JEJAK PENGUNGSI VIETNAM di Pulau Galang, Kepulauan Riau 1979 - 1996
Video & Editing by:
Yordan Ahmadinata, Muara Enim, Sumatera Selatan
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1979 exodus of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese civil war. Vietnamese village in Galang Island store traces the wrenching displacement.
Galang Island is part of the autonomous city of Batam. Island of approximately 80 km ² has become one stopover location of civil war refugees in Vietnam. Hundreds of thousands of people left the country to escape by the sea using boats alarming condition. The boat is filled between 40-100 people.
For months they oscillate in the waters of the South China without a definite purpose. Many casualties on the way. Until finally they were stranded at several places, one of Indonesia. Galang Island and Tanjung Pinang are two areas where they are anchored.
The boat people
Large-scale evacuation is under the spotlight. World recognize the refugees as 'boat people'. UN agencies who take care of the issue of refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Indonesian government finally intervened. Finally created a deal to make Galang Island as a temporary shelter for more than 250,000 refugees.
Various facilities and infrastructure built to support the survival of the refugees, such as barracks, hospitals, places of worship, schools.
Their presence is concentrated in one area for ease of supervision, as well as to prevent the spread of venereal diseases Vietnam Rose who likely suffered by refugees.
Throughout the years 1979-1996, the place where they continue to live, before finally repatriated to the country of origin or asylum from developed countries.
Shelters since 1996 was declared as conservation area and is open to the general public who want to visit the "museum" that its existence remains protected by the Indonesian government. The location is now better known by the locals as Kampung Vietnam.
Visitors can still see some of the monuments and other remnants in the refugee camps. When entering a new island, visitors are greeted Statue or Garden Humanity Humanity. The statue was built to commemorate the tragic events that have occurred at this location. A refugee woman named Tinh Han Loai suicide because not bear the shame after being raped by a fellow refugee.
Are concerned, rape is not the only criminal not ever happen. Theft and murder has also been done by the refugees. That's why a prison built to house criminals, and also refugees who tried to escape. In addition, the prison building also serves as the headquarters of Brimob unit that served in this island.
Funeral Complex NGHAs-Trang
Funeral Complex NGHAs-Trang
Not far from the Statue of Humanity Parks, there NGHAs Trang Grave cemetery. Around 500 Vietnamese refugees who died due to various diseases or old age buried here. Relatives of the deceased occasionally come for pilgrimage to Galang Island.
One of the buildings that can provide a clear picture of refugee life in this place is the former office of UNHCR. Here are stored the photos refugee life, there are photos thousand faces of refugees who once lived on this island. The building has now turned into an information center for visitors.
In this area there are also three boats were first used when the refugees left Vietnam. In 1996, these boats had sunk by the refugees as a form of protest against the decision of the UNHCR and the government of Indonesia who want to repatriate some 5,000 refugees who do not pass the test to get a new citizenship. Besides drowning, angry refugees is also burn. But eventually by government authorities Batam boats are lifted to the mainland, repaired, and shown to the public to commemorate the struggle and suffering of the refugees. The boats are now known as Monument boat.
Boat that was used for the exodus
Boat that was used for the exodus
As a means of worship, a house of worship also was built in the region, such as Quan Am Tu Temple, the Catholic church Nha Tho Duc Me Vo Nhiem, Protestant churches, and a mosque. Condition of the whole house of worship are well preserved, and can be used by the visitors.
Quan Am Tu monastery looks striking because colorful painted so easily recognizable. Inside the temple there are three large statues with colors that are not less striking. One is a statue of the Goddess Guang Pu Shi Sha. In part there is a plaque that explains the rigidity of this goddess of power, which can bring good luck and matchmaking, providing domestic harmony, and fulfill the ideals for children. For those who wish granted his request, to offer up hope and throw a coin to the statue of the goddess. In front of the temple there is a statue of a dragon that seems to keep the third statue, as well as the sleeping Buddha statue sacred.
Vietnam Refugee Camp on Galang Island, Kisah Pilu Pengungsi Vietnam di Indinesia 1979-1996
