Isolated villages see progress

MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: The regency office of social services claims it has succeeded in "developing" 2,262 families in isolated communities in three districts, Antara reported yesterday.

The head of the office, Feliks Ramady, said the families were scattered throughout Citak-Mitak, Mandobo and Marind districts. The social service workers had taught the villagers healthy living and cooking, as well as farming.

He said many other villages remained untouched due to limited funds. The office has so far failed to approach Kumboy tribespeople who live in trees in Citak-Mitak district.

Many of the isolated villagers are nomadic. (swe)