Category: News alert

Photo/video report: Heavy handed intimidation fails to dampen Papuan Congress spirit; police threaten forced dispersal

Special Report By West Papua Media editorial and field teams

October 19, 2011

(Jayapura) Scenes of jubilation and free expression have erupted in Jayapura, West Papua as over 20,000 delegates took part in the historic Third Papuan People’s Congress. Thunderous cries of “Papua Merdeka!” filled the streets as tens of thousands of people marched towards the Congress venue Taboria oval (Zaccheus Field) in Abepura, after the Indonesian government prevented the Congress from being held at the Cenderawasih University. Despite threats by Indonesian security forces to derail the Congress, held for only the second time since Indonesia’s invasion in 1963, Papuan delegates openly discussed their rights to self-determination and the pathways to referendum on the future of West Papua.

The Third West Papuan People’s Congress was called by the West Papua National Committee and supported by the majority of civil society and political groups across West Papua, including the Papuan Customary Council (DAP) and the West Papua National Authority (WPNA), with the exception of some elements of the armed wing, the TPN/OPM.

Over 5000 people had already gathered from 8 am at the Taboria oval, with the numbers continuing to grow steadily throughout the day. Organisers were hoping for up to 40,000 attendees from across Papua, and at least 20,000 were present by Monday afternoon.

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Approximately 5000 people from Yapen, Waropen, Mamberamo, Manokwari, Sorong, and Jayapura conducted a “long march” rally from Yawa dormitory in Abepura towards the Taboria oval. This march was under the responsibility of WPNA and security was provided by over a thousand Petapa community security personnel, although over 500 police were following behind the march in trucks.

Amid tight security due to the threat of violence from Indonesian military and police apparatus, 100 guests were allowed to attend the opening of the Congress which followed with a traditional mumu or feast. 14 pigs were killed with several Paramount customary Chiefs present, as the Sampari dance group performed the traditional dances. The Sampari dance group was infamously persecuted by the Indonesian military as “separatists” after an emotional performance at the Second Papuan Peoples’ Congress in 2000 that depicted the Biak Massacre of 1998. They also danced with the sacred Morning Star flag, banned by Indonesia, which was officially raised around 2pm. Sampari dancers presented the Papuan Collective Leadership, comprising Forkorus Yaboisembut, Eliezer Awom, Septinus Paiki, and the Reverend Edison Waromi of the WPNA, with a traditional Tifa drum, on which he beat a rhythm to officially open the Congress.

The initial stages of Congress featured speakers from across Papuan civil society speaking on the need to take strong action to end impunity for human rights abuses and to implement the pathways to self-determination.

The Chairman of the Baptist Church in Papua, Sofyan Yoman, was one of the opening speakers on behalf of Papuan Council of Churches who spoke about crimes against humanity being committed daily against the Papuan people. He called upon those present to help in “challenging all the Churches to speak up for human rights for West Papuan people”. “These churches who are living in fear should and must speak out about the atrocities and ongoing injustice in Papua,” Yoman said.

Other speakers from across Papuan civil society and customary leaders spoke of the will of the Papuan people being a step closer to realisation through the holding of the Congress, but a long road was still ahead of Papuan to gain freedom or Merdeka.

The Chairman of the DAP, Forkorus Yaboisembut, was elected on the first day as the Chairman for the Congress. As reported in Indonesian news outlet Kompas, Yaboisembut explained Congress is “part of the struggle of indigenous Papuans to enforce their fundamental rights.” He argued that Papuans are not seeking to undermine or destroy Indonesia. however “we strive to uphold our fundamental rights, including political rights, including the right to independence as a nation.” According to Yaboisembut, the Collective Leadership Committee has no particular agenda. “The people who will proceed in the congress. And whatever be produced, the Government of Indonesia should able to appreciate it.”

West Papua Media stringers report that preliminary recommendations had been made by both the organising committee and speakers of the makeup of mandated office holders for a new Congress 3 Presidium, that would officially speak for West Papua’s independence movement. In a surprising display of common purpose, delegate have initially endorsed the consideration of office bearers, though no binding decisions have been made. Frans Kapisa of WPNA, had recommended that Forkorus Yaboisembut, the Chairman the Papuan Customary Council – be elected as the inaugural President of the Democratic Republic of West Papua.

