Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono and TNI chief Gen. Djoko Santoso were divided Friday in their responses to a request from U.S. Congress members asking Indonesia to release two convicted Papuan separatists.

The request was made in a letter sent by 40 Congress members to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on July 29, 2008, and urged him to immediately and unconditionally free Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage.

Karma and Pakage were sentenced in May, 2005, to 15 and 10 years, respectively, for their involvement in the outlawed hoisting of the separatist Papuan flag of the Free Papua Organization (OPM).

The Indonesian Military (TNI) chief criticized the request as "interfering" in Indonesia's internal affairs.

"This is clearly an interference. The two Papuans were detained by the government, so the government must take further action," Djoko said from the State Palace.

But Juwono considered such a request from the U.S. "normal" and not an interference.

"No, I think this is just an ordinary request, which we will consider and then decide whether or not to respond to."

Nor did the defense minister believe the letter contained a hidden agenda, saying it was just "an issue frequently raised when discussing human rights."

Juwono said the issue was being deliberated by his office with the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

"We are discussing the issue in an interministerial forum, and will ask for reports from the Papua Police," he added.

Juwono said the government would also confirm the letter's assertion that the arrest of the two Papuans violated the fundamental principles of human rights.

"We should check that claim first before taking a stance and not quickly react."

The letter also called President Yudhoyono's attention to reports that Karma was beaten by police following his arrest.

"We urge you to take action to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Karma and Mr. Pakage. Any security officials who mistreated Mr. Karma or who may have employed inappropriate force against peaceful demonstrators should be prosecuted," read the letter, copies of which were made available to the press.

Djoko said he believed the letter was sent because of OPM's lobbying efforts.

"When we examine the request, OPM's lobbying is obvious."

He said the OPM was still operating in Papua, but its power and its armed forces have significantly diminished.

Juwono said that as a military organization, the OPM was not too influential.

"This organization is resurfacing and I think they want the central government to be aware of its existence."

Djoko further said the TNI continued to maintain security in Papua to ensure its stability.

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