Theys' death: Internal conflict or political interests?
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.