| KangGURU and AusAID
in Indonesia
ANTARA
Australia launches a new and exciting development program in NTT and NTB
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. |
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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.
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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. |
CLICK
HERE for over 60 more KGRE reports about AusAID
In Indonesia.
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