A 15 page story on West Papua on The Star (Malaysia)'s iPad section by Martin Vengadesan and and Lim Chia Ying.
The Paradise Prison
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The Paradise Prison
INDONESIA: Let the voices of Papua be heard
http://www.humanrights.asia/opinions/interviews/AHRC-ETC-024-2012
From AHRC
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INDONESIA: Let the voices of Papua be heard
INDONESIA: Let the voices of Papua be heard
Contributors: Answer Styannes
An interview with Theo Hesegem, a Papuan activist working for Jaringan Advokasi Penegakan Hukum dan HAM (Law Enforcement and Human Rights Advocacy Network, JAPHAM) based in Wamena, Papua. The focus of his and his organisation's work is human rights issues that take place in the central mountain area of Papua.
It has been said that there has been an escalated violence in Papua recently. What is actually happening there?In my view, violence in Papua has been happening since 1961 when it became a part of Indonesia. Human rights violations are nothing new for us, Papuans. We have been killed, tortured, the women have been raped, and we have always been labelled as separatists. Activists have been killed: Theys Eluay, Yawan Wayeni, Opius Tabuni, Kelly Walik and just recently Mako Tabuni. Whereas it was obvious that it was Komando Pasukan Khusus(Indonesian Army Special Forces, Kopassus) who killed Theys, the murderers of the others remain a mystery. A German national was also shot last month and it is still unclear who actually did it. The police, however, accused the activists of Komite Nasional Papua Barat (West Papua National Committee, KNPB) for the shooting. For this reason, Mako Tabuni was shot. This, however, is actually absurd. If the police really think Mako Tabuni was involved in the shooting should he not have been arrested so the police can obtain more information on the case? If he died then the police have actually failed because they will not get further information. And then there was also an attack directed against civilians in Wamena.
Could you please tell us more about the attack against civilians in Wamena last month?What happened in Wamena was actually purely criminal and has nothing to do with politics at all. Two members of a battalion hit a 10-year old boy with a motorbike and the local residents got angry because of this so they later stabbed the battalion members. The military did not accept this so they conducted an 'operation'. This 'operation', however, was excessive because it was performed up to 2 kilometres away from the location of the stabbing. The houses burnt during the attack were not owned by those who stabbed the battalion members and 14 people who were stabbed on the street had nothing to do with the incident whatsoever. The attack was brutish, houses were burnt, their windows were smashed, shops owned by non-Papuans were also set to the fire, and cars as well as motorbikes were burnt. At that time, there were actually police coming to the location but they later decided to pull out just because the military was there.
I met the Komandan Kodim (Commander of the Military District Command, Dandim) later and told him that I just did not understand this. The stabbing happened in Sinakma but the 'operation' was performed up to the town and many government facilities were destroyed. I asked him to give some explanation on this but he was not able to do so. I told him as well that the guns you were given are to protect us, not to kill us.
Considering that the shooting of the German national took place only days after the UN UPR Session where Indonesian government was heavily criticised for its human rights record in Papua, do you think the escalated violence has anything to do with the UN UPR session?I think many countries have expressed strong concern on what is happening in Papua and this has caused some worries amongst certain people. They think, "The support is really strong, we should not let any human rights intervention to Papua." For this reason, problems were deliberately designed in Papua so people from outside will not come to Papua and just stop by in Jakarta. Problems were created so people would think, "there are too many problems in Papua so we should not go there", "Papua is not safe", "it is inconvenient to go to Papua" etc. I have heard that actually there was a team formed by the German parliamentarians who would come to Papua but due to security reasons, they could not come.
What do you think of law enforcement in Papua?Ideally, who you are and what your background is should not be relevant when it comes to law enforcement. Everybody should be equal before the law -- whether you are a President, a minister or a commander, you should not be above the law. However, this is not the case in Papua. When a case involves a Papuan or some Papuans, for instance, a Papuan stole something or stabbed somebody else then it is likely that he or she would be brought before the court. Yet when it comes to cases of shootings against civilians conducted by security officers, the perpetrators would never be questioned and they would never be brought before the court. Or if they were, the punishments they receive would be very light, although the Penal Code explicitly prohibits killings. So, in Papua, the law is applicable only for civilians. Law enforcement is really weak and it takes sides. Law enforcement takes the side of those with power.
