INDONESIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS WEST PAPUANS WANT TO RETURN – FAILS TO NAME NAMES

11.8.08

Monday 11 August 2008 For immediate release


Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda has claimed in the Sydney Morning Herald that a group of 43 West Papuan refugees who arrived in Australia in 2006 now want to return to their Indonesian controlled homeland.

This is an attempt to mislead the international community regarding the true state of affairs in a territory where, as recently as Saturday, a West Papuan man was shot and killed by Indonesian security forces for raising a flag during traditional celebrations.

The Australia West Papua Association’s Herman Wainggai is the spokesperson for the group of 43 and disputes the Indonesian Foreign Minister’s claim.

“All refugees want to go home. People don’t choose to become refugees; it is because their home is not safe. We are the same. We came to Australian because West Papua is not a safe place.

“On Saturday a 35 year old man was shot dead while taking part in a United Nations celebration. How can we return to that?

“Minister Wirayuda is trying to paint a picture of a peaceful and democratic West Papua that doesn’t exist. West Papuans know that the true picture is one of arbitrary detention, torture and murder. The Minister must name names if we are to take his claim seriously.

“West Papuan refugees in Australia suffer daily from the loss of their family and friends. We are human and it is hard being disconnected from our culture and homeland. Even while we are here, our friends and family are targeted back home. For all of us it is a daily struggle. However, I have not heard of any of the 43 who want to return.

“It would be a major public relations victory if the Indonesian Government was successful in inducing refugees to return. They have tried unsuccessfully in the past, but it remains one of their strategies. They are adept at this sort of hollow political game. However, for us to return to Indonesian-controlled West Papua would be suicide.”

Please contact Daniel Scoullar on 0402 596 297 for more information

Labels: Free West Papua, Settler State Mythology, Te Moana Nui a Kiwa