Govt helps the poor in Tangerang

TANGERANG (JP): The central government has set aside Rp 27.7 billion (US$3.69 million) to help poor people who have been severely affected by the monetary crisis in both Tangerang regency and mayoralty, an official said on Sunday.

Bunyamin, head of the development planning agency of Tangerang regency, said Rp 19.8 billion of the total fund would be used to help 57,789 families in the regency and thousands dismissed from their jobs during the crisis.

"Donations will be concentrated on people living along the northern coast districts like Mauk, Kronjo, Kresek and Pakuaji," he said.

The remaining Rp 7.8 billion will be channeled to 34,455 families in Tangerang mayoralty, said Nandy Mulya, a regional assistant at the mayoralty.

Nandy said donations would be given to the needy based on decisions made by local people and not according to the wants of district and subdistrict heads. (hhr)