Lita Oetomo, Jakarta/Jayapura – The Papuan People's Council has threatened to reinstate demands for special autonomy if the Government delays the election of regional heads in West Irian Jaya scheduled for 28 November. The Council believes the election contravenes Government Ruling Number 54/2004 regarding the Papuan People's Council.

Head of the Council, Agus Alue Alua explained that section 73 of the ruling states that the Council in concert with the Government and the Papuan People's Representative Council as the mother province assist the Government to put an end to flourishing regional problems, which existed before the ruling was issued, at the very least, six months after the swearing in of the Council members.

"That means, the execution of the election for regional heads in West Irian Jaya has to wait for the work plan issued by the Council, the Governor and the Papuan People's Representative Council," said Agus. The work plan then needs to be approved by the President and the People's Representative Council.

All 42 members of the Council were elected on 31 October and on 11 November began the [first] sitting of Parliament. "The Minister for Internal Affairs has reneged the authority granted by President and denies taking such action," said Agus. The Council is very disappointed in the Minister for Internal Affairs' decision to delay elections for regional heads in West Irian Jaya scheduled for 28 November.

The West Irian Jaya province is the result of the division of Papua. This spilt has elicited pro and contra views among the Papuan people. Papuan officials, including Governor J.P.Solossa, do not agree with the split. This pro-contra divide has played a role in influencing preparations for the election of regional heads in West Irian Jaya.

However those who are 'pro' want the election of regional heads to take place immediately. Head of the West Irian People's Council, Jimmy Deminasus Ijie even wanted the election to take place on 20 October. The reason being, the Papuan People's Council is already formed and several stages of the election, such as campaigning has already past. "All that remains is to vote," he said last month.