Aceh refugees to get Rp 8.75m per family

Aceh refugees to get Rp 8.75m per family

JAKARTA: The Minister for Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah said Monday that Acehnese refugees now living in a number of regencies in North Sumatra province would get government assistance worth up to Rp 8.75 million per family.

"The funds will be handed over to them in the very near future," Bachtiar said without giving any specific date.

The minister said of the Rp 8.75 million, at least Rp 5 million would be allocated for housing, Rp 1.25 million as a cost of living allowance, and another Rp 1.25 million for working capital. The remaining Rp 1.25 million would be for logistics costs.

He also said that the total number of Acehnese refugees is yet to be determined but the central government was fully responsible for Acehnese refugees.

"They are our brothers. Let them settle down where they can stay. If all provinces reject their presence, what will happen to them," Bachtiar was quoted by Antara as saying in Medan, North Sumatra Monday. --Antara