What have you done to deal with the recent escalated violence in Papua?I would only be able to talk about what I have done to human rights violations took place in Wamena and the central mountain area. I came to Jakarta specifically to raise the issue concerning the attack against civilians in Wamena sometime ago. I met with the Chairman of the First Commission of the Indonesian parliament and he promised he would form a team who will conduct a visit to Papua. This, however, is still not happening. The Chairman also asked me to keep him posted with any problems in Papua and he gave me his personal number. I then visited Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia (National Human Rights Commission, Komnas HAM) who also promised to form a team to visit Wamena. However, since the commissioners of Komnas HAM are still not definitive, they said Komnas HAM would be able to send a team to Wamena later when the new commissioners have been selected.
I was hoping to be able to meet with the Military Chief Commander but he was heading to Australia. With the help of KontraS, I also met with the media but to be honest I do not really believe the media in Jakarta. I also held a diplomat briefing which was attended by the representatives of Japan, Britain, Netherlands, and Germany. I had a personal meeting with the representatives of the Switzerland government as well.
You mentioned you do not really believe the media in Jakarta. Why?Sometime ago I made a phone call from Jayapura to SCTV (one of TV stations in Indonesia) and complained to them because they said Mako was going to shoot the police officers, that was why he was shot. However, this is not what happened. I told SCTV to check first what actually has happened in the field and not just broadcast whatever information they received. I also complained to Kompas (one of the national newspapers) because they put my picture on the paper but did not include any single thing I mentioned about human rights situation and law enforcement in Papua. I just think the media in Jakarta does not make enough effort to dig the real information, they simply broadcast or publish whatever information they got. But it might be the case that there were pressures against them -- probably somebody told them what to publish. Yet I am aware that the media should be independent, the press should be free.
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The views shared in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the AHRC, and the AHRC takes no responsibility for them.
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Monday, July 30, 2012
Groups Respond to Mystery List of Papua Supporters
Groups Respond to Mystery List of Papua Supporters
A list is currently circulating on the internet which purports to list international supporters of the OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdek) in West Papua. (See for example,http://politik.kompasiana.com/2012/07/08/daftar-organisasi-pendukung-gerakan-papua-merdeka-di-luar-negeri/ .) This list includes our organizations among others. We speak here only for our own groups and not necessarily for any others listed.We do not know who created the list or when. It is full of typos and other errors, including groups that no long exist and may never have existed. The list includes the original name of one of us; ETAN changed its name in 2005.
Lists like these (see here for another example: http://sydney.edu.au/arts/peace_conflict/docs/Anatomy_for_print.pdf) seek to blame others for problems created by the Indonesian government‚s and security forces' own policies and actions. We saw this in East Timor, where instead of acknowledging the depth of the local opposition to its occupation, Indonesian officials insisted resistance came from a handful of East Timorese, emboldened by international supporters. Indonesia must stop blaming outsiders and seeing enemies everywhere. It must take responsibility for its failures in West Papua. It is these failures which our organizations seek to address.
The implication of the list is that expressing concern about West Papua is interfering in matters internal to Indonesia. We strongly reject that.
First, much of our advocacy is in response to pleas for help from within West Papua.
Second, we are urging that Indonesia adhere to its international responsibilities by following the UN Charter and human rights international conventions and treaties, many of which Indonesia has signed or ratified.
Moreover, much of our advocacy is focused on our own countries, addressing the roles of our own governments and the international institutions to which they belong, as well as the impact of multinational corporations active in the territory. We work to change our own governments' policies so they support human rights and justice. We seek to limit our governments' support for Indonesia's security forces which regularly violate the rights of West Papuans. By doing so, our governments can contribute to a lessening of violence and peaceful solutions to West Papua's problems.
East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN), USA
Tapol, the Indonesian Human Right Campaign, UK
Australia West Papua Association (Sydney), Australia
Indonesia Human Rights Committee, Auckland, New Zealand
Peace Movement Aotearoa, New Zealand
Medical Association for Prevention of War (NSW), Australia
Australia West Papua Association, South Australia
Foundation Pro Papua, The Netherlands
Disarmament and Security Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
Pax Christi Aotearoa-New Zealand
Swedish Association For Free Papua
Down to Earth
Survival International
West Papuan Women Association in the Netherlands (Vereniging van Papua Vrouwen in Nederland)
West Papua Courier, The Netherlands
Link here www.etan.org/news/2012/07papua.htm
etanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetan
Congratulations to Timor on 10 years of independence.
Read about ETAN's 20 years of work for for human rights, justice and democracy: http://etan.org/etan/20anniv/default.htm ETAN needs you support in 2012.
