Chronology of events
January 2011
Click for big version
Australia West Papua
Association (Sydney) Human rights situation in West
Papua
The human rights situation in West Papua
continued to deteriorate in 2010. One incident in particular
highlighted the worsening human rights situation and that
was the shocking video footage of West Papuans being
tortured by Indonesian soldiers. The video showed several
men in military fatigues torturing two Papuans. The soldiers
in the video threaten the two men with sharp weapons and
pressed a burning bamboo stick against one of the men’s
genitals. The torture of the men prompted a wave of
international criticism with human rights organisations
around the world condemning the actions of the Indonesian
military. This incident was not an isolated incident and in
further evidence of human rights abuses another report
accused the police of burning down the village of Bigiragi
in the Puncak Jaya district. The report said that 16 Mobile
Brigade officers had burned the village to the ground on
October 11. The report said that at least 29 homes were
destroyed in the incident leaving at least 150 people
homeless
Military operations in Puncak Jaya
A number of military operation took place in the Puncak Jaya region in 2010 and in fact security operations have been ongoing in the Puncak Jaya region for years . Security forces conduct regular sweeps (military operations) in the area to pursue members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). Many reports have pointed out the the security forces have great difficulty distinguishing between what the term separatists and the general public. These operations leave the local people traumatised and in fear for their lives. In a report in Bintang Papua (29 June) The local chief of police admitted that “the OPM are all over the place including in the town of Mulia, mingling with the community. He said that because the features of the mountain people are almost the same as other people in the area, 'it is making it very difficult for us to differentiate between who is OPM and who is just an ordinary member of the community”. This statement raises great concerns that civilians are in danger of being targeted as members of the OPM. During these military operations villages have been destroyed as well as gardens and livestock. In September the House of Representatives (DPR) Law Commission deputy chairman, Tjatur Sapto Edy lamented the military operations in the Puncak Jaya Regency following a report by the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM). Tjatur said there should be no more military operations and such approaches are no longer suitable in a democracy. A report by Komnas HAM’s Papua chapter revealed 29 cases of rights abuses occurred in Puncak Jaya regency from
A number of military operation took place in the Puncak Jaya region in 2010 and in fact security operations have been ongoing in the Puncak Jaya region for years . Security forces conduct regular sweeps (military operations) in the area to pursue members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). Many reports have pointed out the the security forces have great difficulty distinguishing between what the term separatists and the general public. These operations leave the local people traumatised and in fear for their lives. In a report in Bintang Papua (29 June) The local chief of police admitted that “the OPM are all over the place including in the town of Mulia, mingling with the community. He said that because the features of the mountain people are almost the same as other people in the area, 'it is making it very difficult for us to differentiate between who is OPM and who is just an ordinary member of the community”. This statement raises great concerns that civilians are in danger of being targeted as members of the OPM. During these military operations villages have been destroyed as well as gardens and livestock. In September the House of Representatives (DPR) Law Commission deputy chairman, Tjatur Sapto Edy lamented the military operations in the Puncak Jaya Regency following a report by the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM). Tjatur said there should be no more military operations and such approaches are no longer suitable in a democracy. A report by Komnas HAM’s Papua chapter revealed 29 cases of rights abuses occurred in Puncak Jaya regency from
2004-2010, including the torture
and rape of villagers in March 2010 by law enforcers.
In
September an article in the the SMH alleged that
Indonesia's elite counter-terrorism unit, Detachment 88,
brutalised a group of separatists, repeatedly beating them
in detention. Australia helps fund Detachment 88. The
report also said the Australian Government had sent an
official to the Indonesian province of Maluku to investigate
the claims but an Australian embassy official denied there
was an investigation going on although an embassy officer
had visited Maluku as part of a regular program of
provincial visits.
Leaked Kopassus report
In November investigative journalist Alan Nairn released a secret report by a Kopassus task force which shows a list of West Papuans engaged in human rights work are a target of the Indonesian Special Force Group, Kopassus. The list includes members of civil society organisations, church groups , activists, students and members of the MRP. The report can be found on his blog at
In November investigative journalist Alan Nairn released a secret report by a Kopassus task force which shows a list of West Papuans engaged in human rights work are a target of the Indonesian Special Force Group, Kopassus. The list includes members of civil society organisations, church groups , activists, students and members of the MRP. The report can be found on his blog at
In
December cables released by WikiLeaks in relation to West
Papuan human rights confirmed what NGOs have been telling
their governments for years, that it is the Indonesian
military that are one of the main problems in West Papua.
The cables revealed that US diplomats blame the
government in Jakarta for unrest in West Papua due to
neglect, corruption and human rights abuses. That
Indonesian military commanders have been accused of illegal
logging operations and drug smuggling from West Papua into
Papua New Guinea, and also that a lifting of the US ban on
training with Kopassus was made a condition of Obama's
visit to Jakarta.
Also in December the coordinator of the
Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence
(Kontras), a major Indonesian human rights group accused the
National Police of being the state institution guilty of
committing the highest number of acts of violence against
the public in 2010. In the Jakarta Post (7/12/10) , the
Papua chapter of the National Commission for Human Rights
(Komnas HAM) reported a 70 percent increase in the number of
cases of violence in Papua, most of which were allegedly
committed by security officers. The Jakarta-based Legal Aid
Foundation in another report said Indonesian law enforcers
routinely torture suspects and convicts to extract
confessions or obtain information. The groups report found
beatings, intimidation and rape are so commonplace they are
considered the norm. It also found that few victims believe
they have the right to lodge complaints.
West Papua
suffered from a number of natural disasters in 2010
including a 7.1magnitude earthquake that occurred of the
northern coast of Papua in June, destroying a number of
villages with loss of life on Yapen island. In October the
town of Wasior was hit by flash floods causing severe
damage leaving over 158 people dead, 145 persons missing and
thousands left homeless. There was some debate if the cause
of the floods was due to deforestation in the surrounding
areas or was due to unusually heavy rainfall
Political
prisoners
It is difficult to known the exact number of political prisoners who are in jail in West Papua because of the difficulty of access and restrictions on the gathering of information in the territory. In Amnesty’s International Report for 2010, it states
It is difficult to known the exact number of political prisoners who are in jail in West Papua because of the difficulty of access and restrictions on the gathering of information in the territory. In Amnesty’s International Report for 2010, it states
“At least 114 people were detained for peacefully
expressing their views. The overwhelming majority were
peaceful political activists who were sentenced to terms of
imprisonment for raising prohibited pro independence flags
in Maluku or Papua”.
And in an extract from Human
Rights Watch World Report for 2010, in relation to West
Papua. “Indonesian authorities have responded to a
longstanding, low-level armed separatist insurgency in the
provinces of Papua and West Papua with a strong troop
presence and often harsh and disproportionate responses to
non-violent dissent or criticism. Human Rights Watch has
long expressed concerns over anti-separatist sweeps by the
police, which often result in individuals who peacefully
express support for independence being arrested and detained
on charges of treason or rebellion (makar).
West Papua -one of our nearest
neighbours
West Papua is one of our nearest neighbours and the West Papuan people face great challenges including ongoing human rights abuses, the exploitation of their natural resources with little or no benefit to themselves, the danger of becoming a minority in their own land as the result of migrants arriving daily and a HIV/AIDS epidemic.
West Papua is one of our nearest neighbours and the West Papuan people face great challenges including ongoing human rights abuses, the exploitation of their natural resources with little or no benefit to themselves, the danger of becoming a minority in their own land as the result of migrants arriving daily and a HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The Australian Government has
always been concerned about instability in the region to our
north but as events in 2010 have shown, it is the Indonesian
military which are causing the instability in West Papua.
The recent reports of the torture of West Papuans by the
Indonesian security forces and the information from the
WikiLeaks cables about US concerns at the activities of the
TNI in relation to West Papua, aptly show this.
Recommendations.
The Australian West Papua Association (Sydney)
The Australian West Papua Association (Sydney)
urges the Australian
Government to re- think its policy of ties with the
Indonesian military until such time that Indonesian military
personnel involved in past human rights abuses are brought
to justice and the culture of the Indonesian military
becomes of an acceptable standard to both the Australian
people and Australian military. In the short term we urge
the Government to put a moratorium on the training, funding
and any ties between the Australian military, Detachment
88 and the special forces unit Kopassus, until a full
inquiry is held into the activities of these units in
relation to human rights abuses in the archipelago.
urges
the Australian Government to sent a fact finding mission to
West Papua to not only investigate the human rights
situation in the territory but to see how Australia
can help the West Papuan people in capacity building in the
fields of health and education. We thank the Australian
Government for the funding it has already given to aid
projects in West Papua but urge more aid-funding to support
health programs and medical organizations (local and
international) working on the ground in West Papua and in
the long term to support the training of the West Papuan
people themselves as health professionals.
There are a
number of Indigenous human rights NGOs in West Papua and
the Australian Government can strengthen the human rights
situation in West Papua by supporting these organisations
with financial aid, capacity building and education.
We
recommended that human rights defenders working in human
rights organisations in West Papua be funded to attend human
rights courses in Australia and the region.. There are a
number of programs in Australia which can advance human
rights and empower civil society in West Papua through
education, training and capacity building. These programs
are suitable for individual human rights defenders and
community advocates.
We also call on the Australian
Government to urge the Indonesian President to release all
West Papuan political prisoners as a sign of good faith to
the West Papuan people.
The problems in West Papua won't
be solved by Jakarta deploying more troops to the region or
conducting more military operations. What the West Papuans
are asking for is dialogue between Jakarta and West Papuan
representatives. AWPA calls on the Australian Government to
urge the Indonesian Government to dialogue with
representatives of the West Papuan people to solve the
issues of concern held by the West Papuan people.
The
following chronology is a snapshot of the incidents/events
that occurred in West Papua in 2010. It is by no means
exhaustive. There are a number of fact sheets at the back of
the report in relation to the history, the threats to West
Papua’s forests and the special autonomy package.
6
Jan. Papua New Guinea-Indonesia re-opens at
Wutung
The PNG-Indonesia border post at Wutung, Sandaun province, was re-opened after been closed during the Xmas period . The border was shut on Dec 20 after three Indonesians were shot at on the 19 December, allegedly by members of of the OPM. One of them was killed while the other two who were in serious condition received medical attention.
12 Jan. Nicolaas Jouwe returns home to Papua
Nicolaas Jouwe who lived for forty years in The Netherlands returned to West Papua.
The PNG-Indonesia border post at Wutung, Sandaun province, was re-opened after been closed during the Xmas period . The border was shut on Dec 20 after three Indonesians were shot at on the 19 December, allegedly by members of of the OPM. One of them was killed while the other two who were in serious condition received medical attention.
12 Jan. Nicolaas Jouwe returns home to Papua
Nicolaas Jouwe who lived for forty years in The Netherlands returned to West Papua.
18 Jan. The OPM, appoints new Commander
of its military wing
A press release from the WPNCL, stated that the OPM, had approved the appointment of a new Supreme Commander of its military wing to replace the late Kelly Kwalik.
A press release from the WPNCL, stated that the OPM, had approved the appointment of a new Supreme Commander of its military wing to replace the late Kelly Kwalik.
Jeck Kemong has been appointed head
of the West Papuan National Liberation Army, or the TPN.
18 Jan. Ex-Kopassus Officer Named New Commander in West Papua
Maj. Gen. Hotma Marbun was installed as the Cendrawasih Papua Military Commander replacing Maj. Gen. Azmyn Yusri Nasution.
24 Jan. Ambush at Freeport
On the 24 January a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles carrying company employees and security officers, injuring nine people. The nine people injured included an American and South African national working at the Freeport mine , the teenage daughter of a mine employee and four Mobile Brigade (Brimob) police officers on security detail. The OPM denied any involvement in the shootings.
18 Jan. Ex-Kopassus Officer Named New Commander in West Papua
Maj. Gen. Hotma Marbun was installed as the Cendrawasih Papua Military Commander replacing Maj. Gen. Azmyn Yusri Nasution.
24 Jan. Ambush at Freeport
On the 24 January a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles carrying company employees and security officers, injuring nine people. The nine people injured included an American and South African national working at the Freeport mine , the teenage daughter of a mine employee and four Mobile Brigade (Brimob) police officers on security detail. The OPM denied any involvement in the shootings.
26 Jan. OPM Denies Responsibility for
Ambush And Calls Police Accusation
‘Baseless’
The Free Papua Movement rejected an accusation by the National Police that it was behind Sunday’s ambush in which nine people were injured . OPM leader Otto Ondawame said, “The OPM has categorically rejected any involvement. The shooting does not help the process of peaceful dialogue in West Papua. On the contrary, this type of crime will only hamper the peaceful dialogue that has made good progress,” Otto said
The Free Papua Movement rejected an accusation by the National Police that it was behind Sunday’s ambush in which nine people were injured . OPM leader Otto Ondawame said, “The OPM has categorically rejected any involvement. The shooting does not help the process of peaceful dialogue in West Papua. On the contrary, this type of crime will only hamper the peaceful dialogue that has made good progress,” Otto said
27 Jan.
Support for the the launch of International Lawyers for West
Papuia
Around 1,500 Papuans in Mimika staged a rally to support the registration of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua and the International Lawyers for West Papua at the European Union in Brussels.
Around 1,500 Papuans in Mimika staged a rally to support the registration of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua and the International Lawyers for West Papua at the European Union in Brussels.
29 Jan. Police embedded to help secure
Freeport employees
The authorities increased security measures at Freeport Indonesia by placing a police officer into each of the buses transporting company employees between work and home. The measures, which are supported by 1,700 army and police personnel, have been adopted in the wake of repeated shooting incidents along the road from Timika to Tembagapura.
The authorities increased security measures at Freeport Indonesia by placing a police officer into each of the buses transporting company employees between work and home. The measures, which are supported by 1,700 army and police personnel, have been adopted in the wake of repeated shooting incidents along the road from Timika to Tembagapura.
31 Jan. Papuan
activist dies
VIktor Kaisiëpo died in his home town of Amersfoort at the age of 61. Mr Kaisiëpo devoted his life to the right to self-determination of the Indonesian province of Papua, He was spokesperson for the West Papua People's Front, the federation of Papuan organisations in the Netherlands. He was born in Dutch New Guinea, but his family left for the Netherlands when the territory was handed over to Indonesia. Mr Kaisiëpo's father was also a well-known activist for Papuan independence.
VIktor Kaisiëpo died in his home town of Amersfoort at the age of 61. Mr Kaisiëpo devoted his life to the right to self-determination of the Indonesian province of Papua, He was spokesperson for the West Papua People's Front, the federation of Papuan organisations in the Netherlands. He was born in Dutch New Guinea, but his family left for the Netherlands when the territory was handed over to Indonesia. Mr Kaisiëpo's father was also a well-known activist for Papuan independence.
3 Feb. TNI commander believes Freeport
shooters to be armed civilians
The Head of Information for the Regional Military Command KODAM XVII/Cenderawasih, LTC Susilo, said he suspects that the perpetrators of the PT
The Head of Information for the Regional Military Command KODAM XVII/Cenderawasih, LTC Susilo, said he suspects that the perpetrators of the PT
Freeport shootings were from armed
civilian groups. According to Susilo, the armed civilian
groups are different compared to normal military groups as
they can move independently without instructions from
leaders. From intelligence reports, the armed civilian
groups are small but very knowledge of the surrounding
areas.
8 Feb. Freeport says it paid govt. $1.4b in
2009
PT Freeport Indonesia, announced that it had paid its financial obligations to the government in 2009, a total of US$1.4 billion.. The company said in a statement that out of the $1.4 billion, $1 billion was corporate income tax, employee income tax, regional taxes and other taxes and levies, $128 million was royalties, and $213 million was dividends. The 2009 amount is higher than the amount paid in the same period of 2008 which reached US$1.2 billion.
PT Freeport Indonesia, announced that it had paid its financial obligations to the government in 2009, a total of US$1.4 billion.. The company said in a statement that out of the $1.4 billion, $1 billion was corporate income tax, employee income tax, regional taxes and other taxes and levies, $128 million was royalties, and $213 million was dividends. The 2009 amount is higher than the amount paid in the same period of 2008 which reached US$1.2 billion.
15 Feb. Policeman Shot Dead in Papua
Province
Four gunmen shot a member of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) squad who was patrolling a gas station and stole his gun in the town of Mulia near Freeport. An official of Puncak Jaya said he did not believe separatist rebels were involved in the killing of the police officer.
Four gunmen shot a member of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) squad who was patrolling a gas station and stole his gun in the town of Mulia near Freeport. An official of Puncak Jaya said he did not believe separatist rebels were involved in the killing of the police officer.
18 Feb. Two representatives from the EU
visit West Papua.
The two delegates said that they
were keen to learn about political and social conditions in
Papua. One of the representatives told journalists: 'We are
visiting Papua because the head office of the EU based in
Basel, Switzerland, and the European Parliament want to get
more detailed information about the political and social
situation in Papua.'
22 Feb. Calls for Free Papua and release of poliitical prisoners
Hundreds of people demonstrated in Jayapura, called for Papua Merdeka - Free Papua. The demonstration which took place outside the Papua Legislative Assembly building consisted of several groups who had come from different parts of the city. They called on the Papuan people to struggle for the rights of the Papuan people. After initial attempts by the police, the demonstration was allowed to proceed. Demonstrators held aloft banners calling for the withdrawal of organic and non organic troops, for an end to the militarisation of Papua and demanded that the state accept responsibility for the many victims of rights in Papua.
25 Feb. Freeport bows to govt pressure on land use
PT Freeport Indonesia bowed to government pressure on alleged violation of regulations concerning operating in protected forests, saying the company would apply for the necessary permits to remain operating in existing mining areas.
22 Feb. Calls for Free Papua and release of poliitical prisoners
Hundreds of people demonstrated in Jayapura, called for Papua Merdeka - Free Papua. The demonstration which took place outside the Papua Legislative Assembly building consisted of several groups who had come from different parts of the city. They called on the Papuan people to struggle for the rights of the Papuan people. After initial attempts by the police, the demonstration was allowed to proceed. Demonstrators held aloft banners calling for the withdrawal of organic and non organic troops, for an end to the militarisation of Papua and demanded that the state accept responsibility for the many victims of rights in Papua.
25 Feb. Freeport bows to govt pressure on land use
PT Freeport Indonesia bowed to government pressure on alleged violation of regulations concerning operating in protected forests, saying the company would apply for the necessary permits to remain operating in existing mining areas.
We are ready to engage
in talks with the government on the possibility of applying
for land use rights for several areas," the company said in
a statement issued on Wednesday. The company, however,
clarified that it is protected under law by special rights
that allow it to operate in protected forests.
2 March.
KNPB calls for referendum and rejects
dialogue
KNPB says Indonesia should accept responsibility for the murder of Kelly Kwalik
KNPB says Indonesia should accept responsibility for the murder of Kelly Kwalik
At a press
conference on 1 March in Jayapura, the National Committee
for West Papua (KNPB) called on the Indonesian government to
accept responsibility for the murder of Kelly Kwalik,
commander of the TPN/OPM. About a hundred Papuans in Mimika
made this call regarding the murder of Kwalik on 16 December
2010 at a house in Gorong-Gorong, following which the Dewat
Adat Papua, the Papuan Traditional Council made a statement
on 23 December about Kwalik's murder by the anti-terror
unit, Densus 88. The crowd assembled in front of Bahtera
Church, Kwamki Baru and marched to the Mimika provincial
legislative assembly, on the way shouting slogans about the
death.
8 March. Papua Tribe Files $32b Lawsuit Against
Freeport
Papua’s Amungme tribe lodged a new class-action lawsuit against US mining giant Freeport-McMoRan seeking $32.5 billion in material and non-material damages for the alleged illegal acquisition of its ancestral land. The action, filed at the South Jakarta District Court, came after an initial lawsuit filed last August collapsed and a second attempt to sue the company received no response in October.
11 March. Security personnel at Freeport reduced
The number of security personnel stationed at the working area of Freeport was reduced from 1,576 to 886. The decision was made in a meeting between the police, military offices and the management of PT Freeport.
Papua’s Amungme tribe lodged a new class-action lawsuit against US mining giant Freeport-McMoRan seeking $32.5 billion in material and non-material damages for the alleged illegal acquisition of its ancestral land. The action, filed at the South Jakarta District Court, came after an initial lawsuit filed last August collapsed and a second attempt to sue the company received no response in October.
11 March. Security personnel at Freeport reduced
The number of security personnel stationed at the working area of Freeport was reduced from 1,576 to 886. The decision was made in a meeting between the police, military offices and the management of PT Freeport.
11 March. Viktor Yeimo on
trial for makar
The district court in Jayapura has
begun the trial of Victor F. Yeimo for his role as
co-ordinator of the demonstration outside Waeno Expo on 10
March 2009. The courthouse was under heavy police guard,
standing in front of every entrance to the building. Inside
the court was full of supporters of the accused. Members of
the prosecution team read out the indictment, accusing Yeimo
under Article 106 of the Criminal Code of rebellion (makar),
for seeking to secure the secession of part of the territory
of the Indonesian Republic. The prosecution charged him as
the person responsible for the action along with Seravin
Conceicao Dias and Marcho Tabuni.
15 March. OPM
military wing calls for UN-mediated dialogue
The
military wing of the Free Papua Movement (TPN-OPM) said it
welcomed dialogue with Jakarta as long as an international
organisation, preferably the UN, acted as the mediator. In
an email sent to The Jakarta Post the leader of the military
wing, General Thadius Jhoni Kimema Jopari Magai Yogi, said
they would reject talks if Jusuf Kalla mediated. The email
was in response to a plan proposed by the Indonesian
Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and supported by Papuan
community leader and Catholic priest Neles Tebay.
22
March. Exchange of fire breaks out in
Papua
Indonesian soldiers were involved in an exchange of fire with members of the OPM around Mulia in the Puncak Jaya regency. The shoot out broke out after the armed group intercepted a car of Yon 753 Nabire military compound on Monday at about 6.30 pm when it was returning to its base in Puncak Senyum area.
Indonesian soldiers were involved in an exchange of fire with members of the OPM around Mulia in the Puncak Jaya regency. The shoot out broke out after the armed group intercepted a car of Yon 753 Nabire military compound on Monday at about 6.30 pm when it was returning to its base in Puncak Senyum area.
22 March. Protesters
arrested in Papua protest
The police apprehended 15 activists from the West Papua National Committee protesting outside Waena Expo complex in Jayapura on Monday. Deputy chief of Jayapura Police, Adj. Comr. Amazona Pelamonia, said the protesters had requested a permit to stage a protest related to US President Barack Obama's visit but their speeches had called for a referendum instead..
The police apprehended 15 activists from the West Papua National Committee protesting outside Waena Expo complex in Jayapura on Monday. Deputy chief of Jayapura Police, Adj. Comr. Amazona Pelamonia, said the protesters had requested a permit to stage a protest related to US President Barack Obama's visit but their speeches had called for a referendum instead..
23 March. Two Papuans face weapons charges
and maximum 20-year sentence
While most of the people who were rounded up by the police for participating in the demonstration organised by the KNPB were released, two people, Mara Koyoga and Linus Pagawe, were formally charged for allegedly being in possession of sharp implements The two will face charges under Law 12/1951 regarding possession of weapons, and could face up to twenty years in prison.
While most of the people who were rounded up by the police for participating in the demonstration organised by the KNPB were released, two people, Mara Koyoga and Linus Pagawe, were formally charged for allegedly being in possession of sharp implements The two will face charges under Law 12/1951 regarding possession of weapons, and could face up to twenty years in prison.
29 March. Four Papuans on
trial for makar
Four men have gone on trial in Jayapura in connection with an event last May when the Morning Star flag was unfurled at Kapeso airfield. All face the charge of makar (rebellion) under Article 106 of the Criminal Code. The four men on trial are Yusuf Animan aka Edo, Yeret Runaweri aka Yeri , Nataniel Runggaimusi and Yance Muabuai. Speaking at a hearing which heard testimony from five witnesses, a defence lawyer said that none of the witnesses had themselves seen the four persons present at the event.
Four men have gone on trial in Jayapura in connection with an event last May when the Morning Star flag was unfurled at Kapeso airfield. All face the charge of makar (rebellion) under Article 106 of the Criminal Code. The four men on trial are Yusuf Animan aka Edo, Yeret Runaweri aka Yeri , Nataniel Runggaimusi and Yance Muabuai. Speaking at a hearing which heard testimony from five witnesses, a defence lawyer said that none of the witnesses had themselves seen the four persons present at the event.
6 April. Timika
police urged to investigate recent
crimes
Members of the Javanese ethnic community living in Timika, Mimika regency, Papua, have urged local police to solve criminal cases. The most recent case is that of the murder of a resident last week. Around 300 members of the group, affiliated with the Wahana Bhakti Jawa Timika Foundation, staged a rally Tuesday in front of the Mimika regency legislature. They demanded Mimika Police work professionally and uncover the unresolved cases in Timika.
Members of the Javanese ethnic community living in Timika, Mimika regency, Papua, have urged local police to solve criminal cases. The most recent case is that of the murder of a resident last week. Around 300 members of the group, affiliated with the Wahana Bhakti Jawa Timika Foundation, staged a rally Tuesday in front of the Mimika regency legislature. They demanded Mimika Police work professionally and uncover the unresolved cases in Timika.
13 April. Gunmen kill two in
Papua
Three people were killed when gunmen approached a group of workers in the remote Papua regency of Puncak Jaya. The victims, Abdullah, Elimus Ramandey and Hans Ramandey were employees of PT Modern Group, and were working on the 25 kilometer Mulia-Mewulok highway project when they were shot and killed . The armed group also torched two trucks, a car, two bulldozers and an excavator.
Three people were killed when gunmen approached a group of workers in the remote Papua regency of Puncak Jaya. The victims, Abdullah, Elimus Ramandey and Hans Ramandey were employees of PT Modern Group, and were working on the 25 kilometer Mulia-Mewulok highway project when they were shot and killed . The armed group also torched two trucks, a car, two bulldozers and an excavator.
18 April. Papuan Women need decent
markets
Papuan women who are longing to be able to trade in decent traditional markets as promised by the government now regard this as nothing more than a dream. Government representatives have been quoted as saying that women selling their wares in the centre of the city, in front of the Galael shopping mall are regarded a blight on the appearance of the city. Three years ago, the governor of the province of Papua promised that he would build a decent market for women traders but nothing has happened.
Papuan women who are longing to be able to trade in decent traditional markets as promised by the government now regard this as nothing more than a dream. Government representatives have been quoted as saying that women selling their wares in the centre of the city, in front of the Galael shopping mall are regarded a blight on the appearance of the city. Three years ago, the governor of the province of Papua promised that he would build a decent market for women traders but nothing has happened.
