JAKARTA, PLANAS PRB – Indonesia and Australia agreed to set up facilities for Disaster Risk Reduction in Jakarta to strengthen disaster response capacity in Indonesia. Assistance worth 67 million Australian dollar is expected to reduce the impact of disaster risk significantly.

The signing of this cooperation in the building carried out in the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in Jakarta, Thursday (9 / 7).

On the occasion, Chief of BNPB, DR Syamsul Maarif, M. Si, on behalf of the Government of Indonesia and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, representing the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) signed a cooperation agreement that ends later in the year 2013.
 

This cooperation is a follow-up of the agreement President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the High Level meeting of APEC leaders in Peru last year (22/11/08).
 

On that occasion, the two leaders expressed concern over the vulnerability of the region (Asia Pacific) of the disaster, as well as disasters caused by the increasing climate change and urbanization.
 

Furthermore, a second expert team to evaluate the state disaster management mechanisms, and found several weaknesses of coordination and consistency to the weak focus on prevention and disaster risk reduction.
 

In addition, national capacity development needs serious attention, so that each country can attempt to overcome his own threat from a variety of disasters.
Then, the results of the study team of experts of both countries needed to conclude the formation of the Australia Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction (AIFDR) which was originally expected to start operating April 2009. The facility will support the efforts of Indonesia and the region in three areas, namely: research and research efforts and disaster risk assessment and related training for Disaster Risk Reduction.
 

Financing this facility for 67 million Australian dollar or the equivalent of U.S. $ 42 million through June 30, 2013, are distributed each year according to the annual budget estimates approved both parties.
 

Furthermore, Syamsul explained the many obstacles when it comes to communicate issues to the public disaster. In response to this, will be formed 12 different depot locations in accordance with their respective character. "People do not need to Irian all the way to Jakarta for training, because there has been the nearest depot," he said.
 

Meanwhile, Bill Farmer, said "This aid is not just aid but also partnership. "What Indonesia can trust us as a guest and a good neighbor, and always follow the provisions and agreements in force," he said.
 

Syamsul added, "This facility is there in Indonesia, but the countries in the Asia Pacific can take advantage of any information about the disaster that was. It required cooperation with relevant stakeholders such as Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Education, Health, LIPI, BPPT and others to provide facilities in providing data on Disaster Reduction. BNPB will coordinate with related parties which have authorized the expenditure data and information. "

The Indonesian government will use existing facilities, and will facilitate the international experts and staff in giving tinggal.Saat license agreement ends, all equipment used belonged to the Indonesian government. ARG-TRN/Skala