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)