Resettlement sites disputed

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Minister of Transmigration Siswono Judohusodo is in Irian Jaya to investigate the controversy over the establishment of two resettlement sites, a local official said here yesterday.

The resettlement sites are located in Senggi and Armopa in the district of Bonggo. Built in the jungle, the choice of localities has raised fears that the resettlers would be isolated and unable to sell their agricultural products, Antara reported.

Armin, the spokesman for the provincial office of the Ministry of Transmigration, said many people had raised fears that the resettlers would eventually abandon the two projects if life proved too rough.

Senggi is located between Jayapura and Wamena in the Jayawijaya regency while Armopa is about 75 kilometers west of Jayapura.

The local administration has built unpaved roads into the sites, making the resettlement areas accessible by bus. (pan)