Australian Ambassador Hands Over Completed Infrastructure Projects in West Aceh

The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer AO, visited Aceh today to open a number of community buildings that have been funded by the Australian Government under the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD). They are worth more than AUD 1.5 million (approximately IDR 10.8 billion)

Speaking at the opening of one of 44 new Australian Government-funded village halls near Meulaboh – Mr Farmer reiterated the continuing Australian commitment to Aceh and the need for ongoing work to rebuild communities and support local government in Aceh.

“In total 178 halls are being rebuilt with Australian assistance enabling communities to come together to meet, plan the way forward and hold community gatherings.”

“Involving villagers in the rebuilding of their communities and helping the local government recover are two important priorities for Australia’s reconstruction program in Aceh,” Mr Farmer said.

Mr Farmer also met with Governor Irwandi Yusuf and Vice Governor Muhammad Nazar to congratulate them on their recent election and discuss progress in the reconstruction of Aceh.

Mr Farmer joined a community celebration at the Australian funded school MIN Rantau Panyang, not far from Meulaboh to mark a $126,000 (IDR 910 million) upgrade of facilities there.

Mr Farmer also opened the Ministry of Religious Affairs district office (KANDEPAG) in Aceh Barat. Australia provided a total of AUD 220,000 (IDR 1.6 billion) to support the rehabilitation of the office and procurement of essential furniture and equipment.

Finally, Mr Farmer attended a reception to congratulate 15 people from different government agencies in Aceh, who recently were awarded fellowships under the Australian Leadership Awards. The award will enable the 15 recipients to travel to Australia to learn new skills to apply in managing community services in Aceh.

Australia has already allocated more than $250 million (over IDR 1.7 trillion) to relief and reconstruction in Aceh and North Sumatra.

For further information, please contact:
Mia Salim Senior Public Affairs Officer, AusAID 0812 1070237