Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
AWPA Update No 2/ 2022
6 March 2022
The situation in West Papua continues to deteriorate with ongoing armed clashes between the Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). The latest clash occurred on 2 March. https://thediplomat.com/2022/03/separatist-fighters-kill-8-telecom-technicians-in-papua-province/
In the statement released on the 1 March, 3 UN Special Rapporteurs expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in West Papua.
From UN release,
GENEVA (1 March 2022)
“UN human rights experts today expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, citing shocking abuses against indigenous Papuans, including child killings, disappearances, torture and mass displacement of people.” The UN Rapporteurs point out that,
"Between April and November 2021, we have received allegations indicating several instances of extrajudicial killings, including of young children, enforced disappearance, torture and inhuman treatment and the forced displacement of at least 5,000 indigenous Papuans by security forces," It is estimated that the overall number of displaced people in West Papua since the escalation of violence in December 2018 is over 60,000.
AWPA has written to Foreign Minister Marise Payne concerning the report.
“Australian group calls for action over UN Indonesian ‘Papuan abuses’ report”
EU calls on Indonesian govt to allow UN to visit West Papua
Jubi News Desk February 24, 2022
Jubi TV – The European Union (EU) Commission has called on Indonesia to allow the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Papua, internationally known as West Papua, as well as urging Indonesia to extend the permanent invitation to all Special Rapporteurs and Mandate holders. EU High Representative/Vice President of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borell conveyed this on Monday, February 21, 2022. Borell said EU-Indonesia relationships were supported by the 2014 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Recent discussions with Indonesia took place in the context of the Human Rights Dialogue (27 May 2021) and the Joint Committee (22 June 2021).
He acknowledged that ever since the democratic transition, respect for human rights in Indonesia has increased rapidly. However, the EU noted that the protection and fulfillment of freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly remains a concern in West Papua. The EU supports Indonesia’s territorial integrity but also encourages inclusive dialogue to address the problems experienced by local residents and ensure respect for human rights. “The EU encourages Indonesia to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua and urges Indonesia to extend the permanent invitation to all Special
Rapporteurs and Mandate holders,” Borell told Jubi via email.
Since 2001, the EU has supported the Indonesian government’s efforts to promote the sustainable development of Papua and West Papua provinces, by allocating EUR 4.7 million specifically to these two provinces in the areas of democracy, civil society, peace, health care, education, and land use planning. In addition, the EU has funded projects in Indonesia with more than EUR 112 million in the sectors of climate change, deforestation, education, health, and human rights, which also includes activities in Papua and West Papua.
Member of the European Union Parliament from Spain Carles Puigdemont i Casamajó told Jubi by email that previously on 1 December 2021, he and his two colleagues, Antoni Comín i Oliveres and Clara Ponsatí Obiols, had submitted a written question to the European Union Commission. They asked for an explanation of the framework agreement with Indonesia in 2014 in which ‘human rights’ was mentioned 17 times.
Casamajó and his colleagues wondered if respect for human rights in West Papua and the release of political prisoners like Viktor Yeimo be a condition for negotiating a free trade agreement with Indonesia in the next round of negotiations. They also asked if the EU High Representative/Vice President of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security would ask the Indonesian government to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights a visit to West Papua. “We also wanted to know how much money has been allocated to West Papua by the Commission since 2001 and for what purpose,” said Casamajó.
Benny Wenda, chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), admitted that with the support of the European Union, it means there are 27 more countries that support the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to West Papua. Previously, 81 Pacific, African and Caribbean countries had expressed their support. “Finally, we have a clear position from the EU, that they are calling for Indonesia to allow a UN visit to West Papua,” Wenda told Jubi. Thanks to the question asked by Casamajó and his colleagues, Wenda added, the public now knows how much EU money has been sent to Indonesia to spend for Papua. (*)
https://en.jubi.co.id/eu-calls-on-indonesian-govt-to-allow-un-to-visit-west-papua/
WP Forum on the 10 March.
Registration essential. Email dave-arkins@bigpond.com
JP EDITORIAL New approach in Papua
Editorial board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta ● Mon, February 7, 2022
Recently appointed Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Andika Perkasa has attracted public attention with his plan to change the way the institution deals with longstanding separatism in Papua. He says the TNI will treat Papua like the nation’s other provinces, in that territorial operations will manifest as civic action programs. In the words of new Army chief of staff Gen. Dudung Abdurachman, the military will emphasize “love and affection”, a stark contrast to the use of force that has for decades characterized the TNI’s presence in the easternmost part of the country. Such statements imply that the two generals have accepted that the militaristic approach will not address Papua’s resentment of Jakarta. The fact that they understand the problem does not necessarily mean the TNI’s operations in Papua will drastically change, but we can hope the military will at least be more willing to work with other elements of society and the government to resolve the complex problems facing the Papuan people.
Andika aims to reverse the current deployment of troops, which human rights activists say has turned Papua into “a war zone”. Civil society, religious leaders and other prominent figures in Papua have repeatedly asserted that the militaristic approach will not be able to end the decades-long conflict in the natural resource-rich territory, but they say dialogue would. Andika said the new paradigm would implement President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo instructions as the TNI’s supreme commander. The Army chain of command, from the provincial military command (Kodam) to the lowest unit, as well as the Air Force and Navy structures in Papua and West Papua, will return to their original functions as laid out in TNI procedure. The TNI must prepare a long-term strategy to deal with threats to the country’s territorial integrity that will persist despite the new approach.
The most important mission for the military is to win the hearts and minds of Papuans. On Sunday, an Army soldier was wounded after an armed group attacked a military post in the remote village of Titigi in Intan Jaya regency. A week earlier, three Army soldiers were shot dead in Jenggernok village in Puncak regency. Dudung said that while the hunt for separatist groups would continue, soldiers should treat all Papuans, even armed separatist groups, with more empathy because they were all citizens of Indonesia. The statement quickly sparked controversy, with critics claiming Dudung was tolerating criminals who had killed TNI soldiers and civilians. Clearly, the two generals are aware that the use force should only be the last resort. They intend to promote the use of soft power, rather than hard power, the latter of which has proven unable to end hostilities in Papua.
