Author: westpapuamedia

Independent Journalism from West Papua to the World

AMNESTY STATEMENT: Security forces block peaceful demonstration in Papua

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENTIndex: ASA 21/031/2012
10 August 2012

Indonesia: Security forces block peaceful demonstration in Papua

Amnesty International calls for an independent and impartial investigation into reports that police used unnecessary and excessive force to disperse a peaceful demonstration in Papua province commemorating International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on 9 August 2012.

If the investigation finds that the security forces committed human rights violations, then those responsible, including persons with command responsibility, should be prosecuted in proceedings which meet international standards of fairness, and victims provided with reparations.

At least seven people were arbitrarily arrested during and after the demonstration and are being held at the Yapen District police station. They should be released immediately and unconditionally if they have been arrested solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression.

Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and military from the 1709 District Military Command (Kodim) led by the Yapen District Police Chief blocked hundreds of peaceful protesters as they marched on the morning of 9 August 2012 in Serui, Yapen Island.

According to local sources, the Indonesian security forces then fired their guns into the air to disperse the protesters, causing many to flee in fear. At least six protesters were arbitrarily arrested during the demonstration and some were reportedly beaten by security forces during their arrest. The police then travelled to Mantembu village to arrest one of the demonstration organizers, a local political activist. When they could not find him they arrested his wife, who is reportedly eight months pregnant.

The actions of the security forces fly in the face of statements made by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in February 2012 that he wanted an end to repressive actions by the military and police in Papua.

The rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are guaranteed in Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a state party. Moreover, these rights are protected under Indonesia’s Constitution. However, Amnesty International has documented dozens of other cases of arbitrary arrest and detention in past years of peaceful political activists in Papua.

Amnesty International continues to receive credible reports of human rights violations committed by the security forces in the provinces of Papua and West Papua, including torture and other ill-treatment, unnecessary and excessive use of force and firearms by the security forces and possible unlawful killings. Investigations into reports of human rights violations by the security forces are rare and only a few perpetrators have been brought to justice.

During a 2008 gathering to commemorate International Day of the World’s Indigenous People in Papua, peaceful demonstrator Opinus Tabuni was discovered dead with a bullet wound clearly visible in his chest, after police opened fire at the crowd. Despite a police investigation, to date no one has been held to account for his death.

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KNPB urge police to stop brutality against Papuans

Tabloid Jubi

AUGUST 8, 2012

 BY VICTOR MAMBOR 

WIM METLAMA AND TINUS YOHAME (JUBI / EVEERT)
Jayapura (7/8) — West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has requested that the security forces not  be arrogant in continuing to chase, arrest and interrogate people who do not know anything, without following procedures that are applicable in Indonesia

This statement is conveyed by KNPB Spokesman, Wim R. Metlama.  KNPB also strongly condemned the arrest of the former Chairman of the KNPB, Buchtar Tabuni.  Buchtar, now the Chairman of the National Parliament of West Papua (PNWP), was prosecuted without legal evidence, and with facts unclear.

Medlama explained that the request is also associated with the arbitrary kidnappings of Doga Tabuni (29 years) and Alex Dagay (25 years) by plainclothes security forces on Monday (6/8) at 15:00 CLT at Housing III Waena, Jayapura, Papua, in Cenderawasih University’s Dormitory area.

“They were then subjected to interrogation process under the bridge at New Street.  The security apparatus also asked them about who spoke with a  few people in the police search listings.  They even offer some facilities (inducements) to the detainees if they were able to inform on the whereabouts of people that they are looking for, like (at a) pigsty and a mini kiosk, “said Metlama, accompanied by KNPB activist Tinus Yohame  in the press conference in Abepura, Tuesday (7/8).

Metlama also urged the disclosure of the (facts behind the) shooting of Mako Tabuni, including efforts to arrest the new Chairman of the KNPB, Victor F . Yeimo by the police outside the Court trial of Buchtar Tabuni trial. “Thus Spake KNPB to urge that the police to stop brutality outside the legal procedures against Papuan people, particularly the activists of KNPB,” he said. (Jubi / Eveerth)

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Indigenous Papuans Arrested for the Celebrating the UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

by West Papua Media team

9 August 2012

UPDATED: 2300 West Papua Time

On the International Day of the Indigenous Peoples, Papuan people took to the streets to celebrate their continued survival as indigenous people, and called for an end to the Indonesian government’s occupation of their land.  Demonstrations took place in Manokwari, Serui, Baliem, Jayapura and various other locations around West Papua.

Although the United Nations declaration of 2012 as the year of ‘Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices’ communicated a sense of optimism to First Nations people around the world, indigenous Papuans continue to experience a media blackout and silencing of indigenous voices by the Indonesian military. Despite the repression of Papuan voices this report demonstrates that local indigenous media activists continue to find ways to circumvent Indonesian government censorship and control of the press.

