2) Indonesia ready to form new 'South Papua' province: Home Minister
3) Papua's new iconic tourist attraction Youtefa Bridge opens to public
4) 385 Wamena riot survivors keen to return to city: military
5) PMC director blasts politicians, media over ‘shameful silence’ on West Papua
1) Bridge to truth and justice
Editorial Board The Jakarta Post
Jakarta / Wed, October 30, 2019 / 08:54 am
In a show of his care for Papua, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited the easternmost territory Monday for his first outing since assuming office for his second term on Oct. 20. He danced with native Papuans, opened a bridge and promised more infrastructure development to improve the wellbeing of the people there.
He also went to Wouma Market in Wamena, the capital of the Papua highland regency of Jayawijaya, where The Jakarta Post found in an investigation that many non-native Papuans were killed in fires and native Papuans were shot to death in communal violence on Sept. 23. Regrettably, Jokowi did not say a single word about the tragedy, let alone the deadly shots that allegedly involved the Indonesian Military and the National Police, which had been sent to stop the riot.
Many native Papuans wounded in the violence did not go to the regional hospital for fear of unfair arrest, the Post discovered. Without narratives about truth and justice, Jokowi looks to play down the violence in Wamena last month as no more than buildings on fire and bickering between people. What happened in the town was a representation of multiple layers of inequality, injustice, lies and denial that had accumulated for decades.
There are native Papuans who have started to question whether the infrastructure was built for them or to facilitate the businesses of non-native Papuans. In fact, development in Papua has not only resulted in disparity between the natives and migrants, but has also dramatically changed the demographic landscape. The latest census in 2010 found that non-natives accounted for 22.8 percent of the Papua population, with more urban areas showing the trend of migrants outnumbering indigenous people.
Without truth and justice, especially for native Papuans, development of infrastructure such as roads, seaports, airports and bridges would only worsen inequality. The special autonomy for Papua mandates affirmative actions for indigenous people, but they are simply unprepared to compete with migrants.
When the government refuses to talk about the lives lost in numerous incidents in Papua, in Wamena, Nduga and elsewhere, they are sending a message of disrespect for human lives and dignity.
After the escalating antiracism movement in Papua recently, Jokowi should have changed his approach in dealing with Papua. His signature infrastructure development for Papuans does not amount to a token of respect they deserve after all those unsolved alleged human rights violations. As if to add insult to injury, the central government is considering yet again formation of new provinces in Papua as a quick fix to calm aspirations for a referendum.
Building a bridge to truth and justice is all that will win the Papuan people’s hearts and minds. Jokowi can start with, for example, setting up a commission for truth and reconciliation as mandated by the 2008 Law on special autonomy for Papua.
In his first official visit to Papua after his reelection, Jokowi glaringly missed a golden chance to mend ties between Jakarta and Papua. But it’s not too late for Jokowi to regain the trust of the Papuans. What matters the most is his will.
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2) Indonesia ready to form new 'South Papua' province: Home Minister
News Desk The Jakarta Post
Jakarta / Wed, October 30, 2019 / 05:52 pm
Indonesia is ready to establish a new province called South Papua in the country’s easternmost territory, which is currently divided into the two provincial administrations of Papua and West Papua, a minister has said.
Following his visit to the region with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo over the weekend, Home Minister Tito Karnavian said he had received proposals from local figures about the establishment of two new provinces, namely South Papua and Pegunungan Tengah Papua.
“The central government might only accommodate the establishment of two provinces. We are currently mulling over this matter,” Tito said as quoted by kompas.com. “However, it’s already OK for South Papua [to become a new province].”
Although the government is still imposing a moratorium on the establishment of new provinces and districts, Tito said the government would thoroughly consider the proposals of the Papuans.
Tito also admitted that he had already met with Merauke Regent Frederikus Gebze to discuss matters related to the establishment of a new province.
If the plan is to be realized, Merauke was among the regencies in the southern part of Papua that would be designated as part of a new South Papua province. The remaining were Mappi, Boven Digoel and Asmat regencies.
“[Papua] Governor Lukas Enembe said he has no problem with [the establishment] of a South Papua province,” Tito said.
As for Merauke itself, Tito said the regency would be divided into two areas, such as Merauke city and Merauke regency.
Meanwhile, areas in Papua’s highlands to be designated under the proposed Pegunungan Tengah Papua Province were Mepago in Paniai and Lapago in Wamena, Jayawijaya regency, he said.
