Resettlement sites disputed

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)