Eruption victims resettled

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Some 43 families who lost their homes when Mt. Merapi erupted in Central Java last month will soon arrive to start a new life in this province.

The families, 158 people in total, have agreed to join the government's transmigration program to be resettled in Sungai Lilin district in the Musi Banyuasin Regency, according to the Antara news agency.

M.L. Sagala of the South Sumatra Transmigration Office said the settlers will be incorporated into an ongoing plantation project in the area.

He added that some 100 families who were displaced by the Merapi eruption will eventually be settled in the area. (emb)