Archived Media Release
30 January 2006
Exhibition to Support Bali Rehabilitation Effort
Today to commemorate the closure of the Bali Rehabilitation Fund (BRF), the Australian and Indonesian governments jointly opened a photographic exhibition that highlights some of the home grown social and business ventures developed by Balinese communities in response to the economic downturn that occurred following the 2002 Bali bombings. Among the attendees were His Excellency, Drs. I Dewa Made Beratha, Governor of Bali, and Bruce Cowled, Australian Consul in Bali.
The Bali Rehabilitation Fund was established by AusAID after the Bali bombings of October 12th, 2002. The goal of BRF is to improve the livelihood of Balinese businesses, households and individuals adversely affected by the economic downturn in Bali’s tourism industry.
Donna Holden, BRF Project Adviser said, “The Balinese have shown great resilience after the Bali bomb attacks. We have tried to support them by providing new economic initiatives, skill trainings and development, as well opportunities for diversification.”
After the Bali bombings in 2002, the Australian Prime Minister announced a $10.5 million package of assistance to strengthen Bali's health services, including construction of specialist facilities at Sanglah Hospital, building a new Australia Bali Memorial Eye Centre for Indera Hospital, and the provision of health-related scholarships for Balinese health workers. A total of $1.5 million in funding was also allocated for ongoing livelihoods support through BRF.
“Since establishment in early 2003, BRF has disbursed AUD $1.5 million and funded over 80 projects in Bali and Lombok”, Holden said.
BRF was originally scheduled to finish by December 2005. However, in response to the bombings in October 2005, it was extended until the end of March 2006. The Australian Government subsequently announced an additional AUD 1 million package of assistance of which AUD 350,000 was set aside for alternative livelihoods grant assistance. Australia is exploring alternative mechanisms for disbursing this additional grant support over the remainder of the 2006.
For further inquiries:
Mia Salim (Public Affairs – AusAID Indonesia Group) – 0812 1070237