How the National Government Is Encouraging Papua to Break Away
Exceptionally powerful article appearing the Jakarta Globe: a must read for all Indonesians who are concerned for Papua, either for or against.
Bramantyo Prijosusilo | November 22, 2011
Transparency and accountability are universally accepted as the cornerstones of good governance. With neither present in Papua, we can be sure that the natural riches of the region will never come to benefit local communities, but will rather bring about the so-called “resource curse” in the form of economic, cultural, social and political strife and ecological disaster.
The massive destruction caused by Freeport-McMoRan, the American mining conglomerate, can now be witnessed by anyone with an Internet connection thanks to Google Earth. The continuous stream of stories of torture and murder that leak out of the region is proof that people are unhappy and that the national government is acting less than honorably there.
What the central government claims about goings-on in Papua cannot be trusted because its claims can be disproved immediately. Since the act of free choice in 1969 (called “the act of no choice” by Papuans resisting Indonesia’s “occupation”), the western half of Guinea island has been covered by a “batik curtain.” Foreign independent journalists are banned from working there freely, as are international NGOs.
However, with the advance of information technologies and the fact that more and more Papuans are receiving modern education, the contemptuous treatment of indigenous people at the hands of the nation’s police and military is becoming more and more difficult to conceal. Gleaning information on Papua from the Internet it becomes obvious that there are powerful forces at play in Papua that are bent on reaching the point of no return — where either all Papuans must be exterminated, or a second and more honest “act of free choice” is conducted, for the world to witness the true aspirations of the people of Papua in terms of their relationship with the Indonesian state.
The powerful forces bent on forcing Papuans to separate from Indonesia are none other than the central government, especially its military and police force.
Since the brutal murder of Papuan leader Theys Eluay a little over 10 years ago, the world has seen how Indonesia has yet to reform its approach to the issue of Papuan independence. As we near Dec. 1 — the date that Papuans consider to be their independence day — the world is fearfully expecting to witness more state violence against Papuans peacefully expressing their aspirations. Indeed, in the past few months we have witnessed attacks on journalists and peaceful protestors, including the still unclear circumstances surrounding the latest fatal shooting of eight gold prospecting civilians in the Paniai district.
On the issue of the Freeport workers on strike demanding better pay, the world witnesses how the central government’s actions toward the Freeport strikers differs from the government of Peru’s reaction toward the same sort of strike at a Freeport mine there. While the government of Peru visibly takes the role of a mediator that holds the interests of its own people foremost, Indonesia appears to unashamedly play the role of Freeport’s guard dog, and without hesitating to release live ammunition on its own people.
The recent armed police and military raids of Papuan students’ dormitories in Java and Bali are an indication of what is likely to come on Dec. 1. The recent Papuan voices that have leaked out thanks to the Internet indicate that there are plans for at least a “Morning Star” flag rising in Papua on that date. Although the government has cracked down hard on similar events in the past, it is unthinkable to imagine that the people of Papua have been cowed into submission by these repressions. Just as Indonesian youth defied the Dutch colonialists in the early 20th century and continued to raise the “Red and White,” so will the youths of Papua. After all, most Papuan youth leaders were educated in Indonesia, so they fully understand that perseverance pays and aspirations for independence cannot be stifled by force. Yhe more Indonesia uses force to keep its hold on Papua, the stronger its independence movement will become.
Papuan activists can also see how Islamists in Indonesia can actively work to destroy the country not only with impunity, but also with the tacit support of the state and members of the government. The Islamist party, Hizbut Tahrir, for example, openly agitates for the fall of the republic to build a global Islamic caliphate in its place, but the authorities tend to aid and support it rather than take action to hinder its activities. Islamists in the country openly work for the resurrection of the age of the Islamic caliphs, or at least work toward their version of Shariah being enshrined as state law, but even though these activities are in blatant contempt of our constitution, the government has never done so much as lift a little finger in defense of the republic and its principles in the face of these orchestrated attacks.
Therefore it is natural that activists from Papua feel that they are being continuously discriminated against, for they receive the harshest treatment for the simple activity of raising a flag.
So who is it that is working hardest to compel Papua break away? Are the people of Papua to blame for objecting to having their sacred lands ripped apart by corporations making profits for shareholders far away? Are they to blame if they do not trust Indonesia’s capacity or intent to develop the country along the lines of the constitution?
If Indonesia wants to keep Papua as part of the family, it needs to clean up its act, especially in curbing Islamist treason and protecting minorities. It also needs to open up Papua to the world and come clean and apologize for the wrongs it has inflicted on the people there. As Dec. 1 approaches, we can expect that the national government will try to further alienate Papuans to a point where the only way forward will be through a sea of blood.
Bramantyo Prijosusilo is a writer, artist and broadcast journalist in East Java.
Related articles
- Shocking video confirms Indonesia’s brutal suppression of West Papuan rally ahead of US visit (westpapuamedia.info)
- Indonesian Bishops Conference calls for Dialogue and an end to Violence in Papua (westpapuamedia.info)
- Papuan state leaders warn Papuan not to be provoked on 1 December (westpapuamedia.info)
- Movement Against Freeport is set up by Papuan Students (westpapuamedia.info)
- Thousands of West Papuans demand Referendum in Jayapura 14 Nov 2011 (westpapuamedia.info)
AHRC: Manokwari Court acquits four Papuan students but sentences one more student with rebellion
ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION – URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME
Urgent Appeal Update: AHRC-UAU-046-2011
4 October 2011
[RE: AHRC-UAU-041-2011: INDONESIA: Manokwari court sentences two Papuan activists in flawed trial]
———————————————————————
INDONESIA: Manokwari Court acquits four Papuan students but sentences one more student with rebellion
ISSUES: Freedom of expression, Indigenous Peoples, Independence of Judges and Lawyers
———————————————————————
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received updated information from the Institute for Research, Recognition and Development of Legal Aid (LP3BH) in West Papua regarding the sentencing of another Papuan student and the acquittal of four others in relation to their involvement in a peaceful protest on 14 December 2010. While the AHRC welcomes the acquittal of four of the seven victims brought before court the sentencing of the other three presents a violation of their right to freedom of expression. Concerns over the imprisonment of Mr. Bleskadit and the application of the rebellion charge against peaceful protesters in other cases in West Papua remain.
UPDATED INFORMATION:
In the urgent appeal on 23 June 2011 (AHRC-UAC-117-2011), the AHRC raised concerns about the rebellion charges against seven people, for organizing and participating in a peaceful protest and the raising of a West Papuan flag that symbolizes self determination. At the correctional facility, they were ill-treated and denied medical care for weeks resulting in serious health conditions. (photo: Melki Bleskadit in court, source:LP3BH)
On 18 August 2011, the Manokwari district court sentenced Melki Bleskadit (also known as Melkianus Bleskadit) to two years imprisonment. On 23 August 2011, Mr. Yenu was sentenced to seven months and 16 days imprisonment. The AHRC learned that the verdicts were declared based on a flawed process and issued an update AHRC-UAU-041-2011.
On 27 September 2011, the judges panel acquitted four of the five other Papuan students. According to the Manokwari court’s decision No: 84/Pid.B/2011/PN.Mkw, Mr Alex Duwiri and Mr John Wilson Wader were not guilty of acts of rebellion under article 106 jo, (in conjunction with) Article 55 and 56 of the criminal code. The Courts decision No. : 85/Pid.B/2011/PN.Mkw under the same charges declared Mr Panehas Serongon alias Panehas Sarongon and Mr Yance Sekenyap as not guilty. However, according to the latter decision, Mr Jhon Raweyai alias Joni was proven guilty for participating in the rebellion crime, and was sentenced to 9 (nine) months and 17 (seventeen) days imprisonment, most of which has by now already been served during pretrial detention.
The AHRC is of the opinion that the conduct of any peaceful protest is protected by the Indonesian Constitution and international human rights law applicable to Indonesia. Laying criminal charges against the protesters based on the content of the opinion shared violates the victim’s right to freedom of expression in this case. The relevant articles in the Indonesian Criminal Code that originates from the Dutch colonial period have to be reviewed and their further application halted. The AHRC has noted that several steps taken by the authorities have in the recent past aggravated tensions including the stigmatization many indigenous Papuans including activists as rebels. Many are charged and sentenced in flawed processes that lack impartiality and professional standards of judicial conduct, such as in the case of Mr. Bleskadit and Mr. Yenu. The perpetrators of such rights violations are rarely held accountable, which prolongs the use of the courts for political interests. In the cases of Mr Bleskadit and Mr. Yenu, no information regarding accountability actions against the perpetrators are known.
The court held four of the victims not guilty after they had spent approximately nine months in prison without proper access to medical care. Indonesian law entitles the victims to compensation for the deprivation of their liberty during detention and the health conditions they had to endure.
The AHRC has received reports from further sources that the security institutions in Manokwari and West Papua had earlier planned to undertake systematic efforts during 1-14 December 2011 to intentionally create a situation that would allow for the arrest of and criminal charges against protesters. According to the reports received this operation was planned to justify the ongoing stigmatization of indigenous Papuans with the view to scale up security operations. The AHRC urges an immediate investigation into these serious allegations to avoid repetition.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write letters to the authorities listed below asking them to intervene in the case immediately to ensure that all allegations of institutional misconduct leading to wrongful deprivation of the victims liberty is investigated, that the victims are compensated and Mr. Bleskadit is released from his political imprisonment. All legal process must to be conducted in accordance with international norms.
Please be informed that the AHRC is sending letters on this case to to the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous people, and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.
To support this appeal, please click here: 
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear ___________,
INDONESIA: Manokwari Court acquits four Papuan students but sentences one more student with rebellion
Name of victim: Jhon Raweyai, Penehas Serongan, Yance Sekeyab, Alex Duwiri, John Wilson Wader, Melki Bleskadit and Daniel Yenu
Names of alleged perpetrators: Police members, including guards of detention cell of Manokwari district police who arrested, detained and examined the victims, the prosecutor who examined this case
Date of incident: December 2010-September 2011
Place of incident: Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia
I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding the conviction and sentencing of Jhon Raweyai at the Manokwari district court on 27 September 2011 and the ongoing imprisonment of Mr. Bleskadit for their involvement in a peaceful protest on 14 December 2010.
I know that on 14 December 2010, seven people were charged with rebellion after they had conducted a peaceful protest following a flag raising event. At the correctional facility, they were ill-treated and denied medical care for weeks resulting in serious health conditions.
Furthermore, I know that the Manokwari district court issued the verdict that two of the victims, Melki Bleskadit (also known as Melkianus Bleskadit) and Daniel Yenu, were guilty of acts of rebellion. On 18 August 2011, the verdict against Mr. Bleskadit was declared and he was sentenced to two years imprisonment. On 23 August 2011, Mr. Yenu was convicted to seven months and 16 days imprisonment. I am also aware that the verdicts were declared based on flawed process. Meanwhile, the other accused are still undergoing the trial process.
I was informed that on 27 September 2011, the judges panel acquitted four of the five other Papuan students. According to the Manokwari court’s decision No: 84/Pid.B/2011/PN.Mkw, Mr Alex Duwiri and Mr John Wilson Wader were not guilty of acts of rebellion under article 106 jo, (in conjunction with) Article 55 and 56 of the criminal code. The Courts decision No. : 85/Pid.B/2011/PN.Mkw under the same charges declared Mr Panehas Serongon als. Panehas Sarongon and Mr Yance Sekenyap as not guilty. However, according to the latter decision, Mr Jhon Raweyai als. Joni was proven guilty for participating in the rebellion crime, and was sentenced to 9 (nine) months and 17 (seventeen) days imprisonment, most of which has by now already been served during detention.
I am aware that the conduct of any peaceful protest is protected by the Indonesian Constitution and international human rights law applicable to Indonesia. Laying criminal charges against the protesters based on the content of the opinion shared by them violates the victim’s right to freedom of expression in this case. The relevant articles in the Indonesian Criminal Code that originated from the Dutch colonial period have to be reviewed and their further application halted. I am also aware that several steps taken by the authorities have in the recent past aggravated tensions including the stigmatization many indigenous Papuans including activists as rebels. Many are charged and sentenced in flawed processes that lack impartiality and professional standards of judicial conduct, such as in the case of Mr. Bleskadit and Mr. Yenu. The perpetrators of such rights violations are hardly held accountable, which prolongs the instrumentalisation of courts for political interests. In the cases of Mr Bleskadit and Mr. Yenu, no information regarding accountability processes against the perpetrators are known.
I am also concerned that the court held four of the victims as not guilty after they had spent approximately nine months in prison without proper access to medical care. Indonesian law entitles the victims to a compensation for the deprivation of their liberty during detention and the health conditions they had to endure.
I was shocked to hear about further reports that alleged that security operation were planned by some authorities in order to artificially create conditions that would allow the police to charge activists in various places of West Papua as rebels in order to maintain stigmatization and with the view to scale up security operations. Since many of the steps taken by authorities in recent years seem to aggravate the conflict in West Papua, I am very concerned about the approach of Indonesian institutions in West Papua.
