Monday, September 2, 2019

1) Govt Restricts Foreigners' Access to Papua: Wiranto


2) Wiranto Calls on Indonesians to Unite against Benny Wenda
3) Rp 70 billion needed to repair govt buildings in Papua: Minister
4) TNI Commander Tjahjanto to take office in Papua
5) West Papua police arrest 20 alleged rioters
6) Two named in racist speech case against Papuans
7) Parliament to hold hearing on Papua riots
8) Benny Wenda Criticizes Jokowi, Lauds Gus Dur in Papua
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1) Govt Restricts Foreigners' Access to Papua: Wiranto
Translator: 
 
Editor: 

Markus Wisnu Murti

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has officially announced that it will curb the access of foreign nationals to Papua and West Papua following the recent findings suggesting foreign intervention in the massive demonstrations across the regions in the past several days.
“During a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, we agreed not to open the access for foreign nationals as wide as possible in Papua and West Papua,” said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto in Jakarta on Monday.
The minister said that transparent and non-restrictive access would be regranted after the government quelled “several elements” that had exacerbated the situation in Papua.
“[We will allow it again] after the conditions improve,” said Wiranto.
Earlier, National Police (Polri) Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian acknowledged there were a number of mass-organizations participating in the widespread anarchy across Papua and West Papua. These organizations, he said, were directly linked to foreign intervention, mainly global organizations.
The police chief’s allegations were rooted in the findings of National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) Chief Hinsa Siburian, who claimed there was a social media account backed by foreign parties that intentionally spread false narratives regarding Papua’s conditions.
ANDITA RAHMA
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2) Wiranto Calls on Indonesians to Unite against Benny Wenda
Translator: 
 
Editor: 

Markus Wisnu Murti

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, has seconded the statement of Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, who alleged that Papuan separatist leader Benny Wenda was the mastermind behind the riots in Papua and West Papua.
“I think it is true that Benny Wenda took part in the conspiracy,” said Wiranto at his office on Monday.
Wiranto thus called on the government to fight back against the separatist’s instigations by revealing the facts behind the widespread Papua unrest.
He also accused Benny of spreading false narratives overseas by suggesting that the Indonesian government failed to pay attention to West Papua and Papua as a whole.
“[He talks] as if we have abandoned [Papuans] and violated human rights on a daily basis, such as torture and murders, but all of that is impossible [to take place],” said Wiranto.
Earlier, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko openly accused Benny of orchestrating the Papua unrest.
Meanwhile, as quoted from Tempo English Magazine, September 2-8 edition, the interview with Benny Wenda entitled “No Room for Democracy in Papua” reveals that he instructed Papuans to refrain from participating in the Indonesian independence annual celebrations on August 17.
“I did write a circular several weeks before the Indonesian independence day celebrations. The contents urged Papuans not to join the ceremonies. But the demonstrations in Surabaya, which spread to Papua, were spontaneous. It was the Papuan people who acted,” said Benny Wenda in the exclusive interview with Tempo English Magazine.
ANDITA RAHMA
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3) Rp 70 billion needed to repair govt buildings in Papua: Minister

  • Ni Komang Erviani
    The Jakarta Post
    Nusa Dua   /   Mon, September 2, 2019   /   09:23 pm


Following unrest in Papua, the government is faced with an expensive repair bill in the easternmost province. Around Rp 70 billion (US$4.9 million) will be allocated to fix at least seven government office buildings.
Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono told reporters in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Monday that his ministry would start the work soon. “I will fly to Papua tonight,” he said, adding that the National Police chief and the Indonesian Military (TNI) commander were also heading to Papua on Monday.
Unrest has plagued Papua and West Papua for several weeks, triggered by racist attacks against Papuan students in East Java.
Basuki said the repair work was expected to be complete within one month at the most. “I think, this is different from a tsunami or earthquake. It is not massive [destruction]. It’s sporadic. Hopefully, it will not take too long,” he said on the sidelines of the third World Irrigation Forum.
So far, the ministry has identified seven government office buildings that need to be repaired, including the Papua People’s Assembly (MRP) building, Basuki said, adding that President Joko Widodo had ordered the ministry to restore facilities in Papua as soon as possible.
The minister said he was still calculating the budget needed for the physical work, “Maybe it is around Rp 70 billion.”


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4) TNI Commander Tjahjanto to take office in Papua
4 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto has decided to set up his office in Papua for an indefinite period. "It depends on the developing situation in Papua," the TNI Commander said in Jakarta Monday.

Setting up his office in Papua will facilitate the TNI Commander to take quick decisions.

Regarding the involvement of foreigners in Papua, the TNI Commander revealed that the State Intelligence Agency has a better understanding of the issue.

