Accompanied by senior US government officials and US Ambassador Cameron R. Hume, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited one of USAID’s Integrated Sites in RW 08, Kelurahan Petojo Utara, Central Jakarta on Thursday, February 19, 2009.

Despite the harrowing heat and humidity, Secretary Clinton’s enduring smile conveyed her enthusiasm at the opportunity to engage with the Petojo community. While surveying the neighborhood, Secretary Clinton stopped at several points to greet community members and inquire about their experience working alongside USAID’s programs. Aimed at developing clean and healthy environments with an integrated approach, these programs include Environmental Services Program (ESP), HSP (Health Services Program), Food Security and Nutrition (FSN) conducted by Mercy Corps, and SWS (Safe Water Systems). USAID’s Trigeany Linggoatmodjo and community leader Irwansyah Andi Idrus accompanied Secretary Clinton on her 30-minute visit.

Secretary Clinton’s first stop was a counter in front of the Petojo community center where women cadres were displaying their composting and handicraft creation skills using organic and reused plastic waste. “This is great, show me how to do it,” expressed Secretary Clinton to ESP’s Nur Endah Shofiani. Together they watched and learned from the cadres as they demonstrated and explained the process. The development of this community-based solid waste and composting program was facilitated by USAID’s ESP 11 months ago. In addition to the composting demonstration, Secretary Clinton also visited the communal bathing, washing, and toilet facility (or MCK++), a joint program facilitated by ESP, FSN/Mercy Corps and SWS.

It was indeed a memorable afternoon for everyone. The community was thrilled at the opportunity to share their achievements in pursuing a clean and healthy environment. They will surely remain proud at having their efforts appreciated by Secretary Clinton for years to come.

More photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/indonesiaesp/HillaryVisit