UGM extends aid to Acehnese students

YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University (UGM) offered on Thursday to pay living costs for its 304 Acehnese students, whose families were affected by a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami.

"We have prepared an initial fund of Rp 15 million. They are welcome to apply for the January allowance. If necessary, they may also request an extension to cover the next few months," UGM rector Sofian Effendi said.

Acehnese students can also reschedule their upcoming semester exams if they could not take them due to distress from Sunday's disaster, he added.

The UGM announced on Wednesday a decision to waive tuition for all Acehnese students volunteering in the disaster relief effort for tsunami victims. -- JP