Lippo Group to Build Six Hospitals in 2012

Jakarta Globe, Ivan Dasa Saputra, November 23, 2011

A doctor and his assistant perform simulations at the Siloam
 Cancer Hospital MRCCC Semanggi, Jakarta. The Lippo Group
 is planning to build six more hospitals next year.
(JG Photo/Safir Makki)

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The Lippo Group is planning to build six international standard hospitals in five Indonesian regions next year.

“Every hospital should be built with international principles, using international standards, equipment and service,” James Riady, CEO of the Lippo Group, said on Wednesday.

James said that while it is not relevant to get international accreditation for all hospitals, the hospitals will be built with international standards.

“International accreditation needs a high budget that might have an impact on patients,” James said.

The six hospitals will be built in Makassar, Manado, Bali, Palembang and Jakarta with an investment of Rp 300 to Rp 500 billion ($33 million to $55 million) each.

As part of the Lippo Group’s mission to serve all sections of society, Siloam Hospital, owned by the Lippo Group, is increasing space for a third class ward.

“We will keep on building hospitals because we’re hoping to be the main player in the health industry,” James said.

The Jakarta Globe is affiliated with the Lippo Group.

Red Cross to build blood bag factory

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 07/15/2011

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) plans to build a blood bag factory in order to supply blood bags throughout the country.

PMI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PT. Ocean Media Link, on Friday, to construct the factory.

“In the past, we’ve been importing blood bags. By building our own factory, we can meet the demand for blood bags on our own," PMI chairman, Jusuf Kalla, said as quoted by tribunnews.com

The commissioner for PT. Ocean Media Link, Tatat Rahmita, said that the factory was still in undergoing an assessment process.

It is expected to cost Rp 70 billion (US$8.2 million) to build.

“We expect the factory to start operating in 2012 and it will be capable of producing between 10 million and 12 million blood bags annually," he said.

PMI, according to Tatat, would only need between 3 million and 4 million per year, therefore the surplus can be exported to ASEAN markets.

During the agreement signing, PMI also launched 100 new Red Cross mobile minibuses for the collection of blood donations.

“Currently, we only have 20 minibuses but we expect to deliver 100 more units over the coming seven months,” Kalla said.

Indonesia's First Private Cancer Hospital Launched

Jakarta Globe, Dessy Sagita, July 07, 2011

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, center, speaking at the
inauguration of the Mochtar Riady Comprehensive Cancer Center in Semanggi,
South Jakarta, on Thursday. He was accompanied by the center's founder,
Mochtar Riady, right, and Minister of Health Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih.
(JG Photo/Safir Makki)

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The first private cancer hospital in Indonesia, Mochtar Riady Comprehensive Cancer Center, was officially launched on Thursday by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The hospital, which is the biggest cancer hospital in the country, is expected to be one of the best-equipped cancer centers in Asia.

MRCCC founder Mochtar Riady said the hospital's development was inspired by his personal experience. His own mother died of dystocia when he was only eight years old and his father died at age 60 due to stomach cancer.

"I couldn't stand watching him enduring the pain," he said.

Investment in MRCCC totaled $138.8 million. The hospital has 30 floors and is located in the heart of Jakarta, Semanggi. It is equipped with cutting-edge medical devices including positron emission tomography - computed tomography (PET-CT) and IBA Cyclotron which could produce isotopes on a large scale.

The founding of this hospital was also in anticipation of an increased number of Indonesians that choose to receive medication from overseas with reasons of advanced clinical and treatment technology.

Yudhoyono said partnership between the government and private sector in developing modern hospitals, especially in big cities, could help keep Indonesian patients from seeking medical treatment abroad.

"We certainly don't want our patients to seek help in Singapore, Tokyo, or Malaysia simply because they think we don't have modern hospitals," he said.

"But at the same time we can't forbid them, so the only way is to increase our competitiveness by providing good infrastructure like this," he added.

Yudhoyono also conveyed his appreciation because MRCCC dedicated 30 percent of its facilities to third-class service.

"The regulation says private hospitals should dedicate at least 10 percent of the beds to the third class ward, but MRCCC has done more, and I would like to thank you for that," he said.

INCO to build nickel factory in Bahodopi, C Sulawesi

Antara News, Fri, June 17 2011 

Palu, C.Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - PT Inco (Tbk) will realize its commitment to build a nickel processing plant in Bahodopi, Morowali district, Central Sulawesi province, before the end of June 2011, according to a clause in the work contract signed by the Indonesian government and PT Inco Canada in 1968.

