Fund-raisers must have permit: Govt

JAKARTA: The Ministry of Social Services demanded institutions, foundations and community groups seeking funds or other donations from the public to help the tsunami victims, obtain a permit.

"Anyone collecting aid from the public must report to the Ministry of Social Services and get a permit. This is required by law," secretary-general of the ministry Ruchadi said on Wednesday.

The statement came amid widespread fund-raising efforts to help alleviate the suffering of the survivors of the Dec. 26 quake-triggered tsunami in Aceh and North Sumatra. But concerns have also been raised that some of the money could be ending up in the wrong places.

Ruchadi said that reporting to the ministry would help improve the coordination aspect of the massive relief operation. -- JP