MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the Australian Government's aid agency will provide
one thousand tonnes of Australian rice for people affected by the recent unrest
in Kalimantan.
The Australian Government deplores the violence in central Kalimantan which
has left many hundreds dead and up to 45,000 people displaced from their homes.
One thousand tonnes of Australian rice will be provided through the World Food
Programme to meet the needs of persons displaced by the violence.
This contribution will provide 2.5 million daily rations - or feed up to
45,000 people for two months.
The Indonesian Government and non-government organizations have responded
swiftly to deliver food and other assistance to the affected people, including
those remaining in Kalimantan and those who have returned to Madura.
Many of these people are receiving assistance from families and relatives in
Madura and East Java. However, the ability of families to continue providing
this assistance will quickly dwindle without the support of donor countries such
as Australia.
Reports from Indonesia suggest the majority of Madurese living in Kalimantan
have fled their homes, with up to 30,000 people now waiting in camps for
evacuation from the province. As many as 5,000 people may still be hiding in the
forest.
The Australian Government's overseas aid agency, AusAID, is arranging with
the Australian Ricegrowers Cooperative to urgently ship the rice to Indonesia.
The value of Australia's contribution will be approximately $600,000, including
freight and distribution costs.
Media contacts:
Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 / 0419 206
890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489