Jakarta, 19 September 2008 - Today the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an agreement for a US$ 2 million contribution to a recently launched Multi-Donor Programme in support to Indonesia’s in 2009 at a ceremony hosted by the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS).

The UNDP-managed multi-donor elections programme is a 3-year technical assistance initiative that will give strategic support to the preparations for the 2009 elections, as well as build longer-term capacity of the General Election Commission and the over 400 District Election Commissions across the country and government agencies involved in the electoral processes. The programme will focus on three important priorities: help strengthen electoral management systems and voter registration, promote political participation and voters’ education, and support inter-ministerial and donor coordination with the aim of achieving a harmonised donor programme in line with the principles contained in the Paris Declaration of Aid Effectiveness.

The signing ceremony today was attended by Dr. Nikolaos van Dam, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia, Mr. El-Mostafa Benlamlih, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Abdul Hafiz Anshary, Head of the Indonesian Election Commission (KPU) and Mr. Lukita Dinarsyah Tuwo, BAPPENAS Deputy to the Minister for Development Funding.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tuwo expressed the Government of Indonesia’s appreciation to the support of the international community to sustain the democratization process in Indonesia, ”International experience and best practice in dealing with several very specific and complex technical challenges that we are still facing in managing elections will contribute considerably to the further consolidation of Indonesia’s democratic systems.”

In his speech, Ambassador van Dam complimented Indonesia for its successful, peaceful elections in the past, and emphasised the importance improving the electoral process further: “What is important now, is to further improve the quality of the electoral process and to further strengthen the capacity of KPU. It is also equally important that all voters are informed about the elections and are able to participate. This specifically includes women, minority groups and people living in remote regions.”

The contribution from The Netherlands is the second donor contribution to the multi-donor programme following the CAD 2.2 million from the Canadian International Development Agency last month. Several other donors have made firm commitments that they will also contribute to this important programme.

“Indonesia has emerged as the strongest and most stable democracy in Southeast Asia.” said Mr. El-Mostafa Benlamlih. The stakes are therefore very high in protecting and consolidating this remarkable achievement and support and solidarity from international development partners continues to be crucial.” In this regard, he further appreciated the support by the Netherlands to the Elections MDP.

UNDP has provided electoral support to Indonesia since 1998, offering substantial assistance to the historic 1999 and 2004 elections. Its long-term presence in Indonesia puts UNDP in a position to forge strong relationships with government officials and international donors alike. It is able to bring to the table a reputation for political impartiality as well as lessons learned from its experience supporting elections in over fifty countries around the globe.