The minister voiced concerns that the temporary foreign aid suspension policy could negatively impact important programs in Indonesia, including the handling of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and the provision of medical equipment.
"We are seeking (more information) for further understanding regarding this policy and its impact on our ongoing programs," Pambudy noted in a statement on Friday.
Ambassador Lakhdir clarified that this temporary suspension is part of an evaluation based on the executive direction of US President Donald Trump to ensure that all foreign aid programs align with US foreign policy priorities.
She explained that during this temporary suspension period, only certain emergency assistance is exempted, such as the provision of HIV/AIDS drugs.
"The United States Embassy continues to cooperate with the Health Ministry to support logistics and medicine delivery systems," she remarked.
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Indonesia, through the PPN Ministry, has collaborated with the US Government to support the development agenda, one of which is through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) program.
According to the statement, the MCC program is focused on strengthening infrastructure and developing economic capacity. It includes the Compact-II initiative, which is currently being prepared and will continue to run without interruption.
"This cooperation reflects the importance of bilateral relations between the United States and Indonesia in supporting sustainable development and economic growth in both countries," the minister elaborated.
He then expressed Indonesia's commitment to continue maintaining and strengthening the development cooperation relationship with the US.
"Development cooperation between Indonesia and the United States is a historic relationship with real benefits for both countries. Indonesia is committed to ensuring this partnership remains strong and productive while continuing to support a shared vision in realizing inclusive and sustainable development," Pambudy remarked.
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Translator: M. Baqir Idrus A, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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