MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government, through AusAID, will increase its support for democratisation and good governance in Indonesia by providing $2 million over three years to expand successful programs of the Jakarta office of The Asia Foundation.
The Australian Government recognises the important role that mainstream Islamic organisations play in the development of a democratic, peaceful and tolerant society in Indonesia. This additional funding will enable The Asia Foundation to deepen its engagement with key Islamic organisations committed to promoting democratic values and processes and reinforcing the role of Islam as a force for development.
This program will build on existing AusAID work with mainstream Islamic organisations in Indonesia such as an ongoing voter education and election monitoring program aimed at increasing the transparency of a series of provincial and district-level elections; the Learning Assistance Program for Islamic schools (LAPIS); and other programs in the areas of social service delivery and disaster preparedness and management.
The Asia Foundation is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a strong presence in Indonesia since 1955. Through its Islam and Civil Society programs in Indonesia, the Foundation supports mainstream Muslim organisations in their efforts to make Islam a catalyst for democratisation and good government.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590