Monday, November 18, 2024

1) Indonesia’s Prabowo revives transmigration, deploys troops to Papua to ensure food security


2) Deputy Minister Haluk promotes free meals program in Papua region


————————————————————————


1) Indonesia’s Prabowo revives transmigration, deploys troops to Papua to ensure food security

New president’s efforts to feed Indonesia could lead to additional violence in the restive region, analyst Zachary Abuza writes.

Commentary by Zachary Abuza
2024.11.18

In response to a question during a televised debate in December 2023, then-Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto stated that he would send more troops to deal with an insurgency in Papua.

In office for less than a month, now-President Prabowo appears to be following through on his promise. The sparsely populated Papua region looms large on Prabowo’s economic and social agenda. 

Rich in natural resources, it is home to the world’s largest copper and gold mine. Papua’s pristine jungles have some of the largest quantities of hardwoods and timber in Southeast Asia. And the new president, who is determined for Indonesia to achieve food self-sufficiency, views Papua as the country’s rice basket.

Papua was the destination of Prabowo’s first official trip after his Oct. 20 inauguration. He visited a plantation in Merauke, where he was filmed driving a large rice harvester. This is a continuation of a food security program initiated by former President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. 


RELATED STORIES

Prabowo’s presidency sparks fear and faint hope in Indonesia’s restive Papua

Human Rights Watch report: Papuans in Indonesia face ‘entrenched’ racism, discrimination

Protest erupts after Indonesian military kills 3 suspected independence fighters in Papua

Indonesia’s massive sugar-bioethanol project in South Papua causes locals to fear exploitation


To be fair, the needs are real. 

Indonesia imported 3.8 million metric tons of rice in 2023, but during the first eight months of 2024 imports had already reached 3 million metric tons, a 121% year-on-year increase. Indonesia is set to smash through the ceiling of 3.6 million tons set by the national food agency, BULOG. In addition, imports of Russian wheat increased almost tenfold, from 168,000 tons in 2022-23 to 1.6 million tons in 2023-24.

And there will be more mouths to feed. While its population growth rate is only 0.7%, at 278 million people, the country is expected to top out at an estimated 355 million people in 2055. 

Like every president before him, Prabowo has promised food self-sufficiency, and Papua is the key to this.

The local Papuan community is concerned that to accomplish this, Prabowo will restart the transmigration policy of President Suharto, his ex-father-in-law, that had been halted in Papua since 2001. In essence, transmigration is a form of internal colonialism, and today, Papuans, comprise roughly 50% of the population. 

On Nov. 16, Transmigration Minister Iftitah Sulaiman said there would be no relocation of people from outside into the region, and instead authorities would focus on revitalizing 10 pre-existing transmigration centers in Papua. Still, the local community remains suspicious of the central government’s intentions. 


There already have been localized protests and community leaders have already announced large-scale ones against the policy. Nov. 15 brought protests in five cities in Papua where at least one was quelled with water cannon. 

The region has seen an increase in targeted violence. On Nov. 1, an Indonesian settler was gunned down and Papuan resistance forces have promised to increase their campaign of violence. 

Earlier, the military killed a civilian in the mountainous interior regency of Puncak Jaya on Oct. 25, which led to the retaliatory killing of a police officer days later. 

Prabowo, a former army special forces (Kopassus) general who had served in Papua, made clear that his counterinsurgency doctrine would not bend.

“If elected, my priority will be to uphold the rule of law and reinforce our security presence,” Prabowo said at the presidential debate last December. 

To deal with the surge in violence, Prabowo is literally flooding the zone with new troops to augment the 19,000 already deployed. In preparation for this, the military in May asked for a large budgetary increase for its Papuan operations, though leaders have not publicly provided details. 

In October, Indonesia’s military chief, Gen. Agus Subiyanto, established five new infantry battalions that would be deployed in Papua. 

They have been quickly deployed. On Oct. 24, 450 soldiers were deployed to Merauke in southern Papua. Since then, about 2,000 troops have been deployed and will provide security at a 2 million-hectare food plantation being carved out of jungle outside of Merauke. 

