Unease in Papua over leader's return

[Coventina]

Source: International Herald Tribune

JAKARTA: Tensions arising from clashes between the Indonesian military and independence fighters in the restive and resource-rich region of Papua in recent months have been further stoked by the return of the separatist movement's founder from exile.

Nicolas Jouwe, 85, arrived last week from the Netherlands at the request of the Indonesian authorities, who said they hoped to begin discussions on a possible settlement of the decades-old conflict. In a statement distributed by government officials after his arrival, Mr. Jouwe said that separatist fighters should help "rebuild Papua within the frame of the unitary republic of Indonesia," suggesting a willingness to give up his independence struggle.

But at a Friday news conference in Jakarta, Mr. Jouwe referred to Papua and Indonesia as separate nations, saying only that a dialogue should be opened. "We are close nations," he said. "We cannot live without considering each other."

The apparently contradictory statements angered independence activists, who greeted Mr. Jouwe's return to Papua on Sunday with protests against his willingness to negotiate with the government.


Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/25/asia/papua.php

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Papua was invaded & forcibly annexed by Indonesia.

[ForrestGump]

1. I've worked in the area and know many others who have

I take a certain degree of delight in refusing to call the place "Irian Jaya" and sticking to the older "West Papua." Indonesia has done some terrible things to its own people(s) and certainly to others who never should have been forced to be part of their far-flung nation.