Understanding Local NGO’s Effectiveness on Livelihoods Recovery Process in Post-tsunami Aceh

The earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 ruined people’s lives, especially in Aceh, Indonesia. There were massive destruction and casualties. This situation has attracted sympathy of many actors from various countries and organisations to come and help the survivors to recover. However, there is a big gap between the affected people and the external actors in linking their needs and interests. The linkage between the locals and NGOs is weak because although the locals have resources, many NGOs may not know the local context well. This research seeks to understand that the linkage or ‘bridge’ between locals and external NGOs is the most important aspect of the recovery process. Furthermore, this paper looks at how crises, to some extent, produce and reshape a local NGO who is the ‘bridge’ between the locals and the external NGOs, making the local NGO more effective. The case study of Cipta Fondasi Komunitas (CFK) involving with livelihoods recovery process is used in this research. CFK’s Pertanian and Kelompok Swadaya Masyarakat have become the focus of the research in understanding how they deal with the dynamics of various actors, including the locals, and how they develop the programmes. Using qualitative methods, this research investigates how CFK’s development is significantly influenced by their partnership with other organisations and local governments, and also participatory approach with the locals in developing and delivering their programmes.