According to local sources a few days prior to the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, the head of Police in Yapen Island, Roycke Harry Langie, officially issued a letter rejecting a request for Papuans to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People’s in Serui. In defiance of the Police refusal indigenous Papuan leaders in Serui proceeded to organise their planned celebration.

At around 9:00am (West Papua local time) on August 9, 2012 the combined forces of Brimob (Police Mobile Brigade), Densus 88 and TNI (Indonesian Army) blocked off access to Mantembu District and destroyed several houses.

Local stringers sent SMS messages to West Papua Media that at Anotaurei junction in Mantembu district, peaceful demonstrators were confronted with shots fired into the air by the police. A local source reported that sixteen shots were fired – six to the air and ten at human targets. The shoting generated fear and panic amongst the people and forced many, including local villagers to seek refuge in the nearby jungle.

At midday Australian time, West Papua Media team rang the Head of Police, Roycke Harry Langie but the call was redirected to an interrogation squad spokesperson (Reskrim), Mr Waluyo, who denied that any shots were fired and stated that no arrests had been made.

Despite police claims West Papua Media continued to get reports from several people in Serui who confirmed that eleven people had been arrested including a seven months pregnant woman, Ratna Semboari, who is a Member of State Council of Yapen of the Federated Republic of West Papua, an Indonesian-banned independence organisation. A witness told West Papua Media by phone conversation that Ms Semboari was pushed forcefully into BRIMOB truck and fell very hard on her belly.

Sopina (Yosina) Pangkurei, the wife of Daud Abon, governor of Saireri of the Federated Republic of West Papua was also arrested, despite also being  8 months pregnant.  Activists told West Papua Media that she stood in agony as she watched the security forces destroy her house. Local stringers report that police took a printer, a laptop and four banners declaring that ‘The indigenous Papuans also support indigenous people’s birthday.’

Other people arrested in Serui are:

  • Edison Kendi – Deputy governor of Saireri of the Federated Republic of West Papua
  • Sopia Kayani – Member  of State Parliament of Federated Republic of West Papua
  • Yosina Pangkurey, wife of Daud Abon.
  • Hendrikus Warmetan – State secretary of Saireri of Federated Republic of West Papua
  • Ruben Bonai – Member of  State Parliament Federated Republic of West Papua
  • Yan Piet Maniambo – Member of State Parliament of Federated Republic of West Papua
  • Matius J Pedai – Head of Regency of Mamberamu under Federated Republic of West Papua
  • Bram Wainarisi – a local activist
  • Elia Karma
  • Arnelda Kayane
  • John Paririe
  • Daniel Kandipi – a local activist
  • Beni Yobi – a local activist

At time of writing, Kayani, Waremtan, Wainarisi and Maniambo had been released from arrest.

After the release of the arrested women,  Mrs. Yossi Pangkurey (28 yrs) told another West Papua Media stringer that after they were arrested by a joint military-police apparatus in the village of Anatourei, they were immediately taken to the Police HQ of Yapen island.  Police officers immediately separated the men and women, with all the women in one room to undergo interrogation.  Male police officers, who claimed to the detainees that they were acting  on the orders of chief of Yapen police Roycke Harry Langie,  forced all the arrested women to strip and conduct the interview semi-naked, dressed only in their underwear under assumption of imminent sexual assault, according to the women.

In Manokwari, the celebration was held in front of the Papuan Tribe Council office with up to twelve Morning Star flags flying high in defiance of laws banning the West Papuan national flag. Many other people held smaller flags. Local stringers report that a thousands paraded around Manokwari town. Heavily armed Security forces attempted intimidation on the protest, and confiscated the Morning Star flags but people proceed to continue the march peacefully.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Slideshow: Images from the demonstration in Manokwari, August 9, 2012 (Photos: West Papua Media stringers)

Meanwhile, in Jayapura, the Baliem Valley and other locations across Papua, celebrations were carried out under strict police supervision.  In Jayapura the police prevented Papuan protesters from marching.  However, protesters proceeded to the Council of Papuan Customary Chiefs to continue the celebration.

In the central highlands celebrations were also held at the Council of Papuan Customary Chiefs despite provocation by police, who according to local stringers surrounded the event in full combat gear.  A Lani highland chief told West Papua Media by SMS that “the reason the police tried to stop the demonstrations was that they were held by ‘unregistered’ groups.”

What this means,” he continued, “is that the Indonesian Government does not respect human rights and universal freedoms.”

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Filep Karma refuses to take oath in Buchtar trial

JUBI, 26 July,2012

 

Filep Karma who has diligently fought for the basic rights of the Papuan indigenous people refused to take the oath when summoned as a witness in the ongoing trial of Buchtar Tabuni. He said that the court was a full of people who know only how to deceive and trick the Papuan people.

