Rydha Arlini, Jakarta – Tom Beanal, Vice President of the Papuan Presidium, believes that the death of Papuan Presidium's President, Theys Hiyo Eluay, would not discourage the Papuan from continuing with their struggle. On the contrary, he said the incident would fire up the struggle.

He said to Tempo News Room by phone today (12/11) that the Papuan Presidium would not stop their fight for freedom because "it is not dependent upon one figure alone." The Papuan Presidium, Beanal explained, has been struggling for freedom only becaues it has the support of many people. Despite Theys' death, Papuan people would continue the struggle.

Beanal said he regretted Theys' death and condemned those who had assassinated such a respected leader. Tom agreed that the incident must be related to a political agenda. When asked about the murderer, Beanal suspects the murderer or murderers came from the ranks of the Indonesian Military.