Two Belgian hostages not yet freed

Two Belgian hostages not yet freed

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): There is no sign that the two
Belgian hostages held captive by an Irian separatist group since
early June will be released soon, despite the fact that two
mediators from Jayapura diocese have met with the hostages and
kidnappers in Ilaga, Puncak Jaya regency.

Theo van de Broek, one of the mediators, disclosed in Jayapura
on Monday that the separatist group that had kidnapped Johan van
den Endy (47) and M. Phillipe Simon (49) -- had demanded national
and international talks on Papuan (Irian Jaya) issues.

Broek, who arrived in Jayapura from Ilaga, together with Benny
Glay last Saturday, further said that the abductors, who claimed
to be members of the Papua Liberation Army (TPNP), insisted that
the hostages would not be released soon.

However, the kidnappers had shown an open attitude by allowing
an opportunity for a meeting in Ilaga, although the time had yet
to be fixed, said the mediators.

The kidnappers claimed earlier that they had been oppressed
for 38 years by the Republic of Indonesia and that their
sovereignty had been seized. They said that the only way to end
this would be talks with the Indonesian government and foreign
parties.

Responding to the claim, Broek promised to discuss their
proposal with related parties, including the Belgian ambassador
to Indonesia.

"Endy and Simon complained that they were totally isolated
from the outside world and the kidnappers kept spying on their
movements," said Broek.

Meanwhile, a well-known human rights organization in Irian
Jaya, ELSAM (the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy) and
Tapol (a London-based international organization) have asked for
the release of 22 (Irianese) political detainees from prison in
Wamena, Irian Jaya.

ELSAM director Johanes Bonay said in Jayapura on Monday that
the organization also urged that the Indonesian authorities
investigate the case thoroughly, and bring to court Indonesian
policemen or government officials responsible for the death of
detainees and for human rights violations in Wamena.

The 22 are now serving four-and-a-half years' imprisonment for
provoking riots in Wamena that claimed four lives. They are
awaiting the provincial high court's response to their appeal
submitted on July 12.

The bloody incident in Wamena was sparked off by the lowering
of the Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) flag by the police on Oct.
6, 2000. (35)