REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SLEMAN - Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr observed on Saturday the newly constructed Pentingsari bridge in Sleman District, Yogyakarta which was knocked down by flowing lava after the eruption Mount Merapi several years ago. The bridge was reconstructed using funds from the Australian assistance as well as involving contribution and discussion process of the local people.
The bridge built in Pentingsari hamlet, Umbulhardjo village, Cangkringan sub district was smashed down in November 2011 after it was eroded by lava flowing from Mount Merapi which erupted in October 2010. On the occasion, Bob Carr also witnessed the implementation of the National Program for People`s Empowerment (PNPM) in Umbulhardjo village, Cangkringan sub district.
Australia is the biggest donor to the PNPM program with assistance worth 215 million USD. Bob Carr was impressed with Cangkringan sub district and its people who were now able to restore their economic condition after the eruption Mount Merapi. "Australia is happy with being able to provide assistance and this is the benefit of becoming a neighbor," he said.
