Theys asks Gus Dur to testify

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Chairman of the separatist Papuan Presidium Council Theys Hiyo Eluay now on trial for alleged treason has renewed his demand that President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid appear in the court to testify as a witness, a lawyer said on Monday.

Theys' defense lawyer Anton Raharoson said the summons should also be addressed to former Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. Sylvanus Wenas and former Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen. Albert Inkiriwang.

"Gus Dur and the former security officers know that the congress of Papuan people in February last year was merely a plan to open a new discourse on Irian's self-identity and did not necessarily imply separation from Indonesia," Anton said after a hearing at the Jayapura District Court.

According to Anton, the fact that Gus Dur donated Rp 1 billion for the congress could be interpreted as meaning that he approved the congress took place.

Calls for having Abdurrahman testify for Theys have mounted but so far there has been no response from either prosecutors or judges who consider the request "strange and impossible."

Theys and another four leaders of the Papuan council are standing trial for subversion.(34)