4,000 to be repatriated from PNG

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The Indonesian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea (PNG), Beni Mandalika, said here Thursday about 4,000 residents of Irian Jaya who have crossed into PNG will be repatriated.

"The border crossers will be repatriated gradually, starting June 1999," he said as quoted by Antara during a visit here.

The repatriation of up to 150 people per month will be assisted by the central government, which will also provide them with facilities, land, housing and farming tools.