People needs decent settlement<\/p>\n
Exactly a year ago in November 2004 the government Integrated
\nTeam announced that Buyat Bay was heavily polluted and that the
\ncommunity living there was to be relocated.<\/p>\n
After the announcement no follow-up measures were taken by the
\ngovernment, be it the central government or the provincial
\nauthority. The provincial government was opposed to the findings
\nof the Integrated Team and its recommendations. Finally, in June
\n2005 as many as 73 family heads from Buyat Bay prepared to
\nrelocate from the site without state support.<\/p>\n
At present the former Buyat Bay inhabitants reside in a
\ntemporary resettlement in Duminanga village, Bolaang Mongondow
\nregency, some two hours journey from their old homes.<\/p>\n
They live in a makeshift barracks without sufficient
\nfacilities. The village is extremely dark during the night. The
\ncontract for the rented land expired in October but was extended
\nto November this year.<\/p>\n
For three months after the relocation, the Buyat community
\nreceived material and accommodation support from several social
\norganizations and individuals. Periodical medical care was
\nreceived from Mer-C, an organization run by medical volunteers.<\/p>\n
However, the support from these organizations grouped in the
\nHumanitarian Committee for Buyat Bay (KKTB) could not last long
\nand all the funds available to the KKTB were used up in the third
\nmonth of the relocation. The government, meanwhile, has done
\nnothing for the Buyat Bay community as far as the relocation
\nprogram is concerned.<\/p>\n
The Environment Ministry had earmarked billions of rupiah in
\nthe state budget for the Buyat Bay community relocation. The
\nfunds could be used for building decent houses and for helping
\nfishermen improve their catches. There has been no explanation of
\nwhat has happened to this money.<\/p>\n
In the present conditions, Buyat Bay people are hostages to
\ntheir temporary resettlement. They are increasingly hard up and
\nfrustrated.<\/p>\n
We have received a letter from the Buyat Bay community stating
\nthat they are desperately waiting for real action from the
\nprovincial government to help them. They pray for any assistance
\nfrom any party. What is behind the unsympathetic attitude of the
\nregional government?<\/p>\n
P. RAJA SIREGAR, WALHI Researcher, Ex-TTKB member, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/people-needs-decent-settlement-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }