JAKNEWS.COM---The Australian government has increased development assistance to Indonesia in its 2008-2009 budget, Australian Ambassador says. "The Australian government will provide an estimated Rp. 3.6 trillion (US$ 387.9 million) in development assistance to Indonesia in 2008-2009, reaching new record levels of assistance," Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer said in a statement Thursday. 

Announced in Canberra on Tuesday, the 2008-2009 budget increases aid for practical development outcomes to promote faster progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to alleviate the burden experienced by Indonesia's most vulnerable. 

"The Australia-Indonesia Partnership is Australia's largest bilateral development assistance program and Australia remains the largest grant-based donor to Indonesia," Farmer said. 

Australia works in partnership with the Indonesian government to reduce poverty and to achieve prosperity, stability and peace. The 2008-2009 budget expands Australia's support for infrastructure, education, health and governance, he said. 

In 2008-2009, work will commence on the Rp. 2.3 trillion project to improve roads and bridges in eastern Indonesia. 

"There will also be an emphasis on improving maternal and neonatal health and providing nine years of basic education for all boys and girls," Farmer said. 

Australia will continue to work with Indonesia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation under the International Forest Carbon Initiative. 

Globally, Australia will provide an estimated Aus$3.7 billion (US$3.4 billion) in official development assistance (ODA) in 2008-2009.
 

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