Abdul Khalik, Jakarta – US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega has been in Papua since Monday to directly assess the latest condition of two provinces after he was granted permission by the Indonesian government.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo said Tuesday the Indonesian government allowed the congressman to visit the provinces to enable him to see the results of development in the area.

"We allowed him to see the provinces because we want to give him the opportunity to assess the results of the special autonomy both provinces have been granted," he said.

Citing security concerns as a reason, the Indonesian government barred Faleomavaega from entering Papua earlier this year. The congressman could only meet with important Papuan figures in Jakarta at the time.

However, Faleomavaega's visit was heavily guarded by the police and journalists were not allowed to approach him for interviews.

The Democrat congressman, who represents Samoa, arrived in Timika, the capital of Mimika, Papua, on Monday afternoon by special Air East aircraft, owned by PT Freeport Indonesia.

Mimika police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Godhelp Mansnembra said the foreign ministry, who organized the visit, wanted to guard the congressman from journalists.

Kristiarto said after Timika the congressman would visit Biak and Manokwari, the capital of West Papua province. "He will go directly to Bali for the climate meeting after visiting Papua," he said.

International groups have often accused Indonesia of human rights violations in Papua. Jakarta has repeatedly denied the accusations. In an effort to manage foreign involvement in Papua, the government limits the number of foreigners entering the province.

Faleomavaega, a staunch supporter of Papuan independence, in 2005 sponsored a bill asking the US government to review its recognition of Papua as part of Indonesia.

However, Faleomavaega's stance appeared to have softened when he said Indonesia's sovereignty over the province depended not so much on international recognition, but on how the Indonesian government treated the territory, improved the capacity of local governments and empowered Papuan people.