John M. Miller, National Coordinator
East Timor & Indonesia Action Network (ETAN)
Phone: +1-718-596-7668 Mobile phone: +1-917-690-4391
Email: etan@igc.org Skype: john.m.miller
www.etan.orgTwitter: @etan009
Blog: http://etanaction.blogspot.com/Facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/134122?recruiter_id=10193810
Send a blank e-mail message to info@etan.org to find out how to learn more about East Timor and Indonesia on the Internet
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1) Filpe refused to take oath in Buchtar trial
1) Filpe refused to take oath in Buchtar trial
2) American Samoa, Indonesia to Form Relationship
3) Failure in renegotiation reflecting freeport`s arrogance:legislator
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from Tapol
1) Filpe refused to take oath in Buchtar trial
JUBI, 26 July,2012
Filep Karma who has diligently fought for the basic rights of the Papuan indigenous people refused to take the oath when summoned as a witness in the ongoling trial of Buchtar Tabuni. He said that the court was a full of people who know only how to deceive and trick the Papuan people.
He said that his own declaration that he was speak the truth was enough. Both the prosecuting counsel and the judges urged Karna to take the other on the Bible but he refused to do so.
He said repeatedly that he did not want to acknowledge the law that was in the hands of people who were intent upon using deception. He reitereated his belief in God whose crown is embedded in within his own breast.
'Jesus said, I am the word, the path towards truth and life. I will offer my testimony on that basis,' Karma told the court. However the judge failed to persuade Karma to take the oath in the way required by the court. He asked Karma whether he was willing to be a witness in the Buchtar Tabuni trial and if so he would have to take the oath as required.
Karma did not budge from his position and the judge therefore dismissed him as a witness and adjourned the hearing.
The next hearing in the trial will be held on 30 July.
A photo accompanying the article in JUBI shows Filep Karma in a discussion with Buchtar Tabuni outside the courthouse.]
[Abridged translation by TAPOL]
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2) American Samoa, Indonesia to Form Relationship
July 29, 2012Pago Pago, American Samoa.
A sister-city agreement is in the works between American Samoa and Indonesia.
During this week’s visit to the US territory, the Indonesian ambassador to the United States said Indonesia is eager to expand a relationship with the South Pacific. An agreement is being finalized for a sister-sister relationship with the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi.
Ambassador Dino Patti Djalal cites similarities including agriculture, fisheries and tourism.
He says Indonesia will be able to host two students from American Samoa Community College on scholarships. He also wants to host an American Samoa law enforcement officer to train in Jakarta.
He says it’s also possible for an American Samoa resident to intern at a five-star hotel in Bali.
American Samoa Chamber of Commerce Chairman David Robinson called the visit “very successful.”
Associated Press
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1) Filpe refused to take oath in Buchtar trial
2) American Samoa, Indonesia to Form Relationship
3) Failure in renegotiation reflecting freeport`s arrogance:legislator
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from Tapol
1) Filpe refused to take oath in Buchtar trial
July 29, 2012Pago Pago, American Samoa.
During this week’s visit to the US territory, the Indonesian ambassador to the United States said Indonesia is eager to expand a relationship with the South Pacific. An agreement is being finalized for a sister-sister relationship with the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi.
Ambassador Dino Patti Djalal cites similarities including agriculture, fisheries and tourism.
He says Indonesia will be able to host two students from American Samoa Community College on scholarships. He also wants to host an American Samoa law enforcement officer to train in Jakarta.
He says it’s also possible for an American Samoa resident to intern at a five-star hotel in Bali.
American Samoa Chamber of Commerce Chairman David Robinson called the visit “very successful.”
Associated Press
http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/83668/failure-in-renegotiation-reflecting-freeports-arrogancelegislator
3) Failure in renegotiation reflecting freeport`s arrogance:legislator
Sat, July 28 2012 15:27 | 193 Views
Semarang (ANTARA News) - Failure in contract renegotiation between the Indonesian government and PT Freeport reflects arrogance of the US gold and copper mining company, a lawmaker said. The government has sought to renegotiate revision of the contract of work held by Freeport which has large copper and gold mine in Papua.
Talks have failed as Freeport has no intention of changing its contract, Dewi Aryani of the Commission VII of the House of Representatives said.
"The country`s dignity has been trampled on and nothing could be done facing Freeport," the legislator from the opposition PDIP faction told Antara news agency here on Saturday.
Dewi said the government wants revision of the contract concerning six points : concession area, extension of contract, royalty , regulation requiring processing and refining of mineral ores in the country , share divestment and the requirement to use domestic mining goods and services.
She said Freeport agrees only on one point that is an increase in gold royalty from 1 percent to 3.75 percent of selling prices.
Royalty is not important for the country compared with other points points, she said.
She said success in the renegotiation with Freeport could have served as a good momentum for reposition of various sectors in dealing with foreign investors.
She cited unclear orientation in the management of the country`s energy sector, which has a complex inter-connectivity with various other vital sectors .
The government has issued a new law on coal and minerals ruling change of the contract of work but implementation has been as protracted as in the re-negotiations.
A regulation has also been issued banning exports of mineral ores forcing mining companies to have their ores processed in the country before being exported.
With the regulation to be effective in 2014 a number of mineral producers have planned to build own processing plants or smelters.
The policy is to create more jobs to ease the country`s unemployment problem.
(H-ASG/O001)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
1) Participation of persons living in poverty
1) Participation of persons living in poverty
2) Police Arrest 165 Men in Latest Papua Tribal Clash
3) Papua Choir Was Stranded in China Too
4) Yudhoyono Orders AGO Probe Into 1965 ‘Serious Rights Violations’
5) Yusak Pakage questioned by police for possessing a pocket knife
6) State's responsibility for health of mothers and children in Papua
7) Bishop wants Papuans to hold dialogue before any dialogue with Indonesia
8) Freeport Indonesia Offers Govt. 9 Percent Stake
9) Former Supiori regent in Papua indicted for corruption
10) TV Papua Network@ BT River of music festival London
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1) Participation of persons living in poverty
At the 23rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (June 2013), the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Magdalena Sepúlveda, will submit a report on the human rights approach to participation of persons living in poverty in decisions that affect their lives.
The right to participate is reflected in numerous international instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (art. 25), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (arts. 13.1 and 15.1), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (art. 7), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (art. 12), the Declaration on the Right to Development (arts. 1.1, 2 and 8.2), the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (art. 5, 18, 19 and 41) and the Millennium Declaration (para. 25).
Poverty has many dimensions, extending far beyond a lack of income to include deprivation of choices, capabilities and power. Persons experiencing extreme poverty live in a vicious cycle of powerlessness, stigmatization, discrimination, exclusion and material deprivation. Lack of participation in decision-making is thus a defining feature and cause of poverty, rather than just its consequence.
Participation is an affirmation of the right of every individual and group to take part in the conduct of public affairs, but also a part of the solution to poverty and social exclusion. Anti-poverty and development policies are more likely to be effective, sustainable, inclusive and equitable if they are the result of participatory processes. Participatory methods are important tools for empowerment, accountability and ending the cycle of deprivation and dependency in favour of the autonomy and social inclusion of persons living in poverty.
The objectives of the report are: 1) to map the obstacles that people living in poverty face in meaningful and effective participation in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policy and development interventions; 2) provide guidelines on how to increase the participation of persons living in poverty in domestic policies as well as in international development.
While participation is considered one of the key principles of a human rights-based approach to development and poverty reduction, little attention has been given to the practical elements required to ensure meaningful and effective participation of persons living in poverty. The report will seek to give more substantive content to normative frameworks and key principles, drawing lessons from existing participatory processes undertaken by States at different levels, including by local governments, in a whole range of areas, including public service delivery, social housing, development interventions, welfare programmes, social protection and budgetary processes.
The Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Magdalena Sepúlveda, invites States, United Nations departments and agencies, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, individuals living in poverty and social exclusion and other relevant stakeholders to send contributions to the report.
Please submit contributions electronically to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights through srextremepoverty@ohchr.org at your earliest convenience and no later than 14 December 2012.
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2) Police Arrest 165 Men in Latest Papua Tribal ClashJuly 25, 2012
Police arrested 165 tribesmen from the village of Kwamki Lama in Mimika, Papua, on Wednesday, after yet another outbreak of violence between residents of three neighborhoods in the village.
A group of several hundred tribesmen from the kampungs (neighborhoods) of Amole and Karang Senang attacked residents of Harapan kampung on Wednesday morning, in retaliation for the deaths of two Karang Senang residents, Zainarius Mbisikmbo and Ike Mbisikmbo, Indonesian news portal Tempo.co reported on Wednesday. All three kampungs are located in Kwamki Lama.
Zainarius and Ike were killed by a group of men, believed to be Harapan residents, with arrows and machetes. Two other Karang Senang villagers, Frans Bagau and Obmi Mbisikmbo, were injured in the attack and remain hospitalized.
Violent conflict between Amole and Harapan has been going on for months. At least three people have died and dozens more been injured since June 6, when the last round of clashes was sparked by the death of a tribe member in a road accident. But the Wednesday morning clash was the first time Karang Senang got involved. Karang Senang tribesmen have denounced Harapan for dragging their tribe into the conflict by attacking four of its members.