Nearly 6,000 joint military and police personnel were deployed to secure the easternmost Indonesian provinces.

They were spread out over several areas including Jayapura, Nabire, Paniai, Deiyai, Manokwari, Sorong and Fakfak.

The Sorong Immigration Office in West Papua Province had deported four Australians, who were allegedly involved in a rally in front of the Sorong Municipal Office, the Directorate General of Immigration confirmed earlier.

"Four Australian nationals have indeed been deported for allegedly joining the rally," Chief of the Public Relations Bureau of the Directorate General of Immigration Sam Fernando stated in a brief text message released Monday.

The rally was organized to demand Papuan independence, he stated.

The four Australians were identified as Baxter Tom (37), Davidson Cheryl Melinda (36), Hellyer Danielle Joy (31), and Cobbold Ruth Irene (25).

"The four Australian nationals were deported today from the Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong City," he noted. (INE)

EDITED BY INE

Related news: Sorong Immigration Office deports four Australians from West Papua

Related news: Two named in racist speech case against Papuans

Related news: Police confirm death toll reaches four in Papua's communal clashes
Reporter: Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf

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5) West Papua police arrest 20 alleged rioters
8 hours ago

Manokwari, W Papua (ANTARA) - The West Papua Police arrested 20 suspected of scorching and vandalizing buildings as well as looting properties during violent protests against the recent Surabaya incident in Manokwari, Sorong, and Fakfak on August 19-21, 2019.

Police investigators continued their search for other suspected rioters in the three cities, Spokesman of the West Papua Police headquarters Adjunct Senior Commissioner Mathias Krey informed journalists in Manokwari on Monday.

"The number of suspects may increase. The police investigators continue to work on this case in Manokwari, Sorong, and Fakfak," Krey remarked, adding that 10 of the 20 suspects were allegedly involved in the Manokwari rioting on August 19.

Seven other suspects were caught in Sorong for their alleged acts of violence in Sorong, while the three others were allegedly involved in a violent protest erupting in Fakfak, Krey noted.

On August 19, several thousand people in Manokwari, West Papua Province, and Jayapura, Papua Province, had protested to voice their discontent over alleged racist action against Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang, East Java.

During the rally in Manokwari, a local parliamentary building was set ablaze. The rioters also torched tires in several parts of the city and main streets.

However, National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian confirmed that normalcy was restored in Manokwari. He also ordered the police chiefs of Papua and West Papua to adopt security measures and avoid the use of excessive force.

Related news: Police confirm death toll reaches four in Papua's communal clashes

In another development, clashes between two groups, who opposed and supported the violent rallies that erupted after the rioting in Jayapura, the capital city of Papua Province, on August 29, claimed four lives.

"We are optimistic of no more communal clashes triggering new cases," Jayapura City Police Chief Adjunct Sen. Coms Gustav Urbinas remarked while commenting on the spate of violence that broke out in the aftermath of the rioting on August 29.

Speaking in connection with the clashes that not only claimed the lives of four residents but also wounded several people, Urbinas could not as yet divulge details about the exact figure of people, who had sustained minor and serious injuries.

The police will, at no cost, allow perpetrators of violent acts and sweeping operations to go scot-free.

"No reason is justifiable for committing acts of violence, and we are taking stern actions against them," he stated.

The Jayapura city police have, until now, arrested five residents for carrying sharp weapons, he revealed, adding that normalcy had gradually been restored in the city, and the residents had resumed their day-to-day activities.

Several shopping malls and shops that withstood the recent rioting reopened, while the wreckage and debris of destroyed buildings began to be cleared up.

A spate of violence erupted in several parts of Papua and West Papua in the upshot of the alleged racist slurs against the Papuan students in Surabaya, East Java, on August 16, 2019, that had triggered public ire among native Papuans. Related news: Sorong Immigration Office deports four Australians from West Papua

Related news: Legislator called for stringent law enforcement in Papua

EDITED BY INE
Reporter: Toyiban, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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6) Two named in racist speech case against Papuans
5 hours ago
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government has named two suspects and suspended five military personnel for the racist speech against Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang, East Java, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto stated. "We have named two suspects Tri Susanti and Saiful. Both were charged with multiple cases," Wiranto said here Monday.

The two suspects were charged under Article 45A and Article 28 Law no. 19/2016 for electronic information and transaction.

The authorities have also suspended five personnel of the East Java Military Command for allegedly violating military discipline.

Meanwhile, in some regions of Papua, the police has named suspects in the unrest in the easternmost provinces that consist of 28 suspects in Jayapura, 10 suspects in Manokwari, seven suspects in Sorong, and one suspect in Fakfak.

Demonstrations were held in several parts of Papua and West Papua in the past week against alleged racist slurs targeting Papuan students in Surabaya, East Java, on August 16.

