Indonesia Expecting Bird Flu Foreign Aid
Wednesday, 03 May, 2006 | 15:10 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Indonesia is expecting funds for handling bird flu that were promised by the countries attending an international meeting in Beijing, January 2006.

Up to now, the funds, which amount to US$1.9 billion, have not yet been realized.

“In handling avian influenza, we hope that the aid mentioned at the international meeting will be realized,” said Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, Aburizal Bakrie, yesterday (2/5).

In order to combat bird flu during the next three years, Indonesia needs US$900 million.
The government, through the State Budget, will allocate around US$50 million per year.

From the public, businesspeople and NGOs, total funds collected are US$20 million per year.

“Up to now, the only funds are from Indonesia, from the State Budget. We will lower (the aid request) from US$900, but I haven't received the report yet. It will be lowered as much as possible,” said Aburizal.

At the international bird flu conference in Beijing on January 17-18, 2005, a statement was made that developed countries will provide aid amounting to US$1.9 billion for handling bird flu in Indonesia.

Kurniasih Budi