Article Abstract:
The indigenous people of Irian Jaya are becoming increasingly torn between their traditional values and the increasingly numerous manifestations of modern society with which they are now confronted. Many observers believe that it will be impossible to protect these people totally from modernisation, and that the best approach is simply to assist them in making the transition to the modern world as painlessly as possible. Indonesian government officials have shown little willingness to respect the culture of the indigenous people, and this has created further problems.
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Article Abstract:
A recent report prepared for the bishop of Jayapura alleges Indonesian military patrols in a remote part of the Irian Jaya's highlands have committed a series of atrocities. Military authorities say they only killed two members of the rebel Organisasi Papua Merdeka, and compared the action to slapping one's child. However, the report, passed on to the Indonesian Commission on Human Rights, cites several unprovoked massacres, including an attack on a Catholic prayer session that killed 11, four of them children.
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Article Abstract:
Indonesian officials have renewed their crackdown on journalists and the press by arresting or getting dismissed those who do not support the state-backed Assn of Indonesian Journalists. Five were recently arrested at an informal gathering, and the AIJ recently expelled 13 members who said it need not be the sole representative for journalists. Members of the renegade Alliance of Independent Journalists say most doors are now closed to them.
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