Yours sincerely,
—————-
PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
The President of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 3863777 / 3503088
Fax: +62 21 3442223
2. Head of Indonesian Police
Markas Besar Kepolisian Indonesia
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3
Kebayoran Baru
South Jakarta 12110
INDONESIA
Tel.: +62 21 3848537 / 7260306 / 7218010
Fax: +62 21 7220669
Email: info@polri.go.id
3. The Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 6-7
Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 5253006, 5253889, 5264280
Fax: +62 21 5253095
4. Mr. Basrief Arief
The Attorney General of Indonesia
Jl. Sultan Hasanudin No. 1
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160
INDONESIA
Tel.: +62 21 7221337, 7397602.
Fax: + 62 21 7250213
5. Head of Papua Regional Police
Jl. Dr. Sam Ratulangi No. 8
Jayapura
INDONESIA
Tel.: + 62 967 531834
6. Head of Division of Profession and Security of Papua Regional Police
Jl. Dr. Sam Ratulangi No. 8
Jayapura
INDONESIA
Tel.: + 62 967 531834
7. Head of National Commission on Human Rights of Indonesia
Jalan Latuharhary No.4-B,
Jakarta 10310
INDONESIA
Tel.: +62 21 392 5227-30
Fax: +62 21 392 5227
E-mail: info@komnas.go.id
8. Chairman of the National Police Commission (Kompolnas)
Jl. Tirtayasa VII No. 20 Komplek PTIK Jakarta Selatan
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 739 2352
Fax: +62 21 739 2317
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
Related articles
- AHRC: Manokwari court sentences two Papuan activists in flawed trial (westpapuamedia.info)
- Amnesty International Welcomes Release of Papuan Students in Manokwari (westpapuamedia.info)
- Four Papuan students acquitted of makar charges in Manokwari (westpapuamedia.info)
- Amnesty: Papuan Activist Imprisoned for Peaceful Political Activities (westpapuamedia.info)
- Seven months and 16 days for Dance Yenu (westpapuamedia.info)
ROAD TO FREEDOM IN JAYAPURA – Video
by Frengky Making
The rally organised by the National Committee for West Papua (KNPB) on August 2 2011 was led by Mako Tabuni from KNPB. The protesters were on the streets the whole day. There were more than 10,000 people, from Sentani, Jayapura as well as students from Abepura. The peaceful rally was organised to support the seminar by International Lawyer for West Papua (ILWP), initiated by Benny Wenda in London, the UK, which looked into the history of the 1969′s People’s Act of Free Choice (PEPERA).
Download Hi-Res / Screening Version (47.8 MB)
Download via BitTorrent (Seeders: 1)
07:05ALDB: On 17 August, Freedom for Papua?
17 AUGUST STATEMENT BY ALDP, ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY IN PAPUA
Since the beginning of August 2011, Papuan people have been confronted
by a series of violent actions, which have occurred one after the other.
On some occasions, activities in the community have stopped altogether
then its back to normal, with people going to their offices, to the
market, to school and to places of worship. There is hardly anywhere
that can be said to be safe. No one seems to be sure that Jayapura is safe.
Since 1 August, nothing has been normal. Shots were fired at vehicles on
11 and 15 August in Abe Pantai. On 16 August at crack of dawn, flags
were flown and there were attacks against civilians in BTN Tanah Hitam
Soon afterwards, people were chased while there were armed clashes from
5.30am till 11am. There was panic and children were sent home from
school. No one could guarantee that these acts of violence would end
some time soon.
Police and army have been seen driving in patrol vehicles on the
streets, while soldiers have been seen in cars or walking in the street
with rifles at the ready. Apart from all this, unknown people have been
mobilised in public places, not in great numbers but such things have
never happened before.
Armed violence in Papua has been occurring not only in places like
Puncak Jaya or around the Freeport mine but also in Jayapura, especially
in Abepura, Tanah Hitam, Nafri and its surroundings.Violence has even
come close to our homes. One colleague said: ‘Be careful when leaving
home because you could become a victim because these sporadic actions
are being targeted against anyone in order to spread fear.’
People are afraid that these acts of violence are aimed at creating the
conditions for a major incident that is about to occur. The thing to be
avoided at all costs is for these acts of provocation to lead to a
horizontal conflict.
The location of the incidents and the close sequence of the events has
spread fear among people, with strange ideas spreading because those
responsible are still roaming freely even though operations have been
launched.
‘It’s all a question of politics,’ said a driver in Arso13 who had a bad
personal experience because of the event on 1 August in Nafri. He had
passed through Nafri one hour earlier on his way to market and was also
taking his sick brother to Jayapura for treatment. Another trader said:
‘Why is it so difficult to catch the perpetrators when the incidents
occurred near a garden or in a residential area?’
These two people may not be able to analyse these events but what they
are saying is representative of the thoughts of people who simply do not
understand why ordinary people can be the target of acts of violence.
When they speak like this, it means that they want the government to
deal with the problems being faced by their fellow citizens. These
people are not just a statistic; they are an important component for
creating peace in Papua. They are calling on the government to do
something serious to protect its citizens.
During investigations by a joint team set up by the army and the police
consisting of about 300 people, the police identified nineteen people
who will be charged for the Nafri incident on 1 August, based on a
document that was discovered when they were hunting a group in the Nafri
mountains which is alleged to be the place where members of the TNP/OPM
led by Danny Kogoya are active. He is also alleged to have been
responsible for the Nafri incident in November 2010. Those who were
responsible must have been very clever indeed because those incidents
occurred in a very public place and within a very short period.
Whatever is being done to solve these cases of violence in Papua is a
great mystery. Even in the case of incidents that occurred in an open
place like Nafri, the perpetrators have not yet been caught .Things are
much more problematic in places like Tingginambut in Puncak Jaya. All
this is a great challenge to the capability of the police. In other
parts of the country, they have been praised for their ability to combat
terrorism with support from various international agencies. But what is
happening in Papua is a paradox..
Can we be sure about the way the police are handling these acts of
violence here in Papua? Are they themselves confident of their ability
to deal with these acts of violence? They need maximum support to ensure
that the results of their investigations will lead to formal proceedings
in a court of law.
17 August is the 66th anniversary of Indonesian independence. The
red-and-white flag will be flying everywhere to mark the day of
independence, but in our hearts there is nothing but fear. It is the
responsibility of the civil government to deal with all these acts of
violence in Papua instead of busying themselves all the time with the
election of the governor. Without realising it, their authority is
simply reduced to concerns about their political interests while
reproducing provocations that lead to acts of violence.
Related articles
- Acts of violence are damaging the Papuan people, says DPD member (westpapuamedia.info)
- AP: Military Vows Crackdown in Papua Province [+Reject Calls for Referendum: Lawmaker] (westpapuamedia.info)
- Breaking News: 4 shot dead in Nafri, West Papua (westpapuamedia.info)
- West Papua Report August 2011 (westpapuamedia.info)
- West Papua – Indon Security Forces Fail in Attempt to Block Access for Demonstrations Across Papua, Militias on Streets in Jayapura (westpapuamedia.info)
AP: Military Vows Crackdown in Papua Province [+Reject Calls for Referendum: Lawmaker]
From Joyo
also: JP: Reject Calls for Papua Referendum: Lawmaker
The Associated Press
August 4, 2011
Military Vows Crackdown in Papua Province
Indonesia’s army chief vowed Thursday to hunt down separatist rebels
after a swell in violence in the restive province of Papua killed two
soldiers and three civilians in less than a week.
They will be “chased down” and “cleaned up” by local military units,
said Gen. Pramono Edhie Wibowo, a day after gunmen shot a military
helicopter in the hilly district of Puncak Jaya, a rebel stronghold
and longtime hotbed of separatist violence.
The chopper had flown into the remote region to evacuate Fana Hadi, an
army private who was wounded during an attack on his post Tuesday
morning.
Gunmen opened fire as it passed a hill, killing Hadi with a shot to
his left rib, local military officials said.
That shooting followed the killings of one soldier and three civilians
Monday, shot and hacked to death during an ambush on their minibus and
taxi near the provincial capital of Jayapura.
Five other people were injured.
It was not immediately clear what sparked the uptick in violence.
Papua is a former Dutch colony on the western part of New Guinea. It
was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a U.N.-sponsored ballot.
A small, poorly armed separatist group known as the Free Papua Movement has battled for independence ever since.
Nineteen people were killed in clashes between supporters of rival
political candidates in a seemingly unrelated violence Sunday. Because
of the violence, elections for district chief scheduled for Nov. 9
will be delayed, local media reported Thursday.
———————————-
The Jakarta Post [web site]
August 4, 2011
Reject Calls for Papua Referendum: Lawmaker
by Mariel Grazella
The chairman of the Papua and Aceh special autonomy supervisory team,
Priyo Budi Santoso, urged the government to send the military to Papua
if the referendum movement escalated to a mass rebellion.
Thousands of Papuans across the province have demonstrated to call for
a referendum on independence.
The demonstrations coincided with a series of attacks on police and
military posts in Puncak Jaya that have been blamed on the Free Papua
Movement (OPM).
“I urge law enforcers not to hesitate in taking firm action,” he said.
He added that if the situation escalated to rebellion, the “military
should be sent in if necessary”.
“We should remain persuasive but if the situation leads to [demands
for] a referendum; [we] should not hesitate in sending in the
military,” he said, adding that special autonomy was the “best formula
in addressing the problems of Papua”.”Therefore, I urge the government to firmly reject [the calls for a
referendum] because Papua is part of Indonesia and that is final,” he
added.
Related articles
- People’s Liberation Party slams activist’s arrest at Papuan independence demo (westpapuamedia.info)
- Photo Report: Mass ralllies show Papuans refuse to accept Indonesian Occupation (westpapuamedia.info)
- JG: Low-Ranking Soldiers Indicted Over Torture, Killing in Papua’s Puncak Jaya (westpapuamedia.info)
- West Papua – Indon Security Forces Fail in Attempt to Block Access for Demonstrations Across Papua, Militias on Streets in Jayapura (westpapuamedia.info)
Photo Report: Mass ralllies show Papuans refuse to accept Indonesian Occupation
by Westpapuamedia.info sources
Social Media across West Papua is abuzz with declarations of relief and pride for the successful and peaceful mass mobilisations called by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) to support the “West Papua: Road to Freedom” conference in in Oxford UK, on August 2. The Photo Galleries below demonstrate unequivocally the scale of Papuan opposition to Indonesian rule.
Despite threats of heavy-handed Indonesian security force actions preventing free expression, attempts by the army to blocakade demonstrators, and unexplained act of violence suspected by many to be the work of Special Forces prior to mobilsations, tens of thousands of people across Papua took to the streets to demand their universal human rights to self -determination and a Referendum on the future of Papua. Though vibrant and very loud, the rallies across Papua reportedly proceeded without any violence or provocations from security forces or proxies.
In Wamena in the Baliem Valley, almost 17,000 people to a mass gathering that saw scenes of exuberance, singing and dancing. After several hours of speeches and music, demonstrators peacefully dispersed.
In Sarmi, Yakuhimo and Keerom, reports are filtering out that flagraising ceremonies were held successfully without incident.
The slideshow below shows the August 2 actions in (in this order) Abepura, Waena and Wamena; and also those of the weak counter-demonstration of Barisan Merah Putih militias funded by the Indonesian special forces, Kopassus, that was held close to the DPRP, or (Papua Province People’s Representative Council).
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Related articles
- West Papua – Indon Security Forces Fail in Attempt to Block Access for Demonstrations Across Papua, Militias on Streets in Jayapura (westpapuamedia.info)
- Differing responses to ILWP meeting on 2 August (westpapuamedia.info)
- Breaking News: 4 shot dead in Nafri, West Papua (westpapuamedia.info)
- Indonesian Army shoot mother and 3 children in “crossfire” in Kalome, West Papua, as offensive escalates (westpapuamedia.info)
- People’s Liberation Party slams activist’s arrest at Papuan independence demo (westpapuamedia.info)
WEST PAPUA – INDON SECURITY FORCES FAIL TO BLOCK ACCESS FOR DEMONSTRATIONS ACROSS PAPUA, MILITIAS ON STREETS IN JAYAPURA
by Nick Chesterfield, westpapuamedia.info
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Jayapura, 1340: The streets of several centres across West Papua are being blockaded today by heavily armed Indonesian security forces in an attempt to prevent a planned gathering of tens of thousands of protestors who are demanding a Referendum on the future of the province.
However, thousands of Papuans have reportedly ignored the strong military presence and are marching the streets of Jayapura, paralyzing the provincial capital with their huge numbers.
The protests, called by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and actively supported by the entirety of pro-independence movement, are being held to demonstrate both opposition to Indonesian rule and to the Indonesian-run dialogue process, in favour of legitimate internationally-mediated dialogue that takes into account the wishes of West Papuan people. The demonstrations are demanding a Referendum as the only lasting and credible solution to determine the future of Papua for Papuans.
Outside Jayapura, protests are also being held in Wamena, Biak, Nabire, Manokwari, Paniai, and Timika.
West Papua Media stringers on the ground in Abepura are reporting that the demonstrations outside the main Post Office were being blocked by hundreds of heavily armed riot police and soldiers. This is despite official permits being issued by the Jayapura police for the demonstration to proceed without hindrance.
