The town of Manokwari in West Papua is in uproar (On Wedenesday, December 5). It is reported that crowds have run amok and have been carrying out acts of arson.
A (WPM edit: source believe to be police officer) source for tabloidjubi.com in Manokwari states the riot was triggered as the result of the shooting by police officers of a DPO (Detainee on the political Daftar Pencarian Orang or Wanted persons list)) by the initials TA, who escaped from Prison. on Tuesday.
(West Papua Media has confirmed with independent sources in Manokwari that the dead political detainee was named Timotius Napirem Ap – a relative of executed West Papuan songman and nationalist Arnold Ap).
“So last night (Tuesday 4/12) police members chased a DPO prisoner of the initials TA. (police) Members fired warning shots, however the person in question (the escapee) resisted because he carried a homemade weapon, “ reported the source of Tabloidjubi.com, Wednesday 5/12/12.
According to the source, because the prisoner’s resistance endangered the police, they were forced to shoot him. “However I don’t know precisely where he was shot. But after he was shot he was able to run to the Manokwari District General Hospital (RSUD)’’ he explained.
However he continued, it appears that because of loss of blood, the prisoner’s life could not be saved. “Even though he was taken to the RSUD, his life could not be saved. This was what triggered the anger of a number of the people. They then lit fires at various points in the town of Manokwari, including the Prison Guard Post perhaps which is in the centre of Manokwari was burned . Up to this moment the situation in Manokwari remains tense,” explained the (police) source to Tabloidjubi.com.
Another Tabloidjubi.com source in Manokwari mentioned that the prisoner had been shot in the feet, neck and back, by the police officers. The prisoner died and was taken secretly by security offers to the morgue in Wirsi last night, 4/12 around 12.00 pm WIT. (West Indonesian time).
“The prisoner was shot in the coastal area of Maripi by the police, without committing any crime. The police chased this person because he escaped using a motor cycle. But because of the chase the police and intelligence cordoned off and encircled Timotius Ap, which resulted in the prisoner being shot’’ said the Tabloidjubi.com source via his mobile phone.
Meanwhile the Public Relations Officer for the Police District of Papua AKBP I Gede Sumerta Jaya, said that his office was still waiting for information from Manokwari. “I have not yet received field data. I too am still waiting for data. Shortly, if there is accurate data then I can provide information.” I Gede briefly responded. (Jubi/Arjuna)
Jayapura: Goliat Tabuni, the commander of the OPM battalion whose headquarters is in Tingginambut, Puncak Jaya, has denied responsibility for attacking a police station in Lany Jaya on 27 November, saying that his group does not operate in Lany Jaya.
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He said that his men are currently holding a summit conference (KTT) and earlier called on the security forces not to attack them. ‘Our meeting has been taking place from 26 – 30 November.
Responding to a question about whether former members of his group might have been the perpetrators, he denied any involvement by his men.. ‘They are not our former members and are not under my commend,’ he said.
He alleged that the perpetrators were from another group which operates in Lany Jaya. [We have omitted the names he mentioned.]
The attack against the police station in Pirime Lany killed three policemen, Inspector Rolfi Takubesi and two other police officers . Two people who were involved in the attack were also killed.
There are thought to have been around fifty people in the attack group who also succeeded in seizing three weapons from the police. The police, working together with the TNI – Indonesian military – are currently hunting down the killers.
The chief of the general staff of TPN/OPM, Teryanus Sattoalso said that they knew nothing about the attack on the police station in Pirime. ‘It may have been done by a group that is against us because we are currently very busy preparing for the inauguration of our top commander, deputy commander and members of the general staff who were appointed at our supreme meeting (KTT) last May,’ he said.
‘They are not under my command and we have quite a different agenda which is what we are focusing on now so we know nothing about the attack on the police. ‘After the inauguration of our new command structure, we will be focusing on internal changes and consolidation.’
‘This is the follow-up of our decisions taken on 30 November after which our high command structure will be appointed. The new commanders will be sworn on in 30 November.
He went on to say that this means that the TPN/OPM today is not the same as the former TPN/OPM. ‘We have undertaken internal reforms through our top-level meeting (KTT), bringing our organisation into conformity with military standards worldwide.’.
He finally called on media colleagues to be more conscientious in the way they write their media reports and check their information more carefully. ‘Some interviews were said to be of Goliat Tabuni, but it turns out that it was Anton Tabuni who was speaking. This is something that we have frequently experienced, he said. On this day, Gen Goliat Tabuni was only interviewed by the Australian media, as well as few local media contacts such as Bintang Papua, Kompas, Media Indonesia and Tempo.
