Julie Bishop address to Council 2010
Indonesia
Indonesia Working Group
The purpose of the Indonesia Working Group is to share information relating to the country situation and programs. The group also provides advice to ACFID as required in liaising with government and other institutions and groups on matters relating to Australia’s development program and human rights issues in Indonesia.
Convenor required
The work of Australian NGOs in Indonesia
Recent public and media focus on the work of Australian aid organisations in Indonesia, has brought to light the need for better understanding both in Australia and Indonesia of the positive role being played by non-government organisations (NGOs) in both countries, working together for relief and development in Indonesia.
ACFID noted that while public sympathy and generosity was overwhelming after the Bali bombings, and the Indian Ocean Tsunami, both the public and media demonstrated little awareness of the very real development needs across the Indonesian archipelago and only limited understanding of the valuable work already being done by Australian and Indonesian civil societies working together.
The work done by Australian organisations and our Indonesian partners varies greatly across the archipelago. However the broad thrust involves the development of civil society in its many forms. This is often associated with health, agriculture and micro-credit activities. In addition, there is much emergency assistance and conflict resolution programs and even assistance with strengthening the role of the state, through the training of judges and others in the judicial system. The range of activities is enormous and the relationships between individual Australian and Indonesian NGOs have developed over decades through strong partnership relationships.
Around 37 agencies work in Indonesia, with programs and activities valued at over $88 million in 2005 – this includes a lot of work on tsunami-affected regions.
