2)
Paniai Stakeholders Must Support Human Right Special Committee on Paniai Case
Settlement
3)
Discussion on Customary Governance System
4) Indonesia, Australia conduct joint naval
exercise
5) Answers to parliamentary questions in the Dutch
Parliament about the violent arrest of two journalists
in Papua
6) Continuation of translation of article about
ULMPB's application to join the MSG
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 10, 2015
1) Dutch Journalist Reports Undercover From West Papua
In defiance of a 1963 law forbidding foreign journalists entry to West Papua, Dutch journalist Rohan Radheya has over the past years travelled into the region several times, and is one of very few foreign journalists able to do so. Well aware of the risks of being caught Radheya embarked on a new journey to West Papua last month and while he was there, on 10 May 2015, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced that the controversial ban on foreign journalists’ entry to West Papua would be lifted. Radheya shared his experiences and opinions about the lifting of the ban with UNPO.
In May 2015, Rohan Radheya travelled to West Papua as an undercover journalist with the aim of meeting with several political prisoners and visiting the headquarters of the Organisasi Papua Merdeka or Free Papua Movement (OPM). According to Simon Sapioper, acting President of the National Government of the Republic of West Papua (NGRWP), journalists like Radheya are facing multiple risks travelling to West Papua as undercover journalists on a tourist visa, including imprisonment if they are caught.
Foreign journalists have been banned from entering West Papua since 1963, the year in which Indonesiaoccupied the region. On 10 May 2015, during his three-day visit to West Papua, however, President Joko Widodo announced a lifting of this ban, stressing that foreign journalists would be able to enter the region from that day onwards. Radheya just happened to be in the region during Jokowi’s announcement.
Despite this seemingly positive step, Radheya remained wary telling UNPO that no one in West Papua believes in Jokowi’s promises to allow press freedom in the region. He further highlighted that a long list of criteria which foreign journalists wishing to enter West Papua have to fulfill was published directly after the ban was lifted. These demands include the prohibition of negative and critical news about the Indonesian government. Besides, foreign journalists would still be subjected to a ‘screening’ and those who report biased or imbalanced news would be penalized.
According to Radheya, one could even argue that the Indonesian government is making it more difficult to report from West Papua: ‘’First they banned foreign journalists and now they even want to control our reporting,’’ he told UNPO. Moreover, he believes that the current media accreditation offered by the Indonesian government will only make it harder for foreign journalists to operate inside West Papua, as it will enable the authorities to easily monitor the movement of foreign journalists in the region.
During his most recent visit to West Papua, Radheya had the opportunity to interview political prisoners, among them Filep Karma, who currently is imprisoned in the Abepura prison. Karma, who has been declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International and who is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, told Radheya that he remembers the first time he was beaten in prison. Moreover, like many others, he was not granted a free and fair trial.
Following his stay in West Papua, Radheya headed to neighboring Papua New Guinea, where he is currently preparing a documentary about the lives of the thousands of West Papuan refugees living in the Lowara refugee camp. Most of the West Papuans living in the camps fled the political persecution in their home country in the 1970s and 80s.
Photo Courtesy of Rohan Radheya
--------------------------------------------------------------
2) Paniai Stakeholders Must Support Human Right Special Committee on Paniai Case Settlement
Jayapura, Jubi – Efforts by the Human Right Special Committee of the Papua Legislative Council to resolve the shooting incident that killed four high school students and injured dozens of people in Enarotali, Paniai on 8 December 2014 have won the backing of a young Mee tribesman, Lukas Gobay.
He said all local stakeholders, including religious leaders, customary leaders, community leaders and people, must give their support to the Human Right Special Committee to fight for the victims and their families to get justice.
“I think all stakeholders must give their support to the Human Right Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council and Human Investigation Commission on Human Right Violation (KPP HAM) or currently renamed the Adhoc team to resolve this case and bring it to the human right court,” Gobay told Jubi in Jayapura on Monday (8/6/2015).
