BRITAIN’S Ambassador to Indonesia has been summoned by the country’s government to explain why a separatist group has opened an office in Oxford.

Mark Canning met Marty Natalegawa, the Indonesian minister of foreign affairs, who expressed “strong concern” about the Free West Papua campaign’s office in Cowley Road.

Led by Benny Wenda, who lives in Marston Road, the movement is trying to gain independence for West Papua, a region which is part of Indonesia.

Mr Wenda fled his homeland in 2002 and was given political asylum in the UK the following year.

Speaking after the meeting on Monday, Mr Canning said: “I explained that we recognised the sensitivity of this issue for Indonesia.

“The position of the British Government on this matter is quite clear. We respect the territorial integrity of Indonesia and do not support calls for Papuan independence.

“The Government did not support the opening of an office in Oxford. Such an office does not require our permission, and does not therefore reflect the Government’s views.”

The Indonesian minister’s concerns were sparked by the presence of Mohammed Abbasi, Oxford’s Lord Mayor, at office’s opening.

Dino Kusnadi, of the Indonesian embassy in London, said the Foreign Office had assured them that this did not amount to official recognition.

He said his government was now satisfied the matter was closed.