Despite the massive infrastructure projects and huge amount of special autonomy funds granted to Papua, many residents feel Jakarta has abused their basic human rights and unfairly extracted their natural resources for decades. They have been left far behind the rest of the nation and are treated as second-class citizens. Repeated instances of racist behavior, both individual and institutional, have only increased Papuans’ alienation. For these reasons, we welcome the vision of the two generals, who are opting for a more humanitarian approach in Papua. Let us give Andika and Dudung a chance to realize their promises. https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2022/02/06/new-approach-in-papua.html
Activists demand Indonesia release 8 Papuan students
All remain in custody three months after being arrested for attending pro-independence rally. Katharina R. Lestari, Jakarta Published: February 07, 2022
The Church in Indonesia has joined civil and rights groups in demanding the unconditional release of eight Papuan university students, who have been held without trial for more than three months accused of treason. The students were arrested and charged after staging a pro-independence rally on Dec. 1 in Jayapura, capital of Papua province. During the rally, they waved the Papuan Morning Star flag banned by Indonesian authorities for being a pro-independence symbol and displaying posters proclaiming self-determination for West Papua.
The rally was held to mark the 60th anniversary of what many Papuans regard as West Papua's proclamation of independence before it was incorporated into Indonesia.
The event also marked the birth of the Free Papua Movement. All eight students have remained in custody ever since, pending further investigations, according to police.
“It has been three months since they were detained ... and their detention has been extended until March 1,” Emanuel Gobay, coordinator of the Coalition of Papuan Law and Human Rights Enforcement, said in a statement received by UCA News on Feb. 6.
The coalition includes the Franciscan Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation.
Suspects, according to the Indonesian Criminal Code, can be detained for up to 60 days while investigations are being carried out. Gobay, who is also director of the Legal Aid Institute in Papua, said waving the Papuan Morning Star flag was simply the exercising of freedom of expression guaranteed by the 1945 constitution and existing laws.
As such it was illogical for the students to be named treason suspects. “We call on the National Police chief to immediately order the unconditional release of the eight Papuan university students and to end the arbitrary use of the treason law,” he said. “Never make it a tool to silence freedom of expression in this democratic country,” he added.
https://www.ucanews.com/news/activists-demand-indonesia-release-8-papuan-students/96012#
Calls for NZ govt to condemn charges against West Papuan activist.
RNZ Pacific 28 February 2022
The West Papua Action Aotearoa is calling on the New Zealand Government to condemn the charges of treason brought against West Papuan activist Victor Yeimo. Mr Yeimo was charged with treason last week for participating in an anti racism protest in August 2019. West Papua Action Aotearoa spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said Mr Yeimo's only crime was to stand up against the abuse of West Papuan students in Indonesia. Ms Delahunty said her group is asking Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta to stand up for human rights in our neighbourhood. She said the case has attracted a strong response from UN Special Rapporteurs, but the New Zealand Government only said it is 'concerned' and that its officials will 'raise the case'. The human rights defender is the leader of the pro-independence West Papua National Committee of KNPB. His trial was to be held in August last year but was delayed because he was seriously ill. Mr Yeimo remains under treatment for serious respiratory illness.
The West Papua Action Aotearoa said it believes that the Indonesian authorities are attempting to criminalise a leading activist whose record shows that he has always been dedicated to peaceful methods of protest, including making representations to the UN Human Rights Council.
Indonesian security forces blasted over Papua abuses
Human rights commission says police, military committed at least 480 acts of violence against civilians last year
Konradus EpaKonradus Epa, Jakarta. Published: January 19, 2022
Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights has called on the government to rein in security forces after recording hundreds of acts of violence committed by them against civilians in Papua over the last year. “Of 1,182 violent incidents recorded in the restive region, at least 480 or 41.3 percent were committed by security forces,” commission spokesman Mohammad Choirul Anam said. He said security forces were involved in the shooting and torturing of civilians as well as the burning and destruction of schools and homes.
The commission called on the government to ensure civilians in Papua are not persecuted by security forces that have been fighting an insurgency in the country’s easternmost region for decades and which has intensified in recent years.
STATEMENT OF BENNY WENDA ON WEST PAPUA INDEPENDENCE
United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).
By Daily Telegraph NZ January 26, 2022
I would like to wish a Happy New Year to all our solidarity supporters around the world and to our diplomatic friends in Vanuatu, the OACPS, the PIF and elsewhere. As we continue to fight for justice and freedom this year, you help give us the strength to carry on our struggle. We are starting 2022 with the announcement of our new ULMWP Provisional Government offices around the globe. The headquarters will be based inside West Papua, and the international office in Port Vila. We are opening a government branch in Port Moresby, and our diplomatic coordination offices will be based in the UK and Europe. This is another step in our long road to reclaiming the sovereignty stolen from us by Indonesia in 1963. With the formation of our constitution, Provisional Government, cabinet and Green State Vision, all Indonesian laws in West Papua are over. The Indonesian presence is totally illegal, and totally redundant. With our clandestine government departments operating within our borders, all West Papuans and Indonesian migrants working under our jurisdiction are now governed by the ULMWP.
The West Papua military wing and any organisation affiliated to the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation, the West Papua National Parliament, or the Federal Republic of West Papua – the three constituent organisations within the ULMWP – are automatically considered part of the Provisional Government. Everyone must respect our constitution, whether you are inside West Papua or part of our international solidarity networks. The world must trust us and our constitution – we want peace for all in the region and internationally, and to democratically govern ourselves.
I encourage all NGOs, churches and religious leaders, every West Papuan inside and in exile, to unite and pray for the Provisional Government. Support everyone within the government working to end our long suffering and complete our 60 year struggle.
Our demands to the Indonesian President in 2022 remain those first issued during the West Papua Uprising in 2019:
Hold a referendum on West Papuan independence.
Allow international supervision of any referendum.
Allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights into West Papua in accordance with the demand of 84 UN member states.
Withdraw all troops from West Papua, including the 21,000 additional troops deployed since December 2018, and end the Indonesian military’s illegal war.
Release all political prisoners, including Victor Yeimo and the ‘Abepura Eight’.
Allow all international journalists and human rights, humanitarian and monitoring groups into West Papua to visit internally-displaced people in Nduga, Puncak, Intan Jaya, Oksibil, Maybrat and elsewhere.
In 2022, we will redouble all efforts in our long struggle for the liberation of our nation. We will peacefully bring an end to this bloodshed. God bless you all.
Benny Wenda. Interim President. ULMWP Provisional Government
https://dailytelegraph.co.nz/world/statement-of-benny-wenda-on-west-papua-independence/
Indonesia Deploys 1,925 Police, Army Personnel to Papua for Cartenz Peace Ops
Translator: Ririe Ranggasari Editor: Petir Garda Bhwana 19 January 2022
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Police and TNI Army deployed 1,925 personnel to Papua for the 2022 Cartenz Peace Operation. The peacekeeping operation began on January 17 and will end on December 31 this year. "The team consists of 1,824 police officers and 101 TNI personnel," Indonesian Police's head of PR Bureau, Brig. Gene. Ahmad Ramadhan, said in Jakarta, Tuesday, January 18th.
Ahmad said that the operation will be led by the Papua chief of police. "The operation is carried out to maintain security and order in the legal territory of Papua," he said.
The 2022 Cartenz Peace Operation is a follow up to the Nemangkawi Peace Operation that ended at the end of 2021. The police extended the Nemangkawi Operation until January 25, 2022 to prepare it into a regional operation led by the Papuan Police Chief.
Brig, Gen. Ahmad added that the Cartenz Peace Operation will be focused on pre-emptive and preventive efforts. The police, he said, would work together with religious, community and traditional leaders to maintain order in Papua. Field officers will also be giving community trainings such as agriculture, fisheries and education to the locals. M ROSSENO AJI. https://en.tempo.co/read/1551585/indonesia-deploys-1925-police-army-personnel-to-papua-for-cartenz-peace-ops
Indonesian government devising development plan for Papua
17th January 2022
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Government is currently formulating the 2022–2041 Papua Development Acceleration Master Plan (RIPP), expert staff to the National Development Planning (PPN/Bappenas) Minister, Oktorialdi, said during a meeting here on Monday.
The 2022–2041 Papua RIPP is based on Law No. 2 of 2021 on Special Autonomy for Papua, he added. It is also based on Government Regulation No. 107 of 2021 on Admission, Management, Monitoring, and Development Acceleration Master Plan in Implementing Papua Special Autonomy, he informed. "This RIPP document contains a projection of Papua's condition in 2041," he said. "We have imagined Papua's condition in 2041. We have imagined what will happen in Papua 20 years from now based on existing conditions, both the potential and challenges," he added.
In terms of demographics, it is estimated that the population of Papua will increase with rising immigration, he said. Papua's population is also projected to be concentrated in shoreline cities, which relates to the economic pattern of cities and villages, he added.
"Papua will also face various challenges that concern the quality of education, skills, and health that mirror the Papuan Native People's (OAP) competence," Oktorialdi said.
"Realizing a productive OAP along with increasing jobs has become an important challenge that we face," he observed.
In 20 years, Papua will also have a number of new provinces that will become new economic centers, he added. This will also create challenges for the regional bureaucracy and will necessitate quality, equal, and balanced public services, he said.
"The quality of Papuan human resources in 2041 is expected to improve along with the declining poverty rate and increasing regional fiscal independence," Oktorialdi noted.
In terms of natural resource potential, various natural resources of Papua are expected to be managed sustainably and inclusively, especially for indigenous people and OAP, he informed. "Papuan forests will also play an important role as a pillar for the blue-green economy and climate change," he said. Papua will also face digitalization challenges as the changes in technology, information, and communication affect various aspects of life, he added. "In addition, there are also geopolitical and state border changes that Papua should handle as Indonesia's front gate in the Pacific region," he remarked.
Reporter: Sanya Dinda, Fadhli Ruhman Editor: Rahmad Nasution
https://en.antaranews.com/news/210161/indonesian-government-devising-development-plan-for-papua
The Papua conflict and the government's fear of dialogue
CNN Indonesia – January 29, 2022
Jakarta – The latest exchange of fire between the Indonesian military (TNI) and a Papuan armed criminal group in the Gome district of Puncak regency, Papua, has again claimed lives. In total, as many as three TNI personnel were killed during the armed contact as of Thursday January 27. Incidents involving Papuan armed criminal groups and the TNI or Polri (Indonesian police) have not subsided despite TNI chief General Andika Perkasa returning responsibility for security operations in Papua and West Papua provinces to organic units as is applied in other provinces. "In general terms there are several changes that we are making to confront the dynamics of the problems there in the long term, namely by returning the duties or operations in Papua and West Papua to being part of the duties of organic units like in other provinces and islands", said Perkasa during a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday January 24.
Perkasa said that they will add eight new district military commands (Kodim) in Papua and West Papua, namely in Paniai, Intan Jaya, Puncak, Lani Jaya, Yalimo, Pegunungan Bintang and Nduga. "In general in Papua there are eight additional points at the moment which we do indeed think, if looked at in terms of needs, which are lacking, but these eight are important because of our capacity", he said. In response to the latest clash, Perkasa has flown directly to the land of the Cenderawasih as Papua is known. TNI information centre director Major General Prantara Santosa said that Perkasa is conducting an internal evaluation during his visit to Papua. "An internal evaluation", said Santosa when contacted by CNN Indonesia on Friday January 28.