22
April. Deadly attacks in Puncak Jaya blamed on OPM and
NGOs
According to the district chief of Puncak Jaya, several (unnamed) NGOs, domestic as well as foreign, were involved in recent attacks in the district by armed groups which resulted in the death of several civilians. The district head said that the incidents had the support of pro-independence fighters who favour Papua's secession from the Republic of Indonesia. This is a matter that should be handled by the central government not by the Puncak Jaya provincial administration because the armed groups involved aim to undermine the Republic .
According to the district chief of Puncak Jaya, several (unnamed) NGOs, domestic as well as foreign, were involved in recent attacks in the district by armed groups which resulted in the death of several civilians. The district head said that the incidents had the support of pro-independence fighters who favour Papua's secession from the Republic of Indonesia. This is a matter that should be handled by the central government not by the Puncak Jaya provincial administration because the armed groups involved aim to undermine the Republic .
29 April. Armed group demands Rp 1b ransom.
A group of 30 armed men besieged a mine near Nomouwodide village demanding a ransom of Rp 1 billion (US$110,000)and 10 kilograms of gold dust. The group left after receiving a payoff of a kilogram of gold and 100 million rupiah. police said on Thursday. The group was reportedly led by a son of a Papuan separatist militia leader.
9 May. Pre-Dialogue consultations almost completed
From Bintang Papua
A group of 30 armed men besieged a mine near Nomouwodide village demanding a ransom of Rp 1 billion (US$110,000)and 10 kilograms of gold dust. The group left after receiving a payoff of a kilogram of gold and 100 million rupiah. police said on Thursday. The group was reportedly led by a son of a Papuan separatist militia leader.
9 May. Pre-Dialogue consultations almost completed
From Bintang Papua
Pre-dialogue public consultations conducted
by Foker NGO (Working Forum of NGO) and the Papua Peace
Network are nearing an end. Of the eight regions involved in
the consultations, only one remains to be completed, namely
Fak-Fak.
The districts where consultations have already
been conducted are Jayawijaya, Mimika, Manokwari, Sorong,
Biak, Paniai and Merauke. Consultations were also conducted
last Saturday in Jayapura at the GKI Philosophy College,
attended by fifty community leaders from religious groups,
women's groups, NGOs, student and youth organisations, also
including people who are referred to as TPN/OPM
separatists.
Pastor Neles Tebay, co-ordination of the
consultations, said that at the end of May, an evaluation of
the pro-dialogue consultations will take place.' 'This will
be when we evaluate what we have achieved from January up
to the present,' he said. 'The basic way of deciding whether
the consultations have been successful is that the people
have a proper understanding of dialogue. That is the target.
Dialogue is important not only over the issue of the basic
conflict but also regarding everyday things. Dialogue is a
process to resolve problems by means of consultations,
without resulting in there being winners and losers. Through
dialogue, agreements can be reached. If the issue is taken
to court, then there will certainly be winners and losers.'
Tebay said that not only did Papuuan people not have a
proper concept of dialogue, but people holding official
positions and decision-makers have different concepts of
what dialogue means. 'A dialogue between Papua and Jakarta
as well as between between the government and the Papuan
people needs good preparations. and this can be achieved,'
he said, 'by means of public consultations.This is described
as pre-dialogue consultations because the next step is the
holding of dialogue. Once dialogue begins, the final step is
the reaching of agreement, which must then be followed by
implementation of what has been agreed.'
15 May. RI,
Australia conduct joint naval
operation
Indonesia and Australia are strengthening maritime ties as a result of Exercise Cassoary 2010 (CA10) which started on May 8. CA10 is a bilateral Indonesian Defense Force led combined patrol boat exercise designed to enhance interoperability in maritime operations between the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
Indonesia and Australia are strengthening maritime ties as a result of Exercise Cassoary 2010 (CA10) which started on May 8. CA10 is a bilateral Indonesian Defense Force led combined patrol boat exercise designed to enhance interoperability in maritime operations between the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
16 May. Papuan leader becomes RI
citizen
A leader of the Free Papua movement, Nicolas Jouwe, has become an Indonesian citizen after living in exile in the Netherlands for 50 years. He received his certificate of citizenship from Minister of Law and Human Rights Patrialis Akbar in Papua's provincial capital Jayapura on Saturday.
A leader of the Free Papua movement, Nicolas Jouwe, has become an Indonesian citizen after living in exile in the Netherlands for 50 years. He received his certificate of citizenship from Minister of Law and Human Rights Patrialis Akbar in Papua's provincial capital Jayapura on Saturday.
17 May. Security forces
kill rebel in Papua
A raid conducted by the Indonesian security forces in Goburuk Village, Yamo District Puncak Jaya, resulted in the death of a member of the OPM. A police spokesman said the member of the group was shot because he refused to surrender and even attempted to fight back.
A raid conducted by the Indonesian security forces in Goburuk Village, Yamo District Puncak Jaya, resulted in the death of a member of the OPM. A police spokesman said the member of the group was shot because he refused to surrender and even attempted to fight back.
18 May. Papuans rally for
candidates
Thousands of protestors in Jayapura,
demanded that the government implement a decree that would
require that candidates in Papua’s regional elections be
indigenous Papuans. Members of the Democratic Forum for
Unitary Papua (Fordem), marched 20 kilometers from Abepura
to the governor’s office in Jayapura and carried banners
that expressed support of the decree, Papua People’s
Council’s (MRP) Decree No. 14/2009.
25 May. French
reporters detained for violating visa
regulation
The local immigration office detained two French reporters for Manomano TV Arte on Tuesday for allegedly violating a visa regulation, a spokesman said. Head of the Jayapura immigration office Robert Silitonga told ANTARA News that Baudin Koeniag and Carol Helene Lorthiois were detained while they were covering a rally in Jayapura because their activity was a violation of their visas. Jayapura immigration office deported two French nationals from West Papua. Baudoin Koenig, a French independent TV documentary maker was allowed to stay in the country. However his assistant, Carole Liorthois, has been deported back to France for having overstayed her tourist visa.
The local immigration office detained two French reporters for Manomano TV Arte on Tuesday for allegedly violating a visa regulation, a spokesman said. Head of the Jayapura immigration office Robert Silitonga told ANTARA News that Baudin Koeniag and Carol Helene Lorthiois were detained while they were covering a rally in Jayapura because their activity was a violation of their visas. Jayapura immigration office deported two French nationals from West Papua. Baudoin Koenig, a French independent TV documentary maker was allowed to stay in the country. However his assistant, Carole Liorthois, has been deported back to France for having overstayed her tourist visa.
28 May. Norway to
pay for Indonesian logging
moratorium
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced a two-year moratorium on new logging concessions as part of a deal with Norway in which Indonesia will receive up to $US1 billion ($1.2 billion) if it adheres to a letter of intent signed by the two countries yesterday.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced a two-year moratorium on new logging concessions as part of a deal with Norway in which Indonesia will receive up to $US1 billion ($1.2 billion) if it adheres to a letter of intent signed by the two countries yesterday.
4 June. Police disperse demonstration by
DAP
A rally which was to be organised by Dewan Adat Papua (Papuan Traditional Council) complaining about violence and the spread of alcohol was unable to go ahead. When the participants were being transported to the meeting they were prevented from reaching their destination by around fifty policemen in trucks.
A rally which was to be organised by Dewan Adat Papua (Papuan Traditional Council) complaining about violence and the spread of alcohol was unable to go ahead. When the participants were being transported to the meeting they were prevented from reaching their destination by around fifty policemen in trucks.
7 June. Don’t
turn Papua into a Military Zone
A decision by the
chief of police of Papua to deploy a company of Brimob
police officers to take charge of security in Puncak Jaya
was strongly criticised by Weynand Watori, deputy chairman
of Commission A of the DPRP. He said that Papuans strongly
oppose such a move, bearing in mind that Papua is no longer
a military operations zone - DOM
9 June. Malaria
outbreak kills 40 in Papua highlands
Papua health
agency sent a four-strong team to Intan Jaya regency to
verify reports of malaria outbreak which is said to have
killed 40 people in the highland region over the last three
months. Team member Paminto Widodo of the Papua Health
Crisis Center said Wednesday the medical workers would focus
their mission on Degesiga and Bamba villages, where the
disease reportedly affected the
most.
11 June. Papuan peoples' consultations agreed to return special autonomy law to central government
Results of consultations betwwen MRP and indigenous Papuans A two-day consultation meeting between the Majelis Rakyat Papua - MRP - and indigenous Papuan groups agreed to return (to the government) the Special Autonomy law, because the law had brought nothing of any significance to the Papuan people.
11 June. Papuan peoples' consultations agreed to return special autonomy law to central government
Results of consultations betwwen MRP and indigenous Papuans A two-day consultation meeting between the Majelis Rakyat Papua - MRP - and indigenous Papuan groups agreed to return (to the government) the Special Autonomy law, because the law had brought nothing of any significance to the Papuan people.
18 June. Papuans March on Provincial Capital
to Demand Independence
Thousands of Papuans took to the streets of Jayapura to demand independence from Indonesia, days after a local council called for the province’s special autonomy to be revoked because of its perceived ineffectiveness. The Papuans demanded an independence referendum for the province.
Thousands of Papuans took to the streets of Jayapura to demand independence from Indonesia, days after a local council called for the province’s special autonomy to be revoked because of its perceived ineffectiveness. The Papuans demanded an independence referendum for the province.
21 June. A Vanuatu government MP says it’s hoped
that parliament’s passing of a motion to raise issues
around the status of the Indonesian territories of New
Guinea, at the United Nations, won’t upset relations with
Jakarta. The motion seeks support from the UN General
Assembly in clarifying the legality of the process in which
the former Netherlands New Guinea was ceded to Indonesia in
the 1960s.
7 July. Yusak Pakage released from jail
Yusak Pakage was released from the Doyo Baru prison in Sentani,. He had been serving a ten-year sentence for his role in a peaceful demonstration in December 2004 where the Morning Star flag was raised.
8 July. Thousands of Papuans demand a referendum on self-determination
Thousands of Papuans again held a large rally to urge the provincial legislature to end special autonomy and demand a referendum allowing them to determine their own fate. An upper house the MRP voted in June to reject Papua’s autonomy status.
7 July. Yusak Pakage released from jail
Yusak Pakage was released from the Doyo Baru prison in Sentani,. He had been serving a ten-year sentence for his role in a peaceful demonstration in December 2004 where the Morning Star flag was raised.
8 July. Thousands of Papuans demand a referendum on self-determination
Thousands of Papuans again held a large rally to urge the provincial legislature to end special autonomy and demand a referendum allowing them to determine their own fate. An upper house the MRP voted in June to reject Papua’s autonomy status.
11
July. DPRP responds to calls for return of
OTSUS
Thousands of demonstrators who had spent the night on the grounds of the DPRP finally dispersed. In response to the demands from thousands of people represented by the Forum Demokrasi Rakyat Papua, together with tribal leaders, women and the youth, the DPRP said that it would respond very soon with regard to the people's aspiration for the Special Autonomy Law - OTSUS - to be handed back to the central government and the call for a referendum
Thousands of demonstrators who had spent the night on the grounds of the DPRP finally dispersed. In response to the demands from thousands of people represented by the Forum Demokrasi Rakyat Papua, together with tribal leaders, women and the youth, the DPRP said that it would respond very soon with regard to the people's aspiration for the Special Autonomy Law - OTSUS - to be handed back to the central government and the call for a referendum
15 July. Canberra agrees to write off
Aus$75 million Indonesian debt
The Australian government has agreed to write off Indonesian debt totaling Aus$75 million under a program called Debt2Health to combat tuberculosis in Indonesia, a Finance Ministry official said. "The Debt2Health initiative we have supported from the beginning will enable us to divert debt repayment budget to public health programs," Rahmat Waluyanto, the ministry`s director general of debt management, said on Thursday. Under the program, Australia will write off Indonesian debt worth Aus$75 million. In return for the program, Indonesia will invest a half of the debt or Aus$37.5 million in the national tuberculosis control program supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The Australian government has agreed to write off Indonesian debt totaling Aus$75 million under a program called Debt2Health to combat tuberculosis in Indonesia, a Finance Ministry official said. "The Debt2Health initiative we have supported from the beginning will enable us to divert debt repayment budget to public health programs," Rahmat Waluyanto, the ministry`s director general of debt management, said on Thursday. Under the program, Australia will write off Indonesian debt worth Aus$75 million. In return for the program, Indonesia will invest a half of the debt or Aus$37.5 million in the national tuberculosis control program supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
19 July. RI, US air forces
holding joint exercise in Bandung
The Indonesian and United States air forces began a joint exercise at Bandung`s Husein Sastranegara airport that will run until July 31, an Indonesian air force official said. Dubbed "Teak Iron 2010" the exercise focuses on airdrop and parachuting techniques.
The Indonesian and United States air forces began a joint exercise at Bandung`s Husein Sastranegara airport that will run until July 31, an Indonesian air force official said. Dubbed "Teak Iron 2010" the exercise focuses on airdrop and parachuting techniques.
19 July . Landslides Near
Freeport Site
Rain caused a landslide in Tembagapura
District leaving up to 80 villagers injured and one person
dead.
20 July. Trans Papua construction costs Rp50 trillion
The head of the Papua Public Works Agency said in Timika that the Papua provincial administration is busy building roads in the province. "As of 2008 we have started building the Trans Papua project covering 6,000 kilometers linking all the provinces and towns in the province," Adwin said. The project needs Rp50 trillion, obtained from the Papua Special Autonomy Fund (Otsus) and from the central government from the State Budget.
