Wenda and his backers had clearly conducted acts of treason against Indonesia as demonstrated by their declaration of so-called West Papua's independence and formation of an "interim government" on December 1, he was quoted by ANTARA as saying in Jakarta on Friday.
Firm law enforcement is deemed necessary since Wenda’s acts, including appointing himself as so-called interim president of West Papua is indeed an act of agitation and propaganda aimed at disuniting Indonesia, Soesatyo emphasized.
In response to this, the government is allowed to utilize all instruments and power that the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia possesses to take firm and measurable actions to secure the country's sovereignty and the nation's dignity, he stated.
"Benny Wenda has no longer been an Indonesian citizen. He is stateless. He only holds a residence permit from the British government," he stated, adding that Wenda operates his acts of separatism and anti-Indonesian campaigns from Oxford City.
Hence, the Indonesian foreign ministry must immediately summon the British ambassador in Jakarta to provide a detailed explanation on the UK's official stance on Papuan issues and Wenda's political activities in the country, he stated.
ANTARA noted that the British government had granted political asylum to Benny Wenda in 2002. Some 11 years after receiving political asylum status from the UK, he opened the Free West Papua Campaign headquarters in Oxford.
Benny Wenda has criminal records. Reports claim he believes in using violence to achieve his political goals and evidence exists linking him to several cases of armed violence in Papua.
During the Wamena riot, which erupted in September, 2019, the Indonesian police had accused Wenda of being involved in the spread of fake news to instigate native Papuans.
The riot which, according to local media, was instigated by hoaxes over a teacher's racist slur against native Papuan students left several civilians dead and many others injured.
The alleged masterminds of the deadly riot were reported to be members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB). Related news: Benny Wenda is creating an illusory state: Minister Mahfud
Related news: Benny Wenda has no authority to declare independence: Lemhanas
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Boyke LW, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
