Irian ex-hostages still traumatized

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Most of the 11 Irianese, kidnapped on May 5 by an armed group who were rescued 36 days later, have refused to return to work at Mur II Inti Arso PIR V resettlement transmigration area.

The villagers said they preferred to remain in temporary shelters in a nearby area rather than returning to their residences and working for the state PTP II plantation firm.

The temporary shelters are located about five kilometers away from the transmigration area.

"We're still traumatized. Our fears need more time to fade from our thoughts," Kisem, one of the ex-hostages said on Tuesday.

He said he and his family still wanted to work for the company, but asked for a security guarantee from PTP II management in Arso.

He said none of the ex-hostages were able to put up significant a defense during the May 5 abduction, since the company had not built a security post in the area.

Another ex-hostage, Turmin, said he wanted several days off to visit his kampong to tell his family he was still alive.

"After that, we'll get back to work at PTP II Arso," he said.