Jakarta – The Australian government has again been urged to sever ties with the Indonesian Military following joint exercises between elite units from both countries in Bali.

Joe Collins of the Australia West Papua Association, in a news release, queries the claim by Australian Special Air Services Comr. Maj. Gen. Tim McOwan "that Kopassus was a professional outfit" citing a report by Human Rights Watch report titled "What Did I Do Wrong?" Papuans in Merauke Face Abuses by Indonesian Special Forces," which documents a number of cases of West Papuans who were allegedly tortured by Kopassus troops.

He says AWPA was concerned that special forces will always be used in conflict areas and that any training given to the Indonesian Special Forces (Kopassus) will be used against the West Papuan people who are struggling for their right to self determination.

"We are also concerned by the fact that Kopassus may receive training in urban warfare within Australia. Is it not time for Commander Maj. Gen. Tim McOwan and some of his troops to visit West Papua to ascertain the views of the West Papuan people on Australian military involvement with Kopassus?"

On Tuesday, members of the SAS and Kopassus staged antiterror drills at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport.