Thursday, May 21, 2015

1) Papua Police Arrest 3 Activists Over Manokwari Rally

1) Papua Police Arrest 3 Activists Over Manokwari Rally
2) Papua People Express Support ULMWP Go Back MSG, 39 Arrested
 3)  Up-to-date information about the arrest of Papuans at 20 May demonstration
4) Police Arrest 84 Activists in Arbitrary Move, KNPB Says
5) Ssecurity at Indonesia-PNG border must be tightened

6) Australian unions pledge support for West Papua


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http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/papua-police-arrest-3-activists-manokwari-rally/

1) Papua Police Arrest 3 Activists Over Manokwari Rally

Jakarta. Three activists have been named suspects for participating in a rally on Wednesday in support of West Papuan membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
Papua Police have arrested Alexander Hanekem, Nopinus Humawak and Othen Gombo, all of whom have been accused of “provoking the masses” during a rally in Manokwari, West Papua.
The trio’s lawyer Theresje Julianty Gasperz said on Wednesday that his clients had so far refused to cooperate with police because they did not have legal counsel present.
At least 70 participants were detained during the demonstration, according to police, although most have been released.
The three men were among dozens of protestors that rallied peacefully in the provincial capital to show support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s (ULM) MSG bid on Wednesday.
The MSG is an inter-governmental organization composed of Melanesian states Fiji, Vanatua, Papua New Guinea, the Soloman Islands and the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS).
The MSG is expected to decide on the ULM’s bid in July.


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A google translate of article in  majalahselangkah.com. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at

2) Papua People Express Support ULMWP Go Back MSG, 39 Arrested
 Author: Princess Papua | Thursday, May 21, 2015 21:00 Reads: 344 Comments: 0

A number of elementary school students and high school appear in uniform participated in demonstrations of support for ULMWP for entry as a permanent member of the MSG in Timika, on Thursday (05.21.15). Photo: PRD Mimika
Jayapura, STEP MAGAZINE - Papua People continue to increase support for the organization of their single political struggle, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to become a permanent member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
ULMWP formed on December 6, 2014 in the House of Indigenous nakamal, in Saralana, Port Villa, Vanuatu (read: This manuscript Declaration of Unity West Papua in Vanuatu). Symposium held in accordance with decisions made by MSG in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in June 2014 ago.
Support the people of Papua to ULMWP be improved in various ways: prayer, Press Release, venus bunting, mengumpulkdan funds, and although more open demonstration ended dissolution and arrest, even shooting.
Demonstration yesterday, Wednesday (20/05/2015), for example, 75 people were arrested in all the land of Papua, 70 of whom were arrested in Manokwari. Until this evening, 66 of the 70 people in Manokwari police custody had been discharged, and four others are still detained.
In Sorong, Nekenen Alexander, Chairman of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) and Yoram Magai Sorong, Sorong Secretary KNPB still in police custody. They are subject to Article sedition. In Biak, yesterday, the Chairman of the Regional Parliament (PRD) Biak, Apolo Sroyer Biak Police were called and arrested along with one of his colleagues.
Today, Thursday (21/05/15), thousands of Papuans in a number of regions in Papua and students in Java reiterated his support ULMWP. Demonstration of a number of regions in Papua mediated by KNPB and 39 activists reportedly arrested by the police.
They were arrested, 12 of whom are activists Noemfoor KNPB Biak region. They were arrested while trying to do a demonstration and sent home at 15:00 o'clock local time.
A total of 27 activists arrested KNPB Sentani area while heading to Jayapura to join future demonstrations staged at DPRP. They sent Jayapura District Police Doyo Baru and until tonight, majalahselangkah.com not yet received word, whether it has been discharged or still detained.
Demonstration of thousands of people in Jayapura seamlessly from ambush and arrest after negotiations KNPB and police managed at Gate University Cenderasih Waena Jayapura. Thousands of times, giving speeches and perform a dance on the lawn Provincial House of Representatives (DPRP) Papua as an expression of support for ULMWP.
Spokesman KNPB, bazookas Logo to majalahselangkah.com said last night, although the action in Jayapura seamless held to this day but a similar action in Sorong blockaded by police. While in Fak Fak and Kaimana just held worship.
Papua people in Yahukimo down the street to hold a demonstration. ULMWP support action in Timika blockaded and actions held in place. KNPB Nabire region held a press conference at the Coral Cafe Glory Tumaritis Nabire.
Demonstration of support to ULMWP by Papuan students in Java concentrated in three major cities, Surabaya, Bogor, and Yogyakarta. Demonstration in Java facilitated by an alliance of Papua Students (AMP).
Students in Yogyakarta Papuan Morning Star flag in the center of Yogyakarta, Malioboro (Read: Support ULMWP, hoisted the Morning Star Again in Yogyakarta). (Princess Papua / MS)