21 July . Two on trial for rebellion
Two Papuans, Semuel Yaru and Luther Wrait are on trial for taking part in a flag flying event recently outside the office of the MRP. Both men have been charged with rebellion. At the court hearing yesterday, the prosecutor presented his demand for sentencing the accused. He called on the court to sentence Sem Taru to three years and to sentence Luther Wrait to eighteen months. He said that the sentence for Sem Yaru should be higher because this is his second offence.
20 July. Trans Papua construction costs Rp50 trillion
The head of the Papua Public Works Agency said in Timika that the Papua provincial administration is busy building roads in the province. "As of 2008 we have started building the Trans Papua project covering 6,000 kilometers linking all the provinces and towns in the province," Adwin said. The project needs Rp50 trillion, obtained from the Papua Special Autonomy Fund (Otsus) and from the central government from the State Budget.
21 July . Two on trial for rebellion
Two Papuans, Semuel Yaru and Luther Wrait are on trial for taking part in a flag flying event recently outside the office of the MRP. Both men have been charged with rebellion. At the court hearing yesterday, the prosecutor presented his demand for sentencing the accused. He called on the court to sentence Sem Taru to three years and to sentence Luther Wrait to eighteen months. He said that the sentence for Sem Yaru should be higher because this is his second offence.
22
July. The U.S. has dropped its ban on ties with the
Indonesian special forces
The United States said it
was dropping its ban on ties with Indonesia's special
forces, imposed over human rights abuses in the 1990s. The
decision, made public by U.S. officials during a visit by
Defense Secretary Robert Gates to Jakarta.
22 July. The OPM said it would continue its struggle for independence
22 July. The OPM said it would continue its struggle for independence
At a recent
congress of the OPM along with its armed wing, Tentara Papua
Nasional/TPN, it was made clear that the organisation would
continue to struggle for independence. The congress was held
before members of the organisation attacked and burnt three
vehicles transporting fuels and foodstuffs in
Tingginambut
30 July. Papua Journalist Found Dead
After Going Missing for 2 Days
Ardiansyah Matra'is, a journalist working for Merauke TV was found dead near the Gudang Arang river in Merauke. Ardiansyah had been reported missing for two days. The chapter of the Alliance of Independent Journalists linked the death with the regional election and conflict fueled by the giant food estate project in the regency which has drawn huge investors. A number of journalists have been terrorized through text messages or phone calls.
31 July. Felip Karma finally given medical care
Felip Karma, A prisoner who was sentenced to 15 years' jail for raising a West Papuan flag was returned to prison after surgery for a potentially life-threatening prostate ailment . He had been denied treatment for nearly a year. Felip said that many other Papuan prisoners also needed medical care. He reiterated allegations that many had been abused in prisons.
Ardiansyah Matra'is, a journalist working for Merauke TV was found dead near the Gudang Arang river in Merauke. Ardiansyah had been reported missing for two days. The chapter of the Alliance of Independent Journalists linked the death with the regional election and conflict fueled by the giant food estate project in the regency which has drawn huge investors. A number of journalists have been terrorized through text messages or phone calls.
31 July. Felip Karma finally given medical care
Felip Karma, A prisoner who was sentenced to 15 years' jail for raising a West Papuan flag was returned to prison after surgery for a potentially life-threatening prostate ailment . He had been denied treatment for nearly a year. Felip said that many other Papuan prisoners also needed medical care. He reiterated allegations that many had been abused in prisons.
1
August. 50 Members of US Congress call on Obama to make
Papua a priority.
The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and Chairman Donald M. Payne of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health have spearheaded an effort in Congress calling upon President Obama to “make West Papua one of the highest priorities of the Administration.” As a result of their efforts, 50 Members of the U.S. Congress signed a letter to the President stating that there is strong indication that the Indonesian government has committed genocide against the Papuans. West Papua is the half of New Guinea that was invaded by Indonesia in 1962.
The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, and Chairman Donald M. Payne of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health have spearheaded an effort in Congress calling upon President Obama to “make West Papua one of the highest priorities of the Administration.” As a result of their efforts, 50 Members of the U.S. Congress signed a letter to the President stating that there is strong indication that the Indonesian government has committed genocide against the Papuans. West Papua is the half of New Guinea that was invaded by Indonesia in 1962.
3 August. Gunmen open
fire on a car
A group of gunmen opened fire on a car carrying a district chief and his family on their way home from Mulia n the Puncak Jaya. No one was injuried.
A group of gunmen opened fire on a car carrying a district chief and his family on their way home from Mulia n the Puncak Jaya. No one was injuried.
4 August. Migrant killed another
wounded
A migrant was killed and another injured after unidentified gunmen attacked them in Wuneri village in the Papua regency of Puncak Jaya. A spokesman for the police S said 25-year-old Wahid, a kiosk owner in the village, was shot dead late Wednesday afternoon and a motorcycle taxi driver who was passing by suffered gunshot wounds.
A Mobile Brigade and local police were involved in an exchange of fire against the armed group for about one hour, before the attackers fled to the jungle.
A migrant was killed and another injured after unidentified gunmen attacked them in Wuneri village in the Papua regency of Puncak Jaya. A spokesman for the police S said 25-year-old Wahid, a kiosk owner in the village, was shot dead late Wednesday afternoon and a motorcycle taxi driver who was passing by suffered gunshot wounds.
A Mobile Brigade and local police were involved in an exchange of fire against the armed group for about one hour, before the attackers fled to the jungle.
4 August Gruesome Video come to light.
One year after an activist’s death a video which shows him lying in a jungle clearing moments after troops allegedly sliced open his abdomen with a bayonet has been circulated online . The captive, Yawen Wayeni lifts his arm into the air, and says weakly, “Freedom! Papua Freedom. Police said Wayeni, had vandalized several of their buildings and vehicles, and was shot in the thigh and stomach while resisting arrest and that he died on the way to the hospital. However, Wayeni’s wife told the Commission for Disappearances and Victims of Violence that they tied his arms and legs to a log and forced him to chant “Free Papua!” before slicing him in the abdomen with a bayonet. The incident occured in August 2009.
6 August. Aid agency banned for helping rebels
The government banned Cordaid, a Dutch funding agency for allegedly supporting Papuan rebels and running a commercial enterprise, a move some fear would set a bad precedent for the future of NGOs in Papua. Cordaid, one of five foreign funding agencies for Papuan NGOs, has been involved for more than 30 years in social development work in Indonesia, focusing on economic empowerment of the poor.
3- 6 August. Pacific Islands
Forum, Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Pacific Islands Forum leaders failed to raise or condemn the human right abuses being committed by the Indonesian military in West Papua
10 August. 144 Soldiers at Papua Base Infected With HIV
The Indonesian military announced that at least 144 of its 15,000 servicemen stationed at the Cendrawasih Army base in Papua tested positive for HIV. “That figure was based on medical examinations of all personnel at Cendrawasih,” spokesman Maj. Gen. Hotma Marbun said at a press conference at the base in Jayapura.
Pacific Islands Forum leaders failed to raise or condemn the human right abuses being committed by the Indonesian military in West Papua
10 August. 144 Soldiers at Papua Base Infected With HIV
The Indonesian military announced that at least 144 of its 15,000 servicemen stationed at the Cendrawasih Army base in Papua tested positive for HIV. “That figure was based on medical examinations of all personnel at Cendrawasih,” spokesman Maj. Gen. Hotma Marbun said at a press conference at the base in Jayapura.
11 August. Indonesia tries to
stop Papuan lecture
Indonesian officials tried to put a stop to a public lecture in Melbourne to discuss the troubled province of West Papua.
11 August Komnas HAM calls for end to imilitary operations in Puncak Jaya
Indonesian officials tried to put a stop to a public lecture in Melbourne to discuss the troubled province of West Papua.
11 August Komnas HAM calls for end to imilitary operations in Puncak Jaya
The Papuan
branch of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM)
called on the police and the army to immediately end their
military operations in Puncak Jaya district because they
will never solve the root of the problems in the area.
The
Komnas HAM statement was made public at its office in
Jayapura by deputy chairman Mathius Murib.
11 August
One year sentence for two 'makar'
defendants
After a trial that lasted for five months, the court announced its verdict for the two defendants, Semuel Yaru and Luther Wrait. They were both sentenced to one year minus the time already served in detention. The sentence was lower than that requested by the prosecutor who called for three years. The judges said that there was no evidence that they had committed 'makar' (rebellion) but they were found guilty of the alternative charge of incitement (Article 110).
After a trial that lasted for five months, the court announced its verdict for the two defendants, Semuel Yaru and Luther Wrait. They were both sentenced to one year minus the time already served in detention. The sentence was lower than that requested by the prosecutor who called for three years. The judges said that there was no evidence that they had committed 'makar' (rebellion) but they were found guilty of the alternative charge of incitement (Article 110).
12 August.
HIV/AIDS carriers in Mimika reach
2,302
Antara news reported that the number of HIV/AIDS carriers in Mimika district, Papua province, has been recorded at 2,302 persons, Secretary of the National AIDS Commission (KPA) for Mimika, Reinold Ubra said. Reinold said here on Wednesday that in the April - June 2010 period alone, a total of 110 new cases of HIV/AIDS carriers were found.
Antara news reported that the number of HIV/AIDS carriers in Mimika district, Papua province, has been recorded at 2,302 persons, Secretary of the National AIDS Commission (KPA) for Mimika, Reinold Ubra said. Reinold said here on Wednesday that in the April - June 2010 period alone, a total of 110 new cases of HIV/AIDS carriers were found.
18 August. Churches call for probe of shooting
incidents
Church leaders have called for an independent investigation of a series of church shootings in Puncak Jaya, Papua, that started in 2004. “An independent team must be set up to investigate what actually happened and who was behind the incidents. The shootings have been taking place for the past six years,” Rev. Socrates Sofyan Yoman told reporters in Jayapura.
Church leaders have called for an independent investigation of a series of church shootings in Puncak Jaya, Papua, that started in 2004. “An independent team must be set up to investigate what actually happened and who was behind the incidents. The shootings have been taking place for the past six years,” Rev. Socrates Sofyan Yoman told reporters in Jayapura.
21
August. Govt urged to thoroughly investigate Papuan
journalist's murder
The Indonesian Human Rights Monitor (Imparsial) and the Indonesian Journalist Alliance (AJI) urged the government to investigate the murder of Ardiansyah Matra'is, a reporter of Merauke TV in Papua. "The state has failed to perform its duty to protect a human rights defender," Imparsial's managing director Poengky Indarti told the press in Jakarta Saturday. Matra'is was found dead in Merauke on 30 July
The Indonesian Human Rights Monitor (Imparsial) and the Indonesian Journalist Alliance (AJI) urged the government to investigate the murder of Ardiansyah Matra'is, a reporter of Merauke TV in Papua. "The state has failed to perform its duty to protect a human rights defender," Imparsial's managing director Poengky Indarti told the press in Jakarta Saturday. Matra'is was found dead in Merauke on 30 July
27 August.
Freeport pays $899m in taxes
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold Inc, reported that it has paid the government as much as US$899 million in financial obligations in the first semester of this year. The payment is made up of $581 million in Corporate Income Tax; $137 million in Employee Income Tax, Regional Dues and other taxes, $105 million in royalties, and $75 million in the government’s share of dividend
6 Sept. DPR Laments Military Operation in Papua
The House of Representatives (DPR) Law Commission deputy chairman, Tjatur Sapto Edy lamented the military operation in Puncak Jaya Regency following the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) report. Tjatur said there should be no more military operations and such approaches are no longer suitable in a democracy.
3 Sept. Mobilising a Papuan peace force
Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold Inc, reported that it has paid the government as much as US$899 million in financial obligations in the first semester of this year. The payment is made up of $581 million in Corporate Income Tax; $137 million in Employee Income Tax, Regional Dues and other taxes, $105 million in royalties, and $75 million in the government’s share of dividend
6 Sept. DPR Laments Military Operation in Papua
The House of Representatives (DPR) Law Commission deputy chairman, Tjatur Sapto Edy lamented the military operation in Puncak Jaya Regency following the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) report. Tjatur said there should be no more military operations and such approaches are no longer suitable in a democracy.
3 Sept. Mobilising a Papuan peace force
Dewan Papua Adat (Papuan Customary Council)
said it had mobilised its own force in response to the
rising political tension in Papua. They have mobilised more
than 500 people for a Papuan Peace Force (P3) and yesterday
they took part in a rally in the forecourt of the home of
the chairman of DAP, Forkorus Yaboisembut. Forkorus said
that this mobilisation is in response to the intensifying
political situation in Papua, which means that a force is
needed to protect the authority of DAP, its personnel, its
land and its natural resources.
7 Sept. Complaints
about market space for Papuan
women
Solidaritas Perempuan (Women's Solidarity) has called on the Papuan provincial legislative council (DPRP) to pay proper attention to the needs of Papuan women.
Solidaritas Perempuan (Women's Solidarity) has called on the Papuan provincial legislative council (DPRP) to pay proper attention to the needs of Papuan women.
In a demonstration to represent the
aspirations of the women, they complained that the Jayapura
municipal administration has failed to promote the interests
of the women and the customary rights of the Ireuuw people
to a decent place for stalls in the market.
13 Sept.
Detachment 88 accused of torture.
A report in the SMH said that Australia has sent an official to the Indonesian province of Maluku to investigate claims that Indonesia's elite counter-terrorism unit, Detachment 88, brutalised a group of separatists last month, repeatedly beating them in detention. Detachment 88 also operates in West Papua and the the unit's commander said that Detachment 88 has a legitimate role in countering separatism and will remain in Papua. Australia helps fund Detachment 88. An Australian embassy official denied there was an investigation going on although an embassy officer had visited Maluku r as part of a regular program of provincial visits.
