East Nusa Tenggara prone to unrest

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: East Nusa Tenggara Governor Piter Alexander Tallo recently said the province was very susceptible to social unrest and violence as about 85 percent of the its 3.4 million population still live below the poverty line.

The governor said many poor families were not able to buy rice or others of their most fundamental needs.

He had asked the provincial regents not to cover up the bitter facts out of fear that it might jeopardize their positions.

"Providing sufficient food for the people is our top priority. Therefore we do not need to cover up the fact," the governor said.

The head of Sikka's Ministry of Health office, Ignatius Henyo Kerong, said his department had recently provided free health services for nearly 40,000 poor residents including 9,360 babies. He acknowledged the health aid was far from sufficient to help all the poor. (yac)