MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia today announced a $A37 million workforce training initiative, one of the largest aid programs ever undertaken in Indonesia by Australia.
To be called the Indonesia Australia Partnership for Skills Development Program, it was unveiled by Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Kathy Sullivan, at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.
A Memorandum of Understanding initiating the program was signed today in Mrs Sullivan's presence by Indonesia's Director General for Primary and Secondary Eduction, Professor Achmady and the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr John McCarthy.
'This five year program aims to better educate and train Indonesia's workforce, particularly in Eastern Indonesia, including Irian Jaya and East Timor,' Mrs Sullivan said.
'Australian funding will assist Indonesia to train more highly qualified technical staff and professionals so necessary for Indonesia's development.
'The present lack of adequately skilled workers poses a major development obstacle for Indonesia,' Mrs Sullivan said.
Mrs Sullivan said that the Indonesia Australia Partnership for Skills Development program would bring government and educational institutions in Indonesia and Australia closer together.
'Our education sector and our government (through its industry training advisory groups) has considerable expertise and experience in providing competency-based training and assessment,' Mrs Sullivan said.
'The program will target workers in several sectors including tourism and hospitality, high value textiles and small-scale ceramics. More skilled workers will better equip Indonesia to grow its industry base and boost exports,' Mrs Sullivan added.
The major Indonesian partners in the program are the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Indonesian National Vocational Education Council, the National Workskill Training Council, the National Standardisation Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs Sullivan is in Indonesia on a week-long official visit. She has so far visited West Timor, Surabaya and Denpasar. While in Indonesia she will hold talks with Indonesian Government Ministers and officials, and representatives of aid organisations.
JAKARTA
Media contacts:
Judi Nixon (Mrs Sullivan's office) 07 5591 1011 or mobile 0411 287 258
Michelle Hardy, AusAID, 02 6206 4968