On Nov. 11, a new infantry battalion arrived in Manokwari, in West Papua. Days later, on Nov. 14, another battalion landed at the port of Nabire in Papua. 

The locations of these deployments are tied to large-scale food production. In all, about 5.7 million hectares (10,000 square km) of rice and sugar cane plantations are being developed on land that indigenous people claim as their own. 

The military will play a leading role in developing the 2.47 million-hectare rice farm as part of its Bela Negara policy, which identifies food security as a core national security threat. Past land grabs and repressive measures against indigenous people have been key drivers of the Papuan insurgency. 

It’s not just the deployment of fresh troops, but also a concerted revival of the military regional command structure (KOREM). 

A new military regional command headquarters was established most recently in Nabire on Oct. 29, as well as in Manokwari and Merauke, and beyond that, in Jayapura. This builds on the decision of the Jokowi administration to divide Papua into three separate provinces. 

The government argues that this new structure will allow for better integration and coordination with local government units. The national police force just established a headquarters in the new province of Central Papua.


While the level of violence has ticked up in the past few years, it’s still relatively low. 

In 2023, there were 61 deaths, including 26 security forces, attributed to rebel actions. This year, the level of violence is down considerably. In the first five months of 2024, rebel forces killed only two soldiers and three police

As vociferously anti-colonial as Indonesia has been, it is nothing but colonial in its attitude toward Papua. Institutional racism, mistreatment of ethnic and religious minorities, media blackouts, internet shutdowns and policies that have long neglected the needs and interest of the local community have fueled a long-running insurgency that Jakarta has been unable to quell. 

The deployment of 4,000 to 5,000 additional troops, given their culture of impunity, land seizures and human rights abuses could prolong the insurgency that is now in the hands of younger, more media savvy leaders. 

Food security may be Prabowo’s goal, but it likely will result in greater violence. 

Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or BenarNews.


——————————————————————

2) Deputy Minister Haluk promotes free meals program in Papua region

  •  November 18, 2024 17:37 GMT+700


Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk disseminated information on the Free Nutritious Meals program to the public in her hometown of Jayawijaya District in Papua Pegunungan Province on Monday.

She underscored that the food initiative serves as one of the priority programs of the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and has been incorporated into the National Middle Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for the 2025-2029 period.

In her office's statement received here, Haluk told local residents that the government had allocated a budget of Rp71 trillion (nearly US$4.5 billion) for next year's program implementation, which will involve the operations of around five thousand nutritious meal service units across Indonesia.

The deputy minister also revealed the National Nutrition Agency's plan to conduct program trials in 100 districts and cities, starting from the fourth week of November until December 2024, with the help of 102 service units.

She revealed that during the trials, the government will distribute a meal package worth Rp15 thousand (around US$1) to 306 thousand recipients.

"The success of this program will be the foundation for the development and broader implementation of the program in subsequent years," she pointed out.

Furthermore, the former acting governor of Central Papua explained that the meal program aims to boost the nutritional intake of the people, especially children and pregnant women.

"As a mentor and supervisor of regional governments, the Ministry of Home Affairs will always support the implementation of this program, with the aim of strengthening local governments," she stated.

To that end, Haluk urged regional leaders to take several measures, including ensuring reliable infrastructure for every nutrition service unit operating in their regions.

Second, the official emphasized the importance of regions guiding and assisting farmers; micro, small, and medium enterprises; and cooperatives in participating in the program as suppliers of the required food ingredients.

Elaborating on her third instruction, Haluk highlighted the need to provide accurate and reliable data on the targeted recipients of nutritious meals. 

Related news: Prabowo introduces free meals program to Brazilian businessmen
Related news: VP reviews free meal program trial in S Sulawesi's Maros
Related news: Positive climate outlook bolster Prabowo's free meals initiative
 

Translator: Narda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala


———————————————————

Sunday, November 17, 2024

1) 450 TNI personnel released from Aceh, carry out RI Border Security mission to Papua


2) Hundreds take to the streets of Jayapura to protest Papua transmigration program

----------------------------
A google translate.
Original Bahasa link

1) 450 TNI personnel released from Aceh, carry out RI Border Security mission to Papua
Kristianto Galuwo
Last updated: November 17, 2024 8:37 pm
Author: ANTARA
Editor: Kristianto Galuwo



Australian Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) personnel conduct a range-clearing exercise before a series of live fires as part of Exercise KERIS WOOMERA at HMAS Adelaide.- Jubi/ Public-Affairs-JAKT@dfat.gov.au


Banda Aceh, Jubi – Commander of the Iskandar Muda or IM Military Command Major General Niko Fahrizal, released 450 Indonesian Army soldiers from the 112/Darma Jaya Infantry Battalion. These soldiers will carry out a mission to secure the border between the Republic of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea or as the RI-PNG Border Security Task Force, in Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua.

“Work smartly, sincerely, thoroughly, and maintain the good name of the Indonesian Army, especially the IM Military Command,” said Major General Niko, giving a message to the Indonesian Army soldiers during the release at Kreung Geukeh Port, North Aceh, Sunday (11/17/2024).

A total of 450 TNI personnel from the 112/Darma Jaya Infantry Battalion were led by the Danyonif 112/DJ as the Dansatgas Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Fiska Bagus Tri Sunaryanto. They headed to the task area in Central Papua using the KRI Teluk Palu 523 Ship.

The soldiers of the 112/Darma Jaya Special Raider Infantry Battalion will carry out a mission to secure the RI-PNG border in Papua for 1 year.
Major General TNI Niko explained that the operational assignment was a source of pride, because the country entrusted military duties to the TNI.
"Especially at this time, personnel from Yonif 112/Dharma Jaya will carry out the task of securing the RI-PNG border," he said.



Before leaving, said the IM Military Commander, soldiers from Yonif 112/DJ had undergone a month-long pre-assignment training at the Sanggabuana Combat Training Center in Karawang and Bogor, West Java.
The training was to improve the technical, tactical, and mental abilities of soldiers in readiness to face challenges in the operational field.

The Military Commander is confident that the soldiers can complete their tasks well, equipped with the intention and sincerity as well as the ability as professional soldiers.
"Always pray in every step and action with the hope that all personnel depart until they return complete and safe," he said.

He also advised the TNI soldiers to carry out their duties with full responsibility and always be vigilant.

He also reminded the soldiers not to be careless or take anything for granted while in the operational area, especially in maintaining and realizing conducive security stability in the Papua region.
"Respect the local culture and wisdom, communicate well with local traditional and religious figures, take their hearts and minds, listen to their complaints and provide the best answers and solutions for them," he said.

The farewell ceremony was also attended by the Danrem 011/Lilawangsa Colonel Inf. Ali Imran, Commander of the 25/Siwah Brigade Lieutenant Colonel Raja Gunung Nasution, Commander of the Lhokseumawe Naval Base Navy Colonel (P) Andi Susanto, High-ranking Officer of the IM Military Command, Commander of the 0103/Aut Military District Lieutenant Colonel Kav. Makhyar, and Commander of the KRI Teluk Palu 523 Navy Lieutenant Colonel (P) Ardian Widjanarko. (*)
---------------------------------


2) Hundreds take to the streets of Jayapura to protest Papua transmigration program

Tribun Papua – November 15, 2024

Yulianus Magai, Jayapura – Hundreds of Papuans took to the streets of Jayapura city on Friday November 15 to oppose the government's plan to revive the transmigration program to Papua. They are concerned that the program will threaten their existence and identity as indigenous Papuans.

The protesters, who came from the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), held demonstrations at a number of points in the city.

In Abepura district, they gathered at the front gates of the lower Cenderawasih University (Uncen) campus. In Heram district meanwhile, the KNPB protesters held an action starting at the Waena Expo then to the Waena III State Housing Complex (Perumnas).

They carried dozens of red KNPB flags with the symbol of a star with word "Resist" (Lawan) and several protesters wore traditional penis gourds (koteka).

Tensions began to rise when protesters opposing the transmigration program wanted to hold an action at the Abepura traffic circle which had already been cordoned off by police. Some of the demonstrators ended up scuffling with local police.

The protesters had not even had an opportunity to give speeches when police forcibly dispersed the demonstrators by firing teargas. "We wanted to hold speeches, but the police had already occupied the Abepura traffic circle", said Sing, a demonstrator in Abepura.

Sing said the police pursued the demonstrators while firing the poison gas. "They (the police) advanced and pursued us while firing teargas, the protesters fled in every direction. We mostly followed the road in an uphill direction towards the Ninming dormitory", he said.

The situation in the area of the Abepura traffic circle area was tense and transportation services were disrupted when the protesters scattered. A number of shops had to close.

Police also forcibly disbursed the KNPB protesters at the Uncen front gate. This impacted on the traffic flow with a traffic jam snaking along the length of Jalan Abepura towards Sentani.

Serious threat to indigenous Papuans

Earlier, the action coordinator at the Waena II Perumnas, Mungguar Pahabol, said that transmigration represents a serious threat to the existence of indigenous Papuans (OAP).

"This represents a serious threat to indigenous Papuans, so the program must be rejected. It will damage our social and cultural way of life", said Pahabol in a speech.

They are concerned that the expansion of the transmigration program by the central government in the regions will threaten their existence and identity and that indigenous peoples or indigenous Papuans will face the threat of the loss of land.

Pahabol also called on the Papuan people not to sell their land too quickly. "If the land is all gone, where do you want to live?", he said, adding that the transmigration program to Papua being touted by President Prabowo Subianto its illegal.

He said that none of the decisions taken by Jakarta involve indigenous Papuans. This is because, according to Pahabol, the government always prioritises programs going ahead without thinking about the serious impacts on the survival of indigenous Papuans.

The demonstrators also highlighted the land conflicts that often occur due to transmigration programs. They are asking the government to pay more attention to the rights of indigenous peoples and stop all policies that harm them. "This is coercion so we ask that this transmigration program must be re-evaluated", he concluded.

These actions are evidence that opposition to the transmigration is spreading in Papua. The Papuan people hope that the government will take concrete steps to protect their rights.

As of this article being posted, Tribun Papua is still trying to confirm with police regarding the policy of forcibly dispersing the protesters.

MPR rejects transmigration program

Earlier, the South Papua People's Council (MRPS) declared its opposition to the transmigration program being touted by the central government.

The plan has raised concerns for the people of Papua, especially local indigenous people, because it is believed that it will give rise to social tensions, in particular by sidelining the rights of indigenous Papuans.

The MRPS believes that the transmigration program will have negative and positive impacts.

In positive terms, MRPS Chairperson Damianus Kayayu said that transmigration was the transfer of residents for welfare purposes. Conversely, it will change indigenous communities' lifestyles and threaten their special rights to their customary land.

He also alluded to the legality of local village areas and ex-transmigration (ekstrans) villages. According to Kayayu, the extrans villages have land legality with clear land certificates, while local villages do not yet have a clear status.

Kayayu said that the MRPS held a joint meeting which concluded with a rejection of the transmigration program touted by governments in the Papua region.

"We the MRPS held a joint meeting and our decision was to reject transmigration", he said. "We focused on how the welfare of our people is, the indigenous Papuans themselves internally, even if the central government continues to implement it, our position is clear, namely rejecting it", he asserted.

Meanwhile Transmigration Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman has explained that the transmigration will not involve people from outside Papua, so the population transfers will only occur regionally or be local transmigration.

"That's not true. So no people from outside Papua will came to Papua through the transmigration program", Sulaiman said in Jakarta on Thursday November 7.

[Abridged translation by James Balowski based on two articles by Tribun News on November 15. The original title of the lead article was "Aksi Tolak Transmigrasi Digelar di Jayapura, KNPB: Tanah Papua Bukan untuk Dijual".]

