17 Aug 2005

MSG meeting warned about terrorism threat from Indonesia

8:32 pm on 17 August 2005

An exiled Papuan activist has warned that Indonesia's Papua province is a window for terrorists to infiltrate into the Pacific.

The only land border of any Pacific Islands Forum country is the line dividing PNG and Indonesia's Papua province.

Australian-based Jason Rumbiak made the claim as the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders are in Papua New Guinea for their summit meeting chaired by the prime minister, Sir Michael Somare.

Papuan activists have been prevented from delivering a petition the leaders in Goroka who are also being lobbied by Indonesia to be granted observer status.

Indonesia annexed the western half of New Guinea island after a UN-approved process in the 1960's.