Rp 688 million for scholarships

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The provincial government provides Rp 688 million (US$332,000) in scholarships for indigenous students who continue their studies in other provinces.

The money is provided to students who major in engineering and medical sciences, said Benvincen Djeharu, a member of the provincial legislative council.

The local government hopes that by the year 2000, Irian Jaya will have 100 locally-born doctors and 100 engineers.

Benvincen said that Irian Jaya badly needs medical personnel as poor health care is still a major problem in Irian, Antara reported. (pan)