Buru victims yet to receive donation

Buru victims yet to receive donation

BURU, Maluku: At least 482 victims of the sectarian conflict in the Maluku regency of Buru have yet to receive Rp 3 billion each in financial aid from the central government.

Umar Manaban, a staff member of the local administration office, admitted the donation had not yet been distributed to the victims. He said the victims submitted the donation form late.

Data shows that 361 people died during the riot and 121 people suffered serious injuries.

Manaban estimates that there are around 14,000 refugees who are still living in Ambon. "The situation in Buru is getting better so they should come back home," he said.

The repatriation program for the refugees on Buru island is expected to absorb US$90,890 in aid from the Japanese government. They will also get a living allowance for the first three months of their resettlement period. --Antara