Uprooted Balinese want compensation

DENPASAR, Bali: Balinese transmigrants who fled violence- devastated East Timor demanded on Thursday that the government compensate them for financial losses from their destroyed properties.

"It was the government who sent us to East Timor. And it was also their decision to hold a self-determination ballot which led to us leaving the territory," said one of the migrants, Wayan Sudira.

The group met with Bali Governor Dewa Barata, who promised to convey the demand to President B.J. Habibie.

Balinese settlers, known for their farming skills and hard work, have been relocated to East Timor since 1980. There were 3,344 Balinese from 836 families living in East Timor before the wave of violence exploded following the Aug. 30 ballot.

Latest data reveal that 2,084 of them have returned to Bali. (39/edt)