100 receive free ID cards

JAKARTA (JP): One hundred East Jakartans were given free ID cards yesterday from the mayoralty's Information Ministry's branch of Dharma Wanita.

The Golkar-affiliated organization also gave out 200 free birth certificates and 100 free medical treatments at local community health centers.

Dharma Wanita's vice chairwoman also gave books and stationary to 200 foster children.

Andi Mappaganty, East Jakarta's deputy mayor, said the organization had also given 100 vendors Rp 100,000 each.

He said it was part of a poverty eradication program.

But he did not say what 200 ID cards had to do with poverty eradication.

Giving free ID cards to locals has recently become popular with mayoralty officials.

The official cost of an ID card is Rp 3,000 but in practice people usually pay more than Rp 10,000 for a card.

Earlier this month 25,000 of West Jakarta's poor were given free ID cards.

Political observers could accuse Golkar, through government officials, of starting their campaign earlier than allowed.

The chairmen of the city chapters of the United Development Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have questioned Golkar's use of city programs to get votes. (sur)