Indonesia gives aid to Afghans

Indonesia gives aid to Afghans

JAKARTA: The Indonesian government is scheduled to send the
first batch of humanitarian assistance worth of Rp 1 billion
(about US$1 million) to Afghan refugees in Pakistan on Monday,
according to the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).

PMI Chairman Mar'ie Muhammad said here on Sunday that the
assistance will consist of food and medicine to be purchased in
Islamabad, Pakistan.

The total value of Indonesia's humanitarian assistance to
Afghanistan will reach Rp 5 billion.

Indonesia's decision to provide assistance was made at a
Cabinet meeting on Oct. 8, 2001, according to Coordinating
Minister for Social Welfare Jusuf Kalla.

The assistance is a reflection of the Indonesian government's
concern over the plight of the Afghan refugees taking refuge at
the Afghan border with Pakistan, whose number has reportedly
reached two million.

The aid is being distributed in coordination with the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The Indonesian Red Cross has called on the Indonesian people and
non-governmental organizations to give donations for the Afghan
refugees. -- Antara