Nahdlatul Ulama awards Australian Embassy staff for disaster cooperation

Indonesia’s largest civil society organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama, has recognised contributions to disaster management in Indonesia by Australia’s former Ambassador and development staff from the Australian Embassy.

Former Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, has been recognised with an award, along with Eko Setiono and Henry Pirade from Australia’s international development agency, AusAID.

Accepting the award on behalf of Mr Farmer, the Australian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Paul Robilliard, said Australia has a long history of supporting Indonesia to respond to and prepare for disasters.

“Australia and Indonesia share a strong commitment to saving lives, protecting livelihoods and reducing damage caused by disasters,” said Mr Robilliard. “Civil society organisations like Nahdlatul Ulama play a vital role by working with communities and helping them prepare.”

Australia has worked with Nahdlatul Ulama since 2006 to educate thousands of students and teachers from schools in disaster prone areas to reduce the risk of death, injury and damage resulting from disasters like earthquakes.

Australia provided funding for Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah to support victims of the September 2009 Sumatra earthquake.

The recently launched Australia Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction is also focused on supporting Indonesia to prepare for disasters and reduce their impact.

Media Enquiries:
Natasha Simpson, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5609 or 0812 106 9106
Mia Salim, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5490 or 0812 107 0237