Saturday, November 30, 2019

1) Coffin protest to highlight violence in West Papua


2) Refugees on their own land: the West Papuans in limbo in Papua New Guinea
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1) Coffin protest to highlight violence in West Papua

A group calling for an end to violence in West Papua say they have received threats in the lead-up to a protest at Parliament today, where they will display 57 coffins painted in West Papuan colours.

Many New Zealanders don't know much about the conflict in West Papua, but are supportive when they are told about it, a protest organiser says.  Photo: Supplied
Members of the West Papua Action Aotearoa hīkoi have travelled from Dunedin, Christchurch and Auckland to protest at what they say is a regime of human rights violations against the West Papuan people by Indonesia, who took over in 1963. They will be joined by members of the Peace Movement Aotearoa at Parliament.
At least 10 people were killed in September in clashes involving Papuan demonstrators, which prompted New Zealand's Foreign Ministry to express concerns to the Indonesian government.
One of the protest organisers, Jeremy Simons, said the conflict was the most violent struggle happening in the Pacific, and while many New Zealanders didn't know much about it, many were supportive when told about it.
However, the group is distressed after online threats were made to a New Zealand citizen involved in organising the protest and posting information about the West Papuan cause online.
"That has been one of our concerns, because amongst Kiwi advocates, in all the years they've been advocating they've said none of them have actually received threats, so this is a significant development, we believe, in this advocacy that a New Zealand citizen would be a target of that.
"It is significant because it makes you start to question things, and look over your shoulder and wonder, because the Papuan students themselves are already afraid and concerned and their families can get threatened back home."
Mr Simons says while the protest has the support of Papuans here, they have told the group they cannot join in, because of fears for their welfare and that of their families back home.

Threats reported to police

The threats were reported to police, but the group was disappointed by their response.
"She was told just simply to cancel her social media accounts if she was concerned, which just puts it back on her rather than the government and law enforcement taking it seriously."
In a statement to RNZ, police said anyone who saw concerning material online or felt threatened in any way should contact them immediately on 111 to report it.
They said with regard to the threats made to the protest organiser, police would need a privacy waiver from her before they could make any comment.
Mr Simons said it was unclear if the threats were from an individual or a group, but it showed the effect of the political unrest "extends across borders".
Interest in the cause had been particularly strong among Pasifika students here, he said.
"It's a wide range of people who are concerned, but the numbers just shot up among the Pacific Island networks.
"There's a rising consciousness among students here about their connections and the obligations we have to students in West Papua.”


                                         The group will 
walk with coffins to the NZ Parliament. Photo: Supplied
The group will present a petition to the New Zealand government to put pressure on Indonesia for a ceasefire between its military, and activists, or to send New Zealand MPs to the area to observe the situation.
"The New Zealand government has a significant role and actually a unique place and role to play as a local neighbour that could take a stronger stand for human rights, for indigenous people's rights, but also to play perhaps an intermediary role to achieve a political solution between West Papua, and the different groups that are struggling against the Indonesian government."
He hopes signatures on a petition on the Change.org website entitled One Thousand Voices for West Papua will exceed 2000 signatories.
"People are really surprised and shocked to hear about what's been happening, and many people have never heard about the West Papuan issue in spite of the fact it's been over 50 years of struggle, and great suffering by the Papuan people."
Tomorrow the group plan to raise a West Papuan Morning Star flag at Parliament, an offence that has resulted in jail time for protesters in Indonesia. Then they will walk with the coffins to the Indonesian Embassy.
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2) Refugees on their own land: the West Papuans in limbo in Papua New Guinea

While news of the violence against West Papuans makes news, West Papuan refugees face less dramatic grinding hardships of displacement and sickness. Photograph: Jo Chandler/The Guardian
Up to 7,000 West Papuans live in refugee villages, separated from their homeland by the wide, despoiled Fly River
It’s 35 years since Agapitus Kiku decided he didn’t want a future without freedom.
As a young man he’d been pressed into a work gang, bristling under the watch of Indonesian soldiers whose authority over his tribal country, in the south-east corner of the vast contested province then called Irian Jaya, he refused to recognise.
He saw no prospects for finding the work he wanted in forestry or mining. Those jobs went to soldiers, he says, or to the Javanese settlers pouring in through the transmigration program which the Dutch administration had begun and the Indonesians continued…………………………..