Realising dialogue
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) international politics and conflict resolution analyst Adriana Elisabeth says that the government must immediately realise dialogue in order to end the conflict in Papua. According to Elisabeth, the development and security approach being used by the government in Papua up until now has been proven to be unsuccessful. "There is a development approach, there's is a security approach, it turns out that this is not enough, the evidence being that the conflict has continued to this day", Elisabeth told CNN Indonesia on Friday. He also noted that the Presidential Instruction on the Acceleration of Development and Welfare in Papua and West Papua Provinces already states that the government must hold a dialogue and develop a new paradigm with new mechanisms.
The government, said Elisabeth, must begin planning a dialoged in order to end the conflict in Papua because it cannot be done instantly.
"If it's not planned and begun immediately we won't know the result. The two most dominant approaches applied in conflict areas up until now have been development and state security and certainly there are pros and cons. The government intends well, Papua is suspicious. Papua opens up, the government is suspicious", she said.
Elisabeth suggests that the government continue the work of the team established in 2017 to open dialogue with the Papuan people. At the time, the team was comprised of Coordinating Minister for Security, Politics and Legal Affairs Wiranto, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki and Papua Peace Network (JDP) Chairperson Catholic priest Father Neles Tebay.
According to Elisabeth, all of the related parties must be involved in such a dialogue, including hard-line groups. "If there is dialogue, all elements must be invited to the dialogue, the TNI, the Polri and the hard-line groups there. Dialogue cannot just be between groups that are pro-NKRI [the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, pro-integration]. There have yet to be any serious steps to prepare for dialogue", she said.
Thorough evaluation
Speaking in the same vein, security observer Beni Sukadis says that the exchange of fire which occurred recently in Gome district further demonstrates that the security approach is not working effectively in Papua. According to Sukadis however, General Perkasa cannot automatically change the approach being used in Papua because the decision to change this is in the hands of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
"Andika cannot [just] change the approach in Papua, it's impossible for the TNI to do this. It's a political decision because they are a tool of the state to quell violence and pursue enemies of the state. The TNI carries out the instructions or political decisions of the government", he said. Based on this he is asking the government to conduct a thorough evaluation of the security approach which has been applied in Papua up until now.
After conducting an evaluation, according to Sukadis, the government must prioritise a political approach by holding a dialogue with the various significant groups in Papua. Sukadis added that a political approach has never been tried in Papua up until now.
"What's important is there is a political approach, that the government is prepared to hold a dialogue with significant groups which hold to the ideal of separating themselves from Papua [sic], it must not just be armed groups but political groups [also]", he said.
Furthermore, he reminded the government that it does not need to be afraid of using a political approach. According to Sukadis, a political approach will not automatically lead to the signing of a peace deal or organising a referendum.
Sukadis said that Indonesia already has a positive record of successfully reaching peace with the Acehnese separatist group the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in 2005.
"In Aceh in 2005 when we had peace with GAM there was no referendum, why are we afraid of dialogue, particularly with political groups. Try sounding them out, it seems like this hasn't been pursued yet", he said. (mts/fra)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Konflik Papua dan Ketakutan Pemerintah Buka Dialog".]
Otsus and regional expansion are just ‘sweets’ from govt: ULMPW
News Desk February 9, 2022
Illustration of Papuan people rejecting Otsus - Doc. jubi
Jayapura, Jubi – Papuan activist of the United Liberation Movement For West Papua (ULMWP) Markus Haluk believes that the Indonesian government’s policy towards Papua, such as the plan for regional expansion and Law No. 21/2021 on the amendment to Papua Special Autonomy (Otsus), is a cheap offer from Indonesia, just like “sweets” to the Papuan people. “Indonesian government, please don’t dance on the suffering of the Papuans. The future of the Papuan people does not exist in the Otsus Law or the division of the region. Please be aware of that. Don’t sacrifice the people in the name of regional expansion,” Haluk told Jubi via a phone call on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.
Haluk said that Special Autonomy and regional expansion were not a solution to a series of Papuan problems. He even said it was on par with the 1969 Act of Free Choice, in terms of being legally flawed. “I said it was legally flawed because the deliberation did not involve Papuans. It was forced when the Papuan people had rejected Otsus. So is regional expansion. That is Indonesia’s way of getting rid of Indigenous Papuans, by bringing in people from outside. Therefore, such a program is very wrong,” he said. Haluk said this government program would add to the suffering of the Papuan people as Papuans have never asked for neither regional expansion nor Otsus.
Haluk said, in order to solve the Papuan problem comprehensively, the Indonesian government must engage in a dialogue with the ULMWP as a representative forum for the Papuan people. “Because the Papuan people are ready to determine their own destiny under the command of the ULMWP,” he said. Supporting Haluk’s statement, lawmaker of the Papua Legislative Council’s Women’s Working Group Sarah Ita Wahla said that the division of territory in Papua was not beneficial for the Papuan people. Wahla was worried that the central government’s plan to divide Papua Province into several new provinces will lead to new conflicts in Papua. She was also worried about the impact of the expansion on Indigenous Papuans because the various regencies resulting from past expansion were currently heating up due to the armed conflict there. “There is no need for division in Papua’s mountainous areas because, in the end, it will only harm the people there. There will be no welfare in the expansion,” said Wahla. (*) Reporter: Hengky Yeimo Editor: Syam Terrajana
https://en.jubi.co.id/otsus-and-regional-expansion-are-just-sweets-from-govt-ulmpw/
The KNPB's position on the ULMWP and the solution of democratic unity
Suara Papua – February 1, 2022
Ones Suhuniap – The West Papua National Committee's (KNPB) position with regard to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) at the moment is one of obedience to organisational decisions. The KNPB views the ULMWP as an inter-organisational coordinating body which supports the international struggle in accordance with Paragraph 5 of the 2014 Saralana Declaration which established the ULMWP. Where Paragraph 5 of the declaration reads, "We are determined that the ULMWP becomes the coordinating body to support all international efforts to regain our sovereignty" (see https://www.ulmwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Saralana-Declaration_with-Witnesses.pdf).
So it is clear that the ULMWP was born as a vehicle which can pursue the mandate of safeguarding unity between organisations in the struggle and be a coordinating body, both for the organisations in the struggle based within the country [West Papua] as well as overseas. So that all organisations and freedom fighters can sit and stand together at the same level to discuss and decide upon the program of struggle. [And] primarily in support of overseas diplomatic efforts.
The unity between organisations which we jointly dream of can only occur and be realised if the ULMWP is truly democratic. Democracy is the life blood of united struggle. No matter how strong its authority is, without unity and democracy, the struggle will collapse. The history of countries and nations in the world which have collapsed is evidence of this. The only ones which survive are those based on oligarchic fascist power which is maintained through oppression. This is more ruthless then colonialism. This is not the ideal of the struggle of the Papuan nation.
The desire of the Papuan nation to expel the colonialists is a democratic struggle, through the right to self-determination. So if the struggle of the Papuan nation is not democratic, then it will have no meaning for the independence struggle. This is because independence is the realisation of democracy itself (a democratic revolution). Where power truly lies in the hands of the Papuan people. In order to achieve sovereignty for the people, the struggle must cultivate democratic unity within the organisations in the struggle. Namely coordination in decision making and struggling together because it is there that strength and authority are formed for each nation in itself.
The state is a manifestation of democratic unity. Because the state is the authority and the sovereignty of the people themselves (the people's politics), so the people and the activists in the struggle must unite. This unity is not the result of coercion, but a result of a consciousness of the need to determine our future together which is channeled and implemented within a united organisation. Not the property of a group or handful of people like the colonial oligarchic regime of Indonesia at the moment.
The ordinary people and the struggle today are the result of a historical tradition which has developed respectively. Each having their own historical elements and experiences in the struggle; whether they be sectoral, sectarian, organic as well as non-organic, but which have confronted and been constrained under the current of the colonial system. So it would be a truly fatal mistake if political cooptation (politics in the name of) is applied. This will be useless and futile. Sixty years of history have proven this.
No matter what declarations, proclamations and statements are made it will not have a direct impact if its authority is not founded on democracy and the people's politics. We must educate the people who are ready to sacrifice themselves in the struggle because of their desire and advanced consciousness to realise a greater liberation than just the ties of primordialism and historical romanticism. And this can only happen under democratic unity.
The KNPB holds this position and rejects the practices of struggle which are patron-client based, just going along with things without understanding the essence of the national liberation struggle. For example, the KNPB once gave birth to the Regional People's Parliament (PRD) New Guinea Council so that it would become a political tool for the Papuan masses, but it ran aground and stalled in the hands of people who did not understand the democratic organisational work domestically.
The West Papua National Parliament (PNWP) was managed as an organisation based on directives by one or two people who were outside the activities of the people's struggle domestically. The decisions from outside to those inside totally conflicted with the principles of revolutionary struggle where the basis of the reform movement must come from within as a determining revolutionary factor. This was made worse by the unilateral decisions and commandism which was applied. Not educating the ordinary people but fooling the people's leaders with the slogan "just follow us". As a consequence, the quality of democracy declined, and the blind were led by the blind. As a consequence, democracy was installed with violence like colonialism.
It is this culture of fascism which has been brought into the ULMWP so that united struggle has run aground. Instead they have made a nation-state which is artificial so it has buried the spirit of the people's united struggle. In the end the people's struggle became confused about the essence of the state being built. What was the urgency in rejecting unity and ardently declaring a state? If it is just a call, the declaration of a state, any living bird can make such a call.
The urgency at the moment is the unity of the Papuan people's struggle to expel the colonialists. If the urgency was the formation of a state, then why was the declaration of a Federal Republic of West Papua (NRFPB) jointly with the people in a revolutionary state, who are responsible in the colonial jail, not supported by the ULMWP, who then preferred to support people and a declaration from outside the country? This attitude proves that aside from not understanding, the political tendencies of factionalism, patronage and sentiment are prioritised rather than the needs of the struggle.
The KNPB will not just follow blindly because it understands the current needs of the struggle. The principle need at the moment is educating the people in struggle to actively establish a political forces in the practice of democratic unity, so that each organisations based among the masses is involved in jointly deciding on the agenda of struggle. So our duty is to formulate a role model for national unity.
The ULMWP is an public tool of democratic unity to coordinate international efforts, so the ULMWP must be saved. In accordance with the aims of the Saralana Declaration, the ULMWP does not have a mandate to form state structures. That is a domestic matter. This will in fact make unity rigid, bureaucratic and commandist. The ULMWP's duty is to support the united struggle by all groups as a coordinating body for all organisations of struggle which are open, democratic, equal and collective. In order to cultivate democracy as the principle model in forming a nation-state, but also as a consolidation of power and sovereignty for the Papuan people.
The KNPB does not have a factional political sentiment towards any other organisation as long as each organisation is united and integrated in decisions concerning the struggle. Because that is the principle model by which to confront the colonial power holders in a single voice of liberation which works synergistically and strategically. Because organisational splits are an opportunity for the colonists. Victory is never determined by just one or two people. Victory is determined by the people united in struggle.
The people united in struggle refers to each and every Papuan who desires Papuan independence but is fragmented in their respective economic, social, cultural and political activities under colonialism, capitalism and militarism. Who are aware that independence is the solution, so they are seeking democratic space; a place where they can struggle and find their political power, but are hampered by factional obstacles in the struggle. Who are waiting for the momentum of united struggle to seize their sovereignty. Here is the stepping off point for the struggle to begun.