The attack took place at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Four houses in Harapan kampung were set on fire by the attackers, most of whom carried bows and arrows.
Half an hour later, a joint Indonesian police and military force arrived at the village and dispersed the mobs, firing warning shots to do so.
Mimika Police official Comr. Albertus Andreana said 165 Harapan tribesmen were arrested and suspected of involvement in the attack on the four Karang Senang residents.
“We’re still handling the Karang Senang kampong attack,” Albertus said in Mimika on Wednesday, making a point of the distinction between this and the recurring conflicts between Amole and Harapan, which he described as “a separate case from the old conflicts in Kwamki Lama.”
“We’ve taken 165 people to question them,” Albertus said. He added that the other Harapan tribesmen involved, many of whom were armed, had fled into the jungle.
A group of several hundred tribesmen from the kampungs (neighborhoods) of Amole and Karang Senang attacked residents of Harapan kampung on Wednesday morning, in retaliation for the deaths of two Karang Senang residents, Zainarius Mbisikmbo and Ike Mbisikmbo, Indonesian news portal Tempo.co reported on Wednesday. All three kampungs are located in Kwamki Lama.
Zainarius and Ike were killed by a group of men, believed to be Harapan residents, with arrows and machetes. Two other Karang Senang villagers, Frans Bagau and Obmi Mbisikmbo, were injured in the attack and remain hospitalized.
Violent conflict between Amole and Harapan has been going on for months. At least three people have died and dozens more been injured since June 6, when the last round of clashes was sparked by the death of a tribe member in a road accident. But the Wednesday morning clash was the first time Karang Senang got involved. Karang Senang tribesmen have denounced Harapan for dragging their tribe into the conflict by attacking four of its members.
The attack took place at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Four houses in Harapan kampung were set on fire by the attackers, most of whom carried bows and arrows.
Half an hour later, a joint Indonesian police and military force arrived at the village and dispersed the mobs, firing warning shots to do so.
Mimika Police official Comr. Albertus Andreana said 165 Harapan tribesmen were arrested and suspected of involvement in the attack on the four Karang Senang residents.
“We’re still handling the Karang Senang kampong attack,” Albertus said in Mimika on Wednesday, making a point of the distinction between this and the recurring conflicts between Amole and Harapan, which he described as “a separate case from the old conflicts in Kwamki Lama.”
“We’ve taken 165 people to question them,” Albertus said. He added that the other Harapan tribesmen involved, many of whom were armed, had fled into the jungle.
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3) Papua Choir Was Stranded in China Too
July 25, 2012
July 25, 2012
Jayapura. The Cenderawasih University choir stranded in the United States earlier this month because of botched travel arrangements went through similar ordeals on previous trips to China, a top official has revealed.
Festus Simbiak, the university rector, said on Tuesday that he would meet with the coordinators of the 49-member Gema Chandra choir to find out how the group became stranded in Cincinnati, Ohio, for nearly a week and had to rely on donations to make a cross-country bus trip to San Francisco to catch a flight home.
“In previous years, the Cenderawasih University choir experienced the same problem during visits to China,” he said.
Festus declined to say when the choir was stranded in China.
The choir had gone to Cincinnati for the World Choir Games, but because of a delayed departure from Jakarta they only arrived there on July 14, shortly before the event’s closing ceremony.
The group had little money and had not arranged transportation from Cincinnati to San Francisco to catch their flight home .
Despite missing their scheduled opportunities to sing, the choir put on several impromptu performances in Cincinnati, where listeners donated money to help the members get home.
Festus, who has repeatedly denied that the choir was neglected by Indonesian officials, praised the students for continuing to perform despite their situation. “What they did there was great, and they wowed the people there,” he said.
Antara
Festus Simbiak, the university rector, said on Tuesday that he would meet with the coordinators of the 49-member Gema Chandra choir to find out how the group became stranded in Cincinnati, Ohio, for nearly a week and had to rely on donations to make a cross-country bus trip to San Francisco to catch a flight home.
“In previous years, the Cenderawasih University choir experienced the same problem during visits to China,” he said.
Festus declined to say when the choir was stranded in China.
The choir had gone to Cincinnati for the World Choir Games, but because of a delayed departure from Jakarta they only arrived there on July 14, shortly before the event’s closing ceremony.
The group had little money and had not arranged transportation from Cincinnati to San Francisco to catch their flight home .
