Australia, Indonesia Help Farmers to Overcome Climate Change

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Australia is working together with Indonesian forestry and agriculture industries to prevent forest and peat fires as part of broader efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.

A press release from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta received by Antara here on Sunday stated Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has announced the Australian Land Maintenance Package to support countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, to meet emissions reduction targets.

"Australia will provide 10 million Australian dollars to help Indonesia reduce carbon emission and to more efficiently develop the agriculture and forestry sectors which are the largest sources of emissions," Minister Bishop said.

The land maintenance package will involve the Australian expertise in the field agriculture.

Australian farmers who are environmentalists apply agricultural practices and the latest technology in order to deal with climate change impacts, Bishop explained.

In 2015, Australia cooperated with Indonesia in addressing forest and peat fires with water bombers sent to Sumatra.

In addition, Australia provided medical equipment for people in Riau, East Kalimantan and West Kalimantan who suffered from respiratory irregularities and other diseases caused by haze.

Furthermore, Australia will set up partnership with the Indonesian government, Peat Restoration Agency and other institutions to develop four new programs to support emission reduction and land management practices.

Australia will also continue to provide climate change mitigation support through various programs as well as helping farmers to adapt to climate change and use the new land management. (WDY)