E/CN.4/1997/71 page 33 I. 1. Indonesia Communication dated 4 June 1996 117. The Special Rapporteur received and transmitted a report concerning the situation of the indigenous people of Irian Jaya. In this report it is alleged, inter alia, that: “Widespread abuses appear to be ongoing within the context of an oppressive military presence, continuing environmental damage and the cultural subordination of indigenous people in the face of the massive exploitation of resources by powerful multinational corporations. “Irian Jaya was a Dutch colony ceded to Indonesia in 1969 by the United Nations after an 'Act of Free Choice' (known to the locals as an 'Act of No Choice' because the tribespeople had no opportunity to say whether they wished for independence; most of the people spoke neither Dutch nor Indonesian and many of the tribes had no prior contact with outsiders). “The tragedy is colonial situation is Transmigrants, mainly land. All aspects of forcibly resettled. that with the Indonesian takeover a classic occurring: the local people are marginalized. from Java, are being given the local people’s the locals' lives have been altered and they are “The politics, culture, economy, education and work opportunities are Indonesian, imposed from Jakarta. Very few opportunities are available for the West Papuans. “The Freeport Mines Company control the whole economy of Irian Jaya. All produce grown and manufactured is for the Company. Freeport also supplies over half the revenue tax for Jakarta. For these reasons the Government of Indonesia uses the military to protect Freeport’s interests. Any locals who show signs of dissatisfaction are harassed, tortured, disappeared or murdered. The relationship between the Freeport Company and the Indonesian military is so close that it is not possible that the Company is unaware of the military’s activities.” 2. Reply from the Government of Indonesia by letter dated 20 October 1996 118. The following is taken from the communication from the Indonesian authorities: “The allegations of Ms. Jean McLean and the Australian Section of the International Commission of Jurists consist of nothing but half truths, uncorroborated facts and unwarranted recommendations. In fact, they have engaged in a very dangerous venture, namely, supporting an armed and violent separatist group, i.e. the Free Papua Movment (OPM). Jean McLean has deliberatly concealed the activities of the OPM by stating that 'The OPM group led by Amungme Chief Kelly Kwalik has undertaken a series of non-violent flag raising'. What Jean McLean