Noodle scandal hits Maluku govt

Noodle scandal hits Maluku govt

M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon

A number of refugees in Wainitu subdistrict, Ambon, suffered from
diarrhea and vomiting after eating expired instant noodles
distributed by the government less than a week ago, a local
councillor said on Monday.

Maluku councillor Rury Moenandar said he discovered that
several packs of instant noodles distributed to refugees in
Wainitu had already expired.

The instant noodles had expiration dates of May 8 or Sept. 9.

"Some refugees had already eaten the instant noodles, which is
actually dangerous," said Rury, who is a councillor of the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction.

He called on the Maluku governor to punish those officials
responsible for the distribution of food aid to refugees in
Wainitu.

Several refugees in Wainitu expressed concern over the
incident. "We need food, but please don't treat us inhumanely,"
said a refugee.

Meanwhile, Wainitu subdistrict head Otang Tagupia defended
himself, saying he was away when Maluku Social Affairs officials
distributed the instant noodles.

"I was represented by my subordinates at that time, but
apparently they did not check the expiration dates on the instant
noodles and distributed the noodles," said Otang. He did not
provide details on the number of instant noodle packets his
subordinates distributed.

Sartono is reported to have managed the distribution of food
aid in Wainitu, but could not be contacted for comment, nor was
the Maluku Social Affairs office available.

The refugees in Wainitu hail from neighboring Talake
subdistrict, which was hit by riots that broke out in Ambon on
April 25.

The riot erupted after a rally organized by the Maluku
Sovereignty Front (FKM) to commemorate the self-proclaimed 54th
anniversary of its South Maluku Republic (RMS), and was blamed
for provoking renewed sectarian clashes in Ambon.

Dozens of people were killed and thousands of others were
injured in the clashes.

Some employees at the office said the instant noodles were
provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs following the April 25
riot.

However, the question remains as to why the food aid was not
distributed to the refugees immediately.