Migrant settlers return to Java

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)