Tsunami 'cash for rescue' probe dries up

Scores of tsunami refugees were moved from the devastated Aceh region by the Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules. File picture / Chris Skelton

An investigation into whether the New Zealand Airforce unknowingly carried evacuees who bribed their way out of the tsunami-hit region of Banda Aceh has proved inconclusive.

New Zealand embassy officials in Jakarta have been unable to find any evidence that money was exchanged in order to get on the Hercules aircraft flying out of Banda Aceh.

However, they have not been able to rule it out.

New Zealand used a Hercules aircraft on regular flights between Jakarta and Aceh capital Banda Aceh, but allegations surfaced in Newsweek magazine that some of those taken out of Aceh got seats because they had bribed officials or members of the military.

Newsweek reported many refugees from Aceh paid up to US$80 ($112) to Indonesian military screeners to be allowed on to the aircraft.

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff's spokesman said inquiries had been made of Indonesian government officials, the military and ministers.

"All contacted were emphatic that any such payments did not have any official sanction," he said.

"If there was any evidence presented of it happening, those involved would be disciplined.

"Having said that, embassy officials could not totally discount that it did happen," he said.

Attempts had been made to get more information, but no concrete evidence was turned up.

Newsweek was approached three times to see if they could assist inquiries. "They never acknowledged, let alone replied," the spokesman said.

At the time of the accusations, the Banda Aceh military airbase was chaotic as the defence forces of several nations attempted to fly aid in to the devastated region and to evacuate refugees.

Indonesian soldiers escorted "displaced persons" on to the planes and New Zealand Airforce personnel had no say over who got on, outside of safety concerns.

Well-dressed and apparently affluent refugees were on a number of Hercules flights out of Banda Aceh.

Observers at the time noted that many Indonesians believed in keeping up appearances even in the worst of times, and added that the tsunami did not discriminate on the basis of a person's wealth.

Corruption is endemic throughout Indonesia and the current administration is trying to crack down on dishonest practices.

- NZPA