Jayapura – Papuans seeking for political asylum in Australia are a bunch of traitors, a Papua youth leader said Sunday.

"If they have internal problems, why didn't they made a report to the authorities. It is puzzling to see why domestic problems have to be reported to others," said Nico Maury, chairman of West Irian Liberation Youth Communication Forum."The authorities, be it civil administration, the police or the military, are able to solve the problems faced by the residents," he said.

Australia decided to grant a three-year temporary protection visa to 42 Papuans – while refusing the visa to the a man – who claims they were persecuted by local authorities and accused Jakarta of a "genocide" in the easternmost province.

Indonesia recalled its ambassador to Canberra T.M. Hamzah Thayeb on March 24 as a strong protest.

Many Indonesians believe that Australia has an interest in Papua and wants it to secede from Indonesia. Although Canberra has officially denied such allegations, it is difficult to forget Australia's role in the process led to the break of East Timor from Indonesia in which Australia had a very active role.

Nico also urged the government not to allow Papuans who have resided abroad for years to return as they might provoke others.

"The government should be strict and bar Papuans residing in Australia, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and the United States from returning to Indonesia. These people incite residents to cross the border and seek political asylum as well as fanning separatist issues," he said.