Archived Media Release
12 July 2006
Australia to fund construction of 2000 schools in Indonesia
Australia and Indonesia today signed agreements totalling AUD$355 million to build and extend about 2000 schools in Eastern Indonesia over the next three years. This major initiative will also help to enhance education quality and improve education management.
The Australian-funded program will include public junior secondary schools as well as Islamic junior secondary schools. Schools will be built by local tradespeople using locally-supplied construction materials.
The agreements signed today comprise AUD$200 million of loans and AUD$155 million of grants from the Australia Indonesia Partnership.
“The signing of these agreements reaffirms Australia’s commitment to work with the Indonesian Government and local communities to build new junior secondary schools and improve the quality of education in Indonesia,” said Australian Ambassador, Bill Farmer.
“This program will support Indonesia’s education strategy to provide universal basic education. Increasing access to education through the construction of new junior secondary facilities, particularly in poor areas, is a priority,” said the Ambassador.
“Australia is pleased to be working with Indonesia in providing funds for both public and Islamic schools”.
The selection of sites to build and extend schools will be based on assessment of needs and community involvement.
Australian assistance to Indonesian education currently includes programs aimed at strengthening school and community governance and management systems, as well as improved classroom teaching and learning, mainly in poor areas of Eastern Indonesia. In Aceh, Australian activities include rebuilding of public and Islamic schools damaged in the 2004 earthquake and tsunami.
Further information:
Mia Salim (AusAID Public Affairs) – 2550-5490 / 0812 1070237