UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

28 March 2002

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 69

22-28 March 2002


5. PAPUA 

General Situation 

Local media reported on Wednesday (27 Mar.) that the Indonesian military has detained at least three soldiers for questioning over their suspected involvement in the murder of Theys Hiyo Eluay, chairman of the Papua Council Presidium. Military sources said at least three Kopassus members-a major, a captain and a low-ranking soldier-may have been involved in the killing. 

However, Kopassus Commander Maj. Gen. Amirul Isnaini denied the possible involvement of his members. Earlier, spokesman for the Indonesian Military Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, confirmed that there were indications of the involvement of military personnel in the killing. 

The Institution for the Cooperation of Christian Churches in Sorong urged the government to stop the activities of the Laskar Jihad in the area, and confiscate their propaganda materials (leaflets, bulletins, VCDs of the Maluku conflict) that it claimed could disturb religious harmony in Sorong. It also questioned the presence and purpose of a number of Pakistanis 
there. 

Population Movements 

Head of the Office for Border Liaison in Merauke, Sabdono, said that some 6,000 Papuan refugees currently in Papua New Guinea have expressed their desire to return to Merauke. He said local authorities were working closely with the PNG government to prepare for their return. He said resettlement sites along the borderline at Merauke were being prepared and almost ready. 

Education 

Nabire education official Blasius Nuhuyanan said that the lack of teachers and poor school building conditions had caused 31 elementary schools throughout Jayawijaya District to stop activities. He said there was a need for 400 teachers of elementary, junior, and senior high schools in Jayawijaya. 

Health 

Chairperson of the Biak Numfor Chapter of the Indonesian Midwives Union, Rosalina Mayor said there is a shortage of midwives in the sub-districts of Padaido Island and North and South Supiori. 


This report and all previous ones can be found on OCHA's website at 

www.reliefweb.int 

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