Refugees could use leftover funds

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The provincial administration here suggested that the remainder of the June 7 elections fund, held by the Provincial Elections Committee (PPD I), be donated to refugees from the Ambon's January riots, Antara reported on Friday.

"It is better for the hundreds of millions of rupiah in the provincial and regional elections committees to be donated to the refugees," said Amir Manab, a spokesman for the provincial administration.

"The money could be used to buy food and clothes," he explained.

According to the administration's data, there are 52,000 refugees from the Ambon tragedy sheltered in Buton regency.

The committee's response to the idea was not yet available. (edt)