At 10am local time, three truckloads of soldiers and BRIMOB riot police then decamped and headed to Waena to intercept a long march of several thousand people who were attempting to join together with the Abepura march and then head to Jayapura, in information conveyed to West Papua Media by Daniel Wenda, Secretary General of KNPB. It is unknown at time of writing whether the march has pushed through the security force blockade or if any casualties or arrests have been sustained.
Local human rights sources have reported that a recent spate of violent acts may have succeeded in keeping away crowds of over 10,000 people, with one person stabbed and wounded by a militiaman at a pre-rally gathering in Angkasapura. However in news just to hand, organisers of the rally are reporting that security forces have relented and several thousand people have now successfully joined the demonstration, which is continuing to grow.
With tensions extremely high after the violence, the organisers of today’s rallies across Papua have been at pains to ensure that no symbolic traditional weapons be brought to the gatherings, and have worked with the Dewan Adat Papua to deploy hundreds of peacekeepers from the uniformed Community Security Force of Petapa, or The Guardians of the Land of Papua.
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Telephone communication to Jayapura has been sporadic with many calls being cut off and SMS communication delayed, making confirmation of events difficult. It is unclear if the security forces are currently preventing West Papuan people from actively communicating to the outside world.
Reports are filtering through that other political actions are occuring throughout Papua simultaneously with the mass protests, with the KNPB suggesting that those who could not make it engage in innovative and non-violent economic disruption actions, such as strikes by ojek drivers, street vendors and bus drivers.
Independence activists are also reporting that members of two pro-Indonesian militias — Besar Merah Putih and Aswain (headed by Euricio Guterres) — have been deployed widely across the Jayapura area in conjunction with security forces.
Witnesses reported that late last night, a PELNI ship suspiciously landed 92 unfamiliar men at the main Jayapura dock, who are widely believed by activists to be members of Kopassus special forces in plain clothes. Activist surveillance of military facilities has indicated that special forces officers have not been seen at regular barracks for the past three days at least.
Suspicions have also been cast on unidentified forces responsible for a spate of violent incidents prior to the nonviolent mobilisations, who are believed to be connected to the Indonesian security forces, in what many observers see as an attempt by the security forces to spread fear, panic and division among the demonstrators to prevent the protests going ahead.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, an arson attack on the Rectorate of the Cenderawasih University, Abepura, was foiled by Papuan students. The fire was detected before it took hold by alert from student security and was quickly extinguished.
After attacks yesterday by unknown assailants on Indonesian transmigrants in Nafri, Abepura, sources are reporting that one person has been killed and an unknown number injured in another attack in Koya, where SMS reports from credible local sources have described several incidents involving shootings and stabbings.
The Indonesian military has long had a policy of using civilian proxies and plain-clothes agents to carry out acts of violence to provoke civil resistance movements into self-defence. This has often been used as a pretext to engage in a security crackdown, which reinforces military dominance over the region.
Elsewhere in Papua, the mass rally also being held simultaneously in Manokwari was prohibited by security force, according to organisers from the KNPB. However negotiations succeeded in Indonesian security forces relenting, and the rally is currently ongoing with several thousand people participating. This rally marched from the office of Dewan Adat Papua, and is currently outside the Department of Information in Sanggeng. The atmosphere is described as relaxed.
West Papua Media is monitoring events closely, and will provided updates on the situation throughout the day.
MEDIA NOTE: CONTACTS FOR SPOKESPEOPLE AND STRINGER ON THE GROUND ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT +61450079106 or editor<@>westpapuamedia.info
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Magai: ‘Papuan officials are destroying Papua.’
‘It is a public secret,’ he said, ‘that Jakarta is continuing to manipulate things, causing the continued destruction of Papua. There is no space for democracy, the policies being pursued have nothing whatsoever to do with promoting the welfare of the Papuan people here.’
Ruben said that Papuan bureaucrats should be fighting to promote the interests of the people, but this is simply not happening. ‘Papuan officials are also contributing to the destruction of Papua,’ he said.
The general view here in Papua is that OTSUS, the special autonomy law, has failed The government should be opening itself up, making an evaluation of the situation and providing space for these discussions. ‘But nothing of the kind is happening which means that the issue will continue to be raised in demonstrations, in seminars, in media reports and other forums.’
The Papuan people have for many years been raising their voices about the failed implementation of OTSUS, calling for OTSUS to be returned to Jakarta. At the very least, there should be some response. Last Thursday, dozens of people in the Coalition of People United for Justice (KRPBK) expressed these views.
The Papuan people’s aspirations are regarded by the government as matters of no importance. The DPRP went to Jakarta to raise these issues but to no avail. ‘As representatives of the people, we feel extremely unhappy with this situation. All the efforts we have been making have led nowhere. On one occasion, we submitted a concept to Commission A of the Indonesian parliament, the DPR, which was accepted at the time, but there was no follow-up at all. This was a great disappointment,’ he said.
The Land of Papua continues to be turned upside down, with unpopular measures, with acts of violence, with human rights violations which are never resolved, with the abuse of freedom of expression, with the introduction of laws which are unacceptable, as a result of which the rights of civil society are never upheld.
‘This is the reality of the situation in Papua today,’ said Magai.
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The Arab Spring: a harbinger for a “global spring” against oppressive rule?
(published with especial relevance to West Papua)
by Edmund McWilliams
Democracy, respect for human rights, good governance – these are the themes that have been on the lips of peaceful demonstrators from the Mediterranean to the Arabian sea.
In country after country, Arab men and women, young and old have showed extraordinary courage, facing down dictators and autocrats even when those corrupt leaders have employed the full weight of their armed forces against the unarmed protesters.
The Choice of Papuan People (Photo courtesy KNPB)
The inspiration of one young Tunisian who sacrificed himself in protest has spread from one Arab nation to another, in each country people coming to the profound realization, ‘if they can do it there, we can do it here.’
The largely peaceful demonstrations have not had an Arab or a Muslim character. Rather, common to all these peaceful revolts is a pent up desire for freedom and a new sense that change is possible.
We have seen similar uprisings which have swept vast areas: the East European spring in the late 1980′s; the anti-colonial movement that followed World War II. These, like the “Arab Spring” were trans-cultural, and transnational. They derived their power from a common frustration with abusive, and sometimes foreign rule and a conviction that, in the words of the revolutionary mantra, “a people united can never be defeated.”
So we are left with the question of whether this movement will be confined to
Arab peoples, and largely to Muslims. Or will this struggle for democracy and respect for human rights extend to non-Arab and non-Muslim cultures and peoples who also have suffered under brutal rule? Will Tahrir square be emulated in Beijing, in Tashkent, in Hanoi, in Vientiane, in Rangoon and Pyongyang. Will the Papuans, Montagnards, Hmong and Karen draw inspiration from the “Arab Spring” and break the colonial chains that have enslaved them to demand genuine autonomy or even full independence? The physical and cultural distance separating Papuans in the Puncak Jaya or Hmong in Phong Saly from the “Arab Street” may seem to place them
in different worlds but they have a common experience in their suffering under undemocratic rule.