Participants at Congress have indicated that the deliberations could extend until Friday or beyond, and that any political, logistical, timetable, and office-bearing positions arrived at currently are far from finalised.

Security Force intimidation
Despite the jubilation and ability to engage in open and peaceful free expression at Congress, sources report that Indonesian security forces are continuing to gear up for an imminent potential assault or dispersal on the Congress participants. Bintang Papua reported that the announced presence of the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto at the Congress would not be attending, despite the promise by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that he would attend to represent Indonesia.

However the Papuan-based Indonesian police commander Bigman Tobing has stated that his forces will not be there to cause unrest, merely to protect the proceeding of the Congress. “The joint forces have to obey in order not to cause Unrest in the community,” he said. Local newspapers in Jayapura reported that security forces were preparing 2,200 personnel with armour, “not to frighten the people but to ensure calm’. Unconfirmed reports state that all police leave has been cancelled around the greater Jayapura area.

Over 3000 Petapa Community Security Guards have been trained and deployed to provide security for the Congress, with duties of surveillance, detection of intelligence agents, and keeping a physical buffer zone between Papuans and Indonesians to minimise any potential for contact. The proactive but peaceful work of the Petapa force is believed to be stymying any legitimacy of the Indonesian security forces to action, a strategy which according to sources inside Petapa has caused simultaneous frustration and admiration from security forces with apparent lines of communication open between senior police as part of the Papuan security strategy. Petapa personnel are greatly outnumbering the deployed Indonesian security forces, though any direct confrontation would probably see Indonesian weapons being used, a scenario that Petapa have trained for.

On Tuesday afternoon, credible local stringers for West Papua Media reported that several hundred fully armed Indonesian police and military took up offensive positions outside the offices of the DPRD. Five Indonesian Army Pansers with .50 calibre machineguns, one company of soldiers from the TNI and 1 SSK (Strategic Company – 150) of Brimob paramilitary police reportedly in full combat gear made manouevres to attempt tho dissolve the gathering. Based on observation by local human rights sources and troop dispositions provided to West Papua Media, surrounding the Congress were 13 Ranger trucks, 24 Army troop transports, 20 Brimob trucks, water cannon, 3 police buses, 2 mobile prisons, Military police/ Provost units (to ensure military discipline), 6 Army Pansers and 4 Police Barracuda Armoured Personnel Carriers, all containing fully armed troops. Approximately 2200 Indonesian security forces were surrounding Congress in a display that participants believed were deliberately designed to intimidate. Security forces also conducted several high profile convoys of armour and hardware throughout the proceedings of Congress, and conducted very visible drills throughout the day and night.

West Papua Media’s stringers have reported that there is a understanding amongst delegates that brutal action from Indonesian security forces seems inevitable, but that the intimidation is not going to stop them from discussing the options for their future. At time of writing a credible source stated that the Joint TNI/Polri security force plan to occupy the field on the morning of October 19, though this has not been fully decided. It is likely that any plan for taking over the field will lead to conflict and bloodshed.

More information as it comes to hand.

westpapuamedia.info.

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Third Papuan People’s Congress opens

Bintang Papua, 18 October 2011The Third Papuan People’s Congress opened on Monday according to plan at Lapangan Zakeus [in the open air]. However, the  plan for it to be opened by the general director for regional autonomy of the interior ministry was not realised so instead it was opened by the collective Papuan leadership and marked by the beating of a tifa drum.

Speaking on this occasion, Forkorus Yaboisembut said the objective of the congress was to discuss the basic rights of the indigenous Papuan people and not to destroy the NKRI.

‘Although we will be discussing political rights, we respect the Indonesian government because our intention is not to destroy NKRI. This is a matter of principle,’ he said, speaking to journalists after opening the congress.

‘What we are doing is to struggle for the rights of the indigenous Papuan people. This includes our basic right as a nation.’  Speaking as part of the collective leadership as well as chairman of Dewan Adat Papua  [Papuan Traditional Council], he said he had no personal agenda. ‘But the people have their aspirations and the Indonesian state and other states should respect this.’

He went on to say: ‘If all parties  uphold democracy, basic human rights and international law, the Third Papuan People’s Congress should not be regarded as being illegal. If everyone in the world is committed, the activities  taking place here in Papua should not been seen as being illegal or against the law. Law is relative,’ he said.

