At
the end of September 2013, Prime Minister Abbott visited Indonesia. In
relation to West Papua the PM said (about the Indonesian Governments
rule in West Papua)
"I
admire and respect what you and your government have done to improve
the autonomy and the life of the people of West Papua and I am confident
that they can have the best possible life and the best possible future
as a part of an indissoluble Indonesia, as an integral part of
Indonesia."
Contrary to what The Prime Minister said, there is little improvement in the human rights situation in West Papua. An indicator of the worsening situation in West Papua is the increasing number of political prisoners. At the end of January 2013 there were 33 political prisoners in Papuan jails. As of February 2014, there are at least 76 political prisoners in Papuan jails. As recently as February five West Papuans were sentenced to between 2 and 3 years simply for raising their national flag
Instead of telling the West Papuans that they have the best possible life under Indonesian rule, Tony
Abbott should visit West Papua and listen to what the West Papuans
themselves have to say about the situation in the territory.
by: : http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com