"God willing, the groundbreaking ceremony to build the nickel refinery in Bahodopi will be held on June 22, 2011," a PT Inco official, Iskandar Siregar, said here Friday.

He refused to elaborate about the project but the Head of Bahodopi and Pomala`a Project, PT Inco, Kuyung Andrawina said the project`s cost was estimated at US$500 million.

According to Iskandar, the groundbreaking ceremony will be conducted by the Governor of Central Sulawesi Longki Djanggola, Morowali District Chief Anwar Hafid and the President Commissioner of Valeinco, the Brazilian company that controls the shares of PT. Inco, Peter Poppinga, as well as the CEO of PT Inco Tony Wenas.

On the occasion, PT Inco will also sign a memorandum of understanding with Bao Steel and PCI - two companies from China that will become partners to Inco in building the nickel factory.

The construction of the nickel plant in Bahodopi is also an investment strategy of the company to achieve an annual production of 90,000 metric tons compared with an average of 73,000 metric tons achieved in the last five years from the refinery in Sorowako, South Sulawesi province.

In connection with the visit of the Chairman of Valeinco Peter Poppinga to Morowali, Inco will also symbolically hand over the products development and the social activities which were funded with Inco`s social responsibility program that most of them are already enjoyed by the people of Central Sulawesi.

Those products include diesel engine power plant with a capacity of 1 mega watt, a unit of mini-hydro power plat, a health center building and its equipment, ten motorcycles for the health center as well as food packages to the local people living in the vicinity of the project site.

Editor: Jafar M Sidik

Major firms launch initiative to fight malnutrition in kids

Rangga D. Fadillah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Tue, 06/14/2011

The Indonesian government welcomed on Monday a public private partnership (PPP) initiative to fight malnutrition in Indonesian children called Project Laser Beam (PLB), which is supported by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and several globally renowned enterprises.

The secretary of the Office of the Coordinating People’s Welfare Minister, Indroyono Soesilo, said the initiative was critical to help the country end child hunger and poverty, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara and Papua, two of the poorest provinces.

“The government of Indonesia is committed to lifting people out of poverty and giving every Indonesian child a healthy start in life. PLB will kick off very soon under the coordination of my office,” he said at a press conference on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Jakarta.

He expressed his gratitude to Unilever, Kraft Foods, DSM and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) as well as to three local companies — PT Tiga Pilar Sejahtera, GarudaFood and Indofood – for their participation in PLB.

“PLB is a creative new pillar in the fight to end child malnutrition, which we believe will be a major contributor to attain the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs],” said Indroyono who is also a candidate for the Food and Agriculture Organization’s director general for the 2012-2015 period.

PLB is a five-year, US$50 million project that aims to eradicate child malnutrition. The initial focuses of the initiative will be Indonesia and Bangladesh where child malnutrition rates are unacceptably high.

In Indonesia, more than 37 percent of under fives go to bed hungry, while in Bangladesh, the rate reaches 48 percent.

Pradeep Pant, Asia Pacific president director of Kraft Foods, said his company contributed around $10 million to the initiative. He elaborated that PLB would cover programs, such as teaching locals about sustainable farming, assisting them to create micro enterprises and providing nutrition education to mothers and children.

“In my opinion, this initiative is likely to succeed because it has three required pillars, which are sustainability, big scale and conducted repeatedly,” he said.

Unilever chief executive officer Paul Polman argued that participating in the initiative was very important for his company’s business. Ending child malnutrition and preparing children to be healthier and more prosperous in the future would be a way for the company to expand its market.

“Our business won’t work if the market doesn’t work,” he said.

The continued commitment of Unilever, Kraft Foods and several new local and international partners demonstrated confidence that the world was on the right track in fighting hunger in a new and innovative way, said the director for public policy, communications and private partnerships of WFP, Nancy Roman.

“When the government and businesses work together, we can do more than what we can do individually,” she said.

Aceh to host international nurses conference

Antara News, Sat, May 21 2011

Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Aceh province is to host an international nurses conference next June 16-18, chairman of the local Nurses Association , Saifuddin AR, said here on Saturday.

Under the theme "Clinical Nursery to face the Future", the June conference would bring together nurses from around the world to share their experiences.

He said the event was expected to contribute to the betterment of health services to the people.

"The event is also a chance for Aceh province to show to the participants the current situation in the region," he said adding that up till now, 300 participants namely from Norway, Sweden, Thailand and Malaysia had confirmed their plans to attend the upcoming event.

Editor: Ruslan Burhani

RI-US open energy investment roundtable

Antara News, Tue, May 10 2011

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Darwin Zahedy Saleh and US Ambassador Scot Marciel opened the US-Indonesia Energy Investment Roundtable on May 9 in Jakarta.

According to a press release from the US Embassy to Indonesia received here, Tuesday, the Roundtable is a joint effort between the US and Indonesian governments that focuses on the private sector`s role in supporting Indonesia?s energy security and climate change goals as part of the bilateral Energy Policy Dialogue and US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership.

Approximately 200 participants representing US and Indonesian businesses, government, and trade associations attended the one-day conference.

The Round-table explored ways in which US and other foreign companies can partner with Indonesia to develop and enhance the country`s renewable energy, oil and gas production, and human development.

The event also highlighted policy options to maximize the private sector`s contribution to Indonesia`s economy and energy security goals.

The Roundtable is an integral part of the US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership, by which the two nations are working closely on clean and renewable energy as well as other key global challenges.

The Partnership advances cooperation on a wide range of issues such as environment, health, education, science and technology, human rights, and entrepreneurship.

The US and Indonesia have engaged in bilateral energy talks since 1990 and launched the Energy Policy Dialogue in 2005 to reaffirm our bilateral ties to support policy options that enhance energy security for both countries.

The most recent Energy Policy Dialogue was held in June 2010 in Washington, D.C.

Editor: Priyambodo RH

Lippo builds shopping mall, hospital in Kupang

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sun, 04/17/2011

Lippo builds shopping mall, hospital in KupangProperty developer Lippo Group has begun construction on a shopping mall and a hospital in the East Nusa Tenggara capital of Kupang, valued at Rp 500 billion (US$57.5 million).Group owner James Riyadi said the construction projects were expected to be completed in two years.“At the first stage, i.e. in the first six months, we will complete the preparations, especially regarding licenses with the Kupang administration,” James said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the mall and the Siloam Hospital at Kupang’s Fatululi exhibition area.He added that property developers were beginning to set their eyes on eastern Indonesia, tribunnews.com reported on Sunday.

Property developer Lippo Group has begun construction on a shopping mall and a hospital in the East Nusa Tenggara capital of Kupang, valued at Rp 500 billion (US$57.5 million).

Group owner James Riyadi said the construction projects were expected to be completed in two years.

“At the first stage, i.e. in the first six months, we will complete the preparations, especially regarding licenses with the Kupang administration,” James said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the mall and the Siloam Hospital at Kupang’s Fatululi exhibition area.

He added that property developers were beginning to set their eyes on eastern Indonesia, tribunnews.com reported on Sunday.

Indonesia to build cardiac center in Palestine

Antara News, Tue, February 08 2011

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Ministry of Health is building a cardiac center at Al Shifa hospital in Palestine, at a cost of Rp20 billion.

"Heart disease is most prevalent in the area, so is in eye diseases, but we chose a cardiac center because it is more life saving," Health Minister Endang Rahayu said after signing an MoU here Monday.

The MoU was signed by Health Ministry`s Secretary General Ratna Rosita and President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmed Mohamed Ali in Jakarta Monday afternoon in the presence of the health minister.

The Indonesian Cardiac Center will be built on 1,500 square meters of floor space of the five floors of Al Shifa hospital in Northern Gaza, Palestine.

It will take eight years to build the center with a grant from the Indonesian government, including the medical equipment.

The medical facility is built under an Indonesian government`s commitment to provide humanitarian assistance for the people and government of Palestine as declared in the 2009 OKI meeting for the Reconstruction of Palestine in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt.

In the meantime the IDB became a partner in building the project.

IDB is committed to provide 8 million US dollars for the Indonesian Cardiac Center.

Upon completion of the project, the health minister will grant to the Palestinian government, which will be followed by an exchange in science and health personnel.

"The Palestinian government will not block the access of Indonesian volunteers," the health minister said.

Editor: B Kunto Wibisono

ADB $3 Million Grant to Help Victims of Indonesia's Volcano Eruption

Asian Development Bank (ADB) , 10 December 2010

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending $3 million to assist in aid efforts in the wake of the Mount Merapi volcano eruptions, which destroyed homes and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Central Java province and Yogyakarta Special region in October and November 2010.

ADB's assistance will be used to build temporary shelter, normalization of public facilities (i.e. schools, health care, water and sanitation) and setting up a cash for work scheme for the refugees to clear debris.

More than 300 people were killed and over 400,000 people were forced to flee their homes because of the eruption, according to the Indonesian Agency for Disaster Management. Many evacuees have left the evacuation points to return home after the government downgraded the alert level of the volcano in early December, more than five weeks since it began erupting. The government warned, however, that there was still a danger of volcanic mud flooding homes and properties.

"There are still thousands of families who cannot return to their villages because they were destroyed by the volcanic eruption," said ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda. "ADB will do whatever it can to support the government's efforts to provide them with temporary shelters and other essentials they need."

The $3 million grant is being provided under ADB's emergency facility, the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, which provides quick-disbursing grants to help restore essential life-saving services following disasters.

ADB is coordinating its aid efforts with the Government of Indonesia, the United Nations and other development partners.

About ADB

Malaysia offers 131 projects to Indonesian investors

English.news.cn   2010-12-04

JAKARTA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia has offered 131 projects to foreign investors in a meeting with Indonesian businessmen in the capital city of Jakarta, Kompas daily reported on Saturday.

"We offer 131 projects to investors, including businessmen from Indonesia. Now, we are more opened to investors to make Malaysia a developed country by 2020 with income per capita of 15,000 U.S. dollars," Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Tan Sri Dato Muhyiddin Yassin said Friday.

The meeting was attended by prominent Indonesian businessmen and officials from the country's Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The projects offered consist of plantation, hospital, infrastructure and retail among others.

According to Chairul Tanjung, chairman of Para Group, a leading business group in Indonesia, investing in Malaysia was difficult in the past.

Editor: Mo Hong'e

Thailand donates US$100,000 for Mentawai tsunami victims

Antara News, Wednesday, December 1, 2010 16:59 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Thai government here Wednesday presented Indonesia with a cash donation of US$100,000 meant to help the victims of the tsunami that hit the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, last Oct 25.

According to a press release received here on Wednesday Thai Ambassador to Indonesia Thanatip Upatising symbolically handed over the funds to Indonesian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Triyono Wibowo on Wednesday.

A two-meter tsunami triggered by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the islands off the western coast of Sumatra on October 25.

Recent research conducted by Indonesian and Japanese tsunami experts had concluded that the tsunami in Mentawai Islands had moved at a speed of 800 km per hour at sea.

"Based on the results of research conducted by tsunami experts from LIPI, Tokyo University and Hokkaido University, the tsunami at Maonai, Sabeuguggung, Purorougat, North Pagai, had moved at a speed of 800 kilometers per hour at sea and at 30-40 kilometers per hour after land fall ," an earthquake specialist of LIPI`s geotechnology division, , Eko Yulianto, said.

The tsunami surged over a distance of 100-250 meters inland , depending on the height of the tidal wave, he said.

"The height of the tidal wave that hit North Pagai was around six to seven meters," he said.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated the big earthquake followed by a tsunami in Mentawai Islands had affected a large number of villages and caused 408 deaths, 303 people to go missing and 270 others to sustain severe injuries.

The affected population was initially estimated at 33,817 persons. However, many islands had become inaccessible and the number of potentially affected people could be over 65,000.

Meanwhile, the government said it would provide temporary shelters for the tsunami victims while waiting for the reconstruction of the Mentawai islands area. The construction of the temporary shelters was expected to be finished next December.

"The shelters are located around 30-40 meters from the coastline. So, if a tsunami occurs again, people will be safe," Social Affairs Minister Salim Segaf Al-Jufri said.

Taiwan donates $50,000 for Merapi victims

Antara News, Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Taiwan has donated US$50,000 in fund to the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) to rehabilitate areas affected by the Mount Merapi eruptions.

Andrew Hsia of the Taipei Economic and Trade Office (Teto) in Jakarta handed the aid to PMI chairman Yusuf Kalla recently, Teto said in a press statement on Tuesday.

Hsia expressed hope the aid would be helpful for the PMI to continue rehabilitating disaster-hit areas to allow the affected people to resume a normal life.Kalla said he was thankful for the aid and pledged to use it properly.

"We all know Java is the most populous island. Whenever a disaster occurs it claims many lives. The reconstruction of the affected areas will need a long time and cost a sizable amount of funds," he said.

Mt Merapi, the world`s most active volcano, had erupted repeatedly in the past two or three weeks but its most fatal eruptions occurred on Oct 26 and Nov 5.

At least 259 people had perished and many others sustained burns and became displaced in the eruptions.

