co-financing. UNDP staff confirmed that UNDP, as Partner Agency,
would be responsible for appraisal. Members pointed out the need
for the appropriate environmental impact assessment during appraisal
to address (i) the potential risks to people from hazardous wastes,
and (ii) land acquisition associated with landfill sites. One of
the Civil Society representatives mentioned that there is currently
a dispute in respect of one of the proposed landfill sites involving
about 6-7 hectares. Co-chair Kuntoro advised that BRR supported
the proposal as being off the government's budget because it is
needed urgently.
SC Endorsement No. 06/05
The SC endorsed the concept proposal to utilize $15.2
million off the government's budget for the Tsunami Recovery Waste
Management Program with UNDP as the designated Partner Agency Agency,
subject to satisfactory appraisal.
C. Livelihood Land Use Rehabilitation Program
17. Staff from Conservation International Indonesia
presented the concept on behalf of the Sustain Sumatra Alliance.
Attention was drawn to the fact that one of the smaller partners,
Greenomics, had withdrawn from the Alliance. The objective is to
restore and improve targeted communities using a community-driven
approach. The project would also help resettle several thousand
internally displaced persons (IDPs) who moved to the targeted locations
in the Gayo Highlands. The project would be designed to sustain
and enhance the livelihoods of upland farmers through environmentally
beneficial planning such as using land bordering a national park
for agroforestry
(coffee) thereby preventing encroachment onto the Park.
An MOU has already been signed with Starbucks Coffee Company. Two
rural learning extension centers would also be established to train
the IDPs. World Bank staff confirmed that IDA was prepared to be
Partner Agency for the proposed project. They also affirmed the
good reputation of the Alliance and its experience in Indonesia
over many years. The way the Alliance has structured the project
is such that it would be off the government's budget.
18. Members were unsure whether USAID would be funding
the project or not. The Alliance confirmed that USAID did not have
the funds available just now so it was seeking MDTFANS support instead.
Several members, including Co-chair Kuntoro, generally liked the
concept and the fact that it was located in the highlands. However,
there were several concerns. Members wondered whether the scale
of the project (10,000 hectares) might be too ambitious and consideration
should be given to scaling it down. Also, due to the uncertain number
of affected IDPs, the impact on them remains unsure. Finally, although
members had no objection to what appears to be a good concept located
in the highlands, they questioned whether it was a priority project
at this time bearing in mind there are also really needy IDPs in
other affected locations. In the light of the above, the SC decided
not to endorse the proposal now but asked the Alliance to refine
the concept based on the various suggestions/ comments made and
resubmit it later in the year for consideration as a possible MDTFANS-funded
project in 2006.
D. Support to Strengthen the Role and Capacity of
Civil Society Organizations in the Recovery of Aceh
19. The MDTFANS Manager mentioned the evolution of
this project. Initially it was envisaged as a stand alone small
grant facility. However, the concept now focuses on Civil Society
Organizations (CSOs). In the light of a number of questioned raised
during evaluation, the Secretariat tabled the concept for consideration
by the SC with the suggestion that endorsement be conditional upon
these issues being addressed during appraisal.
20. Staff from the UNDP, as the proponent and Partner Agency, presented
the concept. The proposed program would provide technical assistance,
capacity building and small grant assistance to civil society to
(i) help CSOs engage in monitoring recovery assistance, (ii) build
the capacity of CSOs and their networks, (iii) support pro-poor
advocacy, civic education, and democracy building, and (iv) provide
demand-driven small grant programs that respond to community needs.
