U.S. Embassy Statement on the Inauguration of Aceh Governor

February 8, 2007

Bahasa Indonesia

The United States Embassy issued the following statement on today’s inauguration of the Governor and Deputy Governor of Aceh:

The inauguration of Yusuf Irwandi as governor and Muhammad Nazar as deputy governor of Aceh is a positive step forward in Indonesia’s democratic development and in the Aceh peace process. We welcome the fact that all sides have taken a constructive approach to the election and have publicly committed to working together to develop the province and continue the peace process.

U.S. Ambassador B. Lynn Pascoe personally congratulated Governor-Elect Irwandi when he met with Irwandi on February 6. “The United States has made significant contributions to the election, the peace process and post-tsunami reconstruction,” Ambassador Pascoe said. “The United States remains committed to the peace process and reconstruction and will continue providing assistance to the new provincial leadership.”

Since 2005, the U.S. has contributed US$ 13 million to the peace process. These funds support public education programs, rebuild conflict-affected communities, and provide election assistance and technical assistance to key government peace forums. The U.S. plans to continue its support for the peace process with an additional grant of US$ 15 million that will include training for newly-elected government officials.

The U.S. is also providing $400 million in support for Aceh reconstruction efforts. Construction has begin on 40 kilometers of the west coast road from Banda Aceh to Calang, over 500 new houses have been constructed, and over 5,000 families are benefiting from a revitalized organic coffee farming cooperative that has produced 675,000 pounds of specialty grade coffee procured by Starbucks. In addition, USAID programs to improve the quality of education, health services and local governance are being implemented throughout the province.

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