The McGowan Government has allocated $2 million to assist Indonesia as it manages its second wave of COVID-19.
Western Australia’s closest international neighbour is working to contain the highly transmissible Delta variant, with more than 22,000 new cases a day following last month’s peak of 56,750.
The Indonesia COVID-19 Relief Fund will be similar to the model announced by the State Government for India in May, allowing local community organisations to work with partners to provide on-the-ground support.
The $2 million Indonesia COVID-19 Relief Fund will be administered as a single closed application process, available to Indonesian community associations based in Western Australia.
The grant program will be administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Eligible applicants will be required to directly partner with a registered, not-for-profit Australian charity with operations in Indonesia, or affiliated with a reputable and officially registered not-for-profit Indonesian charity.
More information will be available soon on the Office of Multicultural Interests website.
Western Australians can also donate to the Indonesian COVID-19 Emergency Response through a fund set up by the Australia Indonesia Business Council and Save the Children.
Donations can be made through the fund’s website at https://aibcsavethechildrencovid19response.raisely.com
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Indonesia is our closest international neighbour – an important international partner and a place close to many Western Australian hearts.
“Right now, Indonesia is attempting to contain its second wave, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives.
“Similar to the support provided to India recently, this funding will provide essential on-the-ground assistance to badly affected communities.”
As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Tony Buti:
“The stories from Indonesia as it battles its second wave have been harrowing and demonstrate just how quickly things can escalate during this pandemic.
“Western Australia is home to around 11,000 people of Indonesian ancestry, most who have family and friends affected by the pandemic right now in Indonesia.
“Indonesia has been a big part of many Western Australians’ lives – through trade, culture and as a popular place for many of us to visit. It is important we assist in their recovery.”