14 Sept. SBY rejects dialogue but proposes constructive communication:
Responding to the proposal made by LIPI, the Indonesian Academy of Sciences, for a dialogue to take place between Jakarta and Papua. The Indonesia's President said that dialogue was not acceptable and he would prefer constructive communication to take place in seeking a solution to the problems in Papua.
16 Sept. Soldiers Patrol Papua Town
A report in the SMH said that Australia has sent an official to the Indonesian province of Maluku to investigate claims that Indonesia's elite counter-terrorism unit, Detachment 88, brutalised a group of separatists last month, repeatedly beating them in detention. Detachment 88 also operates in West Papua and the the unit's commander said that Detachment 88 has a legitimate role in countering separatism and will remain in Papua. Australia helps fund Detachment 88. An Australian embassy official denied there was an investigation going on although an embassy officer had visited Maluku r as part of a regular program of provincial visits.
14 Sept. SBY rejects dialogue but proposes constructive communication:
Responding to the proposal made by LIPI, the Indonesian Academy of Sciences, for a dialogue to take place between Jakarta and Papua. The Indonesia's President said that dialogue was not acceptable and he would prefer constructive communication to take place in seeking a solution to the problems in Papua.
16 Sept. Soldiers Patrol Papua Town
The military deployed soldiers across
Manokwari, West Papua, on Thursday as thousands of residents
stayed on the streets to protest the killing of two men by
police a day earlier. A woman was also severely injured in
the shooting that followed a dispute over a traffic
accident. Human rights groups in West Papua are calling on
the national rights commission to investigate last
Wednesday’s shooting deaths of the two civilians by the
police. Eleven Mobile Brigade personnel were eventually
blamed for the deadly incident. Four of the 11 were
sentenced to 21 days in custody and have had their
promotions suspended, and the other seven received 14 days
in custody and promotion suspensions.
21 Sept.
Ex-Minster Slams Heavy-Handed Tactics in Papua
The
government is being far too harsh in its handling of the
low-level insurgency in Papua, Rizal Ramli, a former
coordinating minister for the economy, said. Security forces
in the country’s easternmost province, particularly the
Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus), have long been accused
by human rights groups of gross rights violations when it
comes to cracking down on suspected separatists. Rizal
Ramli, said that this heavy-handed approach avoided
addressing the real root of the problem. The government
lacks a humane approach to the issue, while the Papuans want
them to show more empathy,” he said at a seminar at
Jakarta’s Indonesian Christian University (UKI).
22
Sept. US Congress Holds Open Hearing on Abuses in
Indonesian
The United States Congress held an open
hearing on Indonesia’s alleged military abuses in Papua as
well as the harsh economic, health and social condition of
its people. The inquiry, staged in Washington DC on
Wednesday afternoon local time, heard testimonies from a
number of Papuans and academics. The congressional hearing
was called by Samoan Congressman, Eni Faleomavaega.
27
Sept. Police dispatch 140 personnel to Puncak
Jaya
A new detachment of 140 Mobile Brigade personnel from Bogor, West Java, have been dispatched to Puncak Jaya. The personnel are replacing another 102 who have been in the region for four months.
A new detachment of 140 Mobile Brigade personnel from Bogor, West Java, have been dispatched to Puncak Jaya. The personnel are replacing another 102 who have been in the region for four months.
27 Sept. Agus Suhartono Named Head of
Indonesian Military
House of Representatives on
approved Navy Vice Adm. Agus Suhartono as the new head of
the Indonesian Military.
27 Sept. Indonesia signs UN
convention on enforced disappearance
The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa signed the Convention for The Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. The Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, was adopted on 20 December 2006 by the UN General Assembly and has been signed by a total of 84 nations so far. Minister Marty Natalegawa signed the Convention on the sidelines of the 65th General Assembly at the UN Headquarters.
The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa signed the Convention for The Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. The Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, was adopted on 20 December 2006 by the UN General Assembly and has been signed by a total of 84 nations so far. Minister Marty Natalegawa signed the Convention on the sidelines of the 65th General Assembly at the UN Headquarters.
28 Sept.
RI, Oz to hold joint military training on
terrorism
The Indonesian Army's Special Force (Kopassus) and the Australian Service SAS held a joint training on handling terrorism at the Ngurah Rai international airport in Bali. The training would involve more than 300 personnel from both forces, including 69 from Kopassus, 25 from SAS and 383 supporting personnel from several forces.
The Indonesian Army's Special Force (Kopassus) and the Australian Service SAS held a joint training on handling terrorism at the Ngurah Rai international airport in Bali. The training would involve more than 300 personnel from both forces, including 69 from Kopassus, 25 from SAS and 383 supporting personnel from several forces.
1 Oct. Kontras Backs Claims Maluku
Prisoners Have Been Tortured
Haris Azhar, chairman of
the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence
(Kontras), said interviews with 23 political prisoners,
members of the separatist group South Maluku Republic (RMS),
showed they had been tortured.
4 Oct. One man was
killed and at least three injured
One man was killed and at least three injured in a clash between Indonesian police and dozens of locals over a security check dispute at an airport in Wamena district . According to police they had wanted to check two bags believed to contain suspicious items and said in the past they had found evidence that ammunition and weapons had been sent through Wamena. Three people were arrested for allegedly attacking the police. Papuan tribal representative Dominikus Sorabut, from the Papuan Customary Council, said the locals were members of the council's security body and the bags had contained berets.
One man was killed and at least three injured in a clash between Indonesian police and dozens of locals over a security check dispute at an airport in Wamena district . According to police they had wanted to check two bags believed to contain suspicious items and said in the past they had found evidence that ammunition and weapons had been sent through Wamena. Three people were arrested for allegedly attacking the police. Papuan tribal representative Dominikus Sorabut, from the Papuan Customary Council, said the locals were members of the council's security body and the bags had contained berets.
6 Oct. UNCEN students raise
referendum with US ambassador
During a visit to
Cenderawasih University the new US ambassador to Indonesia,
Scot Marciel had a one-hour dialogue with students at which
the students raised their demand for a referendum and called
for merdeka a number of times during questions and answers.
They expressed their disappointment that the ambassador's
visit to the university was only one hour long and the newly
appointed ambassador made no reference to the issue of a
referendum or similar matters. The ambassador reiterated his
country’s full support for Papua as part of the integrated
nation of the Republic of Indonesia and for the
implementation of the 2001 Special Autonomy Law in the
province.
8 Oct. Nothing special has happened with
Special Autonomy
The Rev. Socrates Yoman who is head of the Baptist Church in Papua told journalists at a seminar in Jayapura that up to the present time nothing special has been felt as a result of the law on Special Autonomy. Nothing has been done to protect or empower the indigenous Papuan people.
The Rev. Socrates Yoman who is head of the Baptist Church in Papua told journalists at a seminar in Jayapura that up to the present time nothing special has been felt as a result of the law on Special Autonomy. Nothing has been done to protect or empower the indigenous Papuan people.
11 Oct. Wasior death toll
continues to rise
Although figures vary slightly in media reports the flash floods which hit the town of Wasior on the 3 and 4 October has taken the lives of 145 people with a1 20 people missing, 1000 injured and thousands left homeless. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono visited Wasior town on 11 Oct.
Although figures vary slightly in media reports the flash floods which hit the town of Wasior on the 3 and 4 October has taken the lives of 145 people with a1 20 people missing, 1000 injured and thousands left homeless. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono visited Wasior town on 11 Oct.
16 Oct RI bars Greenpeace ship from
visiting
Indonesia banned the Greenpeace ship "Rainbow Warrior" to from entering the country`s waters. Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said "It has been decided that the ship will not be allowed to enter Indonesia He said there are three offices responsible for giving access to the ship namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation and the Defense Forces Headquarters.
Indonesia banned the Greenpeace ship "Rainbow Warrior" to from entering the country`s waters. Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said "It has been decided that the ship will not be allowed to enter Indonesia He said there are three offices responsible for giving access to the ship namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation and the Defense Forces Headquarters.
West Papua was not listed on Rainbow
Warrior's Indonesian itinerary. Greenpeace’s
International executive director Kumi Naidoo told The
Weekend Australian that an invitation from the provincial
governor came after the visit application was
lodged.
Mr Naidoo said Rainbow Warrior had been asked to visit Wasior, where flooding and landslides killed 145 people 12 days ago, by governor Abraham Octavianos Atururi, but would go only with proper authorisation.
Mr Naidoo said Rainbow Warrior had been asked to visit Wasior, where flooding and landslides killed 145 people 12 days ago, by governor Abraham Octavianos Atururi, but would go only with proper authorisation.
16 Oct. Papan independence fighter dies
in Netherlands
One of the first leaders of the OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka) Zeth Rumkorem, hdied in The Netherlands, aged 72. He was found dead in his home in Wageningen, Holland.
18 Oct Video shows Papuans being tortured
An article in the SMH by Tom Allard brought to the world’s attention the shocking video footage of West Papuans being tortured by Indonesian soldiers. The video footage prompted a wave of international criticism with human rights organisations around the world condemning the actions of the Indonesian military. The four-minute video showing Indonesian soldiers torturing Papuans was removed from YouTube because of its "shocking and disgusting content." The video was uploaded online by the Asian Human Rights Commission
One of the first leaders of the OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka) Zeth Rumkorem, hdied in The Netherlands, aged 72. He was found dead in his home in Wageningen, Holland.
18 Oct Video shows Papuans being tortured
An article in the SMH by Tom Allard brought to the world’s attention the shocking video footage of West Papuans being tortured by Indonesian soldiers. The video footage prompted a wave of international criticism with human rights organisations around the world condemning the actions of the Indonesian military. The four-minute video showing Indonesian soldiers torturing Papuans was removed from YouTube because of its "shocking and disgusting content." The video was uploaded online by the Asian Human Rights Commission
20 Oct.
Police in Papua Accused of Burning Down Bigiragi
Village
An official from the Papuan Customary Council (DAP) told the Jakarta Globe on that he had received graphic images of the destruction of Bigiragi village in Puncak Jaya district by officers from the police’s Mobile Brigade. The report said that 16 Mobile Brigade officers had burned the village to the ground on Oct. 11. The report said that at least 29 homes were destroyed in the incident leaving at least 150 people homeless.
An official from the Papuan Customary Council (DAP) told the Jakarta Globe on that he had received graphic images of the destruction of Bigiragi village in Puncak Jaya district by officers from the police’s Mobile Brigade. The report said that 16 Mobile Brigade officers had burned the village to the ground on Oct. 11. The report said that at least 29 homes were destroyed in the incident leaving at least 150 people homeless.
21 Oct. Papuans Given $9.6 Million of Foreign
Aid
The Dutcg Government is reported to have donated 5.8 million dollars and the New Zealand Aid Programme donated a further 3.8 million dollars in principle to support development and poverty reduction in the Papua and West Papua Provinces. These resources would be channeled through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Dutcg Government is reported to have donated 5.8 million dollars and the New Zealand Aid Programme donated a further 3.8 million dollars in principle to support development and poverty reduction in the Papua and West Papua Provinces. These resources would be channeled through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
22 Oct. Indonesia admits troops involved in
Papua torture video
Security Affairs Minister Djoko
Suyanto told reporters that based on a preliminary report,
soldiers had tortured the Papuan men seen in the online
video footage. According to the Security Affairs Minister
the soldiers on the ground overreacted in handling those
people who had been arrested, "What they did was
unprofessional."
23 Oct. Civilised Society Has No Place
for Torture
Extract from an editorial in the Jakarta
Globe.
“Torture has no place in a modern, civilized
society. Period. It is thus distressing to learn that
certain members of the military have engaged in such
practices against innocent civilians in Papua. After more
than a decade of democratic reforms, especially within the
security forces, the emergence of evidence of the torture
carried out by soldiers is inexcusable. The video of two
Papuans being burned and beaten has been played and viewed
worldwide, damaging the reputation of both the nation and
the institution.
26 Oct. House wants immediate probe
into Papua torture case
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) wants the government to launch an immediate probe into the alleged torture of some Papuan men by members of National Defense Forces (TNI) on which some recorded footage had appeared on Youtube. "The House`s Commission I and Commission III are now coordinating to jointly ask for explanations from TNI Commander Agus Suhartono on the matter" Aziz Syamsuddin, the House`s Comission III deputy chairman, told ANTARA News, at the DPR building on Tuesday.
The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) wants the government to launch an immediate probe into the alleged torture of some Papuan men by members of National Defense Forces (TNI) on which some recorded footage had appeared on Youtube. "The House`s Commission I and Commission III are now coordinating to jointly ask for explanations from TNI Commander Agus Suhartono on the matter" Aziz Syamsuddin, the House`s Comission III deputy chairman, told ANTARA News, at the DPR building on Tuesday.
1 Nov. Australian Prime Minister
visits Indonesia.
Australian Prime Minister Julia
Gillard visited Indonesia on the 1 and 2 Nov. It was later
reported that Prime Minister Julia Gillard raised concerns
about the trial or misleading trial concerning the torture
video. A spokesperson for Ms Gillard was reported to say
that Australia still expects to see a full investigation and
that it must be transparent and that Australia will
continue to make its expectations clear. One media reported
said Australia’s Ambassador Greg Moriarty to Indonesia was
ordered to raise concerns directly with President Yudhoyono
about Indonesia’s stalled investigation into the alleged
torture of two Papuans by the military
2 Nov.
TNI/Police should stop seeking promotion in
Papua
Ruben Magai, the chairman of Commission A of the Papuan Legislative Assembly, the DPRP said that members of the armed forces and the police should stop using Papua as a place where they can secure promotion for themselves. 'Dont just come here, commit violations in Papua in the hope of securing a promotion in their rank.'
