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)