Power shortage, malnutrition hit Riau

Believe it or not, in major parts of Riau, Indonesia's largest oil producer, power supply is still considered luxury and many people still suffer malnutrition.

According to the local govenment office, the worst malnutrition and power shortage case occur in Minas, a district from which Indonesia's major oil producer PT Caltex Indonesia produces its Minas brand crude oil product.

"It is sad to know the fact. It certainly needs attention," Akfedri, the secretary of the district said, adding that his office had reported the case to the regent of Dumai, where most of Caltex production facilities are located.

The local administration appealed Caltex and several major companies operating in the regency to help solve the problem and help build roads to access many isolated villages in the area.(*)