AWPA- update January 2012

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

PO Box 28, Spit Junction, NSW 2088

AWPA- update January 2012

Summary of events

The trial against five Papuan activists for treason began on Monday 30 January. The five men, Forkorus Yaboisembut, Edison Waromi, Selpius Bobii, Domingkus Sorabut and Agustinus Kraar are charged with treason. The Judge at the Jayapura district court said, “The defendants jointly tried to commit treason with the intention of allowing the country or part of the country to fall into the hands of the enemy,” and , 

“They acted together to declare Papua an independent region, which constitutes an act of treason.”

Human Rights Watch has urged the Indonesian government to drop the charges against the five Papuan activists who are being prosecuted for peacefully expressing their political views. Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch said “The Indonesian government should show its commitment to peaceful expression by dropping the charges against these five Papuan activists,” and “It’s appalling that a modern democratic nation like Indonesia continues to lock up people for organizing a demonstration and expressing controversial views.”

http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/01/28/indonesia-drop-charges-against-papuan-activists

Human Rights Watch also released its World Report for 2012. http://www.hrw.org/reports/2012/01/22/world-report-2012 This 22nd annual World Report summarizes human rights conditions in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide in 2011. The country report on Indonesia at http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-indonesia

There have been a number of shooting incidents in West Papua in the past month. On Monday the 9 January two contractors working for US company Freeport-McMoRan were found dead near the mine. According to a report in the Jakarta Globe ten people, have now been killed around the mine in ambushes since September. http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/two-freeport-contractors-killed-near-papua-mine/490062

On the 5 January soldiers, from the Yonif 753 base in Nabire, clashed with members of the OPM in Puncak Jaya. 

During the shootout one of the suspected rebels was killed. According to a media report he was identified as Lindiron Tabuni, the son of Goliat Tabuni, the leader of the Puncak Jaya cell of the OPM

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/soldiers-kill-suspected-opm-member-in-gunfight/489619

In other incidents a food vendor was shot by an unidentified armed group in Kurilik, Mulia district in the Puncak Jaya regency on the 20 January. The reason behind the shooting is unknown. On the 28 January a Brimob officer was killed while on patrol with six other men l. The patrol was ambushed by unidentified armed assailants.

Indonesia Police, Prosecutors Engaged in Torture: Papua Poll Confirms

A survey carried out by nongovernmental organizations between July and September last year showed there was a widespread belief among respondents in Papua that police engaged in practices of torture. For the survey, the Jakarta and Papua offices of the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) spoke to 205 respondents from various fields: police, prosecutors, customary and tribal leaders, commentators, criminal suspects and even inmates at Abepura Prison in Jayapura, Papua. The results showed that respondents identified several institutes as engaging in torture: the police (61 percent), prosecutors (31 percent) and prison officials (8 percent). The findings echo the results of a previous survey by LBH Jakarta, in which respondents identified police as the main perpetrators of torture among all branches of law enforcement. http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/indonesia-police-prosecutors-engaged-in-torture-papua-poll-confirms/491129

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) released two urgent actions in January. On the 26 January, Military officers arbitrarily arrest and torture civilians based on false claims of rebel activity http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAC-005-2012

and on the 27 January , Authorities refuse to treat political prisoner with tumour http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAC-008-2012

AWPA also called on the Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd to raise the human rights situation in West Papua with the Indonesian Government during his visit to Indonesia.

http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2012/01/awpa-calls-on-kevin-rudd-to-raise-human.html

In Brief

54 students in Jayapura infected by HIV/AIDS

The Jakarta Post, 01/22/2012

The Jayapura branch of the AIDS Prevention Commission (KPA) has discovered that 54 students in Jayapura regency have become infected by HIV/AIDS.

“These students would have been able to avoid this if they had come to us earlier to be tested,” KPA secretary Purnomo said on Sunday as quoted by kompas.com.

He acknowledged, however, that this could be an "iceberg phenomenon", meaning the figure might not represent the actual number of those affected by HIV/AIDS. The discovery of 54 infected students from Jayapura is just one part of the bigger picture, in which the KPA maintains that 796 people in the regency, from all social strata, have been infected by the disease. (dic)

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Eighteen Jayapura toddlers infected with HIV/AIDS

Tue, January 17 2012 18:26 | 306 Views

Sentani, Papua (ANTARA News) - The National AIDS Commission (NAC) reported that 18 toddlers in Jayapura regency, Papua are HIV/AIDS positive during tests conducted in 2011. Jayapura's NAC Secretary Purnomo said here Tuesday that the 18 toddlers are aged from one to four years. "Toddlers with HIV/AIDS were transmitted through the mother. Where the mother was already infected before conception," he said. He said that there is still a HIV infected toddler found because the local pregnant mothers in the community are still afraid to check to the nearest hospital equipped with voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) facility……………..

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/79209/eighteen-jayapura-toddlers-infected-with-hivaids

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Illiteracy Points to Deeper Woes in Papua

Banjir Ambarita & Mary Anugrah Rasita | January 30, 2012

Jayapura. Education experts and officials have decried the poor state of schools in Papua in the wake of a revelation that half of all students at a state elementary school in Jayapura, the provincial capital, were illiterate. 

Nella Manaku, headmaster of Holtekamp Elementary School, said on Monday that 50 percent of the students there could neither read nor write. 

“Most of the students in grades one through three can’t read or write, they can barely just spell [the alphabet],” he said. “In grades four and five, there are also students who can’t read or write.” 

The Jakarta Globe also observed fifth- and sixth-grade students still being taught how to write. 

Nella blamed the high illiteracy rate on a lack of teachers at the state-run school. He said there were just five instructors for the more than 100 students. 

