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Murdani Mur (2nd from left) and his neighbors (l-r) Amir
Udin, Jakfar, and Syahada, with whom he's growing chilis and melons.
Photo: Ronda Hughes/CWS 
Murdani Mur (left) with his neighbors.
Photo: Ronda Hughes/CWS |
Recovery in Indonesia - Growing in peace
Murdani Mur, 35, lives with his wife, Rosmi, and their two daughters in a rural area near Banda Aceh, Indonesia. While not directly affected by the December 2004 tsunami, he and his neighbors--like people throughout Aceh province--have been caught between army and guerrillas during a 30-year insurgent war. An April 2005 agreement has brought a tentative, but hopeful peace, and a new sense of freedom.
“We are so glad. Now we don’t have to be afraid when we go out anymore,” explains Murdani. “For many years we’ve been afraid. Now we’re very happy--very thankful.”
With seeds and tools provided by Church World Service and local partner MAMAMIA (Masyarakat Makmur Mitra Adil--“for a prosperous and just society through partnership”) , Murdani’s village is working with a neighboring village to grow chilis and watermelons on a rotational basis in their nearby fields--an activity that was fraught with peril only months ago. They’re earning income for basic family needs--and beginning to live out their village’s name, Empee Bata. “It means peace,” Murdani says.