1) OPM: 'Happy
Independence Day'
2) Indonesia warns 'Freedom Flotilla' not to enter West
Papua
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http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2013/08/17/055505073/OPM-Happy-Independence-Day
General Coordinator of the Free Papua Organization (OPM), Lambert Pekikir. TEMPO/Jerry Omona
1) OPM: 'Happy Independence Day'
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - General Coordinator of the Free Papua Organization (OPM), Lambertus Pekikir on behalf of the OPM members wished Indonesia a Happy 68th Independence Day. "We appreciate and respect Indonesia's independence day and do not wish to hinder the celebration," said Lambert Pekikir, Friday, August 16, 2013.
Lambert hoped that in this year's celebration, violence, intimidation and massacre would not occur again in Papua. "We respect Indonesia's big day and Indonesia should also respect West Papua's big day," he added.
Lambert also asked the Indonesian government to be 'more mature' in seeing what's actually happening. "It's not a matter of drinking and eating. What's happening in Papua is a political matter," he said, adding that it is time for the Indonesian government to give opportunities to Papua to decide its own fate.
Indonesian people, Lambert added, are different from the Melanesian people. He also argued that the striking differences between the two couldn't be settled. "It will remain like that no matter what. Just like the Timorese people and the Indonesian people," he said.
In the meantime, prior to the 68th Independence Day, people in Papua celebrated the day with various ways.
In Sentani, Jayapura Regency, hundreds of members of a motorcycle club enlivened the 'merah putih' (red and white, Indonesian flag) parade by decorating their motorcycles with Indonesian flags and red-and-white themed ornaments.
An intimate atmosphere was also seen during a stone burning ceremony (Papuan traditional way of cooking) and free mass medical treatment provided by the Papua police on Thursday at Angkasapura Sub-regency, Jayapura. The mass medical treatment was then followed by distributing 300 free staple food packages to the locals.
JERRY OMONA
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http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1801669/Indonesia-warns-'Freedom-Flotilla'-not-to-enter-West-Papua
2) Indonesia warns 'Freedom Flotilla' not to enter West Papua
Papuan
refugee Amos Wainggai is part of a group sailing to the Indonesian controlled
West Papua from north Queensland. (AAP)
Indonesian authorities have warned Australian activists on a "freedom flotilla" to avoid entering West Papua or risk being arrested.
Indonesian authorities have warned Australian activists on a "freedom flotilla" to avoid entering West Papua or risk being arrested.
In his Independence Day speech to parliament yesterday, Indonesia's President urged friendly countries to intervene to prevent political activities that could damage diplomatic relations.
"Through this confirmation (of mutual respect for sovereignty) I hope that all parties can be actively worked to prevent political activities that can disturb good relationships between Indonesia and other friendly countries," Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told the national parliament.
"Do not hurt the feeling of Indonesia because we do not want to hurt (others)."
"Through this confirmation (of mutual respect for sovereignty) I hope that all parties can be actively worked to prevent political activities that can disturb good relationships between Indonesia and other friendly countries," Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told the national parliament.
"Do not hurt the feeling of Indonesia because we do not want to hurt (others)."
A flotilla of at least two yachts will set sail from Cairns tomorrow up the coast of Cape York and across the Torres Strait to Daru Island, in southern Papua New Guinea, from where they plan to sail onto the Indonesian-controlled territory of West Papua.
A reported group of 30 Australian Aboriginal, non-Indigenous and West Papuan activists have volunteered to take turns crewing the yachts.
Free Papua activists say the aim of the voyage is to draw world attention to "ongoing atrocities" by Indonesian security forces.
Free Papua activists say the aim of the voyage is to draw world attention to "ongoing atrocities" by Indonesian security forces.
But the "Freedom Flotilla" may be turned back as they don't have permission to visit Indonesia.
Many are travelling on Aboriginal and West Papua passports which aren't formally recognised.
Many are travelling on Aboriginal and West Papua passports which aren't formally recognised.
Senior Indonesian police officer Paulus Waterpauw says any Papuan activist aboard the flotilla who has a "previous criminal record" or is on "the wanted list" will be arrested on arrival.
But activist Amos Wainggai says he remains optimistic the flotilla will be able to enter West Papua.
"I hope and I believe that we will be welcomed," he said.
Seven years ago, the 41-year-old and 40 others sailed from West Papua to Cape York where they sought asylum.
"When I was in West Papua I was part of a group that wanted independence," Mr Wainggai, who is now an Australian citizen, said.
"The military found out and then they started looking for me and my friends.
"If they found me I would have been killed."
Indonesia has been accused of using violence against West Papuans who have sought self-determination.
Mr Wainggai says he knows a number of people who have been killed in his homeland.
He hopes West Papua will one day be "free" so that he can live there with his family once again.
"I miss everything, I miss my friends and family," he said.
"I want to tell all Australians that we are human beings and we have to look after each other."
The Freedom Flotilla group travelled overland from Lake Eyre to Cairns earlier this month, stopping at Aboriginal communities along the way.
A spokeswoman said the group will continue to request permission from Indonesian authorities to visit West Papua.
West Papua came under Indonesian control after a UN-brokered "act of free choice" in 1969.
Seven years ago, the 41-year-old and 40 others sailed from West Papua to Cape York where they sought asylum.
"When I was in West Papua I was part of a group that wanted independence," Mr Wainggai, who is now an Australian citizen, said.
"The military found out and then they started looking for me and my friends.
"If they found me I would have been killed."
Indonesia has been accused of using violence against West Papuans who have sought self-determination.
Mr Wainggai says he knows a number of people who have been killed in his homeland.
He hopes West Papua will one day be "free" so that he can live there with his family once again.
"I miss everything, I miss my friends and family," he said.
"I want to tell all Australians that we are human beings and we have to look after each other."
The Freedom Flotilla group travelled overland from Lake Eyre to Cairns earlier this month, stopping at Aboriginal communities along the way.
A spokeswoman said the group will continue to request permission from Indonesian authorities to visit West Papua.
West Papua came under Indonesian control after a UN-brokered "act of free choice" in 1969.
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