Settlers bound for Natuna

Settlers bound for Natuna

PEKANBARU, Riau: The Riau provincial government plans to send 810 families to begin a new life on Natuna Island in the South China Sea this year.

The land for their housing and farming has already been prepared, head of Riau's Transmigration Office Iskandar Husen told Antara. Now it's only a matter of sending them, he said.

The transmigration program in Natuna is seen as part of the government's plan to develop the island following the discovery of huge natural gas reserves in and around the island, he said.

The provincial government had sent 600 families to Natuna in the early 1980s, Iskandar said, but many left because they could not stand the isolation.

"But now Natuna is no longer an isolated island and soon it will be booming with visitors, especially given that it is now easier to get there." he said.

Besides ships, he pointed out, the island is now served by commercial flights. (emb)