PR: 11

Jakarta, 10 March 2005

Now that the response to the tsunami disaster is moving into the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, the British Government continues to support the recovery of Aceh and its people by contributing US$7.7million (Rp 72 billion) to support the Asian Development Bank’s water and sanitation work in Aceh; US$7.7 million (Rp 72 billion) to the World Bank’s Subdistrict’s Development Programme, which supports Acehnese in returning to work and rebuilding their villages; US$7.7 million (Rp 72 billion) to UNDP for livelihood recovery in Aceh and US$700,000 (Rp 6.5 billion) to Internews for Public Information Radio and Networking.

Notes for Editors:

1. The British Government, through its Department for International Development, has worked closely with the Indonesian Government and International organisations to support relief and recovery work in Aceh since the earthquake and tsunami disaster struck on December 26th 2004.

2. The British Government has so far pledged USD 143 million (£75 million) for post-tsunami relief and recovery in the region. On top of that, the British public has pledged over USD 380 million (£200 million) in private donations.