“Three of them are permanent and the others are contract teachers, but they rarely show up for work,” he said. 

He added that he had repeatedly applied to the Jayapura Education Agency for more teachers, but to no avail. 

“For several years now we’ve been asking for help, but there’s never been a response from the authorities,” he said……………………

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/education/illiteracy-points-to-deeper-woes-in-papua/494756

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Freeport Indonesia appoints new president director

Rangga D Fadhillah, The Jakarta Post, 01/27/2012

PT Freeport Indonesia, operator of the Grasberg gold and cooper mine in Papua, announced on Friday that it had appointed former Public Works Minister Rozik B. Soetjipto as its new president director, replacing Armando Mahler.

Rozik will be assisted by an executive committee chaired by Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold chief executive Richard Adkerson, while Armando will serve the company as a senior advisor to the committee, the company revealed.

“The new management organization will enable us to renew our commitment to operate the Grasberg mine in a safe, efficient and world class fashion for the benefit of our employees, the local community, and the Republic of Indonesia,” said Rozik in a press statement sent to The Jakarta Post.

Rozik has served on the board of commissioners of PT Freeport Indonesia since 2000. He is a mining engineering graduate of the Bandung Institute of Technology and has obtained masters and doctorate degrees in metallurgical engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium.

He held various senior positions in the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry for a number of years, including as director general of mines from 1998 to 1999. He served as the Public Works Minister during 1999-2000.

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New book : Comprehending West Papua

This new book from the West Papua Project is an edited volume of the collection of papers presented at the February 2011 University of Sydney conference "Comprehending West Papua". It represents the views of the world's leading scholars and activists currently working on understanding the conflict in West Papua.

http://sydney.edu.au/arts/peace_conflict/practice/west_papua_project.shtml

Click to download Comprehending West Papua.

It will be launched at the Macleay Museum, University of Sydney, on Tuesday February 7 at 6PM (for a 6:30 start).

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UP4B starts development acceleration in Papua

Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Thu, 01/12/2012

The Unit for the Acceleration of Development in Papua and West Papua (UP4B) began its work on Wednesday by disseminating its mission. UP4B chairman Bambang Darmono, accompanied by his deputy Eduard Fonataba, said the main tasks for his unit were to support the coordination, synchronization, planning, facility provision and the control of development implementation and acceleration in Papua and West Papua. Bambang said the UP4B would only operate for three years and its main duty would be to build a basis for sustainable development, in line with the aspirations of local communities, leading toward social integration. The UP4B was established by the government in late 2011 after the acknowledgment that special autonomy legislation, which was applied to Papua in 2001 in the hopes of providing a “win-win” solution to local demands for the separation of Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesian (NKRI), had not secured the benefits expected.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/01/12/up4b-starts-development-acceleration-papua.html

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Some Papuans skeptical about UP4B

Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura 12/08/2011

The government’s initiative to accelerate development in Papua and West Papua through the establishment of a special unit led by Bambang Darmono has met with resistance from some Papuans.

“Papuan people have rejected special autonomy status. Now they have offered UP4B. What on earth is that? We Papuan people reject UP4B. What we want is a referendum,” Saul Bomay, former political prisoner, said during a meeting with an entourage from Jakarta in Jayapura on Wednesday.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/12/08/some-papuans-skeptical-about-up4b.html

AHRC U/A INDONESIA: Authorities refuse to treat political prisoner with tumour

FROM ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

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http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAC-008-2012

INDONESIA: Authorities refuse to treat political prisoner with tumour

January 27, 2012

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-008-2012

27 January 2012
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INDONESIA: Authorities refuse to treat political prisoner with tumour

ISSUES: Indigenous people; inhuman and degrading treatment; prison conditions
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Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding the condition of Kimanus Wenda, a political prisoner at Nabire prison, Papua, who has a tumor in his stomach and must be operated on. Although Indonesian law clearly notes that it is the state’s obligation to provide medical fees, the Papua legal and human rights department is refusing to pay for Mr. Wenda's surgery due to a lack of funds. Moreover, the goverment is now claiming that Mr. Wenda does not require surgery, although local activists found the opposite to be true.

CASE NARRATIVE:

According to the information received from KontraS, ALDP and SKPHP, on April 4, 2003, at around 1am, there was a burglary at 1702/ Jayawijaya Wamena military district staff headquarters armory.

Eight perpetrators were arrested in connection to this theft: Yafrai Murib, Numbungga Telenggen, Enos Lokobal, Linus Hiluka, Kanius Murib, Kimanus Wenda, Des Wenda and Mikael Haselo. On January 15, 2004, according to the verdict declared by the Wamena district court, all the victims were found guilty for rebellion under articles 106 and 110 of the Criminal Code. Yafrai Murib and Numbungga Telenggen were sentenced to lifetime imprisonment, while the others were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Civil society considers this verdict to not be based on legal facts.

Since 2010, Mr. Wenda has had a tumor in his stomach and is constantly vomiting. He informed the health staff at Nabire prison but was not given any adequate response. On February 2, 2011, the Nabire hospital issued a reference letter regarding Mr. Wenda's sickness and the need for him to be operated at Jayapura hospital. Two days later, Mr. Wenda’s legal counsel sent a medical leave letter to the head of Papua’s regional office of law and human rights and the head of Nabire prison, but received no response. On September 19, SKPHP met the head of Papua legal and human rights department but the department said it has no money and thus cannot pay for Mr. Wenda's operation. This violates Indonesian law under Indonesian Government Regulation No. 32/1999 on Terms and Procedures on the Implementation of Prisoners’ Rights in Prisons, which states that it is a state obligation to provide medical fees and treatment. While civil society is now gathering funds to pay for the operation in Jayapura hospital, it is not yet enough.

