ABRI helps floods victims

PADANG, West Sumatra: The Armed Forces (ABRI), through one of its programs, is building 100 houses for the victims of heavy floods that swept the areas in December.

Antara reported on Monday that the commander of the local military office, Col. M. Iskak, said, cooperation with the community is the key to success in alleviating the people's suffering.

"In addition, this program aims at raising ABRI members' sensitivity toward the public's aspirations, so that the community will, in turn, love ABRI members the more," Iskak said during the launching of the program.

"You should not only stand and watch," he told the residents. "Instead, you should help with the work to alleviate our brothers' suffering."

ABRI deployed 84 of its personnel for the program, which is being held in the subdistricts of Batang Kapas, Lenggayang and Jurai. Each 56-square-meter house is estimated to cost Rp 7.5 million (approximately US$ 3,400). (swe)