Celebrating 25 Years of Australia-Indonesia Agricultural Research Partnership

Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Bill Farmer, will host a reception today to mark 25 years of involvement by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in Indonesia.

The event will be attended by key senior Indonesian partners and visiting ACIAR Chief Executive Officer Mr Peter Core, who has also travelled to Sulawesi to view ACIAR-funded projects aimed at reducing rural poverty by improving the flow of information between national research initiatives and the on-the-ground needs of farmers.

“Indonesia is ACIAR’s largest partner country, reflecting the strong levels of cooperation between our two countries over the last 25 years in the development of agriculture, fisheries and forestry in Indonesia, and in reducing poverty,” said Ambassador Farmer.

ACIAR is investing nearly A$11 million this year in projects and training activities.

CEO Peter Core said ACIAR has a broad partnership in agricultural research with Indonesia, including collaborative programs with the three main Ministries – forestry, fisheries and agriculture, and also across provinces.

“The work ranges from improving export market access for commercial Javanese mangosteen growers, through to improving basic food security for subsistence highland communities in Papua.”

“ACIAR has also supported over 50 Indonesians to complete post-graduate study in Australia, many of whom are now making a valuable contribution to Indonesia’s economic and social development,” Mr Core said.

During today’s celebrations Mr Core and Mr Farmer will acknowledge the contribution made by ACIAR Stakeholder Manager, Ms Mirah Nuryati, during her 17 years working for ACIAR in Indonesia.

Ms Nuryati has been awarded the Australian Public Service Medal for her outstanding public service in the development of collaborative agricultural research projects between Australia and Indonesia. The Ambassador will present the medal to Ms Nuryati at today’s reception.

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