The First Commission of the Papuan Legislative Assembly and human rights activists in Papua have expressed alarm about plans to send one thousand more soldiers to Papua.

They say there are no grounds for the local government to agree to such an increase. The commission feels that these troop reinforcements will only result in yet more problems for the Papuan people who have suffered for so long. These views were expressed by the chair of the First Commission, Yance Kayame, and human rights activist Anum Siregar of the Democratic Alliance.

The intention to send more troops to Papua was announced by army chief of staff, General Ryamizard Ryacudu He also said extra troops would be sent to Aceh.

Yance Kayame said that Papuan people had many psychological problems because of the past activities of the army. He said that the government should first discuss such a matter with Papuan representatives, according to Law No 21/2001 regarding special autonomy. "We see no armed threats in Papua. Why should more troops be brought here?" he asked.

He urged Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and other senior ministers in Jakarta, as well as chief of police Da'i Bachtiar to reconsider this plan. "It's true there are groups operating along the border, but they are insignificant and can be handled by the organic troops from the Trikora military command. Dont bring in more troops as our people have suffered enough these last forty years," he said.

According to Anum Siregar, the news about more troops coming to Papua has really scared the Papuan people. "We have declared it a Zone of Peace but it can once again become a DOM area – military operational zone – so please reconsider this decision," he said.