More foreign aid flows into Irian Jaya

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), despite a lack of funds, has distributed humanitarian aid in the drought-ridden remote areas of Irian Jaya.

MAF regional manager, Wally D. Wiley, said yesterday that the group had spent at least Rp 500 million for the transport of staple foods and medicine in the drought-affected areas.

Under an agreement, he said, the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) would pay the transportation expenses of the staple goods flown by MAF.

"I hope Bappenas will be able to repay the Rp 500 million soon, as the amount is needed for the mission's other activities," he said.

Meanwhile, the British Embassy pledged 300,000 (US480,000) in relief and medical programs to the province.

The embassy announced here yesterday that its total assistance to Indonesia for the drought and to combat forest fires in other provinces stood at $880,000.

The embassy said the 300,000 was given in response to a joint appeal by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Indonesian Red Cross. (rms)