Maluku refugees arrive in Sorong

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)