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 3)  Up-to-date information about the arrest of Papuans at 20 May demonstration

  In a statement yesterday afternoon, the Executive-Director of LP3BH said that he had received information about the demonstration from
the parents of children from the Amban elementary school which is located near the junction in front of the campus of the University of
Papua (Unipa) Manokwari.  They told the LP3BH that their children had been hit by tear gas
bombs that were  thrown by members of the security forces (Polri and Brimob) when they were forcing the demonstrators to disperse in the
morning. Several witnesses said that police did not shoot  directly towards the demonstrators but directed the tear gas bombs to the left
and right of the demonstrators. The police alleged that some people had thrown stones and bricks at the police but whether the demonstrators had done so is not yet clear.

 As a result of the use of tear gas, the eyesight of many of the youngsters as well as some of the Unipa students was affected. It not
only damaged their eyesight but also causing breathing difficulties.  Furthermore, not only were the demonstrators dispersed but one of
the organisers of the demonstration, thirty-year old Alexander Nekenem was arrested. Nekenem is chairperson of KNPB-Manokwari.

  He was taken into custody along with about seventy others who were all taken to police headquarters where they were subjected to
questioning by police officers until late in the evening. As yet, none of these people have been released.  It should be made clear that the police chiefs are accountable for the actions by their subordinates who used tear gas which resulted
in many of the demonstrators feeling sick as well as sustaining injuries.

  The police chiefs also failed to ensure that Alexander Nekenem is accompanied by a lawyer of his own choice  while he is being
interrogated. This violates  the stipulations in articles 54 and 55 of Law 8/1981. Alexander Nekenem and his seventy or so colleagues are still being
held at police headquarters and have not yet been allowed to have the assistance of their own lawyers.

Peace
 Yan Christian Warinussy, Executive-Director of the LP3BH
Translated by Carmel Budiardjo

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/05/21/police-arrest-84-activists-in-arbitrary-move-knpb-says/

4) Police Arrest 84 Activists in Arbitrary Move, KNPB Says

Jayapura, Jubi – Indonesian Police have arrested and mistreated activists of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in several locations while they were distributing leaflets calling for action, the organization said.
KNPB said police arbitrarily arrested its activists and other Papuans in Sentani, Biak and Manokwari.
“The police arrested 75 activists in Manokwari during the peace demonstration to support the ULMWP representing West Papua to MSG. The police dispersed the demonstration and detained 75 activists in Mobile Brigade Headquarters of West Papua Province.
Meanwhile, PRD Biak Chairman Mananwir Apolos Sroyer and KNPB Biak Chairman Yulianus Mandowen and NFRPB Coordinator Dorteus Bonsapia have been summoned for questioning and were later detained.
Then, six activists were arrested in Sentani while distributing leaflets to call for national action on 21 May 2015,” the Secretary General of Central KNPB, Ones Suhun told Jubi on Wednesday (20/5/2015) in Jayapura.
He said although the police have arrested their members, KNPB would go ahead with the peace demonstration .
“As Central KNPB Board, we advised the Papua Police and West Papua Police to empty the entire jails in both provinces because KNPB activist are ready to occupy. Go ahead arrest us and put us behind bars because for KNPB the prison and jail is a palace,” said Suhun.
Meanwhile, the Central KNPB Spokesperson, Bazoka Logo when being confirmed about the arrest, he said it was a common thing. These arrests indicated Papuans are not Indonesian citizens. “With such actions by the police, the people of Papua, Indonesian and the world must open their eyes and see the Indonesian treatment towards Papuans. These treatments openly stated Papua is not part of Indonesia. Therefore Papuans should be aware and united in national demonstration to support ULMWP’s membership in MSG,” said Logo.
Based on the information received by Jubi, the Biak Police called three activists for unknown reason, and now they are still detained at the police’s custody. Meanwhile those who arrested in Sentani while distributing leaflets are Edo Pahabol (15), Yunani Balyo (25), Maris Tabuni (21), Ade Paragaye (18), Jasa Balyo (26) and Edoson Yare (23). These six activists were reportedly detained at the Doyo Police’s Custody, while 75 activists are currently detained at the Mobile Brigade Headquarter of West Papua in Manokwari. (Arnold Belau/rom)


