Ever wonder what lies beneath the modern facade of a city? Here in Jaya Setia, a neighborhood nestled within Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, we uncover a story of transformation. Jaya Setia wasn’t always the vibrant community you see today. It began as a government housing relocation plan in 1965. Imagine families from Kampong Ayer, specifically Kampong Sungai Kebun and Kampong Saba, transitioning from life on the water to life on land. The government offered them half an acre of land for a home and a remarkable four acres for gardening and cultivation. The proceeds from their harvests would help repay their house debt. Jaya Setia was more than just houses. It was a planned community with roads, electricity, and clean water, all provided by the government. The initial homes were single-story structures with wooden walls. Families could expand their homes as their resources allowed, creating a unique blend of architectural styles over time. Life in early Jaya Setia revolved around the land. The area was originally a forest and rubber plantation. Early residents like cassava farmers could earn around BND30 a day selling their produce. The community has continued to evolve, with the Village Consultative Council (MPK) promoting projects like coconut product development, metalwork, and fertigation farming. Jaya Setia even participated in the One Village One Product (1K1P) sales expo, showcasing its unique offerings alongside other villages. Today, Jaya Setia also houses the Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology and the Berakas Sports Complex, adding educational and recreational dimensions to this evolving neighborhood. From a resettlement project to a thriving community, Jaya Setia stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people.
Labour Department
“Perintah Pekerjaan 2009 – ever heard of it?” a man in a blue uniform whispered to his companion. They stood