Mega apologizes to Papuans

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri apologized to all the Papuan people for not being able to attend Christmas celebrations in Jayapura as had been initially scheduled on Dec. 22.

In a letter sent to Governor Jaap Salossa, the President said that her heart was with the Papuan people and she would try to find the right time to visit the country's easternmost province in the near future.

She further called on the public to maintain peace as it also became the theme of this year's Christmas celebrations across the country.

"Living in peace is the desire of all humankind, but what we saw recently really disturbed us," Megawati said in her letter.

On special autonomy for Papua, the President contended that if it were implemented seriously then it could improve the welfare of the people. --Antara