Australian Assistance for Sumatra Earthquake Victims

Australia is joining forces with two of Indonesia’s largest civil society organisations to help provide vital assistance to victims of the Sumatra earthquake.

Australia will provide up to A$250,000 each to Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama as part of a $2.8 million dollar initial response package.

The organisations will provide a range of support to thousands of victims including medical teams, temporary schools, school books and trauma counselling for survivors of the devastating earthquake.

“Australia is working in partnership with Indonesia to deliver appropriate assistance as quickly as possible,” said the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer.

“We are committed to supporting those suffering as a result of the earthquake beyond the search and rescue operations.”

Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama are faith based Muslim community organisations which have experience dealing with disasters.

The Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, signed separate memoranda of understandings with both organisations last year which pledged to work in partnership to achieve a prosperous, democratic and safe Indonesia.

Australian search and rescue personnel have been working in Padang and military health and engineering specialists and relief supplies are on the ground in Sumatra.

Australia has provided tents, water, blankets and other household necessities and officials are continuing to work with the Indonesian Government to provide additional assistance.

Media Enquiries:
Natasha Simpson, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5609 / 08121069106