Jakarta (ANTARA) - United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) leader Benny Wenda declaring the formation of an interim government in West Papua was a political camouflage to assert existence globally, People's Consultative Assembly speaker Puan Maharani stated.

"The act is Benny Wenda's individual political quest to mark his existence on the international stage," Maharani noted in a statement in Jakarta, Saturday.

The speaker was vociferous in her condemnation of Wenda's actions that had increasingly transgressed into provoking the separatist movement in Papua. To this end, Maharani sought more concrete actions from the Indonesian government.

"We have to protect every inch of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Do not give room to separatism and provocation that divides the nation," she emphasized.

Maharani further claimed that Wenda's acts were baseless and not supported by the people of Papua.

In this case, the Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, must actively conduct an international campaign on the success of development in Papua and report that conditions in Papua continue to remain conducive.

Furthermore, the government must continue to work in favor of the welfare of Papuans and for humanity. Policies, such as one price for fuel in Papua, must be continued in order to ensure that the Papuan people can avail a reasonable price as their fellow Indonesians in other regions.

"The Special Autonomy Fund is followed by a rigorous evaluation aimed at the welfare of Papuans," she stated.
 

EDITED BY INE