The total number of refugees being sheltered in 639 refugee centers in Yogyakarta and Central Java reportedly reached 367,548.

The volcano`s eruptions spewed hot clouds of ash and lava into the air and sent lava down its many slopes.

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Bali to build int’l standard hospital

The Jakarta Post | Fri, 11/26/2010 10:52 AM

The Bali administration announced plans to develop an international-standard hospital in Sanur to cater to local and foreign visitors.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said Thursday that his administration was conducting a comprehensive feasibility study on the construction.

“We have allocated Rp 4 billion [US$446,000] from the 2011 provincial budget to plan and design the project,” he said, adding that an additional Rp 100 billion from the 2012 budget would be used for the construction.

“We expect to complete the project by 2013 when Bali hosts the APEC meeting,” Pastika added.

The hospital, which the administration claims would feature high-tech facilities, would be built on 3.4 hectares in Sanur.

“Bali is an international tourist destination. We have to provide excellent healthcare services for our guests. Visitors may be able to spend their holidays while also having medical check-ups done here,” Pastika said.

There are a number of so-called “international” hospitals in Denpasar despite the Health Ministry’s ban on using the word “international” in the names of the hospitals.

In addition to an international hospital, the local government also announced plans to build another hospital for patients covered by Bali Mandara Healthcare Insurance.

The scheme is a free healthcare program for Balinese residents across all eight regencies and one municipality. The program began in 2009 using Rp 181 billion in funds from the local budget.

The scheme allows residents to get free medical treatment at Denpasar’s Sanglah General Hospital and a number of other hospitals.

Pastika said profits from the operation of the planned international hospital would be used to fund the Bali Mandara hospital.

Karyasa Adnyana, the deputy chairman of the Bali Legislative Council’s Commission IV, said he fully supported the idea of a “cross-subsidy”.

“The development of an international-standard hospital will certainly enhance the image of Bali as a world-class tourist destination. Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia have been doing this for a long time,” he added.

Adnyana said the construction of the two hospitals would be funded by the provincial budget, and that therefore the administration had to be cautious in using public money. “We hope the money is spent in a transparent manner.”

— JP/Ni Komang Erviani

China Harbour donates Rp 500m to disaster survivors

Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 11/19/2010

China Harbour Engineering Co. Ltd, a China-based Infrastructure construction company, donated Friday Rp 500 million (US$56,000) in funds to disaster survivors.

"This donation will assist survivors of disasters in Indonesia," Liu Guo Fang, the deputy general manager of China Harbour Engineering, said on Thursday in Jakarta.

The company is donating Rp 500 million in total. Rp 100 million will be disbursed to tsunami survivors in Nias, while Merapi and Wasior flood survivors will receive Rp 200 million respectively.

Zhang Qiyue, the People's Republic of China to Indonesia ambassador, said previously that China had contributed US$1.5 million to disaster survivors in two phases.

Taiwan donates $300,000 for disaster victims

Antara News, Monday, November 15, 2010 22:40 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Taiwan has donated US$300 thousand in funds to finance reconstruction efforts in disaster-hit regions in Indonesia.

The funds, along with 1,000 blankets, 7,000 clothes, 25,255 pairs of shoes, and 10,000 pairs of footwear will be distributed among victims of natural disasters in stages, the Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) said in a press release on Monday.

The donation will be channeled through the Indonesian natural disaster mitigation board, the office said.

TETO, along with Taiwanese companies operating in Indonesia is planning the next phase of relief aid for the victims of natural disasters, it said.

The Indonesian government said early this month it would draw up blueprints for the reconstruction of the disaster-hit regions of Wasior, Mount Merapi and Mentawai islands.

"We anticipate that funding for the reconstruction of the areas hit by natural disasters will come from various sources, both internal and from foreign assistance," Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono said.

Wasior in West Papua province was devastated by a flash flood that killed more than 160 people on Oct 4.

On Oct 25, a tsunami triggered by a magnitude-7.7 undersea earthquake engulfed the Mentawai islands off the coast of West Sumatra, killing at least 430 people and leaving some 15,000 people displaced.

Mount Merapi, located on the borders between Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces, erupted at least five times since Oct 26, spewing hot clouds 1.5 km into the air and sending lava down its many slopes. The lives of at least 168 people were lost, and the homes of about 70,000 others were destroyed.

Norway gives $1m to tsunami and Merapi victims

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 11/10/2010 8:34 PM

Norway announced US$1 million of assistance recently for the emergency relief efforts in disaster-affected areas.

