Irian tribe loyal to RI

Irian tribe loyal to RI

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Amid the cries for independence that
have prevailed in this province, the Malamoi tribe in Sorong
regency have pledged their loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia.

Yulius Klagison, the head of the Malamoi tribe's consultative
body, said early this week demands for independence were voiced
by those with vested interests.

"Do not provoke the poor with independence demands. The
campaign is just fought by people who are pursuing their own
goals," he said.

"The Malamoi people will not follow suit, but maintain unity
with the Republic of Indonesia instead," Klagison said.

He said the tribe, who are the inheritors the land where
Sorong is located, welcomed the arrival of non-Papuans. Malamoi
people live in 10 out of 15 districts in the regency.

Kalgison said representatives of Bugis (Makassar), Java,
Batak, Maluku and Toraja ethnic groups will be invited to a
planned cross-cultural meeting. However, the date for the event
has not been finalized. (eba)