Chinese donate Rp 20b

Chinese donate Rp 20b

SEMARANG: Entrepreneurs of Chinese descent have donated Rp 20
billion (US$2.5 million) to the needy in several regencies in
Central Java.

The donation was in the form of essential commodities such as
rice, sugar, wheat flour, vegetable oil and soap.

"We have distributed the donation to the needy in several
towns such as Pekalongan, Purwokerto, Rembang, Semarang, Ungaran,
Salatiga and Solo," businessman Budi Darmawan, who organized the
contributions, said yesterday.

Regional administrations have encouraged entrepreneurs of
Chinese descent, who have become the main target of food rioting
across the country, to help the poor overcome the deteriorating
economic crisis.

Darmawan said many people had negative opinions about
businesspeople of Chinese descent despite many of the
entrepreneurs being concerned over the plight of the poor.

Darmawan added that he would continue seeking donations for
the poor from his fellow traders. (har)