Jayapura: The ‘chief of the general staff’ of TPN/OPM, ‘Major-General’ Terianus Santo said that his organisation had celebrated 1 December with prayers and ceremonies to unfurl the Morning Star flag at their headquarters deep in the forest.
‘We marked the occasion by holding the flag aloft from early morning and conducted military training sessions and education . If you wish, we can send you a photo by email, to see the flag while we were conducting military training.’
Terianus Santo was appointed chief of staff of the TPN/OPM at a summit conference which was held in Perwomi Biak in May this year.
‘We carried out the ceremony as a mark of respect for our history and our movement’s dedication to continue the struggle for freedom,’ he said.
He went on to say that they want to press the UN to immediately provide an opening for a dialogue between the Dutch Government, the Indonesian Government, the UN and representatives of the Papuan people ‘because some of these elements were involved in the unlawful annexation of Papua.’
Elly CH Sirwa, the secretary of the National Council of the Federal Republic of West Papua, said that ceremonies to celebrate December 1 have taken place every year since 1961 to mark the emergence of an independent Papuan nation, with status equal to other nations in the world.
He said that the ceremony had proceeded peacefully and with great enthusiasm by all those who took part , as is evident from the fact that a number of activities took place in various parts of West Papua. ‘We hope that next year, these ceremonies will be held with even greater enthusiasm,’ he told Bintang Papua, during an interview at the office of DAP, the Council of Indigenous Papuans.
He also used the occasion to give thanks for all the sacrifices that had been made during the ceremonies to mark the 51st anniversary of 1 December. ‘What happened on this day exceeded expectations.’ Although the occasion occurred at a time when relations with some other nations were still strained, he said that they had given thanks for the ceremonies this year even though they had not been given to permission to hold the ceremonies.
‘We Papuan people do not feel disappointed or upset , even though in some places in West Papua, our ceremonies were dispersed forcibly by forces who were bearing firearms. In some places, some of our people were arrested.’
He said that restricted ceremonies had been held among other places in Imbi Square Jayapura, Buper Waena, at the Sports Stadium in Jayapura and at the Theys Eluay Burial Ground in Sentani. Stones were burnt and people were able to partake of a meal together.’
Tabloid JUBI, with additional breaking news from Victor Mambor
3 December 2012
On 2 December. members of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) were still seeking information regarding the whereabouts of their chairman, Victor Yeimo who was released by the police after being interrogated in connection with the demonstration organised by the KNPB on 1 December.Yeimo was arrested on 1 December but then released on Saturday afternoon, but since then he has not been in contact with other KNPB activists.
‘Today, after he was taken into custody by the police in Abepura he was released because we were unable to continue with the questioning,’ a police spokesman told JUBI, when inquiries were made about the status of Yeimo and two others who had been arrested with him.
Although they have been released, the spokesman of KNPB, Wim Medlama said that they have been looking for them but have not been able to find them.
‘Since yesterday,’ he said, ‘we have been trying to find out where they are but we have been unable to find them. We have searched every place we can think of without finding them.We are now very confused about what has happened to them.’
He said that they have decided to go to the police in the morning to inquire about this. He also said that they would go to the police in the morning together with the WPNA, AMP and AMPTI.
According to information received obtained by JUBI from other sources, Yeimo had separated from the other activists in front of the Post Office in Abepura. Since then, they have not been able to find out anything about his whereabouts. When JUBI tried to contact Yeimo on his mobile, the phone was not active.
However, early Monday morning, Jubi journalist and editor Victor Mambor reported that he had confirmed that Victor Yeimo was already gathered with colleagues. “Last night, I got an SMS from Mr. Waterpauw (Wakapolda) who says Victor Yeimo was been contacted by Alfred Papare (Kapolresta) on Sunday afternoon (02/11). Victor Yeimo is fine and he switched off his mobile phone for personal reasons. This morning, I got (an) sms from KNPB members who said Victor Yeimo already (was) gathered with them,” Mambor wrote in an email alert.
West Papua Media has attempted to independently contact Papuan police, but no reply has been forthcoming if Yeimo is under charge at the moment, nor to questions of Mr Yeimo’s treatment whilst in the hands of the police. It is not known if Yeimo has been able to contact human rights lawyers.
