Where's the aid? ask quake victims

BENGKULU, Bengkulu: People affected by the recent earthquake here have demanded to see the Rp 700 million aid package Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri gave to Governor Hasan Zen when she visited the province on June 15.

"People have asked about the money as they expected it so much. Ibu Mega has already returned to Jakarta, but we haven't received the fund," spokesman for the provincial natural disaster coordinating unit (Satkorlak), Chairuddin, told Antara on Thursday.

Chairuddin said Megawati also promised to supply water jerrycans, tents, blankets and stoves, but the pledge has not yet materialized.

Satkorlak members have to comfort the victims by saying that the disbursement of the relief fund is being arranged, Chairuddin added.

A tectonic earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale shook Bengkulu on June 4, leaving 94 dead and hundreds of people injured. Material losses are estimated to be hundreds of millions of rupiah. (09)