Missing aid baffles officials

PALU, Central Sulawesi: About seven of 43 bales of humanitarian aid for refugees in Poso have gone missing during its shipment on the Kerinci vessel from Jakarta.

The aid distribution coordinator, the Coordination Center for Justice and Ummat's welfare (PKPU), claimed that it sent 43 bales consisting of food and clothing from Jakarta, but only 36 of them reached the province.

"After we verified the amount of aid, we found that we were seven bales short, which might have gone missing during the shipment," PKPU Secretary Slamet A.K. said on Wednesday.

Antara reported that the organization would report the case to local authorities. Two previous shipments reached the province safely, however, several of the organization's members were aboard guarding the shipment at the time. (dja)