Tourism helps out in Irian

JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of local and regional tourism firms have joined together to donate medicine, food and clothes to victims of food shortages in Wamena, Irian Jaya.

Representatives from Garuda Indonesia and four tourism agencies in Jayapura presented 25 packages to Rear Admiral Freddy Numberi recently.

Members of Singapore's tourism sector also contributed to the donation.

Food shortages, in tandem with the prolonged dry season, have reportedly caused the deaths of around 250 villagers in Jayawijaya regency.

Donations of commodities and funds can be made through the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board, Gedung Bank Pacific, 9th Fl., Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 8, Jakarta, tel. 570-4879, fax. 570-4855, or via Bank Danamon, Account No.042.000.00428.9. (ste)