Irian Jaya chruch leaders say flag raising not a separatist sign
Irian Jaya chruch leaders say flag raising not a separatist sign
JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The plan to hoist the
'Morning Star' flag is just the way the Irianese express their
demand for justice and more respect for human rights, church
leaders say here.
Leaders of Christian denominations in Irian Jaya said in a
statement made available to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the
'Morning Star' flag hoisting planned by the people on Dec. 1
should not be translated as an effort to separate from the
nation.
Three mainline churches, including the Roman Catholic Church
of the Jayapura diocese, the Evangelical Christian Church (GKI)
and the Alliance and Christian Missionary (GKII) were among the
nine denominations which jointly spoke out against injustice and
rights abuses in the eastern province.
However, Chairman of the Christian Evangelical Church Rev.
Herman Saud earlier expressed disagreement about the plan.
"What's the use of hoisting the flag? It would be better and more
sympathetic for the people to hold a mass prayer session," he
said on Monday.
The church leaders urged on Tuesday that the President
Abdurrahman Wahid's administration not to follow former
governments' arrogance in dealing with Irian Jaya case.
"Leave the arrogance and start intensive dialog with the
people," the statement said.
According to the churches, the recent demonstrations held by
the Irianese were merely a way of expressing their long depressed
aspirations.
Their aspirations and grievances had never been properly
channeled, the church statements said, adding that more dialog
between the government and the Irianese was needed.
The last dialog was held in February this year when then
president B.J. Habibie met with 100 Irianese in Jakarta.
At the end of the statements, the church leaders called on the
people to support the government's efforts in upholding
democracy, human rights and the freedom of gathering and
expressing opinions.
As earlier reported, the Irianese insisted on flying the
'Morning Star' flag on Dec. 1 to commemorate West Papua
independence, which was declared on that date 38 years ago.
Irian Jaya Governor Freddy Numberi has called on them to
cancel the plan as "hoisting the West Papua (Morning Star) flag
in Indonesian territory was against the law."
The Irian Jaya Police chief, Brig. Gen. Silvianus Yulian Wenas
said on Monday that the Irianese could, instead, channel their
aspirations through the legislative council, or directly to
President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati
Soekarnoputri, who are slated to visit Irian Jaya on Dec. 31.
(eba)