House speaker rules out independence for Irian Jaya

House speaker rules out independence for Irian Jaya

JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung
ruled out on Monday independence for Irian Jaya, dealing a blow
to separatist rebel leader Willem Onde during his visit here.

Akbar suggested that Onde and the people in the province draft
a bill on special autonomy for their natural resource-rich
territory.

"I invite all parties in Irian Jaya to deliberate the form of
special autonomy in the province. I promise we will take the
aspirations of the people more into account than those of the
government," Akbar told Onde during a meeting. The separatist
leader was accompanied by Irian Jaya provincial administration
officials and community leaders.

Akbar underlined the House's position that Irian Jaya is and
will remain a part of Indonesia. "Our political stance is clear;
we will maintain Indonesia's unity, so contribute your ideas for
the plan to grant Irian Jaya special autonomy."

Onde came to the House to deliver the demand for the
province's independence, and to ask for the House's stance on the
issue.

The government arranged a series of meetings between Onde and
top state officials, including President Abdurrahman Wahid and
Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, after his separatist group
abducted 16 employees of South Korean-owned plywood firm Korindo,
which is based in Asiki district, some 360 kilometers from
Merauke, the country's easternmost town.

Thirteen of the hostages were released on Jan. 28 following
negotiations with the rebels at their camp. The remaining three
were freed a week later.

No ransom was paid for the release of the hostages despite the
rebels' demand for US$1 million and logging in the area to be
stopped. The government has guaranteed Onde's security during his
visit to the capital.

Both Abdurrahman and Megawati have ruled out independence for
Irian Jaya, also known as Papua.

Onde said on Monday more abductions would take place because
"our aspirations have gone unheeded".

He insisted he was not leading a separatist movement, saying
that Irian Jaya was a sovereign territory. He added that Jakarta
should make clear the political status of the province.

Onde said during his meeting with Akbar the people of Papua
also were demanding the government retract the shoot-on-sight
order in the region and the release of all political prisoners
from the territory.

Akbar said the people of Irian Jaya, as well as other
Indonesians, were allowed to submit suggestions to the House,
including changing the name of a province and creating new
holidays.

"But you cannot remove the national flag because we consider
the region part of Indonesia, just like the rest of the country.

"On your demand for security guarantees and the release of
political prisoners, we will convey the messages to the
government," he said.(dja)