Palu, 26 July 2022 — Over 300,000 people will benefit from a stimulated local economy through improved farming and connectivity following today’s official inauguration of public facilities in quake-hit Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi province, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of Germany through development bank KfW.

The key facilities are Omu market, Jono and Tuva irrigation canals, Tuva bridge, and Meranti ward of Tora Belo hospital. They were completed by UNDP’s Programme for Earthquake and Tsunami Reconstruction Assistance (PETRA) in partnership with the government of Central Sulawesi and local civil society organizations.

Presiding the inauguration ceremony on Monday, the Ambassador of Germany to Indonesia, Ms. Ina Lepel said that the opening of the new facilities will have positive ripple effects on local communities.

“I appreciate the local governments, community, and other stakeholders for realizing PETRA and supporting long-term recovery for their people – despite limitations by the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope the restored facilities will support the community to experience positive growth and better livelihood. The remaining task is to utilize and maintain the facilities optimally.” said Ms. Lepel.

In his remarks, Senior Portfolio Manager, KfW Office in Jakarta, Mr. Olaf Goerke noted the partnership with UNDP and KfW’s commitment to the people of Central Sulawesi. “I am grateful to the German government for funding the PETRA project amounting to 25 million euro grant through KfW Development Bank, and UNDP as the implementor, thereby contributing to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical infrastructures for the economy, health, education, and sanitation of Central Sulawesi people. The achievements of rehabilitation and reconstruction after the earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi are the result of synergistic hard work between the communities and stakeholders,” he said.

UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative, Mr. Norimasa Shimomura stressed UNDP’s inclusive nature of the reconstruction efforts.

“UNDP has made sure our approach in this region has been completely inclusive. We involved the local community in the decision-making process and incorporated the needs and concerns of women and communities in vulnerable positions to ensure equal and full access for all” he said.

“Instead of going further afield, communities can now trade at the local market which can also provide new jobs. The completion of the bridges will also improve connectivity of people, goods and services which in turn can reduce the cost of basic necessities,” Mr. Shimomura added.

Acknowledging the joint effort to rebuild the impacted areas, Governor of Central Sulawesi, Mr. Rusdi Mastura appreciated the fruitful collaboration.

“We are grateful for UNDP’s work to rebuild this region with funds from the government of Germany via development bank KfW. Nearly four years after the earthquake and tsunami devastated the region, we are proud of how far we have come, thanks to this joint effort and the resilience of the people of Central Sulawesi who overcame the many obstacles even during the pandemic, to rebuild these vital pieces of infrastructure. I hope that these facilities will serve our community for decades to come,” he said.

The reconstruction of these facilities provided short-term employment opportunities for approximately 500 people, including women who took on construction, supervisory and administrative roles. It also provided training for people looking to boost their incomes or take on new work opportunities.

The KfW bank on behalf of the German Government has allocated EUR 25 million (approximately USD 28.4 million) to rebuild critical infrastructure facilities in Central Sulawesi and NTB. UNDP manages this multi-year initiative in close collaboration with BAPPENAS, BNPB, and Provincial Governments, and in alignment with the Reconstruction Master Plan and Plan of Action.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

UNDP Indonesia Resilience and Reconstruction Unit Team Leader, Christian B. Usfinit, Christian.Usfinit@undp.org

UNDP Indonesia Communications Specialist, Tomi Soetjipto, Suryo.Tomi@undp.org

UNDP Indonesia Communications and Advocacy Specialist, PETRA, Ranjit Jose Ranjit.Jose@undp.org