However, so far there was no certainty about the matter as local administration leaders in the highlands had yet to reach a conclusion about the plan. (dpk)
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3) Papua's new iconic tourist attraction Youtefa Bridge opens to public
9 hours ago
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), during his 13th visit to Papua on Oct 28, 2019, inaugurated Youtefa Bridge connecting the provincial capital Jayapura with Muara Tami District and Skouw sharing border with neighboring Papua New Guinea.
The bridge is far from ordinary since it spans stunning Youtefa Bay that has scenic beauty and serene environment as well as is surrounded by the Pie and Saweri Capes.
From the bridge, visitors can also spot Tobati Strait measuring only some 300 meters wide and providing access to Yos Sudarso Bay and also to the seas.
The Youtefa Bay area is indeed a destination for those looking to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The scenic beauty also presents a plethora of options for photography.
Tourists will also come across a sago forest and a majestic green mangrove forest there, two striking rivers called Entrop and Acai, and beautiful isles located in the middle of the bay.
Another unique natural attraction found in the Youtefa Bay area is a natural field called Arising and Sinking field since the spot is only visible during low tide and vanishes from sight during high tide.
As most land areas in Youtefa are still forested, several species of flora and fauna are also found, such as various types of insects, reptiles, mammals, Lorius Lori exotic bird, and long-tailed monkeys.
Members of Papua tribes live in traditional villages called Tobati and Enggros surrounding the bay.
The work to construct Youtefa Bridge, also prevalently known as Holtekamp Bridge, began in 2015 and cost some Rp943.6 billion, with the objective of boosting the province's economic development.
It will cut short the time required to reach Skouw border from Jayapura, from 2.5 hours to 60 minutes.
The bridge was constructed by a consortium of state construction companies: PT PP, PT Hutama Karya, and PT Nindya Karya.
"I am upbeat about this Youtefa Bridge being cared about and kept clean," President Jokowi remarked while inaugurating this 732-meter-long and 21-meter-wide bridge.
In the meantime, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Wempi Wetipo had earlier stated that the construction of Youtefa Bridge is part of President Jokowi's commitment to speeding up infrastructure development in Papua Province.
Hence, Wetipo urged the people, at large, especially those residing in Jayapura, the capital city of Papua, to maintain this long bridge.
"Please take care of this bridge. Do not vandalize it again. This is proof of a president's commitment to us," he noted, adding that President Jokowi truly cares for the rapid development of infrastructure facilities in Papua.
Wetipo drew attention to President Jokowi's focus on Papua also being apparent from the appointment of native Papuans, including himself, as his cabinet members.
Moreover, President Jokowi, during a meeting with several Papuan figures in Jakarta, discussed the possibility of erecting a Presidential Palace and Dormitory of Archipelago in Jayapura, the capital city of Papua Province.
Abisai Rollo, revered figure of the Port Numbay customary community, stated that construction of a presidential palace in Papua was one of the 10 requests conveyed by the Papuan figures during the meeting with the president.
Rollo affirmed he had provided 10 hectares of land to the state to build the Indonesian Presidential Palace, the work for which will commence in 2020.
The fact that Jokowi has visited Papua 13 times since December 2014 mirrors his administration’s special attention to the development programs in the country's easternmost province.
Jokowi undertook his first visit in December 2014, just over a month after being sworn in as Indonesia's seventh president in October 2014. During that time, the president promised the Papuans that he will pay frequent visits to the province.
His latest visit to Papua and West Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost provinces, took place on Oct 27-28, 2019, or just a week after his second-term presidential inauguration on Oct 20.
The Jokowi administration has developed various types of infrastructure, such as airports and roads on Papua Island, including a Trans-Papua road, spanning 4.6 thousand kilometers, which is expected to boost connectivity on Papua Island.
The Trans-Papua road cuts short the time needed for the transportation of goods, logistics, and people's movement in Papua, which has difficult terrain, as a large part of its land area is still covered by thick forest and swamps.
The government has allocated sufficient funds, reaching Rp85.7 trillion, for development programs in Papua.
Development activities in Papua face various security challenges, but the government is determined that the development programs should nonetheless continue.
Despite security challenges and the soaring cost, the government remains committed to building infrastructure in Papua, including the power lines, to realize social welfare, Jokowi had earlier remarked.