Is the “Arab Spring” a harbinger for a “global spring” that challenges oppressive rule around the world? For now, we can only assume that autocrats around the globe are sleeping more fitfully.
May their nightmares come true.
Edmund McWilliams
Retired senior U.S. Foreign Service Officer
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SONAMPMA: Photo Report of Show of Support by Papuan people for Referendum
Port Numbay, Papua.
from National Organisation for Student Solidarity of Papua.
Peace and Freedom !
We are reporting on the Demonstration of the People of Papua demanding a Referendum about Self-determination on May 2, 2011 ; for the people of Papua to have the right to determine their own fate. The demonstration took place at the Post Office in Abepura, Jayapura, as shown below :
- The Show of Support by the people of Papua was coordinated by the National Committee of West Papua, made up by the following organisations : Organisation of Students and Youth, DAP, Women, Religions, Intellectuals of Papua, and the whole people of Papua from this area. They marched from Sentani, through Waena and Abepura, towards Jayapura (Imbi Park), starting at 8 am.
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While waiting for the people to arrive from Sentani, there were political speeches from the coordinating body, and from several support organisations , all carrying street banners, leaflets and pamphlets, attracting the close attention of the security forces, there to « keep the peace », also tried to obscure some of the pictures. Some of the banners were saying : Some of the leaflets said « Papua, Yes ; Indonesia No. », with each of their flags illustrated. Others said « Referendum » and « Papua Merdeka ».
- At another coordination point (the campus of USTP) that morning a group began to gather in front of the campus gateway fronting onto Jalan Raya, Sentani, while others came from the campus of UnCen-Abepura. They had banners saying REFERENDUM. There were speeches and the people began to move towards the main square of the campus.
- A large group of people assembled at Imbi Park in the early morning, not to avoid observation, because there were thousands of people already assembled there.
- About 5 or 6 detachments of Police from Jayapura were there and 3 units of Brimob (mobile police), observing the demonstration with some bodyguards, using 7 or 8 trucks and other vehicles, some of them equipped with weapo
- Speeches went ahead until about noon, with 600 people who had arrived from Sentani began to assemble at Expo Waena. The whole procession gathered there were about 1000 people, preparing for the Long March to the Post Office at Abepura.
- The Long March began at 1 pm, and proceeded towards Abepura. At the TNI post at SIPUR, the demonstrators were surprised by an escort of Mobile Ambulance, together with a group of TNI (Army), fully armed, who accompanied the demonstration.
- Mass action continued its long march to the Central (shopping) centre , Post Office-Abepura escorted by security parties mentioned above.
- There were speeches, which were answered by cries of « Referendum » and « Papua Merdeka ». They stopped at the traffic lights at the Post Office at Abepura and began to sit on the road. All other activities in the town were halted and the town closed down early.
- The total number of people eventually numbered about 2000 to 2,500. At about 2.15, the procession from Jayapura began to arrived and gathered together with the others at the Post Office. The numbers swelled even more. The demonstrators stayed at this place, and listened to speeches from some of the leaders of the different groups representing the protestors.
- This demonstration was carried out peacefully until 6 pm, helped by vehicles which helped to keep the peace, dispersing the people peacefully, after which they resumed normal economic activities on the streets.
- The demonstration today, after marching well with vehicles and on foot, went off well and peacefully without any violence.
This report that we have made is completed by the Organising Committee for the Demonstration, 2nd May 2011, with great care, and we thank you for reading it.
SONAMAPA
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KNPB: Joint Petitions and Photos on Referendum Demand in Papua
Edited for Linguistic Clarity by westpapuamedia
KOMITE NASIONAL PAPUA BARAT
The West Papua National Committee [KNPB]
papuaemergency@yahoo.com | +6282198150589
==========================================================================================
POLITICAL STATEMENT
No: 015/knpb.sp/V/2011
Today, May 1, 2011, We the people of West Papua mediated by the West Papua National Committee [KNPB] give our statement that:
1. We the Indigenous People of West Papua have never and will never accept the Unitary Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) to occupy our
territory, West Papua.
2. The process of incorporating our territory of West Papua under the rule of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI); starting from 1963 until 1969
with the cooperation of Indonesia, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Nations was engineered, constructed and
managed by violations of the Standards and Principles of International Law.
Because we, as the owners of West Papua, were
never involved in the meetings and international agreements which discussed the political status of our region of West Papua.
3. Unilateral agreements made under the “New York Agreement” were not fully implemented by the UN, Indonesia and the Netherlands during the Act of Free Choice in 1969; in which we the people of West Papua were never granted the political right to vote (based on the principle of “one man one vote”) in the implementation carried out by the 1025 Act of Free Choice representatives appointed by Indonesia
to represent us and choose. It is a violation of our political rights.
4. Indonesia through its military operations have killed most of the indigenous population of West Papua Oince the DOM (Area of
Military operations) was applied in West Papua from 1963.
5. Indonesia has pursed, intimidated, terrorized, gaoled and killed the people of West Papua who fight for their rights and sovereignty of the West Papua nation.
6. Autonomy is not a solution to solve the West Papua problem, because t we, as the indigenous people of West Papua in West
Papua, had never approved the application of special autonomy, UP4B Program and all policies by Indonesia in West Papua.
7. Whoever supports the Special Autonomy and all Indonesian policies in West Papua, they are (considered) part of the colonists who compromise with Indonesia to abolish the political rights of our indigenous people of Papua; because our main problem is that the right of self determination which was trampled and eliminated through the implementation of the Act of Free Choice in 1969.
8. We do not acknowledge the existence of the Republic of Indonesia government and all state institutions of Indonesia, in the land of
West Papua.
Therefore, based on our statement above, we the indigenous people of West Papua demand that Indonesia:
1. Stop all the political maneuvering that is being implemented through the Special Autonomy, Redistricting, UP4B program,
Elections, Formation of MRP, and all its programs on our homeland of West Papua.
2. Indonesia and West Papua as subject to international law to immediately restore the political status of West Papua to the table of
international law, to prove itsef honest and thoughtful about the validity of Indonesia’s presence in our region of West Papua, for the sake of humanity and justice for the people of West Papua.
3. Immediately demonstrate the political will to hold a democratic referendum in West Papua under UN supervision in order to achieve the final solution of the political conflict in West Papua.
4. Stop the militaristic approach to solving problems in West Papua, because that is a archaic way in this era of open democracy.
