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Governor Khofifah Welcomes East Java Migrants from Wamena

Malang (malangkota.go.id) – A group of East Java migrants from Wamena have returned to East Java. A total of 122 East Java residents and some from Central Java landed at Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport, Malang, Wednesday (2/10/2019). At around 14.30 WIB they arrived using a Hercules aircraft belonging to the Indonesian Air Force.

Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa interacts with residents while carrying a small child (ist)

The migrants seemed relieved and grateful to finally be able to return to their hometown. Because they had waited and gone through a long process of returning.

Those from Wamena have to wait in line to fly to Sentani, Jayapura. Then after getting the departure schedule they have to travel for more than eight hours because they transit in Biak and Makassar.

Therefore, when they arrived at the airport and were greeted by the Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, they admitted to being moved and happy. They expressed their gratitude to the East Java Provincial Government for trying to repatriate the migrants in Wamena.

"I have been in Wamena for 29 years, I trade there, open a kiosk. But because of the riots, everything was gone, burned," said Satik, a resident from Banyuwangi.

Yusuf, a Probolinggo resident who works as a builder, said something similar. He was grateful to be able to return to East Java after the riots in Wamena.

Because during the riots, he and his family were separated because chaos what happened. People were looking for a safe place and protection so that they separated from their children and wives.

"Thank God we were finally sent home. But there are still many of our friends there, hopefully they will be sent home soon," he hoped.

Governor Khofifah said that those who came to Malang this time were some from Solo, Purwokerto, and several other areas. However, the majority of them came from East Java.

He emphasized that whoever and wherever the migrants who come today must receive protection and security guarantees. The East Java Provincial Government will record each migrant who comes to then be sent to their respective regions.

"They are migrants. If they are now in a position to return to their homeland, because the number is large, then we want to create services so that they can return with more proper services," said Khofifah.

Even if there are migrants from other areas, all will still be recorded. And when they are delivered to their respective areas, a report format and handover will also be made with the Social Service or local government.

The first female governor of East Java further stated that several migrants who were in poor health were immediately taken to Saiful Anwar Regional Hospital to undergo treatment and medical examinations at the expense of the provincial government.

"There are also those who came to Juanda today. Those who are sick are also taken directly by ambulance to Dr Soetomo Regional Hospital. All services are available in coverage Provincial Government," he explained.

In welcoming the East Java migrants, the former Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs took the time to have a direct dialogue with them. Asking about the conditions, circumstances, and families they will go to when they arrive in their hometowns.

He guaranteed that all migrants are present and included in the data collection. Because this is important, related to the interests if later there is data needed by the central government, then the data of the migrants is ready.

"If at any time there is a concession from the central government, for example a shop or house that burned down, so that they can work again there, we have prepared the data. This is the importance of identifying them to find out the data and number of migrants. Because many of them did not have time to bring their ID cards," said Khofifah.

On the other hand, so far his party admitted to intensively coordinating with the Ministry of Social Affairs. Because in the Ministry of Social Affairs there are qualifications for natural disasters and social disasters.

Currently, there are three groups of East Javanese migrants in Wamena who have returned home to Bumi Majapahit. The first group came via Semarang with 43 people. Then today via Malang airport with 121 people and also via Juanda airport with 41 people.

"Tomorrow, the plan is for around 130 people to come. We would like to thank the Indonesian Air Force for helping to facilitate the return of East Java residents who are currently living in Wamena," concluded Khofifah.

Before being sent back to their respective districts/cities in East Java, the migrants received assistance from the East Java Provincial Government in the form of pocket money, basic necessities, and also ready-to-wear clothing. (hms/say/yon)

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