A MODEL OF DISASTER DIPLOMACY:

A CASE STUDY OF SINGAPORE COOPERATION PROGRAM

IN THE POST TSUNAMI ACEH (2008-2012)

By

NUR AFRAH

ID No. 016200900027

A thesis presented to the

Faculty of Business Administration and International Relations

President University

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

Bachelor Degree in International Relations Major in Diplomacy Studies

January, 2013

THESIS ADVISER

RECOMMENDATION LETTER

This thesis entitled “A Model of Disaster Diplomacy: A Case Study of Singapore

Cooperation Program in the Post Tsunami Aceh (2008-2012)” prepared and

submitted by Nur Afrah in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree

of Bachelor Degree in International Relations Faculty of Business

Administration and International Relations, has been reviewed and found to

have satisfied the requirements for a thesis fit to be examined. I therefore

recommend this thesis for Oral Defense.

Cikarang, January 25th2013

Recommended by,

Dr. Muhammad A.S Hikam, M.A

Thesis Adviser

PANEL OF EXAMINER

APPROVAL SHEET

The Panel of Examiners declare that the thesis entitled “A Model of Disaster

Diplomacy: A Case Study of Singapore Cooperation program in the Post

Tsunami Aceh(2008-2012)”that was submitted by Nur Afrah majoring in

International Relations from the Faculty of Business Administration and

International Relations was assessed and approved to have passed the Oral

Examinations on ------2012.

Prof. AnakAgung Banyu Perwita, Ph.D

Chair-Panel of Examiners

Teuku Reyzasyach, Ph.D

Examiner

Dr. Muhammad A.S. Hikam, M.A

Examiner

DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY

I declare that this thesis, entitled “A Model of Disaster Diplomacy: A Case

Study of Singapore Cooperation Program in the Post Tsunami Aceh (2008-2012)”

is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, an original piece of work that has not

been submitted, either in whole or in part, to another university to obtain a

degree.

Cikarang, January 2013

Nur Afrah

ABSTRACT

Disaster diplomacy has become a significant issue when a country is trapped in a

conflict and big disaster condition. An international partnership between some

countries will be able to prevent the conflict itself as well as overcome the disaster

effect. This partnership aims to improve the welfare of the people or even just to

strengthen a relation between the countries. By forming a partnership, it is expected

to uphold international peace and promotes the interests of the people of each country.

Disaster diplomacy is a cooperation that formed by some countries that had faced

disaster, such as Tsunami happened in Aceh, 2004. The Tsunami that hit Indonesia,

Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Kenya and Somalia on 26th December 2004

had shown that natural disaster created challenges and opportunities of political and

diplomatic diplomacy disaster relief (called as tsunami diplomacy).

The role of cooperation is expected to assist the local government or a state

realizing the welfare for its people. The cooperation that based on the background of

Tsunami is aimed to re stabilize Aceh government to be better, instead of to refresh

about some knowledges about world issues that happened on government apparatus.

It is obviously very important; given the quality of which is owned by local

government officials is less compared was minimum compared with central

government. The roles of cooperation and assistance also have great impact to the

structure of local government which is ready to be placed in international position.

This method uses was a qualitative analysis of interviews and primary data analysis

directly from the local government and its secondary data from the books. In this

study, the Singapore Cooperation Programme is one of the variables used as a case

study and main focus in achieving a good governance after the Tsunami in 2004.

Keywords: Disaster Diplomacy, Background Cooperation, Government of Aceh.

ABSTRAK

Isu Disaster Diplomacy menjadi isu yang bergerak penting ketika sebuah Negara terjebak

konflik dalam suasana bencana yang dahsyat. Melalui sebuah kerjasama yang dilakukan

antar Negara di dunia internasional, tentu akan dapat mencegah konflik itu sendiri serta

membantu daribencana yang telah terjadi. Kerjasama ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan

kesejahteraan rakyat atau bahkan hanya untuk menguatkan jalinan kerjasama antara Negara

semata. Dengan membentuk kerjasama diharapkan menjunjung tinggi nilai kedamaian di

dunia internasional dan mengedepankan kepentingan rakyatdari masing masing negara.

Disaster diplomacy merupakan sebuah cara kerjasama yang dilakukan Negara yang

menghadapi bencana, seperti yang terjadi di Aceh Tsunami pada tahun 2004.Baru-baru ini,

tsunami yang melanda Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India,Maladewa, Kenya dan Somalia

pada tanggal 26 Desember 2004 telah menunjukkan bahwabencana alam menciptakan

tantangan politik dan diplomatik serta peluangdiplomasi bantuan bencana (disebut tsunami

diplomasi).

Peran kerjasama ini diharapkan dapat membantu Pemerintah Daerah atau sebuah Negara

dalam mewujudkan kesejahteraan bagi rakyat. Kerjasama yang didasarkan atas latar

belakang tsunami ini selain untuk menstabilkan kembali pemerintahan Aceh menjadi lebih

baik juga untuk melatih kembali wawasan tentang isu isu dunia yang terjadi terhadap

aparatur pemerintah. Hal ini jelas sangat penting, mengingat kualitas yang dimiliki oleh

aparatur pemerintah daerahsangat minim dibandingkan dengan pemerintah pusat.Perandan

bantuan kerjasama ini jugasangat berdampak kedalam tatanan pemerintah daerah yang siap

bersanding di dunia internasional.

Metode yang digunakan adalah analisis kualitatif melalui interview dan alisis data primer

langsung dari kantor pemerintah daerah beserta data sekunder dari buku. Pada penelitian ini,

Singapore Cooperation Program adalah salah satu variabel yang digunakan sebagai sampel

yang akan menjadi study case dan focus utama dalam mewujudkan tata kelola pemerintah

Aceh yang baik setelah Tsunami 2004 silam.

Kata Kunci: Disaster Diplomacy, Latar belakang Kerjasama, Pemerintah Aceh.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Alhamdulillahirabbil’alamin, all praise be to Allah SWT for all blessing and

guidance that I already finished my thesis. First and foremost that I would like to

show my gratitude to Allah SWT for answering my pray as always and giving me the

strength until now to finished this thesis.

The second,this thesis will no possible without my family, special for my mother

Darmawati, M.Pd and my father Ansari, S.Pd, my sister Nur Rossalia, Nur Nidalian,

Musfiratul Rizki and last my brother M. DA. Haikal Firdaus. I would like to thank

themfor supporting me spiritually throughout my life.

The third, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Dr. Muhammd

A.S. Hikam, M.A, for his patience, enthusiasm, and immense knowledge. His

guidance helped me in all the time of thesis and writing of this thesis.

Fourthly, I would like to thanksto Prof. Anak Agung Banyu Perwita as Head of

International Relations study. I have furthermore to thank Mr. Sigit Andhi Rahman

for the inspiration and advices.

Special thanks go to Mr. Azwari SE, M.Si, Mr. Amir Hasan SE, Ak, Mr. Dr. Ir.

Zulkifli, M,Si and Ibu Dahniar SH, MH for the willingness to be interviewed and

share the knowledge. And for all staff in Economic Bureau of Management

Cooperation Division in Aceh Governor Office for all help in thesis data collection

and support for me.

I also would like to thanks all the friends Diah Mustika Rahayu, Stephanie

Marcellyna, EuisPermatasari, Bustanul Arifin, Bayu Dharmawan Wicaksono,

Prakasita Nindyaswari, and Putri Dwinatalis Baeha for the support, help and care

until this thesis done. Special thanks for Ms. Yuniarini for help me to correct the

thesis.

Last but not least, my beloved Farid Wajdi for the support, love, care through my life,

thank you so much for all that you did to me.

Writer

Nur Afrah

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THESIS ADVISOR RECOMMENDATION LETTER i

PANEL OF EXAMINER APPROVAL SHEET ii

DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY iii

ABSTRACT iv

ABSTRAK v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT vi

TABLE OF CONTENT vii

LIST OF TABLES viii

GLOSSARY x

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1

1.1. Background of Study 1

1.2. Problem Identification 3

1.3. Statement of the Problem 4

1.4. Objectives 5

1.5. Significance of the Study 5

1.6. Theoretical Framework 6

1.7. Scope and Limitation of the Study 8

1.8. Definition of Terms 8

1.9. Structure of the Thesis 10

CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW 11

2.1. Cooperation in International Relations 11

2.1.1. The Neo Liberal Perspective in IRs 13

2.2. Disaster diplomacy as a Focus of Study 15

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY 19

3.1. Methodology 19

3.1.1. Qualitative Approach 19

3.2. Time Frame 20

3.2.1.Case Study 21

3.3. Data Collection 22

3.3.1. Interview 22

3.3.2. Document Analysis 25

3.4. Thesis Setting 26

3.5. Data Analysis 27

3.5.1.The Process of Qualitative Data Analysis 27

3.5.2. Interpretation 28

CHAPTER IV SCP PROGRAM IN THE POST TSUNAMI ACEH 29

4.1. Background of the Aceh Government 29

4.1.1. Management Cooperation of Economic Bureau 30

4.1.2. Vision and Mission 32

4.2. Intergovernmental Cooperation 35

4.3.1. Principle of the Cooperation 39

4.3. The Process of the Disaster Diplomacy 40

4.4. Singapore Cooperation Program 37

4.4.1. Singapore Cooperation in Aceh 39

4.4.1.1. SCP 2010 41

4.4.1.2. SCP 2012 43

4.5. Contribution of the Cooperation to Aceh Government 49

CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 54

5.1. Conclusion 54

5.2. Recommendation 56

BIBLIOGRAPHY 57

APPENDICES 60

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1. Conceptual Framework 6

Table 2.1. The List of Source Person Information 24

Table 2.1. The Process of the Disaster Diplomacy 4

GLOSSARY

APBA : Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja Aceh

ADBASEAN : Association of Southeast Asia Nations

BUMD : Badan Usaha Milik Daerah

CSC : Civil Service Collage

DPRA : Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Aceh

DPRD : Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah

EU : European Union

IR : International Relations

IMT-GT : Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand

MOA : Memorandum of Agreement

MOU : Memorandum of Understanding

MDG : Millenium Development Goals

Mendagri : Menteri DalamNegeri

NGO : Non Governmental Organization

NKRI : Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia

NATAS : National Association of Travel Agents Singapore

NCI : National Continuing & Training Institute

Pemkab : PemerintahKabupaten

Perda : Peraturan Daerah

Pemda : Pemerintah Daerah

Setda Aceh : Sekretariat Daerah Aceh

SCP : Singapore Cooperation Program

STB : Singapore Tourism Board

TS : Telahaan Staff

TMIS : Tourism Management Institute of Singapore

UN : United Nations

UUPA : UndangUndang Partai Aceh

UUPA : Undang Undang Pemerintah Aceh

UU : Undang Undang

UNWTO : United Nations World Tourism Organization

WSQ : Workforce Skills Qualification

WDA : Workforce Development Agency

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the Study

Indonesia is one of the developing countries that require a lot of things that

have to be explored such as the economic, cultural and education. The nations of

developing countries usually refers to those countries that not yet developed like

those advanced countries in terms of economic, political, social including education.

Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, stated that the

developing countries are "countries that allow all citizens to enjoy a free life, healthy

and safe environment”.1

Basically, all of countries should concern with the increment of the prosperity

of their people, such as proper life, education, and security. As a developing country,

Indonesia has a great potential and there is possibility to compete within international

arena. Richness of natural resources becomes the strength for Indonesia to be more

active in international arena. However if those natural resources were not managed

well, it might not be the strength for Indonesia. Another important instrument to

transform these weaknesses into strength is to have skilled and educated human

resources. One of the most important factors yielded to shape better human resources

is education. A country will not become a good country if the society itself has no

good quality. Here, the main actor is young generation who brings bright future for

1

Retrieved on June 12 2012 from http://www.anneahira.com/negara-maju-dan-negara-

berkembang.htm

the country. By having highly educated people, the country will have better

development. This point shows how human resources are very meaningful as the

potential country to increase its people prosperity in the area of good governance.

Therefore, international cooperation has an important role for a country.

International cooperation becomes a way for a country which aims to obtain mutual

benefits. These mutual benefits are supported by the country that has good local

potential and interest. Aceh is a province which has many potential and interesting

sectors, i.e. culture, and tourism. On other side, law also becomes a direction for

country to control the society itself. One of the laws that exist in Aceh Government is

about cooperation with foreign agency, based on Chapter 9 Article 1. Consequently,

President issued the regulation No.11 2010 about the Aceh Government’s

Cooperation with Foreign Agencies.2 This constitution becomes both the power and

chance for Aceh Government to conduct the cooperation with other countries.

Aceh is a province in west Indonesia that has been destroyed by Tsunami in

2004. More than 200.000 Acehnese were dead and more than half of its infrastructure

collapsed. After Tsunami disaster, Acehnese tried to arise from adversity and return

to their life and arrange the new governance. Many people, countries, volunteers

from everywhere came to give support and help assistance. On the basis to re-create

good local government, mutual benefits, similar purpose and characteristic, Aceh

Government received a cooperation offered by Singapore in 2008. The cooperation

2UUPA (Undang Undang Pemerintah Aceh) Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 11 Tahun

2006 Pemerintahan Aceh. Retrieved from Kementerian Dalam Negeri: UndangUndang Pemerintah

Aceh

between Aceh Government and Singapore named Singapore Cooperation Program

(SCP) was conducted from 2008 until 2012 in Singapore and has been bounded by

the MOA (Memorandum of Agreement).3 It was also supported also by the Minister

of Home Affairs in term of licensing of the SCP participants. The purpose is to

increase the building capacity for official government. Generally, this program (SCP)

is about training and sending Aceh Government officials for every district in Aceh to

Singapore.

1.2. Problem Identification

As a developing country, Indonesia needs to maintain relations with other

countries which could help in forming good governance. One of the ways is through

Singapore Cooperation Program with purpose to develop human resources in Aceh.

In this case, the way to create good governance for Indonesia is by pursuing

cooperation between local region (Aceh Government) and Singapore in educational

sector. This cooperation has a positive value such as sharing sytem cost.4 This

program, from Singapore government, guarantees all of participant’s living cost and

training during the SCP (Singapore Cooperation Program), but the transportation

budget for Aceh Official Government to Singapore; will be funded by Aceh

Government.5

This thesis will concentrate more on the reasons and benefits of Aceh

Government when doing the cooperation. This thesis will also focus on what Aceh

3The information was gathered through interview with, Mr. Azwari, SE, Msi on 08th March 2012 at

11.00 A.M 4Ibid

5 Ibid

Government has got from the cooperation. In general, this thesis is intended to

examine whether there are any positive benefits from Singapore Cooperation

Program to Aceh Government or not. The reason why this thesis concentrates on

Aceh Government and the SCP (Singapore Cooperation Program) itself is because

many people do not aware of this issue and expects that through this thesis many

people will be aware and they will know more about this cooperation.

1.3. Statement of the Problem

The statement of the problem of this thesis is: What are the reasons and what

are the benefits for Aceh Government in cooperating with Singapore from 2008 -

2012?

The period of the thesis will be focused on 2008-2012 during Irwandi

administration. The reason of the question above emphasizes on mutual benefits from

SCP (Singapore Cooperation Program) is because Singapore Cooperation Program

(SCP) is the main element that must be accentuated in this thesis.

1.4. Objectives

The main objectives of this thesis are:

a. To examine the benefits of Singapore Cooperation Program for the Aceh

Government.

b. To explore what Aceh government has been endeavored in order to increase

prosperity for Acehnese.

1.5. Significance of the Study

The significance of the study can be stated as follows:

a. It will help the Acehnese to get knowledge about Singapore Cooperation

Program.

b. To highlight the cooperation effort of Aceh government. Many people do

not completely understand about the cooperation; whether in local

cooperation or in international area. This thesis will explain about the

cooperation itself, so the reader will understand more about this thesis.

c. To examine more detail on mutual benefits that received by Aceh

Government from 2008-2012 focused on urban planning management and

tourism management. This thesis will present more detail on how this

cooperation going on.

d. It will present the relation between the neo liberal cooperation issue which

will be analyzed in the term of benefits. It will give new knowledge in

international relations that there is a thing such “disaster diplomacy”.

Besides that, disaster diplomacy also exists in order to strengthen the

relationship among nations.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1.6. Theoretical Framework

DISASTER DIPLOMACY

1.1. Theoretical Framework

From the above picture, it can understand that basically the thesis will use neo

liberal as international relations theory that could support the arguments and will

analyze about cooperation between Aceh Government and Singapore. International

relations referred to international studies that have relationship between countries

including the role of states and refer to international diplomacy. International treaties

are usually negotiated by diplomats to gain strategic advantage between countries. In

diplomacy case, there is a thing called disaster diplomacy. This diplomacy based on

the country disaster that could bring the country to the diplomacy in doing

cooperation. Disaster diplomacy is concerned with the extent to which disaster

Aceh Government

NN

Singapore

NN Neo Liberal

( (Absolute Gain)

related activities prevention, mitigation, response and recovery induce cooperation

between parties, internationally or nationally.6 Tsunami disaster becomes a reason for

Aceh Government to upon accepting the cooperation from Singapore.

The cooperation explained in this thesis involving two countries, Indonesia

which is represented by Aceh and Singapore which is being called as bilateral

relations. Bilateral relations that conducted by both countries were based on mutual

agreement in order to achieve a common goal. The goal is always about mutual

benefit those countries will get.

Furthermore, in international relations, there is an approach called the neo

liberal. This kind of “neo” (neo liberal) started in the first Cold War, especially

focused on regional integrities that aim to decrease conflicts in between countries.

The renowned figures of neo liberalism are among others, Keohane and Joseph Nye.7

They are inspired, where conflict between states would be reduced by creating a

common interest in trade and economic cooperation which have collaboration among

members of the same geographical region.8

This thesis is about international cooperation that becomes main point that

really shows in distinction of neo liberal theory. This is related to the capabilities of

the countries while conducting the cooperation. The power of capabilities possessed

by each country is different, so there may be a condition of cooperation that really

6

Kelman Ilan Dr,” Disaster Diplomacy in Aceh”, National Center for Atmospheric Research,

Université Joseph Fourier – Grenoble, retrieved on October 06th 2012 from

http://www.odihpn.org/humanitarian-exchange-magazine/issue-37/disaster-diplomacy-in-aceh 7Burchill Scott and others, “Liberalism”Theories in International Relations third edition”, chapter 3

liberalism”.Palgrave Macmillan p:64. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. 8Ibid

beneficial for both parties. The first obvious benefit will be gained by the more

powerful country. This is known as relative gains that come from neo realism. This

opinion of neo realism denied by neoliberal who argues that cooperation can create a

benefit condition by both of the countries who are doing cooperation. Neo liberal

argued that this cooperation will exactly beneficial for countries that called as

absolute gain. In this case, this thesis will analyze the mutual benefit of Aceh

Government as a part of Indonesia that forces cooperation with Singapore in order to

have good governance in the post tsunami Aceh. This thesis will also answer which

kind of relative or absolute gain that Aceh Government really used indirectly from

this cooperation.

1.7. Scope and Limitation of the Study

The scope and limitation regarding the problems and the purposes of this

thesis as following:

a. This thesis will mainly focus on cooperation between Indonesia and

Singapore with study case on SCP (Singapore Cooperation Program) in

Aceh to develop Aceh in the area of good governance. The SCP (Singapore

Cooperation Program) used time period of 2008 - 2012 regarding of the

Irwandi administration.

b. The main participant in this observation is the Aceh Government, where the

mutual benefits of this cooperation will become the main components of the

thesis.

1.8. Definition of Terms

There are four (4) basic keywords that will be frequently used, namely:

a. Government, in this regard is Aceh Government. According to C.P Strong

(1960:6) government is in the broader sense, is charged with the maintenance

of the peace and security of state within and without. It must, therefore have

first military power or the control of armed forces, secondly legislative power,

or the mean of making laws, thirdly financial power, or the ability to extract

sufficient money from the community to defray the cost of defending of state

and of enforcing the law it makes on the state behalf.9

b. SCP (Singapore Cooperation Program) is the cooperation program between

Indonesia (Aceh Government) and Singapore in education sector with the aim

to increase capacity building of government officials after tsunami disaster.

c. Cooperation, in this case is intergovernmental cooperation because the

cooperation conducted by Aceh Government. Based on government

regulation about implementing of local cooperation Chapter 1 General

Stipulation, Article 1 No 2 that local cooperation itself is the agreement

between Aceh Governor and head of district or city, or other governor or even

the third party. The third party is Department/Governmental

Organization/Non Governmental Organization and foreign agency. 10

9SuradinataErmaya (2008): Membangun Daerah Menuju Indonesia Bangkit,p:10. Jakarta: Kompas

Gramedia. 10

Definition of Government retrieved on Himpunan Pedoman Penyelenggaraan Kerjasama Daerah,

Direktorat Jenderal Pemerintahan Umum Departemen Dalam Negeri, Banda Aceh p:2

d. International Cooperation is the cooperation occurred between a country to

other countries, countries to countries and country to country. This

cooperation can occur in any form that has the same purpose and benefits.

e. Disaster Diplomacy is concerned with the extent to which disaster related

activities prevention, mitigation, response and recovery induce cooperation

between parties, internationally or nationally.11

1.9. Structure of the Thesis

This thesis will be divided into five chapters. The first chapter is the

introduction. This chapter introduces the beginning story of the topic. It includes the

background of study, problem identification, statement of the problem, objectives,

significance of the study, theoretical framework, scope and limitation of the study,

definition of terms and the last is structure of the thesis.

Chapter two will explain in details on background or theoretical grounding

such as cooperation in International Relations and the neoliberal perspective on

international cooperation in international relations, an absolute gain, even other

theories that is related to this thesis such as disaster diplomacy.

Chapter three will have detailed focus on method, including the period of this

study. Includes qualitative approach; the procedures and tools used to collect data

and analyze the data.

11

Kelman Ilan Dr,” Disaster Diplomacy in Aceh”, National Center for Atmospheric Research,

Université Joseph Fourier – Grenoble, retrieved on October 06th 2012 from

http://www.odihpn.org/humanitarian-exchange-magazine/issue-37/disaster-diplomacy-in-aceh

Chapter four will be the core of this thesis. It will elucidate the complete main

thesis, the history of Singapore Cooperation Program and full analysis data that

gathered. It will combine between the participants (Aceh Government and Singapore)

of the cooperation and the main of the program. Chapter five will be the last chapter

that contains of the conclusion and recommendation.

CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Cooperation in International Relations

Interdependence among nations has become one of the most important

reasons in establishing cooperation among the states. Cooperation is necessary for a

country as a way to establish cooperations within the international arena. Moreover,

it is a known fact that a country cannot stand on its own without the help and

cooperation from other countries. These help and cooperation are used as a way to

solve problems of economic, politic, legal, socio-culture, defense, education and

security within the country. This type of cooperation is called international

cooperation.12

To support the successful cooperation among nations, the state is

required to have a good relationship and communication. Therefore, communication

is important in international cooperation because it will determine productive

cooperation in attaining national interests of each country. In international relations,

cooperation occurs due to interests of the country with the aim of putting forward the

interests of the people as well as to prevent the occurrence of conflicts.13

As an

example is the existing of world organizations that involve many countries to

cooperate in any field, namely the United Nations with the purpose of creating peace

and security, as well as the prevention of conflicts and wars in the world.

12

Retrieved on June 12 2012 from http://www.anneahira.com/negara-maju-dan-negara-

berkembang.htm 13 Burchill Scott and others, “Liberalism” Theories in International Relations third edition”, chapter 3

liberalism”.Palgrave Macmillan p:64. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

In international relations there have been theories that explain how the

cooperation held by Aceh Government and Singapore brought out various scholars’

opinion and speculations. In this thesis will explain how theories of international

relations could be related to each other in order to answer the statement of the

problem. Neo liberal is the theory in international relations that has strong relation

with the cooperation issue in Aceh.

In this regards, cooperation which is based on non profit orientation is called

by neo liberal theory as absolute gain. Below are detailed explanations of neo liberal

which would give better understanding toward the cooperation that held by Aceh

Government in Singapore Cooperation Program.

2.1.1. The Neo Liberal Perspective on International Cooperation

The neo liberal was introduced by Keohane and Nye after World War II. Neo

liberal is a response to neo realism; while not denying the anarchic nature of the

international system, neoliberals argue that its importance and effect have been

exaggerated. The neoliberal argument is focused on the neorealists' underestimation

of the varieties of cooperative behavior possible within a decentralized system. The

neoliberal argues that even in an anarchic system of autonomous rational states,

cooperation can emerge through the building of norms, regimes and institutions.14

In 1980’s, the paradigm of liberal tried to be developed by the raising of neo

liberal. This though believes that country is the main actor in cooperation in

international relations, but this theory also defenses the argument of non state actors

are taking an important role in international relations as well. Non state actors are

NGOs, IOs, MNCs, media, even terrorist.15

Keohane (1989) also said the principle of

neo liberal developed to neo liberal institutionalism recognizes the existence of non

state actor in the neo liberal system that concern more to anarchy rather than

cooperative, according to the realist’s views, but nevertheless it remained intertwined

between cooperation’s actors. 16

It is because states are rational actors that always

present their tendencies to avoid war and minimize using the principle of mutual

14

Evans, Graham. The Penguin Dictionary of International Relations. London: Penguin Books. 15

Rahman, Fitra Ardi “Neo Liberalism”. Retrieved on November 12th 2012 from

http://regifauzi.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/neoliberalisme 16

Burchill, Scot and friends “Liberalism”.Theorist of International Relations, third edition. New York:

Palgrave Macmillan.

cooperation gains or absolute gains. Absolute gain is a measurement for a country in

determining cooperation with others.

The absolute gain theory measures the total effect, comprising power,

security, economic, and cultural effects of an action. Neoliberals are indifferent to

relative gains. Referring to a non-zero-sum game, they suggest that all states can

benefit peacefully and simultaneously by virtue of comparative advantages.17

Absolute gain cooperation persists in a state of positive sum game, which is

beneficial for both parties. This leads to the differences of capabilities of each

country.

Another idea is, neo liberal believed in absolute gain, which means the state

increases the power and influence so that it will work together to enhance its

capabilities (Grico 1988). Therefore, cooperation is more suitable and closer to

absolute gain theory, since the cooperation will likely to happen even without “who

can get more” (Non Zero Sum Gain) (Mingst 2004, p. 69). While the opposite of this

theory is relative gain which is believed by neo realism. This though believes that

which has important role in international relations. In international relations,

cooperation may be necessary to balance power, but concern for relative gain will

limit that cooperation due to the low quality of information about other states

behavior and interest. Relative gain is related to the zero sum game, which states that

17

Absolute gain and Relative gain in the Real World. Retrieved on November 07th 2012 from

http://www.e-ir.info/2011/04/28/absolute-and-relative-gains-in-the-real-world/

wealth cannot be expanded and the only way a state can become richer is to take

wealth from another state.18

2.2 Disaster Diplomacy as a Focus of Study

A country is definitely in need of other countries as the impact of

globalization and the development of the world that reaches the territory of the other

boundaries which then necessary to create the atmosphere of harmony and mutual

cooperation. Therefore, diplomacy is the only way to succeed creating peaceful

condition between nations. Lord Strang states that in a world where war is

everybody’s tragedy and everybody’s nightmare, diplomacy is everybody’s

business.19

The history of diplomacy started in the 21st century that transforms and

expands from a peaceful method of inter-state relations to a general instrument of

communication among globalized societies.20

Originally, it was practiced only by

professional diplomats as statecraft. Today, due to the growing number of

participants in international relations (States, International Organizations, Non-

Governmental Organizations, transnational companies, media, academia and others)

the focus of traditional diplomacy is widening, the monopoly on diplomacy by

professional diplomats is fading.21

18

Ibid 19

Strang, Lord (1966), “Disaster Diplomacy”. Retrieved on October 12th 2012 from Diplomacy and

International Law in Globalized Relations (2007), Introduction, Bolewski, Wilfried p:8. Heidelberg:

Springer-Verlag. 20

Ibid 21

Ibid

Diplomacy thus serves as an instrument of implementing foreign policy.

International relations on the other hand is the social science of analyzing foreign

policy. International relations deal with relations between states, while transnational

relations concern transboundary interactions in which at least one societal actor is

involved. Diplomacy uses a certain set of skills, tools, procedures, methods, norms

and rules as social practices in order to orchestrate and moderate the dialogue

between states and thus to optimize the content and quality of international relations,

including the management of change.22

In practical terms, the diplomat is seen as the first mediator and moderator of

interest between the sending and the receiving state. In an age of globally interlinked

media, diplomacy must go beyond the traditional forms of state-to-state relations. A

modern foreign service will increasingly find itself directly addressing the broader

public. The form of handling cooperation which based on the disaster; namely the

disaster diplomacy.

Disaster tends to shatter existing norms and practices among states, creating a

passing opportunity for the recognition of the fragility of life and of the common

humanity bonding all peoples.23

The concept of disaster diplomacy is based upon

identifying the common interests of states at a level of shared risk and scientific

knowledge. Shared risk affects all nations in a risk-prone region, whether or not they

22 Ibid, p:18. 23 Louise K. Comfort, Disaster: Agent of diplomacy or change in international affairs? in:Cambridge

Review of International Affairs vol. 14 (2000) No. 1, p. 277 Report of the World Summit on

Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in. Retrieved on Diplomacy and Internationa Law

Globalized book. p.41.

have contributed to the conditions producing the threat. Shared risk invokes public

mitigation, response, and recovery. It leads to shared responsibility among all states

exposed to a threat. The kind and mode of cooperation that is fostered among states

affected by an environmental threat create the opportunity for change in relations

among states previously in conflict. The challenge is to use that opportunity to guide

actions at the micro level of disaster management so that they will lead to substantive

change at the macro level of greater cooperation among states previously in conflict.

Creative diplomacy for disaster reduction seems most effective at the edge of chaos

in a region where there is sufficient structure to exchange information, but sufficient

flexibility to adopt new alternatives to meet urgent needs.24

A few years ago, on 2004 tsunami hit west provinces in Indonesia, Thailand,

Sri Lanka, India, Kenya and Somalia.25

It is has shown that natural disasters create

political and diplomatic challenges as well as the opportunities for disaster relief

diplomacy (so called as disaster diplomacy).

Almost 75% of the world's population lives in regions that are affected by

natural disasters at least once a year.26

An integrated, interdisciplinary, multi sector

approach is therefore needed to address vulnerability, risk assessment and disaster

management, including prevention, mitigation, readiness, response and recovery. 27

24 Ibid, p:42 25 Ibid 26 Ibid 27

Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002, Annex, Plan of

Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Document A / Conf.199/20).

Retrieved on August 15th 2012 from Diplomacy and International Law in Globalized Relations book

(2007) on chapter 5 Flexibility and pragmatism as response to global challenges.

The disaster-related cooperation and ad hoc disaster support in complex humanitarian

emergencies (affecting more than one state, involving a proliferation of the number

and types of actors) can have catalytic spill-over effects leading to sustained and

improved relations between states with deep rooted animosities or in zones of

heightened antagonism or internal conflict and can open doors to effective peace

making diplomacy.

Extreme natural events are the product of a linkage between natural hazards

and the vulnerability of existing social and ecological systems to these hazards. Some

of the main anthropogenic influences are:

Extreme urbanization in endangered areas and the establishments of

hazardous industries in risk-prone locations.

Artificial straightening of river courses and destruction of natural flood

planes.

Deforestation and soil erosion and;

Lack of awareness and dearth of knowledge of existing risks.28

As has been explained in the first chapter, Aceh is a province in west

Indonesia which had been destroyed by Tsunami in 2004. More than 200.000

Acehnese were dead and more than half of its infrastructure collapsed. After Tsunami

disaster, Acehnese tried to arise from adversity and back to return to their life and

arrange the new governance. Many people, countries, volunteers from everywhere

came to give support and help. The relief and reconstruction operation that followed

28

Ibid

the tsunami in December 2004 opened up Aceh to the world, ending the isolation the

Indonesian government had imposed due to a decades-long separatist conflict.29

In

January 2005, the government and the main separatist group, the Free Aceh

Movement (GAM), announced that peace talks would be resumed, leading to an

August 2005 Memorandum of Understanding.

On the other side, disaster diplomacy examines the role of disaster-related

activities not just in international affairs and international relations, but also in all

forms of conflicts with any form of party. That is, a wide definition of "diplomacy" is

used. Disaster Diplomacy also embraces a wide definition of "disaster", not just

rapid-onset phenomena such as earthquakes and industrial explosions, but also trends

or variability which are more diffuse in space and time such as droughts, epidemics,

and global changes. These latter events have been termed "chronic disasters",

"creeping changes", and "disaster conditions" amongst other terms.30

Tsunami Disaster is occurred in Aceh province, Indonesia. Back then, the

governance was almost 100 percent destroyed. As explained earlier, the cooperation

started 2008 until now 2012 in the field of human resource development (education)

with the trained Aceh official Government sent to Singapore. This disaster tends to

shatter existing norms and practices among states, creating a passing opportunity for

the recognition of the fragility of life and the common humanity that is bonding all

29

Dunia berguru pada Aceh. Retrieved on February 14th 2012 from

http://monevacehnias.bappenas.go.id/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=153%3Aduni

a-berguru-pada-penanganan-aceh-nias&catid=1%3Alatest-news&lang=in 30

Disaster diplomacy. Retrieved on October 06th 2012 from www.disasterdiplomacy.org

peoples.31

The concept of disaster diplomacy is based upon the act of identifying the

common interests of states at a level of shared risk and scientific knowledge.

31

Louise K. Comfort,Disaster: Agent of diplomacy or change in international affairs?, in: Cambridge

Review of International Affairs vol. 14 (2000) No. 1, p. 277

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Methodology

This thesis used qualitative approach in order to answer the statement of the

problem without needing to use quantitative method which usually used to analyze

number datas. In this case, analysis that is using some real facts as data on study case

(Singapore Cooperation Program) will make reader become easier to understand and

comprehend Singapore Cooperation Program.

