Govt decision on Namru-2 to depend on House recommendation : Minister

"The question is now still unresolved. The US has sent us its revised proposal and we have yet to consider it. But the key in this matter is in the hands of the DPR. The DPR represents the people. If the people want NAMRU-2 to stay, so be it," the minister said here Wednesday at a hearing with Ad Hoc Committee IV of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).

But even if the government and parliament eventually agreed to continue the country`s cooperation with NAMRU-2, the cooperation should be carried out in accordance with stipulations in national laws on international cooperation, she said.

"And it is my understanding that Indonesia always cooperates with other countries with due observance of its active and independent policy principle, its own laws and in ways benefiting the people," the minister said.

Various quarters in the country recently questioned the continued presence and operations of NAMRU-2 in Indonesia, including the US demand for diplomatic immunity for US citizens working at the NAMRU-2 laboratory for research on tropical diseases.

The government not long ago ...