13,000 border crossers resettled

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The local government has resettled about 13,000 natives who have returned from neighboring Papua New Guinea over the past 12 years, Governor Jacob Pattipi said Saturday.

Pattipi was quoted by Antara as saying that upon returning, the border crossers were mentally and ideologically reoriented so that they would not be fooled by Irian separatists' propaganda.

Indonesia has been facing low-level armed rebellion from the independent Irian-seeking Free Papua Movement since 1963.

The governor added that returnees were also supplied with basic food staples and medicine for two years.

Many border crossers have said they regretted having been fooled by separatists' propaganda into going to Papua New Guinea.

"As long as they truly regret their mistakes, we welcome them with open hands," Pattipi said. (14)