M. Rizal Maslan, Jakarta – The House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I on foreign affairs has commended the measures being taken by the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) in conducting a counter campaign against foreign parties linked to the issue of West Papua. These measures are essential to straighten out overseas opinions about Papua.

“We have agreed to commend what BIN is doing overseas to straighten out erroneous opinions overseas about Papua”, said Commission I Chairperson Theo L. Sambuaga following a closed hearing with BIN at the DPR building in Senayan, South Jakarta on Monday June 4.

The reason added Sambuaga, is because elements such as the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) and its sympathisers, which were mentioned by BIN, continue to conduct negative campaigns against Indonesia, especially about West Papua.

These elements continue to garners support through various non-government organisations in overseas countries such as the United States, the Netherlands and Australia. In order to combat this kind of information, BIN has undertaken various types of endeavors or counter campaigns. “We commend this”, he asserted.

Sambuaga said that the Commission I has also asked that in carrying out the counter campaign, BIN continue to use as a point of reference the basic principles on resolving the Papua issue, that is the principle of empowering the Papuan people, respecting [their] rights, upholding democracy, implementing special autonomy, combating separatism and building Papua in the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

BIN has also been asked to seek cooperation with all parties in Papua such as the Papua Provisional Government, the Papuan People’s Council (MRP), the Papuan House of Representatives (DPRP) and Papuan social figures. (umi/sss)

[Translated by James Balowski.]