50% of development funds do not reach Irian Jaya

JAKARTA (JP): Irian Jaya tribal chiefs are outraged because only 50 percent of the government's poverty alleviation funds have reached them.

In a meeting hosted by representatives of the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organizations (Unesco) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), a group of 27 tribal chiefs from the Baliem valley in Jayawijaya regency appealed for help so that the funds reached the rightful parties directly.

"Only 50 percent of the funds reached the poor villages in Irian Jaya," said spokesman Justinus Dabi.

He said he was also puzzled because the planned financial aid from the mining company PT Freeport Indonesia in Tembagapura never reached the Dayu tribe.

Justinus, also speaking for the chief of Bedu tribe Mobokma Mabel who knew only the native Ndani dialect, asked for aid from the government and foreign organizations to improve the people's welfare.

He said their visit to UN bodies in Jakarta was not political in nature. "This is an appeal to seek assistance for the people of Baliem valley," he said.

Wamena district head Mecky Korwa said development funds were available for Baliem valley, which has been expanded from 12 to 26 districts since April 1.

Mecky said the funds, worth Rp 30 million, are distributed to each village for community projects through Bank Rakyat Indonesia on a rotational basis.

"The difficulties of receiving such funds were caused by administrative matters," he said.

He said that, for educational projects, Wamena maintains five senior high schools in the area with boarding facilities for students.

But he said supplementary meals for elementary school children remain unevenly distributed. "It's improving, though, and the students also receive school uniforms," he said.

The meeting was attended by Stephen Hill of Unesco and Ravi Rajan of UNDP. It aimed to discuss ways of improving development in Baliem valley.

The tribal chiefs, who wore traditional accessories during the meeting, discussed developing sectors such as education and agriculture with the local government, Unesco, UNDP and the Lembah Baliem Foundation.

Current development projects in Baliem valley include carpentry and wood carving, rattan furniture, honey manufacturing, pig breeding and flower cultivation.

Stephen Hill said that poor access to education for young people in Irian Jaya was due to their economic circumstances, dispersed populations and geographical distances.

Hill said that boarding schools in specific areas would help the students support their educational goals more consistently.

The chiefs will stay in Jakarta until May 6, during which time they will meet with several officials including the Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro, the Minister of Social Services Inten Suweno and the Coordinating Minister of People's Welfare Azwar Anas. (01)