Sweden supports the national Emergency Response Fund (ERF) which was recently replenished with a transfer of 6.5 MSEK (650 000 EURO). The Emergency Response Fund (ERF) mechanism was introduced in Indonesia in 2001 to address emergency needs where gaps in humanitarian response remained, by providing NGOs registered with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia with a rapid and flexible funding mechanism to meet short-term emergency priorities in vulnerable communities. The objective of ERF is to provide rapid funding that will enable humanitarian partners to respond to an emergency.
Sweden has informed OCHA that all remaining Swedish funds may be immediately used for the Sumatra earthquake. If needed, Sweden stands ready to top up the ERF contribution with additional contributions. In addition to the support for the ERF, Sweden on Friday 2 October sent a plane with a team (10-15 persons) from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. This Swedish contribution is valued at 3.6 MSEK.(350 000 EURO)