Media Release

9 July 2008

Australia and Muhammadiyah Building New Opportunities in Education

The Australian Embassy and Muhammadiyah today officially laid the foundation stone of a Muhammadiyah primary school in Wonogiri, Central Java that will be built as part of the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program.

Australia has been working with Muhammadiyah and the local community to commence construction of a new school building for Muhammadiyah’s “Special Program” Primary School in the sub-district of Pracimantoro, Wonogiri following the flooding of the original school buildings in late December 2007.

The new school building is expected to be operational by March 2009.

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, said Australia was pleased to continue its close collaboration with Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest community-based organisations, to help those affected by natural disasters.

“When completed, the new school building will provide direct benefit to this community and we are pleased that our joint efforts can have a positive impact on people who have suffered through difficult times,” Mr Farmer said.

This assistance follows the announcement last month of the Australian Government’s strengthened five year development partnership with Indonesia, providing aid of up to an expected A$2.5 billion between 2009 and 2013.

The Australian Government also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Muhammadiyah which recognises the cooperation in education, basic health and disaster response services.

The Australian Embassy was represented at today’s ceremony by Second Secretary (Political) Anthony Whitmore.

Media Enquiries:
Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175