A Number Of European Ambassadors Visit Provincial Government And The DPRD Papua

Jayapura, March 19, 2002

A group of 13 people, including European ambassadors and their staff visited Papua's Jayapura on Monday (18/3). At 12.300 they met with the head of the DPRD Papuan, Drs John Ibo, after having already met with the Papuan Governor in the State Building, where they were received by the regional secretary, Drs Decky Asmuruf.

The European ambassadors included the British Ambassador, Richard Gozney, the Italian Ambassador, Alessandro Merola, the Portuguese Ambassador, Ana Gomes, the German Ambassador, Dr Gerhard Fula, the Austrian Ambassador, Dr Bernard Zimburg, the Danish Ambassador Mr Gert A Andersen; the Dutch Ambassador, Baron Schelto Van Henstra, the Spanish Ambassador, Dr Damaso De Lario as well as staff members from the Spanish embassy, Mr M Dadilla, the Swedish embassy, Harald Sanberg, the Greek embassy, Maria Jisi, the French embassy, Harve Ladsous, the Belgian embassy, Luc Darras, the Finnish embassy, Marti Pullinen and a delegate from the European Union, Sabato Della Monica.

At the DPRD they met with the DPRD head, Drs John Ibo who was accompanied by the head of Commission A, Yace Kayame, the deputy head of Commission A, Marthen R Marey, members of Commission A, John T Manurung, head of Commission F, Iwanggin Tanamal and several other DPRD members. The meeting lasted for around one and a half hours, although the meeting was closed to journalists, so the nature of the discussion is unknown.

In respect of that meeting, the head of the Papuan DPRD, Drs John Ibo, told journalists that the delegation from the European
ambassadors was within the context of Special Autonomy for the Papuan Province, because in their opinion, there has never been Special Autonomy like this in Indonesia, but now there is Special Autonomy for the Province of Papua.

According to John Ibo, the main question put by the ambassadors was whether Special Autonomy was able to address the challenges faced in Papua. "That was the first thing they asked us. Then they asked what the people thought about autonomy, and we made everything clear to them, " stated John Ibo.

Aside from the matter of Special Autonomy, the European ambassadors also wanted to know about human rights violation which
had taken place on Papuan soil. "What the future had in store in the implementation of Special Autonomy, whether the DPRD would be able to manage autonomy well, in order that it would be to the benefit of the Papuan people," said John Ibo quoting the ambassadors' question.

According to John Ibo, the ambassadors were in general interested in Special Autonomy for Papua. Especially the point that refers to the Papuan Peoples' Council (Majelis Rakyat Papua - MRP). The ambassadors said that there was no such thing as the MRP in this world, it only existed in Papua.

"They were very keen to learn about the government system, and the existence of the MRP was of great interest to them," added Ibo.

Aside from that, according to John Ibo, the European ambassadors also recognised the integration of Papua within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, from Saband to Merauke.

"By means of Special Autonomy, they will also give their attention to the people of Papua. What shape or form that will take, we don't know," he explained.

Aside from human rights problems and special autonomy, they also asked about the position of the PDP (Papuan Council Presidium) vis a vis the DPRD in Papua. "We replied that the PDP was oriented towards the people. They established themselves in the interests of the people. They would rather listen to the PDP than to the DPRD. But if there are complaints, then they come to the DPRD. But in respect of other interests, such as in respect of their freedom as Papuan people, then they run to the PDP. That's what we told them," he said.

What is interesting and is important to note, is that the ambassadors will give assistance. This assistance will be
disbursed to existing foundations. "They have promised to help the people of Papua. But via foundations. But whether they will be Church foundations or whatever, I don't know," he added. 

Aside from visiting the Governor and the DPRD, they also planned to meet with the Rector of Cenderawasih University, Ir Wospakrik. And today (Tuesday 19/3) they are planning to go to Manokwari District.

---------

REPORT FROM MANOKWARI

Ambassadors Visit Manokwari

Manokwari - European ambassadors and a representative of the European Union are planning a 3-day visit to 3 regions in the
Province of Papua. The visit will last from 22-23 March, beginning in Jayapura, Wamena and then on Wednesday (20/3) they will visit Manokwari District.

Whilst in Manokward, the delegation will meet with the Regent, the military commander, the police commander and the rector of UNIPA, and they also hope to hear from ELS-HAM. In connection with the visit, yesterday the Manokwari district government, headed by the district secretary, Steven Rumfabe SH, held a meeting to prepare the welcome. The PR officer, Drs Ferdinand Teniwut who took part in the meeting told journalists that that visit of the European ambassadors was in order to see conditions in the regions from a number of different angles, including social and political stability, the economy, security, the environment as well as labour conditions. "They will also see labour conditions because this is very important," said the PR officer quoting Steven Rumfabe. The tour will begin in Wamena on 20/3 and then tomorrow 21/3 using a charter plane, the ambassadors will fly to Manokwari, which should only last 5 hours. From Manokwari they will return to Jayapura via Biak.