AWPA Sydney : Summary of events in West Papua (9 September -5 november 2019)

AWPA update
Summary of events in West Papua (9 September -5 november 2019)

A snapshot of events

On the 23 September hundreds of students took to the streets in Wamena to protest that a teacher had insulted a Papua student. Up to 42 people are believed to have been killed (8 of them Papuan according to a government statement). Up to 80 people were reported injured in the protests. A large part of Wamena was destroyed during the demonstrations (one report said up to 350 shops and 27 houses were destroyed). Wamena's Airport, which can have up to 120 flights a day was temporarily closed. During the demonstrations the government also restricted internet access to Wamena. The internet restriction was lifted on the 28 September.

Smoke rises from Wamena, Papua, where violent unrest involving senior high school students erupted on Monday, Sept. 23. (tribunnews.com/ Banjir Ambarita) in Jakarta Post 23 Sept.

AL Jazeera video report (25 Sept)

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/indonesia-urges-papua-unrest-pro-freedom-protests-190924191936706.html

Like the mass rallies triggered by the arrest of 43 West Papuan students in Surabaya on the 17 August, when thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in a show of support for the arrested students and to protest against the verbal and physical abuse that occurred during the arrests. The demonstrations on the 23 September were also triggered by a racist incident when students alleged that a teacher had called a student a “monkey”. The teacher denied having made a racist slur.

Photos in Channelnewsasia (CNA) 3 October

A building burns in Wamena in Indonesia's eastern Papua
province after fresh protests AFP/Vina Rumbewas

Burnt out vehicles stretch across a parking lot from

violent protests in Wamena, Papua province, Indonesia. (Photo: AP)

Protesters in Indonesia’s West Papua province set fire to homes

and other buildings Monday in a protest sparked by rumours that a teacher had insulted students. Photograph: STR/AP (in the Guardian)

Al Jazeera reported (7 Oct) that more than 16,000 scared residents fled Wamena in the days following the demonstrations. The air force said about 11,400 people - mostly migrants - had been evacuated on board military aircraft and several thousand more left on board commercial aircraft.

Security officers stand guard as residents from Wamena arrive at Sentani Airport in Jayapura [File: Antara Foto/Gusti Tanati/Reuters]

The Papua Police named 13 people suspects for allegedly having been behind the unrest in Wamena. Ten suspects, whose ages range from 16 to 40 years, were already in the custody, while the remaining three are still at large and being hunted by the police according to a Papua Police spokesperson. “The three wanted [suspects] are categorized as provocateurs and are allegedly involved in the KNPB [National Committee of West Papua] and the ULMWP [United Liberation Movement for West Papua],” Kamal said as quoted by kompas.com.

Papua's Police Chief Inspector General Rudolf A. Rodja also claimed that the rioting in Wamena was incited by the proliferation of hoaxes through social media platforms that fueled ire among its residents.

The Indonesian government has blamed both the ULMWP, led by Benny Wenda, and the KNPB for orchestrating the unrest that broke out on Sept. 23.

The government estimated that material losses amounting to Rp 479.5 billion (US$33.8 million), claimed the lives of at least 33 people, most of whom were non-native Papuans, and injured at least 76 others, according to authorities.

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the government to extensively probe the violence during the protest in Wamena. "Komnas HAM has affirmed its commitment to encouraging investigation into a tragedy, regardless of whatever it is. Investigation into the tragedy is important to offer clarity on who and what is the motive behind this," said the commission's chief, Ahmad Taufan Damanik.

Jayapura rally

There was a separate incident in Jayapura where Papuan students staged a rally at the Cenderawasih University campus. It was initiated by the students who had recently returned Surabaya and other parts of Indonesia after the demonstrations on the 15 August. The demonstrators demanded that they should be allowed to set up a command post inside the Uncen campus. At a request by the Cenderawasih University rector, the security personnel negotiated with the demonstrating students who had occupied the auditorium of the campus and disrupted the teaching and learning process at the public university. The Papua police stopped the demonstration and asked the demonstrators to go back to the Expo Wamena area and facilitated this through military trucks and public buses, escorted by security personnel. However, several demonstrators attacked and killed one of the drivers of the trucks. The victim was identified as an Indonesian soldier named Private Zulkifli.

West Papuan students from the University of Cendrawasih detained like animals at Waene by the Indonesian occupation forces (ULMWP webpage

The Guardian reported (24 Sept.) that four people were killed, including a military officer, and several others injured when Indonesian security forces opened fire on students following a protest about racism at a university in Jayapura on Monday. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/24/at-least-20-killed-and-70-injured-in-day-of-violence-in-west-papua

Journalists intimidated

Three journalists were prevented from covering the protest in Jayapura

Even before events spiralled out of control, police blocked three journalists who work for the Jakarta Post (Beny Mawel), Suara Papua (Ardi Bayage) and Tabloid Jubi (Hengky Yeimo) from covering the student gathering. The journalists reported being forced not to cover the events, verbally abused by police and taken to the police station. https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/399662/intimidation-of-journos-in-papua-condemned

Civil society /NGO groups responded

Responding to the clashes in West Papua, Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director Usman Hamid said: “This is one of the bloodiest days in the past 20 years in Papua, claiming at least 24 lives within 24 hours.” https://www.amnesty.org.au/indonesia-investigate-dozens-of-deaths-restore-security-and-rights-in-papua/

AWPA condemned the silence from Canberra on the situation.

https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2019/09/media-release-awpa-condemns-silence.html

United Liberation Movement for West Papua statement

https://www.ulmwp.org/ulmwp-chair-urgent-united-nations-and-pacific-islands-forum-intervention-needed-to-prevent-more-massacres-in-west-papua

At a press conference in New York, Prime Minister Scott Morrison deferred question over the surge in violence in West Papua to Foreign Minister Marise Payne, who urged “absolute restraint” to deescalate the situation. “We are obviously very concerned about the reports of violence in Papua [and] West Papua,” she said. “They are matters which our post in Jakarta is following up with authorities there.” (SBS 25 Sept.)

Indonesia blocks diplomats from Papua, while Australia sits back

By James Massola (SMH October 8, 2019)
Jakarta: Indonesia has taken the "unusual" step of blocking foreign diplomats from visiting strife-torn Papua, citing security concerns following weeks of violence and ethnic conflict. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age has confirmed diplomats from the British, Canadian and New Zealand embassies have all asked Kemlu, Indonesia's foreign ministry, in the last month for permission to visit Papua. All their requests were denied. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has also been blocked from visiting Papua - despite being invited by the Indonesian government back in February 2018. The organisation is still lobbying for permission to visit. The Herald and The Age has also learned that diplomats from Australia and the United States have not asked permission from the Indonesian government to enter Papua since the violence flared, fearing such a request would be frowned on in Jakarta and cause a diplomatic headache. The decision to temporarily block access for the British, Canadian and New Zealand missions and the UN body underscores Indonesian sensitivities about the independence movement and recent violence in the provinces of Papua and West Papua.

Risking peace in Wamena

The English edition of Jubi has published the first 3 parts of a Special report: “Risking peace in Wamena”. The rest will be added as published.

When a mass riot blasted Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency, Papua on 23 September 2019, it shocked public sentiments, their sense of humanity. Everyone was shocked and mourned to see how the anti-racism protest exploded into a riot killing at least 42 people and destroying half of the biggest town in Papua’s highlands. At the same time, everyone eagerly wants to share a collective desire for weaving the already-torn-apart of social relationship and heal the sufferings. On the other hand, the government has many things to concern if they want to rebuild a robust peace in society. .......................

https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2019/11/special-report-risking-peace-in-wamena.html

Indonesia must protect rights of Veronica Koman and others reporting on Papua and West Papua protests - UN experts

GENEVA (16 September 2019) – Indonesia must protect the rights of all people to peaceful protest, ensure access to the internet and protect the rights of human rights defender Veronica Koman and all others reporting on protests in Papua and West Papua, say UN human rights experts*.

“We call for immediate measures to ensure the protection of freedom of expression and address acts of harassment, intimidation, interference, undue restriction and threats against those reporting on the protests,” the experts said. Veronica Koman, a lawyer who has been subjected to harassment and abuse online for her continuing work on alleged human rights violations in Papua, was named as a “suspect” by authorities who accused her of spreading of false information and provoking unrest after she published reports on the protests and on a racist attack against Papuan students in East Java that had triggered the demonstrations……... https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24990&LangID=E

Indonesian human rights lawyer Veronica Koman wins prize for West Papua work

(RNZI 24 Oct)

An Indonesian lawyer being pursued by the state has won a human rights award for shining "a light on violations of the rights" of West Papuans.

Veronica Koman, after being awarded Australia's Sir Ronald Wilson Human Rights Award at a ceremony in Sydney. Photo: Facebook / Veronica Koman

Veronica Koman was awarded Australia's Sir Ronald Wilson Human Rights Award on Wednesday at a ceremony in Sydney. Ms Koman is now living in Australia after receiving threats in Indonesia, where police have sought an Interpol Red Notice for the lawyer. She's accused of spreading false information online but denies all wrongdoing, saying the claims are fabricated. Ms Koman dedicated her award to the victims of a security crackdown in West Papua due to riots taking place there. "Especially the dozens who have died at the hands of security forces, and the 22 political prisoners charged with treason over the past couple of months," she said in an acceptance speech on Wednesday. "I have the West Papuan people to thank for changing my life. They have taught me how to be resilient, how to keep fighting, how to keep going in circumstances where many outsiders may feel they have to stop."………..

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/401682/indonesian-human-rights-lawyer-wins-prize-for-west-papua-work

Papua unrest: Social media bots 'skewing the narrative'

11 October 2019 By Benjamin Strick & Famega Syavira for the BBC

Indonesia's Papua province has become the focus of a well-funded social media campaign using bots to promote a pro-government agenda, the BBC has found.

A long-running Papuan separatist movement has flared in recent months, sparking fresh calls for self-rule. But with access to the region heavily restricted, social media has become a key source for the foreign press. One expert told the BBC the apparently co-ordinated campaigns were seeking to skew international views of Papua.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/401682/indonesian-human-rights-lawyer-wins-prize-for-west-papua-work

RI-PNG border remains closed for security reason

Antara news 6th October 2019

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The Skouw-Wutung border of Republic of Indonesia (RI) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) remained closed for public because of the security reason, as few days earlier, gunfights occurred between Indonesia's armed forces and several armed separatists, an official said here Sunday. The 172/Praja Wira Yhakti military post commander, Col. Inf. Binsar Sianipar, explained that the border had been temporarily closed on Sept 24, a day after a violent riot broke out in Wamena city, Jayawijaya District, Papua Province.
"In order to reopen the border, we must contact our counterpart in PNG," Sianipar remarked. On Sept 23, rioters burned shops and houses of settlers in Wamena. Therefore, some 10,000 people were displaced while schools and public activities got disrupted. In a separate occasion, the Jayapura Immigration authority revealed that some of its officials were still assigned to guard the border despite the closure. Under a normal condition, the RI-PNG border in Skouw District, Jayapura city, would be crossed by at least 100 people per day. "The figure would raise whenever the market nearby the border in Indonesia's area was opened. Most PNG citizens whose homes are near the border will visit the Indonesian market in Skouw which is situated around 300 meters from the neutral zone of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Reporter: Evarukdijati/Genta Tenri Mawan Editor: Rahmad Nasution

Lawyers condemn 'secretive' transfer of Papuan treason suspects to East Kalimantan The Jakarta Post October 7, 2019
Human rights activists who are part of the Papuan Civil Coalition condemned the Papua Police for transferring treason suspects from Papua to East Kalimantan without their knowledge. The activists, including the suspects' lawyers, claimed that the plan was done without any legal basis. The coalition that represented seven suspects of treason said they were surprised to learn about the transfer on Friday. "The transfer process was secretly done, denying the prisoners' rights to legal assistance," the coalition said in a press statement over the weekend, adding the Law and Human Rights Ministry had yet to issue a letter to justify the move. "With that, the Papua Police chief and the police' investigator jointly abuse Article 85 of the KUHAP [Criminal Law Procedures Code]," the statement said. The coalition, therefore, urged the police chief to reverse the transfer. The police should respect the suspects' rights to legal aid, the coalition added.

The statement said that the prisoners were members of Free Papua Movement-affiliated groups, the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). They were Buktar Tabuni, Agus Kossay, Fery Kombo, Alexander Gobay, Steven Itlai, Hengku Hilapok and Irwanus Uropmabin. All of the suspects were charged under Article 106 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. They were arrested following a series of protests against racism in Jayapura, the provincial capital in August and September. Agus Kossay, the chairman of KNPB, was arrested on Sept. 16 for alleged treason.

The National Police spokesperson, Sr. Comr. Asep Adi Saputra, said as quoted by kompas.com on Monday that the transfer was done to avoid conflicts during their trial.

Police arrest Papuan independence leader Buchtar Tabuni for treason

ULMWP Deputy Chairperson Buchtar Tabuni (Pantau)

Audrey Santoso, Jakarta – Police have arrested the deputy chairperson of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Buchtar Tabuni. Tabuni was arrested on Monday for alleged makar (treason, subversion, rebellion). “That’s correct, we have secured the person concerned. [On charges] related to makar”, said Indonesian police public relations division head Brigadier General Dedi Prasetyo at the Grand Kemang Hotel in South Jakarta on Wednesday September 11. Prasetyo explained that Tabuni was arrested on Monday September 9 and he is currently undergoing intensive questioning by police. “(He was secured) yesterday, Monday. Currently the person concerned is still being question by investigators”, said Prasetyo. Earlier, Indonesian police chief General Tito Karnavian explained that the police are hunting down the masterminds behind the riots which occurred in Papua and West Papua provinces. One of them is the ULMWP. https://www.indoleft.org/news/2019-09-11/police-arrest-papuan-independence-leader-buchtar-tabuni-for-treason.html

Police arrest KNPB leader Agus Kossay for masterminding Papua riots

Detik News – September 18, 2019

KNPB Chairperson Agus Kossay (Centre) at press

conference in Timika – December 1, 2016 (Melkisedik, Y-KM)

Wilpret Siagian, Jayapura – West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Chairperson Agus Kossay was arrested by a joint team from the Papua regional police on Tuesday September 17. Kossay has been declared a suspect for allegedly being the mastermind behind the riots in Jayapura on August 29. The Papua regional police had earlier included Kossay in a wanted persons list. “He was arrested in the Hawaii area, Sentani, on Tuesday September 17 at around 6 pm by a joint team”, said Papua regional police chief Inspector General Rudolf A. Rodja at the Papua regional police headquarters on Wednesday September 18.

https://www.indoleft.org/news/2019-09-18/police-arrest-knpb-leader-agus-kossay-for-masterminding-papua-riots.html

Police arrest KNPB leader Steven Italy over alleged role in Papua riots

KNPB Mimika Chairperson Steven Italy – Undated (Istimewa)

Police arrested the chairperson of the Mimika West Papua National Committee (KNPB), Steven Italy, for allegedly playing a role in the riots and protest actions which took place in Jayapura, Papua. Based on information gathered by CNN Indonesia, Italy was arrested on Wednesday September 11 at around 5.56 pm local time at the Cendrawasih University in Papua. During the arrest police seized four mobile phones, 5.5 million rupiah in cash, a flashdisk and the car being used by Italy. (CNN Indonesia – September 12, 2019)

Detained Papua activist Surya Anta seriously ill, still in isolation cell

CNN Indonesia – October 5, 2019

Papua activist Surya Anta (Kompasiana

Jakarta – Indonesian People’s Front for West Papua (FRI-WP) spokesperson Surya Anta, who has being detained at the Mobile Brigade Command Headquarters (Mako Brimob) in Depok since September 1, is reportedly ill and is not receiving proper treatment. Anta is said to be suffering from an ear infection and cannot hear out of his right ear.

This was revealed by Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) lawyer Nelson Simamora who is part of a team of lawyers providing legal aid to Surya.

“Surya is suffering from an illness in his right ear. It seems like there’s a swelling inside his ear canal. The infection has already spread to his head and he’s having difficulty eating. He can’t hear out of his right ear”, said Simamora when contacted by CNN Indonesia on Saturday October 5. https://www.indoleft.org/news/2019-10-05/detained-papua-activist-surya-anta-seriously-ill-still-in-isolation-cell.html

Five bodies discovered in Mbua, allegedly shot by military culprits

Jubi Published 18 hours ago on 14 October 2019 By pr9c6tr3_juben

Excavation of five bodies discovered in Gua Batu, Mbua. – JapHAM Documentation

Jayapura, Jubi – Residents and activists from Pegunungan Tengah Human Rights Defender Networks (JapHAM) discovered five bodies on Thursday (10/20/2019) in Iniye Village, Mbua Sub-district, Nduga Regency. The bodies are suspected of the shooting victims of military culprits and covered by grass and leaves before being buried in one hole. Nduga youth leader Samuel Tabuni, who is also a relative of the victims, said the victims left Wamena on 20 September for picking food supplies by car. They went together with a group of young men. Some group members then separated for taking food to their villages. Meanwhile, the victims took their supplies to Gua Batu, Gunung Kanbobo because they lived far away and decided to stay in Iniye Village.

“The next day on 21 September, the five victims went to take the food they stored at Gua Batu. Another group followed them later, but while they were walking, they heard gunfire. They were scared and decided not to continue to their walk to Gua Batu. They walked back to Ineye and called me,” Samuel Tabuni told on Thursday (10/10/2019). However, after the call, he wasn’t sure about what had happened in Ineye. So he asked the police for further investigation. But the police said there was no report of the shooting incident in Mbua.

“The victims are my relatives, so I must continue to find the truth. After twenty days, it finally reveals that allegedly military culprits have shotted these five people,” said Samuel Tabuni.

He said a resident who called him witnessed military personnel at around Gua Batu. The five bodies later identified as Mrs Yuliana Dorggi (35), Mrs Jelince Bugi (25), Mrs Macen Kusumbrue (26), Tolop Bugi (13) and Hardius Bugi (15).

“Local people and JapHAM Pegunung Tengah led by Theo Hesegem discovered their bodies,” said Samuel Tabuni. Meanwhile, Kodam (regional military command) XVII/Cenderawasih admitted to Jubi that they have not yet received any information regarding the shooting incident in Iniye Village.

“We have not received an official report from the local unit,” said Colonel Eko Daryanto, Kodam spokesperson, to Jubi via WhatsApp.

Since a military conflict occurred in Nduga in the early of December last year, 189 residents are reportedly dead because of starvation in a refugee camp or shot by the military and police. Following the incident, thousands of Nduga residents have fled, and 39 churches have vacated. Currently, according to Samuel Tabuni, Nduga residents demand the government to withdraw the joint military and police troops from Nduga. Furthermore, Nduga urgently needs humanitarian aid to supply food, medicine and support from the international humanitarian organisation to conduct an independent investigation on human rights violations in Nduga. Meanwhile, Papua Governor Lukas Enembe hope Nduga refugees are not treated differently with refugees from another conflict in Wamena. “Nduga residents are also the Indonesian citizens who should be treated equally as other residents,” said Governor Enembe. Further, he said the case of Nduga refugee is an extraordinary case related to a humanitarian issue.

Therefore, he said he already communicated with the regents of Jayawijaya and Lanny Jaya because most of Nduga refugees are currently staying in these two regencies. He asked the regents from both regencies to treat Nduga refugees well because they are also Papuan citizens who need the attention of the government. (*) Reporter: Victor Mambor Editor: Pipit Maizier

Police confiscate 115 arrows, 22 archery bows from house in Mimika

Antara News 15th October 2019

The Mimika police on Monday (October 14, 2019) raided a house in the Benglap area of Karang Senang SP3 Village, and confiscated 115 arrows, 22 archery bows, an axe, two machetes, and two pump-air rifles, believed to be owned by West Papua National Committee (KNPB) activists. (ANTARA/Evarianus Supar)

Timika, Papua (ANTARA) - The Mimika police on Monday raided a house in the Benglap area of Karang Senang SP3 Village, and confiscated 115 arrows, 22 archery bows, an axe, two machetes, and two pump-air rifles, believed to be owned by activists of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB). According to Deputy Chief of Mimiki District Police Commissioner, I Nyoman Punia, the policemen also found several military-like uniforms, and a wooden board containing the Papuan separatist, "Bintang Kejora" (morning star), symbol.
The police investigators examined whether the house was the KNPB secretariat, he said, adding that the tip-off by local residents led the police to the building, which is located beside a public school. Three suspected sympathizers of the separatist-backing organization were taken for questioning, he added.

Over these past two months, a wave of violence broke out in several parts of Papua and West Papua in the upshot of the Surabaya incident, and hoaxes pertaining to a teacher's racist slur against native Papuan students that had triggered public ire among Papuans. On August 28, for instance, a circle of violence also erupted in Deiyai District, some 500 kilometers away from Jayapura, resulting in the deaths of an army soldier and two civilians.
On August 29, the indigenous Papuan residents of Jayapura had staged protests yet again, venting their fury over the alleged racist slurs against their Papuan compatriots in Surabaya, but their rally then turned violent. The brutal demonstrators went on a rampage, vandalizing and setting ablaze several government buildings. The office of ANTARA, Indonesia's national news agency, in the city, was also intentionally damaged by the demonstrators.

Then, on September 23, a deadly rioting occurred in Wamena, the capital city of Jayawijaya District, Papua Province, during a rally that native Papuan students staged. Thirty-three people, including a doctor, were killed, while at least 77 others sustained injuries due to the riot that had also forced several thousands of residents, mostly non-native Papuans, to take refuge to the local military and police compounds. Among the dead and the wounded were non-native Papuans who had been assaulted by rioters brandishing machetes and arrows. Many of them migrated to Papua from their hometowns in provinces such as West Sumatra and South Sulawesi to make a living. According to National Police Spokesman, Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo, the masterminds of this deadly riot are allegedly members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB). Reporter: Evarianus S, Rahmad Nasution Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani

Indonesia: Jokowi Inspects Riot Damage during Visit to Papua

Victor Mambor Jayapura, Indonesia 2019-10-28

Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (center), accompanied by Papuan officials including Jayawijaya Regent John Richard Banua (left) and Gov. Lukas Enembe (second from left), visits the Wouma Market in Wamena, Papua province, Oct. 28, 2019. Islami Adisubrata/BenarNews

Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited Papua province Monday to inspect destruction from an anti-Jakarta riot that killed dozens of people last month, as critics complained that he had failed to address human rights issues at the heart of the conflict.

The visit was Jokowi’s first to the country’s easternmost province since a wave of street protests, sometimes violent, began in August over alleged racist remarks against Papuan students on Java island. “We want everything to return to normal,” Joko said in remarks released by the cabinet secretariat. Mobs torched government buildings, shops and homes after a rally descended into chaos on Sept. 23 in Wamena, the largest town in Papua’s highlands. At least 40 people were killed and about 16,000 of the 42,000 residents were uprooted or evacuated as a result. Jokowi urged local authorities to rebuild the town’s Wouma market immediately along with homes and shops with assistance from the military and state-owned companies.

“We should learn from the recent events and unite to rebuild Papua,” he said.

Later, Jokowi traveled to the provincial capital Jayapura and officially launched the new Youtefa Bridge, which cost 1.8 trillion rupiah ($128.4 million) to build. “A bridge can serve many functions and its multiplier effect can benefit the people,” Jokowi said.

The president promised to pay closer attention to Papua and West Papua provinces and visit the region two or three times a year during his second five-year term, which began last week. On Sunday, Jokowi visited West Papua. “This is my 13th visit to Papua and we are determined to develop Papua to make it more advanced,” Jokowi said.

The president made constructing roads, bridges and infrastructure in Papua a priority in his first term, but that effort came into question in December 2018 when armed rebels killed 19 workers building a trans-Papua highway.

The government said that those killed were civilians working for a state-owned construction company, but the West Papua National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the separatist movement, insisted they were soldiers.

Rights activist reacts

Papuan human rights activist Theo Hasegem said despite Jokowi’s frequent visits, no rights abuse cases have been resolved during the president’s watch.

“If the conflict continues, who will enjoy the infrastructure development? That is a question that Papuans have been asking,” Hasegem told BenarNews.

The Wamena riot came a few weeks after protests that began in late August killed about a dozen people. Government buildings and schools were damaged while 450 shops and 165 homes were burned, according to the government.

The riot was the worst since 2000 when 30 people were killed during clashes between residents and security forces. The government has blamed the separatist United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) and the National Committee for West Papua for the unrest that has gripped Papua and West Papua since August when protesters took to the streets to demand a vote on self-determination. The Papua region 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. Late last month, Jokowi said he was ready to hold talks with separatist leaders to solve the conflict.

But ULMWP chairman Benny Wenda said the prospects of any talks depended on the government’s willingness to discuss a referendum on self-determination and withdraw 16,000 additional troops and police sent to the region in August.

A tragic story from Deiyai Regent Office

Jubi. Published 2 months ago on 16 September 2019 By pr9c6tr3_juben

Anti-racism protest in Waghete, the capital of Deiyai Regency, Papua, on Wednesday (28/8/2019). – Jubi/IST

Jayapura, Jubi – A rally to protest racism against West Papuans in front of the Deiyai Regent Office on Wednesday, 28 August 2019, turned to a tragedy. A local parliament member Alfret Pakage told Jubi about the tragic story. The story began when a young man called Yustimus Takimas died in a car crash involving an Indonesian soldier. His death triggered a mass rampage that ended with the police’s gunshot. “I don’t have an idea about what was happening at the Regent Office’s backyard because I was standing at the side door watching people coming. After the car accident that killed young Takimai, people killed a soldier who was in the car. Then, all young men joined the crowd. Some entered through the front while others from the back via BKD Office. At that time the joint security force stood at the corner of the Regent Office. I was there too facing the BKD Office,” Pakage told Jubi by phone on Wednesday, (11/9/2019).

Furthermore, he said the mob threw stones to the soldiers, and they responded it with tear gas shots. However, when they found out a soldier killed, they threw bullets against the crowd. “I told the Crime and Investigation Department Chief of Paniai Police to hold. It happened when they (security force) knew a soldier died. They shot their guns to the people,” he said.

Then, the Military District Commandant immediately came out of his office located across the street in front of the Regent Office. “He shouted ‘my soldier is dead. Where’s the Regent? He must be responsible for this. The soldiers took their gun out. Brimob personnel were also there,” he said. Pakage was alone at the scene, while the regent, deputy regent, local parliament members and all government officials already left their office. The police step on the body of the dead victim lying under the flagpole at the office’s front yard. “I shouted at them to stop.” While he was confused about how to stop it, he also could not do anything because he was alone and under gun threat. “I saw people died lying under the flagpole. It’s just me. I was alone. When the soldiers found out that people taken away their guns, they prevented me from being a mediator. They even pointed their guns against me and said ‘you want to back up or not? If not, you’ll be responsible for this’. After that, I backed up. But I still told them not be overwhelming,” he said.

Furthermore, according to Pakage, he moved to a kiosk opposite the Regent Office to join some police officers of Mee origin. It was only 17:12 but already so quiet, and nobody dared to pass. He then saw the ambulance from Deiyai Public Hospital going to the scene. “I saw the ambulance coming from Deiyai Public Hospital to collect West Papuans who injured and fell because of the shooting. But the police came to block the car, pulled out the victims and took the ambulance’s key. They put their injured friends (soldiers), sent both driver and medical workers home. Then ambulance went to Paniai and left the injured West Papuans,” he said.

It was getting late, so he hurried to go home. He reminded himself that he must keep safe from the danger. Of returning home, he observed that Waghete became so quiet. Only found the security forces standing along the street from the Regent Office to Waghete II until the airport compound.

On the next day, Thursday (29/8/2019), he returned to the scene to check whether the dead bodies are still there or taken to the hospital. “I only saw the soldiers standing along the street. I didn’t meet any residents. First of all, I checked the Deiyai Public Hospital, but the gate was locked and no activities there. I came inside knocking the door but no one there. So, I went to the scene to check whether the victims are still there or not. So I parked my vehicle at the entrance of the Regent’s office. Suddenly, the joint security force came investigating me with anger. “They asked, ‘where are our guns?’ I told them I am also a part of this country. Those weapons are the state’s tools; I try to find those losing guns. However, the victims were not there anymore. So I went to Damabagata, Tigi Timur sub-district because I heard from someone that they keep the weapons there. At that time, the Military District Commandant was well-equipped guarding at the intersection of Waghete, Dogiyai and Paniai,” he said.

He continued the story by saying that the Paniai Police then asked him to come to their office as a witness. “At that time, the police acted without thinking. It was a big mistake. They examined me as a witness at the regency police station,” he said. Meanwhile, Father Santon Tekege Pr said the investigation of the Secretariat of Peace and Justice (SKP) of Paniai Dean – Timika Diocese concludes that a car accident involving a soldier that caused the death of Yustinus Takimai triggered this shooting incident.

“As a result of the gunfire and tear gas shots, seven civilians were dead, while 43 people injured with both minor and serious injuries,” said Father Santon. (*)

Reporter: Abeth You Editor: Pipit Maizier

Indonesia ready to form new 'South Papua' province: Home Minister

The Jakarta Post Wed, October 30, 2019

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)

Toddler, teen killed in Papua clash: Indonesian military

Channel News Asia 19 Sep 2019

JAKARTA: A toddler and teenager were among three people killed in a gunfight between security forces and independence-seeking rebels in Indonesia's restive Papua region, the military said on Thursday (Sep 19). The deadly clash comes after mass demonstrations and violence gripped Papua - on the western half of New Guinea island - fuelled by anger over racism and fresh calls for self-rule in Indonesia's easternmost territory. The military said three civilians were killed, including a toddler and teenager, with four others wounded after a clash in Papua's Ilaga region on Tuesday. Police and soldiers were searching for rebels when a group of guerrillas stormed out of a traditional hut and fired at them, sparking a chaotic gunfight, authorities said. "Afterwards, we discovered that seven civilians had been shot ... and three of them died," Papua military spokesman Eko Daryanto said in a statement early Thursday…..

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/papua-indonesia-unrest-toddler-teen-killed-clash-11921608

Vanuatu and Solomons raise Papua at UN rights council

RNZI 18 September 2019

The two governments made a statement which also noted that Indonesia had not yet given access to Papua for the UN Human Rights Commissioner.

The statement was delivered at the council's latest session by Sumbue Antas from Vanuatu's Permanent Mission to the UN. It followed weeks of protests and related unrest in Papua which left at least ten people dead and dozens of Papuans arrested. The Melanesian countries told the council of their deep concern about ongoing rights violations against the freedoms of expression and assembly, as well as racial discrimination towards Papuans in the Indonesian-administered provinces of Papua and West Papua.

They echoed last week's call from the UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, for Indonesia to protect the fundamental human rights of Papuans.

"Related to this agenda item, we are concerned about the Indonesian Government's delay in confirming a time and date for the Human Rights Commissioner to conduct its visit to West Papua," Mr Antas said.

For years, the UN Human Rights Commissioner's office has been trying to secure permission from Jakarta to visit Papua region. Indonesia's government has indicated that, for the time being, access to Papua would remain restricted because of the security situation created by the recent unrest, which was triggered by racist harassment of Papuan students in Java last month.

Six thousand extra Indonesian military and police personnel were deployed to Papua to respond to the widespread protests. The government also implemented restrictions on internet coverage in Papua, although this was gradually being eased as of last week. However, even before the current surge in unrest, Pacific Islands countries voiced frustration that Jakarta had not responded sufficiently to repeated requests by the UN Commissioner for access to Papua. At the recent 2019 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit in Tuvalu, regional countries called on both Indonesia and the UN Commissioner to finalise the timing of a visit to West Papua, and to submit an evidence-based report on the situation before the next summit in 2020. "We call on the High Commissioner and the Government of Indonesia to expedite this arrangement so an assessment on the current situation is made, and a report can be submitted to the Human Rights Council for its consideration," Mr Antas said.

Papua New Guineans commended for 'Bold Statement' on West Papua

Port Moresby Governor Powes Parkop has commended the hundreds of Papua New Guineans who turned up this morning at the Jack Pidik Park in Port Moresby to show their support for West Papua. He says it is time for Papua New Guineans to be brave, bold and fearless in showing their support. The NCD Governor says PNG cannot prosper if West Papua is not free. Governor Parkop was joined by fellow Northern Governor Gary Juffa who reiterated similar sentiments, saying PNG cannot celebrate it's 44th Independence this year while West Papua has been suffering for 57 years. Following these addresses, the two Governors led the hundreds of people chanting 'Free West Papua' with the PNG and the Morning Star Flags carried side by side as they marched from Jack Pidik Park onto the Sir John Guise Stadium where Prime Minister James Marape is expected to address the people as well. Police personnel are out in full force providing security for this solidarity March.
NBC News / PNG Today September 09, 2019

Papua corruption fuelled by false population data - report

RNZI 4 Nov. 2019

A new report alleges officials across Indonesia's West Papua have inflated population figures for personal gain. The Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, or IPAC, is calling on the government to improve conditions ahead of next year's census. The report, Numbers Matter: The 2020 Census and Conflict in Papua, said inflated population statistics had fuelled corruption and conflict in the region. In the Papuan provinces, a bigger population often means more funding from the national government. "Statistics on population, weak to begin with because of the difficulties of reaching remote areas and poor record-keeping, have grown steadily worse in the last two decades as local Papuan elites have deliberately inflated numbers as a way to gain money and power," the report said.

The Central Highlands population might be less than half of what the voter turnout there was in this year's elections, it said.

It also linked poor population data to ongoing violence in Papua, which has killed dozens this year during protests. "The need for a new strategy for addressing conflict in Papua is critical, and a new strategy depends on better data," said IPAC director Sidney Jones. The population in Papua's Central Highlands might be less than half of what 2019 voter roles suggest, with "elites" from the area aided by a traditional Papuan system of proxy voting which, in many areas, resulted in a 100 percent voter turnout, the report said. "Highlanders, led by [Papua Governor] Lukas Enembe, now control all key provincial institutions, including the governorship, the provincial parliament, and the Papuan People's Council," the report noted. In one regency, Jayawijaya, at the time of the 2017 local elections, data from one agency showed a village as having 50,000 more people than data from another agency suggested. The report called on the Indonesian government to adequately resource departments tasked with conducting the 2020 census, including hiring additional staff in Papua and providing them with helicopters to access remote villages. "A more accurate headcount," the report said, "could provide the basis for rethinking Papua strategy, from governance to security to fiscal accountability.”

Full Report. “NUMBERS MATTER: THE 2020 CENSUS AND CONFLICT IN PAPUA”

At http://file.understandingconflict.org/file/2019/10/Report_60F1.pdf

LIFE IN BELFAST AS REPRESENTED ON ITS WALLS – MURALS, GRAFFITI, STREET ART

Merdeka! Independence! West Papuans live under Indonesian rule since 1962 when United States, in the guise of the UN, “entrusted” the territory to Indonesia in exchange for a captured CIA pilot (WP). Leader-in-exile Benny Wenda is shown here against a backdrop of the flag of (independent) West Papua, the Morning Star, shown here hanging vertically.
https://extramuralactivity.com