Furthermore, on December 16, at the hearings between KontraS and the ministry of law and human rights, the staff of Nabire prison said that based on their report and the statement of the prison chief, Mr. Wenda was seen playing volley ball in prison and therefore his stomach tumour is not dangerous and does not need to be operated in Jayapura hospital. However, on December 21, when local activists brought Mr. Wenda to be examined at Nabire hospital, John, the surgery doctor who examined Mr. Wenda, stated that the tumour is severe and should be operated as soon as possible. The government denial to treat Mr. Wenda has resulted in much civil society concern about his safety.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The AHRC has recorded that political prisoners, especially in Papua, face ill-treatment and torture in prison, as in the case of Fendinand Pakage, who was tortured by a Abepura prison officer in 2008, resulting in permanent damage to his right eye, and in the case of Buchtar Tabuni in 2009, also beaten and tortured by a Abepura prison officer. Political prisoners’ rights are bare fulfilled, especially the right to health, as seen by Filep Karma, who was neglected at Dok II Jayapura hospital although his ureter should be operated.

Furthermore, on August 28, 2007, Mikael Haselo, a political prisoner arrested and charged in the same case as Mr. Wenda, died after being treated at Bayangkara hospital, Makasar, South Sulawesi, due to the complication of some diseases, such as cough, enteritis, bronchitis and lung inflammation.

SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write letters to the authorities listed below asking them to intervene in this case immediately.

Please be informed that the AHRC is also sending letters to the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous people, and the Working Group on arbitrary detention, calling for their intervention into this matter.

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear ___________,

INDONESIA: Authorities refuse to treat political prisoner with tumour

Name of victim: Kimanus Wenda
Names of alleged perpetrators: Staff of Nabire prison
Date of incident: 2010-now
Place of incident: Nabire prison, Nabire, Papua

I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding the condition of Kimanus Wenda, a political prisoner at Nabire prison.

According to the information received from the Asian Human Rights Commission, on 4 April 2003, at around 1am local time, there was a burglary at 1702/ Jayawijaya Wamena military district staff headquarters armory and eight perpetrators were arrested, namely Yafrai Murib, Numbungga Telenggen, Enos Lokobal, Linus Hiluka, Kanius Murib, Kimanus Wenda, Des Wenda and Mikael Haselo.

I also know that on 15 January 2004, according to the verdict declared by the Wamena district court, all the victims were found guilty for rebellion under articles 106 and 110 of the Criminal Code. Yafrai Murib and Numbungga Telenggen were sentenced to lifetime imprisonment, while the others were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Civil society considers this verdict to not be based on legal facts.

I learnt that since 2010, Mr. Wenda has had a tumor in his stomach and is constantly vomiting. He called the health staff at Nabire prison, but received no serious response. On February 2, 2011, the Nabire hospital issued a reference letter regarding Mr. Wenda's sickness and the need for him to be operated at Jayapura hospital. Two days later, Mr. Wenda’s legal counsel sent a medical leave letter to the head of Papua’s regional office of law and human rights and the head of Nabire prison, but received no response. On September 19, SKPHP met the head of Papua legal and human rights department but the department said it has no money and thus cannot pay for Mr. Wenda's operation. I am aware that this violates Indonesian law under Indonesian Government Regulation No. 32/1999 on Terms and Procedures on the Implementation of Prisoners’ Rights in Prisons, which states that it is a state obligation to provide medical fees and treatment. While civil society is now gathering funds to pay for the operation in Jayapura hospital, it is not yet enough.

I wish to point out that on December 16, at the hearings between KontraS and the ministry of law and human rights, the staff of Nabire prison said that based on their report and the statement of the prison chief, Mr. Wenda was seen playing volley ball in prison and therefore his stomach tumour is not dangerous and does not need to be operated in Jayapura hospital. However, on December 21, when local activists brought Mr. Wenda to be examined at Nabire hospital, John, the surgery doctor who examined Mr. Wenda, stated that the tumour is severe and should be operated as soon as possible. The government denial to treat Mr. Wenda has resulted in much civil society concern about his safety.

Based on the information stated above, I urge you to promptly pay the medical fees necessary for Mr. Wenda’s proper treatment, in accordance with government obligations to do so. I also urge you to look into all the allegations in this case and to take appropriate action against those found responsible, and prevent any future recurrence.

Yours sincerely,

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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:

1. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
The President of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 3863777, 3503088.
Fax: + 62 21 3442223

2. Head of National Commission on Human Rights of Indonesia
Jalan Latuharhary No.4-B,
Jakarta 10310
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 392 5227-30
Fax: +62 21 392 5227
Email: info@komnas.go.id

3. Ms. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo
General Director of Human Rights
Department of Law and Human Rights Republic of Indonesia
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav.6-7 Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 525 3006, 525 3889, 526 4280
Fax: +62 21 525 3095

4. Director General of Prisons
Drs. Untung Sugiyono
Ministry of Justice and Human Rights
Jl. Veteran No. 11
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Fax: +62 21 384 171

5. Head of the Papuan Provincial Department of Justice and Human Rights
Daniel Biantong
Jl. Raya Abepura No. 37,
Kotaraja - Jayapura 99117, Papua
INDONESIA
Fax +62 967 586112

6. Head of Nabire Prison
Arif Rachman
Lapas Klas IIb Nabire, Jl. Padat Karya,
Nabire 98801, Papua,
INDONESIA
Fax: +62 984 24721

Thank you.

Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)

Document Type :

Urgent Appeal Case

Document ID :

AHRC-UAC-008-2012

Countries :

Indonesia

Campaigns :

End Violence in West Papua

Issues :

Indigenous people, Inhuman and degrading treatment, Prison conditions

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AHRC U/A INDONESIA: Military officers arbitrarily arrest and torture civilians based on false claims of rebel activity

To unsubscribe click this link, to change preferences click this link

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-005-2012

26 January 2012

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INDONESIA: Military officers arbitrarily arrest and torture civilians based on false claims of rebel activity

ISSUES: Freedom of assembly; indigenous people; torture; military violence; police negligence
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Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has learnt that on 2 November 2011, seven commanding officers of the Kurulu military sub-district command (danramil Kurulu), arrested and ill-treated three local activists and nine Umpagalo villagers in Kurulu, Papua. This incident occurred without any command letter of authorization, following allegations of rebel activities. The AHRC noted that in Papua, people are frequently victimised based on arbitrary allegations of rebellion, and subsequently tortured. (photo: Kurulu victim)

CASE NARRATIVE:

A Kurulu villager named Alex, who reportedly drank and gambled with members of the pro-Jakarta militia Barisan Merah Putih, provoked Indonesian national military (TNI) officers by claiming there was a meeting between the Free Papua Movement (OPM) and the villagers at Umpagalo on the night of 2 November 2011, at Umpagalo village, Kurulu sub-district, Jayawijaya, Papua without specific evidence. Responding to this vague information, seven armed officers of the Kurulu military sub-district command (danramil Kurulu) prepared to handle the situation without any command letter of authorization (surat izin komando).

After the armed officers came to Umpagalo at around 11pm, they beat three local activists, Melianus Wantik, Edo Doga and Markus Walilo, as well as nine villagers, Pilipus Wantik, Wilem Kosy, Elius Dabi, Lamber Dabi, Othi Logo, Nilik Hiluka, Hukum Logo, Martinus Mabel and Saulus Logo, then stabbed them with bayonets for two hours, forced them to crawl and doused them with water for one hour. The officers also humiliated, beat with big wood sticks, kicked and stepped on them with their boots, pointed their guns and threatened that they would cut their heads, and shot at them four times. After that, the officers brought all the victims to the 176/ Kurulu military headquarters of Wim Anesili Wamena battalion branch (Pos TNI Batalyon 756 kurulu cabang Batalion Wim Anesili Wamena) and allegedly examined them for two hours. The victims were then released without clear reason. Too scared to go to the hospital located around 50 meters from the military post for medical treatment, they made do with traditional remedies. (photo: wounds of beatings and stabbing)

The victims’ colleagues complained to the Kurulu sector police following the incident, but the police refused to process the complaint since there is no substantial evidence to prove the allegations and the military officers are beyond their jurisdiction based on law no. 31 of 1997 regarding military court.

Meanwhile, the head of the military district command (Korem) 172/PWY Ibnu Tri Widodo acknowledged the violence. He stated that the seven soldiers who mistreated the civilians were now held in custody of the Wamena Military Police. They would be brought to the military court. Following the mistreatment, all soldiers on duty in the Kurulu sub-district had been transferred. He further promised that the military would no longer act “arrogantly” towards civilians. However, in many cases of military trials, which are not open to the public, the sentences are merely a light punishment, such as a transfer, which is inadequate given the seriousness of the human rights violations committed. Therefore, the TNI jointly with the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) should send an independent investigation team to transparently resolve this case, as well as ensuring the adequate punishment of those responsible. The military court law should be reviewed to ensure that members of the military are brought exclusively before a competent, objective and impartial civilian court that is compliant with the internationally-accepted standards of fair trial, including public access to the process, in cases of human rights abuses by members of the military against civilians. (photo: Kurulu victim)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Torture is used in a widespread way by the police and military against indigenous Papuans, notably on persons suspected of supporting independence movements. Such suspicions are often leveled arbitrarily against members of the indigenous community and result in stigmatisation. This case is a clear example of this pattern.

Furthermore, according to the law on military courts, members of the military that commit crimes against civilians, such as extrajudicial killings or torture, can only be held accountable by military justice systems. Military courts are not open to the public, are notorious for only giving lenient punishments, and show a clear lack of impartiality.

SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write letters to the authorities listed below asking them to intervene in the case immediately to ensure that all legal process is conducted in accordance with national and international norms.

Please be informed that the AHRC is also sending letters to the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous people, and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, calling for their intervention into this matter.

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear ___________,

INDONESIA: Military officers arbitrarily arrest and torture civilians based on false claims of rebel activity

Name of victims: Melianus Wantik, Edo Doga, Markus Walilo, Pilipus Wantik, Wilem Kosy, Elius Dabi, Lamber Dabi, Othi Logo, Nilik Hiluka, Hukum Logo, Martinus Mabel, and Saulus Logo
Names of alleged perpetrators: Seven commanding officers of the Kurulu military sub-district command (danramil Kurulu)
Date of incident: 2 November 2011
Place of incident: Umpagalo village, Kurulu sub-district, Jayawijaya, Papua

I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding the arbitrary arrest and torture conducted by seven officers of the Kurulu military sub-district command (danramil Kurulu) against 12 civilians at Umpagalo village, between 11pm to 3am.

I have learnt that a Kurulu villager named Alex, who reportedly drank and gambled with members of the pro-Jakarta militia Barisan Merah Putih, provoked Indonesian national military (TNI) officers by claiming there was a meeting between the Free Papua Movement (OPM) and the villagers at Umpagalo on the night of 2 November 2011, at Umpagalo village, Kurulu sub-district, Jayawijaya, Papua without specific evidence. Responding to this vague information, seven armed officers of the Kurulu military sub-district command (danramil Kurulu) prepared to handle the situation without any command letter of authorization (surat izin komando).

