Controversy on Theys Eluay

Controversy on Theys Eluay

Followers of Theys Hiyo Eluay must be accusing the Indonesian government of being responsible for his death, even though it is possible that the murder was committed by his own followers, who have been opposed to him.

Whatever the motivation or whoever the murderer was, Theys' death has a serious impact, given his importance in the Free Papua Movement.

It is interesting to recall that Theys had been elected to the provincial legislative assembly, representing Golkar, the main pillar of the New Order administration.

But when he failed to be reelected in 1992, he "hypnotized" the Papuans with his campaign to free Papua.

Theys was really good in using the psychological state of the Papuans. He once said that he was ready to be shot dead so long as he could wave the Free Papua Movement's flag in December 1999.

He also promised to have Papua independent by May 1, 2000, a naive and utopian promise given the nation's commitment to a unitary state.

We can understand Theys' activities any way we want to. His followers see him as a hero. A hero and a traitor however can change positions anytime, depending from one's point of view.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta