JAKARTA: Indonesia will receive A$6.2 million from Australia in support of its Covid-19 response and recovery efforts. This was revealed in a joint statement by the Australian embassy here and the World Health Organisation (WHO), according to The Jakarta Post.
The funds are to "strengthen Indonesia's laboratories, improve the way Indonesia collects and uses health information and protect patients and health workers at health facilities".
Australian ambassador to Indonesia Gary Quinlan said: "As neighbours and long-term partners, Indonesia and Australia are well-positioned to overcome these challenges together."
"Supporting Indonesia's immediate critical health security efforts, in partnership with the WHO, is fundamental to ensuring our region's recovery," he added.
WHO representative to Indonesia N. Paranietharan said the organisation will continue to work with the Indonesian government to improve national policies and procedures to better respond to public health emergencies.
"With the support from (Australia's) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, WHO will be able to ensure essential support is provided towards the preparedness of the health system, including enhancing the national surveillance and case detection system and strengthening infection prevention and control activities."
Other countries and international organisations also pledged aid to Indonesia for its Covid-19 response and recovery efforts.
The United Nations announced last week that it would contribute US$2 million to support Indonesia in its Covid-19 Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
Last month, New Zealand announced it would contribute US$3 million to Indonesia's Covid-19 preparedness, response and recovery efforts through United Nations Children's Fund Indonesia.
