From the Report
The Indigenous World 2020
34th Edition . .
Full Report
Indonesia section page 250- 266
West Papua Pages 257-263
WEST PAPUA
The hopes that were raised with the enactment of the Law on Special Autonomy for West Papua and the adoption of the UNDRIP by Indonesia in 2017 have, however, thus far been frustrated. For almost two decades the status of this Special Autonomy has not answered the grievances and aspirations of the people of Papua. Armed conflict and violence still occur today.
The forests of West Papua cover 42 million hectares, or 24% of In- donesia’s forested area, and are home to 54% of Indonesia’s biodiver- sity. Together with Papua New Guinea, West Papua makes up the third largest tropical forest in the world after the Amazon and Congo Basin forests. The region is also rich in mineral resources and is home to the largest gold mine and the third largest copper mine in the world. How- ever, the mines have caused more damage than benefit for the local Indigenous Peoples.
The Human Development Index in Indonesia placed both Papua and West Papua provinces as the lowest in 2018 – with Papua at 60.06 and West Papua at 63.74. The social parameters such as birth rates, illiteracy rates and HIV/AIDS sufferers greatly affect this index.
The armed conflict in Nduga
The armed conflict in Nduga regency and the wave of displacement of thousands of civilians who avoided the conflict took place throughout 2019. The conflict began with the killing of 16 PT Istaka Karya19 workers by an armed group led by Egianus Kogoya on 2 December 2018.
Indonesian security forces (TNI and Polri) carried out military oper- ations in pursuit for Egianus Kogoya. The news of death, shootings and displacement has continued to flood various media throughout Papua. During 2019, tens of thousands of Nduga people had to flee their vil-
The hopes that were raised with the enactment of the Law on Special Autonomy for West Papua and the adoption of the UNDRIP by Indonesia in 2017 have, however, thus far been frustrated. For almost two decades the status of this Special Autonomy has not answered the grievances and aspirations of the people of Papua. Armed conflict and violence still occur today.
The forests of West Papua cover 42 million hectares, or 24% of In- donesia’s forested area, and are home to 54% of Indonesia’s biodiver- sity. Together with Papua New Guinea, West Papua makes up the third largest tropical forest in the world after the Amazon and Congo Basin forests. The region is also rich in mineral resources and is home to the largest gold mine and the third largest copper mine in the world. How- ever, the mines have caused more damage than benefit for the local Indigenous Peoples.
The Human Development Index in Indonesia placed both Papua and West Papua provinces as the lowest in 2018 – with Papua at 60.06 and West Papua at 63.74. The social parameters such as birth rates, illiteracy rates and HIV/AIDS sufferers greatly affect this index.
The armed conflict in Nduga
The armed conflict in Nduga regency and the wave of displacement of thousands of civilians who avoided the conflict took place throughout 2019. The conflict began with the killing of 16 PT Istaka Karya19 workers by an armed group led by Egianus Kogoya on 2 December 2018.
Indonesian security forces (TNI and Polri) carried out military oper- ations in pursuit for Egianus Kogoya. The news of death, shootings and displacement has continued to flood various media throughout Papua. During 2019, tens of thousands of Nduga people had to flee their vil-
258 IWGIA – The Indigenous World – 2020
lages.20 About 200 people have reportedly died in refugee camps and thousands of children could not go to school.21
Indonesian security forces have been accused of using phospho- rus bombs in military operations to pursue the perpetrators of the mur- der of workers of Istaka Karya Ltd. Although Indonesian security forces deny the allegations, an article in the Australian media22 provided imag- es of the use of phosphorus that appeared on the bodies of the wound- ed victims.
This military operation in Nduga regency has been condemned by the Papua provincial government. The Governor of Papua, Papuan Parliament and Papuan People’s Assembly have asked the Indonesian government to withdraw security forces in Nduga so that local residents can return safely to their villages and carry out their usual activities. Up until now, this request has not been responded to.
