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Priest urges opposition to Papuan assembly plan

Church leaders must be critical for the good of the people, he says
Priest urges opposition to Papuan assembly plan
Published: June 24, 2011 10:03 AM GMT
Updated: June 24, 2011 10:03 AM GMT

A human rights activist and Catholic priest has urged Church leaders to oppose a proposed plan to establish a Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) in West Papua. Father John Djonga said the plan was not in the best interests of West Papuans during an address to hundreds of students at Cendrawasih University in Jayapura on June 22. “The presence of the new MRP in West Papua is only for the sake of the national government, and this only creates new problems for Papuans,” he said. “Thus, all Church leaders in Papua must be critical so that they can block such aspirations from the national government.” The plan was first tabled in April as a way of addressing cultural issues in the province, though residents have expressed mixed feelings about the assembly. Father Djonga said local religious leaders have not shown enough opposition to the plan. “The establishment of the MRP … is no longer relevant to Papuans. Besides violating the law on Special Autonomy for Papua Province, it also disrespects the pure aspirations of Papuans, who oppose the [assembly].” The plan, introduced by former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, called for the formation of the assembly to protect the rights of indigenous people based on respect for customs and culture, empowerment of women and the stabilization of a harmonious religious life. Related Report: Action needed over assault caseStudents demand end to Papua autonomy law

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