BKSN merged with health ministry

JAKARTA (JP): The National Social Welfare Board (BKSN) was officially integrated into the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare during a modest ceremony here on Friday.

"We hope that by putting BKSN under the roof of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, it will be far more effective," Minister of Health and Social Welfare Achmad Sujudi said.

BKSN, previously known as the ministry of social affairs, was officially merged with the health and social welfare ministry through Presidential Decree No. 282/M, issued on Nov. 1, 2000.

Among the board's responsibilities is handling the at least 1,050,000 internally displaced people across the country.

"BKSN was first established in March ... and during these short months we have been dealing with the extraordinary problems which took place at the same time, from students brawls, drug abuse to widespread conflicts and natural disasters. I hope the ministry can continue to handle this," outgoing BKSN chief Anak Agung Gde Agung said.

The board pledged to continue helping those displaced as a result of natural disasters and conflicts, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the National Logistics Agency. (edt)