Tue, 16 Mar 2004

Two more die of AIDS in Medan

MEDAN, North Sumatra: A local non-governmental organization (NGO) revealed on Monday that two more people had died of complications from Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Medan this year, while nine others were receiving treatment for the disease at several hospitals.

The two men, identified only as R, 28, and S, 24, died in February at the Adam Malik and Haji hospitals, respectively, said Community Health Network executive director Delyuzar.

Medan has recorded a recent spate of AIDS-related deaths.

According to Adam Malik Hospital records, 22 people had died of AIDS at the hospital last year. Umar Zein, a senior doctor at the hospital, said 16 of the 22 were between 20 to 39 years old. -- JP

;JP;NFK; ANPAa..r.. Samarinda-Graft-Probe Samarinda probes Rp 200b graft JP/5/

Samarinda probes Rp 200b graft

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The provincial prosecutor's office said on Monday that it was investigating the misuse of Rp 92 billion (US$10.8 million) in state funds allocated for special projects and Rp 105 billion in reforestation funds.

The investigation is focused on four districts -- Sendawar in West Kutai, Tanjung Selor in Bulungan, and Nunukan and Tanjung Redeb, both in Berau.

Several officials have been named suspects in the corruption case, said East Kalimantan Prosecutor's Office head DH Panjaitan.

The graft case surfaced following a recent report filed at the office by the East Kalimantan Development Finance Comptroller. -- JP

;JP;NFK; ANPAa..r.. Crash-Victim-Indramayu Truck hits motorcycle, kills 3 JP/5/

Truck hits motorcycle, kills 3

INDRAMAYU, West Java: At least three people were killed on Monday when a trailer truck traveling from Cirebon to Jakarta hit a motorcycle in Muntur village, Losarang subdistrict, Indramayu.

Two of the victims died instantly as the truck, driven by Fahruddin Iryanto, 29, slammed into their Yamaha Crypton motorcycle.

The three victims were riding a single motorcycle: Casyudi, 24, Ali Murtopo, 23, and Dewi, 23, all local villagers.

Eyewitnesses said the accident took place as the truck tried to overtake another truck, when the motorcycle suddenly appeared in the oncoming lane. -- Antara