Rp 4.2b for Maluku refugees

Rp 4.2b for Maluku refugees

BIAK, Irian Jaya: The Irian Jaya provincial legislature has allocated Rp 4.2 billion in assistance to help thousands of people from Maluku who have taken refuge in the province, says a local official.

Ones Ramandey, chief of the local social affairs office, said the funds, allocated in the province's 2001 budget, had been partly distributed in the form of food.

He added that some 17,000 refugees from Maluku were sheltering in several districts, including Jayapura, Biak Numfor, Timika and Merauke.

Ramandey said his office was currently registering the refugees who wanted to return to Maluku and North Maluku.

"More money will be sought to fund their repatriation, but those wanting to stay in Irian Jaya are welcome," he added. --Antara