Find Article by Date
Wed, 27 Jun 2001

JP/Kidnappers seek international discussion on 'Free Papua'

Kidnappers seek international discussion on 'Free Papua'

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): An Irianese separatist group that has taken hostage two Belgian filmmakers is demanding President Abdurrahman Wahid bring the Irian Jaya issues before an international forum, a church official said on Tuesday.

Priest Theo van den Broek said the demand was made by an Irianese separatist group in a letter signed by commander of the Papuan Liberation Army (TPNP) Kelly Kwalik.

The demand surprised Van den Broek because earlier the abductors only demanded to meet with church missionaries to negotiate the conditions for the hostages' release.

Van den Broek and Rev. Benny Giay have been appointed by Irian Jaya bishop to establish communication with the kidnappers.

"I thought the letter was only meant for the mediators (church officials) but it is stated that it is to be passed on to the President," Van den Broek said.

Kelly led the 1996 abduction of several researchers, among them a few foreigners. One of the abducted scientists was killed during a military operation to release the hostages in the remote Mapenduma, Wamena.

Broek said he would go to Illaga in Puncak Jaya where the two Belgians -- Johan Elia Theo van Dem Eynde, 47, and Phillippe R.D. Simon, 49 -- were being held captive by the rebels.

The two Belgians were reported missing three weeks ago.

"We will offer a preliminary meeting with the abductors while waiting for a response from the President," Van den Broek remarked.

The two church officials met with Irian Jaya Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika to discuss their departure to Puncak Jaya regency.

In a related development, Irian Jaya Governor JP Solossa said that the letter sent by the separatist group had been sent to the provincial administration representative in Jakarta to be passed on to President Abdurrahman.

"We have forwarded the letter to Jakarta but the demand to take the Free Papua issue to an international forum can't be done within one or two days as the President is still on his overseas trip," Solossa said. (34/emf)