1) Amnesty International Indonesia Condemns Arrest of 14 Papua University Students
Translator: Ririe Ranggasari Editor: Laila Afifa 10 August 2021 20:21 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amnesty International Indonesia condemns the arrest of 14 students of Jayapura's Cendrawasih University, or Uncen, by the Papua Police.
In its press release, Amnesty International Indonesia said that the Jayapura City Police arrested them on Tuesday, August 10, after they staged a protest demanding the release of Victor Yeimo, an activist for the West Papua National Committee.
Victor Yeimo was arrested by the Nemangkawi Task Force on May 9 this year under charges of treason based on his speeches and activism during the 2019 anti-racism peace rally in Jayapura. Victor was accused of violating Articles 106 and 110 of the Criminal Code on treason and conspiracy to commit treason, and is being held at the Mako Brimob Prison of the Papua Police.
Responding to the arrest of the 14 Cendrawasih University students, Amnesty International Indonesia deputy director Wirya Adiwena said that the students should be protected and facilitated—not arrested and treated like criminals.
"Like Victor, these Uncen students are only using their right to exercise freedom of expression, assembly and association, to peacefully speak their minds," said Wirya.
Wirya urged the Jayapura Police to release the students immediately, and respect their freedom of expression. Wirya also called for Victor Yeimo to be released because there was no credible evidence that he violated any internationally recognized law.
In its press release, Amnesty International Indonesia stated that it did not take any position on the political status of any province in Indonesia, including a call for independence. The right to freely express opinions in peaceful manners must be protected.
Read: KontraS Laments Use of Excessive Force by Authorities in Papua
SRIRAHMA
Head of Papua province's COVID-19 task force, Welliam R. Manderi. (ANTARA/Hendrina Dian Kandipi)
Hoaxes and scams related to COVID-19 vaccinations have even "haunted" several members of communities, making them doubt the necessity for vaccination, the task force's head, Welliam R.Manderi, said here on Tuesday.
To counter the spread of C0VID-19 vaccine-related scams, public awareness campaigns on the safety and importance of vaccination drives to break the chain of coronavirus transmission need to be intensified, he advised.
"We must massively conduct public awareness campaigns and keep providing the public with accurate and reliable sources of information on the benefits of joining the COVID-19 vaccination drives," Manderi said.
The Papua COVID-19 task force personnel have not tired of informing locals about the importance of vaccinations for building herd immunity in the province, he added.
Related news: Vaccinations expedited ahead of 20th PON
Local residents living near sporting venues of this year's PON National Games and athletes villages must get vaccinated prior to the convening of Indonesia's prestigious multi-sport events in October, he added.
Papua has lately grabbed the attention of Indonesia's media outlets as it is scheduled to host this year's PON National Games and National Para Games (Peparnas).
The PON National Games will be held in Jayapura city and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke this year from October 2-15, while Peparnas will be held from November 2-15.
At least 6,400 athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia are expected to participate in Papua's PON National Games, which will feature 37 events.
Meanwhile, 1,935 athletes and 740 officials will take part in the National Para Games in Jayapura city and Jayapura district, which will feature 12 events.
To ensure the safety of athletes and officials participating in the PON National Games and National Para Games, President Joko Widodo has urged the concerned agencies to inoculate all athletes.
The head of state has also instructed that local residents living near the venues of the sporting events and athletes' villages be vaccinated, according to Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali.
Related news: As COVID cases spread, Papuans urged to remain vigilant
Related news: KONI completes first phase of vaccination of Papua PON athletes
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