No signs of decent development

I read the article in The Jakarta Post of Oct. 18, 2000 titled W. Papua: A self-fulfilling prophecy.

I have recently returned from a visit to West Papua's Baliem valley -- of which Wamena is the central town. On the last day of our trekking there, we were surprised when our Kijang had to detour via a police check. The police were checking driving licenses.

Very early the next day more troops arrived -- judging by the noise of low-flying aircraft. Our flight was booked that day and we flew out without mishap.

No West Papuans I spoke to know that raising their flag was against the law. On the contrary, they were merely proud that they had been recognized. Most West Papuans are realistic: they recognize that they are part of Indonesia and that it would be virtually impossible to become independent. However, they do want to have a fair deal.

West Papuans are not antimigrants. I got the distinct impression that West Papuans in Wamena are, in fact, normally extremely tolerant. Torture used on West Papuans in the past has reputedly included shaving the tough skin on Papuans' feet and applying hot irons to them to illicit "confessions". It is therefore no wonder that Papuans resent the arrival of troops from outside: prior experience sows they just disrupt an otherwise relatively happy life.

Any feelings against migrants would, I feel, be caused by anger fueled by impotence at the arrival of troops. Papuans cannot fight heavily armed troops. They only have bows and arrows.

Knowing that West Papua benefits the coffers of the central government to such a large extent (through taxation of Freeport Indonesia) I was, frankly, appalled at the lack of development. There are very few decent roads. Other transport systems were old and poorly maintained; electricity supply was haphazard; provision of modern tools almost nonexistent; and schools, higher education facilities and other "signs of development" kept to a bare minimum.

It seems to me that the troops were sent to West Papua to create trouble -- not to suppress any actual trouble. Any disharmony was nonexistent before this seemingly high-handed interference by the central government. There are concrete steps that can be taken -- other than sending in the tough guys -- to create an harmonious nation.

West Papuans are highly intelligent. They are adjusting quickly to "life in the 21st Century". Basic education in the 3R's will help. Missionary schools are available but the government needs to provide more access to both lower and higher education.

In the other area I visited -- the highlands -- basic education was present but, far flung. Only older children benefited as they could walk the distances entailed -- often two hours there and two hours back. Local schools are still not free. In many areas in West Papua there is no money. People live by barter trade: trading baskets etc, for rice. Schools in these far-flung villages must therefore be subsidized in full by the government and restrictions, e.g. the need to wear uniforms, lifted. It is far too common for children not to be educated to even the basic levels because parents cannot afford the "hidden" costs.

What would also be useful would be affordable (free?) higher training facilities. A man who had practiced in animal husbandry for over 20 years had finally completed a recognized degree as a vet. Until recently he had been unable to obtain any recognized certification. This sort of certification is valued.

Indonesia must make it a priority to create a climate of hope by acting in a rational and forward-thinking manner.

The principles of Pancasila are still valid. Adhere to them.

West Papua could be a model of sensitive and sensible development.

TISHY BRUCE

Jakarta