Australia gives long-term support for West Sumatra’s recovery

To commemorate the first anniversary of last year’s devastating West Sumatra earthquake, Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires to Indonesia Paul Robilliard today visited Padang to view Australia’s long-term reconstruction support.

In Padang, Mr Robilliard and US Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel visited one of 39 damaged schools that the two countries are helping Indonesia rebuild. Together they signed a plaque at the school in Kampung Olo to mark their countries’ commitment to help Indonesia’s children return to formal education.

“Working together, our three countries can help about 6,500 children return to safer schools which will meet Indonesia’s earthquake-resistant standards,” Mr Robilliard said.

Mr Robilliard also visited Lubuk Kilangan village where he talked to locals who have been trained to build safer homes through a joint Indonesia-Australia public awareness campaign. The ‘Earthquake Safe Housing’ campaign taught communities across West Sumatra that building safer houses can save lives during an earthquake.

Today Mr Robilliard also launched www.rumahamangempa.net the online version of the campaign. The new campaign will use popular social networking media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to post updated resources and information.

“By putting these materials online, many more Indonesians in vulnerable regions across the country and beyond West Sumatra will be able to access this important information,” Mr Robilliard said. “Australia is committed to helping Indonesia reduce the human and economic toll of natural disasters which are a serious risk here,” he said.

Australia will also train Indonesian builders to construct earthquake-resilient buildings through a regional training and logistics centre. This will include a competition challenging builders, engineers and architects to design houses using techniques that minimise damage in earthquakes.

Australia is also rebuilding eight health facilities across Padang Pariaman district to help communities regain access to improved health services.

Overall, Australia has provided $15 million in assistance following last year’s 30 September earthquake, including support for emergency, recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Media Enquiries
Mia Salim, AusAID Public Affairs 0812 107 0237
Sonya Neufeld, AusAID Public Affairs 0811 187 2365