(DML) and the Indonesian Society of Sanitary and Environmental Engineers
(IATPI), two Indonesian non-governmental organizations that will manage the funds.
"The memoranda reflect our commitment to the strengthening of Indonesia’s
social safety net program and helping the country’s economic recovery," Roy
said.
US-AEP is a U.S. interagency program led by USAID and involving also the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
USAID is committing more than US$150 million to Indonesia’s economic recovery,
focusing on Indonesia’s social safety net, sustainable environmental and natural
resource management, and civic and community participation.
US-AEP will allocate US$350,000 for Eco-Productivity Outreach Corps and Waste Exchange
programs aimed at helping small- and medium-scale industries to increase their efficiency
and to use waste for other purposes. It is expected that the industries could also absorb
more workers and protect their environments.
Another US$400,000 would be used by IATPI to guarantee clean water supply for
Indonesians.
The Water Efficiency Team (WET) of the USAID would make technical recommendations to
regional water authorities (PDAMs) threatened by financial problems.
"Water supply is not only important for health, but also to support other economic
activities such as agriculture and animal husbandry," Roy said.
According to Chairman of IATPI, Ir. Rama Boedi, one out of three PDAMs in Indonesia are
on the verge of closure because of soaring operation costs.
Water supply problems would have a direct impact on the public, creating other problems
in sanitation and epidemic diseases, Boedi said.
