Refugees stage hunger strike for aid

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Dozens of Acehnese refugees living in temporary shelters in Medan, Deli Serdang, and Langkat, launched a hunger strike in front of the North Sumatra Legislative Council on Monday to demand the disbursement of Rp 100.5 billion in government funds.

Twenty-five people, joined the strike that entered the second straight day on Monday. They vowed to continue their action until the provincial administration gives them their rights.

"They are so calculating in handling the refugees. Everybody knows that the money will yield huge interest if it is kept in the bank," Sumitro, 44, the strike coordinator told The Jakarta Post.

The fund has been provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Meanwhile, thousands of Acehnese refugees went to the gubernatorial office, demanding that the provincial administration to disburse the fund without delay.

Acehnese Refugee Forum (FPAA) coordinator Edy Gunawan Sirait said that the refugees had no confidence anymore in the provincial administration because the fund had been given by the ministry two months ago. -- JP