Indonesia ‘needs to work hard for MGDs’

Jakarta: With only three years left until the deadline, Indonesia needs to work hard to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), an official says.

Indonesia is seen to have made substantial progress in helping poor people improve their incomes and access to food, ensuring children go to school, supporting women and making childbirth safer.

“But there is still a lot more work that needs to be done,” said AusAID in Indonesia head Jacqui De Lacy on Tuesday.

AusAID is sponsoring the Indonesian government’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Awards and participating in an exhibition showcasing MDG achievements at Balai Kartini Convention Center on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

The MDG Awards will recognize individuals and organizations making a substantial contribution toward achieving the MDGs. The award is expected to inspire further action in poverty eradication and other development changes.

“By recognizing those making a difference, we will encourage more Indonesians to accelerate efforts to achieve the MDGs,” she said.

The exhibition is open to the public. It promotes the work of Indonesian ministries, international development partners, the private sector and NGOs.