56 separatist members surrender: Military

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (Antara): At least 56 separatist rebels (GPK) have surrendered to local military officials in Mendiptana, Merauke regency, the military said.

Spokesman for the regional military command Lt. Col. Maulud Hidayat said yesterday that rebels had also given up 46 guns and several hunting weapons when they turned themselves in at the military office Wednesday.

The GPK members, including leader Willem Onde, were then handed over to Merauke's regent, R. Soekardjo.

Maulud said the rebels, who had lived in an area along the borders of Irian Jaya and the western province of Papua New Guinea, surrendered themselves "without orders from anyone".

"They chose to surrender after learning that their fellow members, who had surrendered earlier, are now living a better life. They have also acknowledged that the Indonesian Armed Forces always tries to protect local people," said Maulud.

Willem Onde, 28, said that he and his men "went down to report to ABRI, not surrendering by the order of GPK's commander in Merauke, Bernard Mawe".

"I was asked to get information if we would be welcomed or not, and to know what kind of rights and justice we would receive if we all surrendered," he said.

"We were led here by our conscience, because we want to help develop Irian Jaya, which is left far behind other provinces," said Onde who has been living in the jungle since he was 15 years old.

He further added that Mawe had command of three separatist groups within Irian Jaya.

"I came here representing my men. I will take part in the development of this province provided that the government pays attention to our rights," said Onde.

He added that if he could get the assurance of the Merauke administration regarding the rights and justice they sought, then he would convey it to Mawe and would ask him to "go down and surrender to help develop the province".