1) Commemoration of December 1, ELSHAM asked TNI / Polri to respect the law


2) KNPB asks for a warning on December 1 filled with worship
3) Indonesia takes precautionary measure on Free Papua Movement anniversary
4) Mahfud Md Holds Dialogue with Papuan Figures 
5) Painting Morning Star in his own house, Ricky Karel Jakarmilena subject to ITE Law
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at

1) Commemoration of December 1, ELSHAM asked TNI / Polri to respect the law


oto illustration, Papuans dance waita after raising the Morning Star flag during the 1 December commemoration on 2017. - Jubi / Doc

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi

Jayapura, Jubi - Director of the Human Rights Advocacy Study Institute Pdt. Matheus Adadikam responded to the growing discourse and issues about the declaration of the establishment of the state of West Papua on December 1, 1961 which was commemorated on Sunday (1/12/2019).

It was stated that the people of Papua would conduct healing services and longmarch to commemorate the historic day.
To respond to this, Adadikam asserted, in accordance with the 1945 Constitution article 28E paragraphs 1 and 3, Law Number 9 of 1998 Concerning Independence Expressing Opinions and the ICCPR Convention ratified by Indonesia in 2006 guarantees citizens to express, gather, worship, express an opinion.

In addition, Article 28E of the 1945 Constitution verse 1 concerning Freedom of Religion and Worship According to His Religion, and Article 28E of the 1945 Constitution, paragraph 3 concerning Freedom of Association and Gathering, Spending Thoughts with Oral and Writing.

He also asked the TNI / Polri not to injure the recovery service by acting against the law.

"TNI / Polri are asked not to overreact to the people who express themselves with respect to the provisions in handling mass groups," he said as written statement received by Jubi, Saturday (11/30/2019).

While one of the Lapago traditional leaders, Agus Rawa Kogoya, in a statement received by Jubi appealed to the Papuan people not to make speeches on the streets.

"December 1, if you want to celebrate, please go to the headquarters (OPM) itself," said Kogoya, Thursday (11/28/2019).

He also called on all parties not to issue regulations that could have the potential to escalate the conflict, but a statement that calms the public.

He said, Papua is a land of peace that has been echoed for a long time, and this has become a joint commitment, so it should be agreed upon and heeded by not spreading incorrect information.

"We have said that Papua is a land of peace. Especially on December 1 is preparation for Christmas for us Christians (Christians), "he said.

Agus advised people to pray at their homes, not by gathering in the streets.

"Don't make something that can damage security that can cause casualties. I, as a leader of one of the Lapago indigenous areas, issued a general appeal and I hope that all indigenous territories can maintain security stability, especially on December 1, "he said.

Kogoya claimed to have coordinated with the TNI / Polri to continue to carry out their duties and functions to provide comfort to the community.

"Maintaining security is not only from the security forces but from community leaders, youth and all components of the community must take part in maintaining common security so that Papua can be safe and peaceful," he said.

"For our brothers and sisters, the TPN / OPM should not have any armed contact this December 1, but let's pray in our respective regions. Once again, I stress that no one should provoke situations that could result in casualties. Enough was what happened yesterday, "he said. (*)

 

Editor: Kristianto Galuwo
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at

2) KNPB asks for a warning on December 1 filled with worship
 
                               KNPB member of Yahukimo Region when showing leaflets - Jubi / Piter Lokon.

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi

Dekai, Jubi - The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) in the Yahukimo Region appealed to the Papuan people in Yahukimo to commemorate the Day of Free Papua Political Manifesto with worship. This appeal was made by the Chairman of the KNPB Yahukimo Region, Sengbert Bahabol.

"It is appealed to the Yahukimo people to commemorate the 58th anniversary of the Papuan Political Manifesto on December 1, 2019. Worship will be held in their respective Gerja throughout the cities of Dekai or Yahukimo," Chairman of the KNPB Yahukimo Region told Jubi reporters on Tuesday (30/30) 11/2019).


 
He said, the commemoration service is important to pray for the future generations of Papuans to not forget the history of the Papuan people.

"We will pray that the younger generation do not or do not forget the history of Free Papua. Because December 1 is an important moment for the Papuan people, certain services will still be held in the Yahukimo area, "said the KNPB Chairman in the Yahukimo Region.

