2) Police Shot
Two Civilians and Arrest KNBP Member in Yahukimo
3)
Three Armed Group Members Could Face Charges over Firearms Possession
4) Emus
Gwijangge Not In Agreement with Former Members of DPRP
5) Puncak Jaya
Regency Builds Seven Hydroelectric Plants
6)
Tonight (Saturday 21/3) The Kamoro people will hold a Sasi ritual to oppose the
Freeport smelter
8)
JDP To Facilitate Papua Internal Dialogue
9) West Papua:
New Indonesian gov't offers more suffering
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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/269414/after-shooting,-an-uneasy-calm-in-papua
1) After shooting, an uneasy calm in Papua
Updated 19 minutes ago
Last week's event in Dekai, aimed at at raising funds for the West Papuan bid to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group, lapsed into chaos when police forces started forcibly breaking up the crowd.
The crowd became angry, a policeman's weapon was stolen and in the melee that followed, police fired at the crowd, killing one Papuan and wounding three others.
A local resident, who wishes for his name not to be used, says police continue to search for those who resisted police.
"Here in Yakuhimo, police have been chasing local people. There were three local people who got shot by police. Two days ago the situation was tense, but now the situation has begun to improve. Three people were shot by police, one has died."
Meanwhile, Tabloid Jubi reports that the West Papua National Committee, or KNPB, which organised the fundraiser, had received permission from authorities to hold the event.
However the KNPB says the police were well-informed of the event and that organisers were about to close the fundraiser when police opened fire.
The KNPB has called on the Papua Police force to show responsibility for their brutal and inhumane conduct in Yahukimo.
Meanwhile, it's understood at least one member of the KNPB was arrested.
Police say the missing weapon has been retrieved.
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Updated 19 minutes ago
Last week's event in Dekai, aimed at at raising funds for the West Papuan bid to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group, lapsed into chaos when police forces started forcibly breaking up the crowd.
The crowd became angry, a policeman's weapon was stolen and in the melee that followed, police fired at the crowd, killing one Papuan and wounding three others.
A local resident, who wishes for his name not to be used, says police continue to search for those who resisted police.
"Here in Yakuhimo, police have been chasing local people. There were three local people who got shot by police. Two days ago the situation was tense, but now the situation has begun to improve. Three people were shot by police, one has died."
Meanwhile, Tabloid Jubi reports that the West Papua National Committee, or KNPB, which organised the fundraiser, had received permission from authorities to hold the event.
However the KNPB says the police were well-informed of the event and that organisers were about to close the fundraiser when police opened fire.
The KNPB has called on the Papua Police force to show responsibility for their brutal and inhumane conduct in Yahukimo.
Meanwhile, it's understood at least one member of the KNPB was arrested.
Police say the missing weapon has been retrieved.
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2) Police Shot Two Civilians and Arrest KNBP Member in Yahukimo
Jayapura, Jubi – A West Papua National Committee (KNPB) member and an elementary school teacher were shot and wounded while another KBPB member was reportedly arrested by police in Yahukimo Regency while conducting a fundraising campaign for a pro-independence group.
KNPB Yahukimo Chairman Serius Suhuniap confirmed this incident by phone (19/3/2015).
He said the fundraising was intended to support the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) diplomacy in their effort to be a member of the Melanesia Spearhead Group (MSG).
As part of the campaign, regional KNPB activists held peace demonstrations, worship and fundraising in their respective areas.
“After receiving the instruction, we conducted a meeting and agreed to build an open state in front of Ruko Putera Daerah Yahukimo on 9 – 10 March 2015. We started the fundraising on 11 – 18 March 2015,” Suhuniap told Jubi.
On Thursday (19/3/2015), Yahukimo KNPB planned to announce the closure of fundraising and invited public in worship for closing ceremony at 15:00 Papua time. Suhuniap said they already made well coordination with the local police about this event.
Ahead to the preparation of closure of fundraising, Papua Police assigned the Mobile Brigade flew from Wamena to Yahukimo to join with the local police. Together they went to the scene at 09:25 Papua time pulling down the stage and seizing some KNPB’s stuffs including banner, megaphone, speaker, microphone and camera.
