Indonesia Largest Recipient of Australian Aid with 3.4 Trillion Rupiah in 2007-8

“The Australian Government will provide 3.4 trillion Rupiah in aid to Indonesia in 2007-08, representing a 33% increase on last financial year” said Mr Bill Farmer, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia. The 2007-08 Aid Budget, announced last night in Canberra, represents the Australian Government’s largest ever contribution to reducing poverty globally and in the Asia Pacific region.

“Indonesia is again the largest single recipient of Australian aid,” said Mr Farmer.

In Indonesia, the Budget expands Australian support in infrastructure, health, education and governance and funds new initiatives in forest management and transport safety.

An additional 126 billion Rupiah in 2007-08 will be devoted to infrastructure, with an emphasis on sustainable water supply and sanitation.

Australia’s health assistance has received a boost with funding to strengthen health systems nationally, and maternal and neo-natal health in Nusa Tenggara Timur.

“Australia will add to its already sizeable 2,6 trillion Rupiah investment in basic education, including the construction or refurbishment of 2,000 schools, particularly in least developed regions,” said Mr Farmer.

Australia continues to back Indonesia’s efforts to improve governance and fight corruption through the provision of 51 billion Rupiah to strengthen procurement systems, expand election monitoring and strengthen parliamentary accountability.

Globally, Australia’s Aid Budget has risen to $3.155 billion in 2007-08 (or 23 trillion Rupiah), an increase over the 2006-7 budget ($2.9 billion or 21 trillion Rupiah). “Australia’s overseas development assistance budget is focused on Australia’s efforts to promote growth and stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Mr Farmer.

Further information:
Steven Barraclough (Australian Embassy) mob.0811993 328