Archived Media Release
The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, visited Yogyakarta and Central Java today and announced details of Australia’s Rp 204 billion earthquake rehabilitation program. This program brings total Australian funding to quake-hit areas to Rp 255 billion.
The Ambassador examined progress at two Australian-funded emergency phase projects. He also met with the Governors of Yogyakarta and Central Java Provinces to discuss where Australian assistance could best be used.
Australia provided Rp 52 billion for emergency assistance following the earthquake in areas such as emergency medical personnel and supplies, water and sanitation and shelter.
During the visit the Ambassador met with the Chairman of Muhammadiyah, Professor Dr Din Syamsuddin, and toured an Australian-funded Muhammadiyah project in Desa Blawong. Australia provided Muhammadiyah with Rp 6.8 billion for emergency phase assistance.
The Ambassador said that Australia has valued partnering with Muhammadiyah on this emergency project and through Muhammadiyah’s hospital in Bantul, which served as a base for Australian doctors during the emergency phase.
The Ambassador added that longer-term assistance was now required, and that the additional Rp 204 billion would support provincial governments’ reconstruction efforts, help restore local incomes and get children back to school in the worst affected districts.
“Important emergency and humanitarian work is continuing in Yogyakarta and Central Java, but Australian support is now focused on assistance to support reconstruction efforts, restore people’s incomes and repair and equip schools,” the Ambassador said.
“We will employ local skilled labour on projects, which will have the dual benefit of re-establishing incomes and benefiting the wider community. Our assistance will also help communities prepare for future emergencies. For example, we will provide training in improved earthquake-resistant construction techniques.”
“We look forward to working with existing partners to restore and rehabilitate buildings and services in the community,” the Ambassador said.
Further information:
Mia Salim (AusAID Public Affairs) 2550-5490 / 08121070237
14 July 2006