The Humanitarian Assistence Role of Aksi Cepat
Tanggap (ACT) Toward Victims of Syrian Conflict in
Syria and Turkey From 2012 To 2018
Rahmadi
1
, Yon Mahmudi
2
, Muhammad Syauqillah
3
{
1
rahmadi.ghamra@gmail.com,
2
machmudi@ui.ac.id,
3
muhamadsyauqillah@ui.ac.id}
1,2,3
School of Strategic and Globa Studies, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Abstract.This research discusses the involvement of Indonesian non-
governmental organisations (NGO) in the Syrian civil war via a case study.
Specifically, it looks into the humanitarian aid role implemented by Aksi Cepat
Tanggap (ACT) in assisting victims of the Syrian conflict from 2012 to August
2018. This study is a qualitative research and utilised the descriptive analysis
method. Data were collected from in depth interview with relevant authorities and
the literatures. This topic was viewed through the concepts of Humanitarian
Action Principle, Human rights, and International Humanitarian Law. The study
discovers that as an NGO, ACT has delivered the humanitarian assistence to those
whom are victims of the Syrian civil war through its structural roles in the form of
charity programs and social empowerment. However, the largest focus was given
to the charity programs. A good framework of cooperation was also established
among the Turkish Government, local NGO’s both in Turkey and Syiria and Aksi
Cepat Tanggap itself, which contributed positively to successful distribution of
humanitarian aid towards the conflict victims. In light of these findings, this study
recommends the need for ACT to further strengthen its commitment in providing
humanitarian assistance and develop more the program to ensure that future
humanitarian assistence programs be more effective.
Keywords: Humanitarian Aid Role, Aksi Cepat Tanggap, NGO, Turkey, Syria,
conflict.
1. INTRODUCTION
Following the emergence of Arab Spring across the Middle East in 2010, the Syrian conflict
is yet to see its conclusion. In armed conflicts, victims affected by the war are not only limited
to the conflicting parties, but also civilians, especially children, women, and the elderly
(vulnerable groups). The UN stated that the death toll from the Syrian conflict has reached more
than 400 thousand. The European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (2018)
reported that 13 million victims of the conflict are in dire need of humanitarian aid. Of that
figure, 6 million are children. Based on data from UNHCR, as of August 2018 the number of
internal displaced persons (IDP) in Syria amounted to 6.6 million. More than 5.6 million
individuals have left the country and sought refuge in neighbouring nations, such as Turkey,
Lebanon, Jordan, and European countries.
ICSGS 2018, October 24-26, Jakarta, Indonesia
Copyright © 2019 EAI
DOI 10.4108/eai.24-10-2018.2289675