On March 9th, The Australian Ambassador, Mr Bill Farmer, launched a program to help reduce poverty in East Nusa
Tenggara (NTT) and in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The program, the Australia
Nusa Tenggara Assistance for Regional Autonomy (ANTARA), is part of Australia's long term commitment to
improve regional and provincial governance, access to essential services, and increase incomes.
“Australia is here in NTT and NTB for the long haul and we are already planning to deliver innovative
and flexible activities over the next year,” said Mr Farmer at the opening of ANTARA's new office
in Kupang.
The program, funded by Australia's International Aid Agency, AusAID, will operate until 2010. Given the scale
of the development challenges in these provinces, a second phase of the program may be required.
Some activities being considered for funding and early implementation are:
Medical supply management — to improve efficiency and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals
and medical supplies procurement and distribution.
West Manggarai eco-tourism assistance — to increase visitor opportunities,
and improve the quality of small and medium enterprises and sustainable tourism services.
Specialized clinical and surgical services to NTT — to support local specialist
skills development in providing specialist services in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Food security — sharing information and working on preventive measures. AusAID
is also supporting a World Food Program resident position in Kupang over the next two years.
AusAID's involvement in Nusa Tenggara province has been extensive and longstanding. Since late 1999, AusAID has
delivered humanitarian and emergency assistance to help communities in West Nusa Tenggara, and has programs
in the region focusing on civil governance, health, HIV/AIDS, and education.
The Ambassador, Mr. Bill Farmer is seen (left) talking with the Indonesian Minister for Fisheries Freddy Numberi,
while in Kupang. Click Here to
read the Press Release from the Australian Embassy about that aspect of Mr. Farmer's visit to Kupang.
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