Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 13:22:44 +0100 (BST)
From: Carmel Budiardjo, tapol@gn.apc.org
Subject: LEMASA's response to Weapons Proclamation

The following is the text of a letter dated 27 August 1997 send by the LEMASA Tribal Council to Police Colonel Idrus Gasing, Mimika chief of police:

Dear Sir,

Herewith is our response to the leaflet containing the PROCLAMATION dated 22 August 1997 instructing the general public to hand over 'Sharp Weapons' such as spears, arrows and knives, which was delivered this afternoon (27 August 1997) by two police officers from the Mimika police command (POLRES Mimika):

1. As Indonesia citizens who respect the law, we respect in principle the purposes contained in Law No 12/DRR/1951. However, it is unclear to whom the matters contained in the Proclamation are addressed, nor is it made clear why the general public must hand over 'sharp weapons' such as spears, arrows and knives to the local police.

2. According to Article 2, paragraph 2 of Law No 12/DRT/1951: 'Weapons used for hitting, stabbing or spiking referred to in this article do not include implements that are clearly used for agriculture, or for household activities or for the purpose of conducting lawful work or that are clearly traditional weapons or antiques of mythological significance.' The above mentioned Article 2, paragraph 2 clearly applies to implements that our traditional societies use for hunting and cultivating the land. If implements that we use for hunting and tilling the land (arrows, spears and knives) have to be handed over, how are we expected to live?

This is our response. We thank you for your attention and understanding.

The letter is signed by:

Bartholemeus Magal, Viktor Beanal, Mathias Kelanangame, and Lukas Amisim

on behalf of: Amungme Naisorei (Conssultative Board) of LEMASA