Source: https://papua.tribunnews.com/2024/11/15/aksi-tolak-transmigrasi-digelar-di-jayapura-knpb-tanah-papua-bukan-untuk-dijual


-----------------------------

Saturday, November 16, 2024

1) Residents upset at being hit by tear gas from security forces after KNPB action


2) Connecting Aotearoa and West Papua: culture, activism and struggle
3) PAPUA 2024 October  -A list of sources of information/links in Bahasa and Englis
4) Plea to bar Prabowo from UK as Indonesian security forces crack down on Papuan rally 
5) New Zealand PM Praises Prabowo for the Release of Susi Air Pilot
6) Prabowo, Albanese strengthen Indonesia-Australia cooperation 
7) Interim President: UK Government should not welcome Prabowo


-------------------------------------------
A google translate.
Original Bahasa link


1) Residents upset at being hit by tear gas from security forces after KNPB action
Arga Reysamputra
Last updated: November 16, 2024 6:02 pm
Author: Larius Kogoya
Editor: Zely Ariane








Jayapura, Jubi – Lince Rosumbre, a two-year-old baby, and Lince Kafiar, a sick grandmother, were rushed to the Abepura Regional General Hospital or RSUD after being hit by tear gas when security forces repelled the peaceful KNPB action rejecting transmigration to Papua, at the Abepura Circle, Jayapura City, Papua on Thursday (11/15/2024).

When the officers released tear gas, a number of residents who were not involved in the action were also hit by the tear gas, and they regretted the situation. Several residents who were met by Jubi at that time seemed angry with the security forces.

There were residents who tried to splash their faces with water to relieve the stinging of their eyes. The impact of the tear gas that was fired spread to the residential areas around the Abepura circle. Their houses were filled with smoke from the tear gas, which caused sore eyes and difficulty breathing. One of the residents who lives around the Abepura circle, Rikardo Rosumbre, said that his house was filled with tear gas smoke. He regretted that the security forces who fired the tear gas were not on target, considering that around the location of the action in the Abepura Circle there are many residential areas, children and elderly people who are vulnerable.

"This is my mother, Lince Kafiar, who is old and has another underlying disease, so she had difficulty breathing. Luckily, she was quickly taken to the hospital and was treated quickly. Her grandson, Lince Ronsumbre, was also taken to the hospital and has now gone home," said Rikardo Ronsumbre. He explained that the smoke that filled the area around the residential area made the eyes sting and made it difficult to breathe. Residents even fought over water to wash their stinging eyes. Some also ran out of the house because there was too much smoke in the residents' houses.

"There was a girl earlier who said that my father could not breathe and was half dead. Luckily there was an older sister who went to the house to fetch water and then poured it on the girl," Ronsumbre continued.
According to Rikardo Ronsumbre, because this country is a democratic country, so anyone should be allowed and have the right to express their opinions in public or aspirations as long as it is peaceful, especially if it is guaranteed by law.
"The police's job is only to secure, but I think that was excessive earlier, throwing tear gas carelessly so that the local residents here were more affected... [because the police] shot indiscriminately," he said.
He regretted that the demonstration ended in chaos even though the action should have been peaceful if it had been properly guarded.
"This demonstration did not bring war equipment or sharp tools, they were only expressing their aspirations. The officers had weapons, tear gas, water cannons, so I think this was a very excessive handling," he said.
In the same place, Mama Linda Imbiri said that she also saw that the handling of the KNPB protesters was excessive. "I saw the excessive handling by the authorities because the residents in this area were affected by the tear gas," he said.
He also felt annoyed because there was so much tear gas that his neighborhood was filled with tear gas smoke that entered the houses. "This makes many residents' eyes sore, especially children and the elderly, it's really a shame," he continued.
"I ask the Regional Police Chief, Police Chief, and Resort Police Chief to reprimand their subordinates so that they don't do anything carelessly. Because this place has many residents, it's not an empty place, so if you shoot tear gas, don't overdo it, just enough. Because the children who are demonstrating don't have weapons like that, they must have run away, there's no way they could survive," he said regretfully. (*)


-----------------------------------


2) Connecting Aotearoa and West Papua: culture, activism and struggle

Human rights activist Rosa Moiwend links Māori culture to her advocacy, highlights military occupation, human rights violations, and resource exploitation in West Papua.

In 2009 Moiwend was a student at Unitec learning English as a tool to use in political debate and negotiation to help her people of West Papua.
For part of her studies she wrote about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and she said she cried and thought, “this is like us in West Papua”.

