Palembang welcomes increased access to clean water

Approximately 30,000 Indonesians in Palembang, South Sumatra, now have access to clean water thanks to the Australian Government-funded Water Hibah Program.

Indonesia’s Minister of Public Works, Ir. Djoko Kirmanto attended today’s Palembang ceremony which celebrated 6000 new household water connections in the district.

At the event, the Head of AusAID in Indonesia, Jacqui De Lacy, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to assisting Indonesia in improving its basic infrastructure.

“The Australian Government recently increased its development assistance to Indonesia. We are committed to improving poor people’s access to clean water and sanitation, health, education, and transport,” said Ms. De Lacy.

Australia’s 2011-12 International Development Assistance Program to Indonesia is an estimated A$558.1 million (Rp. 5,15 trillion).

“Australia’s Water Hibah program supports the Indonesian Government’s effort to directly improve the health, quality of life and economic potential of Indonesians,” said Ms. De Lacy.

The Water Hibah program has provided clean water to approximately 380,000 Indonesians living in Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi and Papua.

The new household water connections in Palembang are funded with Australia’s
A$25 million (Rp 22,7 billion) commitment to Indonesia to increase piped water in poor urban communities, and to increase the number of households with sewerage connections.

Australia is committed to helping Indonesia achieve its goal to halve the number of Indonesians living without access to clean drinking water.

Media Enquiries:
Rendy Djauhari, AusAID Public Affairs, 0811 190 4823