Migrant settlers return to Java

PADANG, West Sumatra: Hundreds of migrant settlers from several towns in Java left their lands at Pagai Utara Utara and Sipora area in Mentawai islands to return to their hometowns over a land dispute with the natives.

Head of Regional Transmigration Office, Fachri Syam, said the settlers had lived at the site for about 15 years.

His office, he added, is now attempting to stop the Javanese migrants and their families, still living at the site, from leaving.

Spokesman of the provincial office, Zulkhaidir said related officials have been ordered to solve the dispute.

"If we fail to stop the situation, it could spread to other areas in Mentawai," he said, adding that Mentawai is a popular site for foreign tourists.

According to Fachri, the dispute was sparked after the native Mentawai refused to accept the government's decision to provide 80 percent of the land allocated for the national transmigration program to the Javanese migrants.

The locals were apparently not happy with the 20 percent share given to them, he added.

Fachri did not disclose the area of the land. (01)