Group foresees unrest in Irian Jaya

Group foresees unrest in Irian Jaya

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): A local rights group has warned of
possible unrest as local leaders have been campaigning and
heightening the expectancy of independence for Irian Jaya.

Deputy chairman of the Jayapura-based Institution for Human
Rights Studies and Advocacy (IHRSTAD) Aloysius Renwarin told The
Jakarta Post on Wednesday that influential local figures in the
province were going to many villages and districts making claims
about imminent independence.

"In Merauke, some said a popular Papuan figure went to Jakarta
and met United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to discuss
freedom for West Papua. They also claimed that West Papua would
be independent from Indonesia on May 1 this year," Aloysius said.

He did not identify who had tried to incite unrest.

"You can imagine what the people will do if West Papua is not
independent on May 1," a Jayapura resident said.

Aloysius said a lack of leadership among state officials had
led many in Irian Jaya to be easily influenced and provoked by
irresponsible parties.

Irian Jaya has seen growing separatist sentiments rise in the
last year. Advocates of an Independent West Papua have held
numerous rallies to campaign for their cause.

Meanwhile, an influx of hundreds of people from riot-torn
Maluku has hit several coastal towns in Irian Jaya.

Local daily newspaper Cendrawasih Post reported a total of 255
refugees from Bacan district, Ternate in North Maluku arrived in
Sorong by ship.

"We are all worried about the influx of refugees. Who knows if
some provocateurs set to create unrest in Irian Jaya were among
them," Aloysius said. (eba)