National

DPR to Explain Situation in Papua to US Congress
Tuesday, 02 August, 2005 | 10:13 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The House of Representatives (DPR) Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Board is to lobby the US Congress so that it understands the situation in Papua.

According to the chairman of the board. Amris Hasan, he will meet with three or four members of congress in the second week of August.

This measure has been taken following the support from the International Relations Committee at the US House of Representatives for the freedom of Papua.

This support was revealed in a draft bill on June 9.
DPR Defense Commission deputy Sidharto Danusubroto said he considered the USA was imposing double standards as regards Papua.

The US government has always declared Papua to be part of Indonesia’s unitary state, while the US Congress has a different view.

Because of this, Danusubroto has suggested that the government act immediately in settling Aceh as this will affect other regions, including Papua.

“But, the most important thing is that the government must immediately carry out improvements and pay full attention to Papua.”

Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno, DPR Chairman Deputy for Political and Security Affairs, said he hoped that the government would take stern measures as regards the US Congress measure.

If the US government plans to intervene in Indonesia, the government must dare to say, “Go hell with the US”.
(L Purwanto-Tempo News Room)