The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, February 6 2003
Media Release
PCRC Condemns Indonesia's Presidential Degree Creating
Three Provinces In West Papua As Colonial Tactics Of Divide And
Rule
The Pacific Concerns Resource Centre strongly condemns President Megawati's
presidential degree (No.1/2003), dividing West Papua into three provinces: Western,
Central and Eastern Irian Jaya provinces, against the expressed wishes of the West
Papuan population.
This recent development clearly shows that Indonesia is not interested in peaceful
dialogue or in implementing the Papuan Special Autonomy Law, which they had
fooled the Pacific Island Forum Leaders to recognise only in 2001. They are more
committed to the colonial tactics of 'divide and rule' and of continuously provoking and
inciting the West Papuans into violence.
Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, Director of the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, states that
this proposal was made during President Habibie's term and was totally rejected by
the West Papuan people, who are the rightful owners of West Papua national
sovereignty.
Ms Lini calls on the Pacific Islands Forum incoming Chairman Prime Minister Helen
Clarke to urgently initiate a dialogue between the government of Indonesia and
representatives of the West Papua People as to prevent further violence emanating
from the shocking reaction to the issuance of this presidential degree.
The PCRC Director also calls on the Prime Minister of Fiji as the outgoing Chairman
of the Pacific Islands Forum to dialogue with the recently established Indonesia
consul in Fiji on this issue.
As we move into the United Nations Second Decade to eliminate all forms of
colonialism, the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre calls on the Pacific Island Leaders
to be alert at all times about the dishonesty displayed by colonial authorities in the
Pacific region, where colonialism and racism remain contemporary critical issues
facing Pacific indigenous peoples.
For more information contact Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, PCRC Director. Telephone: (679)
3304 649; Fax: (679) 3304 755; Email: pcrc@connect.com.fj
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