The Cycloop nature reserve
On 16 March 2019, flash floods hit Sentani, Jayapura regency, Pap- ua. Several hundreds of people died and tens of thousands lost their homes.23 According to the data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, rainfall during the flood measured 114 millilitres.
The flood confirmed that the infrastructural development of the Jayapura regency area, which is located under the Cycloop nature re- serve, has contributed to the destruction of the natural environment in the reserve. For the Indigenous Tabi community, the damage to the Cy- cloop nature reserve means damage to their ancestral land.24
The Cycloop was listed as a nature reserve by ministerial decrees in 1978 and 198725 and is around 31,000 hectares, of which more than 1,000 hectares (about 7%)26 was damaged in 2019.
The flash floods and damage to the Cycloop nature reserve brought new problems, mainly between the Indigenous Tabi community and In- digenous highlanders of Papua,27 who have lived in Jayapura regency since the 2000s. The highlanders have been accused of destroying parts of the Cycloop nature reserve. This accusation has impacted the socio-political dynamics of the community, as the highlanders are be- ing accused of fraudulent political practices to control positions in the provincial government and the parliament.
Indonesian security forces have been accused of using phospho- rus bombs in military operations to pursue the perpetrators of the mur- der of workers of Istaka Karya Ltd. Although Indonesian security forces deny the allegations, an article in the Australian media22 provided imag- es of the use of phosphorus that appeared on the bodies of the wound- ed victims.
This military operation in Nduga regency has been condemned by the Papua provincial government. The Governor of Papua, Papuan Parliament and Papuan People’s Assembly have asked the Indonesian government to withdraw security forces in Nduga so that local residents can return safely to their villages and carry out their usual activities. Up until now, this request has not been responded to.
The Cycloop nature reserve
On 16 March 2019, flash floods hit Sentani, Jayapura regency, Pap- ua. Several hundreds of people died and tens of thousands lost their homes.23 According to the data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, rainfall during the flood measured 114 millilitres.
The flood confirmed that the infrastructural development of the Jayapura regency area, which is located under the Cycloop nature re- serve, has contributed to the destruction of the natural environment in the reserve. For the Indigenous Tabi community, the damage to the Cy- cloop nature reserve means damage to their ancestral land.24
The Cycloop was listed as a nature reserve by ministerial decrees in 1978 and 198725 and is around 31,000 hectares, of which more than 1,000 hectares (about 7%)26 was damaged in 2019.
The flash floods and damage to the Cycloop nature reserve brought new problems, mainly between the Indigenous Tabi community and In- digenous highlanders of Papua,27 who have lived in Jayapura regency since the 2000s. The highlanders have been accused of destroying parts of the Cycloop nature reserve. This accusation has impacted the socio-political dynamics of the community, as the highlanders are be- ing accused of fraudulent political practices to control positions in the provincial government and the parliament.
PART 1 – Region and country reports – Indonesia 259
For this reason, the Jayapura regency, Jayapura city, Mamberamo Raya regency and Keerom regency, collectively have called for a new autonomous region or a new province.28
Papua’s commitment for the world’s lungs
During 1-3 May 2019, Governor Lukas Enembe of Papua province at- tended the annual Governor’s Climate and Forest (GCF) Task Force con- ference in Caqueta, Colombia.29 In the conference, Governor Enembe mentioned that as home to tropical forests, Papua is ready to contrib- ute in sustaining the world’s lungs.
“Papua is ready to protect 90% of its tropical forests. But we need help, because protecting the forest is not easy, because of the enor- mous challenges we face, such as massive logging and large-scale plantations in Papua,” said Governor Enembe.
According to Mr. Enembe, around 85% of the forests in Papua are still intact and around 90% of Indigenous Papuans live in or near the forest. “Therefore, we are committed to green growth that recognises the existence of Indigenous Peoples,” Governor Enembe said.
Governor Enembe proposed that Papua should host the next con- ference, which was approved by the GCF forum.
