Australia provides relief for flood victims

The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Bill Farmer today announced that the Australian Government will provide $150,000 (more than IDR 1 billion) to support the Indonesian government relief efforts, following the extensive flooding in and around Jakarta.

In meetings with Indonesian government officials over the weekend, the Australian Ambassador offered condolences to the Government and people of Indonesia who had become victims of the disaster.

“Australia’s contribution through the Indonesian Red Cross will provide for 5,000 emergency food parcels and 5,000 hygiene kits to be distributed in affected areas starting as soon as today. We are in close contact with the Indonesian government and other humanitarian agencies and stand ready to provide further assistance as required”, Ambassador Farmer said.

As well as the emergency food parcels, the hygiene kits include buckets, soap, washing powder, dental kits, plastic storage bags and towels.

At the request of the Indonesian government, this assistance will be focused in Tangerang and Kemang where needs are high. A joint Australian/Indonesian Red Cross assessment team was deployed to South Jakarta on Monday (5 February) to evaluate needs within the affected communities.

Australia extends its sympathy to the Indonesian people affected by the floods. The Australian Government through its overseas aid agency, AusAID, will continue to monitor events in the flood affected areas.

Further information:
Elizabeth O’Neill (Counsellor Public Affairs) 0811 194 144
Angky Septiana (Public Affairs, Australian Embassy Jakarta) 0811 149 8056