Thousands of people took to the streets in the West Papua provincial capital of Manokwari and the Papua provincial capital of Jayapura in protest.

The rallies took a violent turn, with some demonstrators damaging and setting ablaze several government buildings. (INE)

EDITED BY INE

Related news: West Papua police arrest 20 alleged rioters

Related news: Sorong Immigration Office deports four Australians from West Papua
Reporter: Rangga Pandu AJ, Sri Haryati8
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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7) Parliament to hold hearing on Papua riots
 5 hours ago

Painan, West Sumatra (ANTARA) - The Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) will invite the Commander of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), the Minister of Defense, among others, for a hearing to discuss the situation in Papua Island.

"The hearing will be organized Monday, September 9, 2019," Darizal Basir, member of the Commission I, said while conducting a working visit to Painan, West Sumatra, Monday. During the hearing, Indonesia's lawmakers wish to understand the measures taken by the government after the riots erupted in Papua and the rehabilitation plans for public facilities damaged by the protesters.

The House will also question the stance of the Joko Widodo administration concerning the hoisting of morning star flags in front of the State Palace in Jakarta recently.

"We are very concerned with the two happenings. We push the government to play an active role in dealing with the problems," he said.

Related news: Police confirm death toll reaches four in Papua's communal clashes
 

Earlier, Prof Hikmahanto Juwana of the University of Indonesia urged the government to act firmly against any foreigners involved in the incident.

"The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, the National Police Chief, and the Chief of Presidential Staff referred to the involvement of foreigners in the incident in Papua," Juwana said.

Those categorized as foreigners are citizens of other countries who sympathize with Papuans and those living outside Indonesia, as well as foreigners staying in Papua supporting a separatist movement there.

Meanwhile, the West Papua Police arrested 20 suspects for torching and vandalizing buildings as well as looting properties during the violent protests against the recent Surabaya incident in Manokwari, Sorong, and Fakfak from August 19 to 21, 2019.

Police investigators continued their search for other suspected rioters in the three cities, Spokesman of the West Papua Police headquarters Adjunct Senior Commissioner Mathias Krey informed journalists in Manokwari Monday.

"The number of suspects may increase. The police investigators continue to work on this case in Manokwari, Sorong, and Fakfak," Krey remarked, adding that 10 of the 20 suspects were allegedly involved in the Manokwari rioting August 19.

Seven other suspects were arrested in Sorong for alleged acts of violence there, while three others were allegedly involved in a violent protest in Fakfak, Krey noted.

Related news: West Papua police arrest 20 alleged rioters

On August 19, several thousand people in Manokwari, West Papua Province, and Jayapura, Papua Province, were protesting the alleged racist action against Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang, East Java when violence erupted.

During the rally in Manokwari, a local parliamentary building was set ablaze. The rioters also torched tires in several parts of the city and main streets.

However, National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian confirmed that normalcy was restored in Manokwari. He also ordered the police chiefs of Papua and West Papua to adopt security measures and avoid the use of excessive force.

Related news: Sorong Immigration Office deports four Australians from West Papua
Related news: President orders crackdown on rioting, anarchy in Papua
Reporter: Miko Elfisha, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati



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8) Benny Wenda Criticizes Jokowi, Lauds Gus Dur in Papua

Translator: Dewi Elvia Muthiariny   
Editor: Petir Garda Bhwana 
2 September 2019 12:22 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, slammed the approaches taken by the country’s elites to Papua, including President Joko Widodo or Jokowi. Benny said the President did not solve the major problem in the province despite his frequent visits and the people’s sympathy.
According to Benny, the military presence in the region did not represent Jokowi’s stance. “No Indonesian President has understood Papua's problems like Gus Dur,” said Benny as quoted from Tempo Magazine edition of September 2-8, 2019.
Two months and ten days after inaugurated, the fourth Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur changed the province’s name from Irian Jaya to Papua.
The initial name meant naked in the Arabic language as Arabian people who came to the island discovered natives were unclothed.

Besides, Gus Dur allowed Bintang Kejora or morning star flag to be raised so long it is under the Indonesian flag. “No one used the name of Papua. Only Gus Dur dared to stand up for Papua. He also considers Bintang Kejora as our cultural symbol,” said Benny.
He said that such a humanist approach is necessary for Papuan, rather than a development project which is under military monitoring. With those several criticisms, Benny added, he will continue to lobby international forums to support the referendum agenda.
Indonesia as the United Nations Security Council non-permanent member, he went on, must learn from neighboring countries. For example, France that gave New Caledonia a chance to hold a referendum or Great Britain, which held a referendum [to decide] on whether to leave the European Union.
“The Papuan nation must be given the chance to choose,” Benny Wenda remarked.
DEWI NURITA
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