FUND-RAISING FOR W SUMATRA QUAKE VICTIMS Rp115.9 MILLION

Brisbane, Oct 25 (ANTARA) - Fund-raising for quake victims in West Sumatra by the Indonesian Consulate General in Darwin, Australia, on Saturday (Oct 24) managed to collect AUS$13,487, the equivalent of Rp115.9 million.

The proceeds are estimated to increase because two Indonesian companies have contributed AUS$500 each to help the quake victims of West Sumatra, Second Secretary for Public Relations, Social and Cultural affairs at the Indonesian Consulate General in Darwin, Arvinanto Soeriaatmadja, said here on Sunday.

Arvanto said that the fund raising event with an audience of a food bazaar and a series of art performances by members of the Indonesian community and Australian students.

The event, he added, was also jointed by Australian high-ranking officials and parliamentarians from the Northern Territory (NT).

"Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Paul Raymond Henderson along with Vice Chief Minister and Chairman of the Northern Territory parliament are among the officials and members of parliament attending the event," he said.

Some of the proceeds, partly came from Australian students in the capital of NT.

"Some Australian students who learn Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language) in Darwin held an auction of 15 paintings with the proceeds amounting to AU$800 also meant for the quake victims in West Sumatra," Arvanto said, adding that students and teachers of secondary schools in Darwin also raised AU$712.38 during the fund-raising event at their schools.

"Solidarity from members of the Indonesian communities in Australia and Australian citizens in Darwin also contributed relief aid to the quake victims in West Sumatra. Thank God, we have a very positive response," said Arvanto.
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck West Sumatra and surroundings last September 30. The quake had left ed 1117 fatalities, and 2902 others injured.

The natural disaster also destroyed tens of thousands of houses, office buildings, schools and other public facilities. Material loss caused by the earthquake is estimated at Rp 7.8 trillion. ***3***