Australia's $1 billion tsunami-related aid package to Indonesia: progress on the eve of the March ministerial meetings

0n 5 January 2005, Prime Minister Howard announced a $1 billion contribution to a newly formed Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development. These funds would be in addition to Australia's existing development cooperation program and would 'bring Australia's commitment to Indonesia to a total of $1.8 billion over five years'. Ravi Tomar discusses the major aid commitment to Indonesia made by the Australian government and reviews some major issues arising from the commitment.