"After the conflict in June 2012, the quality of life of the Rohingya ethnic group has been badly affected, particularly because they have no source of income. Therefore, they need assistance," Marty said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government has donated US$1 million in relief aid to the victims of the ethnic violence in Rakhine State, Myamar, for the construction of their houses.

"Indonesia has also been determined to contribute to the creation of mutual trust between the communities involved in the sectarian conflict, and to help promote economic growth in the region," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said in a press statement here on Wednesday.

"It`s obvious that besides basic necessities such as housing, food, medicine and education, there is also the basic need to promote mutual trust and reconciliation between the two ethnic groups in Rakhine State," he stated.

"The economy of the state also needs a boost so there can be more jobs and people can enjoy a better quality of life in the future," Marty added.

The Indonesian minister visited Rakhine State on January 7-8, 2013, to meet with Rohingya and Rakhine ethnic communities in several refugee camps. He was accompanied by Myanmar`s Border Affairs Minister, Lt. General Thein Htay, and Rakhine Chief Minister Hla Maung Tin.

Marty visited the refugee camps in Pauktaw, Sambalay village, Taungbaw village, Kyauktaw, Maw-Ya-Wadi village, Maungdaw, Ohn-Daw-Gyee and Min Gwan.

Earlier, in late 2012, sectarian violence between Rohingya Muslims and Rakhine Buddhists claimed about 200 lives and left at least 110,000 displaced in Rakhine State. A vast majority of the victims were Muslims.

On January 4, Minister Marty told the press that he would visit Myanmar at the invitation of President Thein Sein.

"I will observe the situation in Rakhine directly. I will observe the condition of not only the Rohingya Muslims, but also other ethnic groups in the province. I will try to see what is really happening there and find out what the real problem is," the foreign minister explained.

"After the conflict in June 2012, the quality of life of the Rohingya ethnic group has been badly affected, particularly because they have no source of income. Therefore, they need assistance," Marty noted.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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