Group foresees unrest in Irian Jaya<\/p>\n
JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): A local rights group has warned of
\npossible unrest as local leaders have been campaigning and
\nheightening the expectancy of independence for Irian Jaya.<\/p>\n
Deputy chairman of the Jayapura-based Institution for Human
\nRights Studies and Advocacy (IHRSTAD) Aloysius Renwarin told The
\nJakarta Post on Wednesday that influential local figures in the
\nprovince were going to many villages and districts making claims
\nabout imminent independence.<\/p>\n
\"In Merauke, some said a popular Papuan figure went to Jakarta
\nand met United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to discuss
\nfreedom for West Papua. They also claimed that West Papua would
\nbe independent from Indonesia on May 1 this year,\" Aloysius said.<\/p>\n
He did not identify who had tried to incite unrest.<\/p>\n
\"You can imagine what the people will do if West Papua is not
\nindependent on May 1,\" a Jayapura resident said.<\/p>\n
Aloysius said a lack of leadership among state officials had
\nled many in Irian Jaya to be easily influenced and provoked by
\nirresponsible parties.<\/p>\n
Irian Jaya has seen growing separatist sentiments rise in the
\nlast year. Advocates of an Independent West Papua have held
\nnumerous rallies to campaign for their cause.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, an influx of hundreds of people from riot-torn
\nMaluku has hit several coastal towns in Irian Jaya.<\/p>\n
Local daily newspaper Cendrawasih Post reported a total of 255
\nrefugees from Bacan district, Ternate in North Maluku arrived in
\nSorong by ship.<\/p>\n
\"We are all worried about the influx of refugees. Who knows if
\nsome provocateurs set to create unrest in Irian Jaya were among
\nthem,\" Aloysius said. (eba)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/group-foresees-unrest-in-irian-jaya-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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