MEDIA RELEASE

Released By:
Downer

The Australian Government is providing $8.6 million over two years
(including $2.6 million in 2004-05), to support the day-to-day operations of
the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development
(AIPRD). The funding will cover AusAID's programme management costs,
the operations of a small inter-departmental Secretariat and the placement of
staff in Indonesia to work with relevant Indonesian government agencies.

This funding is being provided separately to ensure that the full
$1 billion provided by the Government for the AIPRD will be available for
Indonesia's reconstruction and development. It includes $0.1
million in capital funding to cover costs associated with establishing a
support office in Indonesia.

The Secretariat makes recommendations to and oversees implementation of
decisions by the AIPRD Joint Commission, which includes the Prime Minister of
Australia and the President of Indonesia. It is based in the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and includes staff seconded from AusAID,
DFAT and the Treasury.

Media inquiries:

Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890

AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590