Furthermore, he also reminded that development in Papua should be in line with human rights values and good governance in addition to maintaining the local traditions and involving local communities. Related news: President Jokowi inaugurates Youtefa Bridge in Jayapura
Related news: Jayapura offers "Tour The Youtefa" package
EDITED BY INE
The bridge is far from ordinary since it spans stunning Youtefa Bay that has scenic beauty and serene environment as well as is surrounded by the Pie and Saweri Capes.
From the bridge, visitors can also spot Tobati Strait measuring only some 300 meters wide and providing access to Yos Sudarso Bay and also to the seas.
The Youtefa Bay area is indeed a destination for those looking to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The scenic beauty also presents a plethora of options for photography.
Tourists will also come across a sago forest and a majestic green mangrove forest there, two striking rivers called Entrop and Acai, and beautiful isles located in the middle of the bay.
Another unique natural attraction found in the Youtefa Bay area is a natural field called Arising and Sinking field since the spot is only visible during low tide and vanishes from sight during high tide.
As most land areas in Youtefa are still forested, several species of flora and fauna are also found, such as various types of insects, reptiles, mammals, Lorius Lori exotic bird, and long-tailed monkeys.
Members of Papua tribes live in traditional villages called Tobati and Enggros surrounding the bay.
The work to construct Youtefa Bridge, also prevalently known as Holtekamp Bridge, began in 2015 and cost some Rp943.6 billion, with the objective of boosting the province's economic development.
It will cut short the time required to reach Skouw border from Jayapura, from 2.5 hours to 60 minutes.
The bridge was constructed by a consortium of state construction companies: PT PP, PT Hutama Karya, and PT Nindya Karya.
"I am upbeat about this Youtefa Bridge being cared about and kept clean," President Jokowi remarked while inaugurating this 732-meter-long and 21-meter-wide bridge.
In the meantime, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Wempi Wetipo had earlier stated that the construction of Youtefa Bridge is part of President Jokowi's commitment to speeding up infrastructure development in Papua Province.
Hence, Wetipo urged the people, at large, especially those residing in Jayapura, the capital city of Papua, to maintain this long bridge.
"Please take care of this bridge. Do not vandalize it again. This is proof of a president's commitment to us," he noted, adding that President Jokowi truly cares for the rapid development of infrastructure facilities in Papua.
Wetipo drew attention to President Jokowi's focus on Papua also being apparent from the appointment of native Papuans, including himself, as his cabinet members.
Moreover, President Jokowi, during a meeting with several Papuan figures in Jakarta, discussed the possibility of erecting a Presidential Palace and Dormitory of Archipelago in Jayapura, the capital city of Papua Province.
Abisai Rollo, revered figure of the Port Numbay customary community, stated that construction of a presidential palace in Papua was one of the 10 requests conveyed by the Papuan figures during the meeting with the president.
Rollo affirmed he had provided 10 hectares of land to the state to build the Indonesian Presidential Palace, the work for which will commence in 2020.
The fact that Jokowi has visited Papua 13 times since December 2014 mirrors his administration’s special attention to the development programs in the country's easternmost province.
Jokowi undertook his first visit in December 2014, just over a month after being sworn in as Indonesia's seventh president in October 2014. During that time, the president promised the Papuans that he will pay frequent visits to the province.
His latest visit to Papua and West Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost provinces, took place on Oct 27-28, 2019, or just a week after his second-term presidential inauguration on Oct 20.
The Jokowi administration has developed various types of infrastructure, such as airports and roads on Papua Island, including a Trans-Papua road, spanning 4.6 thousand kilometers, which is expected to boost connectivity on Papua Island.
The Trans-Papua road cuts short the time needed for the transportation of goods, logistics, and people's movement in Papua, which has difficult terrain, as a large part of its land area is still covered by thick forest and swamps.
The government has allocated sufficient funds, reaching Rp85.7 trillion, for development programs in Papua.
Development activities in Papua face various security challenges, but the government is determined that the development programs should nonetheless continue.
Despite security challenges and the soaring cost, the government remains committed to building infrastructure in Papua, including the power lines, to realize social welfare, Jokowi had earlier remarked.
