Village chief Bome works in his garden. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

Village chief Bome was born in 1957. In 2001, he joined some reactionaries to incite thousands of ethnic people in Pleiku city to ask for the establishment of the so-called “De Ga autonomous state” in the Central Highlands. The protest was led by Ksor Kok, head of the reactionary organization Fulro, who lived in exile in the US.

Bome was sentenced to 12 years in prison for undermining national unity.

“I was sorry for what I had done and will never be involved in Fulro and its hostile scheme to undermine the Vietnamese State," said Bome.

"I tried to warn the local people about Fulro’s scheme in order to prevent it. The State ensures equal treatment between the Kinh and other ethnic groups. Life has become much better than before.”

After being released in 2012, Bome returned to his village and began a new life. He learned farming and husbandry techniques. Thanks to his own effort and support from local authorities, he has become well-off.

“While Bome was in prison, his children’s education and employment were supported by local authorities. When Bome returned to the village, local authorities helped him develop farming and a husbandry business. Bome regretted his wrongdoing, and committed himself to social work," said Nguyen Huu Tho, Chairman of Dak Doa district’s People’s Council.

Representatives of local authorities presents gifts to Bome. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

With a bank loan of 4,000 USD, Bome expanded his business and became a role model for his locality.  Bome gave talks to explain the State’s policies and guidelines and warn against schemes to undermine national unity.

“Mr. Bome strictly follows local policies and lives in harmony with local people. He runs a successful business and is an active promoter of government policies and laws,” said Dinh Ong, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front branch in Dak Doa district.

Bome said he is happy to see local living standards improve.

“I believe that the Central Highlands will continue to develop. Gia Lai province has great growth potentials as it borders Laos and Cambodia. Good transportation here facilitates trade and economic growth,” he said.

Bome’s family has been recognized as a “Culture Family” by the commune’s People’s Committee.