ICE to manages Rp 4.2b flood fund

JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso symbolically handed over Rp 4.2 billion (US$440,250) for flood victims to the Institute for Civic Education (ICE) chairwoman, Irma Hutabarat on Thursday, who will manage the aid.

The aid was collected during a charity night two months ago.

Sutiyoso said the decision to entrust ICE with the fund was based on the fact that the organization's board of trustees included several noted personalities, including political expert Andi Malarangeng, Tempo weekly magazine chief editor Bambang Harimurty and sociologist Ignas Kleden.

Irma said the fund would be used to help provide education, such as scholarships and public libraries for the poor, including flood victims.

She also said that ICE would take between 20 percent and 25 percent from the fund for operational costs.

"All the members of the board of trustees, including myself, are not paid," said Irma, who hosts a talk show at a private television station. -- JP