Australia urges stability in Papua

JAYAPURA, Papua: Australia has reiterated its stance that it wants stability in Papua.

The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, David Ritchie reportedly claimed that his government was supporting the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia as well as the special autonomy scheme that was currently being planned for Indonesia's easternmost province.

"As Indonesia's closest neighbor, Australia wants stability in Papua," Ritchie explained the Australian stance on Thursday during a gathering in Jayapura. The Ambassador visited the province from Tuesday to Thursday and during the visit, the Ambassador met prominent figures in the province such as Papua Governor Jaap Salossa and chief of Trikora military command Maj. Gen. Nurdin Zainal.

The visit was aimed at seeking first-hand information on current affairs in Papua. -- JP