The Jakarta Post, December 16, 2003
Hand tractors for Poso farmers
PALU, Central Sulawesi: Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla gave
on Monday 100 hand tractors worth Rp 1.5 billion (US$176,470) in assistance for
young farmers in the conflict-ridden regency of Poso, Central Sulawesi.
The aid was aimed at helping employ people and thus ending violence that has
continued sporadically in Poso despite a December 2001 peace deal.
Kalla told the working group (Pokja) of the peace agreement, including the Central
Sulawesi governor, that the aid would be expected to quickly strengthen the economy
of people in Poso, so as to restore peace and security in Poso.
The minister also added that he believed local people did not want to be provoked to
create renewed disturbances, despite recent attacks that have killed at least 20
people since October.
"Thank God, the people of Poso have resisted these provocations," Kalla said.
Meanwhile, Commission B chairman of the Central Sulawesi legislature Firman
Maranua asked the central government to also consider helping Poso fishermen.
The government should provide them with fishing boats, he added. --JP
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