Australia responds to Indonesian disasters

Australia will provide up to $1 million of emergency assistance to help Indonesia in the wake of two devastating disasters.

Australia regrets the loss of life and damaged caused by the tsunami and earthquake in Mentawai and the volcanic eruption on Mount Merapi.

Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires to Indonesia Paul Robilliard said that Australia stands ready to provide further assistance should Indonesia require additional support and is monitoring the situation closely.

“Australia is always keen to assist Indonesia in times of need. We are working with our Indonesian counterparts to quickly and precisely respond to these disasters,” Mr Robilliard said.

Australia’s initial support package will consist of funding to:

• SurfAid for assessment, relief and recovery activities to the Mentawai Islands

• the Indonesian community organisations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah
to help local communities recover following the eruption, and

• the Indonesian Red Cross for humanitarian assistance in the Mentawai Islands
and Mount Merapi area.

On 26 October 2010 Indonesia reported that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Mentawai Islands, shortly followed by a tsunami. On the next day, a volcanic eruption on Mount Merapi occurred near Yogyakarta. These disasters caused a number of deaths and injuries.

Media enquiries:
Jenny Dee – Australian Embassy public affairs - 08111873175
Mia Salim – AusAID public affairs - 08121070237