E. Java sets aside Rp 700 million for Sampang refugees
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Wed, August 29 2012, 9:15 PM
East Java administration allocated Rp 700 million (US$73,500) in aid for Shia followers sheltering in the Sampang sports center following the Sunday melee that killed two. The funds will be used to provide food, clean water and other needs, for the next 14 days.
“We’ll use the disaster fund,” East Java governor Soekarwo said Wednesday, adding that he had consulted with Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi.
“We will disburse the funds tomorrow to the Sampang Social Agency,” he cited as quoted by tempo.co.
He reiterated that his administration would not relocate the Shia community from their compound in Nangkernang village, Sampang, East Java, burned down by a Sunni community on Sunday, unless the Shia community itself requested to be relocated.
“Should they ask to be relocated, we will facilitate them,” he said, adding that the local authorities had arranged security measures to protect the Shia community if they went back to their homes.
On Sunday, the Shiites were involved in a fracas with a group of majority Sunni Muslims after the latter obstructed some Shia students en route to their pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Bangil, East Java, after spending Idul Fitri holidays at home. Two Shia followers were killed in the mayhem. (swd)
