UN urges RI to seek foreign assistance

JAKARTA: The United Nations has suggested that the government formally ask for international assistance to tackle its growing problem of avian influenza.

Bo Asplund, a U.N. representative in Indonesia, said that such a formal request was necessary in order for there to be a comprehensive action plan to eradicate the disease.

"It is a very expensive measure. A number of donors have raised their commitment," he told reporters after a meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Tuesday.

Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Alwi Shihab said that the government would meet with the donors to calculate the cost to fight bird flu.

The United Nations said that donors had already pledged US$6 million for five countries in southeastern Asia, which are having troubles curbing the spread of bird flu. -- JP