Refugees stage hunger strike for aid

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