TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it is unaware that Papua Governor Lukas Enembe, along with 16 Papuan district chiefs, were scheduled for a meeting with US President Barack Husein Obama. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Michael Tenne said his ministry has not received any notification regarding this issue.
Previously, there was news that Lukas Enembe, along with district chiefs in Papua, will be visiting the US to meet with Obama and the owner of Freeport Indonesia. The meeting was facilitated by Obama’s stepsister, Maya Soetoro. Two weeks ago, Maya and some delegations from the University of Hawaii visited Yogyakarta to talk about a partnership with Indonesian universities, including some in Papua.
Yahukimo district chief Ones Pahabol confirmed that the Papua governor asked 16 district chiefs from the Central Mountains District Chiefs Association to meet Obama. The journey will be funded by the Papua Administration.
The meeting will reportedly discuss the development of Freeport in Papua because the management of Freeport has not benefited Indonesia and Papua.
"Obama must review whether a new contract with Freeport is necessary," he said.
Ones denied the allegations the meeting will also include a hidden agenda to fight for Papua’s freedom.
"This is for the sake of the nation, so Jakarta must support us. We will talk about economic freedom, not politics," he said.
Press Attaché for the US Embassy to Indonesia Troy Pederson, said he has no comment on this matter because Maya Soetoro has already released a statement denying these allegations through an online media.
PRIHANDOKO | JERRY OMONA | CUNDING LEVI | NATALIA SANTI
