Dialog planned for Habibie

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: President B.J. Habibie will visit Irian Jaya for a discussion with local public figures after Idul Fitri next month, Minister/State Secretary Akbar Tandjung said on Friday.

Akbar, who was on an official visit here, said the discussion would provide Irianese leaders an opportunity to talk through their problems with the President, including their desire for greater autonomy or even an independent state.

He added, however, that Irian Jaya should remain part of Indonesia.

Irian Jaya has seen its share of an insurgency movement by people demanding independence. (01)