Archived Media Release
2 March 2010
Australia supports ‘Earthquake Safe Building’ campaign
Australia and Indonesia are joining forces to help ensure the people of West Sumatra are better prepared for earthquakes and build safer houses to minimise damage.
The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, along with Sugeng Triutomo, representing the head of Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, and the Governor of West Sumatra, Marlis Rahman, today launched an “Earthquake Safe Building” public awareness campaign in Padang, West Sumatra.
Mr Farmer said the West Sumatra Earthquake in September 2009 was a dire reminder of the earthquake risk in Indonesia.
“As the people of West Sumatra rebuild their lives, now is the best time to encourage them to build better homes and prepare for future disasters to help prevent loss of lives and reduce damage.”
“Buildings cannot be made 100% earthquake resistant, but we can reduce the impact by building safer homes,” said Mr Farmer.
The public education campaign will use radio, television, billboards and training to spread the message that now is the time to ensure buildings are as safe as possible.
Australia is committed to supporting Indonesia’s disaster preparation, relief and recovery priorities.
This campaign is funded through the Australia–Indonesia Disaster Reduction Facility announced in 2008 by the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and Indonesia’s President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Australia responded quickly and effectively to assist Indonesia following the West Sumatra earthquake. Australia has committed more than A$15 million to the emergency response, recovery and reconstruction.
Australia supports Indonesia’s disaster preparation, relief and recovery priorities through cooperation with the National Disaster Management Agency and other organisations including the Indonesian Red Cross, Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah.
Media Enquiries:
Natasha Simpson, AusAID Public Affairs, (021) 2550 5609 / 08121069106
Mia Salim, AusAID Public Affairs, (021) 2550 5490 / 08121070237