Boediono to attend tsunami commemoration

Vice President Boediono is scheduled to attend the fifth commemoration of tsunami tragedy that killed over 200,000 people, mostly in Aceh province.

Aceh governor Irwandy Yusuf told Antara news agency Saturday that Boediono had confirmed his attendance at the commemoration that would be conducted at Banda Aceh's Ulee Lheu port, one of the most affected areas in the tsunami five years ago.

Around 6,000 people are expected to attend the commemoration that will include mass prayers, traditional art performances, exhibitions and seminars.

This year's tsunami commemoration also marks the end of the independent Aceh Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR), whose role will eventually be taken over by a local agency, the Aceh Reconstruction Continuing Agency (BRKA).

Soon after the tsunami hit Aceh on Boxing Day five years ago, Aceh separatists reached a deal with the Indonesian government to end their decades-long armed struggle.

"After 27 years of [armed] conflict and a tsunami, Aceh is now heading for the positive development," Irwandy said.