Church refuses MPR inclusion

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A local Christian church has refused to send nominees for the election of Irian Jaya representatives at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Antara reported yesterday.

The head of the Irian Jaya Biblical Christian Synod, Rev. Herman Saud, decided the church should stay away from politics, speaker of the Irian Jaya Legislative Council, Robert Sitorus, said. In the past, the church would send representatives as part of the Irian Jaya delegation to MPR.

MPR is scheduled to meet in Jakarta in March to elect the president and vice president and draw up governmental policy guidelines for the 1998/2003 period.

The Irian Jaya delegation to MPR includes Governor Jacob Pattipi, Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen. Johny J. Lumintang, Cendrawasih University Rector Frans A. Wospakrik, legislator Dortheis Asmuruf of Golkar and women's activist Yemima Rahel Wayeni Handono. (09)