While the Secretariat proposed that the concept be on the government's
budget in accordance with SC policy, the concept envisaged that
funding would be off-budget. UNDP staff pointed out that CSOs had
operated for many years but their focus tended to be more on human
rights rather than livelihood development. While the CSOs mobilized
to assist in relief efforts, they had suffered badly themselves
in terms of loss of personnel. However, their role was considered
indispensable. The UNDP assessed that CSOs were currently weak in
organization, lacked technical skills, needed to build networks,
and had only partial knowledge of civil rights. The
concept proposed to address these challenges through the four components
listed above. A multi-stakeholder committee would be established
with a Secretariat located with the BRR. While prime attention would
be on disaster areas, the nature of the project is that it would
cover all areas. UNDP staff advised that they were also proposing
to revise the concept so that it would support both CSOs and local
government.
21. The observer representing international NGOs recommended that
the SC support the concept because local CSOs are an integral part
of the rehabilitation and reconstruction effort. Indeed, the activities
of international NGOs depended greatly on support from local NGOs
and CSOs. When the international community departs he would like
to see them leave behind a strong civil society.
22. Members generally supported the approach of the
Secretariat that any endorsement of the proposal should be conditional.
While most supported the focus being on CSOs, they were more cautious
in respect of supporting local governments because they felt there
may be a number of other initiatives focused directly on local government.
There was concern also about the logic of the concept with a series
of components. For example, what is the connection between components
such as CSO support/ capacity building and the small grants facility?
Members also raised questions as to what civil society in Aceh and
Nias actually looks like. How much capacity can civil society absorb?
Also, from the perspective of the SC, they wondered about potential
overlapping and felt that mapping should be carried out before the
SC considered concepts of this kind. The member representing the
ADB also expressed concern about possible overlap and drew attention
to its component under ADB's Earthquake and Emergency Support Program
for enhancing the capacity and capabilities of local NGOs in the
areas of finance/ accounting and internal controls. If the UNDP
has carried out an assessment of CSOs, then members asked if it
could be shared with donors. The SC decided that the UNDP should
consider all the comments/ suggestions made about the concept and
then resubmit it to the Secretariat. Rather than wait for further
consideration at the next SC meeting, it was agreed that the Secretariat
should circulate the revised concept electronically for virtual
review on a no objection basis.
E. Hospital Preparedness for Emergencies (HOPE)
19. The MDTFANS Manager advised that the proponent,
the Center for International Disaster and Emergency Studies, Bloomberg
School of Public Health, John Hopkins University was unable to be
present, although a representative from the proposed Partner Agency,
WHO, was present. The primary objective of the concept is to increase
disaster preparedness and response capability of hospitals and communities
in Aceh to reduce loss of life, human suffering and material loss
as a result of future disasters. He advised that, as indicated in
the stocktaking report, the health sector is currently over subscribed
and, as a result, is not a priority sector in terms of the SC Policy.
However, intrinsically, it is a good proposal, so the Secretariat
decided to put it on the table for consideration and, if need be,
to reclassify it as a community development or environmental project
since it relates to community-based disaster mitigation.
20. Members felt that while support in disaster mitigation
is needed, the project does not fit with SC policy and priorities.
It was pointed out that there are funds available outside of MDTFANS.
As an example, the Red Cross/ Red Crescent has substantial funds
and this concept would match its objectives. While accepting the
worth of this concept, members decided not to endorse it.
V. MDTFANS LOGO COMPETITION 21.
Due to the lateness of the hour, rather than make a formal presentation,
the MDTFANS Manager drew members' attention to the information provided
in the binder concerning a competition among high school students
in Aceh to design a logo for the MDTFANS. Co-chair Kuntoro has agreed
to serve on the judging panel. Advertising material was distributed
to those who were interested.
VI. MDTFANS STATUS
22. Members' attention was drawn to information contained
within their binders concerning current pledges and membership,
and paid-in contributions and liquidity of MDTFANS.
VII. NEXT MEETING
23. It was agreed that future meetings would commence
earlier in the day. The next meeting was provisionally set down
for 25 August to be held in Banda Aceh. In association with that
meeting, prizes for selected winners of the logo competition would
be presented.
24. The meeting closed at approximately 8pm.
back to top |
|