Aceh Manual
Center Information
The Aceh center is an orphanage with nine children as well as an educational center where free English and Computing classes are available for the children. In an area affected tremendously by the Boxing Day 2004 tsunami, IHF hopes to help those who have been left with very little. The center in Aceh has no religious barriers and people of all ages, and religions are free to work, sing, and study together. As with all IHF centers lots of work needs to be done and we look forward to you volunteering.
Transport to the Center
All volunteers must first go to Medan for training then travel onwards to Aceh. Volunteers can stay in the Medan center for a short period of time to get used to the weather and culture in Indonesia before heading to Aceh. From Medan, the cheapest way to Aceh is by overnight bus (approximately Rp120,000) but there are also domestic flights available to Banda Aceh from Jakarta and Medan.
When arriving in Aceh a staff member will meet the volunteer at the airport or bus station depending on your mode of transport to Banda Aceh. Look for an IHF sign. Transport costs from these meeting points must be paid by the volunteer.
The center is located approximately 45 minutes from the Banda Aceh Airport (approx. Rp100,000 by taxi) and only a few minutes away from the bus station (approx Rp10,000 by becak, and Rp25,000 by taxi).
Situated in Geuceu Komplek in the Setui area, the center can be easily found if you tell a driver that it is near the Teuku Umar Mosque (Masjid Teuku Umar in Bahasa Indonesia) and behind a high school known as SMP7.
Work to be done at the Center
The Aceh center is an orphanage as well as an educational center where free English and Computing classes are available for the children. The classes are held in the afternoons and early evenings and the children are always very keen to come to classes. So as a volunteer you assist with these classes from Monday to Saturday.
During the times when the classes are not on, a lot of work needs to be done for both local and international IHF tasks as well as having fun and playing with the orphans. Evenings are usually spent with the orphans playing games, and helping with homework etc. There is always something to do.
You will be emailed weekly assignments from IHF's founder, Carol Sasaki. It is very important to keep her informed on the progress of these assignments in your weekly reports as well as to answer any questions she emails you. She is a very active part of how all IHF Centers are run. You will also be trained and guided by the local Director.
There are always other administrative tasks that need completing on a daily basis.
* The activity book: Each day the book needs to be updated with a few sentences on what has been done during the day. Then after each lesson you need to write a brief description of what has been taught. Check previous entries to get an idea of what's required. This is also a good resource for seeing what the children have been taught and what standard they are at.
* Each day a volunteer is asked to report their daily hours and work done to donatedhours@ihfonline.org. This must be done by 9am
* There is also a 'Weekly Report' that needs to be sent, again preferably on Monday. This is a combination of what everyone (Director, Volunteer, Teachers and Staff) in the centre has accomplished. It will inevitably include some info from the volunteers’ 'weekly activity update', some info (gathered from the activity book) about the English and Computing lessons and also general tasks that have been done. Check previous reports for an idea of how to do it. Both the 'Weekly Report' and the volunteers’ 'Weekly Activity Update' are best written in conversational prose rather than just listing what was done.
Accommodation
The accommodation provided for volunteers is simple. The volunteers will be staying in the volunteer room at the orphanage which has a few bunk beds (own room if volunteer is at the center alone). There is air-conditioning and it is advisable that the volunteer give some extra money if the air conditioner is used for more than 1 hour per day. A sheet and pillow are provided. It is advisable to bring a sarong or top sheet to cover you at night or use a mosquito net when you sleep. Past volunteers have also chosen to sleep out on the living room floor (on a mattress) where some of the orphans choose to sleep. There is a western toilet and bucket bath (scoop water from tank to wash), as well as a washing machine for use in the center. Purified water or boiled water is available at the center, but the volunteer will need to buy water when you leave.
Our centers' food and facilities are often very different from Western style. Volunteers eat local food, and meal times are not tightly scheduled. Unfortunately facilities and sleeping arrangements cannot be adjusted for volunteers who prefer Western styles.
Costs
IHF charges $50 US a week to stay at the center. Please note that in the Indonesian culture, taking money from a guest is very uncomfortable, so they are trying to learn, but you may need to insist sometimes up to three times. The $50 US a week is to help cover the volunteers’ food costs so we do not use money donated for the children! This amount also covers your utilities and other such costs as long as you don't use your air conditioning more than an hour a day. It does not cover special foods, sightseeing trips, international calls, nor airfare to the centers, or any such form of transportation. We used to not charge anything, but unfortunately ended up with some huge bills for phone etc. from a few volunteers who misused the system. At the center there is internet dial up and the service must be disconnected after use due to the high telephone costs.