3.1.1 Qualitative Approach

This thesis used qualitative approach as the method in order to explain more

about the facts and evidences at the present and that have been taken and how they

could happen. The thesis also aims to understand the information, regulation and

interaction between two countries and the involvement of Aceh in handling a

cooperation. The datas are analyzed based on existent facts and informations such as

Letter of Cooperation Agreement and some programs that have been done, without

involving math model like in quantitative method.

Qualitative approach aims to gather an in-depth understanding of human

behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. It investigates the why and how

of decision making, not just what, where, when. Hence, smaller but focused samples

are more often needed than large samples.

Furthermore, qualitative approach is very easy to understand because the

cooperation that will be discussed in this thesis can be determined by collecting the

facts that happened and events that are considered to be important on the process of

the cooperation. It is supported with neo liberal theory and diplomacy between the

two countries that is well known as disaster diplomacy post-tsunami disaster in Aceh.

Hopefully, this thesis will make Aceh citizens become more open minded about

some global issues including International cooperation.

3.2. Time Frame

The study entitled “A Model of Disaster Diplomacy a case study of Singapore

Cooperaton Program in the post tsunami Aceh (2008-2012)”. It started in September

2012 and expected to be finished in December 2012, but the data has been collecting

since February 2012 from Aceh Government office.

The cooperation period in the thesis will be narrowed in two years (2010 and

2012) because the collection of data of both years are more complete (under Irwandi

administration) and both years are important courses for Aceh Government to learn

and understand how good management in organize the Governance after tsunami in

order to recovery Aceh to be a better situation.

This thesis was conducted in Aceh, precisely in Cooperation Management of

Economic Bureau in Aceh Government. All primary datas that support the thesis

were obtained from the Bureau. On the other hand, the program of cooperation run

by the Government of Aceh in the form of delivery of the Aceh Government Official

to Singapore to gain knowledge about government. In addition, the training course

also addresses the issues of the world such as climate change, global warming,

tourism and culture.

3.2.1 Case Study

The purpose of the thesis is to find what are the reasons and benefits of Aceh

Government in cooperating SCP from 2008 and 2012 that was handled by Economic

Bureau of Aceh Governor’s office. This case study emphasizes a detailed to analyze

documents data gathered and interviews. Thomas offers the following definition of

case study: “case studies are analyses of persons, events, decisions, periods, projects,

policies, institutions, or other system that are studied holistically by one or more

methods”.32

Case study also can be based on any mix of quantitative and qualitative

evidence.

A case study is the most appropriate for this thesis because this thesis is

intended to explain SCP for urban planning and management and also tourism

management courses in helping Aceh Government to recovering in the post tsunami

in human resources part. A case study will also enable to explore the phenomenon

from diverse perspectives especially in international relations theory.

3.3. Data Collection

This part describes the procedures, tools and instruments that were used to

collect and analyze the data. Data literature that gathered came from National

newspaper (Kompas) and local newspaper (Serambi Indonesia), book, magazine,

32

G. Thomas (2011) A typology for the case study in social science following a review of definition,

discourse and structure. Qualitative Inquiry, 17, 6, 511-521

internet, journal, the interview of sources, library research (Adam Kurniawan’s

Library), and official documents of Aceh Governor’s office.

In this regard, beside interview and official documents; internet also becomes

an important part in data collection. This thesis also used data from the internet, such

as an article that related to the cooperation issue and website that provides knowledge

and information about Singapore Cooperation program. In addition, there is also an

e-book that has very helpful understanding of theories of international relations.

Those are becoming important part that really supports this thesis, especially

interviewing some people whom directly involved in the cooperation. In addition,

interviewing those people also could answer the questions of this thesis.

3.3.1. Interview

Interview is the most important part of the qualitative approach. By using

interview we can elicit people’s views and perspectives on the world and Lewis

(2002; 2004) focused on the methodological challenge of interviewing people with

learning difficulties. There are, Lewis (2002) argues, three principle keys in

interviewing. First is authenticity, requiring that views expressed are fair and

representative and a need to check across strategies and contexts. Second,

validity/credibility, requiring checks as to whether interpretations of views expressed

are correct. Third, reliability or trustworthiness, concerning whether responses are

typical of what the person believes.33

Interviews that have been conducted relate to some questions that asked to

sources who deal directly with cooperation offered by the Singapore Government. As

mentioned before, this resource to be an actor as well as the most important subject

in the thesis is the Economic Bureau of Aceh Government who really handled all the

needs before and after the collaboration. Interview question has been written by the

writer then asked to the people who deal directly with such cooperation. There were

also spontaneous questions of the author.

Interviews took place at office of Aceh Governor in the Cooperation

Management Division with face to face method and discussion that involved some

staffs and sub section head. There were also interview that conducted via mobile

phone and via email. The interviews were done on 08th

March 2012 at 10.00-12.00

AM in Cooperation Management Division of economic Bureau with Mr. Azwari, SE,

M.Si and Mr. Amir Hasan, SE, Ak, the others interviews by the emails with Mr. Dr.

Ir. Zulkifli Daud, M.Si and Ms. Dahniar, SH,MH were done on 20th December 2012.

Furthermore, the language that used in this interview was Bahasa Indonesia.

In the process, the questions themselves developed by the writer. Beside that, the

object of this interview was all about study case of Singapore Cooperation Program.

The object itself included Singapore Cooperation Programs, mutual benefit, time

33

Nind, Melanie, (2008) “Conducting qualitative research with people with learning, communication

and other disabilities: Methodological challenges”, National Centre for Research Methods:

ebooks,pdf. University of Southampton. Retrieved on November 07th 2012 from

http://eprints.ncrm.ac.uk/491/1/MethodsReviewPaperNCRM-012.pdf

period, and the term of cooperation. All of them were known by Economic Bureau of

Aceh Government.

Key Information Interview

The data were obtained from people who really had a strong relationship with

the cooperation. In this case, the most influential is the Head of Sub Cooperation

Management between Regional and Country Section and Sub Investment Section.

Table 1.1 the list of source person information

Identity Position Corporate Category

Azwari SE, M.Si Head of Sub

Investment Section

Economic Bureau of

Aceh Goverment

Amir Hasan, SE, Ak Head of Sub

Cooperation

Management Between

Regional and Country

Section

Economic Bureau of

Aceh Goverment

Dr. Ir. Zulkifli Daud,

M.Si

Staff of Economic

Bureau

Economic Bureau of

Aceh Goverment

Dahniar, SH,MH Head of Sub

Cooperation

Management Between

Regional and Country

Section (as the former,

now continuing

doctor’s study on

International Law at

UNPAD, Bandung)

Economic Bureau of

Aceh Goverment

3.3.2. Document Analysis

In order to perform a more detailed analysis of the Aceh government

cooperation in the field of the Singapore Cooperation Program, this thesis uses

documents analysis. In this case, document analysis included document or important

letters and meeting memos related to the Singapore Cooperation Program (SCP).

According to (Bloor and Woods 2007) document analysis is:

“the careful examination of documents and their content in order to draw

conclusions about social circumstance in which the documents are produced and

read. Documentary analysis does not display a clear-cut methodology but rather

encompasses a variety of approaches to documentary sources. A document may

be defined as an art fact that has a written text regardless of its physical

embodiment. Researcher may use a wide variety of documents including letters,

official reports, administrative records, web pages, diaries ang newspaper

articles”. 34

The type of document that is being used within this thesis is official

document. All of documents are from Aceh Governor’s Office that readily available

to the writer. Official documents refer to official letter when the process of

cooperation happened. The other type of documents that were used are magazine of

Economic Review in Aceh, official book about the law of Aceh, local newsletter

(Serambi Indonesia) and also an article from the office and internet.

On the other hand, the purpose of this thesis is to notify to the reader about

cooperation that held by Aceh Government with Singapore through beneficial of

Singapore Cooperation Program in human resources aspect. It will help the

34

Istiqomah, Nurul (2009): “Tinjauan Kriminologi Metdologi”. Universitas Indonesia.

understanding of cooperation among nations especially for Acehnese in order to

creating peace and prosperity.

3.4.Thesis Setting

This thesis used Singapore Cooperation Program as study case that focus on

the benefits that Aceh Government got. Aceh Government is one of Province of

Indonesia that accepted the Singapore Cooperation Program. The reason why this

thesis focus on Singapore Cooperation Program and the benefits for Aceh

Government as the thesis setting is because SCP is the main point of cooperation

that Aceh Government has to think that the program itself is very useful for Aceh

Government Official even to Aceh Government.

This cooperation also protected by special law for Aceh Government which

allowed the writer to be more confident in raising the research’s topic. As mentioned

on the first chapter that the laws which applied in Aceh Government is about

cooperation with foreign agency based on Chapter 9 Article1. Consequently,

President issued the regulation No.11 2010 about the Aceh Government’s

Cooperation with Foreign Agencies.35

Another consideration to choice the Singapore Cooperation Program as the

study case is because many people do not completely understand about the

cooperation issue especially about disaster diplomacy. Finally the program really

35UUPA (Undang Undang Partai Aceh) Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 11 Tahun 2006

Pemerintahan Aceh”

could give good contribution to many people especially Acehnese and international

arena as the way of government to achieve goal such good governance.

3.5.Data Analysis

Data analysis is a body of methods that helps to describe facts, to detect

patterns, to develop explanations, and to test hypothesis. It is used in all of the

sciences. It is used in business, in administration, and in policy. In this regard, data

analysis is absolutely needed to be connected to the case.

3.5.1. The Process of Qualitative Data Analysis

Based on the type of data and its processing method, generally the thesis can

be divided into qualitative and quantitative approach. The thesis uses qualitative

approach based on the acquired data. Qualitative approach used as an umbrella term

as thesis strategy with the following characteristics:

The thesis data is soft data, included description of people, objects,

places, and conversation (interview).

Data collected from the natural background, the background is real. 36

Besides that, qualitative approach has its own way for the writer to collect data. The

writer can give flexible question and be able to make or provide his/her own view on

things or phenomenas.

36

Robert C, Bogdan and Biklen, Knopp S. (1998):“Qualitative Research in Education: An

Introduction to Theory and Methods”, Boston: Allyn and Bacon, Inc, first chapter. Retrieved on

September 10th 2010 from http://berkarya.um.ac.id/2010/09/19/perbedaan-penelitian-kualitatif-dan-

kuantitatif/

3.5.2. Interpretative Method

Interpretation is a result that is used in this study with a more social media

interaction approach. In other words, it is like human actions that can be seen as a

meaning, for instance. An interview is a social interaction that conducted by a writer

to obtain data. Therefore, the result of data collecting is an interpretative approach.

After collecting the data, the theorist which are used in the thesis are disaster

diplomacy and neo liberalism that concern to absolute gain. An absolute gain is

becoming a real interpretative result in an effective analysis in this thesis. After

tsunami attacked Aceh many countries and other actors such as NGOs, IOs came to

help Aceh. This is proved that neo liberalism believes that country is the main actor

in cooperation in international relations, but this theory also defenses the argument of

non state actors are taking an important role in international relations as well.

CHAPTER IV

SINGAPORE COOPERATION PROGRAM

IN THE POST TSUNAMIACEH

4.1. Background of the Aceh Government

The Aceh government was formed based on Indonesian government system

which respects and recognizes the existent of law on a special region. The

constitution of the Republic of Indonesia determines Aceh as a special region in

relation with local culture, religion, history, and values. That value was based on

Acehnese life that had a strong influence from Syari’at of Islam.