Along with this, for the sake of solving the problems of West Papua through the process of Law and Politics, then we the people of West
Papua formally hand over a full mandate to:
1. Ms. Melinda Janki as chairman of the International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP), Ms.. Charles Forster and all members ILWP to encourage the completion of the West Papua problem through the application of international law.
2. Mr. Andrew Smith, MP, as Chairman of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP), Ms.. Caroline Lucas MP and all members IPWP to push the political process at the international level with the Free Papua solidarity supporters.
3. To the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu as Official Member of the UN to bring Legal Status of West Papua to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or International Tribunal.
For the sake of the unity of the struggle of West Papuans, then we also appeal to all the components and struggle organizations of the West
Papua that:
1. To stop the internal dispute between the Papuan people and organizations of struggle, and (to end) all unilateral decisions and that does not represent the values and decisions of the representatives of West Papua and its struggle.
2. Immediately unite in national consolidation to encourage the formation of the National Council of West Papua as an Agency Representative of
National Struggle in West Papua.
This statement has been made based on pure will of the people of West Papua.
Salam Satu Hati Satu Jiwa: One People One Soul
Kita Harus Mengakhiri
Port Numbay, Mei 1, 2011
CC:
1. The Republic of Indonesian President in Jakarta
2. Serge Vohor, PrimeMinister of the Republic of Vanuatu
3. Ms. Melinda Janki, chair of International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP) in London, UK
4. Mr. Andrew Smith MP, Chair of International Parliamentarians for West Papua (ILWP) in London, UK
5. Mr. David Cameron, Prime Minister of United Kingdom in London, UK
6. Mr. Barack Hussein Obama, Presiden of United States of America in Washington
7. All the struggle organizations.
8. Arsip
Joint Petition signed in the name of West Papua by
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- Join Petition signed in the name of West Papua by
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- Petitions Signed by Buchtar Tabuni Chairman of KNPB
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- Join Petition signed in the name of West Papua by
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- The Choice of Papuan People (Photo courtesy KNPB)
Buchtar Tabuni
Chairman of KNPB
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Police attempt to halt Mass Demonstration
JUBI – local and provincial Police stopped demonstrators from continuing on their route to the House of Representatives of Papua building in Jayapura. Motorcycle and other heavily armed police were involved in the operation along the highway. Units of soldiers from the Indonesian Army (TNI) monitored the demonstration from a distance. However, the mass of protesters appeared in far greater numbers and were overwhelming forces of the police.
Police halted demonstrators in front of the post office in the Abepura
area of the city. Not being not allowed further into Jayapura city, many of the thousands rallied chose to sit in the middle of the road and continue their protest.
As a result, traffic from Kotaraja toward
Abepura was paralysed. Speakers addressed the thousands of protesters demanding the independence of Papua and review of the Act of Free Choice. They also demanded an end to impunity in cases in Papua.
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Manokwari pro-Referendum rallies May 2: Photo Report
From Alfred Auparai (Executive Secretary) & Markus Yenu (Exec Governor), West Papua National Authority, Area II Domberai
The masses came together from different directions and assembled at the rally point following the call for peaceful protest. The crowd that consisted of students and common people started to move towards the Banyan Tree at UNIPA Manokwari together with the protest Coordinator (Alex Nekemen) and speakers, amongst them Silas Ayemi (secretary area Bintuni WPNA), Abraham Waynarisy (SH Chairman Solidaritas Pemuda Melanesia Papua Barat SPMPB) and KNPB. Political orations were held accompanied by slogans of Papua Merdeka along the way.
The crowd started at 10:30 with the long march around the city of Manokwari towards an open field, on the route the executive governor of the West Papua National Authority area 2 Domberei, Tuan Markus Yenu, gave political speeches. In front of the office of the State Attourney of the Republic of Indonesia Markus Yenu openly inquired about the detainees of the december 14th incident Melkianus Bleskadit, Rev. Dance Yenu together with 5 students from UNIPA Manokwari who are kept in detention already 4 months and their case is moved from table to table within the Indonesian police.
Manokwari, may 2nd 2011
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- Photo: the crowed is led by executive governor of the West Papua National Authority area 2 Markus Yenu and the chairman of Solidaritas Pemuda Melanesia Papua Barat (SPMPB) Abraham Wainasiri. SH
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- Photo: the crowed is led by executive governor of the West Papua National Authority area 2 Markus Yenu and the chairman of Solidaritas Pemuda Melanesia Papua Barat (SPMPB) Abraham Wainasiri. SH
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- Photo : junior and senior high school students shout “Papua will certainly be independent”
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- Photo : A band is performing the independence song “Tear down the checkpoints and certainly Papua will be independent” (Biar Posko dibongkar Papua pasti Merdeka) with secretary of Bintuni area WPNA, Silas Ayemi, and former political prisoner Edi Alfred Ayorbaba from WPNA join in.
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- Photo: Thousands of people, students and school children take part in the demo
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- Photo: Thousands of people, students and school children take part in the demo
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Photo News: Thousands of people of West Papua Rally to Demand Referendum
Image via Wikipedia
2 May 2010
by Victor Yeimo and sources
Jayapura: Thousands of the people of West Papua, coordinated by the West Papua National Committee, held rallies across Papua today to demand referendum to be held in West Papua. The demonstration was to commemorate the illegal occupation by Indonesia in West Papua in May 1, 1961. They also give full mandate to the government of Vanuatu, International Lawyers for West Papua( ILWP) and International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) to bring the political issue of West Papua to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The rally was carried out from Sentani, Abepura and Jayapura. Many people came from every regency, town and city; many participants from Students, Indonesia security force victims, and the witnesses of Pepera 1969 (the illegal act of Free choice). The streets along the city of Abe, Jayapura and Sentani were brought to complete standstill with no activities able to occur other than the rallies
At the Lingkaran Abe, the central of city in Abepura, there was a mass sit-in, where open platform speeches were made by participants, and a joint petition was signed.
According to Victor Yeimo, International Spokesperson of KNPB, this rally was held to demonstrate to the Indonesian and international community that the people of West Papua want self-determination thought a Referendum as a final and democratic solution. “We want to show Indonesia and the international community that we are not just a handful of people who want independence. All people of West Papua want to be free”.
Mako Tabuni, KNPB vice chairman, read the petition and invited the people of West Papua to unite, and support the legal process which is being driven at the international level. Benny Wenda as a West Papuan leader in exile, also spoke directly from London via mobile to the thousands of people of West Papua at the rally..
This peaceful demonstration ended at 5:00 P.M. The KNPB also invited West Papuan people to join the next demonstrations to be held across all of West Papua.
For further info contact westpapuamedia for local number
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DAP – Straighten history of annexation of West Papua
PAPUA NEWS: May 2 2011.
