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)