Australia allocates $578 million to support Indonesia’s development goals

In 2012-13, the Australian Government will provide an estimated A$578.4 million (Rp 5,37 trillion) in official development assistance to Indonesia. Today’s announcement reaffirms Australia’s ongoing commitment to scale up its development assistance to Indonesia.

The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Greg Moriarty, said Indonesia is one of Australia’s closest neighbours and has had success in achieving economic growth but still faces complex development challenges.

“Australia is proud to be partnering with Indonesia in its efforts to overcome poverty,” said Ambassador Moriarty. “This year’s budget is $20 million more than last year’s and I’m pleased to say that our aid program has consistently increased over the last three years.”

“Australia is Indonesia’s largest grant donor. The two countries have a successful development partnership that is helping save lives, opening up opportunities for the poor and promoting sustainable economic development.”

Managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Australia’s aid program in Indonesia will continue to focus on education, health, infrastructure and social protection.

“Australia is giving Indonesian children access to high quality education, increasing access to health services, safe water and sanitation and providing support to protect the poor and marginalised,” added Ambassador Moriarty.

Australia will also continue to provide assistance that will boost economic growth, reduce the impact of disasters and strengthen democracy, justice and governance.

The Australian Government also released a new Comprehensive Aid Policy Framework on 8 May 2012. The Framework articulates a four-year vision of how much aid Australia will deliver, where, and why by 2015-16. This will enable the Australian Government to work together with Indonesia to better plan and implement aid investments more effectively, delivering better results for the people of Indonesia.

Australia’s aid programs work in close partnership with the Indonesian Government and civil society organisations to achieve a prosperous, democratic and safe Indonesia.

Media Enquiries:
Mia Salim, Public Affairs Manager, AusAID Indonesia +62 21 2550 5490