MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
Australia will support Indonesia with $17 million of recovery and reconstruction assistance following the recent deadly earthquakes in West Sumatra and West Java.
Last Sunday, 4 October, I spoke with Indonesian Foreign Minister, Dr Hassan Wirajuda, about the earthquakes that hit Padang in West Sumatra on 30 September and 1 October and assured him of Australia's commitment to support Indonesia in both the emergency and recovery and reconstruction phases.
Previously I had spoken to Dr Wirajuda about Australian assistance for the recovery and reconstruction phase following the earthquake in West Java on 2 September.
Dr Wirajuda and I spoke about Australia's capacity to help rebuild damaged schools and public health facilities.
Today I announce an Australian commitment of $17 million to help the people of Indonesia rebuild after the earthquakes, $12 million for West Sumatra and $5 million for West Java.
In West Sumatra, Australia will provide up to $10 million to help rebuild schools and public health facilities .
Australia will also provide $1 million to the Government of Indonesia's Reconstruction Trust Fund and $1million to Australian Non Government Organisations to assist with their recovery and reconstruction efforts.
This assistance for recovery and reconstruction is in addition to Australia's emergency assistance, including urban search and rescue teams and support for the local Red Cross to distribute cooking, hygiene and medical kits.
To assist with reconstruction in West Java following the earthquake in Tasikmalaya on 2September, Australia will provide $5 million to help repair or rebuild up to 100 schools. This assistance will build on the existing school construction program delivered through the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.