Thursday, February 08, 2007

Irian Jaya Barat changes name to Papua Barat

The name of Irian Jaya Barat province will be changed to Papua Barat (West Papua) to match the preferences of local people, the provincial government announced. The chairman of the Irian Jaya Barat House of Representatives, Jimmy Demianus Idjie, said the name change was announced by provincial Governor Abraham Octovianus Atururi to coincide with the province's fourth anniversary.

Jimmy emphasized that the name change had to be followed by solid improvements to the welfare of the province's residents. "What's the meaning of a name change if the welfare of the people doesn't improve?" he asked. Jimmy said the Irian Jaya Barat House of Representatives would evaluate the name change before approving it at a plenary session. "After that, the name change will be proposed to the central government for approval," he said. - (JP)

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