1) Freeport Employees Reject MoU

2) A teenager in Mappi was shot dead by police officers

HTTPS://EN.TEMPO.CO/READ/NEWS/2017/12/28/056914403/FREEPORT-EMPLOYEES-REJECT-MOU

THURSDAY, 28 DECEMBER, 2017 | 11:52 WIB

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1) Freeport Employees Reject MoU

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - At least 14 Freeport Indonesia workers went to the Manpower Ministry's office on December 27.

They submitted a letter rejecting the memorandum of understanding between the union and Freeport regarding the termination of employment.

The employees' lawyer Harris Azhar said the employees believe that Freeport was being deceitful by putting pro-company workers into unions before making the deal.

The truth is, according to Harris, Freeport's union leader position is empty because the commissioner had been fired.

Read: Papuan Enterprises to Acquire 40 Percent of Freeport Shares

 

"People who are friendly with the company were the ones who made the deal. They suddenly sat down with Freeport," he said yesterday.

In February, Freeport laid off hundreds of employees while in negotiations with the government over the miner's contract. Thousands of employees held strikes in May, resulting in them getting sacked as well. 

Freeport Indonesia spokesman Riza Pratama said the company tried to ask the protesters to go back to work, but they refused, and thus "we considered them to have voluntarily resigned," he said, referring to the contract between the miner and its workers.

Riza said Freeport will still help employees financially, based on the length of their service for the company. In addition, employees are allowed to return to work at Freeport Indonesia, provided they enter through contractors and go through selection stages.

INDRI MAULIDAR | MAYA AYU | DANANG FIRMANTO

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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.

Original bahasa link at

http://tabloidjubi.com/artikel-12659-seorang-remaja-di-mappi--tewas-ditembak-aparat-polisi.html

2) A teenager in Mappi was shot dead by police officers

Kamis, 28 Desember 2017 — 19:28

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi,

Merauke, Jubi - One of the teenagers in Mappi district, Nikolausi Bernolpus, 19, was shot dead by police officer Mappi Police named Bripka DE. The victim was shot using a revolver type weapon at the bottom of the back neck and died.

"Indeed, the perpetrators of Bripka DE violate the rules, because there is no command duties with other members. Moreover, carrying weapons to shoot victims, "said Police Chief Mappi, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Wartono, when contacted via mobile phone Thursday (28/12/2017).

Wartono explained that the shooting occurred on December 25, 2017 at around 04.00 WITA. Whereas before the incident members conducted night patrol using cars in Keppi City, Mappi and surrounding areas.

"When the patrol entered the Frog Road, found a group of people suspected of being drinking. Furthermore, asked to go home because each morning must go to church to celebrate the Christmas celebration, "said Wartono explained.

Unbeknownstly, at about 3:40 am one of the plainclothes police officers emerged from behind, too, rebuking the victim. But not well received, resulting in a fight.

While fighting the victim ran to his house took a sharp weapon. After going home with wood and hitting policemen to fall. Instantly, it was given a warning shot twice to take it.

"A few moments later, the victim ran away and the police officer pointed the gun at the victim's neck at the back," Wartono explained.

Currently the perpetrator has been taken to Polda Papua to undergo further examination with status as a suspect. "We've been to the family home and took care of everything including up to the funeral," he said.

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Joko Widodo vows to 'fix' Indonesia as political heat rises

https://asia.nikkei.com/Features/Asia-Insight/Joko-Widodo-vows-to-fix-Indonesia-as-political-heat-rises

December 25, 2017 11:35 am JST

Joko Widodo vows to 'fix' Indonesia as political heat rises 

Interview offers early hints at the president's possible re-election tactics

WATARU SUZUKI and ERWIDA MAULIA, Nikkei staff writers

RAJA AMPAT, Indonesia -- Home to some of the world's richest coral reefs, the remote islands of Raja Ampat in eastern Indonesia are no secret among scuba divers. But President Joko Widodo wants to make sure these and other hidden national treasures get more attention.

"The runway will be extended to 2,200 meters," Widodo said on the morning of Dec. 22, when the Nikkei Asian Review caught up with him on a pier overlooking crystalline waters. The only airport in the area "will be able to accommodate bigger planes" after the expansion is completed next year, the president said. 

Widodo's frequent visits to Raja Ampat and the rest of Papua -- where chronic underdevelopment has fueled a decadeslong separatist movement -- are part of his commitment to spreading the benefits of growth nationwide.

Shortly after taking office in October 2014 as the country's first leader from a modest family background, Widodo launched an ambitious infrastructure initiative aimed at kick-starting investment and easing sky-high logistics costs. Since then, he has conducted hundreds of in-person spot checks across the 5,000km-wide country of 17,000 islands and 260 million people. 

