Gov’t Criticizes Oxford City Council Award to OPM Activist

Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Indonesian Government strongly criticized Oxford City Council for awarding a Free Papua Movement (OPM) activist the Honorary Freedom of the City.

“Granting the award to an OPM activist indicated the ignorance of Oxford City Council about his past action and the real condition of Papua and West Papua provinces on the ground including the development and advancement in the provinces right now,” a press statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released on Wednesday (17/7) reads.

The Ministry also showed Indonesia’s firm stance on separatist movement and stated that the Government will not stop to preserve the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

“Indonesia appreciates the British Government for continue supporting Indonesia’s territorial integrity and hence the act taken by the Oxford City Council has no meaning whatsoever,” the press statement continued.

In the meantime, British Foreign Office has made a statement on Tuesday (16/7) that Indonesia and the United Kingdom have a longstanding relationship, as well as share similar interests and values.

“We have cooperated in addressing several challenges like terrorism and climate change, and work together closely within the G20,” the statement reads.

Based on the press statement, the United Kingdom is one of Indonesia’s largest investors. In April 2012, Prime Minister David Cameron announced a commitment to double trade (goods & services) to £4.4 billion by 2015.

“We work with local and international agencies to address global challenges including human rights and democracy, regional security, prosperity and climate change. We also provide assistance, services and practical advice to British nationals visiting or living in Indonesia, and we deal with visa applications for those who wish to enter the UK to visit, study, live or work,” the press statement reads. (EN/*/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Mia Medyana Bonaedy