Archived Media Release
16 June 2006
Australia signs agreements worth over Rp 15 billion with Muhammadiyah for Yogyakarta relief and disaster preparedness activities
Today the Australian Government, through its overseas aid agency, AusAID, signed two new agreements with Muhammadiyah totaling over Rp 15 billion. The funding will support Muhammadiyah to build temporary medical clinics, child care centers, primary schools and village meeting centers in Yogyakarta as part of relief efforts there. A second activity will support a schools-based program to enhance disaster awareness and preparedness amongst children.
“We are pleased to extend our collaboration with Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest community-based organizations, to help those affected by the recent earthquake in Yogyakarta and Central Java. Muhammadiyah will receive Rp 7 billion as part of Australia’s Rp 52.5 billion relief package to provide comprehensive, community-based assistance in seven villages in Yogyakarta province,” said Philippa Power, acting Australian Minister Counsellor for Development Cooperation.
“We are developing a strong working partnership with Muhammadiyah in a range of areas, including disaster response. Already, Australian medical teams have been working side-by-side with doctors and nurses in the Muhammadiyah hospital in Yogyakarta to treat victims of the earthquake.”
Village medical clinics have also been set up, with Australia providing medical support to local doctors treating patients. Temporary child care centers will be established to provide a safe place for children to play and to free up adults to help with rehabilitation efforts. Temporary primary schools will be provided and village meeting centers will be built to enable communities to gather and discuss future planning.
“We are also collaborating with Muhammadiyah to improve disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities,” said Ms Power. Australia will provide over Rp 8 billion to support training programs in Muhammadiyah schools located in disaster-prone areas. “The aim is to teach children about disasters and how they can prepare themselves and their communities, thereby minimizing the impact of earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters”, said Ms Power. “Australia sees the importance both of helping relief efforts after a disaster has occurred as well as the importance of helping communities prepare before a disaster strikes.”
Further information:
Mia Salim (AusAID Public Affairs) 2550-5490 / 08121070237