As known in the law No.44/1999 and No 18/2001, Aceh became a special

region that has the right to apply Islamic in law.37

In 2004, Aceh was the most

destructed region hit by Tsunami. It used to be a problem caused by a separatist

group in Aceh known as Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM) before Tsunami hit Aceh

and became a new problem. Aceh became a new born region afterward.

The disaster caused all development in vain. This reality has a consideration

in post-Tsunami Aceh reconstruction, because it related to the culture and other

values that were believed as parts of Acehnese in everyday life. It has attracted

attentions from international community and countries. Many types of reconstruction

which required big funding and human resources required to re-build Aceh. Other

countries’ helps in form of reconstruction, education such as counseling, and

37 Law of Aceh, USU. Retrieved on October 15th 2012 from

http://repository.usu.ac.id/bitstream/123456789/23579/4/Chapter%20I.pdf

medicines for health – had eased many problems. However, Indonesia could not

depend on other countries help because the reconstruction is the responsibility of the

Indonesian government. According to a French explorer, in 16th

century Aceh was a

rich land with rich natural resources and had a glory to Minangkabau and Perak. In

16th century, Aceh sultanate had formed a relationship with western kingdom

included England and Netherlands.38

When Tsunami attacked, Azwar Abu Bakar was the governor at that time

and became the most important actor to fix Aceh condition. He was the decision

maker for any actions based on the existent law and the Presidential instruction. Now

Aceh has arisen from the nightmare and finally with all conflicts that had started

since 1976, now Aceh is a safe and peaceful region supported by a peace agreement

between Indonesian government and Aceh in 2005.39

4.1.1. Background of Economic Bureau

The Bureau of Economic Affairs is one of the bureaus in Aceh Government.

It helps some works for Assistant of Development, Economic & Aceh Specialty to

run some activities in administration of economic in terms of resources, industry,

trade, mining, environment and cooperation. In order to improve performance in this

bureau, here are some functions of it:

a. Formulating materials and technical counseling and coordinating in economic

administration and development facility.

38

History of Aceh. Retrieved on October 10 2012 from seuramoe.acehprov.go.id/about/sejarah-aceh 39

The information was gathered through interview with, Mr. Azwari, SE, Msi on 20th March 2012 at

10.00 A.M

b. Formulating materials and technical counseling and coordinating in resource

potency of region development.

c. Formulating materials and technical counseling and coordinating in industry,

mining, trade and development.

d. Formulating materials and technical counseling and coordinating in

cooperation.

e. Serving to help Assistant of Development, Economic & Aceh Specialty.40

The main task and function of Economic Bureau based on Qanun Aceh

No.4/2007 about the organization structure and work procedure of Region Secretariat

and Secretariat of House of Representatives of Aceh Province. To fund the

operational activities, the bureau uses budget revenue and expenditure of Aceh

(APBA).41

It was provided to support program of facility improvement and official

infrastructure, official resource capacity, organization quality improvement, early

prevention, countermeasure of disaster victims and official development.

The most important part of Indonesia-Singapore coordination was Division

of Cooperation Development. This division functioned to formulate technical guide

and cooperation in sections. The sections included:

a. Sub of Investment Section.

b. Sub of Inter-regional and Inter-country Cooperation Section.

c. Sub of Non-Government Organization Cooperation Section.

40

Internal Documents of Economic Bureau 41

Ibid

4.1.2. Vision and Mission of Economic Bureau

The bureau has designed the strategic about its Vision, Mission, Strategy,

and Objective. Here are the vision and mission:

a) Vision

Vision, is the way of an organization looks forward, to where it will land in

order to keep working, existing, anticipating, be innovative and productive and show

a challenging feature to future. This bureau as one of works unit in regional

secretariat which has duty to run public service in economic development. In

conducting the duty bases on regional authority as Special Autonomy Region, need

to formulate vision of Economic bureau to support pillars of economic development

in Aceh Province.

The vision: The realization of the Economic of Aceh on Fair and Equitable in

Prosperity”. 42

b) Mission

Mission, is something that must be done, so that organizational goals can be

implemented and managed properly in accordance with a predetermined vision.

Thus, the mission is a description of what should be done so that the vision that has

been set can be achieved by either in good or in time.

The mission is expected that all of employees of the Regional Secretariat of

Economic Bureau of Aceh know the role, program and targets should be achieved.

Mission is a statement which set the government’s objective and thus target should

be achieved. The revelations bring the organization to a mission focusing. The

42

Ibid

mission explains why the organization exists, and what it does. The mission of

Bureau Economic of Aceh Regional Secretariat are:

a. Improving coordination synergy with related programs for the economy.

b. Improving the Quality of Human Resources sector of the regional

economy.

c. Encouraging the acceleration of the birth of law rules relating to regional

economic growth.

d. Providing data and information for policy in the field of Regional

Economy43

.

c) Objective

Statement of the purpose is a translation of the mission and something

that should be accomplished or produced within a period of government from one (1)

to five (5) years. The purpose is more real and leads to a bright spot achievement. In

order to achieve these objectives, an organization needs to improve its ability to

compete, especially the ability to grow in an organization where there is a clear

formulation of the medium-term goals to be achieved by the organization.

Formulation of objectives is not separated from the formulation of vision

and mission, but an implementation is more real than the formulation of an

organization's vision and mission. The Bureau of Economic Secretariat of Aceh set

some goals:

a. Improving regional economic development.

43

LAKIP 2011 Economic Bureau of Aceh Government

b. Improving Performance BUMD44

of Aceh.

c. Improving People's Economic Empowerment through Development

Resources and Regional Potential.

d. Fostering productivity of competitiveness of industry, trade, mining and

the environment.

e. Optimizing asset utilization through fostering investment cooperation in

Aceh, short, medium and long term period.

f. Improving coordination of development cooperation between the

Government of Aceh with Institutions, Third Party and the

Local/International Non Government Organizations.

g. Improving dissemination of Aceh's economy through fostering cooperation

and informative Bulletin of Aceh Economic Review.

h. Increasing financing facility for economic development.45

To achieve those goals, the Bureau of Economic establishes several programs

and policies that have been implemented. The Policies that have been formed in a

program as a collection of activity are real, systematic and integrated. These

programs are highly related to the cooperation in this research. These are some

courses that were taken and implemented in 2011:

1. Facilities & Infrastructure of Apparatus Improvement Program.

2. Resources Capacity building of Apparatus Improvement Program.

3. Outcomes Reporting System and Financial Performance of Apparatus

44

Badan Usaha Milik Daerah 45

Internal Documents of Economic Bureau

Improvement Program.

4. Institutional Quality Improvement Program.

5. Early Prevention and Response to Victims of Natural Disasters Program.

6. Coaching and Development Apparatus Program.46

4.2. Intergovernmental Cooperation

Nowadays, cooperation is often used as a way to improve the relationship

between nations to achieve people’s prosperity. It is done by one of provinces in

Indonesia like Aceh which has special regulation from central government to have

cooperation with foreign agencies. As has been mandated in article 195 UU No 32

2004 about regional government, stated that in order to improve public welfare and

service, the government has to develop intergovernmental cooperation between first

or second party such as foreign country which based on efficient and effective

consideration through mutual beneficial synergy.

Intergovernmental cooperation is an issue that needs big attention in

determining the resilience of nation, it caused so many problem and need of the

people that should be addressed and fulfilled. Below is the government regulation No

50/2007 about the procedures for intergovernmental cooperation that has been

followed by several regulatory in the Ministry of Home Affairs:

1. Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs No.3 2008 about the guidelines

for the implementation of government’s cooperation with foreign parties;

2. Regulation of Home Affairs No 19 2009 about the guidelines for the

46

Ibid

implementing of capacity building in regional cooperation;

3. Regulation of Home Affairs No 22 2009 about the technical instructions for

regional cooperation procedures; 47

Toward to the Regulation Minister of Home Affairs No 3 2008 about the

guidelines for the implementation of government’s cooperation with foreign parties.

Aceh government plays the role of recipient in planning cooperation plan of

government affairs; including organizing in term of letter agreement that contains

plan, activities of the cooperation.

4.2.1 Principle of the Cooperation

The cooperation done by Aceh Government is based on the regulation that

already created and determined by the central government. According to the Ministry

of Home Affairs’ regulation on chapter II about the principle of regional cooperation

with foreign countries that was implemented by noticed are as following:

a. Equality.

b. Mutual benefit.

c. Not disturbing the political stability and economic security.

d. Respect to NKRI.48

e. Maintaining environmental sustainability.

f. Support the equality of gender.

g. Accordance with law regulations.49

47

Direktorat Jenderal Pemerintahan Umum Departemen Dalam Negeri, Himpunan Kerjasama

Pedoman Penyelenggaraan Kerjasama Daerah, Banda Aceh. 48

Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia

Therefore, the type of the cooperation between the Aceh government and

foreign agency (Singapore) is related to that of humanity. So, as explained in article 6

chapter IV, technical cooperation focused more on the humanitarian assistance and

capacity building of human resources’ skills in organizing regional cooperation.

Hence, the cooperation that offered by Singapore Government is aimed to human

resources.

4.3. The Process of the Disaster Diplomacy

3.1.The Process of the Disaster Diplomacy

49

Kementerian Dalam Negeri Republik Indonesia, Himpunan Pedoman Kerjasama Daerah, Banda

Aceh, p:51

Indonesia

D Diplomatic Relations since

Jh Soeharto era in 1966

Tsunami Aceh 2004

Disaster Diplomacy

Aceh Government Singapore

Economic Bureau

of Aceh Governor’s

Office

Singapore Civil Service Collage, Tourism Management

Institute of Singapore, National Continuing & Training

Institute, Singapore Workforce Development Agency,

National Association of Travel Agents and Singapore

Tourism Board.

Singapore

From the above picture, it can understand that the diplomatic relations

between Indonesia and Singapore has been established since Soeharto era in 1966.50

At that time, Indonesia invited Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to come to Indonesia;

and Singapore also visited Indonesia for responding Suharto’s visit to Singapore.51

After this event, the relationship between the two countries improved with ideas from

Singapore to keep diplomatic relations in the economic sector with Indonesia.

The two countries also have relations in trading sector in Batam Island. While

for Indonesia, Batam Island has acted as an industrial center and trading; and for

Singapore, as Singapore’s investment center to Indonesia. 52

In 1989 Indonesia and

Singapore agreed about memorandum of understanding that gave permission for

Singapore's military to practice in Indonesia and Indonesia also has the right to

receive military technology from Singapore. 53

On 2004 when tsunami hit Aceh, Singapore becomes the first country that

help Aceh and it becomes the beginning of Singapore and Indonesia to start the

diplomacy that called as disaster diplomacy.54

Disaster diplomacy is best viewed as a

complex process, not an either-or proposition. Disaster-related activities are but one

factor among many in the minefield of inter-state relations. Whether in the pursuit of

50

The Diplomatic Relation between Indonesia and Singapore. Retrieved on February 19th 2012 from

www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/overseasmission/Jakarta/about_the_embassy.html 51Phobia Journal. Retrieved on February 18th 2012 from http://frenndw.wordpress.com/tag/indonesia-singapura/ 52

Ibid 53

Ibid 54

Rezasyach,Teuku. Hubungan Bilateral antara Indonesia dan Singapura.pdf

disaster-related objectives or other goals, new diplomacy will happen only if it is

actively supported or lobbied for by actors such as political leaders, the media,

popular will, or non-political heavyweights. Disaster diplomacy can be either

adopted or avoided by choice.55

Disaster diplomacy’s popularity, then, is undeserved. In fact, the hope and

popularity it receives has been a factor in its failure by:

Raising expectations which cannot be met immediately, leading to

disillusionment, impatience, and ammunition for contrarians.

