Riau declaration of independence canceled

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)