Maluku refugees arrive in Sorong

SORONG, Irian Jaya: A total of 963 refugees from riot-torn East Seram in Maluku have arrived here in the last couple of weeks.

The refugees are being sheltered in a social agency building, a Catholic Church hall and a warehouse owned by state oil company Pertamina.

The refugee coordinator Rev. Yan Zeth Matalula said the locals of Bula in East Seram were forced to leave their homes due to an outbreak of violence in the area.

The refugees comprise people of various occupations including civil servants, Pertamina employees as well as police officers and military members.

"Bula Police station chief reportedly sought refuge in Ambon while Bula Military chief Capt. Y. Wattimena came along with the refugees to Sorong," Yan said.

"We are happy to stay here rather than live in terror," a refugee named Anto said. (eba/edt)