Jakarta - The US Agency for International Development (USAID) recently celebrated its 50 years of partnership with Indonesia. According to a US embassy press release received here on Tuesday, US Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Marciel launched a two-week photo exhibition and lectures on 50 years of the establishment of USAID and partnership with Indonesia. For 50 years, USAID has been cooperating with Indonesia to develop its human resources, build social and economic infrastructure, reduce poverty and overcoming infectious diseases, improve food security and maternal and child health. USAID has been there to provide disaster relief after earthquakes and other cataclysmic events, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. "In 1950, Indonesia suffered from a tragic poverty and lack of infrastructure. It was one of Asia's poorest countries. Today, however, Indonesia has become a middle-income country and enjoys membership of G20 as one of the world's largest economies. Strong macroeconomic performance has made Indonesia a new haven for international investment," Ambassador Marciel stated. The work of USAID Indonesia is a core element of the Comprehensive Partnership signed by President Yudhoyono and President Obama in November 2010. USAID will observe a major milestone marking 50 years since President John F. Kennedy established the agency. Having witnessed the devastation that World War II caused in Europe and the subsequent success the Marshall Plan had in rebuilding it, President Kennedy argued that advancing opportunities and freedom for all people was central to America's domestic security, comparative prosperity, and national conscience. USAID is an independent U.S. Government agency that provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the US foreign policy goals.
