MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Alexander Downer MP, today opened the emergency building of Banda Aceh's main hospital. The emergency building and other hospital facilities have been refurbished under the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD).
The Zainoel Abidin Hospital was severely damaged by flooding on 26 December 2004, when many patients and staff died. Less than a year later the hospital has undergone a remarkable transformation to a modern facility that is again serving hundreds of Acehnese each day.
In Aceh Mr Downer also opened the restored Banda Aceh passenger port and celebrated with local communities the completion of one of over 180 village halls that are being built in tsunami devastated areas with Australia's assistance.
The Australian Government's practical approach to the tsunami reconstruction effort sees it work in partnership with the Government of Indonesia and local communities to restore essential infrastructure and services in the key areas of health, education, and local government services.
Progress in Australia's post-tsunami humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Aceh is detailed in the third Australian Government report on 'Australia's Response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami'.
Local authorities were advised of a further $35 million in funding during Mr Downer's visit, covering food security, rebuilding and re-equipping schools in conflict-affected areas of northern Aceh, work to complete reconstruction of the Port, and assistance to re-establish local enterprises and livelihoods.
Australia's total commitment to emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Aceh and other tsunami affected areas of Indonesia now stands at over $220 million.
Media contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office): 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs): 0417 680 590
AIPRD Public Affairs (Indonesia): +62 812 100 9693