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