W. Irian Jaya deserves special autonomy

Tue, 24 Feb 2004

MANOKWARI, West Irian Jaya: A noted politician said on Saturday that West Irian Jaya province should be granted special autonomy.

Former regional autonomy minister Ryaas Rasyid said here over the weekend that there was no legal reason for the government to delay granting special autonomy to the province since it, along with soon-to-be Central Irian Jaya province, was part of Papua even though legislation was passed in 1999 to split Papua into three provinces.

Ryaas was here to install the functionaries of his political party in the new province.

West Irian Jaya was inaugurated in 2002, while the officiating of Central Irian Jaya has been suspended following violent public rejection last August.

Ryaas said the law was contrary to Law. 21/2001 on special autonomy for Papua, a case the Constitutional Court is reviewing. -- JP

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