Jakarta – The government has been urged to open the way for broadest possible dialogue with various elements in Papuan society, such as the traditional communities, students, youth, NGOs and also the OPM.

This needs to be done in order to reach a solution to the many problems which continue to exist in Papua, said Hans Gebze, chair of the United Front for the Papuan People's Struggle, at the office of Kontras in Jakarta on Tuesday (22/11).

This is the most appropriate approach if the government wants to reach a permanent solution to all the existing problems.

"Given that the government has been able to dialogue and reach agreement in the form of an MoU with GAM in ACeh, why is it not doing the same thing in Papua, bearing in mind that the OPM also has access to the world community," sais Gebze.

He said that from 1978 until 1998 the government engaged in many acts of violence when Papua had the status of DOM, or Military Operation Region.

He said that at the very least 100,000 Papuans have fallen victims to acts of violence while at the same time the natural resources and wealth of Papua have been sent abroad.

He said that 70-80 per cent of the 1.5 million native inhabitants of Papua are still living in poverty. "We are deadly serious,' he said. 'We want things to change radically. 1 December will be an important moment for us."

A member of Commission II of Parliament, Ferry Mursyidan Baldan (Golkar Fraction, West Java) urged the government to make its position regarding the Papua People's Assembly (MRP) clear.

With regard to the matter of a Papuan being nominated for governor or deputy governor, Ferry said that the MRP can only make recommendations. It does not have the power to reject nominations for heads of districts. (DWA/KOR/DIK)

[Posted by Tapol, abbreviated in translation.]