Australia and Indonesia work together to meet the Millennium Development Goals

“The Australian Government will provide an estimated IDR 3.6 trillion (AUD 462 million) in development assistance to Indonesia in 2008-09, reaching new record levels of assistance,” said Mr Bill Farmer, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia.

Announced on Tuesday (13 May) in Canberra, the 2008-09 Budget increases the focus of the aid program on practical development outcomes, promoting faster progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and greater attention to alleviating the situation of the most vulnerable people.

“The Australia Indonesia Partnership is Australia's largest bilateral development assistance program and Australia remains the largest grant-based donor to Indonesia,” said Mr Farmer.

Australia works in partnership with the Government of Indonesia to reduce poverty and achieve prosperity, stability and peace, and the 2008-09 Budget expands Australia’s support for infrastructure, education, health and governance.

In 2008-09, work will commence on the IDR 2.3 trillion projects to improve roads and bridges in eastern Indonesia, with funds provided by the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development.

“There will also be an emphasis on improving maternal and neonatal health and providing nine years of basic education for all boys and girls,” said Mr Farmer.
Australia will continue to work with Indonesia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation under the International Forest Carbon Initiative, including through the Kalimantan Forest and Climate Partnership.

Globally, Australia will provide an estimated $3.7 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2008-09.

Media Enquiries:
Sarah Finney (AusAID Public Affairs Officer) mob. 0812 105 5953