Herald Sun, 08 April 2006
Jakarta pledges to spend big on Papua
From correspondents in Jakarta
INDONESIAN President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today pledged to ensure $US1.4
billion ($1.9bln) of state funds allocated to improve welfare in the troubled province of
Papua are properly spent.
"I have to assure that those money can be used completely for the promotions of the
welfare of the people and it needs the accountabilities of all leaders in Papua as well,"
Mr Yudhoyono said.
Mr Yudhoyono said his visit to Papua this week to review health, education and
poverty issues in the easternmost province showed that "there must be a close
communication, close co-operation" between the central government and Papua
administrators.
"We have to engage directly in improving the welfare of the people. We have allocated
a lot of money (for Papua)," the president said at a press conference with visiting
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende at his side.
Indonesia won sovereignty over Papua, a former Dutch colony, in 1969 after the UN
allowed an integration referendum by about 1000 hand-picked leaders which was
widely regarded as a sham.
Mr Yudhoyono said Jakarta could convince Papuans that "we are doing good things
for Papua by ensuring that all programs are well-implemented, that all efforts including
the allocations of our budget can be used properly."
The President's pledge followed his warning Monday that Indonesia would not tolerate
any elements, including in Australia, providing backing to separatists in Papua.
Canberra caused a furore here by granting 42 Papuan asylum-seekers temporary
visas last month. Jakarta recalled its ambassador and called for a review of all
co-operation with its southern neighbour.
The Papuans have accused Indonesia of "genocide" in troubled Papua.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard, in a move to ease Indonesian outrage over the
decision, said yesterday his government would review the visa process.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda, speaking after the press briefing, said
"there are some points" from Mr Howard's statement that needed further clarification.
"It was not quite clear what was meant by reviewing. Is it a review of the current
situation - meaning (particularly regarding about) the 42 Papuans who were granted
temporary visas, or (was it about) the future process?" Mr Wirayuda said.
Papuans have long accused Indonesia's military of violating human rights in the
province and complained about the bulk of earnings from its rich natural resources
flowing to Jakarta rather than themselves.
© Herald and Weekly Times [Australia]
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