All the food that is provided at the centers is traditional local foods. The staple food in all the centers in Indonesia, three meals a day, is rice. It is supplemented by fish and vegetables, and sometimes chicken, meat and eggs are also included. The center will always include you in everything they do for the children - buying food etc. Although it is never asked it is much appreciated that when buying for yourself you think of the children and buy enough to share.
Additional personal costs could include any special foods you need, sightseeing trips, international calls, or airfares to the centers, or any such form of transportation, travel insurance, vaccinations, visa, etc.
Things to bring for the children at the centers
The children and centers will greatly appreciate anything you wish to bring. We need items such as electronics, donated global cell phones, old cameras, radios, CD players, laptops, etc. Also, any games and toys will be wonderful. English as a second language CDs and DVDs would be great and very useful, as would any learning materials. Used or new clothing is so enjoyed by the children (if you choose to bring clothing please remember girls clothing must be modest). As in the centers there are limited computers to work (for both staff and volunteers) and teach the children in the classes - it would be a great bonus if you have a possibility to organise a (second-hand) laptop and donate to the center. Contact the Center Director for any specific current needs.
Documentation you will need upon arrival at the center
We ask that you bring a copy of the following:
- Your acceptance letter.
- A copy of your signed waiver.
- A copy of your signed MOU
- A paragraph summary of your at home tasks completed before arrival to the center, along with your tasks assigned by Carol Sasaki that are to be worked on during your stay at the center.
Contact information
Jl. Krueng Woyla No.2 Geuceu Kompleks Banda Aceh Indonesia Tel: +62 651 42542 Internet and phone access.
Visa for Indonesia
Before applying for a visa or entering Indonesia PLEASE contact travel@ihfonline.org and carolsasaki@gmail.com. They will give you information you will need before going to the Embassy. Visit www.travel.state.gov for current visa info.
The Indonesia government has a tourist visa system with three different categories. The pay-for-visa-on-arrival will most likely be the visa type volunteers will be using. Pay-for-visa-on-arrival - Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, People's Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Suriname, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States. The cost of the 30-day (only) tourist visa is US$25/person for a 30-day visa and US$10/person for a 3-day visa. The fee must be paid in cash (no credit cards) on arrival at the airport. Visitors from countries with visa-on-arrival facility will have to go to a special counter to have their passports stamped with the on-arrival visa before going to the immigration clearance desk. This visa is NOT EXTENDABLE OR RENEWABLE.
If you want to stay in Indonesia longer than the 30 days you must exit and re-enter the country on a new tourist visa. Visa purchasing takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, depending on the number of persons applying. Payment counters, a bank counter, and a money changer have been set up to process payments. Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Payment must be made on arrival. An onward or return trip ticket must be shown on arrival.
If you are staying in Indonesia longer than 30 days you will need to get a visa (social cultural visa) at your home country's Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. These visa's are for 60 days and can be extended once you are in Indonesia. For USA consult the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, 2020 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202/775-5200) or the nearest Consulate General: CA (213/383-5126 or 415/474-9571), IL (312/595-1777), NY (212/879-0600) or TX (713/785-1691). Internet: www.embassyofindonesia.org
Suggested airlines for travel to Indonesia
All volunteers must first go to Medan for training then travel onwards to Aceh. Please contact travel@ihfonline.org and carolsasaki@gmail.com if you have any questions about the travel arrangements to Aceh.
Flying from USA -Malaysian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and China Airlines. If you travel from USA you will always have to connect somewhere in Asia before arriving in Aceh. You can also contact IHF Travel Coordinating Task Team for current special/consolidators fares that may be available to volunteers. There are direct flights to Bali or Jakarta from Australia and then you can get connecting flights to Medan. If you are flying to other destinations in Indonesia it is often cheaper to buy your tickets in Indonesia. If you are visiting different places in Asia there are many discounted airlines e.g. www.airasia.com, www.tigerairways.com.
Currency
The Rupiah. Notes 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. See current exchange rates on oanda.com. It is advisable not to carry large denominations as small vendors don't always have the change to give you back.
