U.S. Embassy denies arrested American is a spy
U.S. Embassy denies arrested American is a spy
JAKARTA (JP): The United States Embassy denied claims by
Indonesian Minister of Defense Mahfud MD that an American
"infiltrator" apprehended in Irian Jaya was a spy, and warned
that the treatment of the American "tourist" would force other
prospective visitors to reconsider travel plans to the country.
The embassy said in a statement released here on Monday it was
"dismayed and perplexed" by Mahfud's false charges, while
describing the American as a "tourist". It also denied that U.S.
Ambassador Robert Gelbard intervened in the deportation of the
American.
"This treatment of an American tourist, combined with other
disturbing security trends, will undoubtedly cause other
prospective tourists to reconsider plans they may have for travel
in Indonesia," the embassy said.
It further added that the United States was dismayed and
perplexed by these and other recent false charges by Mahfud
against the United States and Gelbard, suggesting there may be a
pattern of disinformation to create a climate of anti-
Americanism.
Mahfud claimed on Sunday a U.S. citizen named Aaron Ward
Maness had been apprehended in Irian Jaya.
According to Mahfud, Ambassador Gelbard took Manesse as he was
about to be deported by authorities, saying he was not a spy.
Mahfud said there was no concrete evidence linking Maness with
espionage activities, however his activities in Irian Jaya in
early October warranted strong suspicion. Mahfud described Maness
as an "infiltrator".
Separately, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab called on
the public not to jump to assumptions that the United States was
engaged in espionage in Indonesia.
"The actions of one person cannot be used as a reflection of
the policy of the U.S. government as a whole," Alwi said here on
Monday.
He further said there was no immediate need to summon
Ambassador Gelbard. "No, there is no need to summon Ambassador
Gelbard. It's enough for our director general to call him up on
the telephone and seek clarification."
Alwi said he had not spoken with Mahfud about the allegations.
Wamena
Meanwhile there continues to be conflicting reports that some
65 migrant settles in Tiom district were being "restricted" from
moving by Irian Jaya separatist supporters.
Officials in Jakarta on Monday said that the settlers were
being held, but refrained from describing them as hostages.
In Wamena police have denied it saying that it was just a
transportation problem.
"I have been informed by the National Police Chief about what
exactly happen with them. They are not being held hostage. They
are just being restricted to move out. The migrants include
teachers," Coordinating Minister for the Political, Social, and
Security Affairs Gen. (ret.) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said.
In Wamena, Jayawijaya Police chief Supt. Daniel Suripatty
refuted media reports that the migrant settlers were being held.
He claimed the settlers were merely unable to travel outside
of the district because public transportation vehicles had yet to
resume plying the Wamena-Tiom route.
Most activities in the area ground to a halt and are only now
resuming following a bloody riot which hit the small hinterland
town of Wamena on Oct. 6.
Several media reported as many as 60 migrant settlers were
being held hostage in Tiom district, some 270 kilometers from
Wamena.
The reports claimed several locals in the area had threatened
to kill the settlers if the government enforced its order to
lower the separatist Morning Star flag.
But Daniel insisted these reports were untrue. "The migrants
are safe in their own houses and continue with their activities,"
he was quoted by Antara as saying.
He asserted security in Jayawijaya regency had improved and
public activities had resumed as normal.
He also said the order to lower the separatist flag was being
heeded without the need for force. "There are no longer any
separatist flags flying in Jayawijaya." (02/byg/lup)