U.S. provides $1.1m in aid for Bali

JAKARTA: The U.S. government will provide US$1.1 million to assist the people of Bali to overcome the impact of the October 12 bombing in Kuta.

The U.S. Embassy said here in a statement that the funding, to be provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), would support local organizations to address immediate needs for community recovery and promote communication and tolerance in communities throughout Bali.

"The U.S. is committed to helping Bali recover as quickly as possible from the tragic bombing on October 12," said U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce.

This assistance to Bali is only one element of the overall U.S. foreign aid program in Indonesia.

USAID provided nearly $125 million last year to assist Indonesia's democratic transition, promote economic recovery, deliver humanitarian assistance, support health services and ensure that natural resources were protected. -- JP