Ruben Magai, the chairman of Commission A of the Papuan Legislative Assembly, the DPRP said that members of the armed forces and the police should stop using Papua as a place where they can secure promotion for themselves. 'Dont just come here, commit violations in Papua in the hope of securing a promotion in their rank.'
8 Nov. Papuan torture trial 'red
herring'
The trial into abuses by Indonesian soldiers
in Papua which was supposed to show evidence of the
Indonesian government’s commitment to human rights ,
proved to be a deception. The trial of the four soldiers
which began on the 5 November in Jayapura, amid assurances
that those appearing were involved in the torture of two
Papuan men depicted in a video. However it soon became
apparent that the four defendants had nothing to do with the
incident depicted in the video, and were four soldiers that
had been involved in another incident in March.
9 Nov.
Protesters arrested after
demonstration
Three activists were arrested for staging a demonstration demanding to meet visiting US President Barrack Obama to convey their aspirations. Protester Usman Yogbi said they had sought to report human rights violations, environmental damage and protest the presence of Freeport, which they said had not benefitted the local people.They had planned to hold a “Papuan solidarity for Obama” demonstration at the Papuan legislature but instead now face detention on the grounds that they did not have the mandatory permit.
Three activists were arrested for staging a demonstration demanding to meet visiting US President Barrack Obama to convey their aspirations. Protester Usman Yogbi said they had sought to report human rights violations, environmental damage and protest the presence of Freeport, which they said had not benefitted the local people.They had planned to hold a “Papuan solidarity for Obama” demonstration at the Papuan legislature but instead now face detention on the grounds that they did not have the mandatory permit.
10
Nov. Soldiers Found Guilty of Papua Torture sentenced to
jail
Army Second Lieutenant Cosmos, commander of Kolome Post in Illu District, Papua has been found guilty of torturing civilians and sentenced to four months in prison. The sentence will include his detention period. Cosmos was charged with torturing a number of people living in Puncak Jaya, Papua, last March. Private FC Sahminan Husain Lubis, Private Joko Sulistiono and Private Dwi Purwanto, were sentenced to three months jail time for the same offence
Army Second Lieutenant Cosmos, commander of Kolome Post in Illu District, Papua has been found guilty of torturing civilians and sentenced to four months in prison. The sentence will include his detention period. Cosmos was charged with torturing a number of people living in Puncak Jaya, Papua, last March. Private FC Sahminan Husain Lubis, Private Joko Sulistiono and Private Dwi Purwanto, were sentenced to three months jail time for the same offence
11 Nov. Leaked Kopassus report shows
civilians targeted in Papua
Investigative journalist Alan Nairn released a secret report by a Kopassus task force which shows a list of West Papuans engaged in human rights work are a target of the Indonesian Special Force Group, Kopassus. The report can be found on his blog at
Investigative journalist Alan Nairn released a secret report by a Kopassus task force which shows a list of West Papuans engaged in human rights work are a target of the Indonesian Special Force Group, Kopassus. The report can be found on his blog at
http://www.allannairn.com/2010/11/breaking-news-secret-files-show.html
18
Nov. Australia donates to Indonesian maritime
security
The Australian Government has donated a new maritime radio communication system to Indonesia to help it combat maritime threats and transnational crime.
The Australian Government has donated a new maritime radio communication system to Indonesia to help it combat maritime threats and transnational crime.
As part of the partnership with
Indonesia, the Gillard Government has donated $2 million for
the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The
VHF radio network provides more comprehensive reception of
radio transmissions and can monitor maritime radio messages
from anywhere within the archipelago.
21 Nov. 9 held
for flying banned flag in Indonesian
Papua
Authorities in Papua arrested nine people for raising a separatist flag just hours before President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was due to arrive in the province. Eight men and a woman believed to be linked with the OPM hoisted the banned Morning Star flag on Saturday in Yalengga Bolakme, near Wamena in the central mountainous range of Papua.
Authorities in Papua arrested nine people for raising a separatist flag just hours before President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was due to arrive in the province. Eight men and a woman believed to be linked with the OPM hoisted the banned Morning Star flag on Saturday in Yalengga Bolakme, near Wamena in the central mountainous range of Papua.
2 Dec. Military Continues Crackdown in
Indonesian Papua
One person was reported killed in raids in Papua as the military steped up its search for members of the Free Papua Movement . Markus Haluk, a member of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP), said that Wendiman Wenda, a 55-year-old farmer, was killed outside his house. He said that Wendiman was shot while working in his garden in Yambi village, Puncak Jaya district, on Sunday, shortly after returning from church. “The military was patrolling the area and assumed he was an OPM member,” he said. “Wendiman was not a separatist. He was just a farmer.”
One person was reported killed in raids in Papua as the military steped up its search for members of the Free Papua Movement . Markus Haluk, a member of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP), said that Wendiman Wenda, a 55-year-old farmer, was killed outside his house. He said that Wendiman was shot while working in his garden in Yambi village, Puncak Jaya district, on Sunday, shortly after returning from church. “The military was patrolling the area and assumed he was an OPM member,” he said. “Wendiman was not a separatist. He was just a farmer.”
3 Dec. One killed, eight
arrested in raid
A man was shot dead and eight others
arrested Friday in an operation by the Jayapura Police and
Wira Yakti Military Command to apprehend the perpetrators of
a shooting incident in Nafri, Abepura, on Nov. 28. The
operation commenced on Thursday and the dead suspect,
identified as Miron Wetipo, was killed at around 00:30 a.m.
local time. Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. said. That the joint
team raided the area because of reports that the firearms
used in the shooting incident in Nafri were stashed in a
house there. The eight people arrested were taken into
custody for questioning. Authorities claim to have recovered
two boxes of ammunition at the scene.
4 Dec. Sebby
Sambom arrested.
Seby Sembon was arrested as he was about to board a planeto fly to Cingkareng.
Seby Sembon was arrested as he was about to board a planeto fly to Cingkareng.
Sembon is currently under house arrest, in the
cutody of the prosecutor's office, awaiting trial on charges
of makar for involvement in a demonstrator on 16 October
2008 held to launch International Parliamentarians for West
Papua. When he was arrested, a laptop was confiscated
and is reported to have contained information about human
rights violations committed by the police and the army in
Papua. Sembon was taken to the prosecutor's office for
further investigation.
4 Dec. Man shot dead at Puncak Jaya cafe
A shooting occurred at 7:30 p.m. at the Mulia Old Town Market in the Puncak Jaya district, where four unknown gunmen burst into a cafe and shot dead one of its customers, identified as Muhamad Amas. Witnesses said Amas, a motorcycle-taxi driver, had been at the cafe with five friends at the time. They said the gunmen appeared suddenly from the thick jungle on the fringe of the market and fired rounds of shots in the cafe before immediately fleeing back into the dark jungle. Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Wachyono on Sunday said it appeared that the gunmen had intended to target a group of soldiers, two of whom were from the Army’s Special Forces Unit (Kopassus), but had missed. Authorities are blaming separatist guerrillas for the attack
7 Dec. Military officer's house in Jayapura bombed
A military officer's house in Jayapura, was bombed at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday. Police suspected that the bombs were Molotov cocktails after they found broken bottles at the scene.The house, located at a military housing complex in Bucen VI, North Jayapura district, belonged to Maj. J.B. Jatmiko. No one was reported injured.
4 Dec. Man shot dead at Puncak Jaya cafe
A shooting occurred at 7:30 p.m. at the Mulia Old Town Market in the Puncak Jaya district, where four unknown gunmen burst into a cafe and shot dead one of its customers, identified as Muhamad Amas. Witnesses said Amas, a motorcycle-taxi driver, had been at the cafe with five friends at the time. They said the gunmen appeared suddenly from the thick jungle on the fringe of the market and fired rounds of shots in the cafe before immediately fleeing back into the dark jungle. Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Wachyono on Sunday said it appeared that the gunmen had intended to target a group of soldiers, two of whom were from the Army’s Special Forces Unit (Kopassus), but had missed. Authorities are blaming separatist guerrillas for the attack
7 Dec. Military officer's house in Jayapura bombed
A military officer's house in Jayapura, was bombed at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday. Police suspected that the bombs were Molotov cocktails after they found broken bottles at the scene.The house, located at a military housing complex in Bucen VI, North Jayapura district, belonged to Maj. J.B. Jatmiko. No one was reported injured.
11 Dec. Violators in remote
areas gain impunity
The National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) marked International Human Rights Day on Friday by releasing a year-end report that highlighted rampant torture and killing by military and police officers. “The number of complaints we received this year against law enforcers from remote areas remains high. This is because of the lack of transparency, both by the National Police and the Indonesian Military, in imposing penalties for violators of human rights,” commission chairman Ifdhal Kasim said
The National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) marked International Human Rights Day on Friday by releasing a year-end report that highlighted rampant torture and killing by military and police officers. “The number of complaints we received this year against law enforcers from remote areas remains high. This is because of the lack of transparency, both by the National Police and the Indonesian Military, in imposing penalties for violators of human rights,” commission chairman Ifdhal Kasim said
14
Dec. Lawyer, five students and others arrested in
Manokwari
From Tapol. According to a report received this morning (14 December) from LP3BH, the legal aid and investigation institute based in Manokwari, a member of their lawyers team has been arrested by the police while he was involved in monitoring a flag-raising incident on Tuesday, 14 December. As reported by Yan Christian Warrinussy, executive director of the LP3BH, the flag-raising is an event held every year on 14 December to mark the anniversary of the independence proclamation by the West Melanesian Council 22 years ago [in 1988] by Dr Thomas Wanggai (who died shortly thereafter)
From Tapol. According to a report received this morning (14 December) from LP3BH, the legal aid and investigation institute based in Manokwari, a member of their lawyers team has been arrested by the police while he was involved in monitoring a flag-raising incident on Tuesday, 14 December. As reported by Yan Christian Warrinussy, executive director of the LP3BH, the flag-raising is an event held every year on 14 December to mark the anniversary of the independence proclamation by the West Melanesian Council 22 years ago [in 1988] by Dr Thomas Wanggai (who died shortly thereafter)
14 Dec.
Freeport Pays Rp 11,8 Trillion in Taxes and
Royalties
PT Freeport Indonesia reported that it has
paid the government US$ 418 million in taxes and royalties
during July-September. The payment consisted of the
company’s income tax totaling US$ 343 million,
employees’ income taxes, regional taxes, other taxes
amounting to US$ 41 million, and royalties worth US$ 34
million. In a press release Freeport’s management said
that all of Freeport’s payment until September was US$ 1,3
billion, comprising the company’s income tax worth US$ 925
million, other taxes of US$ 178 million, royalties worth US$
139 million, and the government’s dividends of US$ 75
million.
15 Dec. Shooting death in
Papua
Andi Rahmat Faisal was found dead on Wednesday bringing to four the total number of shooting victims in the past three weeks in Jayapura regency. A Papua Police spokesman said “He was found at 1 o’clock and we believe he was killed a few days before. He had a gunshot wound to his left eye,” Andi worked as a collections agent for a cellphone retailer in Sentani. “He was shot on his way home to Sentani after collecting money. Rp 40 million has been reported missing,” Wachyono said
Andi Rahmat Faisal was found dead on Wednesday bringing to four the total number of shooting victims in the past three weeks in Jayapura regency. A Papua Police spokesman said “He was found at 1 o’clock and we believe he was killed a few days before. He had a gunshot wound to his left eye,” Andi worked as a collections agent for a cellphone retailer in Sentani. “He was shot on his way home to Sentani after collecting money. Rp 40 million has been reported missing,” Wachyono said
16
Dec. OPM leader Kelly Kwalik honoured
A number of local people gathered to remember and honour OPM leader Kelly Kwalik who was killed by Indonesian security forces one year ago.
A number of local people gathered to remember and honour OPM leader Kelly Kwalik who was killed by Indonesian security forces one year ago.
17 Dec. WikiLeaks, a lifting of
the US ban on training with
Kopassus
According to diplomatic cables published by the Sydney Morning Herald from WikiLeaks, a lifting of the US ban on training with Kopassus was made a condition of Obama's recent visit to Jakarta
According to diplomatic cables published by the Sydney Morning Herald from WikiLeaks, a lifting of the US ban on training with Kopassus was made a condition of Obama's recent visit to Jakarta
23 Dec.
Jakarta causing unrest in West Papua
In more cables
released by WikiLeaks it was reveal that US diplomats blame
the government in Jakarta for unrest in West Papua, where
Indonesian military commanders have been accused of illegal
logging operations and drug smuggling from West Papua into
Papua New Guinea. According to the leaked US diplomatic
cables the US believes that the Indonesian Government is
causing unrest in West Papua due to neglect, corruption and
human rights abuses
29 Dec. Kontras Says Police Most
Violent Institution in 2010,
Haris Azhar, coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), a major Indonesian human rights group has accused the National Police of being the state institution guilty of committing the highest number of acts of violence against the public in 2010. This year “leaves a big stain on the National Police’s record in terms of working toward reform and accountability Haris told a press conference on Tuesday “This year there were at least 34 cases of violence perpetrated by members of the National Police against the public,” he said. Haris added that most of the violence involved torture, especially during investigations, as well as the excessive use of force and abuse of police weapons.
Haris Azhar, coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), a major Indonesian human rights group has accused the National Police of being the state institution guilty of committing the highest number of acts of violence against the public in 2010. This year “leaves a big stain on the National Police’s record in terms of working toward reform and accountability Haris told a press conference on Tuesday “This year there were at least 34 cases of violence perpetrated by members of the National Police against the public,” he said. Haris added that most of the violence involved torture, especially during investigations, as well as the excessive use of force and abuse of police weapons.