"Every day, he goes everywhere ... it is unbelievable for us," said Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung. "Why? Because he knows that this is a rich country with a good opportunity but [has] so many problems." 

Now in his fourth year in power, Widodo only seems to be growing more ambitious. 

All business

As early as January, Widodo's government will open a new building in Jakarta that will bring "hundreds" of administrative processes under one roof. The president said it is the latest in a series of measures to make obtaining business permits and licenses from regional governments less of a chore.

Widodo said this will allow the government to pinpoint "where a license is stuck."

"Is it at the provincial level, or the district level?" he said. "We'll be able to see it."

Since the fall of the dictator Suharto in 1998, in the wake of the Asian financial crisis that wrecked the country's banking system, Indonesian presidents have sought to decentralize power away from Jakarta. But with regional authorities ill-prepared to wield that power, this led to overlapping regulations and corrupt local bureaucracies.

Through close monitoring, Widodo is essentially shifting some of the power back to the central government to create a more efficient business environment.

Widodo said his grass-roots background gives him a "better and more detailed understanding" of how things work, compared with his elite predecessors who ran the country for more than seven decades. The president ran a furniture business in the Central Java town of Solo before becoming the local mayor -- his entry into politics. 

His efforts are starting to pay off: Indonesia's ranking in the World Bank's ease of doing business surveys jumped from 120th in 2014 to 72nd this year, partly thanks to one-stop investor approvals. 

Hendra, who runs a construction materials shop in the West Papua port city of Sorong, feels the difference. "Competition is getting tougher now because it has become easier to open businesses" in Sorong, drawing people from elsewhere in the country. 

The markets have cheered Widodo's reforms. Billions of dollars have poured into Indonesia's bond market this year, driven by a growing investor appetite for high-yielding emerging market assets. Fitch Ratings on Dec. 21 upgraded Indonesia's sovereign bonds, citing "resilience to external shocks" and a "concerted structural reform drive." The news propelled the country's benchmark stock index to a fresh all-time high.

And yet, 2018 is shaping up to be Widodo's most challenging year so far. 

Religion and politics 

In early December, tens of thousands of people gathered at Jakarta's National Monument to mark the anniversary of a massive demonstration that triggered the downfall of a key Widodo ally -- then-Jakarta Gov. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama. 

The demonstration in late 2016, is widely seen as the beginning of the rise of political Islam in Indonesia. It was triggered by a public outcry against Purnama, a ethnic-Chinese Christian who stood accused of insulting the Quran in a speech. And with just months to go before a gubernatorial election in April 2017, it created an opening for Prabowo Subianto, a former army general who lost to Widodo in the 2014 general election.

Subianto threw his support behind former Education Minister Anies Baswedan. Before the controversy, Purnama had been favored to retain the governorship, but Baswedan rode Muslim voters' anger to a landslide victory.

Purnama is now serving jail time for blasphemy.

The episode showed how religious passions, stirred up by the social media rumor mill, can turn an election upside down. As things stand, Widodo still enjoys much higher popularity than Subianto and anyone else who might challenge him for the presidency in spring 2019. But false suggestions that Widodo is Christian or Chinese helped Subianto close the gap in the final weeks of the 2014 race -- something that could happen again.

Widodo, for his part, appeared to shrug off Muslim groups' frequent rallies. 

Demonstrations are "nothing special ... that is how democracy is in Indonesia," he said with a laugh. "It's safe. We tell them: if you engage in anarchy, you'll face the law." 

Next June, simultaneous elections in 171 provinces, cities and local districts could offer an indication of how Widodo's foes will play the "Islam card." West Java, home to around 1 in 5 voters, is considered a key test. Attempts to discredit the religious integrity of one leading candidate backed by half the members of the ruling coalition -- Bandung mayor Ridwan Kamil -- have already taken off on social media.

Losing allies in key regions could hamper Widodo's reform programs and give the Subianto-led opposition momentum.

Home improvement

Widodo's best bet may be to continue chipping away at domestic problems -- which could explain why, in the interview, he seemed more eager to discuss infrastructure development and reforms than global issues.

On free trade, Widodo said he is still "very interested" in joining what remains of the Trans-Pacific Partnership after the U.S. pulled out, although he added an "in-depth study is a must" before Indonesia can decide whether to go that route.

Similarly, he said he wants the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership "to be agreed in 2018" but conceded "it's not easy because all countries each have their own ambitions." RCEP includes the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations members along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

The president played down China's rising influence in Southeast Asia. "I think there's no difference," he said, adding he is interested in China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative "as long as it benefits Indonesia's national interest." While China has aggressively courted Indonesia on infrastructure deals, Jakarta has its share of concerns, including over the growing number of Chinese workers in the country and a territorial dispute near the Natuna Islands.

At least in theory, Indonesia has the ingredients to be a role model for the region and the world -- at a time when the traditional standard-bearer, the U.S., is turning inward under President Donald Trump. It is the fourth most populous country. It is a vibrant democracy. Its economic clout is increasing.

Widodo seemed to tentatively embrace a more active global role when the interview touched on security and the threat of terrorism. "Security, stability, peace in the world are very important," he said. "So countries should cooperate against terrorism, radicalism, exchange information on terrorism -- we must continue to do [that]."

But after what happened to Purnama, some politics watchers see Widodo's international positions as being geared toward wooing the Muslim majority at home. This includes his recent emphasis on the persecution of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority and his opposition to Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. "Indonesia is always behind Palestine to fight for their freedom," Widodo said. 

With only a shaky coalition behind him, Widodo "has to win the heart of the people," said Chatib Basri, a former finance minister. "The implication? The risk of populist policies can arise."

Although Widodo has yet to declare his intention to seek a second term -- he would only say "it's up to the people" -- there are already some signs of populism and that his government, too, is turning inward.

Widodo "has to win the heart of the people. The implication? The risk of populist policies can arise."

Chatib Basri, former finance minister

One of his most significant reforms was slashing gasoline subsidies at the beginning of 2015, to allocate more public funds to infrastructure. But for nearly two years, the government has not raised the price of regular gasoline despite a rally in benchmark crude oil prices. As a result, the state oil and gas company has lost more than $1 billion covering the price gap, according to the company's own accounts.

Investors are counting on more reforms to drive gross domestic product growth higher. For the past three years, the country's growth rate has been stuck at around 5%. In the third quarter of this year, the figure came in below Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. 

"Other countries are integrated in the global economy, but in Indonesia, the source of growth is the domestic economy," Basri said. "So even though a global economic recovery is underway, we are stagnant."

If Widodo disappoints investors in 2018, the price could be high, especially with the U.S. expected to further tighten its monetary policy. Foreign funds -- crucial for sustaining economic development -- could flow out of the country.

The president brushes off such concerns, saying his mission is to solve the day-to-day problems of Indonesians. He makes no attempt to hide his "Indonesia first" stance -- a stance that sounds a lot like a re-election strategy.

"We want to fix the country first," he said. "After domestic [issues] are solved, then we will go outside more."

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1) Govt plans Nabire Port expansion as feeder port

2) Papua Regional Govt Claims Residents Already Enjoy Single Fuel Price Program

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1) Govt plans Nabire Port expansion as feeder port

Denpasar | Fri, December 22, 2017 | 10:41 am

Anton Hermansyah The Jakarta Post

The government has announced its plans to develop the Nabire Port in Papua as feeder port for the province, for both cargo and passenger ships.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said on Thursday in Nabire Regency, Papua that the construction to expand the port would start in 2018.

After its expansion, Nabire Port will be able to serve six regencies around Nabire-- Waropen, Paniai, Dogiai, Mimika, Kaimana and Wandama.

"We will start with [building] the container terminal in 2018. [The existing port] will be repaired, expanded and improved upon," Jokowi said in a press release.

Renovations on the passenger terminal would commence later, the President said, adding that the private sector was welcome to take part in the port's development.

"I heard from Regent Isaias Douw that a lot off Nabire's products such as fish, oranges, wood and bananas, are shipped to Surabaya and Makassar," Jokowi said.

He added that the government would build port facilities and offer incentives to attract private investments in Nabire. (bbn)

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http://www.en.netralnews.com/news/business/read/16699/papua.regional.govt.claims.residents.already.enjoy.single.fuel.price.program

2) Papua Regional Govt Claims Residents Already Enjoy Single Fuel Price Program

Sunday, 24 December 2017 | 08:26 WIB

JAKARTA, NNC - The Single Fuel Price program in Papua is already running well. At various points of operation, people enjoy the same price as other regions in Indonesia.

Even if there are obstacles, it is only the supply factor that should be improved. "Mr. Jokowi's program has been good and well run by Pertamina. People have enjoyed the same price," said the Head of General Affairs of Regional Secretariat of Puncak Regency, Ilaga, Firom M Balinal in a release on Saturday (12/23/2017).

According to him, the impact of the same fuel prices is very apparent amid Ilaga community. The price of basic necessities such as vegetables in the market becomes more affordable, children become more enthusiastic in learning at night because the fuel for generator is cheaper, and the economy is more passionate.

Currently there is a need for additional supply, but he is aware that flights to areas that are at an altitude of 7,500 feet are not easy. Fuel must be transported by Air Tractor plane with a capacity of 4KL in once transport.

"Not to mention if the weather is not good, the risk is very high, especially since flights are also serving other routes," Firom said.