“They also disbanded the crowd who come for worship brutally. A KNPB member Isai Dapla was shot on the chest and elementary teacher Solomon Pahabol hit by bullet on his left leg. And KNPB member Elias Kabak was arrested and now secured in the Jayawijaya Police Office,” Suhuniap said. ]
Meanwhile, Central KNPB Secretary General Ones Suhuniap confirmed to Jubi about this incident by email. “Therefore KNPB asks the Papua Police to responsible for the police’s brutal and inhuman act against Papuans in Yahukimo,” he said.
Antara News said an officer’s revolver was missing when the police dispersed the crowd. According to Antara News on Thursday (19/3/2015), the incident was occurred Yahukimo Police Deputy Chief Supraptomo assigned Mobile Brimobe officer to disperse the KNPB fundraising held at Dekai Business Center, Yahukimo. An officer was reportedly open fire to alert the crowd who fight back. They even hit the officer Budi Santoso and took his revolver.
The Papua Police Spokesperson Commissionaire Senior Patrige Renwarin admitted an officer lost his revolver during the incident to disperse KNPB mass. “That’s true. He lost his revolver at the incident,” Renwarin said. (Arnold Belau/Dominggus Mampioper/rom)
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Jayapura, Jubi – A West Papua National Committee (KNPB) member and an elementary school teacher were shot and wounded while another KBPB member was reportedly arrested by police in Yahukimo Regency while conducting a fundraising campaign for a pro-independence group.
KNPB Yahukimo Chairman Serius Suhuniap confirmed this incident by phone (19/3/2015).
He said the fundraising was intended to support the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) diplomacy in their effort to be a member of the Melanesia Spearhead Group (MSG).
As part of the campaign, regional KNPB activists held peace demonstrations, worship and fundraising in their respective areas.
As part of the campaign, regional KNPB activists held peace demonstrations, worship and fundraising in their respective areas.
“After receiving the instruction, we conducted a meeting and agreed to build an open state in front of Ruko Putera Daerah Yahukimo on 9 – 10 March 2015. We started the fundraising on 11 – 18 March 2015,” Suhuniap told Jubi.
On Thursday (19/3/2015), Yahukimo KNPB planned to announce the closure of fundraising and invited public in worship for closing ceremony at 15:00 Papua time. Suhuniap said they already made well coordination with the local police about this event.
Ahead to the preparation of closure of fundraising, Papua Police assigned the Mobile Brigade flew from Wamena to Yahukimo to join with the local police. Together they went to the scene at 09:25 Papua time pulling down the stage and seizing some KNPB’s stuffs including banner, megaphone, speaker, microphone and camera.
“They also disbanded the crowd who come for worship brutally. A KNPB member Isai Dapla was shot on the chest and elementary teacher Solomon Pahabol hit by bullet on his left leg. And KNPB member Elias Kabak was arrested and now secured in the Jayawijaya Police Office,” Suhuniap said. ]
Meanwhile, Central KNPB Secretary General Ones Suhuniap confirmed to Jubi about this incident by email. “Therefore KNPB asks the Papua Police to responsible for the police’s brutal and inhuman act against Papuans in Yahukimo,” he said.
Antara News said an officer’s revolver was missing when the police dispersed the crowd. According to Antara News on Thursday (19/3/2015), the incident was occurred Yahukimo Police Deputy Chief Supraptomo assigned Mobile Brimobe officer to disperse the KNPB fundraising held at Dekai Business Center, Yahukimo. An officer was reportedly open fire to alert the crowd who fight back. They even hit the officer Budi Santoso and took his revolver.
The Papua Police Spokesperson Commissionaire Senior Patrige Renwarin admitted an officer lost his revolver during the incident to disperse KNPB mass. “That’s true. He lost his revolver at the incident,” Renwarin said. (Arnold Belau/Dominggus Mampioper/rom)
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3) Three Armed Group Members Could Face Charges over Firearms Possession
Jayapura, Jubi – Police have arrested three suspected members of an armed groups (KB) in Lanny Jaya, Papua. They could face charges of illegal firearms possession under Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951.
Papua Police spokesman Commissioner Patrige Renwarin said two people were arrested in late January, identified by their initials KW and Km. Another suspect, WG, was caught last week
“They are allegedly firearm providers for armed group leader Enden Wanimbo in Lanny Jaya. All three are suspected of possession of FN guns,” Renwarin said last week.
The suspects are being held in the detention center for further investigation. In addition, the suspect, GW was arrested along with other two colleagues at the end of January. Only when he was released due to insufficient evidence.
“When two of suspects were investigated , they claimed that the gun belonged to GW. Our members then back to search and catch GW at one hotel in Wamena Airport on Monday at 5.30 p.m (16/3), “he said.
Meanwhile, Papua Police chief Inspector General (Pol) Yotje Mende said the firearms that are used by armed groups in the central mountainous region of Papua was purchased, there is also a weapon belongs to members of the military / police on duty in the region. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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Jayapura, Jubi – Police have arrested three suspected members of an armed groups (KB) in Lanny Jaya, Papua. They could face charges of illegal firearms possession under Emergency Law No. 12 of 1951.
Papua Police spokesman Commissioner Patrige Renwarin said two people were arrested in late January, identified by their initials KW and Km. Another suspect, WG, was caught last week
“They are allegedly firearm providers for armed group leader Enden Wanimbo in Lanny Jaya. All three are suspected of possession of FN guns,” Renwarin said last week.
The suspects are being held in the detention center for further investigation. In addition, the suspect, GW was arrested along with other two colleagues at the end of January. Only when he was released due to insufficient evidence.
“When two of suspects were investigated , they claimed that the gun belonged to GW. Our members then back to search and catch GW at one hotel in Wamena Airport on Monday at 5.30 p.m (16/3), “he said.
Meanwhile, Papua Police chief Inspector General (Pol) Yotje Mende said the firearms that are used by armed groups in the central mountainous region of Papua was purchased, there is also a weapon belongs to members of the military / police on duty in the region. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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4) Emus Gwijangge Not In Agreement with Former Members of DPRP
Jayapura, Jubi – Several former members of the Papua Legislative Council (DPRP) accused the current council members of not being serious about dealing with the problem surrounding 14 seats for native Papuans.
But DPRP member Emus Gwijangge said councillors were working to form a Special Committee for address the problem by the end of March.
He questioned the former members of DPRP why they did not accommodate the 14 seats policy when they served at DPRP last period, why it is not done last period. Now they seemed to blame Legislators period 2014-2019. In fact, it is now trying to get 14 seats be accommodated.
“I hope that all parties believe in us. The process is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand including to allocate the budget for the Special Committee. So we will first consult with the executive, “he said.
Earlier, chairman of Body of DPRP, Yan Ayomi said the same thing. He said he hoped the Special Committee of 14 Seat to seat 14 will start to work in the near future. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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Jayapura, Jubi – Several former members of the Papua Legislative Council (DPRP) accused the current council members of not being serious about dealing with the problem surrounding 14 seats for native Papuans.
But DPRP member Emus Gwijangge said councillors were working to form a Special Committee for address the problem by the end of March.
He questioned the former members of DPRP why they did not accommodate the 14 seats policy when they served at DPRP last period, why it is not done last period. Now they seemed to blame Legislators period 2014-2019. In fact, it is now trying to get 14 seats be accommodated.
“I hope that all parties believe in us. The process is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand including to allocate the budget for the Special Committee. So we will first consult with the executive, “he said.
Earlier, chairman of Body of DPRP, Yan Ayomi said the same thing. He said he hoped the Special Committee of 14 Seat to seat 14 will start to work in the near future. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
Earlier, chairman of Body of DPRP, Yan Ayomi said the same thing. He said he hoped the Special Committee of 14 Seat to seat 14 will start to work in the near future. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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5) Puncak Jaya Regency Builds Seven Hydroelectric Plants
Jayapura, Jubi – Puncak Jaya government plans to build seven hydroelectric plants, its regent said.
Henock Ibo said, once the plants have been completed, a number of districts in Mulia, Puncak Jaya will have access to electricity.
“The cost to build a hydroelectricity plant is Rp.12 billion and we hope all districts will have electricity access. We will build 7 units of hydro-power plants and each of them will have a different capacity. Next year, Yamo district will have electricity,” Henock Ibo said in Jayapura last week.
This project is in cooperation with the hydro-power Bandung, West Java. All hydro-power machines were imported from Bandung.
“Three weeks ago, director of PLTA in Bandung went to Puncak Jaya. Next year we want hydroelectricity can be built in the districts that have the potential of water. Later, there would not be electricity charge for the local people, “he said.
He further said the local indigenous community will not be charged because they have voluntarily handed over the land that has the potential of water for hydro-power development.
On one occasion, the Head of PLN of Papua and West Papua Robert Sitorus said two regencies in the central mountainous region of Papua, Jayawijaya and Yahukimo, will have PLTA.
“The feasibility test of the river is completed only we can not not predict when hydropower can be used, because there is a need to have several other studies, “Sitorus said at that time. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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Jayapura, Jubi – Puncak Jaya government plans to build seven hydroelectric plants, its regent said.
Henock Ibo said, once the plants have been completed, a number of districts in Mulia, Puncak Jaya will have access to electricity.
Henock Ibo said, once the plants have been completed, a number of districts in Mulia, Puncak Jaya will have access to electricity.
“The cost to build a hydroelectricity plant is Rp.12 billion and we hope all districts will have electricity access. We will build 7 units of hydro-power plants and each of them will have a different capacity. Next year, Yamo district will have electricity,” Henock Ibo said in Jayapura last week.
This project is in cooperation with the hydro-power Bandung, West Java. All hydro-power machines were imported from Bandung.
“Three weeks ago, director of PLTA in Bandung went to Puncak Jaya. Next year we want hydroelectricity can be built in the districts that have the potential of water. Later, there would not be electricity charge for the local people, “he said.
He further said the local indigenous community will not be charged because they have voluntarily handed over the land that has the potential of water for hydro-power development.
On one occasion, the Head of PLN of Papua and West Papua Robert Sitorus said two regencies in the central mountainous region of Papua, Jayawijaya and Yahukimo, will have PLTA.
“The feasibility test of the river is completed only we can not not predict when hydropower can be used, because there is a need to have several other studies, “Sitorus said at that time. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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6) Tonight (Saturday 21/3) The Kamoro people will hold a Sasi ritual to oppose the Freeport smelter
Timika, Jubi/AwasMifee – The leadership council of the Kamoro indigenous consultative organisation (LEMASKO), together with the Kamoro people from ten villages along the Mimika coast, are planning to conduct a Sasi ritual. This means a prohibition on taking certain plants for a defined length of time, and is so the local people can really conserve their forest.
Simson Saul Materaki conveyed this news and explained that the Sasi process would involve several rituals.
“We will also go to the Mimika Regency Government Offices, starting from the smelter building site in Paomako,” Simson Saul Materaki said to tabloidjubi.com in Timika on Friday night (20/3), 23.45 Papua time.
Meanwhile acting chair of the LEMASKO leadership council Dominikus Mitoro made it clear that LEMASKO was fighting to protect the basic rights of indigenous people from Nake Village to Warifi village (Etna Bay).
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Timika, Jubi/AwasMifee – The leadership council of the Kamoro indigenous consultative organisation (LEMASKO), together with the Kamoro people from ten villages along the Mimika coast, are planning to conduct a Sasi ritual. This means a prohibition on taking certain plants for a defined length of time, and is so the local people can really conserve their forest.
Simson Saul Materaki conveyed this news and explained that the Sasi process would involve several rituals.
“We will also go to the Mimika Regency Government Offices, starting from the smelter building site in Paomako,” Simson Saul Materaki said to tabloidjubi.com in Timika on Friday night (20/3), 23.45 Papua time.
Meanwhile acting chair of the LEMASKO leadership council Dominikus Mitoro made it clear that LEMASKO was fighting to protect the basic rights of indigenous people from Nake Village to Warifi village (Etna Bay).
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7) There is No Reason Not to Build Permanent Market for Papuan Women Traders
Jayapura, Jubi – Papuan Councilor Emus Gwijangge said the Papua Provincail Government should speed up the construction of a permanent market for Papuan women traders.
He said there is reason to delay building the market.
“The government must be serious in this case because they don’t seem to pay attention until now. They must be serious this time to accommodate them,” Emus Gwijangge told Jubi by phonelast week.
According to him, in order to endorse the market development, the parliament plan to form a Special Committee on Papuan women market, and Special Committee on 14 seats and illegal logging. Possibly the special committees would be established at the end of March.
“Don’t ignore them anymore. The Provincial Government and Papua Legislative Council must be serious. Papuan women have struggled for this for decades. The government and parliament must have a plan to build the market,” he said.
According to him, Papuan women keep doing a protest asking the market development. After governor to governor’s administration, but it’s never been realized, it’s only a promise.
“Similar with Papuan councilor, it never accommodate their aspiration for decades. Therefore now we must take action to seriously handle it,” he said.
On one occasion, Secretary of Papuan Trader Solidarity Robert Jitmau said the land dispute for replacing the bus terminal should not be a reason to postpone the construction of Papuan market. (Arjuna Pademme/rom)
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Jayapura, Jubi – Papuan Councilor Emus Gwijangge said the Papua Provincail Government should speed up the construction of a permanent market for Papuan women traders.
He said there is reason to delay building the market.
“The government must be serious in this case because they don’t seem to pay attention until now. They must be serious this time to accommodate them,” Emus Gwijangge told Jubi by phonelast week.
According to him, in order to endorse the market development, the parliament plan to form a Special Committee on Papuan women market, and Special Committee on 14 seats and illegal logging. Possibly the special committees would be established at the end of March.
“Don’t ignore them anymore. The Provincial Government and Papua Legislative Council must be serious. Papuan women have struggled for this for decades. The government and parliament must have a plan to build the market,” he said.
According to him, Papuan women keep doing a protest asking the market development. After governor to governor’s administration, but it’s never been realized, it’s only a promise.
“Similar with Papuan councilor, it never accommodate their aspiration for decades. Therefore now we must take action to seriously handle it,” he said.
On one occasion, Secretary of Papuan Trader Solidarity Robert Jitmau said the land dispute for replacing the bus terminal should not be a reason to postpone the construction of Papuan market. (Arjuna Pademme/rom)
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8) JDP To Facilitate Papua Internal Dialogue
Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Peace Network (JDP) coordinator Dr. Neles Tebay said as a mediator JDP will facilitate internal dialogue among Papuans to prepare for talks with Jakarta proposed by President Joko Widodo.
“Based on schedule, the Papuan internal dialogue will be held in Papua in August 2015,” Tebay told reporters at Fajar Timur Theologian College, Padang Bulan Abepura last week.
According to him, the president’s commitment to promote Papua as Peaceful Land and to resolve conflicts through a dialogue showed the government has changed its stance on Papua. “So, Jakarta-Papua Dialogue will lead to the establishment of peace in Papua. It means its agenda is to grow peace in Tanah Papua,” he said.
He further said Papuan residents in Papua should welcome the government’s openness with joy. The government’s commitment is a golden opportunity provided by government to discuss a peace development in Papua through a process of dialogue.
“To welcome this opportunity, JDP took the initiative to facilitate the Papuan internal dialogue as a preparation ahead to Jakarta-Papua dialogue because we believed it’s very important to be held in order answering the Papuans’ aspiration,” Tebay told reporters.
“Papuan internal dialogue would be held to involve the entire elements of Papuans to discuss about the concept of Peace Papua and to define a purpose of dialogue between Jakarta and Papua according to Papuans. Within this dialogue, people’s aspiration will be asked and consulted, therefore they would feel to be involved in the effort to develop Peace Papua through dialogue,” Tebay said.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian President Joko Widodo in his visit to Papua in December 2014, he confirm his commitment to develop Papua as Peaceful land and resolve many conflicts in Papua through a dialogue. (Arnold Belau/rom)
Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Peace Network (JDP) coordinator Dr. Neles Tebay said as a mediator JDP will facilitate internal dialogue among Papuans to prepare for talks with Jakarta proposed by President Joko Widodo.
“Based on schedule, the Papuan internal dialogue will be held in Papua in August 2015,” Tebay told reporters at Fajar Timur Theologian College, Padang Bulan Abepura last week.
According to him, the president’s commitment to promote Papua as Peaceful Land and to resolve conflicts through a dialogue showed the government has changed its stance on Papua. “So, Jakarta-Papua Dialogue will lead to the establishment of peace in Papua. It means its agenda is to grow peace in Tanah Papua,” he said.
He further said Papuan residents in Papua should welcome the government’s openness with joy. The government’s commitment is a golden opportunity provided by government to discuss a peace development in Papua through a process of dialogue.
“To welcome this opportunity, JDP took the initiative to facilitate the Papuan internal dialogue as a preparation ahead to Jakarta-Papua dialogue because we believed it’s very important to be held in order answering the Papuans’ aspiration,” Tebay told reporters.
“Papuan internal dialogue would be held to involve the entire elements of Papuans to discuss about the concept of Peace Papua and to define a purpose of dialogue between Jakarta and Papua according to Papuans. Within this dialogue, people’s aspiration will be asked and consulted, therefore they would feel to be involved in the effort to develop Peace Papua through dialogue,” Tebay said.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian President Joko Widodo in his visit to Papua in December 2014, he confirm his commitment to develop Papua as Peaceful land and resolve many conflicts in Papua through a dialogue. (Arnold Belau/rom)
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https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/58592
9) West Papua: New Indonesian gov't offers more suffering
Monday, March 23, 2015
Indonesia is supposed to have a new liberal leadership with the election of new president Jodo Widodo, the first president since the Suharto dictatorship was overthrown in 198 to be elected from outside the Javanese military/political elite.
But the Australian public, in the furore over the fate of two the Australians and others facing execution, are getting a glimpse of the stance of Widodo — and other influential Indonesian leaders — towards human rights, justice and compassion.
Of all the areas ruled by Indonesia, resource-rich West Papua is especially suffering. Its people are getting little in the way of social and economic benefits and the native West Papuans live under a brutal Indonesian army occupation.
West Papua has the world’s largest copper and gold mines, but with corruption and injustice rife the West Papuans endure poverty and inequality while foreign companies are further enriched.
At the same time, the exploitation of minerals, rainforests and other resources of West Papua is leading to pollution, deforestation and destruction of wildlife and habitat.
In 1961, West Papua was promised independence from their former Dutch colonial rulers. Indonesia, however, wanted to take over the country to get access to the vast mineral and timber resources of West Papua. The US pressured the Netherlands to give West Papua to Indonesia.
Indonesia was granted interim control of the territory until West Papua’s future was decided. West Papuans were not consulted. The United Nations promised the West Papuans they eventually get a say in determining their own destiny.
In 1969, the UN organised what was farcically known as an “Act of Free Choice”. Indonesia selected 1025 people to take part, then forced them at gun-point to vote for incorporation with Indonesia.
Since the invasion and occupation of West Papua, the Indonesian army and police have carried out a policy of slow, but systematic genocide against the indigenous Papuans. Before the Indonesian invasion the native Papuans were 98% of the population, today they are only 48%.
It is estimated that 500,000 West Papuans have been killed or have disappeared since the Indonesian invasion.
Indonesian military and police carry out frequent operations in the rural areas. These result in houses being burned and villagers being terrorised, beaten, tortured and sometimes killed.
Many West Papuan leaders and activists have been killed. Many others are held as political prisoners for engaging in peaceful protests or other acts of resistance. Some are serving 15 years in prison for merely hoisting West Papua's flag, the Morning Star — an act Indonesia bans. Others have been shot dead for raising the flag.
Bali, a popular tourist destination for Australians, is the regional headquarters of the military operations for West Papua. While oppression, gross human rights abuses and atrocities continue in West Papua, people of conscience should not holiday in Bali or the rest of Indonesia or buy products made there.
Behind the Indonesia's sham democracy, the old corrupt military elite remains the real power in Indonesia. As was the case in South Africa, East Timor, Burma and elsewhere, pressure and actions from outside can play a role in supporting and encouraging badly needed change.
The West Papuan people, who continue to struggle against oppression and for freedom, deserve our support. The Australian government supports Indonesia's occupation — including providing military training to the Kopassus special forces responsible for human rights abuses in West Papua. It is up to us to raise our voices against it.
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