He said that his own declaration that he was speak the truth was enough. Both the prosecuting counsel and the judges urged Karna to take the other on the Bible but he refused to do so.

He said repeatedly that he did not want to acknowledge the law that was in the hands of people who were intent upon using deception. He reiterated his belief in God whose crown is embedded in within his own breast.

‘Jesus said, I am the word, the path towards  truth and life. I will offer my testimony on that basis,’ Karma told the court. However the judge failed to persuade Karma to take the oath in the way required by the court. He asked Karma whether he was willing to be a witness in the Buchtar Tabuni trial and if so he would have to take the oath as required.

Karma did not budge from his position and the judge therefore dismissed him as a witness and adjourned the hearing.

The next hearing in the trial will be held on 30 July.

A photo accompanying the article in JUBI shows Filep Karma in a discussion with Buchtar Tabuni outside the courthouse.]

[Abridged translation by TAPOL]

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Benny Giay: “Journalists in West Papua doing the same thing as Journalists in South Africa during Apartheid Era”

by Victor Mambor

Jayapura, (26/7) – Benny Giay, Chairman of the Synod of Kingmi on West Papua said that news of Papua, published by local and national mass media (Indonesia) have occurred in South Africa in the apartheid era. Investors and the government have controlled the public mind in a discriminatory manner through journalists and mass media.

“I think the news in the history of the community/state totalitarian and repressive media owner are required to follow the will of the regime. They, the media managers or journalists who write the story from the perspective of a victimized by totalitarian and repressive regimes are considered as trouble.” Benny Giay said to Tabloidjubi.com, Wednesday (27/6) in Jakarta via mobile phone.

In the same place, Septer Manufandu, Executive Secretary of Foker LSM Papua said  “The news media and journalists are very discriminatory. This is a problem for us Papuans, because news like this fosters separatist stigma and make people think that the perpetrators of current terror and violence are the Papuans. Though police are not able to prove it.” Septer said to reporters in Jakarta, Tuesday, June 26th.

According to Benny Giay, these circumstances indicate that media managers or journalists in this context are discriminating (against Papuans). However, he also understands that this situation can sometimes occur because the ruling regime have a (financial) stake in the media at which journalists work.

“Noam Chomsky has a view about this culture in which the investor or the authorities control the public mind with one-sided messages that discriminate against a sacrificial group.   Journalists in West Papua are doing the same thing as journalists in South Africa during the Apartheid Era in the 1950s or in Indonesia in the 19th century.  Nothing new in Papua.” said Benny Giay.

Press freedom in South Africa has a fragmented history. Some sectors of the South African media could openly criticize the apartheid system and National Party government, but they were hampered by government censorship for years.   Not many journalists in the apartheid era could draw clear boundaries between truth and the interests of the ruler.  Of particular interest were the media companies they worked for.  At the time of apartheid, the
control of journalists and mass media is very strong. The mass media were dominated by noise and propaganda from the apartheid regime.

One example was the death of Steve Biko, a South African student leader who founded the Black Consciousness Movement. On August 18, 1977, Biko was arrested by apartheid regime police of Africa on charges of violating South Africa Act, No. 38, 1967 on Terrorism.  He was interrogated by two police officers from Port Elizabeth, Harold Snyman and Gideon Nieuwoudt. The interrogation lasted twenty-two hours, including torture and beatings that resulted in Biko falling into a coma.   He suffered serious head injuries while in police custody and was chained to a window grille for a day.  The mass media in South African did not write about his torture instead reporting Biko was arrested for violating the Terrorism Act, until  journalist (and now political leader) Helen Zille, along with editor and journalist Donald Woods,  revealed the truth behind Biko’s death.

Steve Biko died shortly after arriving at the Pretoria prison, on 12 September 1977. The police claimed his death was the result of Biko’s hunger strike, but an autopsy revealed bruises and abrasions that caused a brain haemorrhage from a large wound in Biko’s skull.  The autopsy was powerful evidence that Biko was brutally beaten by his captors.

The attitudes of mass media in South Africa during the apartheid era over Biko’s death is almost equal to the attitude of local and Indonesian mass media in Indonesia around the death of Mako Tabuni, the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB).  Journalists and mass media only reported view of the police, without any express testimony of actual witnesses. Newspapers reported that Mako Tabuni was shot to death because he tried to resist police, while some witnesses expressed Mako Tabuni was shot without warning. (Jubi/Victor Mambor)

http://tabloidjubi.com/english/19770-benny-giay-journalists-in-west-papua-doing-the-same-thing-with-journalists-in-south-africa-during-apartheid-era

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