Irian Jaya rebels 'only' have 77 guns

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Guerrilla fighters opposing the Indonesian government in Irian Jaya's jungles only possess 77 guns, with an estimated 150 personnel, a military official said here on Thursday.

Trikora Regional Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Sembiring said the Indonesian Military (TNI) could easily eradicate the "security disturbance movements" due to the group's limited number of ammunition and personnel.

"But that won't be the proper way to solve the problem," Sembiring said.

He said TNI would continue to adopt a persuasive approach with the rebels -- who are mostly armed with traditional arrows, spears and machetes -- with a top priority "to lead them back to their respective hometowns to build their areas".

Most of the rebels were not in the jungles, but at their headquarters in the Bewani valley, Sembiring said.

Antara reported that the rebels were involved in a series of crimes, including killings, robberies and abductions, against local civilians on the Indonesian-Papua New Guinea border.

Two weeks ago it was reported that the rebels murdered four Arso plantation workers and kidnapped at least 11 people, including seven women.

The fate of the 11 people abducted by the group is yet to be resolved, but local authorities believe the victims have been hidden by the rebels in the Bewane valley.