2) State Intelligence Pushes for the Passing of Papua Special Autonomy Law
3) Veronica Koman Slams Closed Meeting on Papua Special Autonomy
4) Papuans grieve for leader who believed in them
5) Indonesia urged to release detained Papuan activist
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https://www.indoleft.org/news/2021-05-27/veronica-koman-dismisses-accusations-of-creating-instability-as-slander.html
1) Veronica Koman dismisses accusations of 'creating instability' as slander
Kompas.com – May 27, 2021
Papua activist and lawyer Veronica Koman speaking to reporters – Undated (minews)
Rahel Narda Chaterine, Jakarta – Human rights activist and lawyer Veronica Koman has refuted accusations by State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Teddy Lhaksmana Widya Kusuma who said that Koman is taking advantage of the 2021 National Sports Week (PON) to create instability in Papua.
Koman says that the remarks are slander. "This is slander", said Koman when sought for confirmation by Kompas.com on Thursday May 27.
In addition to this, Koman also asked for an explanation on the 2021 PON, which is to be held in Papua, because armed conflicts have occurred repeatedly since late 2018.
Koman also believes that BIN is incompetent because it is using her as a scapegoat.
"There have been repeated armed conflicts in Papua since late 2018, right, this isn't something new. So I'm tossing the question back to BIN. If BIN has intelligence data, then what is it", said Koman.
"This then is BIN, which is incompetent and continues to blame other people like me, who have been victims of propaganda, so I continue being scapegoated by this incompetent government", she said.
Koman then stated that she has almost never raised the issue of the 2021 PON in Papua. According to Koman, it is in fact the TNI (Indonesian military) and the Polri (Indonesian police) who often raise the PON narrative in relation to the unrest in Papua.
"I have only ever mentioned the word PON once, namely early last year. Since then I have never brought up the PON at any time, if there is anyone creating unrest in Papua by raising the PON [issue] then it's actually the TNI and Polri", said Koman.
Moreover, Koman is also of the view that pro-referendum activists in Papua have never taken up the PON 2021 narrative and she is asking BIN not invent new issues about Papua.
"So BIN shouldn't make things up, what's more make up new issues like that, inventing new issues like that, yet no one's making an issue over PON", she said.
Earlier, during a meeting to discuss revisions to the Papua Special Autonomy (Otsus) Law, Kusuma said that Papuan separatist groups (KSP) have been detected that are taking advantage of the 2021 PON to create instability in Papua.
Kusuma said that several parties are alleged to be involved in creating this issue, two of which are Koman and United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Chairperson Benny Wenda.
"It has been detected that KSP intend to take advantage of the holding of the 20th PON in 2021 to create instability, to attract international attention, among others there's Veronica Koman and Benny Wenda from overseas", said Kusuma at a House of Representatives (DPR) special committee meeting at the DPR building in Jakarta on Thursday May 27.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Bantah Pernyataan Waka BIN soal Instabilitas Papua, Veronica Koman: Itu Fitnah!".]
Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/05/27/17415771/bantah-pernyataan-waka-bin-soal-instabilitas-papua-veronica-koman-itu-fitnah
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https://en.tempo.co/read/1466482/state-intelligence-pushes-for-the-passing-of-papua-special-autonomy-law
2) State Intelligence Pushes for the Passing of Papua Special Autonomy Law
Translator: Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor: Laila Afifa
28 May 2021 09:10 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BIN) in Thursday’s meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) recommended the House to quickly pass the second changes in Bill No.21/2021 on the special autonomy in the Papua Province.
“We recommend to fast-track the amendment on the Papua special autonomy law, so it would not coincide with the 20th National Games (PON) to be held in the province,” said BIN deputy Teddy Lhaksmana Widya on May 27.
Teddy claimed that BIN believes Papuan separatists will use the 2021 National Games to create instability to attract the attention of the international community. BIN and also mentioned two names notable in West Papua’s liberation movement Benny Wenda and Veronica Koman.
