In the wake of the devastating earthquake off the coast of Sumatra and the ensuing humanitarian crisis, Tapol calls for the region of Aceh to be opened up to international aid agencies.

Indonesians authorities have denied access to Aceh for international humanitarian NGOs and foreign observers, since Aceh was declared under martial law in May 2003. A war has been raging in the region since 1970s between the Indonesian government and the armed separatist movement GAM.

Violence has intensified since the declaration of Martial Law, with at least 2000 people killed.

Giving the horrific devastation wrought by Sunday's earthquake – reports to date suggests two thirds of the provincial capital destroyed, and between 5,000 to 10,000 may be dead – an international response is required.

TAPOL demands that all humanitarian organisations and concerned parties are able to access the province of Aceh freely.

Aguswandi of TAPOL said "This is not the time to allow the politics of the conflict in the region to influence decisions. We must do all we can to meet the needs of the people in Aceh, and alleviate the suffering caused by the worst earthquake for 40 years"

Aguswandi continued "The full effect of this disaster in Aceh is only now coming to light. It is clear from the devastation caused all round the Indian Ocean that an international response is required. Aid agencies have responded rapidly and it would be criminal if the only people not to benefit from the generosity of the world community were the people of Aceh"

There are number of steps the Indonesian government must take to help the Acehnese. They are:

• That any humanitarian organisations be allowed unlimited access to the provinces to conduct assessment of casualty numbers, infrastructure damage and the scope of aid needed to alleviate the worst of the damage.

• That aid is allowed to be delivered directly by these organisations rather than being channelled through the government, as is required under current restrictions on access to the province. The republic of Indonesia does not have the experience and the infrastructure to deal with a crisis of this magnitude, and given the problem with corruption in the province there must be concerns about aid reaching those that need it

• Coverage of the earthquake damage must be permitted to give the international community an idea of what they are dealing with and to provide additional transparency around the humanitarian effort.