More aid for Irian Jaya

JAKARTA (JP): The city branch of Indonesian Red Cross has sent relief aid to Irian Jaya in the form of food, clothes and Rp 108 million for villagers suffering the effects of the prolonged dry season.

Deputy Governor for Development and Finance Affairs Harun Al Rasyid said over the weekend the aid was flown to the Timika area on Friday along with international relief packages.

The food consisted mostly of instant noodles and biscuits, he said.

The foreign aid was from the Red Cross in Norway and Denmark.

Soesanto Mangoensadjito of Indonesian Red Cross said the two foreign branches donated food worth US$177,843 and $148,000 respectively.

"Our on-the-spot assessment indicates that the situation there is dire. Most of the victims have died of malaria, respiratory problems and severe malnutrition," Soesanto said. (edt)