Papuans work on Irian soil

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: An estimated 1,000 citizens from neighboring Papua New Guinea, mostly from the Sandaun province, are currently working on local farms or as fishermen.

A local administration official, FX Suryanto, said here yesterday that most of the Papuans live close to the two countries' borders and are related to Irian natives.

The Antara news agency reported that the Indonesian government has allowed Papuans, who are from the same ethnic group as the Irianese, to farm on communal lands on Indonesian soil.

The policy, however, rules that the Papuans may only plant tubers, vegetables and legumes. The foreign farmers are not permitted to plant copra, cacao, coconut or other hard crops.

The news agency reported that farmers from the two countries are able to cooperate closely because each party respects the other's rights. (swe)