Distracting from the long-standing root causes of enmity.

Failing to account for long-term measures necessary to build and

maintain confidence in peace.56

Instead, a quick fix is sought to solve all disaster and diplomacy problems,

even though successful disaster risk reduction and peacemaking are long-term

endeavors which need to be integrated into development and sustainability

processes.57

In this case, conflict and disasters become two things that are very important

for Aceh as the conflict province in Indonesia before 2005. After has a prolonged

conflict with Indonesian Republic, in 2005 precisely after the tsunami hit Aceh,

separatist group Gerakan Aceh Meredeka (GAM) signed Memorandum of

Understanding (peace-making) with the Indonesian Republic. Since the conflict 1974

55 Disaster Diplomacy: Hope despite evidence? Sub chapter the process of the disaster diplomacy

http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4733 56

Ibid 57

Ibid

until 2004, Aceh is completely overlooked and Aceh could be said to be unsafe.58

Furthermore, the tsunami seemed to be an important point which is able to

put forward about peace and diplomacy for Indonesia that represented by Aceh as

firmly in the global scene. Many countries in the world come to see how the tsunami

hit Aceh as well as to help with high value of humanity. It makes a bridge connecting

Aceh directly with other countries to establish cooperation in order to help Aceh

province better in the future. Peace agreement between the Government and Gerakan

Aceh Merdeka (GAM) made Aceh can enjoy immediate access and unimpeded into

foreign countries, by sea and air as well as the right to conduct trade and business

internally and internationally as well as to attract investment and foreign tourists

directly to Aceh.

Basically this diplomacy aimed to maintain relations between Indonesia and

Singapore which is still going on until today. In other side, this diplomacy aimed to

increase and improve good human resources that are qualified and reliable in

international arena. The actor that held this cooperation is economic bureau as the

single actor; and for Singapore, beside the Singapore Government there are many

actors that conducted the cooperation; which are Singapore Civil Service Collage and

Tourism Management Institute of Singapore. The other actors that also supported this

program are National Continuing & Training Institute, Singapore Workforce

Development Agency, National Association of Travel Agents and Singapore

58 Damayanti, Ira. Banda Aceh Kembangkan Sektor Pariwisata. Retrieved on February 15th 2012 from

http://ejournal.akparmuhammadiyahaceh.ac.id/index.php/varia/article/view/21

Tourism Board. This cooperation offered by Singapore Government directly to Aceh

Government, not Indonesia. In this cooperation, the communication between Aceh

Government and Singapore was representated by Singapore Consulate in Pekan

Baru, Indonesia by emails and official letters.

As mentioned before this cooperation was based on tsunami disaster

background. With all the limitations that exist and the help that has been fully

deployed to Aceh, Aceh began to reorganize the governance, starting with the

rebuilding of damaged infrastructure and promising a better life to the people.

In addition, the Singapore Cooperation Program that is devoted to the

establishment of the Aceh Government’s officials aims to provide knowledge and

skills specialized in dealing with the issue of global. The Singapore Government

really prepares this program by providing technical skills to help Aceh Government

apparatus during the program in progress.

4.4. Singapore Cooperation Program (SCP)

The Singapore Cooperation Program is a series of programs that conducted

by Singapore Government to facilitate sharing with other developing countries in the

technical and system skills that Singapore has learned and acquired over the years.

Indonesia becomes one of ASEAN countries that accept the Singapore Cooperation

Program and Aceh who have the opportunity to become participant to joint this

program. In this cooperation there is technical assistance that focuses on training and

increasing the skills of a nation. As a country whose only resources it is people,

Singapore believes human resource development is vital for economic and social

progress. Singapore had benefited from technical assistance from other countries and

international organizations. The Singapore cooperation programme also Singapore’s

commitment as an international citizen to share, with fellow developing countries,

the knowledge, expertise and experience that Singapore has accumulated, to help

achieve sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals.59

In 1992, the Singapore Cooperation Program (SCP) was established,

bringing together under one framework the various technical assistance programmes

offered by Singapore. Through the SCP, the range and number of training

programmes have increased to meet the needs of developing countries. To date

Singapore has sponsored training courses and study visits for over 53,000 officials

from 168 countries.60

The SCP itself managed by the Technical Cooperation

Directorate of the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Actually the global financial and economic crisis has hit many countries

hard. So there is calamity faced by a country. Against a general mood of gloom,

some countries have cut back on aid activities. Nevertheless, Singapore has

continued with technical assistance to fellow countries through the Singapore

Cooperation Programme (SCP) especially Aceh because of Tsunami affected.

Singapore believes that sustaining human resources capacity building through

training is critical to meet the many challenges that countries face today, including

those caused by a less predictable environment. The Singapore Cooperation

Programme is Singapore’s commitment as an international citizen to share, with the

59

Internal Documents of SCP 60

Internal Documents of Economic Bureau, SCP Documents

fellow developing countries, the knowledge, expertise and experience that Singapore

has accumulated, to help achieve sustainable development and the Millennium

Development Goals. Since 1992, the SCP’s total commitment has exceeded S$400

million. We have trained over 69.000 participants from 169 countries spanning the

Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East, Eastern European, Latin America and the

Caribbean. The Number of SCP participants trained has grown each year, reaching a

record 6.729 in financial year 2009.61

By world problem that frequent occurrence of natural disasters and

pandemics like earthquakes, tsunami, the Avian influenza and H1N1, SCP have

begun to focus on various aspects of healthcare, search and rescue operation and

disaster management. To date, we have conducted over 120 courses in these fields

for more than 1.400 participants. An inaugural disaster management programme was

organized in partnership with the common wealth Secretariat for common wealth

member countries.

Singapore will continue to share the knowledge, expertise and experience

with fellow countries. Singapore will work together with more than 30 international

partners to bring greater breadth, depth, and synergy to our technical assistance and

to contribute toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

61

Economic Bureau of Aceh Government, SCP’s Documents

4.5. Singapore Cooperation Program for Aceh

SCP program is the program that was organized by the Singapore

Government where Aceh (one of provinces in Indonesia) joins as a member since

2008 until now. To achieve a better result of the government in regulating human

resources with the increasing needs of the community as well as the limitations is the

reason the government has received this SCP cooperation. Therefore, SCP is used as

the training interactive program for Aceh Official Government to share, discuss and

develop concept and new world issue. As explained above, the basis for this

cooperation is the tsunami factor in 2004, where the infrastructure was crushed. To

revive the infrastructure, Singapore Government took initiative to give assistance in

repairing Aceh.

In 2008, through Singapore Government budget and help, they cooperate

with the Aceh Government Officials whose were really involved in public service.

Sending participants directly to involve in Economic Bureau that was headed by Mr.

T. Sofyan SE, Ak, MM as head of Economic Bureau of Aceh Governor’s Office.

This SCP is conducted in different numbers of Aceh Official Government for each

year. Generally, SCP program is very useful for Aceh government to make a change

in order to create good governance as like Singapore Government. Here are the

courses that held in Singapore:

a. Public Governance and Administration start from 02nd

– 13th June 2008.

b. Climate Change, Energy and Environment start from 10th – 21

st November

2008.

c. Urban Planning and Environment Management in Singapore start from 17th

February until 02nd

March 2009.

d. Urban Planning and Environment Management in Singapore start from 25th

January until 09th

February 2010.

e. Public Financial Management Aspects start30th October 2011 until 04

th

November 2011.

f. Tourism Management starts 10th- 15

th September 2012.

62

Beside all courses above, the writer only focused on two years which are

themed Urban Planning and Environment Management and Tourism Management.

The reasons why the writer only focused on both courses above because after

tsunami hit Aceh the important thing first is to recover the infrastructure, such as

people housing, public facilities, provide clean water and to build back good

environment. These all things are embraced in Urban Planning and Environment

Management that really important for Aceh Government’s officials to know deep

knowledge and skill how to manage all those things.

After tsunami hit Aceh, Aceh Government tried to make tourism as the asset

sector to get local revenue and also tried to promote local tourism potential. Before

tsunami hit Aceh, Aceh still became conflict province and tourism sector did not

work because the condition was unstable. Many tsunamis’ vestiges become important

stuffs for Aceh Government to promote Aceh as tourism destination. These all things

are also embraced in Tourism Management that important for Aceh Government’s

62

Ibid

officials to have more knowledge and skill in managing tourism sector to be main

sector to get local revenue.

4.5.1. Singapore Cooperation Program 2010 (Urban Planning and Environment

Management)

Generally, population growth in a state is increasing rapidly, especially

today, when the sophistication in the field of medical education can assist the rapid

population growth in a time period of 5-8 years. With so many people, of course

there will be many different human behavior and action which may cause the

problem itself. Limitation of space and land to meet human needs has now become

the obligation of local government as an actor with a small scope which later can be

forwarded to a greater scope in the context of a country. One of the methods used by

Aceh government to actualize the needs of its people, especially those who work

under the auspices of the government, is to accept the offer of cooperation with

Singapore.

Planning, also called urban planning or city and regional planning, is a

dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and their

communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and

attractive places for present and future generations. Good planning helps create

communities that offer better choices for where and how people live. Planning helps

communities to envision their future. It helps them find the right balance of new

development and essential services, environmental protection, and innovative

change. 63

Every cooperation that has been done by the Government of Aceh with

several countries, especially Singapore, in order to attend training/SCP courses in

Singapore year 2010 about urban planning and environment management is very

beneficial to the parties, in particular the Government of Aceh in implementing good

governance, good public governance civil society and government in order to

strengthen the government. The admissibility of cooperation between the government

of Aceh with Singapore in the year 2010 with theme urban planning and environment

management, which was based on the loss suffered by local government when

tsunami occurred and caused severely damaged environment. Hence, the learning

about environment management and good urban planning as a basis to re-create good

governance is needed. Providing training on urban planning and environment

management is an eat process with good planning.

According to Ms. Dahniar SH, MH the one who joint SCP 2010 stated that

between Singapore and Indonesia, particularly to Aceh Government in improving

cooperative relationships (network) as an effort to improve the quality of resources

both government officials in the provincial and district level, an attempt to increase

cooperation of the province through the course coordinator, facilitator, regulator and

mediator in support of the implementation of the cooperation by the district/city

63

What is Urban Planning. Retrieved on February, 18th 2012 from

http://www.planning.org/aboutplanning/whatisplanning.htm

indifferent sectors, has become the responsibility of the Government of Aceh through

the Guidance Bureau for Economic Cooperation Secretariat in Aceh.

After join the course about urban planning management, Aceh government’s

official was trained in Singapore that they learn much knowledge about how to

manage and urban planning. After tsunami attracted Aceh and SCP program has been

done, and Aceh government tried to reconstruct the governance. Aceh government’s

official start to organize the city’s most devastated by tsunami, recovery

infrastructure, public facilities such as schools and hospitals.64

The effort to recover the environment after the tsunami disaster, should

involve all the parties such as the government, community, and agencies so as to

cause a change for the environment. The various concepts have been covered and

discussed about urban planning and the reconstruction for the Aceh governance. In

this case the people are also invited in various questionnaires, the seminar, and an

interview to draw up the concept of a region in order to be better. In order to have

better set up for Aceh, it is required and necessary to have potential and good

resources government officials, good and professional human resources that could

make chances to Indonesia to demonstrate ability to government’s officials, to the

world.