31 Dec. Torturing suspects
'the norm' in Indonesia
A new report says Indonesian law enforcers routinely torture suspects and convicts to extract confessions or obtain information. Restaria Hutabarat of the Jakarta-based Legal Aid Foundation says the group's report found beatings, intimidation and rape are so commonplace they are considered the norm. It found that few victims believe they have the right to lodge complaints.
A new report says Indonesian law enforcers routinely torture suspects and convicts to extract confessions or obtain information. Restaria Hutabarat of the Jakarta-based Legal Aid Foundation says the group's report found beatings, intimidation and rape are so commonplace they are considered the norm. It found that few victims believe they have the right to lodge complaints.
Some of the reports/books released in
2010
Investing in the Future of Papua and West Papua: Infrastructure for Sustainable Development
ReliefWeb Source: The World Bank Group Jan 2010
Investing in the Future of Papua and West Papua: Infrastructure for Sustainable Development
ReliefWeb Source: The World Bank Group Jan 2010
Full_Report (pdf* format - 4.2
Mbytes)
“Unkept Promise” Failure to End
Military Business Activity in Indonesia
Human Rights
Watch report Jan 2010
This 20-page report provides a
detailed critique of a presidential decree and Defense
Ministry regulations addressing military involvement in
businesses that were issued in October 2009. It finds that
these measures do not satisfy the requirement in a 2004 law
that the government fully divest the armed forces of its
business interests as a means to promote military
professionalism and civilian control.
Radicalisation and Dialogue in Papua,
Asia Report Nº188.
International Crisis Group Mar 2010
Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua saw an upsurge in political violence in 2009, continuing into 2010.
International Crisis Group Mar 2010
Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua saw an upsurge in political violence in 2009, continuing into 2010.
Note.
A number of NGO’s responded to this report as many felt it
was mistaken in some of its its conclusions. AWPA’s
response can be found at the Lowy Institutes blog “The
interpreter” at http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/post/2010/03/24/Reader-riposte-The-Freeport-attacks.aspx
See also Get up, stand up: West Papua stands up for its
rights (below)
Prosecuting Political Aspiration
Indonesia’s Political Prisoners.
Human Rights Watch report. June 22, 2010
Human Rights Watch report. June 22, 2010
This 43-page report
is based on more than 50 jailhouse interviews with political
prisoners conducted between December 2008 and May 2010. It
describes the arrest and prosecution of activists for
peacefully raising banned symbols, such as the Papuan
Morning Star and the South Moluccan RMS flags. The report
also details torture that many say they have suffered in
detention, especially by members of the Detachment
88/Anti-Terror Squad in Ambon, as well as police and prison
guards in Papua, and the failure of the government to hold
those responsible to account.
http://www.hrw.org/
How Sinar Mas is pulping the planet
July 2010 . A new investigative report from Greenpeace, 'How Sinar Mas is Pulping the Planet', shows how major brands like Walmart, Auchan and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) are fueling climate change and pushing Sumatran tigers and orang-utans towards the brink of extinction.
How Sinar Mas is pulping the planet
July 2010 . A new investigative report from Greenpeace, 'How Sinar Mas is Pulping the Planet', shows how major brands like Walmart, Auchan and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) are fueling climate change and pushing Sumatran tigers and orang-utans towards the brink of extinction.
One
People, One Soul' West Papuan Nationalism and the
OPM
New Book by John Ondawame
Indonesian colonisation of West Papua and the lack of a democratic tradition have been the main root causes of the current political problems in this area, triggering the emergence of an increasingly strong Papuan nationalism that finds its expression in a resistance movement, led by the OPM, seeking self-determination and independence. These problems have continued over many years, having serious social, political, economic, and environmental effects for West Papua but, despite the widespread local resistance, the OPM has so far been unable to end the colonial domination and practices.
New Book by John Ondawame
Indonesian colonisation of West Papua and the lack of a democratic tradition have been the main root causes of the current political problems in this area, triggering the emergence of an increasingly strong Papuan nationalism that finds its expression in a resistance movement, led by the OPM, seeking self-determination and independence. These problems have continued over many years, having serious social, political, economic, and environmental effects for West Papua but, despite the widespread local resistance, the OPM has so far been unable to end the colonial domination and practices.
Inquiry
into Human Rights Mechanisms and the Asia-Pacific
Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Defence and TradeCommittee activities (inquiries and
reports)http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/asia_pacific_hr/report.htm
Get
up, stand up: West Papua stands up for its
rights
Elmslie, Jim and Camellia Webb Gannon with Peter King July 2010
Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, The University of Sydney
http://sydney.edu.au/arts/peace_conflict/docs/events/2010/Online_version.pdf
Elmslie, Jim and Camellia Webb Gannon with Peter King July 2010
Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, The University of Sydney
http://sydney.edu.au/arts/peace_conflict/docs/events/2010/Online_version.pdf
Indonesia:
The Deepening Impasse in
Papua
International Crisis Group Aug 2010
International Crisis Group Aug 2010
http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/asia/south-east-asia/indonesia/B108-indonesia-the-deepening-impasse-in-papua.aspx
Rogue
Traders
EIA August 2010
The murky business of
merbau smuggling in Indonesia
A detailed expose of some of the key players behing Indonesia's illegal timber trade.
A detailed expose of some of the key players behing Indonesia's illegal timber trade.
Online Graphic Novel about West
Papua
From the author. The Illustrator and I have chosen to release the first three chapters (60 pages) now, given the urgency of the content but also because we can update and add to this "flip book" over time. (Try your scroll wheel to flip pages.)
From the author. The Illustrator and I have chosen to release the first three chapters (60 pages) now, given the urgency of the content but also because we can update and add to this "flip book" over time. (Try your scroll wheel to flip pages.)
If you enjoy the beautiful
illustrations in this book and you come to appreciate the
global significance and dire urgency of its story, please
tell others about papuanvoices.com. www.papuanvoices.com.
INDONESIA:
Economic marginalization fuelling conflict in
Papua
humanitarian news and analysis
a
project of the UN Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs
JAKARTA, August 2010 (IRIN) -
Economic marginalization of the indigenous population in
Indonesia's easternmost Papua region is fuelling conflict,
experts and activists warn.
Papua, home to ethnic
Melanesians, has experienced a low-level separatist conflict
for decades, while a recent political standoff with the
central government over political representation has sparked
growing calls for a referendum on the region's status...
Indonesia:
Papuans displaced by military operations in the central
highlands remain unassisted
Date: 13 Oct 2010
Since May 2010 and
particularly in May and June, an unknown number of Papuans,
ranging from several hundreds to several thousands, have
been reported to be internally displaced in the central
highlands region of Puncak Jaya, where the government of
Indonesia has been conducting counter-insurgency operations
against rebels of the OPM (Free Papua Movement). Fleeing the
army's "sweeping operations", which are often accompanied by
severe human rights violations, most internally displaced
people (IDPs) have taken shelter in the jungle, where they
have very limited or no access to basic necessities of life
including food, shelter, water and health care.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/VDUX-8A7M67?OpenDocument
Indonesia: Papua Flood Situation report 12 October 2010
Indonesia: Papua Flood Situation report 12 October 2010
Source:
Yakkum
Emergency Unit Date: 13 Oct 2010
Brief description of
the emergency
Flash flood struck Wondama Bay (Wasior),
Papua (110 sea miles east of Nabire) at October 4, 2010;
resulting in 105 casualties (BNPB data on 11 October),
hundreds injured and thousand forced to flee to Manokwari
and Nabire. 67 people are still
missing..............................
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/JALR-8A7EP3?OpenDocument
UNFPA provide reproductive health assistance for Wasior flash floods
UNFPA provide reproductive health assistance for Wasior flash floods
Date: 13 Oct 2010
On 12 October 2010 UNFPA,
the United Nations Population Fund, provided assistance in
the form of reproductive health supplies for the flash
floods in Wasior, West Papua, Indonesia. In coordination
with the Crisis Centre and Maternal Directorate of the
Ministry of Health UNFPA provided:
West
Papua Flash Floods Information bulletin n° 3
Source: International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Source: International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Date: 19 Nov 2010
This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation. Palang Merah Indonesia, (in English Indonesian Red Cross), will, however, accept direct assistance to provide support to the affected population………..
This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation. Palang Merah Indonesia, (in English Indonesian Red Cross), will, however, accept direct assistance to provide support to the affected population………..
Date: 9 Dec 2010
Anomie
and Violence
Non-truth and Reconciliation in Indonesian Peacebuilding
Non-truth and Reconciliation in Indonesian Peacebuilding
John Braithwaite, Valerie
Braithwaite, Michael Cookson, Leah Dunn.
Indonesia
suffered an explosion of religious violence, ethnic
violence, separatist violence, terrorism, and violence by
criminal gangs, the security forces and militias in the late
1990s and early 2000s. By 2002 Indonesia had the worst
terrorism problem of any nation. All these forms of violence
have now fallen dramatically. How was this accomplished?
What drove the rise and the fall of violence? Anomie theory
is deployed to explain these developments.
Investing
in Papua: The Dual Challenges of Governance and
Development
Alistair Cook
Alistair Cook
Centre for NTS
Studies of the S. Rajaratnam School of International
Studies, The National University of Singapore
Brief
historical background
The conflict in West Papua, the western half of the island of New Guinea, can trace its origins, like so many of the conflicts around the world, to the boundaries that were drawn up by former colonial powers, and one cannot understand the present conflict in West Papua without understanding its history.
The conflict in West Papua, the western half of the island of New Guinea, can trace its origins, like so many of the conflicts around the world, to the boundaries that were drawn up by former colonial powers, and one cannot understand the present conflict in West Papua without understanding its history.
We could say the modern history of West Papua
began when the island was partitioned by three Western
powers, the Dutch claiming the western half in 1828, while
the Germans and British divided the eastern half into German
New Guinea in the north and British Papua in the south
(1884). Eventually the Eastern half became the independent
nation of Papua New Guinea in 1975.
The Papuan people of Dutch New Guinea (also called Netherlands New Guinea or West New Guinea), were to have a different fate. The Republic of Indonesia was created in 1949 when the Indonesian people won their struggle for independence against their former colonial masters, The Dutch. West New Guinea, due to its distinct Melanesian population, was retained as a colony by the Dutch and during the 1950s, the Dutch government prepared the territory for independence. However, President Sukarno continued to claim that West New Guinea should be part of Indonesia and when his demands were not met, armed conflict ensued in 1962. (In January 1962, there was a clash between Dutch and Indonesian naval forces of the coast of West New Guinea resulting in the sinking of an Indonesian naval patrol boat. Also in 1961 Indonesia sent armed infiltrators into West New Guinea).
The Papuan people of Dutch New Guinea (also called Netherlands New Guinea or West New Guinea), were to have a different fate. The Republic of Indonesia was created in 1949 when the Indonesian people won their struggle for independence against their former colonial masters, The Dutch. West New Guinea, due to its distinct Melanesian population, was retained as a colony by the Dutch and during the 1950s, the Dutch government prepared the territory for independence. However, President Sukarno continued to claim that West New Guinea should be part of Indonesia and when his demands were not met, armed conflict ensued in 1962. (In January 1962, there was a clash between Dutch and Indonesian naval forces of the coast of West New Guinea resulting in the sinking of an Indonesian naval patrol boat. Also in 1961 Indonesia sent armed infiltrators into West New Guinea).
Under pressure from the United
States to come to terms with Indonesia, the Dutch
agreed to secret negotiations and in August 1962, an agreement was concluded in
New York between the Netherlands and Indonesia. Under this agreement, the Dutch
agreed to secret negotiations and in August 1962, an agreement was concluded in
New York between the Netherlands and Indonesia. Under this agreement, the Dutch
were to leave West New Guinea and transfer sovereignty to UNTEA (the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority). After 7 months the UN transferred power to Indonesia with the provision that a referendum be held to determine Papuan preference for independence, or integration with Indonesia.
From the moment Indonesia took over the administration
from UNTEA, the oppression of the West Papuan people began.
A sham referendum called the “Act of Free Choice” was
held in 1969, under UN supervision. Only 1022 hand-picked
voters, one representative for every 700 West Papuans, were
allowed vote, and under coercion, voted to remain with
Indonesia. The West Papuan people call this the ‘act of no
choice’. A UN official, a retired undersecretary-general
, who handled the takeover said recently: “Nobody gave a
thought to the fact that there were a million people who had
their fundamental human rights trampled,” and “It was
just a whitewash. The mood at the United Nations was to get
rid of this problem as quickly as possible”.
Indonesian rule
Since Indonesia took over the administration of West Papua in 1963, there have been ongoing human rights abuses in the territory. A report prepared for the Indonesia Human Rights Network by the Allard K. Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic Yale Law School titled “Indonesian Human Rights abuses in West Papua: Application of the Law of Genocide to the History of Indonesian Control” was released in 2004. The following extract from the reports conclusion aptly describes what has been occurring in West Papua since the Indonesian takeover.
Since Indonesia took over the administration of West Papua in 1963, there have been ongoing human rights abuses in the territory. A report prepared for the Indonesia Human Rights Network by the Allard K. Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic Yale Law School titled “Indonesian Human Rights abuses in West Papua: Application of the Law of Genocide to the History of Indonesian Control” was released in 2004. The following extract from the reports conclusion aptly describes what has been occurring in West Papua since the Indonesian takeover.
