Jayawijaya closed to transmigration

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Jayawijaya administration has declared the regency closed to transmigrants from other areas.

Jayawijaya Regent JB. Wenas told Antara yesterday that the indigenous tribes have their own tradition and culture which was far different from those of other areas.

Jayawijaya is located close to the Baliem valley and is known for its indigenous people.

"Local inhabitants are forest squatters. The area is geographically different from other areas in Irian Jaya," Wenas said.

"The local administration has been in cooperation with the Ministry of Transmigration office in preparing resettlement for the local forest squatters," he said.

According to Wenas, as many as 500 families will be resettled through the transmigration program at the Pass Valley this year. The administration wants to convert the area into agricultural land. (sur)