Theys' death: Internal conflict or political interests?

Asip Hasani and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta

Despite internal conflict among Papuan leaders, the 'murder' of pro-independence figure Theys Hiyo Eluay is believed to have been triggered by vested political interests of members of the political elite in Jakarta.

Human rights activist Bambang Widjojanto said this political group wanted to disrupt the improving relations between Papua and Jakarta.

"I think there is a group in Jakarta attempting to disrupt the peace process in Papua," Bambang told The Jakarta Post by phone on Wednesday.

Bambang ruled out suggestions that internal conflict was behind Theys' death, saying that Theys was a unifying figure needed by the Papuan people.

"I don't think the differences among Papuan communities triggered his death," said Bambang, who lived in Jayapura from 1986 through 1993.

Bambang, however, did not specify whom among the Jakarta political elite stood to benefit from the escalating tension in Papua.

Theys, with the support of then president Abdurrahman Wahid, organized a congress of the Papuan people in June last year aimed at being a peaceful forum for dialog between Papuan leaders and the Jakarta administration.

Meanwhile, anthropologist P.M. Laksono said that the death of Theys was a setback in the peace process.

"Political issues should be solved through discussion, not assassination. This is very dangerous. It is hard for the Papuan people to sustain this," he said.

Laksono stressed that the murder of Theys would accentuate his position as a symbol of Papuan resistance. Indeed, after his death, Theys' cause will win more support.

Theys was found dead in his Toyota Kijang van on Sunday morning at Muara Tami, a district west of Jayapura. The pro- independence leader had reportedly been kidnapped on his way home after attending a dinner at a local military base.

Home to nearly 225 tribal groups and 31 languages, Papua has often been plagued by tribal conflict.

But Laksono said that the death of Theys did not show any signs of having been caused by ethnic conflict.

He said Papuans would fight openly, instead of carrying out a cowardly act of murder.

"I think this incident relates to the political activities of Theys in demanding Papuan independence," he added.

According to Laksono, conflicts among Papuan tribes were usually ignited by disputes over land, women, and family matters.

He admitted that land disputes among the tribes had been on the rise due to a move by PT. Freeport Indonesia to increase the price of the surrounding land. This decision had resulted in conflicts because the tribes were unable to determine the borders of their territory.

Laksono said, however, that land disputes would be resolved by a tribal leader, locally known as Keret.