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Speech

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Haruhiko Kuroda
President
Asian Development Bank

Presidential Palace
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
30 May 2006

Let me start by offering my deepest sympathy and condolences on behalf of the Asian Development Bank to the people of Indonesia, and to the families of the victims of this devastating natural disaster. Coming so soon after the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, our hearts go out to the people of Indonesia and we find strength in the courage they have shown under desperate circumstances.

I just have just concluded detailed and productive talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. His quick response in setting up office near the disaster site and mobilizing the resources available to help people in need has been impressive. The Asian Development Bank and the international community stand behind him in this daunting task.

For our part, the Asian Development Bank has offered the Government of Indonesia US$10 million in immediate grant assistance and an additional $50 million in concessional funds for a total of $60 million to help meet the near-term rehabilitation needs of the quake-affected areas of Yogyakarta and Central Java.

We will work closely with the Government and other development partners in assessing the damage and loss caused by the earthquake and the rebuilding needs, and then help in implementing the consequent rehabilitation and reconstruction program.

We will help Indonesia with whatever it takes and provide more resources to help the people rebuild their lives and livelihoods.