Written and verbal questions to Jayapura police to determine Detachment 88 counter-terror unit involvement in his interrogation have also gone unanswered, as have questions as to why Yeimo was released while he is on a Wanted (Daftar Pencarian Orang or DPO) list, allegedly for subversion, and unfounded charges of his alleged involvement in “unknown persons” (Orang Terlatih Khusus) shootings – widely believed by Papuans to be the work of Indonesian special forces. West Papua Media has documented several cases since the assassination of Mako Tabuni by Detachment 88 troops in June, of scores of highland Papuans who have been brutally mistreated by security forces in the hunt for Yeimo, who has been in hiding for most of this time.
[Additional reporting from West Papua Media, Translated by TAPOL]
By West Papua Media, with Victor Mambor at TabloidJubi.com, and Julian Howay at SuaraPapua.com
December 2, 2012
UPDATED DECEMBER 3, 2012
Three leaders of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) who were detained at a West Papuan independence rally on December 1 have been allegedly disappeared by Indonesian security forces, prompting fears of ill treatment at the hands of police.
As reported earlier by Tabloid Jubi and West Papua Media, Victor Yeimo, Alius Asso and Usman Yogobi were arrested by Police while leading a long march enroute to a planned mass rally commemorating the West Papuan “Day of Independence” of December 1st at the tomb of Theys Eluay. All three were arrested for allegedly being responsible for these demonstrations, according to Police who spoke with Jubi.
Victor Yeimo, Chairman of KNPB, negotiating with Kalpores Alfred Papare moments before his arrest, December 1, 2012, Abepura (Photo: WK, KNPB)Indonesian police prevent KNPB demo; arrests of Victor Yeimo (Photos: West Papua Media stringers)
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KNPB members and human rights lawyers are currently trying to confirm his whereabouts and legal status, however Indonesian police have claimed to West Papua Media that all detainees being held at the Police headquarters. Legal access has not been allowed at time of writing and human rights observers hold grave fears for the safety of the detainees.
Victor Yeimo, KNPB Chairman, has been on a wanted list (Daftar Pencarian Orang or DPO) and has up to now evaded a massive Papua-wide manhunt by the Australian trained Detachment 88 counter-terror unit, allegedly on treason charges imposed after his appearance on the Australian ABC 7.30 Report where he presented evidence of the Densus 88 assassination of his predecessor Mako Tabuni.
However, after the arrests, the whereabouts of Victor Yeimo, Alius Asso and Usman Yogobi remain unknown until time of writing, with no indications if they still being detained or have been released by police.
“Yes. There are journalists who say that Victor (Yeimo) was released earlier. But we do not know where he is. KNPB members are still trying to find him. Their mobile phone (three KNPB’s members were arrested) was (switched) off.” Sebby Sambom, a Human Rights Activist, told tabloidjubi.com on Saturday afternoon (1/12).
Some human rights lawyers who commonly accompany Papuan activists also still looking for them (Victor Yeimo, Alius Asso and Usman Yogobi). Because when they checked into the both of Police Office (Polda and Polresta), human rights lawyers was told by police that no one was arrested after rally this morning.
“We had been to the police office, Polda and Polresta, but they (Victor Yeimo, Alius Asso and Usman Yogobi) were not there. Police said no one was arrested there (Police and Police),” said Olga Hamadi, a Papuan human rights lawyer.
Papua Police Head of Public Relations, Chief I Gede Sumerta Jaya confirmed to tabloidjubi.com, mention that the three activists will be released after the investigation at the Police Sector office of Abepura.
“After being interrogated in Abepura police station, according to the police chief, three of them will be released as they could not to do any further investigation.” said I Gede Jaya Sumerta.
However, West Papua Media twice contacted the Police Sector (Polsek) headquarters in Abepura this (Sunday) morning, where an officer named Mas Arbi claimed that Yeimo and the other prisoners were still in custody. Officers immediately volunteered further information on the second phone call that “none of the prisoners have been tortured,” despite West Papua Media having not yet asked that question. WPM has not been able to independently verify the claims of police, as legal representation is still barred from seeing Yeimo.
Massive security presence
The December 1 commemorations in Jayapura were amongst national mobilisations in most centres across Papua, and solidarity gatherings internationally.
Reports from Abepura early in the morning described a massive security presence to prevent West Papua people from engaging in peaceful acts of free expression, and from engaging in flagraisings of the Morning Star flag, the Indonesia-banned West Papuan independence flag.
