Merauke Regent Drs. Romanus Mbaraka with Merauke villagers (Jubi)
Merauke, 7/2 (Jubi) – Since the last fey days, 83 villagers from Wangga-Wangga and Nambai villages, Papua New Guinea visited Kweel Village, Naukejerai Sub-district, Merauke District to be reunited with relatives they had not seen for years, though actually they were come from this village.
Showing the local government’s concern, Merauke Regent Drs. Romanus Mbaraka, MT, the Military District Commander and the Chief of Merauke Police conducted a meeting with the villagers on Friday (7/2) in Kweel Village. In the meeting that was lasting for approximately 3 hours, he explained about the development programs that have been implemented.
Etmon Bangga, one of customary figures from Papua New Guinea, said he was very appreciated that local community accepting them very well. “I recognize about the long severed relationship among relatives, therefore we want to reunite,” he said.
He further said that the villagers from PNG also would participate in 112th anniversary of Merauke City on 12 February 2014. “Yes, we will come to the town and also join the other residents to celebrate the anniversary of Merauke City,” he said.
He admitted so many changes occurred in his hometown if compares to some years ago. “I would like to say that during our stay in PNG, the local authority almost never pay any attention. So through years there is no progress for people’s welfare.
Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka separately said that the local government would guarantee the security and other things for the 83 PNG citizens during staying in the region of the Republic of Indonesia. If there is a terror or intimidation, they should report it to the army or police.
Further he added that villagers also no need to worry about food. The government will provide it as expected. They just need to inform the local government if it were insufficient so they could drop some foods and the other stuffs.(Jubi/Frans L Kobun/rom)
