Month: May 2013

After 15 years of reformasi, repression in Papua is putting more people behind bars

Press Statement  from NAPAS

May 13, 2013

SPP-HAM  – Solidarity for Upholding Human Rights – organised an action today in Jayapura Town in order to call upon the State to accept responsibility  for the death of three civilians in Aimas, Sorong district and for the arbitrary arrest of three civilians in Sorong, Biak, Mimika and Jayapura.on 30 April and 1 May this year.The action began at 8.30am outside the Cenderawasih University (UNCEN) in Waena and the UNCEN Campus  in Abepura as well as outside the Cultural Expo  in Waena district of Heram, Jayapura Town.The action was forcibly disbanded by units of the Police  (Brimob Dalmas Polresta and Polda Papua) and four people who were taking tpart n the action were arrested..They also tortured a student from UNCEN. The arrests and torture occurred in front of the UNCEN bus station.

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The four people who were arrested and tortured were:

1) Victor Yeimo, 30 years old (Responsible for the action)
2) Marthen Manggaprouw, 30 years old (Responsible for the action)
3.) Yongky Ulimpa 23 years old, a participant in the action.
4)  Elly Kobak 17 years old, a participant in the action.
5) Markus Giban, a student at UNCEN, 19 years old who was beaten with a rifle butt which broke his right hand and who is now being treated in the Abepura General Hospital.

The participants were forcibly dispersed for  not having permission from the police. On the previous day, 8 May, the committee of SPP-HAM had sent a request to the  police stating that the action would be peaceful  (00/SP/PAN-SPHAM-UTSN/V/2013) but the request was turned down on the grounds that the Solidarity Movement has no statutes of association (AD/ART) and has been registered at the Kesbangpol Agency of the Province of Papua.

We regard this reason as being groundless because the SPP-HAM is not a permanent organisation but simply a humanitarian solidarity group which was set up by human rights activists in response to the 1 May Tragedy when three civilians were killed, so there was no need to  register with the Police (Kesbangpol). Furthermore, the police action was a restriction of people’s rights of assembly and expression which are guaranteed in the 1945 Constitution Article 28, para E sub 3 and sub 8, and which are also regulated in Law 9/1998 on the freedom of expression to state one’s opinion in public, in particular Articles 1 and 2.

The forcible dispersal of the action on that day and the arrest of 4  human rights activists is but a small portrayal of the clamp down on democracy by the repressive and oppressive government. This is not the first time that such a thing has happened; it has become a regular feature of police behaviour. This proves that there is no space for democracy  in Papua.

The reality of democracy  represents a setback in the fifteen years of reformasi in Indonesia. Reformasi in Indonesia cannot progress if the space for democracy in Papua is closed. Out of respect for basic human rights and the advancement of democracy in Papua and in Indonesia, we members of NAPAS (National Papuan Solidarity) call upon and urge the government:

1:    To end the forcible dispersal and arbitrary arrest of human rights activists and students.

2:    To release the four civilians who were arrested today.

3.     To open up the space for democracy for the Papuan people to grant permission for a special rapporteur from the United Nations  to carry out investigations in Papua  as well as giving access to national and foreign journalists.

NAPAS also strongly condemns the abysmal commitment of the government and State to the principles of Basic Human Rights , especially to the Papuan people. Papua is today  the face of democracy in Indonesia , as well as the face of the Indonesian Government  towards the Papuan peope.

Jakarta, 1 May 2013

National Papua Solidarity (NAPA)

Zely Ariane. Co-ordinator

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KNPB Member Tortured until Arm Broken

by OKTOVIANUS POGAU at SuaraPapua.com

http://suarapapua.com/2013/05/satu-anggota-knpb-disiksa-hingga-patah-tangan/

Photo: Markus Giban (19), one of the members of the KNPB who was arrested by police and had his arm broken. (Photo: KNPB / SuaraPapua.com)
Photo: Markus Giban (19), one of the members of the KNPB who was arrested by police and had his arm broken. (Photo: KNPB / SuaraPapua.com)

Papua, Jayapura – A member of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), Mark Giban (19), student at Cenderwasih University (Uncen) reportedly suffered a broken arm after being arrested and tortured by Jayapura City Police, at National Housing Authority 3, Abepura, Jayapura, Monday (13/5/2013) afternoon.

“There has been massive persecution against KNBP activists. This is extremely excessive, some others are still detained at Papua Police Regional Command, and Giban has suffered a broken arm and must be treated at Abepura Regional District Hospital (RSUD)”, said the Chairman of the National Parliament of West Papua (PNWP), Bucthar Tabuni when contacted by suarapapua.com, this afternoon.

