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)