Settlers want to go home

Settlers want to go home

MAGELANG, Central Java: At least 24 transmigrants from
Magelang who have been resettled in Central Halmahera, Maluku,
want to return to their hometown because of uncertainties about
their future.

Suyuri, a returning settler, said that the timber concession
program in which they were included had not shown any progress.
He said that the settlers are afraid they will only become the
victims of some kind of experiment.

Suyuri said the uncertainties started a year ago when 74
transmigrants who came from Cilacap, Banyumas, Semarang, Wonosobo
and Banjarnegara were taken to the area.

The houses and farms were not ready when they arrived, forcing
them to help each other to build their shelters. He said that the
people did not see it as a problem when the timber program failed
because the government supported them with produce.

The problem now is that many of the settlers are of the
opinion that the program will be a failure, he added. (wah/par)