Irianese leaders accused of plot against the govt

Irianese leaders accused of plot against the govt

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Local police have officially named
nine leading Irianese figures here as suspects for allegedly
plotting against the state.

Irian Jaya Police chief of detectives Col. Tukarno said on
Wednesday that the nine were named suspects for their alleged
involvement in a series of proindependence rallies since late
last year.

The suspects are activist leader Theys H. Eluay, Father Herman
Awom, Cenderawasih University lecturer Isaak Ayomi, secretary of
the provincial Development and Planning Board (Bappeda) Don Al.
Flasy, former political prisoner John Mambor, former councillor
Beatrix Rumbino and student leaders Martinus Werimon, Barnabas
Yufuway and Laurens Mehue.

The nine were specifically said to be behind three incidents.
The first was a gathering on Sept. 12, 1999, at Theys' house,
which declared that the separatist Morning Star flag would be
hoisted on Dec. 1. The second was the Dec. 1 hoisting of the flag
and the third was when the Papuan Congress was held in Sentani
from Feb. 23 to Feb. 26.

All are members of the Papuan Presidium Council, set up by the
Papuan Congress.

The Congress ended with a unanimous rejection of the 1969
plebiscite which became the basis for the incorporation of the
former Dutch territory into Indonesia.

"Aspirations for independence are acceptable, but don't commit
crimes against the state, including separating from the Republic
of Indonesia," Tukarno said, adding that they were being charged
with Articles 106, 110 and 154 of the Criminal Code.

"The status of the nine is that they are officially suspects
based on the information we have gathered and from witnesses," he
added.

Tukarno said two other figures, Amungme tribal leader Tom
Beanal and lecturer Willy Mandowen, were also being questioned.

"Willy Mandowen has fulfilled our summons but Tom Beanal
hasn't," he said.

Demands for independence have been on the rise over the past
two years in the province, which is home to one of the world's
largest gold and copper mining industries, amid the backdrop of
past human rights violations and the unfair divisions of revenue
earned from exploiting its natural resources. (eba)