New organization set up to help poor people

JAKARTA (JP): Student activists and representatives of several non-governmental organizations established yesterday an organization aimed at helping poor people suffering from food shortages.

Param, the acronym of Pangan untuk Orang Miskin (Food for the Poor), was launched under a flyover at the Jl. Gatot Subroto - Jl. Rasuna Said junction in South Jakarta.

Activists distributed 50 packages each containing 3.5 kilograms of rice to the poor living in the area and handed the organization's brochures to passing motorists.

Param coordinator Farid R. Faqih said the establishment of his organization was inspired mainly by the impact of the economic crisis, which has hit the poor the hardest.

"We see that many people now are starting to face food shortages. Our group will try to remind rich people to help the poor."

He said the organization had collected one ton of rice to be distributed to the poor in the city and surrounding areas.

An unemployed woman, Iin, appeared happy after receiving a package. She admitted her family's income depended mostly on her daughter Lina, 12, who works as a street singer at the junction.

"I used to sell cigarettes, but now I'm bankrupt," Iin said.

The public can make donations through Param's account number 11814220228 at Bank Bumi Daya.

Farid said Param also welcomed those who wanted to volunteer in the organization.

One of Param's activities includes the establishment of food posts in several areas in the city and surrounding areas, he said. (jun)