Gus Dur to visit Irian Jaya

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): At least 5,000 security personnel are preparing to safeguard President Abdurrahman Wahid, who will visit the Irian Jaya capital of Jayapura on Christmas Day.

The troops' readiness was revealed on Saturday when the security personnel, including Army and Police officers, held a roll call led by the Jayapura Military Resort Chief Col. SK Ginting Monte.

The President, who arrives at 6 p.m. local time, will participate in a breaking of the fast meal, together with local authorities, at the State Building on Jl. Angkasa.

"After that the President will proceed to the Sports Hall to attend the local peoples' Christmas celebrations," a local official said.

Irian Jaya has been a troubled province following an upsurge of demands for independence. Many have been killed in sporadic clashes between security officers and locals over the raising of the separatists' Morning Star flag in various areas. Several pro-independence leaders have been arrested.

There is no detailed information as to whether the President intends to talk about the detainees.

President Abdurrahman spent New Year's eve in the province last year, and declared that the people of Irian Jaya were allowed to name their land Papua. (35/sur)