50% of development funds do not reach Irian Jaya<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Irian Jaya tribal chiefs are outraged because
\nonly 50 percent of the government's poverty alleviation funds
\nhave reached them.<\/p>\n
In a meeting hosted by representatives of the United Nations
\nEducation, Science and Cultural Organizations (Unesco) and the
\nUnited Nations Development Program (UNDP), a group of 27 tribal
\nchiefs from the Baliem valley in Jayawijaya regency appealed for
\nhelp so that the funds reached the rightful parties directly.<\/p>\n
\"Only 50 percent of the funds reached the poor villages in
\nIrian Jaya,\" said spokesman Justinus Dabi.<\/p>\n
He said he was also puzzled because the planned financial aid
\nfrom the mining company PT Freeport Indonesia in Tembagapura
\nnever reached the Dayu tribe.<\/p>\n
Justinus, also speaking for the chief of Bedu tribe Mobokma
\nMabel who knew only the native Ndani dialect, asked for aid from
\nthe government and foreign organizations to improve the people's
\nwelfare.<\/p>\n
He said their visit to UN bodies in Jakarta was not political
\nin nature. \"This is an appeal to seek assistance for the people
\nof Baliem valley,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Wamena district head Mecky Korwa said development funds were
\navailable for Baliem valley, which has been expanded from 12 to
\n26 districts since April 1.<\/p>\n
Mecky said the funds, worth Rp 30 million, are distributed to
\neach village for community projects through Bank Rakyat Indonesia
\non a rotational basis.<\/p>\n
\"The difficulties of receiving such funds were caused by
\nadministrative matters,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said that, for educational projects, Wamena maintains five
\nsenior high schools in the area with boarding facilities for
\nstudents.<\/p>\n
But he said supplementary meals for elementary school children
\nremain unevenly distributed. \"It's improving, though, and the
\nstudents also receive school uniforms,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The meeting was attended by Stephen Hill of Unesco and Ravi
\nRajan of UNDP. It aimed to discuss ways of improving development
\nin Baliem valley.<\/p>\n
The tribal chiefs, who wore traditional accessories during the
\nmeeting, discussed developing sectors such as education and
\nagriculture with the local government, Unesco, UNDP and the
\nLembah Baliem Foundation.<\/p>\n
Current development projects in Baliem valley include
\ncarpentry and wood carving, rattan furniture, honey
\nmanufacturing, pig breeding and flower cultivation.<\/p>\n
Stephen Hill said that poor access to education for young
\npeople in Irian Jaya was due to their economic circumstances,
\ndispersed populations and geographical distances.<\/p>\n
Hill said that boarding schools in specific areas would help
\nthe students support their educational goals more consistently.<\/p>\n
The chiefs will stay in Jakarta until May 6, during which time
\nthey will meet with several officials including the Minister of
\nEducation and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro, the Minister of
\nSocial Services Inten Suweno and the Coordinating Minister of
\nPeople's Welfare Azwar Anas. (01)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/50-of-development-funds-do-not-reach-irian-jaya-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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