Villagers encroach on prison island

Villagers encroach on prison island

CILACAP, Central Java: The authorities plan to resettle an estimated 900 people illegally occupying parts of Nusa Kambangan, which is well-known as a prison island for hardcore criminals.

The regency government has declared the island closed to settlers but people from the mainland, especially Cilacap, have been setting up residence there.

"Most of the 900 people now residing on the islands are farmers, traders and workers," Lt. Col. Bambang Koesdibyo, coordinator of marine security on Nusa Kambangan said as quoted by Antara yesterday.

The residents initially came to the island to collect grass for their cattle but then stayed on after seeing that the land is very fertile, he said. (pan)