Like other points in Papua, the distributor agencies of one fuel price operated by Pertamina in Ilaga, do indeed sell at the same price at IDR6,450 per liter for gasoline (locally known as premium) and IDR5,150 per liter for diesel.

If any sells higher, Firom said, it is done outside the official institutions operated by the SOE. "The supply must be added, because there are also people from outside Ilaga who also bought," he said.

People's need for fuel is very high, not infrequently there are long queues at various official institutions. "In anticipation of this, we from the General Affairs of Regional Secretariat of Puncak regency, in the future plan to impose a coupon system," he added.

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Seasons Greetings

Seasons Greetings

Selamat Hari Natal dan Selamat Tahun Baru dari AWPA

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1) Papua Police destroy thousands of PCC pills

2) Mother`s Day also Day of Mamas: President Jokowi

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/22/papua-police-destroy-thousands-of-pcc-pills.html

1) Papua Police destroy thousands of PCC pills

Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post

Jayapura, Papua | Fri, December 22, 2017 | 11:56 pm

Personnel of the Papua Police’s narcotics division have destroyed 15,000 pills containing a combination of paracetamol, carisoprodol and caffeine (PCC) from an unknown source.

The Papua Police’s narcotics division head Sr. Comr. Ida Agus Komang Ardika said the PCC pills destroyed in an event on Friday were sent from Makassar, South Sulawesi, via a courier service in Jayapura city, Papua. However, the intended recipient failed to appear to pick up the drug package.

“Officers waited for the recipient to come and pick up the package but to no avail; therefore, the pills were confiscated,” said Agus on the sidelines of the event, which was held at the yard of the police’s narcotics division office on Jl. Macan Tutul Dok V Jayapura, Papua, on Friday.

The PCC pills were placed in several packages, with one package containing 50 pills. One strip containing 10 pills has a street value of Rp 300,000 (US$21).

“Usually, the pills are distributed in entertainment venues. People who consume them will feel energized,” said Agus.

Throughout 2017, the narcotics division has so far confiscated 16,000 PCC pills intended for distribution. Most of the pills were sent from Makassar. In Papua, PCC pills are usually distributed in coastal cities, where most nightclubs are located.

Ida Bagus said in 2017, the Papua Police processed 212 drug cases with 261 suspects. Of the total, 164 cases have been taken to court. (ebf)

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/113996/mothers-day-also-day-of-mamas-president-jokowi

2) Mother`s Day also Day of Mamas: President Jokowi

Reporter: antara  

Raja Ampat, W Papua (ANTARA News) - National Mother`s Day that falls on Dec 22 is also the day for all mamas of Papua, according to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

"As Papua is in Indonesia, Papua`s mamas are Indonesian women," the head of state noted in his address while celebrating National Mother`s Day on the Waisai Torang Cinta Beach, here, Friday.

The 89th Mother`s Day is themed "Empowered Women, Great Indonesia."

"Be the mothers of the nation, hi, Indonesian Women. Happy Mothers` Day," Jokowi noted.

Mother`s Day is special for Indonesia, as it is an important celebration for Indonesian women, the country, and the nation. 

"Women in Indonesia should be further empowered since they had participated in the fight for the country`s independence. Hence, I laud the theme of this Mother`s Day," he stated.

The president noted that his Working Cabinet had several women, as there were nine women ministers.

"Hence, in the Working Cabinet, there are nine female ministers. In fact, Indonesia is one of the countries in the world with the largest number of female ministers," he remarked.

The country`s success in the development of women and culture is led by Minister Puan Maharani and the success of its diplomacy is owing to the efforts of Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi.

"In the field of finance, (the country) is led by Sri Mulyani and in maritime affairs and fisheries by Susi Pudjiastuti, a `scary` minister," he remarked.

Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar has been successful in reducing the number of forest fires in Indonesia, Rini Soemarno in the state enterprises field, Nila F. Moeloek in the field of health, and Khofifah Indar Parawansa in the social affairs area, he pointed out. 

"There is women`s empowerment and child protection minister, Mama Yo, or Prof. Yohana Yembise from Papua," he added.

Reported by Joko Susilo 
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/F001) 

Editor: Heru Purwanto

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1) Press Release: Stop the sweeping and attacks against civilians in Nduga, Papua

2) TNI Denies Shooting Civilian in Nduga, Papua

3) WEST PAPUA: Police 'evacuate' Papuan protesters after clash with vigilantes

4) President visits Nabire Hospital

5) Human Rights Activist: The arrival of Jokowi in Nabire is just nonsense

6) President Jokowi attends Mothers Day in Raja Ampat

7) All Papuan villages to receive electricity in 2018: Jokowi

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http://www.tapol.org/news/press-release-stop-sweeping-and-attacks-against-civilians-nduga-papua

1) Press Release: Stop the sweeping and attacks against civilians in Nduga, Papua  

           21 DEC 2017

Five civilians allegedly shot, four were persecuted, two houses were burned by the Indonesian military/police. Press contact details below. 