“I think all stakeholders must give their support to the Human Right Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council and Human Investigation Commission on Human Right Violation (KPP HAM) or currently renamed the Adhoc team to resolve this case and bring it to the human right court,” Gobay told Jubi in Jayapura on Monday (8/6/2015).
According to him this bloody incident that caused dead victims is clearly the severe human right violation. He hope this case could be revealed for not be happened in the future.
“Moreover, the violence often happens in Paniai. Do not let something like this continue to be happened. Until now people in Paniai are feeling anxious. So far the struggle of Human Right Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council to push the settlement of the case was optimal. Now just to let the relevant parties to get involved to resolve this case,” he said.
“Moreover, the violence often happens in Paniai. Do not let something like this continue to be happened. Until now people in Paniai are feeling anxious. So far the struggle of Human Right Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council to push the settlement of the case was optimal. Now just to let the relevant parties to get involved to resolve this case,” he said.
However, he said he doesn’t agree that the excavation of body victims for autopsy should be done as proposed by the Papua Police.
“If it was me, I do not agree about the excavation. It is against the Mee tribal custom. If they want an autopsy, it should be done before the bodies were buried,” he said.
“If it was me, I do not agree about the excavation. It is against the Mee tribal custom. If they want an autopsy, it should be done before the bodies were buried,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Human Right Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council, Laurenzus Kadepa said the committee would continue their work to enforce the settlement of the shooting case in fulfilling the sense of justice towards the victims and their families. (Arjuna Pademme/rom)
---------------------------------------
3) Discussion on Customary Governance System
Sentani, Jubi – The establishment of customary villages should meet some criteria agreed with nine customary law territories within the region, Second Assistant for Economy and Development of Jayapura Regency said.
He made the statement after opening a one-day seminar on the recognition of customary people and customary village pilot model that was held at the Second Floor Hall of Jayapura Regent Office.
“This seminar is a follow up to the previous workshop that recommended nine customary authorities in Jayapura Regency to have one or two customary villages at the level of sub-district administrative,” Second Assistant of Jayapura Regency Frits Rumayomi said after the ceremony on Monday (8/6/2015).
“This seminar is a follow up to the previous workshop that recommended nine customary authorities in Jayapura Regency to have one or two customary villages at the level of sub-district administrative,” Second Assistant of Jayapura Regency Frits Rumayomi said after the ceremony on Monday (8/6/2015).
According to him, the customary law has an important role and its own system of administration that governed according to traditional norms in each village, this is the term that we together agreed.
‘The customary community has its own structure that need to be developed in the customary village administration, and the nine customary authorities must implement it, of course each customary area is still be connected because we are still standing in the same land and water, and the most important is the implementation of this administration system should be started in accordance with each regional authorities, thus the Government would promote the establishment of the customary villages,” he said.
‘The customary community has its own structure that need to be developed in the customary village administration, and the nine customary authorities must implement it, of course each customary area is still be connected because we are still standing in the same land and water, and the most important is the implementation of this administration system should be started in accordance with each regional authorities, thus the Government would promote the establishment of the customary villages,” he said.
Meanwhile, a customary leader of Yobeh Village, Yafet Felle at the separate place said the establishment of Customary Village has been clear and included in the Village Law No. 6/2014, while the customary figure of each village only to prepare the framework and regulation that would be applied in their village in accordance with the local needs.
“We just need to establish and implement the law, the government will give recognition on customary village if our community would implement and agreed on this matter. Although it was clear it is the third year that we are given the opportunity to set up our own administration system in our villages but it seems rigid and difficult to accept it among us, the customary leaders. (Engel Wally/rom)
“We just need to establish and implement the law, the government will give recognition on customary village if our community would implement and agreed on this matter. Although it was clear it is the third year that we are given the opportunity to set up our own administration system in our villages but it seems rigid and difficult to accept it among us, the customary leaders. (Engel Wally/rom)
----------------------------------------------------------------
4) Indonesia, Australia conduct joint naval exercise
Rabu, 10 Juni 2015 21:59 WIB | 494 Views
Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) are conducting a joint exercise named "Cassoary Exercise" (Cassuex) 2015.
Commander of the Maritime Combat Unit of the Eastern Fleet Command Commodore I.N.G. Ariawan opened the joint exercise at the Naval Base VII Command Station in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday, Spokesman for the Eastern Fleet Command Lt. Col. Maman Sulaeman said in a press statement released on Wednesday.
"The joint exercise is aimed at improving the professionalism of TNI AL soldiers and establishing cooperation between the two sovereign countries on the basis of mutual respect," he added.
The Indonesian delegation to the joint exercise was represented by Indonesian warships KRI Tombak-629 (KRI TOK-629) commanded by Lt. Col. Dikry Rizzany Nurdiansyah and KRI Hiu-634 commanded by Maj. Rafael Dwinatu.
"The two warships are part of a speed ship unit of the Eastern Fleet Command," he stated.
The RAN sent HMAS Glenelg commanded by CMDR Stephen David Waring and HMAS Wolongong commanded by LCDR Matthew Richardson, which anchored at Naval Base VIIs pier in Kupang on Sunday, June 7, Sulaeman pointed out.
Emphasizing the importance of the joint exercise, Commander of the Maritime Combat Unit of the Eastern Fleet Command Commodore I.N.G. Ariawan noted that there must be good coordination in the field to obtain optimum results.
(Reported by Edy M. Yakub/Edited by INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Commander of the Maritime Combat Unit of the Eastern Fleet Command Commodore I.N.G. Ariawan opened the joint exercise at the Naval Base VII Command Station in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday, Spokesman for the Eastern Fleet Command Lt. Col. Maman Sulaeman said in a press statement released on Wednesday.
"The joint exercise is aimed at improving the professionalism of TNI AL soldiers and establishing cooperation between the two sovereign countries on the basis of mutual respect," he added.
The Indonesian delegation to the joint exercise was represented by Indonesian warships KRI Tombak-629 (KRI TOK-629) commanded by Lt. Col. Dikry Rizzany Nurdiansyah and KRI Hiu-634 commanded by Maj. Rafael Dwinatu.
"The two warships are part of a speed ship unit of the Eastern Fleet Command," he stated.
The RAN sent HMAS Glenelg commanded by CMDR Stephen David Waring and HMAS Wolongong commanded by LCDR Matthew Richardson, which anchored at Naval Base VIIs pier in Kupang on Sunday, June 7, Sulaeman pointed out.
Emphasizing the importance of the joint exercise, Commander of the Maritime Combat Unit of the Eastern Fleet Command Commodore I.N.G. Ariawan noted that there must be good coordination in the field to obtain optimum results.
(Reported by Edy M. Yakub/Edited by INE/KR-BSR/A014)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Propapua
5) Answers to parliamentary questions in the Dutch Parliament about the violent arrest of two journalists in Papua
|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To the President of the Lower House of Dutch Parliament
the Hague, 29-5-2015,
I present you the answers to the written questions raised by the member De Roon about the violent arrest of two journalists in Papua. These questions were sent on May 8, 2015 with characteristic 2015Z08523.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Bert Koenders
Bert Koenders
Q
Have you taken note of the news that two Papuan journalists were
violently arrested by Indonesian security forces?
A
Yes
Have you taken note of the news that two Papuan journalists were
violently arrested by Indonesian security forces?
A
Yes
Q
-How do you assess the assaulting and arresting of journalists attempting to do their work ?
-Are you prepared to seek clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding this event with the Indonesian authorities?
-What do the ongoing arrests of journalists in Papua mean for the
freedom of press in Indonesia?
A
Freedom of the press in Indonesia is generally high. In Papua and West Papua the handling of local journalists, however, remains an issue of concern, as shown by the arrest of the two journalists. One of the two journalists was allegedly wearing
a T-shirt that read "Free West Papua", and thus possibly taken for a supporter of one of the groups fighting for independence in Papua. Freedom of the press in Indonesia and in Papua in particular, has the continuous attention of the Dutch government.
-How do you assess the assaulting and arresting of journalists attempting to do their work ?
-Are you prepared to seek clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding this event with the Indonesian authorities?
-What do the ongoing arrests of journalists in Papua mean for the
freedom of press in Indonesia?
