May 25, 1998 No. 131

AXWORTHY APPLAUDS DECISION TO RELEASE JAILED INDONESIAN ACTIVISTS PAKPAHAN AND PAMUNGKAS

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy welcomed today the new Indonesian government's decision to free two political prisoners, independent union leader Muchtar Pakpahan as well as former Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Sri Bintang Pamungkas.

Mr. Axworthy also called for the release of all other political prisoners, including Xanana Gusmao, jailed East Timorese leader, and encouraged the new Indonesian government to work for a peaceful political settlement in East Timor.

The announcement of Mr. Pakpahan's and Mr. Pamungkas's release was made by Justice Minister Muladi earlier today at Cipinang prison in the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Gary J. Smith, and his Dutch counterpart. Mr. Pakpahan, a labour leader on trial for subversion, and Mr. Pamungkas, leader of the unrecognized United Democratic Party of Indonesia who was charged with subversion, were allowed to speak to supporters from on top of the prison walls after the announcement.

"This action is a positive step for the new Indonesian government toward tolerance of political opposition," said Mr. Axworthy. "Canada is committed to assisting Indonesia in the development of democratic and economic reforms."

Mr. Axworthy asked for Mr. Pakpahan's release during meetings last July with members of the previous Indonesian government of President Soeharto. Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan called for Mr. Pakpahan's freedom last month during a meeting with Justice Minister Muladi while he was in Jakarta to discuss Indonesia's humanitarian and economic needs.

"We are pleased that President Habibie has agreed to give

Mr. Pakpahan and Mr. Pamungkas their freedom, and I urge the Indonesian government to release other political prisoners," said Mr. Chan.

Mr. Pakpahan has been incarcerated since late 1996, but has been in hospital since early 1997 due to a lung illness. He underwent medical tests in December 1997 after the Indonesian government agreed to accept Canadian medical assistance in the form of a medical team and LIFE technology provided by Xillix Technologies Corp. of Richmond, British Columbia.

In May 1996, Mr. Pamungkas was sentenced to two years in jail on charges of slandering President Soeharto. He was out of prison pending appeal of the court decision when in early 1997, he was jailed and charged with subversion for calling for a boycott of the May 1997 parliamentary elections.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Hilary Humphrey

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-1852

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca