Papuans live in fear, Wiranto is told

JAYAPURA: Better education, health services and better income is what Papuans need, presidential candidate Gen. (ret) Wiranto was told when campaigning in Jayapura on Thursday.

"Papua is rich but its people remain poor," Sopater Rumi, an attendee of Wiranto's campaign, said, when asked by the candidate on the needs of the people. People desperately also desire an end to living in fear each time they go out of their neighborhood, he said.

Wiranto pledged that all these would come true if he were elected president. The crowd applauded and some only smiled. "The usual fare from all the candidates, nothing new," said another attendee at the event also featuring party leader Akbar Tandjung. -- Antara