A large number of people active in the ‘reconstruction field’ are currently working in Aceh and a wealth of knowledge and experience has been accumulated in the region with new lessons learned every day, from the international and national staff stationed in Aceh, and also from the Acehnese academic community and civil society that are vital participants in the reconstruction effort.

To make use of this wealth of knowledge and experience, and in order to offer an open and frank forum for discussion, the World Bank assisted the Tunas Aceh Research Institute (TARI) in establishing the monthly ‘Economic Recovery Seminar Series’.

The Economic Recovery Seminar Series aims to analyse some of the major problems involved in the recovery process in Aceh, by offering a forum for constructive discourse and opening a sphere to the wider public to contribute towards the rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Aceh.

The Seminar Series gathers the latest information regarding progress in, and constraints facing, the rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Aceh and provides a sphere for society as a whole in the development process in Aceh.

Seminars are held monthly at Syiah Kuala University in Banda Aceh. Speakers come from a number of fields (academics, government, the reconstruction agency, donor organizations, as well as NGOs). Participants also come from a number of sectors, and there is very strong student participation given that the seminars are held at the university.

Throughout 2007, the World Bank continues to present the monthly seminars in relation to critical topics facing Aceh's economy and the reconstruction effort. These presentations and lively discussions are thought provoking and influence policy and decision makers in the province.