Riau declaration of independence canceled

JAKARTA (JP): A group of scholars and students canceled their planned declaration of an independent state in Riau on Monday, but pressed on with their demand for a fairer division of income derived from oil exploitation in the Sumatra province.

The group's leader, Tabrani Rab, said he and his supporters called off the declaration due to fears that it would lead to internal conflict involving Riau residents and a potentially violent clash with the security authorities.

"We cannot be so egoistic as to insist on independence because we don't want to turn Riau into another Ambon. We'd rather give Riau people alternatives other than independence," Tabrani said by phone from the Riau capital of Pekanbaru.

The government has repudiated the group's demand. Tabrani, a professor of medicine, was questioned by the local military and police last week in connection with his plan.

In its statement read by Tabrani at his residence, the group demanded that the government organizes a referendum in the province based on six choices of administration ranging from autonomy to becoming a part of the United States of America.

Some 40 Riau students attended the reading of the statement, which had earlier been scheduled to take place at the Riau University campus.

"Personally, I prefer affiliation to the U.S. for the sake of democracy and fair division of income," Tabrani said.

He said it was difficult for him to trust the Indonesian government which he said had exploited the province for decades, despite the possibility that it might offer a beneficial compromise.

"We have repeatedly asked for at least 10 percent of income from oil exploitation but to no avail. Now that the bill on fiscal balance between provincial and central governments is being deliberated, I don't think the government is prepared to specify the revenue-sharing formula," Tabrani said.

Many have criticized the government over the absence of this formula in the bill. Six provinces, including Riau, have formally demanded a share of 10 percent.

Riau produces 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day, more than half of the country's daily oil output.

Regional rebellion against Jakarta rocked the province in the mid-50s, and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency involvement was uncovered. (amd)