Indonesian consulate attacked

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Free Papua Movement rebels, who seek independence for Irian Jaya, attacked the Indonesian consulate in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, yesterday, a press report said.

About 40 rebels armed with M-16 and AK riffles, iron bars, axes and arrows attacked the unguarded premises at 6 a.m. local time, Antara reported.

There was no report on casualties. The rebels smashed the gate, ransacked the offices, vandalized a van, looted equipment and ran away with US$12,000 in cash, the report said.

Chief of staff of the Trikora military regional command, Brig. Gen. Amir Syarifudin, said that two Indonesian diplomats and two local staffers survived the attack.

The local employees were kidnapped but released after the rebels were chased by Vanimo police, Amir said. The diplomats apparently hid in the bathroom.

The attackers arrived at the consulate with garbage trucks which local police said had been stolen from the Papua New Guinea villages of Skotchiau and Bewami, which are well known as separatists strongholds. (pan)