He also reminded the public not to be easily provoked by provocations brought by certain parties to provoke riots.

"That is a third party who wants to sacrifice the people of Papua, so we want to emphasize that if there are people who see it, it must be secured or immediately report it and ask for information. "Not only the flag, but there is an appeal that is not from the management, it means that we need to ask questions and can contact the KNPB management," said the Chairperson.

Meanwhile Chief of Police Yahukimo, AKBP Angling Guntoro said he had prepared troops to stand guard on December 1 tomorrow. He said, the Government, Pol PP, TNI and Polri had held a joint rally on Wednesday 27 November 2019.

"It is suggested that the community does not have other activities, because tomorrow is Sunday so please worship," said Yahukimo Police Chief.

He added, if there were activities which resisted and disturbed the Kamtibmas, the TNI and Polri would secure the perpetrators of the riots.

"We will patrol a large city in this city so that no community can break the law and create a kamtibmas situation in Yahukimo," said the Guntoro police chief. (*)

Editor: Edho Sinaga

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3) Indonesia takes precautionary measure on Free Papua Movement anniversary
Source: Xinhua| 2019-11-30 22:12:06|Editor: xuxin

JAKARTA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian military and police will dispatch personnel to spots in Mimika district of the country's easternmost province of Papua during the anniversary of Free Papua Movement's birthday on Sunday, a senior police officer said on Saturday.
Police and military personnel will be deployed into 58 spots in the district in anticipating possible security problems during the event, said district police chief I Gusti Gede Era Adhinata.
"We have called on all parties to avoid activities which can disturb security and the existence of the unitary state of Republic of Indonesia," he said in the district's capital of Timika.
The officer stressed that the personnel would take stern actions against those trying to separate territory from Indonesia.
So far, a total of 600 soldiers and policemen will involve in the precautionary measure, he pointed out.
On the possibility of those raising the rebel's flag known as "Bintang Kejora (morning star)," the officer said that such perpetrators will be arrested, media reports said.
Mimika district is home to the world's largest gold mine and the world's second largest copper mine operated by PT Freeport Indonesia, former subsidiary of U.S. Giant Mining firm Freeport McMorant.Inc.
The Grasberg mine produced a total of 270,000 tons of copper ore per day last year, according to energy and mineral resources ministry.
Papua province and nearby West Papua province had been stricken by a series of unrests in recent months.
Papua is home to insurgency of the Free Papua Movement which has emerged since the 1960s and sought an independent state through guerrilla wars. Civilians, soldiers and PT Freeport Indonesia have been targeted by the separatist group.
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4) Mahfud Md Holds Dialogue with Papuan Figures 
Translator: 
  Editor: 

Laila Afifa

TEMPO.COPapua - Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security Mahfud Md holds a dialogue with several Papuan figures in North Jayapura District, City of Jayapura, Saturday, Nov. 30.
The figures include Chairman of Papua's Nahdlatul Ulama Tony Wanggai, Secretary-General of Papua's Barisan Merah Putih Yonas Nussy, Briyur Wenda, women figures Dorince Mehue, Simon Kossay, and Markus Giay.
They touch on several issues such as the minimum implementation of special autonomy law (UU Otsus), the recognition of indigenous people, Pancasila education, and so on.
"The special autonomy law lacks government regulation, creating a multi interpretation, so [the implementation is] not maximum," Yonas said Saturday, Nov. 30.
Dorince Mehue, one of the Papua People's Assembly (MRP) members, adds that the minimum implementation of the cultural agency is caused by several contradicting policies.
"I also ask for recognition and appreciation for the tradition, as well as a forum for Papuan women," she says.
Responding to that matter, Minister Mahfud admits that UU Otsus is not supported by regulations and says that his side will conduct an evaluation based on the inputs and recommendations.
Antara
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5) Painting Morning Star in his own house, Ricky Karel Jakarmilena subject to ITE Law
Published 10 hours ago on 30 November 2019 By Admin1
Jayapura, Jubi – Emanuel Gobay, the Director of LBH Papua, said Ricky was arrested and detained by police for painting the 16 square meters of Morning Star pattern on the wall in his house. This arrest, said Gobay, was considered an attempt to criminalise Ricky using the ITE Law.
“Local police of Jayapura Selatan arrested him before he becomes a detainee of Papua Police. It occurred on 18 November 2019,” said Gobay in a press release received by Jubi on Thursday (21/11/2019).

Gobay further questions what are the motives of Papua Police investigators to detain Ricky. “Because Jayapura Selatan police have released him within 24 hours after his arrest,” added Gobay.


He also questions when did these crime investigators name Ricky as a suspect while first examined him as a witness. Also, he said this arrest has directly ignored the statement letter signed by Ricky at Police Headquarters of Jayapura Selatan.

“It proves misuse of Law Number 8 of 1981 concerning the Criminal Procedure Law by the crime investigators of Papua Police,” said Gobai.
According to him, the Division of Profession and Internal Policy (Propam) of Papua Police supervise the implementation of the Law No. 8 0f 1981 by their investigators. He also states this misuse could lead to the violations of the Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2009 in the Implementation of Standard and Basic Human Rights in Police Tasks as well as the Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.
Therefore, the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Papua urges crime investigators with the Directorate of Crime and Recherche of Papua Police to immediately stop an attempt in criminalising Ricky Karel Jakarmilena using the Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic information and transaction (ITE Law).
“Release Ricky Karel Jakarmilena to show respect on his initiative for signing the Letter of Statement with Jayapura Selatan Police. In the letter, he declared not making SARA (tribal affiliations, religion, race and societal groups)-based clashes as accused by the crime investigators of Papua Police,” he said. (*)
 
Reporter: Hengky Yeimo
Editor: Pipit Maizier
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Thursday, November 28, 2019

Media release -West Papuan flag raising in Sydney 29 November

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) 
Media release 29 November  2019
 West Papuan flag raising at Inner West Council
The Australia West Papua Association thanks the Inner West Council in Sydney for supporting the raising of the West Papuan National Flag on its Leichhardt Town Hall today, 29 November at 10am. (to commemorate  the first   official flying of the Morning Star flag on the 1st December in 1961). (Note Council closed 1st Dec.).

                                           Leichhardt Tom Hall 29 November 2019



Joe Collins of AWPA said, “This is the 10th year in a row that the Council has raised the Morning Star Flag on one of its Town Halls and more than ever we need to bring attention to the human rights abuses that are occurring in West Papua”. 

Since the demonstrations that occurred on the 17 August and the 23 September (when thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest against incidents of racism against students), 22 West Papuans have been arrested and many face charges of treason.


Those arrested include 
ULMWP Deputy Chairperson Buchtar Tabuni 
West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Chairperson Agus Kossay 
KNPB Mimika Chairperson Steven Italy 
And activist Surya Anta 

       

Joe Collins said, “its tragic that Canberra seems to have difficulty raising the abuses in West Papua with Jakarta. Our Foreign Minister should be calling for Jakarta to release all West Papuan political prisoners and the Indonesian President who claims to have a special relationship with Papua, should release them as a sign of good faith to the West Papuan people”.





Ends.



















































Background

West Papuan National Flag Day.  1st December
On the 1st December in 1961, the Morning Star flag (the West Papuan National flag) was flown for the first time officially beside the Dutch Tricolor.  The Dutch were finally about to give the West Papuan people their freedom. 

However it is one of the great tragedies that at their moment of freedom it was cruelly crushed and West Papua was basically handed over to Indonesia in 1963.


Fifty eight years later, the West Papuan people are still struggling for their right to self-determination. Supporters around the world on the 1st December raise the West Papuan flag in a show of support for the West Papuan people.
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1) Veronica Koman Spills Reasons for Not Returning Yet to Indonesia

 

2) Indonesia: Free Peaceful Papua Activists
3) Can Cultural Approach Be the Answer for Papua?

4) Three Indonesians Stand Trial over Remarks that Sparked Papua Unrest
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1) Veronica Koman Spills Reasons for Not Returning Yet to Indonesia
Translator:  
  
Editor:  

Petir Garda Bhwana

TEMPO.COJakarta - The lawyer and human rights activist Veronica Koman opened up about her reasons for not returning yet to Indonesia. The woman said she is deliberately staying in Australia as she is studying there.
“First December is nearing, I think I will be more useful here,” Veronica told Tempo, Wednesday, November 27. “I mean, I will be free to provide information about conditions in Papua [from here, Australia].”
As of date, the government deems December 1 as the anniversary of the Free Papua Movement (OPM).
Veronica suspected that the government will restrict the access to information in the country’s easternmost province on that day. “So I will stay here to report the condition so that the public will obtain complete information,” she added.
The woman was named a suspect of provoking the masses and spreading lies through social media regarding the riots at the Papuan students' dormitory in Surabaya, East Java. She was charged under the Electronic Information and Transactions or ITE Law.
Speaking to TempoVeronica Koman who is a vocal advocate about issues on Papua claimed she was not surprised by the suspect naming. “I have predicted that I will be charged with vague articles of ITE Law,” she said.
SYAILENDRA PERSADA




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November 28, 2019 7:00AM EST
2) Indonesia: Free Peaceful Papua Activists
 Dubious Treason Charges for 22 Detainees for August Protests
(Jakarta) – Indonesian authorities should drop treason charges and release at least 22 activists detained since August 2019 for peaceful acts of free expression concerning Papua, Human Rights Watch said today. These abusive prosecutions show backtracking by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration in dealing with the human rights situation in West Papua and Papua provinces.
Ahead of Papuan nationalists’ “Independence Day” on December 1, foreign diplomats and United Nations officials should monitor demonstrations in Papua and West Papua provinces and the law enforcement response.
“Papua may be a sensitive topic in Indonesia, but that’s no excuse for rounding people up and sending them to prison for peaceful acts of expression,” said Elaine Pearson of Human Rights Watch. “The authorities should drop charges and immediately free people detained for just possessing flags or organizing a protest.”
Each year Papuans attempt to raise the Papuan national Bintang Kejora (“Morning Star”) flag. That frequently results in clashes with local security forces who consider this to be a treasonous activity against the Republic of Indonesia.
Human Rights Watch takes no position on Papuan claims to self-determination, but supports everyone’s right, including for independence supporters, to express their political views peacefully without fear of arrest or other forms of reprisal. The arrest and imprisonment of people for peacefully participating in symbolic flag-raising ceremonies amounts to arbitrary arrest and detention in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Indonesia is a party.
Indonesian authorities arrested the 22 people in August and September following at times violent demonstrations in Papua and West Papua provinces during which thousands of people took part in rallies protesting racism against Papuans. The protests took place after a video circulated of Indonesian militias racially abusing indigenous Papuan students outside their dormitory in Surabaya on August 17.
Papuans demonstrated in at least 30 cities across Indonesia, including Jakarta. Rioting Papuans burned down the local parliament building in Manokwari, as well as prisons in Sorong, West Papua province, and Jayapura, Papua province.
Most of the 20 men and 2 women awaiting trial in 4 cities are charged with treason (makar) under articles 106 and 110 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code. The maximum penalty under article 106 is 20 years in prison, which can be doubled if also convicted of mobilizing others to commit treason, under article 110. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has previously criticized articles 106 and 110 for being “drafted in such general and vague terms that they can be used arbitrarily to restrict the freedoms of opinion, expression, assembly and association.”
The authorities have also accused Veronica Koman, an Indonesian human rights lawyer who has tweeted videos and photographs of the unrest, of “provoking” the demonstrations. Indonesian police asked the Australian consulate in Surabaya “to track her down” in Australia and indicated they would issue an Interpol red notice against her.
Those held at the four detention centers are listed below.
In Jakarta
Police arrested two Papuan students, Charles Kossay and Dano Tabuni, on August 30 in connection with a rally two days earlier outside the State Palace in Jakarta for protesting racism against ethnic Papuans and unfurling the Morning Star flag.
On August 31, police arrested Ambrosius Mulait and Issay Wenda, who were protesting the arrest of Kossay and Tabuni outside the Jakarta police headquarters. Later that evening, police arrested three female activists, releasing two but detaining Ariana Lokbere, a theology student at the Indonesian Christian University.
Police also separately arrested Surya Anta Ginting, the coordinator of the Front of the Indonesian People for West Papua. Ginting, who in 2016 had publicly apologized for Indonesian repression against indigenous Papuans, is the first non-Papuan Indonesian to be charged with treason for supporting a referendum in West Papua. All of them are now detained at the Salemba and the Pondok Bambu detention centers in Jakarta.
In Balikpapan, East Kalimantan
Police arrested eight Papuan activists in Jayapura including two student leaders Alexander Gobay and Ferry Gombo, as well as six activists associated with the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), a political organization that seeks a referendum on West Papua's future. They are Buchtar Tabuni, Steven Itlay, Assa Asso, Agus Kossay,Hengki Hilapok, and Irwanus Uropmobin.
Tabuni and Itlay are former political prisoners. Human Rights Watch profiled Tabuni in 2010, when he was jailed in the Abepura prison, also for “treason.” Kossay is the chairman of the West Papua National Committee.
The eight were arrested between September 9 and September 17, and were moved to Balikpapan on October 4. The police have sought their trial in Balikpapan rather than Papua’s provincial capital, Jayapura, for “security reasons.”
In Manokwari, West Papua
Police arrested four activists who are now detained in the Manokwari police station, including Sayang Mandabayan, a former Sorong city council member. She was arrested on September 2 for bringing 1,500 small Morning Star flags through Manokwari airport. Three student activists were also arrested on September 19: Erik Aliknoe, Pende Mirin, and Yunus Aliknoe. The three students are charged with treason for making Morning Star flags.
In Sorong, West Papua
Police detained four student activists – Herman Sabo Yosep Laurensius SyufiManase Baho, Eteus Paulus, and Miwak Karet – at the Sorong police station for making and distributing Morning Star flags.
These prosecutions appear to reflect a fundamental shift by President Jokowi’s government regarding free expression and Papua, Human Rights Watch said. Jokowi promised in May 2015 to release political prisoners throughout Indonesia. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights, in charge of prison management in Indonesia, gradually released many of the country’s political prisoners. The most high-profile West Papuan political prisoner, Filep Karma, was released in November 2015. The authorities also freed political prisoners from the Moluccas Islands and moved eight from a remote prison island to an ordinary prison in Ambon, the Moluccas Islands capital, to be closer to their families.
By August 2017, Human Rights Watch estimated that only between 1 and 5 Papuan political prisoners remained behind bars, compared to more than 110 in May 2015.
A coalition of human rights groups and lawyers in Papua has listed 73 people arrested in Papua, West Papua, and Jakarta, including the 22 detainees. Human Rights Watch has not corroborated the information regarding the legal status of the other 51 people.
“The Indonesian government made significant progress in recent years by releasing nearly all political prisoners, yet recent arrests are threatening those fragile gains,” Pearson said. “As the December 1 anniversary approaches, Indonesian authorities should stop arresting and detaining people simply for waving flags or peacefully urging independence.”