Racial discrimination and violence
The most important event in 2019 was the anti-racist demonstrations that took place throughout Papua and West Papua.30 The first demon- stration happened on 19 August 2019, after which successive demon- strations were carried out in various cities across West Papua. The demonstrations are believed to have been ignited by racist comments made by security forces towards Papuan students in Surabaya. Security forces allegedly called the students “monkeys” and “dogs”.31 Thousands of people in West Papua have gone to the streets in main towns such as Fakfak, Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, Jayapura, Merauke, Wamena, Deiyai and Timika, protesting against Indonesia’s government and the racism they encounter in Indonesian society.32
Papua’s commitment for the world’s lungs
During 1-3 May 2019, Governor Lukas Enembe of Papua province at- tended the annual Governor’s Climate and Forest (GCF) Task Force con- ference in Caqueta, Colombia.29 In the conference, Governor Enembe mentioned that as home to tropical forests, Papua is ready to contrib- ute in sustaining the world’s lungs.
“Papua is ready to protect 90% of its tropical forests. But we need help, because protecting the forest is not easy, because of the enor- mous challenges we face, such as massive logging and large-scale plantations in Papua,” said Governor Enembe.
According to Mr. Enembe, around 85% of the forests in Papua are still intact and around 90% of Indigenous Papuans live in or near the forest. “Therefore, we are committed to green growth that recognises the existence of Indigenous Peoples,” Governor Enembe said.
Governor Enembe proposed that Papua should host the next con- ference, which was approved by the GCF forum.
Racial discrimination and violence
The most important event in 2019 was the anti-racist demonstrations that took place throughout Papua and West Papua.30 The first demon- stration happened on 19 August 2019, after which successive demon- strations were carried out in various cities across West Papua. The demonstrations are believed to have been ignited by racist comments made by security forces towards Papuan students in Surabaya. Security forces allegedly called the students “monkeys” and “dogs”.31 Thousands of people in West Papua have gone to the streets in main towns such as Fakfak, Sorong, Manokwari, Nabire, Jayapura, Merauke, Wamena, Deiyai and Timika, protesting against Indonesia’s government and the racism they encounter in Indonesian society.32
260 IWGIA – The Indigenous World – 2020
The demonstrations turned violent and government and private buildings were burned down. On 23 September, the student anti-rac- ism peace rally turned bloody in Jayapura and Wamena.33 Four students and one TNI member died after a clash between students and police in Jayapura. In Wamena, dozens of civilians were burnt to death in their homes and dozens of Indigenous Papuans were shot by security forces when the anti-racism demonstrations turned violent.34
The Indonesian government responded by shutting down the inter- net access in both Papua and West Papua as it referred to the incidents as a hoax that should not spread.
Arrests of pro-independent activists
The arrests of Indigenous Papuans for peacefully expressing their as- pirations for independence and self-determination happened in 2019. Mass arrests took place from the end of November through to early De- cember. Around 112 people were arrested in Fakfak, Sorong, Manokwari, Jayapura and Sentani under treason charges.35 Police charged them for planning to raise the Morning Star flag on 1 December, which is banned by the Indonesian Government.
Prior arrests were made from the end of August to early Septem- ber 2019, with six activists arrested for carrying out anti-racist demon- strations in front of the Indonesian Presidential palace.36 These six were later named as suspects in a treason case. In addition, seven Papuan youth leaders were arrested by the police in Jayapura for mobilising the masses during a peaceful demonstration against racism on 23 Au- gust.37
The exodus of Papuan students from campuses in various cities
Since September 2019, thousands of Papuan students have returned to Papua due to the lack of security38 after the anti-racist demonstrations in Papua. Papuan students who studied in several cities in Indonesia felt threatened and spied upon by Indonesian security forces.
A member of the Papua Students Association Education Division (IMASEPA), Weak Kosay, noted that some Papuan students in Bandung and surrounding areas had returned to Papua and claimed they could not stand the treatment from Indonesian security forces, especially af- ter the incident in Surabaya.39
The Indonesian government responded by shutting down the inter- net access in both Papua and West Papua as it referred to the incidents as a hoax that should not spread.
Arrests of pro-independent activists
The arrests of Indigenous Papuans for peacefully expressing their as- pirations for independence and self-determination happened in 2019. Mass arrests took place from the end of November through to early De- cember. Around 112 people were arrested in Fakfak, Sorong, Manokwari, Jayapura and Sentani under treason charges.35 Police charged them for planning to raise the Morning Star flag on 1 December, which is banned by the Indonesian Government.
Prior arrests were made from the end of August to early Septem- ber 2019, with six activists arrested for carrying out anti-racist demon- strations in front of the Indonesian Presidential palace.36 These six were later named as suspects in a treason case. In addition, seven Papuan youth leaders were arrested by the police in Jayapura for mobilising the masses during a peaceful demonstration against racism on 23 Au- gust.37
The exodus of Papuan students from campuses in various cities
Since September 2019, thousands of Papuan students have returned to Papua due to the lack of security38 after the anti-racist demonstrations in Papua. Papuan students who studied in several cities in Indonesia felt threatened and spied upon by Indonesian security forces.
A member of the Papua Students Association Education Division (IMASEPA), Weak Kosay, noted that some Papuan students in Bandung and surrounding areas had returned to Papua and claimed they could not stand the treatment from Indonesian security forces, especially af- ter the incident in Surabaya.39
PART 1 – Region and country reports – Indonesia 261
Governor Enembe noted that the increasing number of Papuan students returning begs for an immediate solution from the Papua pro- vincial government.
The PIF Communique and West Papua case
At the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ summit in Tuvalu, August 2019, the Vanuatu government successfully received a strong state- ment for West Papua on the PIF Communiqué. West Papua activists and lobbyists in the Pacific boosted their efforts to gain support from the Pacific nation to pass a PIF resolution urging the visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua to carry out an investigation on the alleged human rights violations.40
Vanuatu’s Special Envoy to West Papua, Lora Lini, stressed that Vanuatu had won the draft resolution during the PIF senior officials and ministries meeting in Fiji, weeks prior to the leaders’ summit. The meeting of PIF senior officials and ministries set the agenda for the PIF leaders in Tuvalu.
“We sincerely hope that the outcome of the communique of the PIF and the Prime Minister of Vanuatu will bring the resolution to the UN General Assembly,” Lini said.
Judicial review of the ‘act of free choice’
2019 marks the 50-year anniversary of the Act of Free Choice41 or the determination of people’s opinion (Pepera). The Presidium Papua Coun- cil (PDP) and the Papua Customary Council (DAP) have given power of attorney to 15 lawyers who are members of the Freedom of Justice and Justice Advocacy Coalition for the People of Papua, to submit a Judi- cial Review of Law No. 12 of 1969 concerning the establishment of the West Irian, an autonomous province to the Supreme Court of the Re- public of Indonesia.42
“What we are concerned about is that there are phrases in this law that the ‘act of free choice’ were correctly implemented. But the reality is not like that. That’s why we did a trial at the Constitutional Court, “
The PIF Communique and West Papua case
At the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ summit in Tuvalu, August 2019, the Vanuatu government successfully received a strong state- ment for West Papua on the PIF Communiqué. West Papua activists and lobbyists in the Pacific boosted their efforts to gain support from the Pacific nation to pass a PIF resolution urging the visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua to carry out an investigation on the alleged human rights violations.40
Vanuatu’s Special Envoy to West Papua, Lora Lini, stressed that Vanuatu had won the draft resolution during the PIF senior officials and ministries meeting in Fiji, weeks prior to the leaders’ summit. The meeting of PIF senior officials and ministries set the agenda for the PIF leaders in Tuvalu.
“We sincerely hope that the outcome of the communique of the PIF and the Prime Minister of Vanuatu will bring the resolution to the UN General Assembly,” Lini said.
