Church refuses MPR inclusion

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)