Abbott says West Papuans ‘better off’ with Indonesia
Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott believes West Papuans are “better off” with Indonesia rather than separated. He has made this absolutely clear to his Indonesian counterpart this week. It would seem Mr Abbott does not believe reports of human rights abuses in the province are even worth a look in. His comments have not gone down well with most West Papua sympathisers.
Following the deportation of seven West Papuans back to Port Moresby last week, three men, reported to be students who tried to raise the issue in Bali (where APEC leaders were meeting), were allegedly also threatened with arrest.