PDP wants Theys' murder solved

JAYAPURA: The Proindependence Papua Presidium (PDP) urged the government on Monday to uncover the masterminds behind the murder of PDP leader Dortheys "Theys" Hiyo Eluay last November.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of Theys's murder, PDP Secretary General Agus Olua said that they had three questions the government should answer over Theys's murder.

"Who murdered him, who ordered the murder, and what was their motive for the murder? The first question has already been answered but the other two are still unanswered and it is the government's responsibility to answer these, if they are to win the confidence of the Papuan people," Agus said.

Theys wound found dead in his Kijang minivan in Koya Tengah, a village bordering Papua New Guinea on Nov. 11, 2001, only a day after he, along with his driver Aristoteles Masoka, attended a ceremony to celebrate National Heroes' Day at the Army's special forces facility in Hamadi, Jayapura.

Nine low- and middle-rank members of Kopassus are being charged at the military tribunal over their involvement in the murder.

The National Military Police team that investigated the case has yet to reveal the motive behind the murder. --JP