As well as the arrest and torture of Giban, several KNBP activists, including the Head of the KNPB, Victor F Yeimo, suffered the same fate. They are currently being detained at Papua Police Regional Command and are being interrogated by police.

Bucthar added, the full report of the torture, arrest and beatings suffered by the KNPB activists, as well as several other mass actions on May 13, 2013, will be published in full.

“Friends are currently compiling the full report, we will later publish for the media, just wait”, said Tabuni from Jayapura, Papua.

Papua Police Public Relations, Adjunct Senionr Commissioner 1 Gede Sumerta, S. lk when contacted reported that confimed reports from the field had not yet been received.

“Wait, I need to check first”, wrote the Commisioner of Public Relations briefly via mobile phone to the media.

Previously, as reported by this media (read: Jayapura, four Papuan Activists back in Police detention), police again arrested four Papuan activists outside the taxi rank at National Housing Commission 3, not far from the Cenderwasih University Campus, Papua.

The four people arrested are: student Yongky Ulimpa (23), student Ely Kobak (17), Manggaprouw Marten (30) activist of the West Papuan National Authority (WPNA) and Victor F Yeimo (30), Chariman of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB).

 

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Breaking News: Beatings, Arrests as KNPB Rally forcibly broken up by police

West Papua Media

May 13, 2013

UPDATED WITH PHOTOS 8.15 wp time

Indonesian police in Jayapura have this morning violently dispersed a pro-independence rally being held by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), arresting its leader Victor Yeimo, media worker Marthen Manggaprouw and two KNPB activists, according to early reports.

The rally was being held to commemorate the shootings and violent crackdown by Indonesian security forces on peaceful demonstrations across Papua on May 1, which left four people dead and drew international condemnation up to the UN Human Rights Commissioner, Navi Pillay.

Reports from witnesses at the scene have confirmed that police conducted several rounds of baton charges against rally participants who arrived on motorbikes, and then joined by over 1000 other participants who continued to resist the police charges outside the gates of Cenderawasih University in Abepura.  Injuries have been reported by but no particulars are yet available.  More arrests are expected according to witnesses.

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Jayapura police chief Alfred Papare ordered the arrests of Yeimo, Manggaprouw, Yongky Ulimpa (23), Ely Kobak (17) after intense negotiations  from 9am local time between police and the activists to allow the rally failed.  In this time, thousand’s of frontline Papuan civilians and activists had gathered ready to march from Lingkaran Abepura (outside the Post office) near the National Housing Complex 3 (the site of late KNPB Chairman Mako Tabuni’s assassination by Australian-trained Detachment 88 officers) to the People’s Assembly Council (MRP) office.

At 1050am local time, the mass gathering was attacked and the activists were arrested, beaten by Police, and media activist Manggaprouw had his camera equipment seized by Police.  They were taken to Polda Papua headquarters in Jayapura, where grave concerns are held by human rights workers for their safety and freedom from torture.

At 5.30pm this date WPB Victor Yeimo following his earlier arrest was taken to LP Abepura by the Public Prosecutor led by an escort force of police “with full war apparel” using 2 Dalmas trucks, a police patrol vehicle and one vehicle with darkened windows.  Stingers for West Papua Media have reported that Police are working together with the Public Prosecutor regarding a previous case against Yeimo for which punishment was never finalised, hence the Prosecutor has detained him again.

At time of Update,  Marthen Manggaprow, Yongky Uliampa and Ely Kobak are still being interrogated at Polda Papua.

KNPB Spokesman Wim Medlama told suarapapua.com, “True, officers had arrested four people on Housing III, near the taxi round. Police officers came down with their trucks, crashing into and damaging several motorbikes as well, and then arrested them.  Currently they are being brought to the Papua Police. We beg for advocacy.”

“We want to MRP to hold accountable the government and security apparatus-related deaths in all the land of Papua, especially those occurring in Aimas, Sorong, at the time of Papua’s integration demo day on May 1, 2013 and now,” said Medlama.

The rally had been banned by notorious former Detachment 88 chief, now Papua Police chief, Tito Karnavian, in a move that had been widely criticised by Papuan civil society leaders, including Baptist Church leader Socretez Yoman and Kingmi Church leader Benny Giay.

KNPB Chairman Victor Yeimo yesterday told SuaraPapua.com that the ban would not deter Papuan people from peacefully voicing their aspirations. The Papua Police banning peaceful demonstrations is very unnatural, as well as it being illegal, because freedom of public expression is guaranteed by law in the country of Indonesia.

“The Police Chief’s ban is part of the continued suppression of expression was silenced in Papua. In principle, we will continue to go down, ” Yeimo told SuaraPapua.com.
The rally was organised with Papuan civil and political organizations – Solidaritas Peduli Pelanggaran Hak Asasi Manusia(SPP HAM), Komite Nasional Papua Barat (KNPB), Gerakan Rakyat Demokratik Papua (GARDA-P), Dewan Perwakilan Mahasiswa Fakultas (DPMF) FISIP Uncen & West Papua National Authority (WPNA) agreed to join forces in the protest in Jayapura, despite POLDA Papua banning the peaceful actions.
Journalists with SuaraPapua.com and stringers from West Papua Media reported that hundreds of fully armed police and military were at present “securing” Jayapura with 6 truckloads of police, 4  barracudas armoured cars and water cannons, and “police motorcycles continue to keep all the corners of the city of Jayapura to cancel the action plan undertaken by Papuan people.”.  Unconfirmed reports from witnesses have also claimed that Indonesian Army (TNI) soldiers have been mobilised.
The situation in Jayapura is currently highly tense, with more reaction expected from both Papuan civilians and security forces.

More to come – this is a developing story

@westpapuamedia

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Gravesite of Theys Eluay used by Jayapura police to hold social activities

May 1 2013

by Oktovianus POGAU, Editor of SuaraPapua.com

PAPUAN, Jayapura – The field of Theys Hiyo Eluay’s grave, which was be used by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) together with the people of West Papua to commemorate the 50th year of the annexation of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia, had its planned use called off.

This was because the Jayapura Police, led by the Jayapura police chief, Commissioner Roycke Harry Langie  S.Ik, had allegedly booked this historic field to hold social activities to welcome the (HUT) Police Anniversary and Police Hospitals Foundation (YBK) .

“Yes, the field is used for social activities in order to welcome YBK  and police anniversary,”  Papua Police Public Relations Head, Chief Sumerta I Gede said, as confirmed by suarapapua.com reporter this afternoon.

Arnold Belau, suarapapua.com journalist, who also visited the Garden Tomb at Theys Square in Sentani revealed, it appears that some members of the Police gathered in the field, while doing the distribution of basic necessities and medicine to civilians.

“Not many people are there in the tomb of Theys. There are only members of the Police and the wives of the police, and a parked armored car, 1 police truck, 3 cars of the air force, and 1 mobile health car, “said Belau, via cell phone connection.

According to Belau, it does not seem that KNPB mass movement and mass of  Papua people are to hold worship at the field at the Tomb of Theys as scheduled.

Earlier, Chairman of the KNPB, Victor Yeimo appealed and issued a call for the date of May 1, 2013 to be celebrated as the annexation of Papua into the Indonesian state, or national day of mourning for the people of Papua.

Yeimo said that the KNPB together with West Papuan people will use the park grounds of the Theys Hiyo Eluay tomb in Sentani, to hold religious and political speeches.

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Herman Wainggai: Personal reflections of a Journey to Freedom

Apologies for the delay in posting

By Herman Wainggai

Op-Ed

May 1, 2013

A Personal reflection on the West Papuan struggle from a leading West Papuan independence activist.

“ Dear Mum You raised your children with sincere of love, you guide your children with education of wisdom When your children create an offense, you give advise to your children with wisdom from your Melanesian culture. When your children were arrested and imprisoned, you went to visit your children even when the authorities of Indonesia tried to stop you from it.  Today I remember mama, when I sat next to mum in the guard room, you start greet me, Herman, how is your health condition these days? I am fine mum but I really apologize for making you come to prison to see me as always you do. Thank you for your love, mama! Washington DC, Herman Wainggai”

What are the changes that happened in the past 50 years that West Papua has been ruled by Indonesia?  Why do I reflect on my personal journey and write this ? Because this has been the reality of the lives of the Papuan people under the Indonesian military system  since the 1st of May, 1963 and since the so called Act of Free Choice in 1969 when West Papua through military and political pressure was unjustly integrated into Indonesia. We [West Papuans] have maintained our dignity in the face of oppression, insult and prejudice. So many of our people have suffered and died, and they will continue to suffer and die under the military regime of Indonesia. This is why we cannot stop our struggle for justice and freedom.

