Schools in Papua to open on Sept 5: minister

Coordinating Minister for Political. Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto revealed here, Wednesday, that schools in Papua and West Papua provinces will be opened on Sept 5 following unrest in some major cities in the past week.

Disruption in school- and other public-related activities for no less than a week occurred, as some protesters went berserk, turning rallies into riots on Aug 28.

However, no further demonstrations were staged following the unrest. The coordinating minister ensured that situation in the two provinces had been brought under control.

"Fuel distribution has been on track and so also were the activities at markets, state offices, clinics, hospitals, and banks," Wiranto remarked.

Despite normalization in some public activities, Wiranto remarked that access to electricity and clean water in several areas was still hindered.

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Following reports received on water woes being faced, city-owned tap water company PDAM deployed two mobile tankers to distribute eight thousand liters of water to the residents of Jayapura, Wednesday.

Following the destruction caused by the unrest, Wiranto affirmed that the city officers are currently yet clearing the damaged remains. The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing has apportioned Rp100 billion (US$7.03 million) for reconstructing some state offices and public facilities that bore the maximum impact of the demonstrators' ire.

Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono had stated in Jayapura on Tuesday that the rebuilding projects will be started next week.

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