 

(Papua/Jakarta, 20th December 2017) The Coalition for Justice, Law and Human Rights in the Central Highlands of Papua, Civil Liberty Defenders and the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) request that the Indonesian security forces, militrary and police do not act indiscriminately in the Mugi district of the Nduga regency, Papua.

 

The tense situation in Mugi District resulting from the intimidating the presence of Indonesian military/police officers currently stems from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB) attack on TNI members on December 12, 2017.

 

The incident caused the excavator operator Yovicko Sondak to pass away and one member of Indonesian military, Prada Didimus Abindodifu was injured. This incident led to the sweeping action by the combined Indonesian military and police apparatus. According to the information we received, the sweep was conducted at Daragma Airport, Mugi District, Nduga regency. Using two commercial aircraft, the security forces fired randomly at people coming to the airport as well as toward people's houses and other buildings around Daragma Airport.

 

It is suspected that the "sweeping action" carried out by the security apparatus is done disproportionately and arbitrarily with the motivation to counterattack. The information we received mentioned five were people shot, four civilians were tortured, two houses were burned by the security apparatus and other homes in the vicinity were riddled with bullet holes because of being shot by the combined Indonesian security forces.

 

We also underline that there are three underage children who became victims and some were hit by gunfire while they were at home, this indicates the indiscriminate nature of the Indonesian security forces' shooting.

 

Victims of gunshot wounds: (as indicated by their initials).

 

1. RNN: A Grade 3 High School student, injured by shots in the right thigh.

2. RN: A Civil servant, shot in the thigh.

3. SG (47 years old), hit on the thigh and on the right foot while inside their house.

4. RN (21 years old), shot in the neck. 

5. BK: A Grade 3 High School student, shot in the left arm. Shot while standing in front of their house. The student was shot after the crowd was escaping from gunshots from the airport. The shooting was allegedly carried out by members of the Indonesian military from the Koramil post.

 

Victims of torture (as indicated by their initials):

 

1. RG (Grade 3 High School student, 15 years old)

2. EK (58 years old)

3. AK (54 years old)

4. IN (27 years old) beaten while trying to monitor the situation.

 

Meanwhile, the two houses that were burned were owned by West Papuan people with the initials MG and MK.

After this event took place, access from the Jayawijaya regency to the Nduga regency was blocked and now is only granted through special travel passes which must be obtained through 5 Indonesian military/police guard posts at 5 points: Napua post, Mbua post, Yigi post, Yal post and Mugi post. This greatly obstructs the mobility of people in the area, journalists and advocates to the area.

 

Because of the above events, we from the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights of the Central Highlands of Papua, Civil Liberty Defenders, and KontraS, convey the following:

 

1. Request that the Indonesian military and police stop attacks and disproportionate, sporadic actions against civilians in carrying out sweeps or counter-attacks against TPN-PB in Mugi District, Nduga regency.

2. Urge the Indonesian Police Chief in Papua and the Indonesian Cenderawasih Commander in Papua to withdraw their apparatus from the Nduga regency. This must be done in order for there not to be any more arbitrary and indiscriminate sweeping operations so that people of the area are not traumatized again, the activities of civillians are no longer disrupted and so that the rights to saftey of the residents of Mugi district can be restored and recover.

3. Urge the Indonesian government to ensure that the victims and families of the victims are not intimidated and receive access to good health care and well being care. This includes ensuring recovery efforts for traumatized and fearful people.

4. Request that the Indonesian military and police and TPN-PB both make the situation more conducive so that people can celebrate Christmas in peace.

5. Request that the local government authorities and the Indonesian military/police apparatus help and allow local communities to partake in their activities and mobility. They must also open the widest possible access for humanitarian workers and journalists to provide support and monitoring of the events in the area.

6. Emphasize that the actions of the combined Indonesian authorities are contrary to President Jokowi's pledge to resolve a row of human rights cases in Papua. In fact, this string of cases is now getting even longer.

 

Our regards,

 

Theo Hesegem +6281344553374 & Pastor John Djonga +6285244330182

Coalition for Justice, Law and Human Rights of the Central Highlands of Papua

 

Veronica Koman +628170941833 Civil Liberty Defenders (Jakarta)

 

Yati Andriyani +6281586664599 KontraS (Jakarta)

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https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/12/21/055914283/TNI-Denies-Shooting-Civilian-in-Nduga-Papua

THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER, 2017 | 14:00 WIB

2) TNI Denies Shooting Civilian in Nduga, Papua

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Papua Military Command Area chief Col. Inf. Muhamad Aidi has denied the rumor that the National Armed Forces (TNI) has combed and shot civilians in Mugi District, Nduga Regency, Papua. “The reports are not true whatsoever,” he told Tempo today.