“BIN has detected security disturbance designed to create a gripping situation to cover up the misuse and misappropriation of the special autonomy funds,” said the State Intelligence deputy.
State Intelligence also recommended law enforcers to act firmly against perpetrators of corruption and nepotism of the Papua special autonomy funds. The funds mainly used for the development of four sectors in Papua; infrastructure, healthcare services, education, and economy.
Read: West Papua Figure Benny Wenda Lashes Back at 'State Intelligence Hoaxes'
ANTARA
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https://en.tempo.co/read/1466522/veronica-koman-slams-closed-meeting-on-papua-special-autonomy
3) Veronica Koman Slams Closed Meeting on Papua Special Autonomy
Translator: Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor: Laila Afifa
28 May 2021 12:17 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Human rights activist and lawyer for Papua, Veronica Koman, on Thursday questioned the Indonesian government’s commitment to accommodate the participation of Papuan indigenous in the ‘Papua Special Autonomy Bill’ as she said House members plan to hold the meeting behind closed doors on Monday, May 31.
“It’s funny when the meeting’s verdict states that the special autonomy will be done with the participation of Papuan residents, but is a complete contrast as on Monday the meeting will be held in a closed meeting,” said Veronica Koman to Tempo on Thursday, May 27.
By not involving local participation, she believes the closed meeting on the Papua special autonomy by the House of Representatives ignores the Papua special autonomy itself. “What the DPR is doing is an oxymoron. And now they plan to hold a closed meeting, this is truly merely theatrical.”
The Bill on the special autonomy is currently being discussed at the House of Representatives (DPR) by an appointed special committee. The two aspects subject to revision are the extension of the special autonomy funds and the central government’s authority in the expansion area.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/443578/papuans-grieve-for-leader-who-believed-in-them
4) Papuans grieve for leader who believed in them
3:49 pm on 28 May 2021
By Laurens Ikinia
Klemen Tinal. Photo: Papua Provincial Government Papuans are in mourning after the recent passing of Klemen Tinal, the Vice Governor of Papua Province.
News of his sudden death at Abdi Waluyo Hospital in Jakarta on Friday 21 May at 0400 am local time came as a shock to the indigenous people of the Indonesian-Melanesian province.
Tinal died of heart disease, according to his daughter, Lidia Natalia Tinal, who
told local media that her father had a history of coronary heart disease.
She said a doctor had recently her father that surgery for a heart bypass was required, but would only be done if his condition was stable.
However, Tinal soon experienced severe chest pain and was taken to the hospital where he later died from this heart attack.
Legacy of a Papuan leader
Klemen Tinal was a charismatic, intelligent and wise leader. Before he served as Vice Governor, he served as Administrative Supervisor of a major mining enterprise, PT Freeport Indonesia.
He also served as Regent of Mimika Regency for two terms (2001-2006 & 2008-2013) and Vice Governor of Papua for two terms (2013-2018 & 2018-2021).
Tinal was a leader with high kinship who displayed unpretentiousness, and was very down to the earth. Many of his colleagues described him as a friendly person, ignorant of anger, a figure who embraced his colleagues and people.
In testimony given by the community in his regency, they said there were rarely any conflicts during his tenure as Mimika's regent. This is because he had a personality was always prepared to listen to his people and embrace them regardless of ethnicity, religion, race and class.
When Tinal accompanied Papua's incumbent governor, Lukas Enembe, in the election for the Governor and Vice Governor of Papua province for both the 2013-2018 and 2018-2023 terms, Tinal's influence resonated at the grassroots level and earned massive support.
Policies that Enembe and Tinal have taken prioritised the aspirations of all Papuan people and especially in protecting the rights of indigenous Papuans - most importantly, their presence in command uplifting the self-esteem of Papuans.
Sadly, Tinal passed away while he was still a Vice Governor in their second term.
Many people know Tinal as a deputy governor who spoke honestly and frankly. He didn't like to be too squeamish about conveying something to the public or when giving directions to colleagues and subordinates. Therefore, many knew him as a person who was "straight to the point".