Despite missing their scheduled opportunities to sing, the choir put on several impromptu performances in Cincinnati, where listeners donated money to help the members get home.
Festus, who has repeatedly denied that the choir was neglected by Indonesian officials, praised the students for continuing to perform despite their situation. “What they did there was great, and they wowed the people there,” he said.
Antara
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4) Yudhoyono Orders AGO Probe Into 1965 ‘Serious Rights Violations’Rangga Prakosa | July 25, 2012President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered the attorney general to follow up on the National Commission on Human Rights’ recent report on human rights violations during the Indonesian government’s 1965-66 anti-communist purge.
The Commission, abbreviated as Komnas HAM, announced the findings of its four-year investigation on Monday, saying it had found evidence of serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity. The purge is reckoned to have killed more than half a million people.
“What Komnas HAM has reported will be studied by the attorney general, who is expected to report to me and other relevant parties. We want a good, just, factual, smart and constructive settlement,” Yudhoyono told a press conference at the Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Yudhoyono said he would also consult with the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), the House of Representatives (DPR), the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) and the Supreme Court, among other institutions.
He said that he had studied the strategies that South Africa, Cambodia, Bosnia and other sites of gross human rights abuses had used to deal with their violent histories.
“We can pick whichever, in order to settle the historical issue justly. We have to think clearly, and be honest and objective about what happened in the past. We cannot distort history and facts,” the president said.
Speaking after the press conference, Attorney General Basrief Arief said he would “probe” the Komnas HAM findings, and promised to share the results of his investigation with the public.
“We call this kind of probe a ‘pre-prosecution.’ The investigation will decide whether or not there will be enough evidence [to bring the case to court],” Basrief explained.
Komnas HAM’s report cited incidents of murder, extermination, slavery, forced eviction, deprivation of freedom, torture, rape and other abuses.
The purge was catalyzed by an attempt to overthrow the country’s founding President Sukarno. In the immediate aftermath of the attempted coup, Maj. Gen. Suharto mobilized his force and effectively took control of the country. He would eventually become president and serve for more than 30 years.
“These acts were part of attacks launched against civilians according to the rulers’ policy,” Komnas HAM commissioner Nurkholis said.
Nurkholis declined to provide names, but did not hesitate to point fingers at the Command for the Restoration of Security and Public Order (Kopkamtib), the pervasive security network set up by Suharto following the 1965 coup attempt.
“The military officials who failed to prevent, stop or take action against human rights violations are responsible for the incident,” he said.
The Komnas HAM investigation team, which was established on June 1, 2008, and worked until April 30, 2012, questioned 349 witnesses who either heard about incidents during the violence or experienced it firsthand.
Komnas HAM attributed the length of the investigation to several factors, including the wide geographic area covered, budget constraints and the fact that many of the witnesses had died since the time of the events.
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from Tapol
5) Yusak Pakage questioned by police for possessing a pocket knife
Former political prisoner taken to police command post
The former political prisoner, Yusak Pakage, was taken to a police station in Jayapura for questioning after an incident that occurred while he was sitting in court, waiting for the second hearing in the trial of Buchtar Tabuni on 23 July to begin.
The JUBI report says that, while sitting there, he was showing his anger [presumably feeling incensed at the fact that a man of Buchtar Tabuni's stature and reputation was facing charges in court].
[Note: Yusak Pakage was arrested together with Filep Karma in 2004 and sentenced to 15 years for unfurling a Morning Star Flag and was released a year ago.]
Feeling infuriated, he is said to have kicked a spittoon, the contents of which splashed the trousers of an official of the local administration who was sitting next to him. The official responded angrily and moved away, in the direction of some police officers who were present in court.
A police officer then approached Pakage and searched him and say that he was found to be in possession of a pocket knife. The police officer then grabbed him roughly and forced him into a police vehicle outside to take him in for questioning for carrying a sharp implement allegedly with the intention of stabbing someone.
The JUBI report makes it clear that he was not holding the knife in his hand at the time but the knife was found in his pocket when he was searched.
The Bintang Papua report identifies Yusak Pakage as the co-ordinator of the Papuan Street Parliament and in entitled 'Street Parliament co-ordinator could go back to prison'. It states that the local police chief said that he would be interrogated 'because his behaviour was seen as a threat to someone's security' and said that he could be charged under Emergency Regulation 12/1951 for posing a danger to another person's safety and could face up to five years.
Two reports summarised by TAPOL]
[COMMENT: This incident shows how insecure former political prisoners are in West Papua, even after having served their sentence.]
