Further Australian support to help Indonesians recover from disasters

Villages and homes will be rebuilt, burns victims will receive treatment, and communities will be better prepared following an additional $5.5 million from Australia to help Indonesia recover from the recent natural disasters.

The Australian Ambassador, Greg Moriarty, said that Australia had been quick to respond with $2.1 million in emergency funds when Mount Merapi erupted and the tsunami in the Mentawai Islands killed more than 800 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. This additional funding takes Australia’s total support to $7.6 million.

Australia’s further $5.5 million for the recovery phase will go towards:

Grants to affected communities to help themselves—for example by rebuilding homes and local health clinics—through Indonesia’s National Program for Community Empowerment (PNPM).
Non-Government Organisations to provide temporary shelter, livelihood and mental and physical health support activities in the Mount Merapi area. This will include providing equipment to assist burns victims.
The Australia-Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction to survey, understand and document the actions taken by communities, governments and NGOs before, during and after the disasters that saved lives and minimised destruction.
600 family kits funded by the Australia-Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction to assist families in the Mentawai Islands with clothes, cooking equipment and hygiene items.

Mr Moriarty said Australia’s further support will help minimise the impact of future disasters and save lives.

“Indonesia is now looking beyond the immediate response to longer-term recovery and rehabilitation. Australia is providing support to efforts on how Indonesia can better prepare for future disasters,” Mr Moriarty said.

Media Enquiries:
Mia Salim, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5490/ 0812 1070237
Rendy Djauhari, AusAID Public Affairs (021) 2550 5386 / 081 1190 4823