Te Ao Māori News spoke to Moiwend at Hui Oranga 2024 from AUT’s Ngā Wai o Horotiu where the wharenui is adorned in beautiful carvings.
Moiwend reflected on the first time she saw whakairo when she studied here. She showed her father, and he told her they looked like dema and that was the first time she heard of dema - Papuan spiritual ancestors.

Read explainer on the ecocide and genocide and history of how Indonesia gained power of West Papua.

Loss of language


Moiwend said she could not speak her Indigenous languages fluently but was slowly learning her mother’s and father’s language because she believes it is important.
“I’m here in Aotearoa on Maori land. I feel so privileged because Māori lands actually changed my life a lot in terms of my commitment to the movement,” she said.
“When I came here a few years ago to study, I saw how Māori people, especially young people really have a deep connection with their elders and learn about their culture and language and language was one of the key issues that I found.
“It really touched me because of my own history, so that’s why I said that Māori land is actually bringing the blessing for me to make my strong commitment to my own struggle back home.”


Coerced vote against independence and military occupation

Moiwend said one of the key issues in West Papua was the continuing military operation.
“Especially in the Highlands and in the area rich of mineral and resources,” she said.
“That’s where the main target of military operation and Indonesian military operation came.”

Te Ao Māori News spoke to Ocot Mote, the vice-president of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) who said “the UN allowed Indonesia to cut us into pieces, and they didn’t say anything when Indonesia manipulated our right for self-determination”.
The manipulation Mote referred to is the Act of Free Choice. Instead of a national referendum, the Indonesian military hand-picked 1,025 West Papuan “representatives” to vote on behalf of the 816,000 people. The representatives were allegedly threatened, bribed and some were held at gunpoint to ensure a unanimous vote.
Moiwend emphasised the act happened after six years of violent military occupation, human rights violations and exploitation of their resources, which meant the destruction of the environment that was tied to their cultural identity and spirituality.
An example of human rights violations and breaking of international laws was the bombings of Kiwirok civilians by the Indonesian National Armed Forces in 2021.
“Until today, the military operation is still going,” Moiwend said.
“We tried to push the Indonesian government to withdraw all the military and let people go back to their village but it seems like it’s so difficult with the recent situation related to the New Zealand pilot who was being [held hostage] by freedom fighters.”


New Zealand pilot released

West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has released Philip Mehrtens, the New Zealand pilot who was held hostage for 19 months.
Mehrtens wasn’t physically harmed but his brother created a givealittle page to raise funds to pay for food, rent, power, schooling, so that he can spend time processing his trauma before re-integrating back to ‘normal’ life.

Moiwend said she wasn’t justifying holding him captive but explained TPNPB wanted to send a message to the New Zealand government to take a serious concern about the political situation and human rights.
Moiwend said she believes they treated him well because they gave him two chickens to take home, which was a cultural way of showing care.

“I hope that this kind of message also can resonate to the New Zealand community but also to the government to look at the situation.”
She said given New Zealand’s foreign policies and relationship with Indonesia and considering she thought the government could talk to Indonesia and send a message: “Can you please just stop military operation because people are suffering from that not only West Papuan indigenous who are suffering from the military operations but also many Indonesian people who work in West Papua.”

————————————————————

3) PAPUA 2024 October  -A list of sources of information/links in Bahasa and Englis

compiled by Theo

 PAPUA 2024

OKTOBER     daftar sumber informasi  [tentu dapat dilengkapi ]     

oleh  Theo van den Broek  



---------------------------------------------------------


4) Plea to bar Prabowo from UK as Indonesian security forces crack down on Papuan rally 
By APR editor -  


Asia Pacific Report

A West Papuan advocacy group for self-determination for the colonised Melanesians has appealed to the United Kingdom government to cancel its planned reception for new Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

“Prabowo is a blood-stained war criminal who is complicit in genocide in East Timor and West Papua,” claimed an exiled leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Benny Wenda.

He said he hoped the government would stand up for human rights and a “habitable planet” by cancelling its reception for Prabowo.

Prabowo, who was inaugurated last month, is on a 12-day trip to China, the United States, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.

He is due in the UK on Monday, November 19.

The trip comes as Indonesian security forces brutally suppressed a protest against Indonesia’s new transmigration strategy in the Papuan region.

