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Papua activists warn Howard of military ties as Jakarta backs away from treaty discussions

Free West Papua Campaign (Melbourne) Media Release - June 26, 2006

With Australia's Prime Minister John Howard set to meet Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono later today, West Papua campaigners in Australia are pleased but sceptical about reports that the two leaders wont be discussing a new military agreement.

Spokesperson for the Free West Papua Campaign, Edan Baxter, believes Howard's eagerness to appease the Indonesian Government over the West Papuan refugee row would have disastrous consequences if it resulted in a rushed and short-sighted military treaty.

"Australians don't want to see our Army becoming tangled up with a military force renowned for sickening brutality, corruption and human right abuse. That is exactly what would happen if the Howard Government was to sign such a military treaty with Indonesia. Australian troops would end up aiding and abetting Indonesia's TNI military in its campaign of violent repression and exploitation in West Papua," Mr Baxter said.

While Prime Minister Howard has stressed that Canberra will not interfere with Jakarta's handling of the grim situation in West Papua, Mr Baxter argued that stability in the region will not be achieved by simply ignoring the festering problems caused largely by Indonesia's heavy-handed TNI military.

"Australia's interests will not be served by the Howard Government recklessly putting our Army into bed with the biggest merchant of terror in the region. When it comes to human right abuse and corruption, the Indonesian military is showing no signs off of giving up its old habits, particularly in West Papua," Mr Baxter said.

With human right abuses continuing to occur in West Papua, Mr Baxter warned that any partnership with Indonesia's TNI would severely tarnish the reputation of Australia's military forces.

"Rather then turn a blind eye to the growing problems in West Papua, the sensible thing for John Howard to do, would be to use his relationship with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to pro-actively address the problems in West Papua. Trying to sweep the concerns about West Papua under the carpet will only cause greater trouble for the two governments. It will come back to haunt them both," Mr Baxter said.

Mr Baxter suggested the Australian Government should be supporting the elements of Indonesian society that want accountability for past and current human right violations, rather then seeking to build military ties with the perpetrators of the crimes.

For further information contact:

Edan Baxter on 0402 029 968 or the Free West Papua Campaign (Melb) office on on 03 9445 0311. Suite 17/288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065. www.freewestpapua.com

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