Relief packages yet to reach children

Relief packages yet to reach children

WAMENA, Irian Jaya: Thousands of packages from the National
Foster Parents Movement (GNOTA) meant for elementary school
children in the interior of Irian Jaya, are stuck in Jayapura
because of transportation problems.

Irian Jaya Vice Governor Basyir Bachtiar, in his capacity as
head of the movement's local office, was quoted by Antara as
saying Saturday that 7,738 packages weighing 51.66 tons, were
supposed to have been flown to Jayawijaya and Merauke regencies.

Jayawijaya will receive 6,582 packages (46.07 tons), and
Merauke 798 packages (5.59 tons).

The Irian Jaya provincial administration has asked for an Air
Force Hercules transport plane to airlift the cargo next week.

He said the assistance would mean a great deal to the
children, as most of them are not properly clothed. Some 291
elementary schools are located in the remote interior of Irian
Jaya with a total of 38,179 students.

"Most of them came from poor families and are in urgent need
of help," Nanang Suryanto, of the Jayawijaya GNOTA office, said.