BCA Gratis Rp250-Million Assistence For Asmat

JAYAPURA, Papua, Feb 8 (Antara) - PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) has handed over a Rp250-million worth of assistance in the form of milk and toddler food to victims of measles epidemic and malnutrition in Asmat District, Papua Province. The assistance was handed over directly by BCA Timika Branch Office Head Bernardus Danny Harsono to Territorial Staff of TNI Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel Jamaluddin in Mimika, according to a press release to Antara here on Wednesday. "As part of the community, through its Corporate Social Responsibility and Synergy Solution, BCA is also concerned with realizing its commitment by delivering food aid to victims of the epidemic of measles and malnutrition for the residents in Asmat," Bernadus said. According to him, the aid was deliberately handed over through TNI units in Timika, Mimika District, with the hope of reaching the destination soon. "We are aware that the assistance we provide has not been able to meet all the needs of the people who are currently experiencing the epidemic, therefore we hope that what BCA has done will trigger many parties to actively participate in helping the Asmat people," he said. Based on data as of Jan. 21, 2018, the outbreak of measles and malnutrition in Asmat has killed at least 67 people, most of whom were small children. Therefore, he said, the government finally established this outbreak as an Extraordinary Events (KLB). Lack of adequate health facilities in a number of villages in Asmat District, Papua, is one of the factors causing many casualties due to this epidemic. "Malnutrition is one of the causes of death, and it needs synergy of all parties to help. Therefore, the assistance is expected to be distributed to remote areas affected by measles and malnutrition," he said.