West Papuans Meet At Indonesian Consulate In AUS

Press Release ..... West Papua ...... 16 October 2008

West Papuans in Melbourne at Indonesian Consulate to celebrate historic meeting of Parliamentarians for West Papua in Britain's House of Commons

West Papuans meet today at the Indonesian Consulate in Melbourne to celebrate the historic meeting of international parliamentarians in Britain's House of Commons yesterday.

The meeting was hosted by British politicians, the Hon. Andrew Smith, and the Rt Rev and Rt Hon. Lord Harries of Pentregarth.

Politicians from the Pacific Island Forum participated, including PNG politician and Governor of Port Moresby, the Hon. Powes Parkop, and Vanuatu's Hon. Carcasses Moana Kalosil MP.

Jacob Rumbiak, from the West Papua National Authority, said “this high-profile group of international parliamentarians is promulgating self-determination for West Papua, not Special Autonomy”.

“We are here at the Consulate today, to tell the Indonesian and Australian governments to note the important distinction these parliamentarians have made between Self-determination and Special Autonomy” he added.

Herman Wainggai, co-ordinator of Australia's 43 asylum seekers, is demanding the recall of four extra battalions (3.000 soldiers) sent to West Papua last week to block Papuan demonstrations on 15 and 16 October 2008.

He said “the Indonesian government should instead be releasing political civilians incarcerated in Jayapura, Wamena, Manokwari, Fak-Fak, Serui, and Jakarta.”

“I am particularly worried about the six hundred people from Serui Island and Paniai who demonstrated yesterday against Special Autonomy Regulation 77/2007 which incriminates those who raise our Morning Star flag” he added.

BREAKING NEWS>>>>>>> According to The Standard, Hong Kong 15/10/08, quoting local Police Chief Rianto Jatmono in Nabire (West Papua) five Papuans were arrested on Wednesday morning for raising the Morning Star flag in Nabire, and will be named suspects on charges of plotting against the state. Jakarta's Antara News mentioned the flag-raising but not the arrests.

© Scoop Media