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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/99002/ssecurity-at-indonesia-png-border-must-be-tightened

5) Ssecurity at Indonesia-PNG border must be tightened

Kamis, 21 Mei 2015 19:48 WIB | 449 Views
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Security in the areas along the border between the Republic of Indonesia (RI) and its neighboring country of Papua New Guinea (PNG) must be tightened to prevent drug smuggling.

The RI-PNG border remains prone to drug smuggling, although some suspected individuals illegally crossing the border have been arrested.

Security officials have frequently arrested people possessing marijuana while attempting to illegally cross the PNG border to enter Jayapura, Papuas provincial capital; however, drug smuggling activities continue to thrive along the border.

"The lack of available personnel and the vast Papuan territory pose challenges in preventing the entry of drugs into the region, especially from the border," Head of the National Narcotics Agency of Papua Brigadier General Sukirman stated in Jayapura on Thursday.

Sukirman noted that the border area serves as a gateway for the entry of drugs into the Indonesian territory, as the two countries share borders in land and at sea.

According to Sukirman, drug smugglers often conduct transactions on boat at sea, or take an alternative road also called "jalan tikus" to smuggle drugs into Papua.

"Abepantai, Hamadi, and Dok IX are the locations where they shore their boats," Sukirman said.

Therefore, the agency, in cooperation with the respective institutions and law enforcers, is implementing more effective measures to prevent drug smuggling.

The agency had also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian Military and the National Police on the prevention of drug smuggling.

He remarked that the agency has deployed 11 additional personnel this year to intensify its operations in the easternmost region of Indonesia.

"They have been assigned the task of mapping the entry gates used for drug smuggling and the areas where the drugs are smuggled," Sukirman revealed.

As the problem of drug smuggling is spiraling out of control, hence numerous prominent Papua community figures in Jayapura have urged the central government to tighten security arrangements along the border.

"We have urged the government to tighten security along the border with PNG," Skow Mabo community figure Yans Mahil Mallo remarked on Tuesday.

Mallo noted that such incidents often occur, thereby triggering anxiety among the local community.

He stated that several local figures from four villages located near the PNG border had committed to helping the authorities prevent drug trafficking in order to safeguard Papuas younger generation.

Hanock Rollo, another local community figure, also expressed concern over the problem of drug trafficking across the Skow (RI)-Wutung (PNG) border.

Drug traffickers had misused their red cards (instead of passports) needed to cross the border.

"I think it is the responsibility of the authorities to address the problem. We just give them information," he said, adding that he was concerned that the situation might worsen after the Skow model market was realized.

The Skow market is strategically located near the border with PNG, and thus, it is prone to drug smuggling from the neighboring country.

Stringent measures need to be implemented to stop smuggling activities involving drugs and other items along the border areas between the Indonesian easternmost province of Papua and PNG.

Most of the border areas are reportedly vulnerable to international drug trafficking due to the shortage of detection equipment.