Today there will be major demonstrations across Papua. The objectives for today are:
1. to commemorate that today is the anniversary of the annexation of West Papua by Indonesia using the New York Agreement and brutal military operations by the Indonesian military;
2. to challenge and resist the annexation of West Papua by Indonesia, and to continue follow up the demands by the 2nd Papuan Peoples‘ Congress to take the straightening of the history of Papua’s annexation by Indonesia to the next stage; the first stage was successful historical review of the Act of Free Choice written by Professor Pieter Drooglever.
3. to give support to International Lawyers for West Papua, with 60 international lawyers and the Government of Vanuatu who are assisting with a legal challenge to the annexation and Act of Free Choice of West Papua, that will occur on 2nd August 2011 in London, UK.
The Coordinator of demonstrations across Papua is KNPB (Komite Nasional Papua Barat or West Papua National COmmittee). Demonstrations are also occurring in Biak, Serui, Manokwari, Sorong as well as Jayapura. Currently, approximately 2000 people are gathered outside the Governor’s office in Jayapura, conducting peaceful protests, political speeches, and placards.
It is not known at this stage if security forces are attempting any dispersals.
(with aditional reporting from westpapuamedia.info)
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Indo Police Arrest 6 KNPB Activists in Wamena, West Papua; major tension on streets
Wamena, West Papua, Saturday April 30 2011
Six people, including a 10-year-old child, have been arrested in West Papua for delivering leaflets promoting major pro-democracy mobilisations across the country scheduled for May 2.
According to Victor Yeimo, international spokesperson for activist group KNPB the names and ages of the arrested activists are Baroy Sambom (24), Etus Wandik (29), Victor Kepno (19), Agustinus Mabel (20), Tohmas Loho (21 and Yarimi Yare (10).
He said: “We got information directly from Simion Dabi, chairman of KNPB Wamena, that the six men are still being questioned by Indonesian Police in Wamena.”
Meanwhile, in Jayapura, West Papua, reports are coming in that the government pressure on activists is mounting. Large numbers of Indonesian troops (TNI) are patrolling and placing red and white Indonesian flags on most street corners. They are also forcing West Papuans to fly red and white flags in front of their homes to commemorate the annexation of Papua into Indonesia on May 1, 1962.
KNPB, through demonstrations coordinator Mako Tabuni, has urged the people of West Papua to not be affected by the provocation of the TNI and to stay focused on the agenda of the demonstrations on May 2. According to its plan, announced last week, KNPB is organising the people of West Papua to commemorate the annexation more somberly as the beginning of oppression in Papua under Indonesian control. It is calling for mass demonstrations to demand a new referendum over the sovereignty of West Papua.
Phone contact available to sources via westpapuamedia.info; please click on contact page for more details.
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Agus Alua and the Voices of Papua
Agus Alua and the Voices of Papua
originally posted at EngageMedia.org
Agus Alua was the former chair of Majelis Rakyat Papua (Papuan People’s Assembly) – a cultural representation of the indigenous Papuan people which has limited authority to protect the rights based on custom and culture, the empowerment of women, and the strengthening of a harmonious religious life.
Alua died on April 8, 2011 after receiving a phone call from Jakarta, and moments before the new MRP membership was to be sworn in. Activists said Alua was ousted from the MRP because of his strong stands against the Central Government’s Papua policies. Here’s how some Papuans see the inspirational man.
(Video will open in another window)
http://www.engagemedia.org/Members/numbaymedia/videos/AgusAlua/embed_view
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Hana Hikoyabi advised to withdraw from MRP and struggle from outside
Political commentator Lamadi de Lamato told Bintang Papua that she should withdraw her name as a member rather than sit as a member of the MRP and keep having her critical remarks pounced on by the central government. According to the logic of the Indonesian state, the policies of the state must be accepted even though they fail to take the side of the Papuan people, he said.
In his opinion, Hana should withdraw her name and wage her struggle from the outside without having to make compromises.
Many Papuans would have far greater respect for her outside the MRP than if she were a member According to Lamadi, insisting that Hana should produce a clarification was virtually an act of terror against an MRP member, warning her not to be critical or consider the aspirations of the Papua people.
‘This is just like what happened under the New Order (of Suharto) and its demands for special investigations ((Litsus) towards people who were regarded as enemies of the state,’ he said.
There are many things that are going wrong in Papua; any protest should not necessarily result in restrictions being imposed on people.
‘Hana should not be treated like an enemy and be forced to be loyal to whatever the state demands. Some people believe that the former chairman of the MRP Agus Alua died because of his disagreements with things coming from central government, but he should not be blamed for that.’
With regard to the recruitment of members of the new MRP, many people feel very disappointed. ‘The state can act as it likes, but these acts of terror should end,’ he said.
As already reported, the new MRP should have 75 members but only 73 were sworn in because two names had been struck off the list, Agus Alua and Hana Hikoyabi. It was said that if these two had delivered written statements of verification, they could both have been appointed as members of the MRP.
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Interior Minister accused of exceeding his powers in excluding Hikoyabi
Abridged in translation by TAPOLJayapura: The statement by the interior minister, Gamawan Fauzi, that Hana S. Hikoyabi, member of the first-term MRP must deliver a clarification about her position within 14 days before being sworn in as a member of the new MRP was described by Budi Setyanto SH as being beyond his authority and in breach of the law.
Since that person was chosen by the people, the interior minister should have sworn her in on 12 April.
If he declares that Hana does not agree with Special Autonomy (OTSUS) or with the way of recruiting of members of the MRP, this is simply a difference of opinion but the fact is that she was chosen by the Papuan people means that she clearly does not reject OTSUS because the MRP was set up because of OTSUS, and without OTSUS, there would be no MRP.
Budi said that the interior minister’s statement is against the law.
A member of the first MRP, Simon Simunapendi, said that the failure to swear in Hana Hikoyabi was because she had been told to produce a clarification with regard to the grand assembly held from 7-10 June 2010 and reveals a misunderstanding about the role of that assembly because Law 21/2001 Article 20 makes it clear that members of the MRP must promote the aspirations of the Papuan people. Bearing in mind that these aspirations were expressed by representations of 254 ethnic groups who had come together to express their aspirations, it meant that Agus Alue Alua and Hana Hikoyabi were duty-bound to present these aspirations to the DPRP.
They were only acting in accordance with the provisions of the MRP, expressing the wishes of 254 ethnic groups, and there was no other motive for what they did.
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Since the news that Hana Hikoyabi had not been sworn in as a member of the MRP, no one has been able to make contact with her, including people from the media. The failure to swear her is seen as being directly connected to the many actions rejecting OTSUS that have taken place since the beginning of 2011.
The decisions taken at the grand assembly in June 2010 were not the product of the MRP and the individual members of the MRP cannot be held personally responsible for those decisions.
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