Irian Jaya convicts 'underfed'

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The head of a detention center here, Mashudi, requested visiting legislators recommend to the government an increase in the food allowance allocated to prisoners.

"The issue was raised because the allowances here do not meet nutritional standards," Mashudi told members of House Commission I for legal and political affairs.

The legislators, led by YB Wiyanjono had visited the Abepura prison.

Prisoners are allocated a daily meal allowance of Rp 1,800 (24 U.S. cents) per day while Mashudi said at least Rp 2,500 should be spent on food per day per person.

The Abepura jail houses 145 inmates, including two charged with subversion. Eight of the prisoners are women.