I wish to point out that after the armed officers came to Umpagalo at around 11pm, they beat three local activists, Melianus Wantik, Edo Doga and Markus Walilo, as well as nine villagers, Pilipus Wantik, Wilem Kosy, Elius Dabi, Lamber Dabi, Othi Logo, Nilik Hiluka, Hukum Logo, Martinus Mabel and Saulus Logo, then stabbed them with bayonets for two hours, forced them to crawl and doused them with water for one hour. The officers also humiliated, beat with big wood sticks, kicked and stepped on them with their boots, pointed their guns and threatened that they would cut their heads, and shot at them four times. After that, the officers brought all the victims to the 176/ Kurulu military headquarters of Wim Anesili Wamena battalion branch (Pos TNI Batalyon 756 kurulu cabang Batalion Wim Anesili Wamena) and examined them for two hours. The victims were then released without clear reason. Too scared to go to the hospital located around 50 meters from the military post for medical treatment, they made do with traditional remedies.

The victims’ colleagues complained to the Kurulu sector police following the incident, but the police refused to process the complaint since there is no substantial evidence to prove the allegations and the military officers are beyond their jurisdiction based on law no. 31 of 1997 regarding military court.

I also learnt that the head of the military district command (Korem) 172/PWY Ibnu Tri Widodo acknowledged the violence. He stated that the seven soldiers who mistreated the civilians were now held in custody of the Wamena Military Police. They would be brought to the military court. Following the mistreatment, all soldiers on duty in the Kurulu sub-district had been transferred. He further promised that the military would no longer act “arrogantly” towards civilians. However, in many cases, I have noted that military trials, which are not open to the public, only sentence the perpetrators to a light punishment, such as transfer, which is inadequate given the seriousness of the human rights violations committed.

Therefore, I urge TNI jointly with Komnas HAM to send an independent investigation team to transparently resolve this case, including ensuring the adequate punishment of those responsible. The military court law should be reviewed to ensure that members of the military are brought exclusively before a competent, objective and impartial civilian court that is compliant with the internationally-accepted standards of fair trial, including public access to the process, in cases of human rights abuses by members of the military against civilians.

Yours sincerely,

----------------
PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:

1. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
The President of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Phone : +62 21 3863777, 3503088.
Fax : +62 21 3442223

2. Adm. Agus Suhartono
Headquarter
Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI)
Jakarta
INDONESIA
Phone : +62 21 8459-1244, 8459-1243
Fax : +62 21 845-6805

3. Mr. Kemal Azis Stamboel
The Chairman of the First Commission of House of Representative of Indonesia
Gedung DPR RI Nusantara II, Lantai 1
Jl. Jenderal Gatot Subroto
Jakarta 10270
INDONESIA
Phone : +62 21 5715518
Fax : +62 21 5715523

4. Ms. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo
General Director of Human Rights
Department of Law and Human Rights Republic of Indonesia
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav.6-7 Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Phone : +62 21 525 3006, 525 3889, 526 4280
Fax : +62 21 525 3095

5. Head of National Commission on Human Rights of indonesia
Jalan Latuharhary No.4-B,
Jakarta 10310
INDONESIA
Phone : +62 21 392 5227-30
Fax : +62 21 392 5227
E-mail : info@komnas.go.id

6. Mr. Erfi Triassunu
Commander of Regional Military Command XVII Cendrawasih
(Kemiliteran Daerah Papua / Kodam Papua)
Jl. Polimak atas Jayapura Provinsi Papua
INDONESIA

Fax: +62 967 533763

Thank you.

Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)

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AWPA calls on Kevin Rudd to raise the human rights situation in West Papua with the Indonesian Government during his visit to Ind

The Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

Media release 9 January 2012



AWPA calls on the Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd to raise the human rights situation in West Papua with the Indonesian Government during his visit to Indonesia.

The Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd is visiting Indonesia where he will meet with his counterpart, Dr Marty Natalegawa, and other senior figures," to discuss the full breadth of shared political, security, commercial, environmental, and cultural interests" .


Joe Collins of AWPA said that in light of the ongoing military operations in the Paniai region which has caused the displacement of thousands of people, villages attacked and burned and reports of villages strafed by helicopters, it is time for the Australian Government to take seriously the human rights abuses that are being committed by the Indonesian security forces in West Papua", the security forces that we help train".

According to a report in the local media in West Papua , “The military operations have been on-going ever since Brimob troops from East Kalimantan were sent to Paniai in the second week of November” (Jubi 29 December). Jubi also believes that this operation will continue as the security forces hunt for the OPM who have moved from Eduda (one of their base camps into woodland areas following an attack by the security forces. The Free Papua Organization says 14 of its members were killed during the attack http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/opm-says-14-guerillas-were-killed-in-police-raid-on-hideout-in-paniai/485002 VIVAnews reported that – “In the aftermath of the occupation of the OPM headquarters by Indonesia's security forces in Eduda, Paniai, the situation has become more tensed. Hundreds of villagers around Eduda were evacuated” http://us.en.vivanews.com/news/read/272754-papua-witnesses-another-acts-of-violence


AWPA is urging the Foreign Minister to raise the military operations in Paniai with the Indonesian Government asking that it controls its security forces in West Papua and urging the Indonesian Government to order its security forces to immediately return to their barracks as a way of avoiding further bloodshed.

AWPA has regularly raised concerns that any aid or training given to the military could be used against the West Papuan people and we again urge the Australian Government to put a moratorium on the training, funding and any ties between the Australian military and any Indonesian units found to have been involved in human rights abuses.

AWPA update. December 2011 - beginning January 2012

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

PO Box 28, Spit Junction, NSW 2088

AWPA update. December 2011 - beginning January 2012

Freeport strike

Workers at the Freeport copper and gold mine who have been on strike since the 15 September have started to return to work. On Tuesday and Wednesday (3rd and 4th Jan) Freeport's management sent buses to collect its workers from the Gorong-gorong terminal in Timika although a workers’ union official predicts that it will take three or four weeks before all the company’s employees will get back to work. The workers agreed to end their strike on Dec. 14, 2011 after Freeport agreed to increase their salaries up to 39 percent and to improve benefits. However, the return to work was delayed because some of the contractors and subcontractors insisted on imposing sanctions on employees who went on strike which was a violation against the agreement between PT Freeport and the SPSI. Union deputy chairman Virgo Salosa (Head of the Mimika chapter of the All Indonesian Workers’ Union) and who used to be an executive of SPSI’s unit at Freeport, urged the company’s contractors and subcontractors to cooperate in the mobilization process of the workers. The strike had paralyzed Freeport Indonesia's giant copper and gold mine with losses for the company reported as high as $18-million (U.S.) per day.

There have been a number of shootings around the mine since the strike started and nine people have been killed. In one incident Petrus Ayamiseba, a striking worker was killed when Indonesian security forces fired on striking workers in Timika. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) in its urgent appeal of 13 October 2011 (AHRC-UAC-204-2011) raised concerns about the extrajudicial killing of Peter W. Ayamiseba and the injury of several persons in police shootings during the union protest. In a follow up urgent action (15 December) the AHRC reported that another protester who was shot in the back on October 10, Leo Wangadau, died on October 15, at 2pm at his home. http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAU-049-2011

During the strike the police also admitted that they accepted millions of dollars from Freeport to provide security for the mine (Jakarta Globe 28 Oct). Production at the mine had been crippled and infrastructure sabotaged including a pipeline. Another incident occurred on December the 17^th when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a helicopter carrying workers and family members from Freeport. The gunmen opened fire a few minutes after the chopper took off from the mining town of Tembagapura. Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Wachyono said there was only “slight damage to the body of the aircraft, the Russian pilots were able to continue on to Timika, where they landed safely”. An Al Jazeera's report (video) looks at some of the incidents around the Freeport mine (7 December) http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/201112794630736416.html

Military operations in the Paniai region

Military operations have been ongoing in the Paniai region causing the displacement of thousands of people, villages burned and reports of villages be strafed by helicopters. According to a report in Jubi (29 December) “The operation has been on-going ever since Brimob troops from East Kalimantan were sent to Paniai in the second week of November” Jubi also believes that this operation will continue as the security forces hunt for the OPM who have moved from Eduda (one of their base camps into woodland areas following an attack by the security forces. The Free Papua Organization says 14 of its members were killed during the attack http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/opm-says-14-guerillas-were-killed-in-police-raid-on-hideout-in-paniai/485002 VIVAnews reported that – “In the aftermath of the occupation of the OPM headquarters by Indonesia's security forces in Eduda, Paniai, the situation has become more tensed. Hundreds of villagers around Eduda were evacuated” http://us.en.vivanews.com/news/read/272754-papua-witnesses-another-acts-of-violence

During the military operations local people have fled their homes becoming internal refugees. The Jakarta Post (7 December) reported that “about 500 inhabitants of Dagouto village in Paniai Regency, Papua, have opted to leave their homes and seek refuge following the deployment of 150 Mobile Brigade officers to their area, Paniai tribe council chief John Gobai said Wednesday”. “Our people have become refugees at Uwatawogi Hall in Enarotali, Paniai, for several weeks. They are now afraid they may not be able to celebrate Christmas at home,” John told reporters at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).” http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/12/07/fearing-police-500-villagers-take-refuge-paniai.html An article in JUBI, (17 December) reported that the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) had “urged the chief of police to immediately withdraw his Brimob troops from the district of Paniai”

Extract from article

“The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has urged the chief of police to immediately withdraw his Brimob troops from the district of Paniai and not to send any more troops there. This request is made in a letter signed by the deputy head of Komnas HAM, M. Ridha Saleh, which is a follow-up of the complaint made by the chairman f the Regional Traditional Council (DAD) in Paniai several days ago. He said that the complaint was made because of two recent incidents involving members of the police force. One was shooting in the vicinity of the copper-and-gold mine in Degheuwo which led to the death of a civilian and the other relates to the situation following the dispatch of 150 additional Brimob troops who arrived in Enarotali on 11-14 November 2011. In the second place, the Brimob post which was set up in the midst of several kampungs. should be removed. Thirdly, to immediately conduct an investigation into what caused the death of Mateus Tenouye. Fourthly, to restore a conducive situation so as to enable the people in the district of Paniai to go about their daily activities. And fifthly, to speedily hold dialogue with all parties involved in conflicts and to help the community to resolve problems that have occurred in the district of Paniai”.

Another article in the Jakarta Globe (22 December) reported that “The Australian government has confirmed that it is investigating reports that an Australian-owned mining company was involved in ongoing Indonesian military operations in Paniai, West Papua”. http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/australian-owned-miner-involved-in-papua-military-operations-report/486320

In the article the Institute for Human Rights Study and Advocacy (Elsham), reported that Densus 88 had been embedded with police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) units during operations against suspected members of the West Papua Liberation Army (TPN), based at Eduda, Paniai.

 (Note. Australia has been involved in helping train this unit, Detachment 88 or Densus 88).

Senator Richard Di Natale, the Greens’ spokesperson for West Papua, has called for urgent action in response to reports of conflict, deaths and displacement in the Paniai region of West Papua “Australia can no longer stand silent while West Papua burns,” said Senator Di Natale.

http://richard-di-natale.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/australia-must-act-after-more-conflict-west-papua-greens

In other news Amnesty reported that People in over 80 countries in every region of the world have come together to demand the release of Indonesian prisoner of conscience Filep Karma, who is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for taking part in a peaceful http://www.amnesty.org.au/news/comments/27446/?mid=5533

A reply from AusAid to AWPA letter re food shortage at http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/ and reply from DFAT re concerns around 1^st December at http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2012/01/reply-from-ausaid-to-awpa-letter-re.html

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News in brief

Maternal deaths in West Papua remain high: Health agency

The Jakarta Post | /11/2011

The number of maternal deaths in West Papua is still high due to inadequate health facilities and medical personnel in the region, the local health agency has said.

Papua Health Agency official Victor Nugraha said on Sunday that in 2010, 50 woman died during pregnancy. He predicted that the figure would be about the same in 2011, but that the actual number could be double that figure. “The number is probably less than the real figure, because many cases remain unrecorded due to a shortage of medical personnel,” he said in Manokwari, Papua, as quoted by kompas.com.

Victor added that the main causes of maternal death were hemorrhage, post-pregnancy infections and hypertension. Hemorrhaging is caused by anemia due to an iron deficiency. Beside low iron levels due to poor nutrition, anemia can also be caused by malaria, which is common in Papua. Victor said late pregnancy checks and poor surgery facilities for caesareans in clinics also contributed to maternal deaths.

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Hundreds afflicted with TB in Paniai

JUBI, 9 December 2011 .Abridged in translation by TAPOL

Poor homes and an unfavourable environment are the cause for many people being afflicted with TB in Paniai. Medicines have been distributed but they are not taken regularly by the patients. The head of the Contagious Diseases Unit of the Health Department in Paniai said: 'According to our data, from January to November 2011, 104 people are suffering from TB. The number of cases continues to rise because patients who have been supplied with medication do not take their medication regularly.' He said that quite a few of the patients have given up even though they have been supplied with medicines and as a result, instead of getting better, their condition deteriorates. TB sufferers are highly susceptible to HIV infection. 'We urge patients to take their medication regularly because, once their TB is cured, they are less likely to be affected by the HIV virus.' He said many peopl prefer to use alternative remedies, . 'They prefer traditional remedies but this cannot ensure full recovery. The traditional medicines have not been tested clinically for their ability to cure.' Wahab also said that a factory will be built in 2012 and it is hoped that by 2014, the crop will have been harvested and we are able to produce red sugar, . 'This is the target for the company and it must be realised,' he said.

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Papua hospital requires all patients to undergo HIV/AIDS test

Thu, January 5 2012

Sentani, Papua (ANTARA News) - Yowari General Hospital in Jayapura district requires all its patients to undergo a HIV/AIDS test, the hospital`s director, Nikodemus Barens, said here Thursday. He said, in view of the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in Papua, the hospital was continuously disseminating information on HIV/AIDS among its patients. "We ask every patient who comes for treatment to undergo a HIV/AIDS check, especially when they are pregnant women," he said.

Nikodemus said pregnant women needed to be examined for HIV/AIDS so that they could be immediately treated if they tested positive, and their about-to-be-born babies protected from the virus. Meanwhile, male patients and unpregnant women who tested positive for HIV/AIDS were asked to refrain from intercourse for a while while they were given special treatment. "We always try to give patients accurate information about the disease so that they can overcome their reluctance to take up voluntary counseling," Nikodemus said. He hoped the hospital`s effort could minimize HIV/AIDS cases in Papua, in the Jayapura region in particular where the number of sufferers was growing. In order to encourage people to take the HIV/AIDS test, Yowari Hospital was providing the service free of charge in a special clinic equipped with adequate facilities and staffed by specialists. (T.KR-LWA/HAJM/S012) Editor: Priyambodo RH

West Papua Decolonisation Committee established by coalition.

RNZI December, 2011

The West Papua National Coalition for Liberation has announced the establishment of the West Papua Decolonisation Committee. The coalition says the Committee will petition the United Nations Decolonisation Committee for the re-inscription of West Papua in order for it to be granted the due process of decolonisation. Membership of the Committee will consist of the coalition’s leaders and dignitaries of Vanuatu including former Presidents and Prime Ministers. Membership would be open to people with relevant expertise from other countries. The coalition’s Vice Chairman, John Ondawame, says the establishment of the Committee is their response to the ongoing violence committed by Indonesian forces in Papua. Dr Ondawame says the violence has continued despite years of pleas by Papuans for peaceful dialogue. He has called upon the people of the Pacific and the International community to support the diplomatic effort.

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Opinion pieces/reports/urgent actions etc.

"Birds of a feather: Conflict and unity with West Papua's independence movement",

Latest PhD thesis on West Papiua "Birds of a feather: Conflict and unity with West Papua's independence movement", by Cammi Webb-Gannon

online at University of Sydney thesis database:

http://hdl.handle.net/2123/8004

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Indonesia: The state of human rights in 2011 - The Decay of Pancasila and Contitutional Protections

In 2011, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has witnessed a deterioration of the human rights situation in Indonesia in terms of religious freedom, the role of the judiciary and accountability for violence by security forces. This report, which is based on the organisation’s documentation and monitoring work, shows that Indonesia remains heavily affected by serious human rights violations and shortcomings in the rule of law.

http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-190-2011

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Papuan path to peace

Neles Tebay, 12/22/2011

Papua, under Indonesian rule since May 1, 1963, has been a land of conflict. It has to be transformed into a land of peace. For this transformation, a Papuan path to peace is urgently needed. Seeking to find a proper path to peace, we need to review all polices applied in Papua by the Indonesian government over the past 48 years……….

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/12/22/papuan-path-peace.html

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Papua's Rage


Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja - Straits Times Indonesia | December 24, 2011

Mimika. Mimika's population is just 184,000 but it is one of the top three richest regencies in Indonesia. Millions in development funds from Jakarta have poured into it over the past decade. But as one drives into its capital Timika, a question comes to mind: Where did all the money go? The streets are punctured with potholes, while intersections do not have traffic lights. And where are the native Papuans? Shops and restaurants that line the main street are owned and operated by people from South Sulawesi, Java, West Sumatra and other parts of Indonesia. The indigenous Papuans, with their distinctive Melanesian features, are a rare sight in the town center. ………………….

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/papuas-rage/486778

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Women and girls reduced to poverty by HIV/AIDS in Indonesia

Dec 19, 2011

Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is much lower in Asia than in some other regions, women and children in Indonesia are facing a growing threat from the disease.

Nationally, only around 0.2% of the population is infected. However, this represents a doubling in the numbers of people living with the disease in just a few years. In 2005, there were 170,000 people infected with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia; this had risen to 300,000 in 2009. Up until recently, most infections occurred in specific regions, such as Papua and West Papua, or among high-risk populations, such as sex workers, drug users and men having sex with men…………………………..

http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/charity-news/women-and-girls-reduced-to-poverty-by-hiv-aids-in-indonesia

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Don’t Demean Us, Papuan Church Leaders Tell SBY

Ismira Lutfia | December 19, 2011

In stark contrast to government figures who say Papuan unrest stems from a lack of prosperity among native inhabitants, senior Papuan church figures say the real problem is a history of injustice and the island’s problematic integration into Indonesia. 

“The problems in Papua are not to do with wealth, but respect for human dignity, justice and an unclear history of integration that is still disputed,” Rev. Socratez Sofyan Yoman, the head of Papua’s Baptist church, said in a press conference on Saturday in Jakarta. 

The press conference followed a private meeting a day earlier between four church figures, three of them Papuan, and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the national leader’s private residence in Cikeas, Bogor……………………………………..

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/dont-demean-us-papuan-church-leaders-tell-sby/485567

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Amnesty: RI political prisoners internationally unacceptable

The Jakarta Post | 12/10/2011

Humans, regardless of their social, economic and ethnic background, hold in high esteem justice, dignity and freedom from persecution, and Papuans, who have faced decades of rights violations, are no exception. Such was the story Amnesty International Asia-Pacific program director Sam Zarifi told during a recent interview with The Jakarta Post’s Mariel Grazella. Sam was visiting Jakarta to discuss human rights in Papua with Coordinating Legal, Political and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto……………….

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/12/10/amnesty-ri-political-prisoners-internationally-unacceptable.html

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Papua And The Tensions Within – Analysis

Written by: IPCS December 15, 2011 By Tri Susdinarjanti

For the last 6 months, concern over security has been rising in Papua – eastern part of Indonesia due to several accidents in the area. Instances of shootings and violence have occurred in Abepura, Jayapura, in Mulia District, Puncak Jaya, and Freeport area in the district of Timika. These started with a mass protest on 18 June 2011 and continued till 19 October 2011, when the Papuan People Congress was being conducted; consequently the Police attacked the masses. 3 civilians reportedly died during the attack……………..

Http://Www.Eurasiareview.Com/15122011-Papua-And-The-Tensions-Within-Analysis/

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Papuan women must rise up in defence of their rights!

Bintang Papua, 3 January 2012

Development activities which fail to involve women distorts the relationship between men and women and it furthermore is damaging to the development process itself. The position of women in Papua, both in the highlands interior and in coastal areas, is still very difficult because of gender discrimination and cultural biases that weaken the role of women. The deputy chair of the MRP, Angelbertha Kotorok said that women have made many efforts to put an end to this situation. Although conditions vary in different parts of Papua, it can be said that in general women face discrimination as the result of traditions and cultural circumstances. In Mimika where the giant Freeport copper-and-gold mine is located, women are the ones who work the hardest for their families' livelihoods. Most women spend time panning for gold in the river tributaries, but the water of these rivers is contaminated by poison, which means that panning for gold is very damaging to their health. Women themselves are unaware of this damage which affects there reproductive organs. To remain in the water for many hours at a time is very damaging and has resulted in a fall in the birth rate in the central highlands. Although this problem has not been studied scientifically, local surveys confirm that this is true.

'Women and young girls spend a great deal of time panning for gold and are unaware of the effect on their reproductive health,' she said.

Besides serving their husbands sexual needs, the women must walk long distances with their noken (string bags) in which they carry their children while tending their gardens, looking after pigs and other animals, as well as panning for gold. The location of their gardens has been damaged because of the spread of tailings which affect the food produced on this land. Besides the daily work in their gardens and the panning for gold, women have to face violence from their husbands, as well as acts of violence from members of the security forces. In other words, they face violence from many quarters. They also face pressure from the security forces who demand from them money earned from panning gold. And moreover, they are forced to sell the results of their gold panning to members of the security forces for a very low price. And now with so much of the land in Mimika occupied by Freeport, food has become very expensive indeed.

'Should the women remain silent in face of all this?' asked Angelberrtha . 'Certainly not, I say. They must rise up and reject all the discrimination which they confront.' Speaking to Bintang Papua, she said that the women are beginning to rise up against their position as second-class citizens and to put an end to the chain of violence which they experience.and regain equality with men. These efforts to restore women's equality with men have already begun with the support of NGOs which have been active in the area since 1998 and this is bringing an improvement in the lives of the women. 'Whereas in the old days, the women remained silent in face of the violence that threatens their lives, they now have information and support and have become more determined to defend their basic rights and to report all cases of discrimination which they experience which reduces their social position within the family and in the broader community.' She said that a number of groups have been set up to support the women while admitting that not all these groups are working as effectively as they should.