VIVAnews - Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said the country is ready to help West Sumatra in its attempt to rehabilitate and reconstruct the regions after a 7.9 on the Richter Scale quake trembled the province. The Australian government is allocating AUS$10 million to AUS$12 million worth of relief aid.
"This is a form of a bilateral partnership, especially a cooperation between the Indonesian Military and the Australian Defence Force (ADF)," said Stephen Smith when visiting quake-affected area in West Sumatra on Wednesday, Oct 21.
Smith acknowledged that the Australian government focuses on the development of the damaged education and health facilities by virtue of the September 30 quake.
Earlier, Smith stated that the Australian prime minister had met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to discuss about earthquake mitigation in Sumatra.
Mr Smith did an observation at a water processing spot which belongs to the ADF at Purus beach. The facility turns salt water into fresh water.
During an emergency response period, the Australian government has channelled AUS$4 million for the search and rescue processes. On the other hand, the Australian government has also cemented a deal with the Indonesian government concerning school development projects.
Smith said last year 1,000 schools have been set up in South Sulawesi. It is targeted that the school building program will have 2,000 schools constructed.
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Coverage: Eri Naldi | Padang
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono