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3) Can Cultural Approach Be the Answer for Papua?
BY :DIANA MARISKA
NOVEMBER 26, 2019 
Jakarta. Members of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council and researchers say the government should prioritize a "cultural approach" to end decades of conflicts in Indonesian Papua.
A special committee on Papua has been set up by the council (DPD) to formulate feasible solutions to bring stability to the resource-rich region.
The committee's chairman Filep Wamafma has now said one of the reasons for the continued conflicts in Papua is the lack of a cultural approach from the government.
He said government programs to accelerate development in Papua are not what the people of Papua really want.
"A cultural approach is necessary. Papua does not need Monas [the National Monument] or malls because we rely more on our natural resources," Filep said during a forum group discussion organized by the Suara Pembaruan daily in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Filep said ignoring the wishes of the indigenous people of Papua had caused the government to miss its development targets in the region.
"Physical and non-physical violence will ruin all good intentions in a very short time. They will create distrust. We should use cultural, social, religious and traditional approaches. The political approach is no longer effective," Filep said.
He said the government should understand that historically in Papua the church used to govern the people, and that prior to church rule local customs and traditions had dominated. 
A similar view was expressed by Bambang Shergi Laksmono, a researcher from the University of Indonesia's Papua Center. He said it is the central government's responsibility to convince the Papuans that modernization is what they need. 
"At the moment, the sentiment is more, 'We don't need development, we need better livelihood,'" Bambang said.
He said the government had failed to make Papua's abundant natural resources — an integral part of the Papuans' culture — the basis of development.
"It makes people question whether or not improving livelihood is included as part of development," Bambang said.
Bambang also criticized the school curriculum used in Papua. "The curriculum in our vocational high schools is focused on preparing students for the automotive and construction industries. It's not suited to natural resource-based development that we want in Papua. The current curriculum is more suitable for students in large cities in Java," Bambang said.
Even the agricultural curriculum teaches students in Papua how to plant fruits for export, like watermelon, using imported seeds.
"The government wants us to grow export commodities, not commodities for the local market. Why don't we teach them to plant sago, an endemic plant in Papua?" Bambang said.
"If part of the special autonomy [Otsus] budget was set aside for education, then let's use it to help Papuans be the owners of their own land," he said.
In the past decade, Papua has seen many cases of human rights violations and racial conflicts. The latest was the widespread unrest in Jayapura and Wamena in September, triggered by reports of racial abuse against Papuan students in East Java.
Infrastructure development initiated by the government under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has been roundly criticized for not meeting the need of Papuans, and the region, which comprises two provinces, Papua and West Papua, remains one of the poorest in the country.

