Australians' presence at Papuan Congress leads to suspicions
Australians' presence at Papuan Congress leads to suspicions
JAKARTA (JP): A lingering suspicion began to arise here over
the presence of Australian nationals at the Papuan People's
Congress, as some were reminded that it was Canberra who, despite
years of support, suddenly reversed its view on East Timor's
integration and opened the option for a ballot.
The presence and apparent support of Australian nationals at
the Congress has already raised concern in government circles.
Officials and observers both noted that while these
individuals did not represent the Australian government, their
presence could encumber attempts to mend ties, particularly on
the eve of a meeting between President Abdurrahman Wahid and
Prime Minister John Howard.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab told journalists here
on Wednesday that Jakarta had noted the involvement of the
Australians during the congress which has been described as
illegitimate.
"Hopefully it (Irian Jaya issue) will not impede the
normalization of relations between the two countries, but this
definitely will be a note for the government toward the
Australians," Alwi told reporters.
"This issue will be raised in a meeting between Abdurrahman
and John Howard in Tokyo," he added referring to Thursday's
meeting between the two on the sidelines of a memorial service
for the late Japanese prime minister Keizo Obuchi.
Despite statements by Australian Foreign Minister Alexander
Downer that his government supports Indonesia's territorial
integrity, some are apprehensive of Canberra's pledges.
Political scientist Kusnanto Anggoro pointed out that it would
not be the first time Australia backtracks on a long-held policy.
Despite years of recognizing East Timor's integration with
Indonesia, Prime Minister Howard sent a letter to then President
B.J. Habibie in December 1998 which stated Canberra's decision to
consider a ballot a possible option if integration is no longer
viable.
That letter, according to government officials, prompted
Habibie to offer the ballot option to East Timor.
Kusnanto told The Jakarta Post here on Wednesday that there
are indications that the Australian government may be playing a
role, albeit a peripheral one, in the separatist issue and that
raising the issue with Howard would be a very good idea.
"In an informal meeting like that, the result will not have a
direct impact towards diplomatic ties, but will give clearance
towards our stance on Papua as part of Indonesia," Kusnanto said.
On the presence of Australian nationals in the Congress, the
Center for Strategic and International Studies researcher
believed it was impossible for the Australian government not to
be aware.
He further stressed that the government should be aware of
Canberra shifting its policy on the Irian Jaya issue.
"We cannot fully believe in their support. It is no guarantee
and there is a possibility that the non-state actor (playing a
role) will shift to a state actor in the Papua issue," he
remarked.
However it is unlikely a shift in Australian policy would
occur in the near future, he added.
Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab when asked if Canberra could be
trusted given the East Timor experience, said Indonesia should
not be full of distrust towards its neighbor.
"We shouldn't be too suspicious. It was also our fault in East
Timor that we gave them the option," he said. (dja)