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6) State's responsibility for health of mothers and children in Papua
JUBI, 24 July 2012
Lucia Erni, Co-ordinator for Health, HIV and Mothers and Chidren of the NGO Working Group, speaking on the occasion of National Childrens' Day, said that the state must take responsibility for the health and well-being of mothers ans children in Papua. She regretted the decision by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to posstpone the celebration of National Childrens' Day till September. She said that has deeply hurt the feelings of all Indonesian children.
She went on to say that there has been no improvement in the conditions of children since the adoption of the Special Autonomy Law in 2001. 'Insofar as there have been any improvements these have only occurred in the towns. The vast majority of Papuan children dont live in he towns but in kampungsi n the interior.'
She said that children have the right to life, to be properly protected and the right to health. 'These rights exist from the time a child is in its mother's womb. They must be properly immunised, have access to mother's milk. 'These things are indivisible,' she said.
She said that the Special Autonomy Law made ample provision for health; indeed the question of health was a key element of that law. She said that it was a matter of deep regret that the health sector in Papua is so seriously neglected. 'The government must take every measure to ensure that these funds are properly used and to ensure that they are not corrupted by officials who have no sense of responsibility towards the people.'
She said that it is a fact that many Papuan children do not yet enjoy the facilities they need for proper education and good health. 'The fact is that many Papuan children dont get the schooling they need because there are no decent schools and the teachers are rarely present. 'This is probably because the money to pay their wages is not available and they are forced to go to the town to get paid. 'We really cannot blame them for this..'
[Translated by TAPOL
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7) Bishop wants Papuans to hold dialogue before any dialogue with Indonesia
Bintang Papua, 20 July, 2012
Mgr Leo Laba Ladjar , the Bishop of Jayapura, believes that the Papuan people should hold a dialogue between themselves before entering into dialogue with Indonesia. He acknowledged that this dialogue would be quite difficult. He was speaking during a meeting of all Catholic clerics with representatives of the police force to build a partnership for security and order in Papua.
He said that Papuan people should sit together and discuss how to promote development in Papua.
Response to KNPB calls
In response to the desire of the KNPB - National Committee of West Papua for all its members to surrender to the police and to call on the Bishop to mediate, he said that this was quite acceptable as long as the organisation's intentions were genuine and it was not simply seeking to meet the Bishop which might cause people to suspect their intentions.
He described the KNPB as an organisation that has rejected all the programmes of the government such as Special Autonomy, UP4B and other things
'I have the impression that the KNPB refuses to listen to anyone. I would not want to listen to things that they are doing at a time when they are becoming ever more determined and radical. I dont know how long the KNPB will continue to reject any improvements. Perhaps they are seeking to get something that they have not been able to get so far.'
[COMMENT: Perhaps what the Bishop descroibes as radical is the recent call by the KNPB for a referendum to be held in West Papua.]
Mgr Leo Laba Ladjar , the Bishop of Jayapura, believes that the Papuan people should hold a dialogue between themselves before entering into dialogue with Indonesia. He acknowledged that this dialogue would be quite difficult. He was speaking during a meeting of all Catholic clerics with representatives of the police force to build a partnership for security and order in Papua.
He said that Papuan people should sit together and discuss how to promote development in Papua.
Response to KNPB calls
In response to the desire of the KNPB - National Committee of West Papua for all its members to surrender to the police and to call on the Bishop to mediate, he said that this was quite acceptable as long as the organisation's intentions were genuine and it was not simply seeking to meet the Bishop which might cause people to suspect their intentions.
He described the KNPB as an organisation that has rejected all the programmes of the government such as Special Autonomy, UP4B and other things
'I have the impression that the KNPB refuses to listen to anyone. I would not want to listen to things that they are doing at a time when they are becoming ever more determined and radical. I dont know how long the KNPB will continue to reject any improvements. Perhaps they are seeking to get something that they have not been able to get so far.'
[COMMENT: Perhaps what the Bishop descroibes as radical is the recent call by the KNPB for a referendum to be held in West Papua.]
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8) Freeport Indonesia Offers Govt. 9 Percent Stake
Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 | 13:44 WIB
Tuesday, 24 July, 2012 | 13:44 WIB
TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc has offered a 9.36 percent stake in its Indonesia operations that run the world's second-biggest copper mine to the Southeast Asian country's government, a company spokesman said on Tuesday.
The Indonesian government already owns 9 percent of Freeport Indonesia.
"Freeport has offered 9.36 percent of other shares to the Indonesian government and the Indonesian government then offered it to the local Papua administration. The local government has shown its interest," said Freeport Indonesia spokesman Ramdani Sirait.
"However, Freeport McMoran sees an IPO as an option to divest the shares."
Freeport has previously said it was considering an IPO in Jakarta but has not given any indication of the size of any market offering. Analysts say an IPO may be a way to manage the impact of new foreign ownership rules in Indonesia.
Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Hatta Rajasa, insists that renegotiations with giant gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia are heading in a good direction. Freeport is willing to implement the six renegotiation points that the government offered, ranging from royalty increase, area, smelter construction, divestment, to local component increase.
"Freeport even wants royalties in accordance with the regulations," Hatta said when met at his office, Monday, July 23. Amount of the royalties in question is in accordance with Government Regulation Number 45 Year 2003 which is a minimum royalty of 3.75 percent for mining companies.
From the divestment, the government asked Freeport to divest its shares as much as 51 percent, the same as that of PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara. Freeport is basically willing, but has not yet agreed on the figure. Similarly, for an initial public offering to the public in Indonesia or IPO. "They've agreed," said Hatta.
Although agreed, Freeport is in return asking for compensation, including relief on the tax entity which stands today at 35 percent. Freeport’s request is still being reviewed by the government.
The government targets the renegotiation with Freeport to be completed at the end of the year. The purpose is for the state to immediately receive larger revenues from royalties.
Renegotiation efforts by the government are to execute the mandate in Law Number 4 Year 2009 on Mineral and Coal. As a mining company that has been operating for decades in Indonesia, Freeport initially rejected this idea on the grounds of the sanctity of contracts. But the attitude of the company with a contract of work generation II in 1991 with the government softened and they agreed to sit down with the government to discuss each of points in the renegotiation in more detail. Reuters/ GUSTIDHA BUDIARTIE (TEMPO)
The Indonesian government already owns 9 percent of Freeport Indonesia.
"Freeport has offered 9.36 percent of other shares to the Indonesian government and the Indonesian government then offered it to the local Papua administration. The local government has shown its interest," said Freeport Indonesia spokesman Ramdani Sirait.
"However, Freeport McMoran sees an IPO as an option to divest the shares."
Freeport has previously said it was considering an IPO in Jakarta but has not given any indication of the size of any market offering. Analysts say an IPO may be a way to manage the impact of new foreign ownership rules in Indonesia.
Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Hatta Rajasa, insists that renegotiations with giant gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia are heading in a good direction. Freeport is willing to implement the six renegotiation points that the government offered, ranging from royalty increase, area, smelter construction, divestment, to local component increase.
"Freeport even wants royalties in accordance with the regulations," Hatta said when met at his office, Monday, July 23. Amount of the royalties in question is in accordance with Government Regulation Number 45 Year 2003 which is a minimum royalty of 3.75 percent for mining companies.
From the divestment, the government asked Freeport to divest its shares as much as 51 percent, the same as that of PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara. Freeport is basically willing, but has not yet agreed on the figure. Similarly, for an initial public offering to the public in Indonesia or IPO. "They've agreed," said Hatta.
Although agreed, Freeport is in return asking for compensation, including relief on the tax entity which stands today at 35 percent. Freeport’s request is still being reviewed by the government.
The government targets the renegotiation with Freeport to be completed at the end of the year. The purpose is for the state to immediately receive larger revenues from royalties.
Renegotiation efforts by the government are to execute the mandate in Law Number 4 Year 2009 on Mineral and Coal. As a mining company that has been operating for decades in Indonesia, Freeport initially rejected this idea on the grounds of the sanctity of contracts. But the attitude of the company with a contract of work generation II in 1991 with the government softened and they agreed to sit down with the government to discuss each of points in the renegotiation in more detail. Reuters/ GUSTIDHA BUDIARTIE (TEMPO)
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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/07/24/former-supiori-regent-papua-indicted-corruption.html
9) Former Supiori regent in Papua indicted for corruption
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10) TV Papua Network@ BT River of music festival London
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KyN0Ot-DiE&feature=player_embedded The sound of West Papua was brought to the people of London at the official pre-Olympic concert in Greenwich Park, London, July 21st 2012. As part of David Bridie's Wantok Music Sing Sing, the flag of West Papua was raised as George Telek was joined on stage by exiled musicians Mambesak and independence leader Benny Wenda, as the crowds of British citizens in the crowd sung along. The voice of West Papua will never be silenced and this will be the first of many West Papua flagraisings to be held during the London 2012 Olympic Games, all directed to bring the worlds attention towards the ongoing human rights violations that Indonesia is committing against the Papuan population.
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