I am pleased to announce the Australian Government will support a range of initiatives to help people affected by the continuing unrest in Maluku, Indonesia.
This $2.9 million package of activities includes the provision of health care and ensuring food security through the delivery of Australian rice.
The crisis in Maluku erupted in early 1999 as a result of a complex combination of social, economic and religious circumstances in the local population. An estimated 4,000 people have died during the conflict and over 500,000 people are now displaced. Although the level of violence has subsided, tensions remain high and there is an ongoing need to assist internally displaced people (IDPs).
The Australian Government's Overseas Aid Agency (AusAID) has purchased 1,000 tonnes of rice from rice growers in New South Wales to help meet the immediate food needs of IDPs. Worth a total of $940,000, including freight and distribution costs, the consignment left Australia 24 May and will arrive in Ambon 24 June for distribution by the World Food Programme and Action Contre La Faim - "Action Against Hunger" (ACF). This contribution will provide 2.5 million daily rations - or feed up to 45,000 people for two months.
$1 million will also be provided to ACF for livelihood-support for those who are able to return to their homes, as well as supplementary food items including cooking oil and beans for those who are still displaced. ACF's activities will include the distribution of food, seeds, tools and fishing equipment to vulnerable groups; support for income generating projects and water and sanitation infrastructure rehabilitation. ACF is a neutral non-government organization that has the support of local authorities.
The third component of the aid package to Maluku is a contribution of $1 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to help reduce mortality levels of IDPs and others affected by the conflict. The WHO will undertake a number of initiatives, including improving the capacity of local health agencies to provide health assistance, improving the management and distribution of medical supplies and drugs, and strengthening disease surveillance.
Australia has provided $9.3 million in assistance to Maluku since 1999. Australia has also provided substantial humanitarian assistance elsewhere in Indonesia, including through the World Food Programme and the Red Cross.
Media contacts:
Matt Francis (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500
/ 0419 206 890
Fionna Douglas (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489