Wenda, an interim president of ULMWP, said Indonesia was sending thousands of industrial excavators to destroy 5 million hectares of Papuan forest along wiith thousands of troops to violently suppress any resistance.

“Prabowo has also restarted the transmigration settlement programme that has made us a minority in our own land. He wants to destroy West Papua,” the UK-based Wenda said in a statement.

‘Ghost of Suharto’ returns
“For West Papuans, the ghost of Suharto has returned — the New Order regime still exists, it has just changed its clothes.

“It is gravely disappointing that the UK government has signed a ‘critical minerals’ deal with Indonesia, which will likely cover West Papua’s nickel reserves in Tabi and Raja Ampat.

“The UK must understand that there can be no real ‘green deal’ with Indonesia while they are destroying the third largest rainforest on earth.”

Wenda said he was glad to see five members of the House of Lords — Lords Harries, Purvis, Gold, Lexden, and Baroness Bennett — hold the government to account on the issues of self-determination, ecocide, and a long-delayed UN fact-finding visit.

“We need this kind of scrutiny from our parliamentary supporters more than ever now,” he said.

Prabowo is due to visit Oxford Library as part of his diplomatic visit.

“Why Oxford? The answer is clearly because the peaceful Free West Papua Campaign is based here; because the Town Hall flies our national flag every December 1st; and because I have been given Freedom of the City, along with other independence leaders like Nelson Mandela,” Wenda said.

This visit was not an isolated incident, he said. A recent cultural promotion had been held in Oxford Town Centre, addressed by the Indonesian ambassador in an Oxford United scarf.


Takeover of Oxford United
“There was the takeover of Oxford United by Anindya Bakrie, one of Indonesia’s richest men, and Erick Thohir, an Indonesian government minister.

“This is not about business — it is a targeted campaign to undermine West Papua’s international connections. The Indonesian Embassy has sponsored the Cowley Road Carnival and attempted to ban displays of the Morning Star, our national flag.

“They have called a bomb threat in on our office and lobbied to have my Freedom of the City award revoked. Indonesia is using every dirty trick they have in order to destroy my connection with this city.”

Wenda said Indonesia was a poor country, and he blamed the fact that West Papua was its poorest province on six decades of colonialism.

“There are giant slums in Jakarta, with homeless people sleeping under bridges. So why are they pouring money into Oxford, one of the wealthiest cities in Europe?” Wenda said.

“The UK has been my home ever since I escaped an Indonesian prison in the early 2000s. My family and I have been welcomed here, and it will continue to be our home until my country is free and we can return to West Papua.”



—————————————————————

5) New Zealand PM Praises Prabowo for the Release of Susi Air Pilot

Reporter Daniel A. Fajri November 16, 2024 | 06:17 pm  

TEMPO.COJakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon in Lima, Peru on Friday, November 15, 2024. Prabowo and Luxon discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Luxon expressed special appreciation for Indonesia's cooperation in resolving a highly sensitive issue regarding the release of New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens. The Susi Air pilot was released by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement or TPNPB-OPM on September 21, 2024, after being held hostage in Papua for 20 months. Philip was taken hostage when his plane landed at Paro Airport in Nduga Regency in February 2023.

"We highly appreciate your efforts, your entire government, and the previous government for what we have achieved, which is very good," Luxon said, as quoted from a statement by the presidential secretariat.

Prabowo and Luxon met during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC High-level Conference. Through social media X, Luxon said New Zealand and Indonesia aimed to increase bilateral trade to NZ$6 billion or Rp55 trillion by 2029. "This will help grow the economies of both countries," he said.

Meanwhile, Prabowo reiterated his commitment to strengthening the well-established strategic relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand. President Prabowo described New Zealand as a friend and strategic partner of Indonesia.

President Prabowo expressed Indonesia's willingness to strengthen bilateral trade relations, open markets and support Indonesia's participation in Pacific country forums. He thanked New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters for attending his inauguration as President of Indonesia on October 20.

"We are in the same region and share common values and interests. I would like to reaffirm our commitment to continue this good relationship and strengthen the cooperation and friendship between our two countries," Prabowo said.



