Refugees reject relocation plan

AMBON, Maluku: Thirty-four refugee families from Banda district now living in neighboring Waitatiri hamlet, Salahutu district, Central Maluku regency, rejected on Tuesday the government's plan to transfer them to a state-built housing complex in Suli hamlet, Salahutu.

Refugee coordinator Y. Sohilait said the families preferred to stay in the Waitatiri refugee camp until the government disbursed repatriation funds of as much as Rp 500,000 (US$55.50) per person.

Responding to their demand, Maluku Social Welfare Office head Christian Hehanusa said the government would soon provide the funds. -- JP