Researcher finds isolated tribes

SOASIO, Maluku: An anthropologist from Yale University in the United States, currently here studying the lives of the isolated Togutil tribe in the hinterland of Halmahera, Maba district, has stumbled upon hundreds of nomadic Biribiri tribesmen.

Christopher Duncan told Antara yesterday that the tribesmen's living conditions are deplorable. "They are still unclothed and roam the forests, arming themselves with spears, bows and arrows" he said.

Safwan, a local official of the Ministry of Social Services, said many members of isolated tribes have begun to establish greater contacts with the surrounding communities.

He said his office has so far resettled 2,400 families of isolated tribes from Seram, Halmahera and Buru islands to more open areas. It's planning to resettle 127 more families.

Safwan said there are an estimated 12 tribes spread through 65 villages in the regencies of Central Maluku, North Maluku and Central Halmahera. (swe)