Missionaries repatriated

Missionaries repatriated

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The government's plan to repatriate
foreign missionaries under the "Indonesianization" of Christian
propagation is a blow to the provincial administration, governor
Jacob Pattipi said Saturday.

Pattipi said Irian Jaya needed foreign missionaries not only
to propagate Christianity but also to help the local government
develop the numerous isolated villages on the sparsely populated
island.

"The missionaries play an important role in the development of
the region," the governor said in an audience with church and
Christian leaders.

They have also played a major role in the efforts to raise the
living standards of the local people, he added as reported by
Antara. (pan)