Megawati visits fire victims

JAKARTA (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri, daughter of the country's first president Sukarno and former chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party, gave donations to fire victims in western Pademangan, North Jakarta, yesterday.

Antara news agency reported that during her short visit, Megawati handed out 30 sacks of rice, 50 boxes of instant noodles, 150 kilograms of salted fish and 10 boxes of clothes.

The houses of 1,032 families were burned down in last week's fire.

Megawati's visit, which was kept secret from the residents, was noticed by one resident who then spread the news. She urged locals to be patient.

The families have started rebuilding their houses despite the administration's prohibition. (ste)