Hostages in Irian Jaya

Hostages in Irian Jaya

I was surprised by Lt. Gen. Soeyono's statements in The Jakarta Post on Saturday of March 16, 1996. He suspects that there was an indication of cooperation between the hostages and their captors.

I do not fully understand the meaning of his statement; that 11 persons are now still in the hands of the separatists, risking their lives in harsh jungle with little food and medicine.

If Gen. Soeyono thinks that not all NGOs' movements in Irian Jaya are bad, then an NGO is right to voice the problem that the development in Irian Jaya does not benefit the indigenous people.

Besides, some government officials humiliate the people who ask for clarification about the nature of the development in Irian Jaya. The people claimed that the natural resources are explored by a foreign company and the money flows to Jakarta.

Referring to the riot that took place at Timika and Tembagapura, Gen. Soeyono pointed out that an NGO was involved in the incident. He must be able to prove this allegation.

Development in Irian Jaya should not only mean providing people with good infrastructure but also improving their standard of living.

Soeyono's statements also hurt the feelings of the hostages' families, who are waiting day and night and praying for the safety of their relatives.

My suggestion is that we should not suspect people who voice something that may be right and that we let our brothers and sisters in Irian Jaya feel at home.

ADI SUMANTO

Tangerang, West Java