The congress was opened with a prayer and the blowing of the sangkakala trumpet. Forkorus led the prayers together with the leaders of seven regions. The national anthem ‘Hai Tanahku Papua‘ was sung, the only song to be sung as part of the congress agenda.

The Morning Star flag which was flown was quite big and was unfurled twice on a wooden pole while musicians accompanied women dancers who were wearing shirts made of the flag.

The chairman of the congress committee, Selfius Bobii, in his opening address, called on all who were present to be of one heart and determined to bring about change.

‘Past history is realised in what happens today, and the future depends  on what happens now,’ he said, speaking with great feeling. Although his address was interrupted because of the sound system, he gave an account of Papuan history. In the days before  the arrival of people from outside, Papua was a paradise on earth..  ‘During the Dutch colonial era  and the Indonesian colonial era, this paradise on earth turned in a hell on earth.’ Papua’s paradise which existed before the arrival of outsiders is what we are longing for.’

Third Congress: Forward to Peace.

Congress regulations for the proceedings were read out, which included things that the participants should not do and were agreed by everyone present.

After the regulations had been read out, the congress continued with each group from home and abroad presenting their political views. The first person to speak was Frans Kapisa, chairman of the WPNA.  He was followed by a statement from a representative of TPN/OPM from Kasuari Manokwari which was read out by Yakop Dimara (commander). This was followed by a political statement by a representative of TPN/OPM from the mountains who did not want his name  to be reported in the press.

The statement from TPN/OPM marked the conclusion of expressions of political opinions yesterday while others will make their statements tomorrow (ie today) starting as 8am. These political presentations expressed love for a peaceful struggle, although at the start there was some talk about the use of violence.

[Translated by TAPOL]

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Confirmed reports: Indonesian security forces prepare to attack Congress 3 gathering to disperse participants

Confirmed reports: Indonesian security forces prepare to attack Congress 3 gathering to disperse participants

BREAKING NEWS

October 18, 2011 1045 Jayapura time.

westpapuamedia.info

Credible local stringers for West Papua Media have sent urgent messages reporting that several hundred fully armed Indonesian police and military are taking up offensive positions outside the offices of the DPRD, The Papuan People’s Provincial Assembly. Two Indonesian Army Pansers with .50 calibre machineguns, one company of soldiers from the TNI and 1 SSK (Strategic Company – 150) of Brimob paramilitary police in full combat gear are making manoeuvres to attempt to dissolve the gathering of the Third Papuan Peoples‘ Congress, which has attracted up to 20,000 delegates from all over Papua.
see from last night: http://youtu.be/1UqFQgHA0hs

Please stay tuned for further information and reports

URGENT ACTION

West Papua Media has been provided with phone numbers for the head of Police in Abepura, who is responsible for ordering his troops not to attack the Congress gathering.  Please call  Polsek Abe +62967581230/+62967581110 and tell them that they will be held to account for all of their actions.

Please demand the police immediately return their troops to barracks, and take their heavy weapons off the streets; and allow West Papuan delegates to return home safely.

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TPN/OPM on border rejects Third Papuan Congress; Journalists meet OPM commander

Bntang Papua, 14 October 2011TPN/OPM along border rejects Third Papuan Congress

On the eve of the Third Papuan Congress,  there are differences of opinion between those who support it and those who are opposed. The commander of the TPN/OPM – National Liberation Army/Papuan Independence Movement, Lambert Pekikir has strongly rejected the congress.

According to Pekikir, the congress will not solve the problem. The TPN/OPM only supports secession from the Indonesian Republic. Speaking frankly in an interview with Bintang Papua, Lambert Pekikir said that the two previous congresses had not produced any results. ‘The first congress produced nothing while the second congress also produced nothing and was later followed by the law on special autonomy. So what’s the use of having a third congress?’ he said.

When Lambert Pekikir was approached by Bintang Papua, he was holding a ceremony with about fifty members of his army, all of them bearing arms. He said that the TPN/OPM was involved in a tireless struggle  during which much blood has been shed and many lives have been lost. He said that this struggle would continue and described the congress as a mistake. ‘What the people want,’ he said, ‘is independence. Participation in the congress is a mistake.’