Because of this, the KNPB is inviting all parties to unite. Abolish political factionalism. The ULMWP must become a coordinating body for the entire overseas leadership, to support democratic unity domestically in West Papua. Because the political power of the people, both sectorally as well as territorially, must continue to be built. Build the politics of the people. Take sovereignty over the land, water, forests and all sources of productivity though the struggle for independence. We must see it through to its conclusion! [Ones Suhuniap is the KNPB national spokesperson. Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Sikap KNPB, ULMWP Saat ini dan Solusi Persatuan". http://www.indoleft.org/analysis/2022-02-01/the-knpbs-position-on-the-ulmwp-and-the-solution-of-democratic-unity.html
Source: https://suarapapua.com/2022/02/01/sikap-knpb-ulmwp-saat-ini-dan-solusi-persatuan/
Papua governor sets up human rights legal team
Provincial chief recruits legal experts to fight cases for indigenous people in the restive Indonesian region
Konradus EpaKonradus Epa, JakartaPublished: March 01, 2022
The governor of Indonesia’s Papua province has established a specialized legal team to better protect and represent indigenous Papuans subjected to human rights abuses and facing other legal cases. Lukas Enembe said people in Indonesia’s restive and easternmost region were in need of a crack team to ensure they receive justice and that their human rights are respected. He has chosen three lawyers — Saur Siagian, a Protestant, Stefanus Roy Rening, a Catholic, and Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia — to represent them.
Enembe announced the establishment of the legal team on Feb. 27.
The move comes amid a rise in complaints by indigenous Papuans that state forces are making arbitrary arrests and committing acts of violence against civilians. It also follows a recent request by United Nations special rapporteurs seeking explanations to accusations of state violence, torture and enforced disappearances in the troubled region. "We are given authority to offer representation and pursue institutions involved in legal and political cases in Papua, particularly rights protection for Papuan indigenous people” "The governor chose these lawyers because they have extensive experience in fighting such cases," said the Papuan governor’s spokesman Rifai Darus. Rening said he felt honored to have been chosen for the task. “We are given authority to offer representation and pursue institutions involved in legal and political cases in Papua, particularly rights protection for Papuan indigenous people,” he told UCA News on March 1.
He said there are several such cases in Papua that the new team needs to address and must be handled soon.
Likewise, Amnesty’s Hamid welcomed the governor’s move, saying the team will work closely with rights groups in Papua. He pointed to cases where religious leaders were attacked in Intan Jaya district, including Reverend Yeremia Zanambani, who was shot dead in 2020. “We aim to ensure victims will get justice,” Hamid told UCA News.
TNI and police in Papua urged to not turn public facilities into military post
News Desk February 7, 2022 1
Sentani, Jubi – A member of the Papuan People’s Assembly’s (MRP) Customary Working Group, Engelbertus Kasipmabin, said the deployment of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police troops to Papua was not well prepared that many public facilities were turned to security posts by the TNI and police. Kasipmabin criticized the security forces for occupying a number of schools, community health centers, and civil service offices and disrupting the Papuan people’s activities. “[The soldiers] don’t even have a place to live, such as a dormitory, let alone security posts,” said Kasipmabin on Friday, February 4, 2022. Kasipmabin also said that efforts to make the TNI and police as teaching staff or medical personnel had not received a positive response from residents. Basically, the people were afraid of the presence of the TNI and police in schools or other public facilities, Kasipmabin said. “The people were afraid but they have no other option than accepting [the security forces], even the teachers were afraid. They fled because they were constantly asked about the West Papua National Liberation Army or TPNPB. The TNI and police always ask about the matter to people who don’t know about anything,” he explained.
Kasipmabin suggested the central government take another strategy instead of sending additional troops to Papua as the impact of sending more troops had only worsened the situation in Papua. “Call the TPNPB, then sit down for a dialogue,” he said. He further asked the TNI and police troops not to occupy land, gardens, and houses of the people. The use of public facilities such as schools and health centers around residential areas as military posts actually endangers the civilians in those locations, scares them, and makes them leave their villages and become internally displaced people.
Previously on January 21, the Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) asked the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) troops occupying three school buildings in Yahukimo Regency to leave the school buildings. LBH Papua director Emanuel Gobay said the Brimob had occupied NINIA High School, Anggruk High School, and Yahukimo 2 Vocational School since October 3, 2021. “As a result, the students cannot go to school and the teaching and learning process has come to a complete halt,” Gobay said in a written statement.Meanwhile, director of the General Criminal Investigation of the Papua Police Sr. Comr. Faizal Ramadhani said his party would evaluate a number of security units that had occupied public facilities such as schools. “The troops should not stay in schools. We realized that some time ago [there were troops occupying public facilities], as reported by the media. This is evaluation material for us, police. We have built barracks in some areas such as Nduga, Bintang Mountains, and several other areas,” he said. (*) Reporter: Yance Wenda Editor: Aryo Wisanggeni G
Security chief says rights violations prior to 2000 not government's responsibility
CNN Indonesia – January 27, 2022
Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Security, Politics and Legal Affairs Mahfud MD is asking people to stop urging the government to resolve nine cases of gross human rights violations which occurred before 2000. Mahfud said that cases which occurred before 2000 are not under the authority of the government, but rather the House of Representatives (DPR). This refers to Article 43 of Law number 26/2000 on a Human Rights Court. "Sisters and brothers, the resolution [of cases] which occurred before Law Number 26/2000 was issued are now under the DPR's jurisdiction. So don't pressure the government any more to resolve human rights violations before 2000", said Mahfud in giving greetings to an online discussion on Thursday January 27.
