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War in West Papua

adrian arbib | 12.11.2001 15:30

West Papua independence leader murdered causing rioting and state of emergency in West Papua

War in West Papua
War in West Papua


11 November 2001, Theys H. Eluway, the Chair of
Papua Presidium Council was found dead after he was
reported kidnapped yesterday. The kidnapping happened
when Theys Eluway was on his way back from Jayapura to
Sentani (his place) after commemoration ceremony of
Indonesia Heros Day 10 November 2001.

He was reported kidnapped by his driver. He said he
was beaten up and Mr. Eluway was taken by force by
Amber (Papuan term for Indonesian people).

After Successfully opening the new door for reclaiming
the lost independence of West Papuan people in 1960s,
the late Eluway had led his people into a new era of
the struggle, open, democratic and peaceful struggle
based on justice and truth.

He successfully declared 1 December 1961 as the day of
independence for West Papua, commemorated the day in
2000 with Flag Raising ceremonies all over Papua. He
successfully planned this year to commemorate the
anniversary of his country on 1 December 2001 by
prayer and worship at his house in Sentani.

He was the Chair of the Act of Free Choice Council
established by Indonesia in 1969. For more than 15
years, he had been the House of Representative Member
(MPR) representing West Papua during Suharto Regime.
After the fall of Suharto, he dedicated himself to
CORRECT the history of West Papua. He is the late
leading figure, a charismatic Big Tribal Leader
(Ondofolo) of Sentani Tribe, The Chair of Papua
Customary Council and the Chair of the Papua Presidium
Council.

We are awaiting reaction coming from Papuan people
today and the days coming. It is unlikely that peace
can be maintained in West Papua from now on. All
Papuans are indeed deeply shocked and saddened.

Please call on your governments and the High
Commission of the Human Rights of the United Nations
to send a Special Rappartour to West Papua to
investigate his murder. If not, all Papuans are
prepared to die TODAY.

adrian arbib
- e-mail: arbib@dircon.co.uk