OIC pledges Rp 12t aid for Aceh

OIC pledges Rp 12t aid for Aceh

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) has pledged Rp 12
trillion (US$1.22 billion) in reconstruction funds for tsunami-
devastated Aceh.

"OIC has expressed interest in channeling assistance for
rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in Aceh. It will
amount to Rp 12 trillion," Aceh acting governor Azwar Abubakar
said on Wednesday.

Earlier, the world's biggest grouping of Islamic nations
promised $145 million for Aceh, to be spent largely on children
orphaned by the Dec. 26 disaster.

No less than 170,000 people were killed or are still missing
as a result of the catastrophe in December last year, which also
hit the neighboring island of Nias.

"The funds for orphans will cover their daily needs and
education requirements for 15 years," Azwar said, as quoted by
Antara.

Indonesia, also an OIC member country, has the largest Muslim
population in the world.

Besides from OIC, funds have also come from various others
quarters worldwide, including Australia, the European Union, and
many other non-governmental organizations (NGO).