AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT TO REDUCE POVERTY IN INDONESIA

Jakarta, March 12 (ANTARA) - Australia will provide A$215 million to support the Indonesian Government's efforts to lift its people out of poverty, said an embassy media release on Friday.

About half the population of Indonesia lives on US$2 or less per day and Australia is committed to working with Indonesia to alleviate poverty and improve health, education and infrastructure.

Australia's Charge d'Affairs in Indonesia, Paul Robilliard, says the commitment is the largest contribution Australia has made to a direct poverty reduction initiative.

"Our support will help accelerate the pace at which Indonesia can expand its successful program to reach millions of people battling the burden of poverty," Robilliard said.

The National Program for Community Empowerment is a community-driven poverty reduction initiative which is expected to reach all of Indonesia's 80,000 villages by the end of 2010, benefiting at least 35 million people.

Australia's support will fund a number of pilot programs, including projects to improve basic health and education, conservation of renewable energy sources and natural resource management.

Australia will also commit up to A$40 million over five years to support women's access to micro-finance.

Australia is now the program's largest bilateral partner,
Australia's support was announced by the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during President Yudhoyono's visit to Australia.

Australia's contribution is part of the five year, A$2.5 billion dollar Australia Indonesia Partnership.