tsunami aceh - un.org photo
World Bank's international fund managers for the tsunami disaster in Aceh and North Sumatra, Joe Leitman, said Australia's aid promised not to Aceh.
In a radio interview quoted by ABC website, August 20, 2005, Leitman when it says the Australian Government contributes only one-eighth of $ 1 billion or Rp12.8 trillion promised.
In January 2005, after the tsunami disaster on December 26, 2004, the Australian government announced a desire to give a donation, under what they call Australia-Indonesia partnership. The fund will be used to build houses for the victims of the disaster.
"It would be good to see the contribution of Australia, and probably asking where (fund) was up," said Leitman.
Leitman responsible for coordinating the $ 4 billion donated countries like the United States (US), the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Norway.
"The initial impression of the public is, oh that one billion dollars for Aceh. But, if you dissect it, half is in soft loans that can be taken or not taken back by the Australian government," said Leitman.
While the rest is given in the form of grants. "Less than a quarter (of grants) that will be up to the province, the rest will be used to pursue the strategic interests of the government of Indonesia and Australia in Indonesia," he added.
So the actual number that can be up to Aceh, the only only one-eighth. Comments Leitman it has made Aidwatch organization urged the Australian government to be transparent.
Tim O'Connor from Aidwatch, said the Australian government is not transparent, about how much is actually allocated funds to help the tsunami in Aceh and West Sumatra. Australian tsunami funds used outside Aceh.
"The projects of government, scholarships, disaster response, may be required. We do not argue that," said O'Connor.
"But, it's not the tsunami fund and it should not be funded all, of what the public thought Australia for tsunami disaster relief," said O'Connor.
source: abc.com