The late Klemen Tinal was a big man who displayed intelligence and wisdom in making policies; kindness in channelling aid to his people who needed a helping hand; humility in aligning himself with his subordinates; as well as his ability to respond to and resolve conflicts. These were the unique traits he had which make his passing such big loss for the people closest to him and the people of Papua at large.
The leadership of Enembe and Tinal has brought many changes in the province of Papua. This can be seen from the various developments both physically and non-physically. For example, construction of new roads, government buildings and places of worship, sports venues and others. Non-physical development, for example, finances Papuan students abroad and at home and such.
Other achievements of the two leaders were introducing policies protecting the rights of indigenous Papuans. They had the courage to always believe in their people.
Figure of hope
The passing of the late Klemen Tinal adds to the historica grievances and wounds of indigenous Melanesians in Papua which until today have not been healed. His passing may be seen as the collapse of a pillar that supported the security and lives of Papuans.
Therefore, many Papuans posted prayers and hope on social media in remembering the legacy Tinal left for his own people. The following is a summary of those wishes and hopes:
Hon. Klemen Tinal, our prayers from the people of Papua, from the mountains and valleys to the coast and islands, we pray that he may rest in peace. May the family he left behind to be given strength and fortitude in carrying out this very heavy moment.
Some said hopefully, the Papuan people will learn a lesson over the passing of the Deputy Governor and continue to support Governor Lukas Enembe in finishing the remaining term.
The grassroots level people who have always had full hopes of their leaders, desperately need a leader who has a character like the late Klemen Tinal.
Some said Papua need a leader who is ready to listen and side with the grassroots level who sometimes subject to oppression, threat and such.
We need a leader who is ready to say, "Papua needs peace and Papuan Lives Matter".
We need a leader who prioritizes the development of the human resources of indigenous Papuans.
We need a leader who prioritizes human rights rather than the interests of investors who destroy the environment of indigenous Papuans.
We need a leader who will continue the courageous legacy left by the late Klemen Tinal.
Rest In Eternal Peace Hon. Klemen Tinal, the vice governor of Papua province.
Klemen Tinal is survived by his wife, Stefa Sodora Dupuy, and their three children, Lidia Natalia Tinal, William Tinal and Daud Salomon Tinal.
*Laurens Ikinia is a Papuan Masters in Communication Studies student at Auckland University of Technology who has been studying journalism
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https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/443584/indonesia-urged-to-release-detained-papuan-activist
5) Indonesia urged to release detained Papuan activist
5:12 pm on 28 May 2021
Indonesia's government is being urged to release the West Papua pro-independence activist Victor Yeimo.
The West Papua National Committee spokesman was arrested earlier this month over his alleged role in widespread anti-racism protests in 2019.
Yeimo is facing 11 charges, including treason, arson, and incitement.
An international organisation advocating for the rights of political prisoners in Indonesia, Tapol, is concerned that Yeimo is being targetted for state reprisal, and has made an urgent appeal to Indonesian authorities for his release.
Tapol's Pelagio Doutel said Yeimo was being detained in isolation by police in the Jayapura sub-district of Abepura. He has been fed meals of poor nutrition that give cause to stomach ulcers, which Doutel said was treatment that could potentialy be classified as torture.
Yeimo has had previous stints in prison related to his activities exercising his right to freedom of expression, and was subject to torture, according to Doutel.
"His arrest is a significant sign of Indonesia's attempt to clamp down on freedom of expression, and to thwart the West Papua people's movement to seek democratic solutions, the alternative to the problematic Special Autonomy."
According to the Papuans Behind Bars project, which Tapol is involved in, Yeimo is just one of many Papuans to have been detained for apparent political reasons in recent months.
"Between October 2020 and April 2021, there have been one hundred and fifty-four people arrested or detained arbitrarily.
"Most of them were released afterwards of course, but some were detained. At least eleven people from this number are still in detention.”
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