Abdul Khalik, Jakarta – Visiting US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega on Wednesday expressed support for Indonesia's efforts to empower Papuans, stressing a tangible developmental outcome and more autonomy to Papua.
After meeting with Indonesian lawmakers, Faleomavaega, a Democratic congressman from American Samoa, praised the Indonesian government for passing the 2001 local autonomy law and its commitment to provide resources and financial assistance for better infrastructure for the people of Papua.
"The autonomy law passed by the Indonesian government in 2001 was a real milestone" he said at a press briefing.
Faleomavaega, who is also the chairman of the US House of Representatives' sub-committee on the Asia-Pacific and global environment, said he witnessed the total commitment of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and lawmakers in providing assistance to the people of West Papua.
"I praise and support the commitment that President Yudhoyono and the House of Representatives have made. This is a good indicator in terms of how leaders and the government of Indonesia treat the people of West Papua."
He said he made no denial of his past statements – that if the Indonesian government did not want to do anything to help Papua, then it should grant the Papuan people independence. "Since that time things have changed and democracy doesn't stand still. Things happen."
Chairman of the House of Representatives' Commission I on security and international affairs Theo Sambuaga welcomed Faleomavaega's new stance, saying the congressman was no longer talking about Papuans independence but about how to empower Papuans.
Faleomavaega was invited by the Indonesian government to directly observe the latest situation in Papua. However, worried that his presence could spark riots and encourage violence, the government canceled his planned visit the region and instead limited his stay to Jakarta.
"I anticipated traveling to West Papua, as was been extended to me in the invitation, but for security reasons I've been advised that it is not the best time to visit the region. But that's OK, I met with (Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Minister) Freddy Numberi and other national leaders, including two members of parliament representing Papua."
International groups have often accused Indonesia of human rights violations in Papua, which Jakarta has repeatedly denied. In an effort to manage foreign involvement in Papua, the government has limited the entry of foreigners into the province. Faleomavaega, however, said human rights issues were only a part of the overall Papua matter.
Later in the day, Faleomavaega met with Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda. He was scheduled to meet with officials from Papua on Thursday morning in Jakarta before paying a courtesy visit to Yudhoyono on Thursday afternoon, and to Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Friday.