-------------------------------------------------


6) Prabowo, Albanese strengthen Indonesia-Australia cooperation 
 November 15, 2024 14:19 GMT+700 

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have agreed to step up their countries' strategic bilateral cooperation in the agriculture, education, and health sectors.

Prabowo's office stated on Thursday evening that the agreement was reached when Prabowo received a courtesy call from Albanese in Lima, Peru, earlier that day.

"In Indonesia's view, Australia is a good friend. We are keen to bolster cooperation in various fields and look forward to witnessing Australia intensifying its participation in Indonesia's economy," Prabowo was quoted as saying.

His office noted that the bilateral meeting provided Prabowo and Albanese with a valuable opportunity to further enhance Indonesia-Australia diplomatic ties while strengthening multifaceted strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Prabowo affirmed his commitment to further advancing cooperation with Australia in various sectors. He also applauded the well-established bond between the two countries.

"In general, I believe that we have been successful in maintaining our relations. I am determined to step up relations with all of our neighboring countries," he pointed out.

Albanese commended the balanced geopolitical maneuver taken by the Indonesian president during his state visits to China and the United States.

He expressed hope that Indonesia and Australia would be able to reach a new level in their cooperation, especially in the sectors of agriculture, education, and health.

Prabowo arrived in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday. He is scheduled to attend the 2024 APEC Summit and meet with leaders of several countries during his third state visit.

Related news: 19 Australian companies keen to invest in technology: Minister
Related news: Australia keen to bolster partnership with new Indonesian government

Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso


——————————————————

7) Interim President: UK Government should not welcome Prabowo

November 14, 2024 in Statement

On behalf of the colonised people of West Papua, I am asking the UK government to cancel their reception of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo is a blood-stained war criminal who is complicit in genocide in East Timor and West Papua. Right now, Indonesia is sending thousands of industrial excavators to destroy 5 million hectares of Papuan forest, and thousands of troops to violently put down any resistance. Prabowo has also restarted the transmigration settlement programme that has made us a minority in our own land. He wants to destroy West Papua.

For West Papuans, the ghost of Suharto has returned; the New Order regime still exists, it has just changed its clothes. It is gravely disappointing that the UK government has signed a ‘critical minerals’ deal with Indonesia, which will likely cover West Papua’s nickel reserves in Tabi and Raja Ampat. The UK must understand: there can be no real ‘green deal’ with Indonesia while they are destroying the third largest rainforest on earth. I was very glad to see five members of the House of Lords – Lords Harries, Purvis, Gold, Lexden, and Baroness Bennett – hold the government to account on the issues of self-determination, ecocide, and the long-delayed UN visit. We need this kind of scrutiny from our Parliamentary supporters more than ever now.

Prabowo will also be visiting Oxford Library as part of his diplomatic visit. Why Oxford? The answer is clearly because the peaceful Free West Papua Campaign is based here; because the Town Hall flies our national flag every December 1st; because I have been given Freedom of the City, along with other independence leaders like Nelson Mandela.

This visit is not an isolated incident: there was the recent cultural promotion in Oxford Town Centre, addressed by the Indonesian ambassador in an Oxford United scarf. There was the takeover of Oxford United by Anindya Bakrie, one of Indonesia’s richest men, and Erick Thohir, an Indonesian government minister. This is not about business – it is a targeted campaign to undermine West Papua’s international connections. The Indonesian Embassy has sponsored the Cowley Road Carnival and attempted to ban displays of the Morning Star, our national flag. They have called a bomb threat in on our office and lobbied to have my Freedom of the City award revoked. Indonesia is using every dirty trick they have in order to destroy my connection with this city.

Indonesia is a poor country, and due to six decades of colonialism West Papua is its poorest province. There are giant slums in Jakarta, with homeless people sleeping under bridges. So why are they pouring money into Oxford, one of the wealthiest cities in Europe?

The UK has been my home ever since I escaped an Indonesian prison in the early 2000s. My family and I have been welcomed here, and it will continue to be our home until my country is free and we can return to West Papua.

I hope the government will stand up for human rights and a habitable planet by cancelling its reception of Prabowo.

Benny Wenda
Interim President
ULMWP Provisional Government

----------------