Camp Vietnam (Kampung Vietnam)

Traces of Humanity on Galang Island: The Complete History of Camp Vietnam

Camp Vietnam, or locally known as Kampung Vietnam, is an 80-hectare memorial complex located on Galang Island, Batam, Riau Islands. This site is not just an ordinary historical tourist destination; it is a living monument that records global humanitarian tragedies, massive exoduses, and the hospitality of the Indonesian nation in responding to the international refugee crisis at the end of the 20th century.

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Origins and Historical Background

The history of Camp Vietnam began with the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, which was won by the North Vietnamese Communist forces. This regime change triggered immense fear among the population of South Vietnam, causing hundreds of thousands of people to flee using simple wooden boats that were often unseaworthy. They later became known to the world as "The Boat People".

After drifting in the South China Sea, facing storms and pirate threats, thousands of refugees began to land on the Riau Islands archipelago, Indonesia. In response to this humanitarian crisis, the Indonesian Government, in coordination with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), designated Galang Island as a centralized refugee location in 1979. This location was chosen for its isolated yet strategic position, allowing for security monitoring and protection for the refugees before they were resettled to third countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or France.

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Functional Construction and Architecture

The construction of Camp Vietnam was carried out in stages between 1979 and 1996. The architecture within the complex was highly functional and reflected the emergency needs of the time. The main buildings were dominated by wooden structures and semi-permanent barracks designed to accommodate a population that once peaked at up to 250,000 people during its operational period.

The site was divided into several functional zones:

1. Settlement Zone: Consisted of long wooden barracks (barak kayu) partitioned into family living spaces.

2. Social Facilities Zone: Included school buildings, a hospital (RS Camp Vietnam), and skills training centers.

3. Administration Zone: Offices for UNHCR and security posts for the TNI (formerly ABRI) that monitored order within the camp.

4. Prison Zone: Used for refugees who committed legal violations or criminal acts during their waiting period in the camp.

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Historical Significance and Key Events

Camp Vietnam holds global significance as a symbol of humanitarian solidarity. In this place, refugees were not only provided with physical protection but also equipped with language skills and vocational training to prepare them for integration upon arrival in their destination countries.

One of the most iconic historical artifacts is the presence of the original wooden boats used by the refugees. These boats were deliberately sunk or pulled ashore as a reminder of how desperately they crossed the ocean in search of freedom. Additionally, there is the Monument of Humanity, erected to commemorate the suffering of the refugees, including those who died from illness or depression while in the refugee camp.

Another significant event was the process of voluntary repatriation and the official closure of the camp in 1996 by the Indonesian Government after the conflict in Vietnam subsided and the process of resettling refugees to third countries was considered complete.

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Cultural and Religious Life

Despite the limitations, cultural and religious life at Camp Vietnam was very dynamic. This is evidenced by the existence of various places of worship that still stand strong today:

• Pagoda Quan Am Tu: A magnificent Buddhist temple with a statue of Dewi Kwan Im, serving as a spiritual center for the majority of the refugees.
• Gereja Katolik Nha Tho Duc Me Vo Nhiem: This church has a distinctive architecture with a statue of the Virgin Mary holding a boat, symbolizing protection for sailors.
• Protestant Churches and Prayer Rooms: Demonstrating the diverse backgrounds of the refugees who lived side-by-side harmoniously.

The presence of these places of worship affirms that spiritual needs remain a top priority for humans, even in the most difficult refugee conditions.

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Related Figures and Historical Periods

The central figures in the history of Camp Vietnam are the TNI personnel and UNHCR officers who worked hand-in-hand to manage logistics and security. Periodically, this site is closely linked to the Cold War era, where Indonesia played an important role as a mediator and provider of political asylum in Southeast Asia through its "Active Free" policy.

One of the legendary tragic stories at this site is the story of Tinh Han Lo, a Vietnamese woman who ended her life due to depression. Her story is immortalized in a monument and is often told to visitors as a reminder of the heavy psychological burden borne by the refugees.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Camp Vietnam is managed by the Batam Development Authority (BP) Batam as a historical site and educational tourist attraction. Although many wooden barracks have begun to decay with age, several main buildings have been restored and converted into museums.

The Camp Vietnam Museum houses thousands of artifacts, ranging from original passports, UNHCR identification documents, documentary photographs, to household items used by the refugees. Preservation efforts are focused on maintaining the places of worship and the mass cemetery "Nghia Trang Galang," where there are over 500 graves of Vietnamese refugees. The government continues to strive to maintain the authenticity of this site so that its historical values are not lost to modernization around Galang Island.

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Unique Historical Facts

A unique and rarely known fact is that during its operation, Camp Vietnam had its own internal economic system. Refugees engaged in farming, raising livestock, and bartering to supplement the logistical rations provided by UNHCR. Furthermore, many former refugees who are now successful in America or Europe often return to Galang Island for "nostalgic pilgrimages," making donations for the maintenance of the temples and churches within the complex.

With its vast area and deep historical value, Camp Vietnam stands as an eternal reminder that amidst the darkness of war, there is always a glimmer of hope and an open hand ready to help fellow human beings.