Unknown persons had blockaded the entrance to the Cenderawasih University (UNCEN) by welding iron crossbars and erecting a 2 metre high steel fence around the university in anticipation of events.
From 7.30 on Saturday morning, students and activists with KNPB leaders (including Yeimo) gathered in small numbers by the site of former KNPB head Mako Tabuni’s murder, in front of the Perunmans 3 Housing Complex in Waena, where many highland students are domiciled.
Intelligence officers and plain-clothed Densus 88 personnel posing as ojek (motorcycle taxi drivers) become more aggressive towards participants converging prior to the long march, according to West Papua Media stringers and SuaraPapua.com.
At 0845 three platoons of heavily armed Dalmas riot police arrived on site, followed by Jayapura police chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Alfred Papare and his men. Papare began negotiations with Yeimo on the route and plan of action for the day, which was to make speeches and a prayer service at the tomb of slain Papuan leader Chief Theys Eluay, to commemorate December 1 and also World AIDS Day.
Participants carried many banners also demanding that the Indonesian government do more to combat HIV/AIDS, which is taking a heavy toll on Papuan society, in a situation that many Papuans believe is a deliberate policy by Jakarta of neglect and genocide.
Kapolres Papare asked the students to not go to Eluay’s tomb as he “could not be held responsible for anything that happened outside his Jayapura jurisdiction”, according to our stringers. Having heard the explanations and assurances from the students who accompanied Victor Yeimo (KNPB Chairman), police chief Papare then left the scene and ordered the Jayapura Police Dalmas riot police officers to leave the Perumnas 3. After negotiation, the students resumed speeches for the next 1 hour.
The march began slowly from Waena, passing an Indonesian army (TNI) post about 50 meters from the housing complex, which was packed with military personnel moonlighting as taxi drivers, and several platoons of heavily armed TNI on guard, who rang a warning bell as students ran past.
According to reports from Suara Papua, the march was blocked by dozens of police officers from Jayapura Police at the corner near Dian Harapan Hospital (RSDH) in Waena. forming a three layer formation blockade. The first layer is riot police, while the second and third layers are heavily armed police, who were supported by large numbers of plainclothes police who parked their motorcycles and cars nearby.
Yeimo’s Arrest
Yeimo told police through a megaphone that more students were joining them to continue the journey to Sentani. The Police Head of Operations AKP Kiki Kurnia ordered participants to disperse, but students refused the order to move on. Kiki Kurnia then advanced toward Victor Yeimo and seized him violently. Yeimo did not resist as Kurnia gave the command to capture him and a large number police descended on Yeimo, violently immobilising him as Yeimo, Julian Douw and Usman Pahabol were thrown into the Dalmas truck and taken away, according to witnesses.
According to an Australian counter-terrorism source operating in Indonesia, who securely contacted West Papua Media on December 3 on condition of anonymity, the “gentleman holding Yeimo’s left arm” during his arrest, “is a Densus 88 officer”.
Victor Yeimo’s arrest on December 1 (Photo: West Papua Media/KNPB)
The source elaborated that this individual received training from the Australian Federal Police run Joint Centre for Law Enforcement Co-operation in Jakarta. West Papua Media has been unable to independently verify the source’s claims with police in Jayapura, nor with Australian Federal Police, before updating this story.
Just as the three were taken away, at about 11 am outside Dian Harapan Hospital (RSDH). police violently dispersed the remaining group of students to disperse them, firing tear gas and six live warning shots into the air. A number of students were also beaten by police, according to witnesses.
Soldiers from the TNI post also joined in the pursuit of students who were forced to flee via alleyways between homes, most running back in the direction of the Perumnas 3 dormitories, and all the armed police began raids again.
According to reports from Suara Papua, dozens of students desperately sought shelter inside the UNCEN Campus, where they were funneled into a dead end by police, back at the locked front gate, though they managed to escape for the time being. KNPB sources have reported that several students sustained injuries from beating, but this has yet to be independently verified.
However, unconfirmed reports to West Papua Media overnight have said that the police, allegedly backed by Densus 88 personnel, have been conducting brutal raids on student dormitories and highlander’s residences across Jayapura.
It is confirmed that at 1235 local time Densus 88 raid occurred on the KNPB office in Sentani an hour later, seizing laptops, Morning Star flags and the United Nations flag. No reports of injuries or arrests were received during that raid.
West Papua Media Alerts 