Papuans ask why Mega canceled trip

Papuans ask why Mega canceled trip

Papuan (Irian Jaya) leaders have begun to question President Megawati's decision to cancel a trip to the eastern-most province, which was initially scheduled for Dec. 23.

J.I. Renyaan, deputy mayor of Jayapura said on Thursday that he was overwhelmed by enquiries on the matter.

"The President had promised to attend Christmas celebrations and to present the law on autonomy on Papua, which she has already enacted. We don't understand why she canceled the plan," he said.

Until Megawati canceled her planned visit, Jayapura had spent a lot of money beautifying the place. City residents were generally disappointed by the President's canceled trip.

"The President should explain to us why she dropped the plan," he said.

When announcing the cancellation of the plan, Megawati's aides in Jakarta did not clearly explain why. Her private doctors said she had a flu.--Antara