Irian Jaya youth rally over famine

Irian Jaya youth rally over famine

JAKARTA (JP): A group of Irian Jaya youths demonstrated
yesterday at the House of Representatives demanding immediate
action to allay the drought-related famine in the country's
easternmost province.

Calling themselves the Forum for Irian Jaya's Young
Generation, the 50 activists demanded that the situation, which
they alleged had caused the deaths of 500 locals, be declared a
national disaster. The status merits immediate and thorough
assistance from various corners.

"They (the casualties) fell victim to adversities they had
been suffering from for months, or maybe years," group leader
Andy Manobi said.

The youths, most of whom reside in Jakarta, claimed that the
problem would not have occurred had the government conducted
development without waiting for industrial projects built by
investors.

The group demanded, but failed, to meet with House Speaker
Harmoko for "protocol reasons", according to a House official. It
is the duty of House factions or relevant commissions to accept
public grievances.

The youths unfurled critical banners in the House foyer. "Five
hundred people have died. That's too many, boss," one of the
banners said. Another said: "The (government's) political will in
Irian Jaya is vague."

Secretary of the Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare
Suyono Yahya said recently that 461 people had died of famine in
three districts: Jayawijaya, Puncak Jaya and Merauke.

"The figure should have been higher," Andy said, adding that
some deaths might have gone unreported "because nobody but the
local government has the right to count the number of
casualties".

Andy said the famine should not have taken place, given the
huge revenues the government has been receiving from the world's
largest mining company, PT Freeport Indonesia, which has operated
in the province for the past 30 years.

"The mining activities give the government an income of US$240
million per year, one third of which should go into the
province's coffer. So, why are people dying of hunger?" Andy
said.

Separately, a delegation of seven Irianese informal leaders
met with the deputy speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly
Poedjono Pranyoto. They expressed support for President
Soeharto's reelection in the assembly's general session next
March.

"President Soeharto has been paying great attention to
development in Irian Jaya," one of the delegates, David Hubi,
said. (amd)