Two Decades in Refugee Camp

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

A hut leans precariously on Saturday (15/2/2020) at a former refugee camp in Tuapukan village, East Kupang district, Kupang regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The camp, about 30 kilometers from the provincial capital of Kupang, has continued to be occupied by East Timorese refugees since 4 Sept. 1999.

Two decades since East Timor broke away from Indonesia, the misery of poverty continues to afflict ex-East Timor refugees who have chosen to remain citizens of Indonesia.

KUPANG, KOMPAS — Despite the annulment of the refugee status in 2002, many former East Timorese continue to live in refugee camps. They do not have homes or access to land so they can earn a decent living. They have lived in poverty since they decided to remain Indonesians 20 years ago following the 30 Aug. 1999 referendum.