Jakarta upset at Free Papua office
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Indonesia has sent a strong objection to British officials over the opening of an office for Papua insurgents in the British city of Oxford. Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said the office of the Free West Papua separatist group was contrary to
He said the protest was conveyed to the British Embassy in Jakarta and to the government in London by the Indonesian ambassador.
Natalegawa said Britain and the international community recognised that Papua and West Papua provinces were parts of Indonesia.
The office was set up by separatist figure Benny Wenda, who lives in Britain. The opening was reportedly attended by Lord Mayor of Oxford Mohammed Abbasi, local MP Andrew Smith and a former Oxford mayor.
The British Embassy replied that it recognises the issue as “a sensitive one to the Indonesian government”, and that London regards Papua as part of Indonesia. Ambassador Mark Canning said Oxford city council’s views do not reflect those of the national government. But he also said Britain shared concerns of UN High Commissioner on Human Rights on rights in Papua.
