Australian West Papua Association (Sydney)
27 September 2021
Statement-Moratorium on aid to Indonesian military
There have been a number of armed clashes between the Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) and the Indonesian security forces in the past month with casualties on both sides.
In Kisor village, South Aifat district, Maybrat regency, West Papua Province, a security force operation took place after the attack on the military post in Kisor Village on the 2nd September. The military operation caused large numbers of residents flee their villages in fear of the Indonesian military
In Kiwirok District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua Province near the PNG border (13 September), a clash occurred which caused a number of buildings comprising a school, bank office, and public health centre to be destroyed by fire. A healthcare worker died during the attack. Another health worker was reported missing but the TPNPB-OPM reported that they found the health care worker who was lost and returned him to his family.
The situation in West Papua is seriously deteriorating. Yet, on a recent visit to Jakarta by Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton (9th September), Australia and Indonesian agreed to strengthen security ties leading to joint military training in Australia and participation in its defence academies. Australia has also donated 15 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMV) to Indonesia.
Joe Collins of AWPA said, “while the Indonesian security forces are committing human rights abuses and conducting military operations in West Papua, there should be a monitorium at the least on all military aid to the Indonesian defence forces.”
The security force operation taking place in the Maybrat Regency (after the attack on the military post in Kisor Village) caused residents from five districts to flee their villages in fear of the Indonesian military
It should be remembered that a Papuan man, Kristian Yandun died after being beaten in a police cell in Merauke. The Merauke police chief Untung Sangaji undertook anti-people smuggling training and studied surveillance techniques at the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC), courses taught by Australian Federal Police officers alongside trainers from the US and UK.
The Arrest of West Papuan activist Victor Yeimo who faces a number of charges including violating the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), namely Article 106 on treason and Article 110 of the KUHP on treason with conspiracy, simply for been involved in an anti-racism rally.
And how Australia helped cover up a massacre.
In the Guardian Australia (19 September) an article about the Biak Massacre, reported on how a newly released , unredacted intelligence report revealed how an Australian intelligence officer provided the government with compelling evidence just 11 days after the killings that Indonesia “almost certainly used excessive force against pro-independence demonstrators”. The same officer was also handed photographic evidence by West Papuans on Biak, at great risk to their safety. The photos were distributed to his superiors within defence, but never saw the light of day. No Indonesian military personal have ever been charged of involvement in the massacre.
There are a number of petitions circulating that people can sign against given any military aid or training to the Indonesian security forces and one calling for the release of Victor Yeimo.
Petitions
Stop Peter Dutton donating armoured vehicles to the Indonesian military
SIGN NOW: #MAKEWESTPAPUASAFE. HOLD THE AFP ACCOUNTABLE
https://wagepeaceau-beyondwarau.nationbuilder.com/make_west_papua_safe_petition
INDONESIA: RELEASE PEACEFUL ANTI-RACISM PROTESTER VICTOR YEIMO
https://action.amnesty.org.au/act-now/indonesia-release-peaceful-anti-racism-protester-victor-yeimo
Ends
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