Aidi said that members of the Coalition for Justice, Law and Human Rights of Papua’s Pegunungan Tengah had not launched any investigation to confirm the news about the shooting.

Aidi added that the Coalition needs to conduct an investigation before issuing a report.

Earlier, the Coalition for Justice, Law and Human Rights of Papua’s Pegunungan Tengah reported cases of violence in Mugi District, Nduga Regency, Papua, by the military and police.

Aidi suspects that the report was received from the Free Papua Movement (OPM) to spark unrest. He said that Nduga residents were intimidated by OPM to leave the village, preventing the TNI from seeking information from them on OPM hideouts. “We came there using a commercial airplane and we were shot at,” Aidi said.

Aidi also denied the alleged joint operations with police to comb the region. Mugi District is a mountainous region that is difficult to reach. “There are no cops there, only the TNI,” he said.

A press statement issued by the Coalition for Justice, Law and Human Rights of Papua’s Pegunungan Tengah, Civil Liberty Defenders and the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) says that the tension in Nduga, Papua, started after an attack launched by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB) against TNI personnel on December 12.

The incident killed excavator operator Yovicko Sondak and left military personnel Second Private Didimus Abindodifu wounded. Following the incident, joint security forces combed Daragma Airport in Mugi District, Nduga Regency. But the TNI has denied the combing.

CHITRA PARAMAESTI

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http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/west-papua-police-evacuate-papuan-protesters-after-clash-vigilantes-10057

3) WEST PAPUA: Police 'evacuate' Papuan protesters after clash with vigilantes

By Muhammad Aminudin

Thursday, December 21, 2017 Item: 10057
MALANG, Indonesia (Detik News/Pacific Media Watch): A demonstration by the Papua Student Alliance (AMP) in Indonesia's East Java city of Malang ended in a clash with Pancasila Youth (PP) members who were offended by the protest.

READ MORE: Asia Pacific Report, quoting Free West Papua Campaign sources, reported 66 arrests.

The clash began when scores of AMP students were holding a demonstration demanding the right to self-determination for West Papua in front of the Malang City Hall on Tuesday December 19.

The demonstrators enlivened the action with banners and speeches.

In the middle of the demonstration a New Order group arrived and the situation became chaotic with police attempting to secure the action by trying to keep the two groups apart.

In order to prevent more chaos, police evacuated scores of students away from the location in trucks.

It is suspected that the incident occurred because the second group was offended by the banners brought by demonstrators which had symbols of the Free Papua independence group and displayed the banned Morning Star flag.

The group that arrived also believed that the AMP was being provocative and acting against the spirit of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

'A misunderstanding'
"There was another group that didn't agree with an independent Papua. There was a misunderstanding. We tried to explain to the demonstrators (the students) that much of public opposes their action. We explained this," Malang City district police operational division chief (Kabagops) Police Commander Dodot Dwianto told journalists after securing the action.

Dwianto also claimed that the evacuation of the students was in order to prevent anyone being hurt.

"We considered it from a security perspective, if there are victims then the police could be blamed. So we secured both of them, the Papuan students and the Ormas [mass organisation]", explained Dwianto.

Dwianto said that the police acted quickly in order to prevent a clash between the two groups.

The AMP protesters were taken to the Malang City district police offices in police patrol trucks while the other group was taken to the grounds of the Malang City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD).

The Papuan students were demanding the right to self-determination because they believed this was a democratic step for West Papua. They also called for all Indonesian military (TNI) and police to be withdrawn from West Papua.

"Perhaps there was a notification [of the protests] but the data was incomplete, the demonstrators brought banners that were deemed provocative by the other group. So we secured [the protesters], for the officers who handle permits we will see how the procedures were, whether they were correct," he said.

Editorial note from Indoleft:
Pemuda Pancasila (Pancasila Youth) was established by the army in October 1959, ostensibly to uphold the state ideology of Pancasila. During the anti-communist purge in 1965-66 the group took an active part in the slaughter of Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) members and sympathisers.

Under the New Order dictatorship of former President Suharto the organisation became an association of notorious thugs and petty criminals who carried out dirty work on behalf of the regime.

The organisation still has close ties with various factions of the military and police and has been linked to criminal activities such as racketeering and extortion. In recent years has been involved in a number of violent turf wars with other vigilante groups and attacks on leftist groups and events that it deems to be "pro-communist" or "anti-Pancasila".

Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the article was "Demo Mahasiswa Papua Nyaris Bentrok dengan Kelompok Berseragam PP".

Bahasa Indonesian source: https://news.detik.com/berita-jawa-timur/d-3776593/demo-mahasiswa-papua-nyaris-bentrok-dengan-kelompok-berseragam-pp

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/113968/president-visits-nabire-hospital

4) President visits Nabire Hospital

Reporter: antara  11 hours ago

Nabire, Papua (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), in the company of First Lady Iriana, visited the Regional Public Hospital of Nabire (RSUD Nabire) in Papua on Thursday to obtain first-hand information on medical services at the hospital.

The president arrived at the hospital at 9:40 a.m. East Indonesia Standard Time and was greeted by Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek and Nabire District Head Isaias Douw.

On the occasion, the head of state also signed a certificate of improvement, from level C to B, which had been prepared by the management of the hospital.

Jokowi pointed out that RSUD Nabire was quite clean; thus, the Ministry of Health had prepared to upgrade its level from C to B, so it can serve the community of Nabire and the six surrounding districts.

"This hospital is built jointly by Nabire District, Papua Province, and the Ministry of Health," President Jokowi remarked.

The president also revealed that next year, the Ministry of Health will again prepare funds worth Rp48 billion to procure health equipment, so that the level of the hospital can go up again.

(T.SYS/B/KR-BSR/O001) 

Editor: Heru Purwanto

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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can b e a bit erratic.

Original bahasa link at

http://tabloidjubi.com/artikel-12558-aktivis-ham-kedatangan-jokowi-di-nabire-hanya-omong-kosong.html

 Rabu, 20 Desember 2017 — 16:42

5) Human Rights Activist: The arrival of Jokowi in Nabire is just nonsense

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi,

Nabire, Jubi - The arrival of President Jokowi in Nabire, Papua has been strongly criticized by human rights activists in Nabire and members of the Papuan parliament.

"Yes, the arrival of Jokowi to Nabire is actually not much different from previous arrivals in other areas in Papua, the arrival is just nonsense," said human rights activist in Nabire, Gunawan Inggeruhi, to Jubi, Wednesday (20/12/2017).

Gunawan who is also coordinator of State Finance Monitor (PKN) Nabire region is firmly said he saw this visit there is an interest for the 2019 presidential election later.

"This is the motive of the presidential election of 2019. If it is like this, when will the human rights enforcement will be done," he said in an annoyed tone.

Gunawan said it was unethical and utterly useless for the President's journey to Nabire and went home without touching on human rights issues in Papua.

"If the model is like that, there is no use for human rights enforcement in Papua, especially in Nabire," he said.

Gunawan said that if the President only officially launched some projects, do not blame the people if the next few years will continue to create conflicts.

"And this is because the President is not serious about addressing the Papua issue," he said.

Gunawan added there was a veiled interest from the arrival of the President this time. In addition to inaugurating several projects, there is allegedly an agenda for pemekaran of Central Papua province.

"This will be a problem for the people of Papua, especially in Nabire. Here is still full of corruption. Based on data collected by the PKN team, Nabire is one of the nests and fields of corruption. This is what the President needs to know, "said Gunawan stressed.

Supposedly, continued Gunawan, the President must know the act of corruption and human rights violations in the area of ​​Meepago especially in Nabire becomes important.

"These two things are very sacrificing to the community." Poor people suffered above suffering, "he said.

Representative of Meepago Papua Representative Council (DPRP), John NR Gobai, confirmed what Gunawan Inggeruhi said regarding the case of human rights violations and President Jokowi who only continued to perform the imagery in Papua.

"Yes, the assertiveness of the President's stance on the number of cases of human rights violations which Komnas HAM has declared as gross human rights violations, especially in the case of Paniai Berdarah in 2012, to be resolved but not resolved yet," said John.

John reminded President Jokowi to remember that this is a promise that shows the dignity of the country.

"Yes, inevitably, like it or not, we will continue to demand the President's promise to settle the case," he said. (CR-1 *)

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/113971/president-jokowi-attends-mothers-day-in-raja-ampat

6) President Jokowi attends Mothers Day in Raja Ampat

Reporter: antara  3 hours ago

Sorong, W Papua (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited Waisai of Raja Ampat District, West Papua Province, to attend the commemoration of Mothers Day and enjoy fishing.

Antara reported here on Thursday that Jokowi arrived in Raja Ampat District at 15.30 Eastern Indonesia Time and was welcomed by the Governor of West Papua, Dominggus Mandacan, and the Head District of Raja Ampat, Abdul Faris Umlati.

The president and the First Lady, Iriana Joko Widodo, visited some fishing spots in Saonek Island along with Mandacan and Umlati.