Furthermore, he also reminded that development in Papua should be in line with human rights values and good governance in addition to maintaining the local traditions and involving local communities. Related news: President Jokowi inaugurates Youtefa Bridge in Jayapura
Related news: Jayapura offers "Tour The Youtefa" package
EDITED BY INE
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4) 385 Wamena riot survivors keen to return to city: military
14 hours ago
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Some 385 survivors of the recent Wamena rioting are eager to return to Jayawijaya District’s capital city following President Joko Widodo’s working visit to the city, XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command spokesman Col Eko Daryanto stated.
The survivors also believe that Wamena's security situation has been restored, he revealed in a press statement that ANTARA received in Jayapura, the capital city of Papua Province, on Tuesday.
To this end, Social Affairs Minister Juliari P. Batubara has appealed to Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto to facilitate the Wamena riot survivors looking to get back to the city, he stated.
"In response to this request, TNI Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto has ordered us at the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command and Silas Papare Air Base in Jayapura to provide the Indonesian Air Force Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft for three days," he noted.
Owing to the secure and conducive condition, the Wamena riot survivors are keen to return to the city. This will aid in restoring the city's economy, Eko Daryanto remarked, adding that the TNI will help transport them to Wamena.
President Widodo's visit to Wamena was aimed at ensuring a secure situation in the city, and he had also ordered the related authorities to conclude the reconstruction of Wouma Market within two weeks.
Related news: TNI AU Hercules plane transports 88 refugees back to Wamena
On Oct 10, TNI Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto had made a solemn promise to facilitate the survivors of the recent Wamena rioting seeking refuge in Jayapura and several other cities of Papua keen on returning to Wamena.
The TNI commander had readied the Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft for transporting people looking to return to Wamena hit by a deadly riot on Sept 23.
The Wamena rioting has caused misery to scores of Indonesians. The incident not only resulted in the killing of 33 innocent civilians but it also left several thousand survivors with no option but to take refuge by abandoning their burned and destroyed properties.
Several survivors, initially from provinces, including West Sumatra, South Sulawesi, East Java, and Banten, have also returned to their hometowns.
The rioting was fueled by the spread of hoaxes through social media platforms that infuriated its residents, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Rudolf A. Rodja stated.
Several local media reports corroborated Rodja's claim that the riot was spurred by hoaxes concerning a teacher's racist slur against native Papuan students.
Related news: Jokowi instructs to expedite post-riot rehabilitation work in Wamena
Related news: Jokowi urged to rebuild properties in Jayapura, Wamena
EDITED BY INE
The survivors also believe that Wamena's security situation has been restored, he revealed in a press statement that ANTARA received in Jayapura, the capital city of Papua Province, on Tuesday.
To this end, Social Affairs Minister Juliari P. Batubara has appealed to Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto to facilitate the Wamena riot survivors looking to get back to the city, he stated.
"In response to this request, TNI Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto has ordered us at the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command and Silas Papare Air Base in Jayapura to provide the Indonesian Air Force Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft for three days," he noted.
Owing to the secure and conducive condition, the Wamena riot survivors are keen to return to the city. This will aid in restoring the city's economy, Eko Daryanto remarked, adding that the TNI will help transport them to Wamena.
President Widodo's visit to Wamena was aimed at ensuring a secure situation in the city, and he had also ordered the related authorities to conclude the reconstruction of Wouma Market within two weeks.
Related news: TNI AU Hercules plane transports 88 refugees back to Wamena
On Oct 10, TNI Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto had made a solemn promise to facilitate the survivors of the recent Wamena rioting seeking refuge in Jayapura and several other cities of Papua keen on returning to Wamena.
The TNI commander had readied the Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft for transporting people looking to return to Wamena hit by a deadly riot on Sept 23.
The Wamena rioting has caused misery to scores of Indonesians. The incident not only resulted in the killing of 33 innocent civilians but it also left several thousand survivors with no option but to take refuge by abandoning their burned and destroyed properties.
Several survivors, initially from provinces, including West Sumatra, South Sulawesi, East Java, and Banten, have also returned to their hometowns.
The rioting was fueled by the spread of hoaxes through social media platforms that infuriated its residents, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Rudolf A. Rodja stated.
Several local media reports corroborated Rodja's claim that the riot was spurred by hoaxes concerning a teacher's racist slur against native Papuan students.
Related news: Jokowi instructs to expedite post-riot rehabilitation work in Wamena
Related news: Jokowi urged to rebuild properties in Jayapura, Wamena
EDITED BY INE
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