1) New West Papua police chief urged to crack down on illegal miners

2) Interim President: Celebrating the 51st anniversary of the OPM independence declaration 

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/237489/new-west-papua-police-chief-urged-to-crack-down-on-illegal-miners

1) New West Papua police chief urged to crack down on illegal miners  

10 hours ago

Manokwari, W Papua (ANTARA) - A senior legislator has appealed to new West Papua Police Chief Insp.Gen. Daniel Silitonga to crack down on individuals involving in illegal gold mining activities and distribution of alcoholic drinks in the province.

"We do hope that the West Papua police chief is able to solve the two problems," Deputy Speaker of the West Papua Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) Saleh Siknun said here Sunday.

Inspector General Daniel Silitonga was sworn into office by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo in Jakarta on June 29, 2022. He replaced Insp.Gen.Tornagogo Sihombing.

Related news: W Papua declares support for special autonomy


Siknun highlighted the illegal gold mining activities in Minyambouw Subdistrict of Pegunungan Arfak District, and Waserawi of Masni Subdistrict in Manokwari District.

In their efforts to crack down on the illegal miners who have contributed to environmental degradation, the police officers could work with those from local customary council and conservation agencies, he said.

"If the illegal mining activities are indeed unlawful, those involving in them must be cracked down. Their activities must be stopped because they have contributed to forest and environmental degradation," he added.

Related news: West Papua needs security guarantee to draw investors: minister

Investment Minister/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia had also asked the authorized agencies in West Papua to shut down all illegal gold mining activities in the districts of Manokwari and Pegunungan Arfak.

Siknun also highlighted the real threat of liqour in Manokwari, and called on the West Papua police chief to crack down on individuals who protect the liquor sellers.


Related news: Papua: UNICEF pushes local govt to improve school sanitation data

Related news: Local ritual performed for Y20 delegates in Manokwari, West Papua

Reporter: TA Santoso, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf

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https://www.ulmwp.org/interim-president-celebrating-the-anniversary-of-the-opm-independence-declaration

2) Interim President: Celebrating the 51st anniversary of the OPM independence declaration 

July 1, 2022 in Statement 

Today we celebrate the 51st anniversary of the independence declaration of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) at Markas Victoria on July 1, 1971. The declaration, signed by Seth Rumkoren and Jacob Prai – who sadly passed awaylast month – was a direct rejection of Indonesian colonialism. It sent a powerful message to Jakarta: we, the people of West Papua, are sovereign in our own land, and we do not recognise your illegal occupation or the 1969 ‘Act of No Choice’.

From that moment on, we have been struggling for the independence of West Papua. Through guerilla warfare, the OPM has helped keep the flame of liberation alive. They are our home guard, defending our land and fighting for the sovereignty that was stolen from us by Jakarta.

This day is an opportunity for all West Papuans to reflect on our struggle and unite with determination to complete our mission. Whether you are exiled abroad, in a refugee camp, a member of the West Papua Army, or internally displaced by colonial forces, we are all united in one spirit and determined to liberate West Papua from Indonesian oppression. 

The OPM laid the foundations for the political struggle the Provisional Government is now fighting. As expressed in our constitution, the Provisional Government recognises all declarations as vital and historic moments in our struggle. Having declared our provisional government, our cabinet, our military wing, and our seven regional executives, we are ready to take charge of our own affairs. 

I also want to use this moment to make two new announcements about our Provisional Government. First, I am announcing the formation of a new government department, the Department of Intelligence Services. As with our existing departments, it will operate on the ground in occupied West Papua, and reinforce our challenge to Indonesian colonialism. In addition, I am announcing that we have appointed an executive member for each of the seven regional bodies we established in December 2021. With every step forward, we are building our capacity and infrastructure as a Provisonal Government. 

Over fifty years on from the 1971 proklamasi, our people’s mission is the same. We refuse Indonesian presence in WP, which is illegal under international law. We do not recognise ‘Special Autonomy’, five new provinces, or any other colonial law; we have our own constitution. I again reiterate my call for President Widodo to sit down with meand discuss an independence referendum. This remains the only pathway to a peaceful solution. 

Benny Wenda
Interim President
ULMWP Provisional Government

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