"We will not cancel our assistance to Papua, because it is our largest investment in Indonesia, compared to other regions in the country. We are now changing the program to specifically suit current conditions in Papua," Anders said earlier this week in an exclusive interview with ANTARA News.
It was previously reported that the Amungme and Kamoro Community Development Foundation (LPMAK), through its spokesperson Yohanis Arwakon, had said that USAID had cancelled its funding to the agriculture program in Papua.
The local foundation also said they would review and re-evaluate the USAID and LPMAK programs because, according to Arwakon, the USAID had signed a memorandum of understanding with LPMAK to support the local community in Mimika, Papua in 2009.
The local organization also noted that USAID`s mission director, Walter North, said that since 2007 it has assisted the local community in Mimika and provided funds worth one million US dollars.
A misunderstanding then arose between the two parties, as the local foundation believed that USAID had cancelled its funding assistance and was not expecting a change in the assistance model by alliance programs.
"I think the misunderstanding with the LPMAK is that they don`t want an alliance program and we are looking for a partnership," said Anders.
Anders further said, "Because the LPAMK, like many other foundations, have their own resources, we want to partner with them in what we call the alliance program with 50-50 shares as equal partners."
"We do give grants, but when we work with organizations, particularly private sector organizations or foundations, we try to work in alliance because we know they have the resources and it also shows better commitment from both sides," he added.
Partnership sustainability can be created in an alliance program for the future. "We know the local party has a very strong commitment to the program," noted Anders.
"In an alliance, you get more commitment by the parties to continue the program, and we are looking forward to working with the LPMAK in an alliance model, instead of just providing more grants," Anders added.
Anders also thinks both parties should discuss the new relationship further, as LPMAK officials thought USAID would provide more grants, and not an alliance model.
He added that USAID remains committed to Papua`s future and will continue programs that help improve the lives of Papuans.
USAID is currently exploring opportunities to continue these successes by partnering with NGOs and private businesses in programs that will further identify market opportunities for farmers in Papua and increase the incomes of farming households.
(T.A050/INE/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
