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)