[Kabar-indonesia] Australia announces US$46 million aid package to Indonesia

[Joyo at aol.com]

[see related articles sent by Joyonews on June 27:
'Less than eighth of Australia tsunami aid promised to
Indonesia handed over'; '$1m in aid feared lost to
fraud (Tsunami projects singled out)' and 'AusAID must
improve accountability for tsunami aid - audit']

Associated Press 
June 29, 2006

Australia announces A$63m aid package to Indonesia

SYDNEY, Australia (AP): Australia will donate A$63
million (US$46 million) to post-tsunami and earthquake
reconstruction efforts in Indonesia, the government
announced Thursday.

The latest donation brings Australia's total aid
commitment to Indonesia to more than A$2 billion over
the next five years, Australia's Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer announced in a joint statement with
Treasurer Peter Costello.

The ministers said Thursday's announcement reinforces
"Indonesia's position as one of Australia's most
important bilateral development partners in the Asia
Pacific region."

The package includes A$30 million to help rebuild
parts of Indonesia's central Java island devastated by
the May 27 earthquake that killed more than 5,800 and
left tens of thousands homeless.

It also includes A$33 million for ongoing
reconstruction efforts in Indonesia's tsunami-ravaged
Aceh province and on nearby Nias island, where a 2005
earthquake killed over a thousand people.

"This assistance will help restore and rebuild
schools, health facilities and housing, as well as
assisting people in re-establishing livelihoods," the
statement said.

Australia pledged A$1 billion in reconstruction aid to
Indonesia following the December 2004 tsunami. It also
promised A$3 million in the wake of the May 27
earthquake, but said it would contribute more funds if
necessary.

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Joyo Indonesia News Service
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