They would not return home until their dream of independence is accomplished.
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Free Papua Movement members holding the FPM flag. (VIVAnews/Banjir Ambarita) |
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VIVAnews – The Indonesian government is trying to repatriate thousands of West Papuan independence activists who are currently residing in Papua Nugini.
One of the activists, Samuel Ingamar said they would not return home until their dreams of having political independence is accomplished, as it was published by the Australian Network News on Monday, October 2009.
The Indonesian government officials who visited the activists who live in the province of Papua Nugini have offered a “voluntary repatriation” program.
The spokesperson of Indonesian Embassy in Papua Nugini Joneri Alimin estimates that there are 700 Papuans wishing to go back to their hometown.
He expects to have repatriated 400 West Papuans including women and children at least by the end of the months.
The people of West Papua left their homes and have been living in Papua Nugini during the past 30 years to fight for their political independence.
Alimin said the Indonesian government would insure the safety of the Papuans who wish to return home. “It’s a voluntary repatriation for the West Papuans who want to go home,” he said.
He also said there had not been any maltreatment reports from those who have voluntarily returned to Papua.
However, West Papuans who are staying in capital city Port Moresby claim the program is not something that they desire.
“The program is not safe because we are the people of West Papua. We came with sole motive, independence for West Papua,” Ingamar said. Therefore, according to him, repatriation is not the solution.
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Translated by: Nataya Ermanti
• VIVAnews
