56 separatist members surrender: Military

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".