Archived Media Release
3 August 2006
Australia works together with NU in disaster awareness and preparedness program
The Australian Government, through its overseas aid agency, AusAID, is providing Rp 4.6 billion (A$700,000) in grant assistance to Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) to teach Islamic boarding school (Pesantren) students and teachers how to manage and respond to possible disasters. The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer today signed the agreement with the General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, Hasyim Muzadi.
The funding will support a program in NU boarding schools to enhance disaster awareness and preparedness amongst children and teachers It is also aims to strengthen cooperation between community and local authorities on disaster management.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, to improve disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities,” said Bill Farmer, Australian Ambassador.
This funding to NU is part of Australia’s Rp 67 billion (A$10 million) disaster preparedness package for Indonesia. The program will initially target provinces such as Jakarta, Central Java and East Java.
“By teaching children and their communities about disasters and how they can prepare themselves we will minimise the often devastating impact of earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters,”
“Australia has worked closely with Indonesia on relief efforts after recent disasters. But we also think it is important to help communities prepare before a disaster strikes,” said the Ambassador.
Further information:
Steven Barraclough (Counsellor Public Affairs) tel. 021 2550 5290 mob. 0811 194 144
Mia Salim (AusAID – Public Affairs Officer) - 08121070237