Haryono presents aid to Yogya

YOGYAKARTA: State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono presented Saturday a Rp 6.45 billion (US600,000) state-sponsored rolling fund scheme to the special provincial territory of Yogyakarta.

Antara reported that the fund would be used to alleviate poverty and to help workers who have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis.

"This fund is especially for jobless people and other poor families to enable them to start their own businesses," Suyono said after handing over the money to Kismo Sukirdo, assistant to Yogyakarta Governor Paku Alam VIII.

Suyono said people should establish groups to start small businesses. The government will help in the management and marketing of their products, he said. (prb)