Based on our observation, and information that we received, such a conspiracy does exist, on the mutual relations between Wenda and two organizationsJakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto has accused West Papuan separatist leader Benny Wenda of being involved in a conspiracy during the protests that turned violent in Papua and West Papua. "Based on our observation, and information that we received, such a conspiracy does exist, on the mutual relations between Wenda and two organizations," Wiranto said in a press conference here Thursday.
The two organizations are The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) led by Wenda and The National Committee of West Papua (KNPB).
The conspiracy ignited anarchy during the protests in the easternmost provinces, the minister remarked.
"It exists, we have not made it up. The police chief has reported this to me. So, it is clear there was foreign and local intervention," he reiterated.
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The government had the evidence but it could not disclose all information regarding the operations in Papua, Wiranto noted.
"Entrust this to the security personnel and they will give their best to secure the public interest and secure people's normal life in Papua and West Papua," Wiranto said.
On Wenda's citizenship, Wiranto said that he lost his citizenship after he could not submit a report to the authority of his five years in exile in the United Kingdom.
"After we checked it, he lost his status as an Indonesian citizen. It is under the law, as he lived abroad for more than five years without submitting any report," he noted.
Wenda was awarded the Freedom of the City of Oxford in July.
Wenda had received permanent residency in the United Kingdom, Wiranto said. "He was awarded honorary citizenship from Oxford. It was not from the UK government but from Oxford."
Previously, the Indonesian Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian accused Wenda, ULMWP and KNPB of igniting the anarchic protests in Papua and outside the province.
Therefore, Karnavian cautioned the public to not be provoked by any parties who wanted to create unrest in the province.
"ULMWP and KNPB are responsible for many maneuvers. We will initiate legal action against them," Karnavian said.
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Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