Judicial review of the ‘act of free choice’
2019 marks the 50-year anniversary of the Act of Free Choice41 or the determination of people’s opinion (Pepera). The Presidium Papua Coun- cil (PDP) and the Papua Customary Council (DAP) have given power of attorney to 15 lawyers who are members of the Freedom of Justice and Justice Advocacy Coalition for the People of Papua, to submit a Judi- cial Review of Law No. 12 of 1969 concerning the establishment of the West Irian, an autonomous province to the Supreme Court of the Re- public of Indonesia.42
“What we are concerned about is that there are phrases in this law that the ‘act of free choice’ were correctly implemented. But the reality is not like that. That’s why we did a trial at the Constitutional Court, “
262 IWGIA – The Indigenous World – 2020
Yan Warinussy, the head of the Coordinator of the coalition advocating freedom and justice for Papuan people, said.43
First International Conference on Papuan Students
The first Papua International Students Conference was held in Los An- geles on 20 December 2019. The conference was organised by the Fo- rum of Papuan Youth and Scholars and the Papuan Student Associa- tion in the United States (IMAPA), and fully supported by the provincial government of Papua and West Papua. The conference was attended by around 200 Indonesian students who are studying in the United States, Indonesia, Philippines, the United Kingdom and Canada. The conference discussed the ideas and role of Papuan youth in education, health and economy under the Acceleration of Papua Development programme.
A joint outcome was declared as the Los Angeles Papua Golden Generation Declaration.44
Violence and armed conflict will continue
The Indonesian Government’s attitude toward Papua has never changed. Violence and armed conflict in Papua have continued to in- crease over the last five years. Thousands of Indigenous Papuans were arrested and hundreds were imprisoned, while dozens were killed due to different opinions and perspectives. On the other hand, dozens of Indo- nesian soldiers, security forces and police officers have also been killed over the last five years.
The increase of violence and conflict does not only confirm the differences between Papuan and Indonesian government perceptions about the history of West Papua’s integration with Indonesia, but has caused a detrimental loss for the people in Papua and Papua Barat provinces. As a result, both provinces have faced difficulties in terms of development, including education and health services, which affect Indigenous population. In general, the armed conflict and violence are highly influential for the level of trust of Indigenous Papuans towards the Indonesian government.
First International Conference on Papuan Students
The first Papua International Students Conference was held in Los An- geles on 20 December 2019. The conference was organised by the Fo- rum of Papuan Youth and Scholars and the Papuan Student Associa- tion in the United States (IMAPA), and fully supported by the provincial government of Papua and West Papua. The conference was attended by around 200 Indonesian students who are studying in the United States, Indonesia, Philippines, the United Kingdom and Canada. The conference discussed the ideas and role of Papuan youth in education, health and economy under the Acceleration of Papua Development programme.
A joint outcome was declared as the Los Angeles Papua Golden Generation Declaration.44
Violence and armed conflict will continue
The Indonesian Government’s attitude toward Papua has never changed. Violence and armed conflict in Papua have continued to in- crease over the last five years. Thousands of Indigenous Papuans were arrested and hundreds were imprisoned, while dozens were killed due to different opinions and perspectives. On the other hand, dozens of Indo- nesian soldiers, security forces and police officers have also been killed over the last five years.
The increase of violence and conflict does not only confirm the differences between Papuan and Indonesian government perceptions about the history of West Papua’s integration with Indonesia, but has caused a detrimental loss for the people in Papua and Papua Barat provinces. As a result, both provinces have faced difficulties in terms of development, including education and health services, which affect Indigenous population. In general, the armed conflict and violence are highly influential for the level of trust of Indigenous Papuans towards the Indonesian government.
PART 1 – Region and country reports – Indonesia 263
For that reason, the government of Indonesia needs to change its development approach in West Papua. Infrastructure development over the past five years has not answered any problems of Indigenous Pap- uans. Papuans demand historical correction upon the transfer of West Papua’s sovereignty from the Dutch to Indonesia, as well as remedy for human rights violations that have occurred since the annexation by In- donesian authorities.
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