Poor residents get donation

JAKARTA (JP): A group of five health-related bodies marked the last day of a two-month social services program for needy residents in the densely populated area of Sunter Jaya subdistrict, North Jakarta Saturday.

At a cost of some Rp 50 million (US$7,150), the program included the distribution of free packages of basic food to 2,000 of Sunter Jaya's 8,000 families and the handling of free medical services to 319 patients, the organizers said.

The group members that participated in the social activities consisted of the Indonesian Asthmatic Children's Foundation (YPAAI), Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI), Indonesian Asthma Foundation (YAI), Indonesian Heart Foundation (YJI) and the Indonesian Association for the Elimination of Tuberculosis (PPTI).

The medical service was made available to the local residents in one of the rooms of the local subdistrict office, while the food -- including rice and sugar -- was distributed from door to door.

According to YPAAI secretary Chandra Soelarmo, each of the five bodies donated Rp 10 million for the program.

"But there's also a contribution of 1,000 food packages from PT Java Musikindo, a music recording company, following the cancellation of the show of singer Ricky Martin Latin America here which was organized by the company," Chandra said, giving no other details.

Similar social services were first carried out in March for needy residents in East Jakarta at a cost of some Rp 35 million.

The organizers still have no idea when and where the next program would be held in the capital.

Saturday's event was also attended by the chairpersons of YJI, Mrs. Nina Akbar Tandjung, YAI, Mrs. Radinal Moochtar, PPTI, Mrs. Soepardjo Rustam and YKI, Mrs. Ali Said. (ylt)