“In this hard time of challenges and suffering, the Norwegian government and people want to reach out to a good close friend and demonstrate our strong solidarity,” Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Indonesia Ambassador Eivind S. Homme told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, who visited Indonesia recently, said that the tsunami that struck Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, on Oct. 25 and the Mount Merapi eruptions had led to a great need for humanitarian assistance.

“Norway is therefore contributing $1million, which is being channeled through the Norwegian Red Cross to its Indonesian sister organization,” said Stoere in Jakarta on Monday.

He was referring to the Indonesian Red Cross.

Homme said the Norwegian funds would be used to support the emergency relief efforts and increase the capability of the Indonesian Red Cross to handle both disasters.

Governor Orders Construction of Bamboo Shacks for Conjugal Visits for Volcano Victims

Jakarta Globe | November 02, 2010

Jakarta. Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X has ordered the construction of bamboo shelters for families displaced by the Merapi volcano disaster to allow for privacy, including for married couples who wish to engage in sexual activity.

Merapi evacuees having a meal at a shelter.
Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X
planned to build one shelter for one refugee family
to provide privacy. (Antara Photo)

“[On Monday] we received an instruction from the governor to build each family a shelter,” Sleman district deputy head deputy Yuni Rahayu told Detik.com. “The special shelter is necessary so children can study and husbands and wives can conduct their sexual activities in private.”

With predictions the eruptions could continue for months and that the rebuilding process for those who lost homes even longer, Yuni said the shelters would need to accommodate 13,000 refugees.

He said the three x four meter structures would be manufactured from bamboo.

All natural: The Green School in Bali features bamboo construction engineered into a more modern look. JP/ Zul Trio Anggono

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European Commission provides €1.5 million for Indonesia twin disasters survivors

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Thu, 10/28/2010

The European Commission has allocated €1.5 million (US$2 million) in humanitarian assistance to survivors of the tsunami in Mentawai and the volcanic eruption of Mount Merapi in Java, EU Delegation to Indonesia, Julian Wilson said in a statement Thursday.

The funds will help around 65,000 people in Mentawai and at least 22,000 people in Yogyakarta or Central Java.

The funding will be channelled through the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO).

“We extend our condolences to those who have lost loved ones in these two natural disasters,” Wilson stated.

“The European Commission is providing this initial emergency assistance which will help alleviate the suffering of the survivors and the EU will continue to stand by its Indonesian partners in this time of need.”

A tsunami hit several islands of Mentawi in West Sumatra killing at least 343 people on Monday. The number is likely to climb higher because hundreds of missing people may have been swept away.

In Yogyakarta, the Mount Merapi volcanic eruption killed at least 33 people on Tuesday, forcing thousands to evacuate from the mountain slopes.

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President sends Rp2 billion worth of logistics to Wasior

Antara News, Wednesday, October 6, 2010 21:25 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has sent logistical supplies worth Rp2 billion to wasior, West Papua, to alleviate the suffering of flood victims there.

"The President has sent aid to the flood victims," Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono said here on Wednesday.

Agung said the President was very concerned about the disaster and therefore had sent the aid.

The aid consists of clothes, blankets, medicines, food, mats, milk for under five children and other things.

"If all goes well the aid is expected to arrive in Wasior on Thursday," he said.

Agung said the President had asked all the ministries concerned to monitor developments in Wasior and take emergency response actions.

"I have been asked to keep coordinating the ministries concerned with the problem. The President said all ministries concerned must pay special attention to the victims and evacuees," he said.

He said according to the latest reports a total of 64 people had died and 91 were seriously wounded in the disaster.

Meanwhile, 68 people were lightly injured and 451 were still missing, he said.

He said 3,000 people had sought refuge in various places such as in Manokwari and Nabire.

Thirty-one houses had been heavily damaged and health facilities, schools, roads, bridges and a hotel had also been damaged.

"The Wasior airstrip is still inundated and cannot be used for landing and therefore my flight to Wasior has been postponed," he said.

He said the National Disaster Control Agency had sent three units of platoon tents, 80 family tents, 200 roll tents, 60 emergency beds, 500 pieces of clothes, 150 packages of baby and children supplies, 100 mats, 2,250 packages of instant food and 2,500 kilograms of medical supplies.

Heavy rains have fallen in the region from Sunday to Monday. Those who died in the disaster were likely because they had been sunk after being carried away by the flood that also carried with it logs and rocks from a lake in the mountain.