A
Freedom of the press in Indonesia is generally high. In Papua and West Papua the handling of local journalists, however, remains an issue of concern, as shown by the arrest of the two journalists. One of the two journalists was allegedly wearing
a T-shirt that read "Free West Papua", and thus possibly taken for a supporter of one of the groups fighting for independence in Papua. Freedom of the press in Indonesia and in Papua in particular, has the continuous attention of the Dutch government.
Q
Can you indicate whether you see improvement in the relationship between the Indonesian authorities and the indigenous Papuan population since the election of President
Joko Widodo?
A
For the second times since taking office in October 2014, president Widodo visited the provinces of Papua and West Papua on the weekend of 9-10 May this year. Doing so, president Widodo has announced some encouraging steps that should contribute to a better understanding. One of which was to give pardons to five political prisoners who previously were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 20 years to life. The president also spoke about the possibility that other political prisoners will be released. He also stated that for foreign journalists visiting Papua
and West Papua nowadays, the same rules apply as for the rest of Indonesia. This is something that has been repeatedly advocated for by the Netherlands towords the Indonesian authorities, most recently during the official consultations with
Indonesia on 17 March. With this, follow up was also given to the motion of the members De Roon and Wilders (II, 34 000 V, no. 24) of equal scope.
Can you indicate whether you see improvement in the relationship between the Indonesian authorities and the indigenous Papuan population since the election of President
Joko Widodo?
A
For the second times since taking office in October 2014, president Widodo visited the provinces of Papua and West Papua on the weekend of 9-10 May this year. Doing so, president Widodo has announced some encouraging steps that should contribute to a better understanding. One of which was to give pardons to five political prisoners who previously were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 20 years to life. The president also spoke about the possibility that other political prisoners will be released. He also stated that for foreign journalists visiting Papua
and West Papua nowadays, the same rules apply as for the rest of Indonesia. This is something that has been repeatedly advocated for by the Netherlands towords the Indonesian authorities, most recently during the official consultations with
Indonesia on 17 March. With this, follow up was also given to the motion of the members De Roon and Wilders (II, 34 000 V, no. 24) of equal scope.
Q
Do you agree that human rights training through community policing programs are of little effect in improving the relationship between police and local communities? If not, why not?
A
I do not share that view. Relatively recent (October 2014) a start has been made with the training of 3,700 police officers for whom this program in Papua is developed. The conclusion that the program would be of litlle effect I deem premature. In addition it is positive that police chiefs from Papua and Jakarta talked extensively about opportunities to continue the community policing activities permanently even beyond the end of the current program (May 2016), during the last steering committee meeting of the program.
Do you agree that human rights training through community policing programs are of little effect in improving the relationship between police and local communities? If not, why not?
A
I do not share that view. Relatively recent (October 2014) a start has been made with the training of 3,700 police officers for whom this program in Papua is developed. The conclusion that the program would be of litlle effect I deem premature. In addition it is positive that police chiefs from Papua and Jakarta talked extensively about opportunities to continue the community policing activities permanently even beyond the end of the current program (May 2016), during the last steering committee meeting of the program.
Q
-What can you do to challenge and counter the structural violent suppression of the Papuan community?
-Are you prepared to make the situation in Papua a spearhead in your human rights policy? If not, why not?
A
The situation in the provinces of Papua and West Papua, including the human rights situation, already forms part of the structured dialogue between the Netherlands and Indonesia as well as the human rights dialogue between Indonesia and
the EU. The Netherlands continue to monitor the human rights situation in both provinces meticulously.
-What can you do to challenge and counter the structural violent suppression of the Papuan community?
-Are you prepared to make the situation in Papua a spearhead in your human rights policy? If not, why not?
A
The situation in the provinces of Papua and West Papua, including the human rights situation, already forms part of the structured dialogue between the Netherlands and Indonesia as well as the human rights dialogue between Indonesia and
the EU. The Netherlands continue to monitor the human rights situation in both provinces meticulously.
Original in Dutch language: http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten-en-publicaties/kamerstukken/2015/05/29/beantwoording-kamervragen-over-de-gewelddadige-arrestatie-van-2-journalisten-in-papua.html
Translation Pro Papua
------------------------------------------------------------------
6) Continuation of translation of article about ULMPB's application to join the MSG
There is also the case of fifty-three Papuans who were killed on 29 July 1969 at the headquarters of Infantry battalion 753 in Arfay,
Manokwari which is believed to have been perpetrated by members of the TNI security forces.
Another case is the killing of hundreds of Papuan civilians on board a naval vessel of the Indonesian Navy, which followed sweeping
operations against activists who were involved in a peaceful
demonstration under the Menara Water Tower, near Pelabuhan Lauk Biak on 6 June 1998.
Five Papuans were killed in Aimas-Sorong during an incident on 30 April 2013 which is believed to have involved the use of fire arms
deployed by members of the Indonesian Police Force and the Indonesian Army in Sorong City.
Another case is the killing of five Papuans on a field in Karel Gobay Enarotali, district of Paniai which is believed to have been
committed by members of the police and the army when they opened fire on a crowd of people on 8 December 2014.
None of these cases have been solved nor has there been any show of political will on the part of the Government of Indonesia ever since
the reformation of the government in 1998.
This means that the government of Indonesia has shown that is has no interest at all in these matters, despite the enactment of Law
21/2001 on Special Autonomy for the Province of West Papua. Nor has there been any developmental activities in the Land of Papua that
would comply with the feelings of justice of the Papuan people, nor has anything been done to improve the welfare of the people in a way
that would show respect for basic human rights in the Land of Papua.
None of this has been done, as a result of which the majority of Papuan people have lost all hope that they will receive all the right
to which the people who believe in God Almighty are entitled, if they continue to be remain part of Ibu Pertiwi [a symbol of the Indonesian
state].
The Papuan people believe that if they continue to be a part of Ibu Pertiwi, there is no hope for the indigenous Papuan people to get
decent treatment from the state of Indonesia. They even fear that
hey are facing the danger of genocide which threatens future generations.
Because of all these factors, the Papuan people are now thinking about what they need to do to win their independence, which would make
it possible for them to handle their own affairs and above all to have an act of self-determination.
One way of achieving this would be by means of polling as long as the figures are absolutely reliable scientifically.
These are the aspirations for which they have struggled for many years. They hope to get the moral, social and political support of
their Melanesian brothers and sisters who have already won their independence, such as the people of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu,
the Solomon Islands, as well as all their brethren in New Caledonia and the people of Kanaky.
By coming together in a single organisation, the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP), they hope that they will be able to
present all their problems to their friends and colleagues in Melanesia.
The ULMWP application to become a member of the MSG is not only seen as an 'Ace Card' on the way to a Free Papua. International
solidarity is extremely important as an integral part of the Melanesian People, as well as enjoying their basic human rights and to
be respected throughout the world..
Many things have been done to win their democratic rights as well as the resolution of the many violations of basic human rights that
have occurred during the past fifty years since becoming part of the Republic of Indonesia. These should be resolved by the Government of
Indonesia by legal means and in accordance with universally accepted principles.
This means that all the peaceful activities now being undertaken by members of the KNPB are intended to show that the ULMWP should be
accepted as a member of the MSG, all of which is being undertaken by means that are in accordance with the laws in force.
All of this can be achieved if the people in the Land of Papua and in Indonesia, including the security forces, recognise the political
dynamic of the Papuan people in accordance with democracy.
This is why I have now decided to declare that the acceptance of the UNLPB as a member of the MSG is an extremely important step
towards fulfilling the basic rights of the indigenous Papuan people as a part of the Melanesian Race and as an important part of all the
indigenous people throughout the world, enjoying the same rights in accordance with the various mechanisms that should win huge support
around the world.
Finally, if the ULMWP's application to join the MSG at the forthcoming summit meeting which is due to take place on 26 June this
year is accepted, this will establish a tradition of democracy in the Land of Papua and will bring about a new political trend in the
Pacific that would be acceptable to everyone throughout the world, including the Government of Indonesia.