Mahfud cited the nine cases of gross human rights violations before 2000 as being the September 30 Movement (the 1965 mass killings), the mysterious shootings of petty criminals (1983-1985), the Talangsari massacre in East Lampung (1989), the forced disappearance of activists (1997-1998), the May riots in Jakarta (1998) and the Trisakti student shootings (1998). Then the Dewantara incident or Krueng Geukueh tragedy, the torture of 65 witnesses during the incident at the Rumoh Geudong in Aceh and the killing of black magic practitioners in Banyuwangi, Jember and Malang (1998-1999).
Mahfud said in order to resolve human rights violations which occurred before 2000 the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) must hand the case files over to the DPR. Then the DPR can decide whether or not the president should form an DPR can say it can human rights court. "Komnas HAM will hand them over, then the DPR will discuss the evidence and the possibility [of trying the case] from various angles. Then the DPR can say it can then the president will be instructed to form an ad hoc human rights court", he said. "That is what must be done if you want to hold a trial involving human rights violations before 2000", he said. Nevertheless, Mahfud conceded that there are four cases of gross human rights violations which occurred after 2000 which are the government's responsibility.
The four case are the Bloody Waisor incident in Papua (June 13, 2001), the Jambo Keupok Tragedy in South Aceh (2003), and the Wamena (2003) and Paniai cases (2014) in Papua.
"So the problems which occurred after [2000] are indeed the responsibility of the current government. The National Human Rights Commission submits them to the government, then the government follows up on it", he said. As has been reported, out of the four gross human rights violations which occurred after 2000 only one has reached the criminal investigation stage at the Attorney General's Office, namely the Bloody Paniai incident. Bloody Paniai was an incident which occurred on December 8, 2014. At the time, local people were holding a protest action over an assault by TNI (Indonesian military) members against a youth at the Karel Gobai Square in Enarotali, Paniai. (yla/DAL). [Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Mahfud soal HAM Berat Sebelum Tahun 2000: Jangan Desak Pemerintah Lagi".]. Source: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20220127130947-12-751967/mahfud-soal-ham-berat-sebelum-tahun-2000-jangan-desak-pemerintah-lagi
Boy dies after 'beating' by Indonesian soldiers
Konradus EpaKonradus Epa, Jakarta Published: February 28, 2022 08:59 AM GMT
Relatives of Makilon Tabuni take the child's body home ahead of his funeral. He died after he and six other boys were allegedly beaten by soldiers after being accused of stealing a weapon from a soldier at Tapulinik airport in Puncak Jaya district, Papua province. (Photo supplied)
Rights groups have accused Indonesian soldiers of killing one child and severely beating six others after accusing them of stealing a weapon from a soldier in Indonesia’s Papua region. Up to 12 young children were reportedly arrested on Feb. 27 in Puncak Jaya district after a soldier providing security at nearby Tapulinik airport reported his weapon missing. While in custody seven were allegedly beaten so badly that Makilon Tabuni, 12, died, while six others were taken to hospital with various injuries. The ages of the injured boys or the others taken into custody were not given.
The Legal Aid Foundation in Papua accused the soldiers of committing an act of barbarism against the children, who were falsely accused of stealing because three men, who were not identified, were later suspected of the theft. “After the weapon was lost, soldiers hunted for the perpetrators and searched for the weapon in houses of local people where they arrested the children, took them to their base and beat them,” Emmanuel Gobay, the rights group’s director, told UCA News on Feb. 28.
"Whatever the reason they were accused, how can they be tortured and even killed? Civilians, particularly children, can't be singled out like this”
“This is not the first time children have fallen victim to unlawful killing. Such behavior is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice.” The Indonesian military were accused of killing three schoolchildren in Puncak in West Papua in Nov. 2020, while a child was killed and one wounded when government forces clashed with separatist insurgents in October last year. Theo Hesegem, executive director of the Papua Justice and Human Integrity Foundation, also condemned the alleged abuse.
“Indonesia's military chief General Andika Perkasa said security forces would adopt a softer approach to dealing with problems in Papua but this incident with the children suggests otherwise,” Hesegem said on Feb. 28.
Amnesty International Indonesia also condemned the incident.
“Whatever the reason they were accused, how can they be tortured and even killed? Civilians, particularly children, can't be singled out like this,” Amnesty International Indonesia’s deputy director Wirya Adiwena said on Feb. 27. He called for an independent and transparent investigation in order to give justice to the victims and their families. https://www.ucanews.com/news/boy-dies-after-beating-by-indonesian-soldiers/96284#
Long inactive due to armed conflict in Intan Jaya, YPPK Bilogai Elementary School opens
News Desk March 2, 2022
Jayapura, Jubi – Elementary School teacher Stefanus Zondegau says the school where he teaches, the YPPK Bilogai Elementary School, has reopened teaching and learning activities, which had been suspended for a long time due to the armed conflict in Intan Jaya Regency, Papua. Teaching and learning activities at the elementary school located in the Sugapa District have started on January 17, 2022. The process of reopening school began with parents cleaning the YPPK Bilogai Elementary School building and yard on January 10. “Before starting our teaching and learning activities, we clean the school environment. Ever since shootings occurred between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), school activities have been completely paralyzed. We clean the schoolyard so that the children can return to school,” said Zondegau when contacted by telephone on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
According to Zondegau, most of the schools in Intan Jaya were closed, and the teachers fled to Nabire, Timika, or Paniai. Until now, the teachers of YPPK Bilogai Elementary School have not returned. Therefore, since January 17, Zondegau has taught with the assistance of Pastor Silvester Dogomo. “All schools, whether elementary, junior high and high school have not opened. Currently, Pastor Silvester Dogomo and I are trying to reopen the YPPK Bilogai Elementary School. Only Pastor Silvester Dogomo and I teach grades 1 to 6. We are still here, waiting and expecting [other teachers] to arrive,” he said. Zondegau said that if the armed conflict continued, Intan Jaya Regency could lose its golden generation because the education there was neglected. It is this awareness that has made Zondegau seeks to reopen teaching and learning activities in his school.
