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.