According to Pekikir, ‘Independence is the answer to the deaths, the blood and tears shed  up until now . We have suffered for a very long time, the situation has been very difficult for us,  so dont try to deceive us with cheap tricks. Our struggle will lead to freedom and the congress cannot answer this.’

He said that the OPM and its military forces reject all offers made by the Indonesian NKRI government in any efforts to solve the political conflict in the land of West Papua.

——————

In a separate article, Bintang Papuan describes its meeting with Lambert Pekikir as follows:

Following the news that the Third Papuan Congress would be held, those who are living in the jungle at the TPN/OPM headquarers and along the border invited Bintang Papua  to visit them in the jungle.

In this connection, I along with two other journalists met Pekikir  to hear his views regarding the congress.

The following is a description of the journey we took to meet him.

/By Bento Maduban/.
———————

The name of Lambert Pekikir is well-known to people in Jayapura and throughout Papua, and in particular to the security forces. He is known for the series of actions he and his men have launched in Jayapura and along the RI-PNG border as well as in Keerom and in Serui although Pekikir denies some of this.

‘He’ a friendly guy,’ said a journalist colleague who met Pekikir some time ago.’It was several years ago so I dont know whether he has changed since then.’

We set off on our journey at crack of dawn. We first travelled in a vehicle and after two hours, we got down from the vehicle and entered an area by foot that I had never been to before. We walked through thick high grass – /imperata cylindrica -/ going uphill and through forests.

There were four men who we did not know walking ahead of us, guiding us through the thick forest and two armed men appeared behind us, keeping watch over the path we had taken.. ‘Please talk very softly,’ said one of the men in front. We walked on for about one more hour after which one of them said, ‘It’s only another kilometre.’

Walking with six men who I didn’t know, two of whom were armed  was scary, but our fears were overwhelmed by our desire to hear what Pekikir wanted to say to us. We had been invited to meet Pekikir who wanted to tell what he thought of the congress which was due to start on 16 October.

Soon we came face to face with a heavily bearded man, carrying a weapon by his side. ‘Welcome! I hope you have had a pleasant journey,’ he said as he shook our hands in a firm grip, smiling broadly. We were invited to continue to walk with the commnder of the Victoria command.  ‘You must be very tired after your journey,’ he said, laughing.

This fellow has a sense of humour, I thought after we introduced ourselves . ‘Let us have a smoke together,’ he said as he invited us to sit down. ‘We have often spoken by phone,’ I said. ‘I am from Bintang Papua and now at last I have been able to meet you, Uncle Lambert.’  He replied with a broad smile and nodded.

After a few minutes, he  shouted something that must have been in code for suddenly from behind the trees and grass surrounding us, emerged dozens of armed men. This came as a huge surprise to us as we had no idea there were so many armed men around. This was a very successful move .’They are on picket duty,’ said Lambert.

The fifty or so men marched in line before their commander as he stood taking the salute, with two men on each side, both bearing arms. Another man standing in the middle was holding aloft the Morning Star flag which was 2m x 3m in size and was tied to a pole that was four metres long.  Standing in front was a man who was the master of ceremony.

This meeting which is being held to explain the opinion of the OPM and its military wing  will start with a prayer,’ said the master of ceremony. The prayer was recited by Lambert Pekikir, after which our discussions began. As this was going on, I thought to myself: ‘What an amazing ceremony, deep in the forest.’

Then, Lambert Pekikir read out the following statement:

‘As fighters for an Independent Papua who have struggled for many years with our military force, we of the Tentara Pembebasan Nasional/ Papua Barat declare: the following: (1) We firmly reject any offers from the Indonesian government to resolve the political conflict in the land of West Papua, (2) We reject and do not recognise the Third Papuan Congress which will open on 16 October.’

Other things were then mentioned by Pekikir such as the recent shooting in Nafri and along Abe Coast. His further remarks will be reported in our next report.

[Translated by TAPOL]

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Indonesian senior minister will not be attending Papuan Congress

Bintang  Papua, 17 October 2011Although Selpius Bobii, chairman of the Third Papuan People’s Congress recently announced that President Susilo Bambanf Yudhoyono had decided that the minister-coordinator for  political affairs and law would be representing the Indonesian government at the congress and would be the opening speaker and  that the government would provide financial assistance to the congress, it has now been announced that minister-coordinator Djoko Suyanto will not after all be attending the congress.

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