Here the proved reconstructs for Aceh’s infrastructure are: streets of Banda

Aceh- Meulaboh that also hit by tsunami. The reconstruction of this street along 240

km received a grant from the United States Government assistance through USAID

64

The information was gathered through interview with, Ms. Dahniar, SH, MH on 20thDecember 2012

at 11.00 A.M

for US$ 245 million.65

Good infrastructure in Aceh also was admitted by World

Bank that stated two times that appreciated the development of Aceh; first “Aceh is

amazing new infrastructure”. 66

To build and reconstruct people housing also

becomes priority for Aceh government to help Acehnese after the tsunami for Aceh

in prosperity. The example of the people housing is the reconstruction of simple

house in Aceh Besar named Gampong Jackie Chan that build by China government.

67

Singapore Civil Service College

Basically, in 2009 Urban Planning and Environmental Management course

still become the topic when training was conducted. This activity was conducted by

the Singapore Civil Service College. The Singapore Civil Service Collage (CSC) is a

focal learning institute for public officers from both Singapore and overseas. CSC

International is established to serve as a one stop learning centre for the international

community interested in Singapore’s public sector reforms, initiatives and

management methods. CSCI is able to design study programmes to suit the varying

needs of government organizations and international agencies. Its core competency

lies in the area of sharing Singapore’s experiences in three broad areas, namely

Public governance and Administration, Human Resource Management and

Development in the Public Service.

65

The Infrastructure of Aceh. Retrieved on February 18th 2012 from

http://2012.acehinvestment.com/Infrastruktur-Aceh.html 66

World Bank Mengakui Kehebatan infrastruktur Aceh. Retrieved on February 18th 2012 from

http://blogs.worldbank.org/eastasiapacific/infrastruktur-baru-aceh-yang-menakjubkan 67

Ibid

Course Objective

The course will enable the participants to:

Gain insight into Singapore’s experience in urban planning and environment

management;

Appreciate the key considerations and strategies in urban planning and

environment management; and

Identity issues and challenges in urban planning and management and explore

options or possible solutions for their own organizations/countries.

4.5.2. Singapore Cooperation Program 2012 (Tourism Management)

The training that was conducted by Singapore government in 2012 has a

very interesting topic. It was considered that after tsunami 2004; Aceh become

frequented and popular province in Indonesia even in international arena. The

tsunami becomes an extreme memory for tourism to visit Aceh as tsunami city. It led

an increasing rate of Aceh tourism to visit Aceh.

Cooperation between the Government of Aceh and the Government of

Singapore through the SCP program has opened the opportunity for the development

of Aceh Government Apparatus Resources. For 2012, the program focused on the

management/tourism management. According to one of participants Mr. Dr. Ir.

Zulkifli, M,Si stated that Singapore Cooperation Program (SCP) gives a lot of

advantages that can be obtained by individual participants and of course such

individual benefit will give a positive effect to the Government of Aceh as a whole.

Individually, of course, the benefit of participation in this program is able to

add insight into the management of tourism in Aceh, including how to manage

tourism sector to be the main sector in order to increase revenue. In Singapore sight,

Aceh Province as many advantages in this sector, but the fact is that the tourism

sector in Aceh still not able to be a critical component that can drive the regional

economy. Based on the experience of the Government of Singapore, the main capital

in the development of its tourism is its human resources. At first, they did not have a

lot of tourism products that can be offered to both domestic and foreign tourists, but

they have sufficient human resources to work on, so that the tourism sector can turn

into main sector that contribute a lot to the Singapore National Income.

Reflected on the experience of tourism development in Singapore, Aceh can

actually be more developed and advanced in the tourism sector. Indeed, there are

many negative images that often hear in the development of tourism, but based onthe

knowledge that gain from this training program that managing tourism is not always

synonymous with those images. The most important factor is how the Government of

Aceh were able to determine the tourism repositioning according to religion, culture,

customs and wisdom of local(local wisdom). With a clear and decisive repositioning

account, the various constraint sand threats, power, weaknesses and opportunities

that may be acquired in the development of tourism will be able to develop the

tourism sector in Aceh to become a main sector. From this training, the participants

have been able to find out various weaknesses, barriers, strengths and opportunities

of Aceh tourism in the future. Therefore, the planning and management of tourism in

Aceh in the future will be able to be formed a mapping (Road Map) of Aceh tourism

in order to increase revenue for the prosperity of the Acehnese.68

Based on the

general idea that writer described above, it can be concluded that the implementation

of this cooperation is very effective to improve the performance of the apparatus,

especially in the field of tourism in Aceh. Hopefully this cooperation may continue to

develop other sectors in the province of Aceh.

The Aceh Government intends to make tourism as one of the flagship sector

in receipt of revenue and introduce a variety of native tourism potential. The

development of tourism sector in Aceh Government will be felt many benefits,

among others, in the field of economic benefits and welfare. Create jobs and new

businesses to the community are one of benefits that got from the tourism sector.

Every tourist visiting a country or a tourist destination requires a wide range of needs

during travel. Those needs include transport, accommodation, sustenance, guide

attractions become an attraction and a variety of other requirements. The

requirements of course will be provided by the parties or groups that are dabbling in

it the field of tourism as tourist transport, hotels, restaurants/restaurants, guided tours,

etc. With the development of tourism means society and certain parties especially the

tourism businesses are obliged to prepare it.

By sending Aceh government’s official to Singapore to join tourism

management program and they learned about how to manage and promote Aceh as

Islamic tourism province. Ministry of Tourism and Culture introduces a slogan “Visit

68

The information was gathered through interview with, Mr. Dr. Ir. Zulkifli, M,Si on 15thDecember

2012 at 15.00 P.M

Aceh 2013 with Beautiful, Peaceful and Religious” moreover in 2010, 2011 up till

now 2012. Beautiful sense in this slogan means that Aceh has beautiful places to

enjoy such blue beach with a beautiful view. Peaceful means in this slogan has very

important understanding, before people knew about the conflict in Aceh and now

Aceh being a province who loves peace and away from conflict as before. The last is

Religious which means that Aceh as the Islamic province that based on strong

Islamic law.

In this case, after the tsunami hit Aceh it could increase the tourism in this

province. This following table is explaining the rank of the tourism in Aceh start

from 2009-2012:

No. Nationality 2009 2010 2011 2012

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

1 Malaysia 6 750 6 629 8 132 8 008

2 Republic of China 184 428 980 651

3 German 225 247 897 758

4 United Kingdom 307 341 376 402

5 Australia 249 214 271 342

6 Singapore 276 222 235 287

7 France 178 150 221 321

8 Netherlands 155 162 193 178

9 Thailand 122 234 166 132

10 The others 1 554 1 550 1 977 2 020

Total 10 000 10 177 13 448 13 099

4.1. The Rank of Aceh Tourism ( sources: aceh.bps.go.id )69

The other thing in the tourism sector is the Aceh Government has built Aceh

Museum Tsunami, to commemorate the tragedy of the tsunami. The initial concept of

the museum is to storage all documentations related with disaster on December 26th

2004, so that the next generation of Aceh and Indonesia will know that tsunami have

been hit Aceh and learn to anticipate the impact of the tsunami in the future. Those

things proved that SCP in tourism management was succeed in develop Aceh as

Islamic Tourism destination in Indonesia.

Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS)

Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS) was established in

1987 and is fully-owned subsidiary of the National Association of Travel Agents

Singapore (NATAS). The corporate mission of TMIS is to upgrade the

professionalism, service and productivity of the travel and tourism industry. In

addition, to providing training for our industry members, TMIS is also actively

promoting and providing tourism courses and training to the public in Singapore and

69

Tourism sector in Aceh. Retrieved on February 19th 2013 from

http://aceh.bps.go.id/?r=data/eprint&id=116

the region. TMIS is proud to be the first National Continuing & Training Institute

(NCI) conferred by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) for

Tourism Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ), offering reality education for the

Tour and Travel Services, Attractions and Hotel & Accommodation Services sectors

since July 2008, and had NCI itself that was renewed in July 2011. Singapore

Tourism Board (STB) approved training centre for Tourist Guide Course.

Course Description

The global tourism industry has almost increased by four times over the past

30 years. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecasts that,

in 2012, international tourist arrivals will reach the milestone one billion mark. By

2020, international tourist arrivals will reach 1.6 billion. According to UNWTO

Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, this tremendous growth will be “a vital force for

economic growth and social welfare”.

Indonesia, being the largest country in ASEAN, has huge potential for

tourism. Bali is renowned worldwide as a resort destination. However, there is an

important need to spread the benefits of tourism beyond the traditional tourism sites

to other parts of the country. Aceh, located north of Sumatera, has a population of

over 4 million and land mass of 58,000 km2. Aceh welcomed about 20.000 foreign

visitors in 2010 so there are tremendous opportunities for growth in this area.70

Singapore, despite having limited tourism related monuments or historical

sites, has gained international recognition as an important tourism destination. In

70

Internal Documents about SCP

2011, preliminary tourism receipts reached S$22.2 billion with over 13 million

visitor arrivals. Room occupancy was over 80% with historically high average room

rates.71

The success of Singapore as a tourism destination has been due to exceptional

policy planning and detailed implementation by both the Singapore governmental

and the tourism industry.

This programme will focus on equipping with strategic consideration for

sustainable tourism development through policy development and destination

marketing. Important issues such as tourism management concepts, presenting

heritage with tourism, destination marketing, service quality and sustainable

development will be discussed during this programme. Knowledge and information

of the tourism industry’s best practices at both global and domestic levels (with

special emphasis on Singapore examples) will be shared with the interactive

discussion.

Course Objective SCP 2012

At the end of the programme, the participants are expected to be able to understand:

Tourism management concepts

Destination marketing/destination development

Tourism development and management from the Singapore perspective

Service Quality and Manpower Development

Have a better understanding of the Singapore tourism industry

71

Ibid

Courses Methodology

The course methodology will include a combination of lecturer, group

discussions, presentations, multimedia clips and case studies. Case studies on

Singapore and other successful tourism destinations will also be shared.

Participants will be required to conduct groups presentations on the various

topics listed above. Participants are also required to record their reflections and

learning points so that they can retain their learning after the programme.

There will be site visits planned so that the participants can obtain on site and

practical understanding of how tourism management concepts and techniques can be

implemented. The trainer shall accompany the participants on site visits and conduct

explanations on locations.

4.6. Contribution SCP to Aceh Government

To increase people’s interests, many countries in the world certainly

promoting the uniqueness of its State. Creativity of the nation, human resources and

higher education are worth to put forward. In developed countries, it is very

important, respected and protected by law. This should be a role model for Indonesia

as a development country, Aceh in particular. Relatively, Aceh is new province that

has stabilize the economy and the government after the 2004 Tsunami disaster

attacked, Aceh started opening itself to improve government to be better. Local

government understood that it was very prolonged conflict with the Republic of

Indonesia and now Aceh is much better after tsunami than it was before. For

example, in economic side; many foreign investors and fresh capital are being

investors who visited Aceh. Besides, many countries offered some helps to Aceh

Government. SCP become one of the program that offering by foreign countries to

Aceh government.