The presidential entourage boarded the CB Kumawa Jade boat, which was driven by Recky Tito Mugama.

According to Mugama, the president enjoyed the fishing trip and the scenic attractions of Raja Ampat.

"The boat`s crews were so proud to escort the president to Saonek Island," he noted.

He expressed hope that the president?s visit to Raja Ampat would contribute to the development of the tourism sites located in West Papua.

Besides, he hoped that the visit can also promote Raja Ampat to the world.

Raja Ampat is a maritime tourism spot located in the northwest of Sorong City in West Papua Province.

The tourism site has beautiful sceneries of coral clusters and several diving spots. 

Reported by Ernes B Kakisina
(Uu.B019/INE)
EDITED BY INE
(UU.B019/B/KR-BSR/A014) 

Editor: Heru Purwanto 

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/21/all-papuan-villages-to-receive-electricity-in-2018-jokowi.html

7) All Papuan villages to receive electricity in 2018: Jokowi

Jakarta | Thu, December 21, 2017 | 06:10 pm

Anton Hermansyah The Jakarta Post

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said his government will electrify villages across Papua and West Papua provinces in 2018.

“I have instructed the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister [Ignasius Jonan], helped by PLN (state-owned electricity firm), to make all land in Papau bright in 2018,” Jokowi said in Nabire Regency, Papua on Wednesday when officiating the operation of the 50-megawatt (MW) feed gas-fired plant (PLTMG) and 20-MW PLTMG in Jayapura.

The President said that currently, about 3,000 villages across the country had not received electricity, 2,000 of which were villages in Papua.

Jokowi explained constructing electricity plants in Papua was more expensive than constructing the plants in other areas due to the geography of the two provinces, which were mostly mountainous.

However, the government will construct such infrastructure for the sake of social justice for people living in the provinces.

“I have been informed that electrifying one village in Papua requires Rp 2 billion (US$140,000), while in other areas, it only requires Rp 1 billion. But the cost is not an issue for the realization of social justice for all Indonesian people,” said the President in a statement issued on Thursday.

Jokowi also promised that his government would also push down the prices of fuels and basic commodities in the province and develop infrastructure such as roads, as well as improve the quality of healthcare facilities and education. (bbn)

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Appeal to help Free Yanto Awerkion!

From Free West Papua Campaign

https://www.freewestpapua.org/2017/12/19/join-our-appeal-to-free-yanto-awerkion/

Join our appeal to help Free Yanto Awerkion!

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Rather than sharing Christmas with his family, West Papuan political prisoner Yanto Awerkion will be spending Christmas day in a prison cell in West Papua – all for signing a petition….

In May 2017, the Indonesian military stormed a peaceful West Papuan prayer gathering meeting and arrested Yanto Awerkion for collecting signatures for the West Papuan people’s petition calling for an internationally supervised vote on West Papuan self-determination (an independence referendum). Since then he has been held for over 6 months without charge, unable to see his wife and baby.

His trial date is set for the 9th January so we only have a few weeks to raise funds to help free Yanto.

Support the Free West Papua Campaign to help free Yanto.

DONATE HERE

On the 31st May 2017, as hundreds of people in Timika were gathered peacefully to hold a prayer and thanksgiving ceremony for the thousands of signatures in the Bomberay region of West Papua, collected manually for the West Papuan People’s Petition, the Indonesian military and police began to surround the church compound.

As soon as the local West Papua National Committee (KNPB) deputy leader, Yanto Awerkion took to the stage, the Indonesian troops raided the compound. They were fully armed and made up of the Indonesian military, police, Detatchment 88 (“Anti Terror” troops), Kopassus (Special Troops) and Intelligence Services.

For 6 months Yanto has been held without charge in prison. He is being told his “crime” of supporting the petition could amount to “treason” and the next 15 years in jail.

During the Christmas period we’ll be busy working with lawyers and activists to represent Yanto and raise awareness of his plight. FWPC will use the money to hire a team to work with us to create a global alert to reach thousands and thousands of people, to create attention on Yanto’s trial, to ensure he has a fair trial, and increase his chances of freedom.

Yanto is one of over 30 political prisoners currently being held in West Papua, for similar acts such as simply holding the West Papua national flag and peacefully advocating for an act of self-determination for West Papua. The Free West Papua Campaign work peacefully to bring awareness of the situation in West Papua by lobbying governments, international media and building international solidarity for West Papua’s right to self-determination, and freedom. Any donation you make will enable us to continue our critical work.

You can donate to help support Yanto and the Free West Papua Campaign’s efforts here. 

If you are in the UK we prefer to help you set up a standing order as 100% of your funds comes directly to us. Please contact us for details.

Thank you

You can also print out this Freedom for Yanto Awerkion poster by clicking on the image below.

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