The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a new Country Partnership Strategy with Indonesia for 2016-2019, setting out a program of support to foster a sustainable economic growth path that delivers benefits for all the country’s citizens and regions.
“Indonesia has made tremendous social, economic, and political progress since its independence 7 decades ago,” said Sona Shrestha, Deputy Country Director at ADB’s Indonesia Resident Mission. “ADB’s new partnership with Indonesia will help build on that progress by working toward inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth through improved infrastructure services, better public sector governance and management, and enhanced education and skills.”
ADB will increase infrastructure investments in support of the government’s ambitious targets. ADB’s support in energy infrastructure will boost the reliability and efficiency of the national electricity grid and promote cleaner energy sources, such as geothermal and natural gas. To improve rural incomes, support will focus on irrigation, water supply, and high-value crops. In cities, the urban poor will benefit from upgrades to sewerage and wastewater management.
“ADB will support fiscal reforms to improve public expenditures and the delivery of services to those who need them most,” said Ms. Shrestha. “Support for implementation of reforms to improve the investment climate and reduce the cost of doing business will contribute to broadening the economic base and creating jobs.”
Indonesia has achieved impressive gains in education access at all levels, but quality remains an issue. Improving the quality and relevance of education programs will be a focus of ADB support in this area.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, ADB in December 2016 will mark 50 years of development partnership in the region. It is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2015, ADB assistance totaled $27.2 billion, including cofinancing of $10.7 billion.