Life is a struggle for West Papuan people.  Indonesia has imposed a brutal military occupation, and the West Papuan people have become victims of rape, murder, abuse, torture and intimidation.  When I was in West Papua in the 1990s, I studied at a university, I was also actively involved in the West Papuan people’s struggle and I organized many nonviolent demonstrations against the brutality government of Indonesia.  I knew there were many risks to face when I was in my country at that time because I was unsure of how I could deal with the authority of Indonesia. One of the biggest challenges in my life occurred when me and my friends organized a peaceful demonstration in my country. As a result of the nonviolent protest I was convicted of subversion and incarcerated twice for almost three years in my country of West Papua. While I was in the prison of Indonesia, I thought that I would be killed by the oppressor government of Indonesia if I was still in prison for a long period of time. Begining that moment, I started to think more about my safety and personal life and staying alive was my biggest concern.  I decided that best plan was to leave West Papua after I released out from the prison. It would be better for me to escape from my country to exile.  I would be safe, able to increase international attention on the issue and also to continue the struggle in a nonviolent manner from afar.

Most daily life in my country is a nightmare, which is why many West Papuan leaders and friends have been killed, either inside prison or after released. For me, to leave was big decision to make because it meant I would be leaving all my family and friends behind.  This was an extremely hard decision to leave my country of West Papua but I think it was great decision for myself and I was also happy to help my other friends who came with me on the outrigger when  I left the country and  crossed the open ocean  for four days to seeking safety in Australia.

New York City is historically significant place to the West Papuan people because of the New York agreement, which ultimately handed control of West Papua to Indonesia in the 1960s. The United Nations building is also located in New York. Fifty years later, I found myself living in the United States of America and every time I have visited to the United Nations building I have developed a deep love for differences in culture, cities, experiences, works and ideas.  These are everlasting impressions that will be vivid in my mind and heart for the rest of my life and have been significant in creating my experience today. I am always impressed by the architecture and inspired by the purpose of the United Nations and the work that they do, as well as the flags outside the building. I learned a lot of things about myself and the world that I never would have had the opportunity to learn if I had not left my home country of West Papua. My time abroad has sometimes been lonely and crazy but it is also the best experience of my life to be able to continue to fight for my people from the USA and hopefully make a difference. I have had moments when I have been extremely uncomfortable, or when I simply have to smile, laugh and embrace the awkward, but that’s what truly makes the journey abroad experience so valuable. I have been forced out of my country, my comfort zone and away from the community but am able to experience another culture that is completely different than my own, a valuable learning experience to say the least. For these significant experiences, I will never regret my decision to step out of my comfort zone and risk this journey abroad because it has been the best of my life, filled with adventure, challenges, and of course,  the beautiful awkward.

This feeling of abandonment compelled me to meet people from all over the world from every ethnic group, country, age and religious background and I gained a broader more accepting world view and obtained vast amounts of knowledge all while continuing my advocacy works to help the people of West Papua. The United Nations was established after World War II and its most important service is being a place for the countries of the world to come together every year to discuss, communicate and debate issues happening around the world. It regulates the activity of the world’s government. The issue of human rights violations in West Papua and brutal militaristic control of Indonesia is something I believe UN needs to act on in order to stand by their upheld values on judgment, human rights, and freedom. This has been an ongoing conflict for 50 years, it is unresolved and the military operation continues to destroy West Papua. Intimidation, terror, murder, rape, and what could be called‘slow motion genocide,’ these are the realities of life for the trampled people of West Papua. It has been far too long that the West Papuans have being oppressed and it is for this reason that the cause of West Papua should be relisted on the UN Security council agenda sometime.

I have often seen the flags being flown outside of the UN building.  It is a beautiful and prideful sight and is a constant reminder to me that the West Papuan flag should be flying outside the building, and someday it will. This is what the West Papuan people have been and will continue to fight for. In the land of West Papua, a man can serve fifteen years in jail simply for raising the Morning Star flag, which has significant historical, political, and cultural meaning to the people of West Papua.

Telling my story has become a new aspect of my dream and big part of my journey.  This is a story that I want the world to know, so that my country and my people can live a life of freedom and independence like the other 193 countries who are UN members.

Therefore, in the name of justice, truth and freedom, human rights and political rights for the people of Papua, a free nation of Melanesia, we ask the Australian Government, the government of The United States of America and all other International communities, for a dialog between the Jakarta Government and the Federated republic of West Papua that is mediated by a third party nation or representatives of the United Nations.

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