Nomadic jungle clans to receive free housing

Yemris Fointuna ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Kupang   |  Sat, 06/27/2009 11:01 AM  |  The Archipelago

Around 250 families living in isolated jungle areas across East Nusa Tenggara will receive free housing from the central government, local officials say.

The move is designed to both protect the forest from destruction and provide those living in the rainforest with "sufficient housing". "This housing assistance initiative is intended to provide isolated communities with appropriate housing," NTT social affairs office head, Sentianus Medi, said Thursday at his office in Kupang.

"They have so far moved from one place to another and built houses as the go. This often damages the surrounding forests," he said.

The communities will each receive a house measuring around 30 square meters.

The contract for the housing development project is currently undergoing a bidding process, Sentianus said. A ceremony to officially launch the houses is scheduled for early August.

He said the project, financed by the 2009 state budget, would focus on three regencies - North Timor Tengah, Ende and East Flores.

Sentianus said of the 250 planned houses, 67 units would be built in Ende, 84 in North Timor Tengah and the remaining 45 in East Flores.

"These isolated communities live in forest areas across East Nusa Tenggara," he said, adding that most are farmers and hunters. They still embrace a "very primitive style of life".

In some areas in West Flores, rainforest communities live in simple, circular homes known as lopo. They have a simple door and no windows or ventilation.

Generally these traditional residents live together with their domestic animals. "They tend to drink unclean water," said Sentianus.

The government will also provide them with kitchens, household equipment and basic food stuffs.

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