Donations pour in from C. Java

SEMARANG, Central Java: The people of Central Java have so far contributed over 10 kilograms of gold, over Rp 400 million and hundreds of dollars in foreign exchange to help the state pull itself out of the financial crisis.

The head of Bank Indonesia's Semarang branch, Sidarto, said 10.15 kilograms of gold had been collected along with funds in local currency totaling Rp 407.2 million.

The foreign currency donated was US$508, four Singapore dollars and 950.

He told journalists yesterday that the contributions were being kept by the central bank's Semarang branch and its use was under the direct authority of the minister of finance. (har)