The geographical location of the provinces provides easy access to drug smugglers via sea, air, and land transportation routes, and thus, the police and intelligence officials should be directed to intensify the early detection of drug distribution networks.

Papuas Narcotics Agency spokesman Senior Commissioner Antonius Kadarmanta also noted some time ago that the border areas are prone to drug smuggling from the neighboring country of PNG.

He remarked that the Papua province, which is directly adjacent to PNG, is affected by illicit drug trading practices, which need to be jointly addressed.

He claimed that the border areas between Papua and PNG are becoming a transit haven for illegal drug smugglers, but the government cannot take comprehensive steps due to resource constraints.

Antonius emphasized that the local authority has attempted to crack down on the circulation of drugs, but unmonitored entry points near the border with PNG have marred the efforts.

He further pointed out that the areas along the border need adequate drug detection equipment and a local anti-narcotics office to drive out possible drug smugglers and dealers from the neighboring country.

He also called on the local police to tighten security along the border areas with PNG, which are believed to be used by international drug rings to smuggle narcotics across the border to Indonesias Papua province.

According to the PNG Post-Courier report, increasingly more Papua New Guineans are getting involved in the multi-million kina international illegal drug trade with illicit drugs worth millions changing hands, specifically between Asia and the Pacific.

The report highlights the fact that the number of Papua New Guineans caught abroad in possession of these illicit drugs is on the rise, with three known cases that are currently being tried in international courts.

One of these cases involves 40-year-old Mary Yawari, who is facing life imprisonment or a fine of US$1.19 million after attempting to import US$1.87 million worth of methamphetamine into North Queensland in October, last year.

Therefore, Antonius emphasized that the border areas in Papua province need special attention with regard to these issues in order to address them more effectively.

He stated that Papua province has become an easy target for illicit drug trading practices due to the presence of several illegal border crossings used by dealers from both countries.

"Even along the Skow border between Jayapura and Wutung in PNG alone, there are some 8 illegal border crossings, not to mention open access to transport drugs through the sea route," he pointed out.

He affirmed that besides rampant drug smuggling practices, the number of drug abusers in Papua continues to increase.

"Therefore, we need support from all parties, government, and private institutions, including from other public elements, to combat the circulation of illicit drugs in Papua," Antonius stated.
(T.O001/INE/KR-BSR)
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6) Australian unions pledge support for West Papua
15 May
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has renewed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Republic of West Papua (FRWP), pledging support for the cause of West Papuan self-determination.
The signing ceremony on 15 May was attended by members of the West Papuan community and a number of trade union leaders, including ACTU president Ged Kearney, Victorian Trades Hall secretary Luke Hilakari, Communication Workers Union Victorian branch secretaries Len Cooper and Joan Doyle and Maritime Union Victorian branch secretary Kevin Bracken.
FRWP minister for foreign affairs, immigration and trade, Jacob Rumbiak, told Red Flag that the memorandum, first signed in 2000, is being renewed because there is now greater international recognition of and support for West Papua.
The territory covers the western half of the island of New Guinea, located just north of Australia. It has been under Indonesian rule since the mid-1960s. More than 100,000 West Papuans are estimated to have been killed as a result of the occupation. The Indonesian military acts with impunity, often hand-in-glove with the operators of the Grasberg mine, the largest gold mine in the world.
“I hope that this [renewal] will in turn mean that the ACTU will petition the ALP to change its policy”, Dr Rumbiak said. The Labor Party currently supports Special Autonomy for West Papua. That path was initiated in 2001 but led nowhere. “They should change to support the right of self-determination”, he said.  
The memorandum also pledges to “support the application by the United Liberation Movement (ULM) of West Papua for full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group”. The United Liberation Movement, of which the FRWP is a part, was formed in December last year to present a common voice of a number of different groups within the West Papuan liberation struggle.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group consists of Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, along with the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia. If the ULM were granted membership of the Spearhead Group, it would be seen as an endorsement of West Papua's right to self-determination.
[To find out more about the campaign for West Papuan self-determination, visit freewestpapua.org.]  
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