“Since the so-called Act of Free
Choice, the West Papuan people have suffered persistent and
horrible abuses at the hands of the Indonesian government.
The Indonesian military and security forces have engaged in
widespread violence and extrajudicial killings in West
Papua. They have subjected Papuan men and women to acts of
torture, disappearance, rape, and sexual violence, thus
causing serious bodily and mental harm. Systematic resource
exploitation, the destruction of Papuan resources and crops,
compulsory (and often uncompensated) labor, transmigration
schemes, and forced relocation have caused pervasive
environmental harm to the region, undermined traditional
subsistence practices, and led to widespread disease,
malnutrition, and death among West
Papuans”.
Australian involvement
As to Australia’s involvement - originally we supported the Dutch in trying to hold onto West New Guinea, as we preferred another colonial power to act as a buffer zone between Australia and any potential invader from the north. However, once the US decided to back Indonesia, Australia also decided to support Indonesia’s takeover of West Papua. In fact, Australia acted against the wishes of the West Papuan people, who always wanted independence. One example is the case of two West Papuan leaders, Clemens Runawery and Willem Zonggonao who were removed by Australian officials from a plane just weeks before the UN supervised vote. (in Australia’s then colony of PNG). This was at the request of the Indonesian foreign minister. They were on their way to the UN in New York carrying testimonies from many West Papuan leaders calling for independence. Because of Australia’s involvment, they never had a chance to plead their case.
As to Australia’s involvement - originally we supported the Dutch in trying to hold onto West New Guinea, as we preferred another colonial power to act as a buffer zone between Australia and any potential invader from the north. However, once the US decided to back Indonesia, Australia also decided to support Indonesia’s takeover of West Papua. In fact, Australia acted against the wishes of the West Papuan people, who always wanted independence. One example is the case of two West Papuan leaders, Clemens Runawery and Willem Zonggonao who were removed by Australian officials from a plane just weeks before the UN supervised vote. (in Australia’s then colony of PNG). This was at the request of the Indonesian foreign minister. They were on their way to the UN in New York carrying testimonies from many West Papuan leaders calling for independence. Because of Australia’s involvment, they never had a chance to plead their case.
The Question of Special Autonomy
The question of Special Autonomy is very important as a number of governments support the Special Autonomy package offered by Jakarta to the West Papuan people. They believe its the best way forward for the Papuan people however, the West Papuan people have rejected it and symbolically handed it back to Jakarta this year.
The question of Special Autonomy is very important as a number of governments support the Special Autonomy package offered by Jakarta to the West Papuan people. They believe its the best way forward for the Papuan people however, the West Papuan people have rejected it and symbolically handed it back to Jakarta this year.
Special Autonomy
In 2001, President Megawati and the Indonesian Government approved a Special Autonomy package for West Papuaas well as allowing a name change for the province to “Papua”. It was hoped this autonomy package would dampen support for independence. Although the package appeared generous in that the central government would return up to 70% of the province’s revenue, it was rejected by the West Papuan people. This refusal at what appears to be a very generous package surprised the central government who seem to have great difficulty believing the fact that the West Papuan people want their freedom. But the Indonesian Government was never really committed to Special Autonomy and this was confirmed when President Megawati in 2003, issued Presidential Instruction No. 1/2003, to divide Papua into three separate provinces.
The Presidential Instruction
was legally problematic as the 2001 Special Autonomy Law
No. 21 held a more legitimate legal status than the
presidential instruction. The decree contradicted Law No.
21/2001 on special autonomy for Papua, particularly Article
76 which states that any policy affecting Papuans must be
approved by the Papuan People’s Council (MRP), in effect
Papua can only be divided into several provinces if it were
an aspiration of the Papuan people and also only with the
approval of the MRP. (In August 2002, the Papuan parliament
sent a draft bill establishing the MRP to the Ministry of
Home Affairs, however, officially at the time of the
division the MRP had not yet been established. The MRP has
only come into being after long delays, under the present
SBY government).
To the West Papuan people this
presidential instruction to divide West Papua into a number
of provinces was basically seen as a case of ‘divide and
rule’ i.e. to weaken the Papuan movement for self
determination. In 2004, the Indonesian Constitutional Court
overturned the controversial law that would have divided
Papua into three new provinces, but ruled that one of the
new provinces (West Irian Jaya ) would remain intact as it
had already been established in line with constitutional
requirements i.e. it became a de facto province. The
formation of the third proposed province, Central Irian Jaya
was disallowed.
In January 2008, Indonesia’s House of
Representatives endorsed its own plan to create another four
provinces in West Papua. With the four new proposed
provinces (which would exclude the province of Papua), there
would be a total number of five provinces in the western
half of the Island of New Guinea, Papua, West Papua,
Southwest Papua, Central Papua, and South Papua. However, at
this stage President Yudhoyono has postponed (not cancelled)
the formation of the new
provinces.
International
community
A number of governments have supported the autonomy package for West Papua as it gives them a way of avoiding looking at the harder question of self-determination for the West Papuan people. Funding for the autonomy package has flowed to West Papua but it has only benefited some elites and the bureaucrats with no benefit for the majority of West Papuans, which is why it has been rejected. The Rev. Socratez Sofyan Yoman, President of the Fellowship of Baptist Churches of West Papua has said that Special Autonomy funds have been used to support military operations by the TNI against the West Papuan people.
A number of governments have supported the autonomy package for West Papua as it gives them a way of avoiding looking at the harder question of self-determination for the West Papuan people. Funding for the autonomy package has flowed to West Papua but it has only benefited some elites and the bureaucrats with no benefit for the majority of West Papuans, which is why it has been rejected. The Rev. Socratez Sofyan Yoman, President of the Fellowship of Baptist Churches of West Papua has said that Special Autonomy funds have been used to support military operations by the TNI against the West Papuan people.
There have been ongoing demonstrations against
Special Autonomy for many years including the one below in
July of this year with the marchers calling for a referendum
on self-determination, and rejecting special autonomy.
The Papuans are calling for an end to governments
supporting Special Autonomy as the only way forward for the
West Papuan people and are calling on Jakarta to open a
national dialogue with the West Papuan leadership. Dialogue
with Jakarta is what the West Papuan people are demanding to
solve the many issues of concern in the territory.
West
Papuans marching in Jayapura in July 2010 calling for a
referendum on self-determination, and rejecting special
autonomy. (AFP Photo/Banjir Ambarita)
The Threat to
West Papua’s forests
West Papua contains some of the last great tracts of undisturbed rain forest in the Asia-Pacific region. Natural forest cover is still approximately 70% of the territory however, there is no doubt that the rich, bio-diverse forests of West Papua are coming under major threat as the Indonesian government looks to replace the exhausted forests resources in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The main threats include logging (both legal and illegal), oil palm plantations and proposed food estates although transmigration sites and mining areas have also impacted on the forests of West Papua.
West Papua contains some of the last great tracts of undisturbed rain forest in the Asia-Pacific region. Natural forest cover is still approximately 70% of the territory however, there is no doubt that the rich, bio-diverse forests of West Papua are coming under major threat as the Indonesian government looks to replace the exhausted forests resources in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The main threats include logging (both legal and illegal), oil palm plantations and proposed food estates although transmigration sites and mining areas have also impacted on the forests of West Papua.
Oil Palm
Plantations
The world’s demand for bio-fuel is causing deforestation in tropical forests around the world and oil palm plantations are now a major threat to the forests of West Papua.
John McBeth in an article titled
‘Tussle for Papua's forests” (Straits Times, Singapore
21/8/07) reported on the Indonesian central government’s
plan to massively expand palm oil plantations in West Papua.
This would entail the creation of four million hectares of
plantations concentrated in the south-eastern districts of
Merauke, Boven Digoel and Mappi, and in the Sari, Keerom
and Jayapura regencies on the northern side of the Central
Highlands. According to McBeth, about 90 per cent of the
area designated for conversion to palm oil plantation is
primary forest that has never been logged.
The exact
amount of land set aside for oil palm plantations is unclear
and figures vary according to sources. Greenpeace claims
that Indonesia’s President has asked Papua’s Governor
Barnabas Seubu to open up five million hectares of land for
conversion into palm oil plantations in a bid to increase
biofuel production.
Conflict
A report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) in 2007 reported that The social and political tensions generated by natural resources investment have always been an important element of the Papua conflict. Papua’s and West Papua’s timber, fishing and minerals are vital to the national economy, yet their populations are poorer than those of any other province in Indonesia except West Nusa Tenggara. The most significant new investment in Papua, however, is plantation development, particularly oil palm, and the bulk of it – potentially hundreds of thousands of hectares – will be in Boven Digoel, Mappi and Merauke”. The report raised a number of concerns including “the potential influx of non-Papuan Indonesian workers”. West Papuans are already concerned that they will become a minority in their own land and any influx of migrants into an area has the potential to cause conflict between the local people and Indonesia workers.
Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate
(MIFEE)
The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate is a project to create a $5 billion agricultural estate across three districts in Papua. The MIFEE program is the latest attempt by the government to gain self-sufficiency in food production, with a longer-term goal of someday becoming a food-exporting nation. MIFEE would be a collection of commercial plantations, planned to cover 1.6 million hectaresand has received support from the Government of Indonesia. Merauke has been designated a national ‘Special Economic Zone’ (SEZ) in order to attract the US$8.6 billion of investment needed for the project.
The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate is a project to create a $5 billion agricultural estate across three districts in Papua. The MIFEE program is the latest attempt by the government to gain self-sufficiency in food production, with a longer-term goal of someday becoming a food-exporting nation. MIFEE would be a collection of commercial plantations, planned to cover 1.6 million hectaresand has received support from the Government of Indonesia. Merauke has been designated a national ‘Special Economic Zone’ (SEZ) in order to attract the US$8.6 billion of investment needed for the project.
The proposal would attract tens of thousands
more workers and economic migrants, mostly from outside
Papua which would have major consequences on the indigenous
people of the Merauke region who have already been impacted
on by transmigration programmes,. The project is likely to
contribute to the marginalisation of indigenous Papuans by
taking over the customary-owned land and resources which
provide their livelihoods. It is also likely to raises
major environmental and ecological concerns and exacerbate
existing human rights grievances. Although Indonesia’s
Forestry Minister has said the proposal would not impact on
natural forest cover the conversion of protected forest for
agricultural use seems likely.
Papua as pulp and paper
production base
It was reported in the Jakarta Post (21/7/10) that the government planned to expand the pulp and paper industry to eastern Indonesia, including Papua, because of its vast tracts of forest. “Currently, only western Indonesia has pulp and paper factories,” Industry Minister MS Hidayat said after opening the April Technology Center (ATC) in Pelalawan, Riau. “In future, we plan to expand the development of the pulp and paper industry to eastern Indonesia,” he said, adding that the expansion would to help Indonesia increase pulp and paper exports. At the event, Hidayat urged pulp and paper producers not to damage forests to avoid criticism by foreign NGOs.
It was reported in the Jakarta Post (21/7/10) that the government planned to expand the pulp and paper industry to eastern Indonesia, including Papua, because of its vast tracts of forest. “Currently, only western Indonesia has pulp and paper factories,” Industry Minister MS Hidayat said after opening the April Technology Center (ATC) in Pelalawan, Riau. “In future, we plan to expand the development of the pulp and paper industry to eastern Indonesia,” he said, adding that the expansion would to help Indonesia increase pulp and paper exports. At the event, Hidayat urged pulp and paper producers not to damage forests to avoid criticism by foreign NGOs.
Papuans act to protect forests and fight
climate change
The Jakarta Post (23/7/09) reported that a coalition of green activists had launched an action plan to tackle the severe threat of rampant deforestation in Papua.
The Jakarta Post (23/7/09) reported that a coalition of green activists had launched an action plan to tackle the severe threat of rampant deforestation in Papua.
Extract from the article “The
coalition, which includes Greenpeace, Papua NGO Network
(Foker), Papua People's Assembly (MRP) and the Samdhana
Institute, announced the establishment of working groups to
formulate forest management policy and the financing steps
needed to protect Papua's forests, indigenous
forest-dependant peoples and biodiversity, as well as to
fight climate change. "The only way to save Papua's
forests, people and biodiversity and to fight global climate
change is to take global action immediately. This means
industrialized nations must find at least US$40 billion per
year to protect the world's rapidly diminishing forests and
make deep emissions cuts at home," Yuyun Indradi, a
Greenpeace Southeast Asia forest campaigner, said in a
statement”.
However, the question raised by any
proposed REDD scheme (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation
and Forest Degradation) is, who would receive the money for
the protection of the forests? The central government? the
provinces? or the Indigenous people who actually own –or
should own them? In discussing any plan to protect the
forest of West Papua the West Papuan people themselves
should be consulted and guaranteed to benefit from and
participate in such plan, which will also benefit the global
community.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About
the Australia West Papua Association ( Sydney)
The
Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) is a human rights
organisation focusing on the territory of West Papua.
AWPA’s role is to lobby both the Australian government
and the International Community to raise concerns about the
human rights situation in West Papua. The West Papuan people
face great challenges including ongoing human rights
abuses, the exploitation of their natural resources with
little or no benefit to themselves, the danger of becoming a
minority in their own land as the result of migrants
arriving daily and a HIV/AIDS epidemic. AWPA raises
awareness in the international community about the
historical wrongs and history of West Papua and supports the
right of the West Papuan people to self-determination..
To
be added to a West Papua email list to receive further
information and respond to urgent actions on West Papua
contact AWPA Sydney at PO Box 28, Spit Junction, NSW
Australia 2088
(bunyip@bigpond.net.au)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENDS
