2) CIVIL SOCIETY
ORGANISATIONS OUTRAGED
3) Indonesian Embassy Welcomes
desire Vanuatu Open
4) RI and Solomon Discuss
Cooperation of Agriculture and Education
5) Jayapura to Auction Government
Positions in 2016
6) question and
answer at the EU parliament on the Paniai case
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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/271697/west-papuan-leader-visits-solomon-islands
1) West Papuan leader visits Solomon Islands
Updated at 5:43 am today
The general secretary of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua has been in Solomon Islands to lobby support for his organisation's bid to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The movement has lodged its membership application to the MSG, which will be deliberated on when MSG leaders meet at their summit in Honiara in July this year.
The Solomon Star reports that Octo Mote met civil society groups, West Papua sympathisers and political leaders, telling them that the support of everyone is important for advancing the MSG bid.
One of those who met with Mr Mote was the West Makira MP, Derick Manu'ari, an advocate for West Papuan independence.
Mr Manu'ari says that he's intending to move a motion on the floor of parliament seeking support from national leaders for the West Papuan self-determination cause.
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http://www.thejetnewspaper.com/2015/04/17/civil-society-organisations-outraged/
2) CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS OUTRAGED
Civil Society Organisations are outraged at the escalation of brutal attacks and arbitrary killings of West Papuan people by the Indonesian security forces, as a result of the growing support for West Papua’s independence around the Pacific Region. This after Indonesian police opened fire on a group of people gathering to fundraise for Vanuatu victims of Cyclone Pam in Yahukimo, West Papua, killing one and injuring others, including a separate incident where a 17 year old West Papuan activist was allegedly tortured and killed by Indonesian Special Forces.
“Since Indonesia secured control of West Papua over 50 years ago, the West Papuan people have lived in fear in their own land, deprived of their right to self-determination and subjected to systematic genocidal acts of terror,” said Shamima Ali, Coordinator for the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.
“In the lead up to the next Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders meeting which will determine West Papuan membership to the MSG, it is crucial that our MSG governments and international community make a concerted effort to strongly denounce these human rights abuses including the unrelenting oppression of the West Papuans by the Indonesian government security forces,” said Ali. Ali further added that given the impending political decision by MSG on West Papua it is crucial that the U.N. appoints a special envoy for West Papua.
Recent media reports revealed Indonesia’s plan to form a Melanesian region in Indonesia by combining five of its provinces – Papua, West Papua, Moluccas, North Moluccas and East Nusa Tenggara. It is reported that Indonesia’s President, Widodo and Moluccas Governor, Assagaff are eager to establish the Melanesian-Indonesian region which would apply for full membership to the MSG.
“Currently, Indonesia holds an ‘observer’ status on the MSG. However, the fact that Indonesia will now be seen as a Melanesian state will only guarantee their legitimacy and allow them equal access into the MSG as other Melanesian countries. It has been alleged by certain Papuan officials that this is a strategy by Indonesia to sabotage West Papua’s chances of becoming a full member of the MSG and with it the hopes and aspirations of a people to their right to self-determine themselves.”
“Our government leaders must be alerted to the fact that there are adverse implications on West Papua and its people, if Fiji continues to strengthen their economic, trade and military relations with Indonesia, while ignoring the escalating violence perpetrated by the Indonesian government on the people of West Papua.”
“In light of Prime Minister Bainimarama’s campaign to dispense with colonial symbols from our national flag for a truly independent Fiji, it would be encouraging to see the Fiji government lead the way in supporting other nations notably West Papua, who are struggling to free themselves from foreign control.”
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A google translate of article in majalahselangkah.com. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at
Indonesian-Vanuatu Discuss Strengthening Community Relations Melanesia
Author: Admin MS | Monday, April 20, 2015 06:31 Viewed: 292 Comments: 0
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Foreign Minister of Vanuatu, Sato Kilmann. Photo: http://fijisun.com.fj
Jakarta, STEP MAGAZINE - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno LP Marsudi a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Vanuatu Salto Kilman and discuss about strengthening relationships Melanesian communities in both countries.
"We exchange ideas about the relationship pengeratan Melanesian communities in Indonesia and Vanuatu," said Secretary of Retno at the Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta, Sunday (19/04/2015) as quoted by Antara.
The statement was chaired after a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Vanuatu on the sidelines of the implementation of the High Level Meeting Officials KAA.
Vanuatu is present as an observer state in the meeting and Warning 60 Years KAA with the theme "Promoting South-South Cooperation".
Retno Foreign Minister said that Indonesia is home to more than 11 million people of Melanesia, where the sum is greater than the population of Melanesia in the Pacific countries.
"The people of Melanesia in Indonesia, more than the total population of all countries of Melanesia in the Pacific region," he said.
Retno said, one of the Indonesian Government's efforts to strengthen relations with the countries of Melanesia is to hold the event Melanesian Culture and the Arts.
"In October, Indonesia will host the event 'Melanesian Arts and Cultural events' which will be held in Kupang," said Secretary of State.
In addition, the Indonesian government will also hold events in the Melanesian Arts Culture and Papua New Guinea in June.
"Through the Melanesian culture and art event that 'people to people contact' (relationships between people) will actually be done," said Retno.
On that occasion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu Salto Kilman said, the Government of Indonesia Vanuatu greatly appreciate a more tangible role in the Pacific region. (GE / Admin / MS)
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A google translate of article in majalahselangkah.com. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic. Original bahasa link at
3) Indonesian Embassy Welcomes desire Vanuatu Open
Author: Admin MS | Monday, April 20, 2015 07:00 Viewed: 396 Comments: 0
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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno L.P. Marsudi. Photo: Ist.
Jakarta, STEP MAGAZINE - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno LP Marsudi said the Indonesian government welcomed the willingness of the Government of Vanuatu to open embassy in Jakarta.
"The Government of Vanuatu has decided to immediately open Vanuatu embassy in Jakarta. I think we are quite happy and proud and welcomed the decision of Vanuatu open embassy in Indonesia," said Secretary of Retno in Jakarta, Sunday (19/04/2015) as released by Antara.
The statement was chaired after a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Vanuatu Salto Kilman on the sidelines of the implementation of the High Level Meeting Officials KAA.
Vanuatu is present as an observer state in the meeting and Warning 60 Years KAA with the theme "Promoting South-South Cooperation".
According to Retno, related to the Vanuatu Government's political decision, both parties will then promptly discuss technical issues related to the plan to open embassy in Jakarta Vanuatu.
"We will talk about technical issues, in the sense of following up this political decision. Thus almost all Pacific countries have embassies in Jakarta," he said.
Secretary of Retno said, some Pacific countries that have opened embassies in Jakarta, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Fiji.
Salto Vanuatu Foreign Minister Kilman confirmed that his government is willing to open embassy in Jakarta.
"Vanuatu has good diplomatic relations with Indonesia. Therefore, Vanuatu hopes to establish embassy in Jakarta," said Salto.
According to the Foreign Minister of Vanuatu, the opening of the country's embassy in Indonesia aims to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia, both in the political, economic, social and cultural.
"Thus, Indonesia and Vanuatu can enjoy the better bilateral relations in the future and can come together to discuss global issues," he said. (GE / Antara / Admin / MS)
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A google translate of article in majalahselangkah.com. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic. Original bahasa link at
4) RI and Solomon Discuss Cooperation of Agriculture and Education
Author: Admin MS | Monday, April 20, 2015 07:32 Viewed: 405 Comments: 0
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Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi discussion describes this cooperation is a follow-up visit to the capital of Solomon, Honiara, in February. Photo: CNN Indonesia
Bandung, STEP MAGAZINE - On the sidelines of the meeting of senior officials in the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference (KAA) in Jakarta, Saturday (18/04/2015), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi discuss a number of possible cooperation with the Secretary of Islands Solomon, Peter Shanel Agovaka. One of them, related to cooperation in the fields of agriculture and education.
Retno explained discussion of this cooperation is a follow-up visit to the capital of Solomon, Honiara, in February.
"Bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Solomon Islands is very good. Starting from people-to-people contact, and to economic relations. We are talking of investment and technical cooperation," said Retno, on Saturday (18.04.15) as released by CNN Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Solomon, Peter Shanel Agovaka reveal both the discussion will focus on agriculture and education.
"Some of the cooperation that we have, among others, in the field of agriculture, and education. We have students studying here. We want to strengthen it," said Agovaka.
This is the first time Agovaka visiting Indonesia. According to him, Indonesia is a beautiful country.
"I'm happy to be here. Thank you for the Indonesian government has been keeping our embassy well. We want to better cooperate more to improve the relationship," said Agovaka.
Previous February, during a visit to Honiara Retno, the two countries agreed to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries that have a background and this Melanesian cultural heritage.
Both Secretary of State when it is aware of the huge untapped potential of both countries, particularly in the field of trade. Recorded in 2009-2013, bilateral trade grew on average only about 6.3 percent per year.
In this context, the two ministers agreed to intensify their efforts to support the private sector to take the opportunities that are available in each country.
In the field of people-to-people contact, in February agreed capacity building and technical assistance that had been held. During 2014, there were 22 capacity building program has been implemented in various fields such as education, fisheries, agriculture and SMEs.
Retno said, until April 22 next, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will agree on 16 bilateral cooperation with various countries on the sidelines of the implementation of the KAA. However, there is no bilateral meeting with one of Indonesia's largest trading partners, namely China and Japan.
Nevertheless, Retno explained, in the near future there will be a meeting between Japanese and Indonesian Wamenlu. Also, Retno said, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet with President Joko Widodo in the near future. (GE / CNN Indonesia / Admin / MS)
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MONDAY, 20 APRIL, 2015 | 15:50 WIB
5) Jayapura to Auction Government Positions in 2016
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government of Jayapura City plans to auction the position of regional heads starting on 2016. "In 2016, I will try to auction positions in the district and village level according to our criteria," Jayapura Mayor Benhur Tommy Mano said in a statement on Friday, April 17, 2015.
Mano said that the plan was made after he felt disappointed by the performance of some sub-district heads and district heads who received direct spotlight from the public.
"I've seen sub-district heads and district heads sleeping, not working hard. The public also complained because [public service] offices opening [late] without officials present. The public continue to monitor lower-level bureaucracy performances," Mano said.
The autonomy granted to the government in the village and sub-district level, Mano said, should have made village heads and sub-district heads to provide better services.
ANTARANEWS
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From Norman Voss
6) question and answer at the EU parliament on the Paniai case
| Parliamentary questions | ||
| 6 January 2015 |
| |
| Question for written answer to the Commission Rule 130 Brian Hayes (PPE) | ||
| Subject: Killing of four indigenous Papuan civilians |
| ||
| Can the Commission confirm that it is aware of the killing of four indigenous Papuan civilians on 8 December 2014 in the Paniai District, Papua Province, by members of the Indonesian National Army? Can it say whether it has had any contact with the Indonesian authorities or whether any contact will be made in relation to these deaths? Can it also confirm the level of bilateral agreement with the EU? | |||
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