Moreover, some effort are built through the cooperation between Government

of Singapore and Aceh that spanned from 2008 - 2012. Singapore Corporation

Program (SCP) is a program of the Government of Singapore for neighboring

countries including Indonesia, as a mean of sharing experience by providing

technical assistance through training. The direct benefit is the sharing of practice and

knowledge in the discussion of issues of the world that is needed to increase the

performance government officials in order to bring public services and good

governance arrangements. Thus increasing the performance of personnel who

received education and training in the SCP as well as developing the activities of

providing services to the community and the coordinator of the Bureau of the

economy. The cooperation also expand the field of relation not only in education and

training but also in other areas that are necessary to be involved by the Government

of Aceh as beneficiaries. Besides, this cooperation aims to improve bilateral relations

with Indonesia.

After the tsunami hit, not only in education, Singapore (according to a source

interviewed in this study) also provides assistance in infrastructure in Aceh. In 2004

when the Tsunami happened, Singapore was the first country to help. In addition,

Singapore is also one of the countries that continue sending best personnel in the

education in the School of Staff and Command (Army Air Force), and obtaining the

best graduate.

Here is the reason why Aceh Government had cooperation with Singapore, it

is because Singapore is excellent in human resources which can improve Aceh

government official resources. This would be a beneficial for Aceh Government that,

according to the neo liberal theory there is an absolute gain where the country wants

to cooperate by examining the whole result of cooperation that would be done rather

than having no cooperation at all (non zero sum game). 72

After tsunami hit Aceh many countries and other actors such as NGOs, IOs

came to help Aceh. This is a proof that the neo liberal theory applies, that a country is

the main actor in cooperation in international relations, but this theory also defenses

the argument of non state actors are taking an important role in international relations

as well.

In this regard the Government of Aceh does not put fear in accepting

cooperation, but has positive thinking to the development of education and

knowledge on government apparatus. On the basis of such development, the theory

of neoliberal can be juxtaposed in cooperation received by the Government of Aceh.

Here it can be stated that neo liberal believes the state is the important actor in

doing cooperation but not avoiding the existence of other actors that could support

the achievement of cooperation. In this regard, the post tsunami recovery in Aceh

involved many actors which cooperate together to re-build Aceh, but the research

72 Absolute gain and Relative gain in the Real World. Retrieved on November 07th 2012 from

http://www.e-ir.info/2011/04/28/absolute-and-relative-gains-in-the-real-world/

will only focus on the cooperation between Aceh Government and Singapore toward

tsunami disaster effect.

In a local media of Aceh in 2012, Consul General of Singapore Riau Gavin

Chay appreciated the government of Aceh under the leadership of the new governor

dr. Zaini Abdullah and committed to continuing to work with the Government of

Aceh in a variety of areas, including at opportunities to invest if supported by assured

political stability and security. "We expect the future of Aceh with the new

leadership can bring the Acehnese toward a better, prosperous and dignified," said

Gavin. 73

Of expected future cooperation, Aceh is much better and can learn the value

of positive values of Singapore since Singapore achieved many accomplishments.

Moreover, in terms of governance arrangements, Singapore has proven to be a

country with good governance, such as competent and courageous leadership,

continuous regeneration, the synergy between government, labor and management,

and the tendency of taking decisions in consensus by involving the wider community.

Government of Singapore diplomatic relations that intertwine through 2000 listed

158 countries and multilateral diplomacy dealing with ASEAN, Asia-Pacific

Economic Cooperation (APEC), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Asia

Europe Meeting (ASEM).74

And it all is an achievement that Singapore got that

Indonesia could learn from the diplomatic side.

Below are two things that will cover international relations theory to conclude

the partnership, the relations are formed and accepted by the Government of Aceh to

73

Serambi Indonesia,p:7. Retrieved on September 09th 2012 74

Reza Syach, Teuku. Bilateral Relations between Indonesia and Singapore.pdf

see on the basis of the capacity of Singapore's that is able to bring a good impact and

benefit to the Government of Aceh. In this capacity the ability of the Government of

Singapore that is greater than the Aceh Government bring in the readiness of the

Government of Aceh to be ready to cooperate and deliver training members to be

trained by the Singapore. The Government of Aceh did not really require to compete

in the search for the benefit of their own country by making the cooperation. In this

case it is directly visible Aceh Government has a big advantage compared to the

Singapore Government.

In this analysis, the fact is contrary to the neo-liberalist who were in favor of

absolute gains, which stated that the state is keen to increase its power and influence

so that they will work together to enhance its capabilities. They assumed to do

cooperation by having thought of getting much bigger profit. While, Singapore, on

the other side, is indicating that cooperation can stay in touch. Absolute gain

cooperation persists in a state of positive sum game, when beneficial to both parties.

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

5.1. Conclusion

After exploring and analyzing all the data, this study concludes that

Singapore Cooperation Programme is a form of cooperation program offered by the

Singapore Government to the Government of Aceh after the tsunami, which is

indirectly important to the development of Aceh governance to a the better situation.

This can be seen in the training followed by training government officials in Aceh

(PNS)75

which addresses issues of the world such as tourism management, public

governance, until the issue of climate change to provide education and knowledge to

prepare better human resources.

There are two benefits from SCP programs, first on urban planning and

management. After joining the course about urban planning management, Aceh

government’s official was trained in Singapore that they learn much knowledge

about how to manage urban planning. After tsunami hit Aceh and SCP program has

been done, and Aceh government tried to reconstruct the governance. Aceh

government’s official start to organize the city’s most devastated by tsunami,

recovery infrastructure, public facilities such as schools and hospitals.

Second, by sending Aceh government’s official to Singapore to join tourism

management program they learn about how to manage and promote well Aceh as

Islamic tourism province. Ministry of Tourism and Culture has introduce a slogan

75

Pegawai Negeri Sipil

“Visit Aceh 2013 Beautiful, Peaceful and Religious” moreover in 2010, 2011 up till

now 2012. This proved that SCP in tourism management was successful in develop

Aceh as Islamic Tourism Province.

The reason of Aceh Government received the cooperation from Singapore is

because Singapore has an excellent in human resources which could be transferred to

Aceh government official. This becomes benefit for Aceh Government that in neo

liberal there is absolute gain where the country wants to cooperate by examining the

whole result of cooperation that would be done rather than having no cooperation at

all (non zero sum game).76

Although the partnership is based on a background that could spell disaster

reduction that Aceh conflict has been through, this cooperation also led Indonesia

into improving relations with Singapore. Many things can be learned by a developing

country to the other countries that are much more advanced. Singapore, which

famous for its beauty and clean country with a very good city management becomes

a model for future Indonesia.

5.2. Recommendation

In this case, fundamentally the policy of the Government of Aceh is a good

step in responding to the cooperation offered by the Singapore Government. The first

recommendation to the Government of Aceh is that participants who flew to

Singapore should not only that of particular officers who have positions in the

government, but also to the staffers who are considered to have quality and have

76 Absolute gain and Relative gain in the Real World. Retrieved on November 07th 2012 from

http://www.e-ir.info/2011/04/28/absolute-and-relative-gains-in-the-real-world/

good English in order to avoid miscommunication when delivering materials of the

course in progress. In this case the form of selecting the participants can be

improved.

Second, there are the program and the specific draft established by the

Government of Aceh who obliged participants after participating in the SCP program

to show the beneficial sides in joining the program in Singapore by holding seminars

for other staff who have not get opportunity to join the program, so that could be

implemented in giving public service to the Acehnese.

Third, Aceh Government needs to go public by publishing to the media upon

the form of cooperation that Aceh Government has done, so that the general public

have better knowledge and understand what is government is doing for the sake of

the people.

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menakjubkan

APPENDIX

Table 2.1 :Programme outline (5 days) 2012 (Tourism Management)

Day 1 strategic Tourism Management

09.00-12.30 am Opening ceremony (venue to be at TMIS unless advised

otherwise)

Welcome reception

Training vVenue at Tourism Management Institute of Singapore, 190,

Clemenceau Avenue, #06-21/26, Singapore Shopping

Centre, S (239924) – venue is located next to

DhobyGhaut MRT station offering easy access via

public transportation; a resource centre with books and

access (for students) to computer terminals (with free

internet access)

Introduction to course and administration briefing

Ice breakers and Introduction to trainer and participants

Review of Global Tourism Trends and development

LunchLubBreak from 12.30-13.30 hrs

13.30-17.00 pm Introduction to Singapore as a tourism destination

History of Singapore tourism

- Singapore as a tourism destination

- Performance of Singapore tourism industry

The importance of planning for tourism

- Tourism master planning in Singapore

Key tourism product development

- Tourism destination and its characteristics

- Variables influencing product development

- Role of destination authorities in product

development

Group discussion and short presentations by participants

on Aceh as a tourism destination

Day 2 Tourism Management and Development

09.00-12.30 am Review of day 1 lesson

Introduction to tourism management

Tourism Management Issues

Developing tourism policy

Guiding principles and approaches

Government, the market and the industry

Developing the tourism sectors of Hotels, Eateries,

Attractions, Retail and Travel Agents

Understanding each sectors and their needs

Infrastructural requirements

Challenges and sustainability

Lunch break from 12.30-13.30 hrs

13.30-17.0 pm Site visits

- Marina Bay Sands

- Gardens by the Bay

- Chinatown

The purp These site visits is to introduce to participants the various

tourism sectors and how it is developed in the major

tourism destinations in Singapore. During the site visit, the

trainer will highlight important areas affected by tourism

policy and infrastructural requirements.

Day 3 Destination Marketing

09.00-12.30 am Review of day 2 lesson

Issues in destination marketing

- Changes in tourist travel patterns

- Changes in industry structure

Role of the National Tourism Management

- The NTO as a marketing agent

Marketing channels

- Understanding the tour operators

The emergence of Social Media Platforms and its impact

on destination marketing

Lunch break from 12.30-13.30 hrs

13.30-17.00 pm Site visits

- Singapore Tourism Board (subject to STB’s

confirmation)

- Singapore Visitor Centre

- National Association of Travel Agents Singapore

(subject to NATAS’s confirmation)

The purpose of these site visits is to introduce to participants

STB and NATAS. Through interaction with the

representatives, the participants can better understand the

challenges faced by both the government agencies and

nongovernmental organizations. The Singapore Visitor

Centre serves as an example of the work required of the state

tourism organization.

Day 4 Sustainable Tourism

09.00-12.30 am Review of day 3 lesson

Introduction to Sustainable Tourism Development

Issues in Sustainable Tourism Development

- Key challenges

- Setting the agenda for sustainability

- Role of the government

Twelve factors of Sustainable Tourism Development

- Economic viability, local prosperity, employment

quality, social equity, visitor fulfillment, local

control, community wellbeing, cultural richness,

physical integrity, biological diversity, resource

efficiency and environmental purity

State involvement in Sustainable Tourism Development

- Developing inter-related national strategies

- Integrating national and local level strategies

Lunch break from 12.30-13.30 hrs

13.30-17.00 pm Group discussion and presentations

Prioritizing Sustainable Tourism

In this exercise, the class will be developed into groups to

prioritize the 12 factors of sustainable tourism with the

view that certain factors can be contradictory to another.

Groups will be required to present their findings for

discussions and evaluation by members from other

groups.

Day 5 Service Quality and Manpower Development

09.00-12.30 am Review of day 4 lesson

Understanding Service Quality

- Understanding service gaps

- Understanding the gap analysis model

Singapore’s challenges in manpower development

- Tourism manpower development in Singapore

- Tourism manpower needs

Trends and innovations in manpower development

- Understanding andragogy

- Learning outside the classroom

Lunch break from 12.30-13.30 hrs

13.30-17.00 pm Presentation by groups on key learning during the week

Certificate presentation and closing ceremony

Closing reception