S'pore donates rice to Riau

BATAM, Riau (JP): Riau has received rice aid and medicinal supplies for the needy from the province's closest geographical neighbor, the Singapore government.

Comprising 4,000 metric tons of rice and medicines, another part of the aid will be delivered in December.

It will be distributed by the provincial government to the poor. Singapore envoy Edward Lee said at the aid handover ceremony in Batam on Friday that his country would work together with the Indonesian government to restore confidence and effect economic recovery to the nation and the region.

"In bad times like these, neighbors need mutual support and encouragement." Singapore announced in July it would extend S$ 12 million worth of rice and medicines supplies.

President B.J. Habibie was quoted in the Asian Wall Street Journal in August as saying he was disappointed with Singapore's apparent reluctance to help Indonesia.

Lee said that Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defense, Rear Adm. Teo Chee Hean handed over the first phase of aid to Minister of Defense and Security/ Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto on Aug. 6.

Other guests at the handover ceremony were Indonesian envoy for Singapore Herman Mantiri, Deputy Governor of Riau Rustam, Chairman of the Batam Industrial Development Authority Ismeth Abdullah and mayors here. (01)