“Intan Jaya’s future generation must be able to compete later. If we let [armed conflict and learning halt] continue, it will destroy Intan Jaya’s golden generation,” he said.
Zondegau said the number of YPPK Bilogai students was 354 students but not all students had returned to school. “Since we opened the school in January, more than 200 students have attended,” he said.
Zondegau said many students from YPPK Bilogai Elementary School were still in refugee camps. He hopes that the Intan Jaya Administration will find a way so that students in Intan Jaya can return to school. “If the children are not returning to Intan Jaya Regency, they will not go to school in the refugee camps. That’s even more ironic because they are safe there, but their right to education is not being fulfilled. It’s a shame,” said Zondegau. Head of the Intan Jaya Student Association in Jayapura Yanuarius Weya said the Intan Jaya Administration must find a way to restore teaching and learning activities to all schools. “We have to move quickly to return teachers and refugees home,” he said. Weya said that the Intan Jaya generation must be saved from the conflict in Intan Jaya. “We as students are part of the agents of change, we will continue to monitor all parties to make Intan Jaya better in the future,” he said. (*)
Reporter: Hengky Yeimo Editor: Aryo Wisanggeni G https://en.jubi.co.id/long-inactive-due-to-armed-conflict-in-intan-jaya-yppk-bilogai-elementary-school-opens/
Indonesia's plan to divide Papuan provinces raises concern
Jakarta's proposed six new provinces in Papua and West Papua may cause division and destruction of indigenous tribes
Ryan Dagur, Jakarta. Published: February 24, 2022
Indonesia's Catholic leaders have urged the central government to listen to the aspirations of local people in Papua while making plans for new provinces in the easternmost region. The Ministry of Home Affairs is proposing to have six new provinces in place of the current two — Papua and West Papua — drawing protests from Papuans who suspect it may further tighten government control over the territory and marginalize the indigenous peoples. Father Yohanes Jeharut, executive secretary of the Lay Apostolic Commission of the Indonesian bishops' conference, said the conference has not officially stated its position on this proposal as it respects the autonomy of bishops in the Papua region. However, he said, it was hoped the government would prioritize people's safety as the highest law principle in implementing this proposal. Speaking at a discussion organized by Catholic Youth on Feb. 22, Father Jeharut underlined the need to appreciate that the Papuans are stakeholders, not the interests of the central government, political parties and capital owners. He cautioned the central government not to rush the proposal as it had the potential to trigger a big conflict.
“The birth of a new autonomous region causes indigenous Papuans to be increasingly marginalized due to massive transmigration of residents from outside the region”
“A comprehensive evaluation of the government's approach so far in Papua is needed,” Father Jeharut said. Stefanus Asat Gusma, chairman of Catholic Youth, said: “Don't let this new autonomous region only be in the interests of the elite in Jakarta.”
Father Alexandro Rangga from the Franciscans' Secretariat for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in Papua said he could perceive the proposal’s motive to gain control over Papua's natural resources. "The birth of a new autonomous region causes indigenous Papuans to be increasingly marginalized due to massive transmigration of residents from outside the region," he said. He said the policy was not a solution for the welfare of the Papuan people because it was proved that in several new districts that were divided in the last few years, problems such as malnutrition and poor health services continued to occur. “Let the government sit down and discuss with the local people because public services have not been fully felt by the community," he said.
Father Rangga pointed out that according to the recommendations of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences research, the government should focus on solving four main problems — development failure; marginalization and discrimination of indigenous Papuans; human rights violations; and the history and political status of the Papua region. Emanuel Gobay, director of the Papua Legal Aid Institute, said that in accordance with a 2021 government regulation, the proposed Papua administrative regions needed to be aimed at elevating the dignity of indigenous Papuans.
Meanwhile, Veronica Koman, a leading Papuan rights activist, expressed apprehension that the military and police presence would increase with the proposed provinces in the region. “This will bring Papuan people’s lives under more militarism,” she said, urging local people to reject the government plan to introduce more provinces.
Amnesty International Australia
This webinar brings together leading activists and human rights law experts to discuss the racism, discrimination, and injustice faced by Papuan people and compare the similarities to those experienced by First Nations peoples in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Hosted in partnership with Amnesty International Indonesia and Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, the panel discussion and Q&A session will be an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the human rights abuses occurring in Papua. Moderator: Veronica Koman Amnesty International Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7mH0dNUmoU
Sistas, Let's Talk with
The Women of West Papua's Independence Movement
For more than 50 years, West Papua has been a site of conflict between its Indonesian government and many Indigenous West Papuans seeking independence. Human rights groups claim that up to half a million people have been killed, resources have been stripped, land grabbed and tens of thousands of people displaced through violence. Hilda Wayne explores the impact of this violence on the women of West Papua and hears from the women now leading the fight for independence.
Duration: 30min
Broadcast: Wed 23 Feb 2022, 4:30pm
https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/sistas-lets-talk/sistas,-lets-talk-2022/13760194
Podcast: The Trans-Papua Highway could lose billions and deforest millions of hectares
Simplifying the complexity of Papuan conflict could be fatal
Indonesia’s ‘New’ Security Approach in Papua is Fraught with Risks
https://fulcrum.sg/indonesias-new-security-approach-in-papua-is-fraught-with-risks/
Forest clearing for crop program in Papua may unleash massive emissions
‘A SAFE AND PEACEFUL LIFE IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US’: STORY OF CHILDREN OF PAPUA INDEPENDENCE FIGHTERS (PART 1) https://en.jubi.co.id/a-safe-and-peaceful-life-is-impossible-for-us-story-of-children-of-papua-independence-fighters-part-1/
(PART 2/2). A SAFE AND PEACEFUL LIFE IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US’: STORY OF CHILDREN OF PAPUA INDEPENDENCE FIGHTERS
PAPUA 2022 Januari (In Bahasa)
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2022/02/papua-2022-januari-in-bahasa.html
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