User:Nur.Amelia/AusAID in Indonesia

AusAID in Indonesia

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) in Indonesia aims to serve the country’s national interests by providing assistance to Indonesia in reducing poverty and achieving long term sustainable development. Through this aid program, Australia and Indonesia are able to promote cooperation, stability, peace and prosperity within the region. Since then, Australia has been focusing its aid in the following areas: Education, health, infrastructure, governance, disaster risk reduction, eradication of poverty and climate change.

=History= AusAID in Indonesia began as early as the 1950s in the form of education scholarships that was funded through the Colombo Plan.

=Five-year Development Strategy (2008-2013)= On June 13, 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the development partnership with Indonesia during his visit with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta. This strategy reveals the purpose to help resolve poverty and also to promote peace and stability between both countries. Australia aspires to accelerate Indonesia’s progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially in health and climate change issues.

According to the infant mortality rates in 2010, out of 1000 live births, there are at least 28 infant deaths in Indonesia. This ranks Indonesia as the 73rd country. Although infant mortality rates have been declining over the years, many women in the poorest parts of Indonesia are still unable to have access to adequate health services with regards to maternal and neonatal care. Hence, Australia is providing a four-year $49 million maternal and neonatal to ensure pregnancy and childbirth are safe for these women. The program includes:


 * Increasing the number of trained midwives
 * Improving the administration of maternal and neonatal health care
 * Improving support from various communities for new expecting mothers

The tsunami which struck Sumatra in 2004, demonstrated the vulnerability of Indonesia to natural disasters. Australia has responded immediately by forming an Australia Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD) in reconstructing and developing the infrastructure of the tsunami-affected areas. Furthermore, the Australian government will be providing up to $50 million to support the worst-hit tsunami areas to construct a sustainable and prosperous future. This includes; providing a quality education, promoting community members in the participation of democratic course and establishing economic development.

= References =

http://www.indo.ausaid.gov.au

http://www.acfid.asn.au

http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/