TEMPO.CO, Oxford – Benny Wenda, leader of the Free West Papua movement, said that his decision to establish an office in Oxford was a response to supports coming from all over the world. He added that he have received numerous supports demanding for the Free West Papua campaign to be carried out.
"Because our campaign [is] growing globally, there has to be an official office to accomodate the need in the five continents [of the world]", Benny said to Tempo in Oxford, Wednesday, May 15.
He explained that many of the movement supporters want to run their own personal campaign. Therefore, he felt the need to establish a campaign center to educate the supporters about Papua. "That is the purpose of this office, to give an understanding for both Indonesians and international communities why Papuans want their own freedom and be separated from Indonesia," he said.
Benny inaugurated the movement office on May 1. The event was attended by Andrew Smith, a British parliamentary member. The event prompted a harsh reaction from Indonesia. Foreign minister Marty Natalegawa even specially invited England ambassador for Indonesia Mark Canning, demanding a clarification.
KARTIKA CANDRA (Oxford)