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4) Three Indonesians Stand Trial over Remarks that Sparked Papua Unrest
Yovinus Guntur W. 
Surabaya, Indonesia
2019-11-27

Three people went on trial Wednesday in Indonesia’s second-largest city on charges of hate speech and misinformation for allegedly provoking recent anti-Jakarta protests that turned deadly in the restive Papua region.
Syamsul Arifin, Tri Susanti and Ardian Andiansah, all civilians, heard their indictments read by prosecutors in separate courtrooms at the Surabaya District Court in East Java province.
The prosecutor, Muhammad Nizar, accused Tri of making false accusations on television that Papuan university students had desecrated an Indonesian flag in front of their dormitory in Surabaya by throwing it into a ditch during an anti-Jakarta protest in the city.
Tri’s allegations angered members of nationalist organizations, prompting a protest outside the Papuan students’ dormitory and a police raid on the building, the indictment said.
“It was found that these events were caused by a hoax motivated by ethnic and racial prejudices perpetrated by the defendant Tri Susanti,” the indictment said.
The indictment also accused Tri of sending WhatsApp messages to a nationalist group urging members to protest at the dormitory and claiming that the Papuans were preparing to attack with machetes and arrows.
In a separate trial, prosecutors charged Ardian with spreading information intended to incite hatred or hostility by allegedly uploading a video to his YouTube channel with the title “Papuans’ dormitory picketed by locals for refusing to raise the Red and White (Indonesian) flag.”
Meanwhile, Syamsul was accused of spreading racial and ethnic hatred through public speeches, his indictment read.
A lawyer for Tri, Sahid, said the indictment was vague.
“We will respond to it. We will uncover the facts and leave the cause to the judges,” Sahid, who goes by one name, told BenarNews.
The trials were adjourned until next week, during which witnesses are scheduled to be heard.
The Surabaya protests broke out on Aug. 16 after a flag pole at the Papuan students’ dormitory toppled and the flag was found in the ditch.
The students said they did not know what happened to the flag, but the next day, more protesters gathered outside the dormitory. Some in the crowd threw rocks at the building and hurled racist epithets such as “monkeys” and “pigs.”
Later, heavily armed riot police stormed the building and arrested 43 Papuan students, who were released hours later.
News about allegations that security forces had treated the Papuan students harshly and hurled racist abuse at them ignited mass protests, some of which descended into violence, and growing calls for a referendum on self-determination in the mainly Melanesian region.
Weeks of unrest in the region left more than 40 people dead.
Police have charged six activists with treason for flying the banned Papuan separatist Morning Star flag during a rally demanding a referendum on self-determination in Jakarta late August.
Police are also seeking the arrest of Australian-based Indonesian human rights lawyer Veronica Koman, whom they accuse of spreading misinformation through her social-media posts about police treatment of the Papuan students in Surabaya.
The provinces of Papua and West Papua make up one-fifth of Indonesia’s land mass. Only 5.9 million of Indonesia’s 250 million people live there.
The region has been the scene of a low-level separatist conflict since it was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969, after a U.N.-administered ballot known as the Act of Free Choice. Many Papuans and rights groups said the vote was a sham because it involved only 1,000 people.
Indonesian forces have been accused of gross human rights violations in its anti-insurgency campaign.
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