Repatriation the best option

Repatriation the best option

ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: Repatriation and relocation of
East Timorese refugees are considered to be good options to solve
the problem of food scarcity as its distribution from the
Indonesian government is reducing.

"As the government can no longer provide an adequate quantity
of food, repatriation or relocation to other regions are
considered to be the appropriate courses of action," Blasius J.
Manek, deputy speaker of Belu Legislative Council said on
Tuesday.

He added that he had continually explained to the refugees
that the fertile areas in Belu would not be enough to accommodate
that many refugees.

Refugees intending to stay in Indonesia should be willing to
be repatriated to other regions like Kalimantan or Sumatra, while
others intending to return to their home country could join the
repatriation program, Blasius said.

Ansesso Sessas, one of the refugees, admitted that most
refugees were suffering from the food shortages. "We know the
Indonesian government's ability is limited," he said.

"There could possibly be a larger number of refugees who will
decide to go home, especially after the peaceful election in East
Timor on Aug. 30," he said. The repatriation flow would reach its
peak next month, the start of the rainy season, which also means
the start of the planting season, he said.

Ermelinda Martins, another refugee, said that many had decided
to return to East Timor to improve their economic prospects after
living in temporary tents for two years. -- Antara