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Government should refuse entry to foreign rights monitors if necessary

Detik.com - July 10, 2007

Ken Yunita, Jakarta – The government is being asked to be on guard against the arrival in Indonesia of human rights representatives from foreign institutions. This is related to the reemergence of separatist movements in various parts of the country.

“We must be on guard against those who arrive. Such as the US Congressperson [Eni Faleomavaega] the other day”, said the governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas), Muladi, after joining Vice President Jusuf Kalla in receiving the Lemhannas class of XV graduates at the Vice Presidential Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta on Tuesday July 10.

If necessary explained Muladi, it would be better for the government to refuse entry to guests who could have a bad influence on Indonesia. “We don’t need to be courteous if it will cause us confusion. If necessary just refuse [them entry]”, he said in an outburst of emotion.

In relation to the illegal cakalele dancers that unfurled the South Maluku Republic (RMS) flag during a commemoration of National Family Day on June 29, Muladi said that there is no need to be concerned about the RMS. “I don’t think the RMS is of any significance”, he said.

Conversely continued Muladi, Aceh and West Papua represent two regions that the government must continue to pay attention to. “The RMS doesn’t have a strong human resource base. Aceh and Papua meanwhile, they have a strong human resource base, are rich in natural resources, and have international connections”, he said. (bal/sss)

[Slightly abridged translation by James Balowski.]

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