Peace,
Yan Christian Warinussy Executive-Director of the LP3BH (Institution of Research, Analyzing and Development for Legal Aid.
Translated by Carmel Budiardj
Manokwari which is believed to have been perpetrated by members of the TNI security forces.
Another case is the killing of hundreds of Papuan civilians on board a naval vessel of the Indonesian Navy, which followed sweeping
operations against activists who were involved in a peaceful
demonstration under the Menara Water Tower, near Pelabuhan Lauk Biak on 6 June 1998.
Five Papuans were killed in Aimas-Sorong during an incident on 30 April 2013 which is believed to have involved the use of fire arms
deployed by members of the Indonesian Police Force and the Indonesian Army in Sorong City.
Another case is the killing of five Papuans on a field in Karel Gobay Enarotali, district of Paniai which is believed to have been
committed by members of the police and the army when they opened fire on a crowd of people on 8 December 2014.
None of these cases have been solved nor has there been any show of political will on the part of the Government of Indonesia ever since
the reformation of the government in 1998.
This means that the government of Indonesia has shown that is has no interest at all in these matters, despite the enactment of Law
21/2001 on Special Autonomy for the Province of West Papua. Nor has there been any developmental activities in the Land of Papua that
would comply with the feelings of justice of the Papuan people, nor has anything been done to improve the welfare of the people in a way
that would show respect for basic human rights in the Land of Papua.
None of this has been done, as a result of which the majority of Papuan people have lost all hope that they will receive all the right
to which the people who believe in God Almighty are entitled, if they continue to be remain part of Ibu Pertiwi [a symbol of the Indonesian
state].
The Papuan people believe that if they continue to be a part of Ibu Pertiwi, there is no hope for the indigenous Papuan people to get
decent treatment from the state of Indonesia. They even fear that
hey are facing the danger of genocide which threatens future generations.
Because of all these factors, the Papuan people are now thinking about what they need to do to win their independence, which would make
it possible for them to handle their own affairs and above all to have an act of self-determination.
One way of achieving this would be by means of polling as long as the figures are absolutely reliable scientifically.
These are the aspirations for which they have struggled for many years. They hope to get the moral, social and political support of
their Melanesian brothers and sisters who have already won their independence, such as the people of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu,
the Solomon Islands, as well as all their brethren in New Caledonia and the people of Kanaky.
By coming together in a single organisation, the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP), they hope that they will be able to
present all their problems to their friends and colleagues in Melanesia.
The ULMWP application to become a member of the MSG is not only seen as an 'Ace Card' on the way to a Free Papua. International
solidarity is extremely important as an integral part of the Melanesian People, as well as enjoying their basic human rights and to
be respected throughout the world..
Many things have been done to win their democratic rights as well as the resolution of the many violations of basic human rights that
have occurred during the past fifty years since becoming part of the Republic of Indonesia. These should be resolved by the Government of
Indonesia by legal means and in accordance with universally accepted principles.
This means that all the peaceful activities now being undertaken by members of the KNPB are intended to show that the ULMWP should be
accepted as a member of the MSG, all of which is being undertaken by means that are in accordance with the laws in force.
All of this can be achieved if the people in the Land of Papua and in Indonesia, including the security forces, recognise the political
dynamic of the Papuan people in accordance with democracy.
This is why I have now decided to declare that the acceptance of the UNLPB as a member of the MSG is an extremely important step
towards fulfilling the basic rights of the indigenous Papuan people as a part of the Melanesian Race and as an important part of all the
indigenous people throughout the world, enjoying the same rights in accordance with the various mechanisms that should win huge support
around the world.
Finally, if the ULMWP's application to join the MSG at the forthcoming summit meeting which is due to take place on 26 June this
year is accepted, this will establish a tradition of democracy in the Land of Papua and will bring about a new political trend in the
Pacific that would be acceptable to everyone throughout the world, including the Government of Indonesia.
Peace,
Yan Christian Warinussy Executive-Director of the LP3BH (Institution of Research, Analyzing and Development for Legal Aid.
Translated by Carmel Budiardj
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