Buyat Pante

Buyat Bay Victims So Long Buyat Bay
by: Sunaryo Adhiatmoko

After early morning prayer time, Sunday (25/6/2006) the people of Buyat Bay have been prepared themselves. They were determined to leave their homeland. The beauty of Buyat Bay was no longer attractive to enjoy. Rolling waves and the blue sea water otherwise made one breathless. No war no violence, but a group of people longed for ”freedom”.

Hundreds of people as if were reluctant to leave their village in where they have been living for years. But it can not be helped, relocation to new location had to be executed because their living area now has been polluted by heavy metal wastage. Moreover, their children and family members turned out to suffering from considerably severe disease. Even, some people were died of the pollution.

Sound of crying could not be withheld when they said good by to other people choosing to stay at the village. Out of 75 household head, eight of them chose not to move from there. They said their means of livelihood are around the village.
The new location lies in Duminanga, Molibagu, Bolaang Mongondow, about six hours travel from Buyat. The new location was chosen by the Buyat people themselves. Before choosing Duminanga, the people have done survey on all possible choices offered by the local government but the results were disappointing them.

The total move was carried out by tens of trucks and buses facilitated by Komite Kemanusiaan Teluk Buyat (KKTB) – Humanitarian Committee for Buyat Bay. Dompet Dhuafa as one member of KKTB has given aids accounting 220 million rupiah for the relocation.