National

Hunger Cases in Papua Not Yet at Disaster Level
Tuesday, 13 December, 2005 | 10:42 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Rizal Mallarangeng, a special member of staff of the People’s Welfare Coordinating Minister, has said that the condition of hunger cases in Papua was not as bad as people thought.

“We have yet to reach a disaster level. The hunger cases are not on a massive scale,” stated Mallarangeng in Papua on Sunday (11/12).

According to him, the reports regarding victims were not all true.

The 55 people died at different times and apparently not all because of hunger.

“Their deaths might have been caused by diseases. However, the actual causes are yet to be definitely identified. What is clear is that is a combination of hunger and disease,” stated Mallarangeng.

Soetedjo Yuwono, Secretary to the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for People’s Welfare, said that as yet there were no new policies related to handing hunger cases in Papua.

The local government will set up rice barns to anticipate any possible harvest failure.

In addition, the allocation of agriculture counselors has been determined and the provision of radio communication system equipment for isolated areas has also been prepared.

“The Governor has also been requested to carry out further coordination for other regions,” stated Yuwono.
(Ami Afriatni-Tempo News Room)