The UN is beginning the effort to build four new refugee camps on Sumatra island in Banda Aceh for up to 500,000 people who lost their homes. The current refugee camp situation, being constructed ad-hoc by the homeless themselves, has been reported by the Indonesian government to overcrowded and unsanitary. The most pressing issue is lack of facilities, and the government has identified an express need for clean drinking water and latrines.

The Indonesian government is now also beginning the task of clearing and reconstructing roads to facilitate the assistance of communities, where many places have been rendered inaccessible due to the destruction of roads and transportation routes.

Architecture for Humanity, an American non-profit organization, will work to develop long-term housing designs and strategies that will be highly sustainable and intelligently planned. Possible strategies include use of local materials like thatch, straw-bale, stone, and even recycled shipping containers, although none have been chosen yet. Without the help of architects and construction experts, leaders add, such housing can often take the form of temporary refugee camps that turn into poorly-planned, unsanitary, and wasteful permanent housing.

The Islamic Relief organization has pledged to create emergency shelter for up to 50,000 displaced people in the Aceh province. Goals have been broken in to six “activities” in order of priority: Shelter: support materials, kitchen utensils and clothing; water and sanitation; nutrition; healthcare and medicine; education; and agriculture. Specific activities outlined relating to environmental design include the creation of toilets and provision of hand pumps for water; the establishment of 2 supplementary and therapeutic feeding centers to feed malnourished children and elderly, and lactating and pregnant women daily; the creation of public health clinics; and, in one to two months, the focus on the reconstruction of rice fields and re-planting.

See the full outline of the effort: Outline of Islamic Relief's proposed interventions in Aceh

Posko Kita, a community based-organization established by Indonesian non-governmental organizations involved in human rights, environmental protection, women's issues, the peace movement and news media, has been a resource which has served the community since before the disaster. Though more work is done with community and social resouces, Posko Kita helped establish refugee camps and is now working and keeping close reports on efforts and conditions within the camps.

Report and details on Posko Kita's work in refugee camps

US and Australian Navy ships, like those of other nations taking army engineers and heavy equipment are headed to Indonesia to clear debris and begin rebuilding infrastructure. Bulldozers, helicopters, and other heavy machinery are specifically on board the Australian ship Kanimbla to help in the effort. The crew on board also includes a hydrographic survey team to help clear underwater debris that may impede ocean traffic.