Changing Money
We suggest you exchange money at the airport as it will not be that easy to exchange money near the center. Changing money is quick and easy in the major tourist centers where money changers often offer better rates than the banks. Be Warned: foreign bank notes are often refused if too crumpled, folded or stained. Advisable is to carry notes in small denominations to exchange. Away from the tourist areas changing money can be more of a hassle. Always count your money before you leave the premises. The rates for cash are slightly better but remember, traveller's cheques can be replaced if they are stolen or lost - while cash is gone forever if you loose it. Always ask if there is an extra commission to be paid for cashing cash or cheques.
ATM cards can be used and it is best to check with your home bank what the fees are for withdrawing money from foreign ATM's.
Credit Cards
You will be staying at the center therefore you will need cash to pay for your food contribution to the center. It's advisable to have local cash currency for purchases and transport. Credit cards are accepted in most larger hotels along with American dollar traveller's cheques. Check with your credit card company to see what extra charges you will have if you use your card in foreign countries, some credit cards companies add a surcharge.
Tipping
This is not a general practice in Indonesia. In restaurants tips are not expected. However, if the service has been good, a small token would be appreciated. Porters at the airport should receive Rp. 10000 - Rp. 15000 per bag (depending on size).
Electricity
220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. We suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.
Getting Around
A becak (motorbike with cart attached to the side) is the common form of transport, there are also small public bus/ vans that can also be used.
Driver's License
If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License. You will need a motorbike license if you rent a motorcycle.
Clothing
Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Indonesia's often humid conditions. It is vital that dress in Aceh is modest - sleeves (short or long) and trousers/ skirts below the knees for in the center. When leaving the center you are expected to dress traditionally covering your arms, legs and chest and a headscarf for females.
Climate
Day temperatures between 20 to 33 Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. December - March, the monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings.
Etiquette
Always dress modestly and observe the traditional dress standards. There are some things that should be avoided; one of them is not touching other people's heads, e.g. do not pat little children on the head. This is because the head is viewed as sacred. Give and receive things only with the right hand, and never point at anything with the left hand. The left hand is considered impure. Never photograph people that are bathing. You will see this very often, as a lot of Indonesians have no bathrooms of their own and they have no other way to get a daily bath than going to a brook or a river. This is always to be discreetly ignored by passers-by. It's polite to ask if you want to take a photo of someone. Indonesians do not blow their noses (at least not in public) and you should also avoid it. Laughing loudly is not appreciated.
Shopping
Around the Aceh center there are small shops, markets and merchants where you can get daily necessities and fruit easily,
Shopping there can be quite exhausting because the Indonesians prefer a hard-sell sales technique and there is always a lot of pressure to buy. Bargaining is essential in these small shops. You "lose face" when you just agree to the first price asked. But, on the other hand, try not to bargain too mercilessly. Remember, most of these small merchants are actually very poor people. You should not buy things that you do not want, but try to refuse merchants offers in a friendly and polite way nevertheless.
The center is approximately 15 minutes walk to the nearest shops, supermarket, photo shop, and internet (Approx Rp 6,000 by becak). To get to the central market and mosque it is approximately Rp20,000.
Passport Loss
Always keep a copy of your passport and driver's license somewhere separate. This way you can prove who you are to your consulates in the event of theft. If you do loose your documents then go to the police who make out a report for your consulate.
2008 Holiday Schedule
January
Tuesday 1st: New Year
Thursday 10th - Friday 11th : Tahun Baru 1429 Hijriah
February
Thursday 7th - Friday 8th : Tahun Baru Imlek 2559
March
Friday 7th : Hari Raya Nyepi
Thursday 20th : Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW
Friday 21st : March Wafat Isa Almasih
May
Thursday 1st - Friday 2nd : Kenaikan Isa Almasih
Monday 19th - Tuesday 20th : May Hari Raya Waisak 2552
July
Wednesday 30th: Isra Mi’raj Nabi Muhammad SAW
August
Monday 18th : Hari Libur Kemerdekaan
September & October
Monday 29th, September - Friday 3rd, October: Idul Fitri
December
Monday 8th : Idul Adha 1429 Hijriah
Thursday 25th - Friday 26th: Christmas celebration
Monday 29th : Tahun Baru 1430 Hijriah
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