1) Free Dozens of Papuan Activists Arrested Just Because of Leaflets
Responding to the arrest of at least 76 activists in Jayapura, Papua, by the police while distributing leaflets demanding the release of Victor Yeimo, Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid said:
“Now, almost every week we witness the silence of peaceful expressions in Papua. This is worrying. The space for movement and peaceful expression for our brothers and sisters in Papua is increasingly limited.
“These mass arrests prove that the security forces and law enforcement have not appreciated the peaceful activism of the Papuan people. In fact, they should provide space for citizens' freedom of opinion and expression. What dozens of activists are experiencing is repeated arbitrary arrests and this must end immediately.
“The use of force, including arrest is a last resort. That too must be with strict standards, not the main action taken in dealing with expressions of thoughts and statements of opinion from residents.
"We urge the police to immediately release all detained activists without exception and release them from all legal charges."
Background
On April 10, 2023, at least 76 West Papua National Committee (KNPB) activists were arrested by police officers in Jayapura and taken to the Abepura Police Sector (15 people), Heram Police (45 people), and Jayapura Police (16 people), according to data from LBH Papua. They were arrested while distributing leaflets inviting them to hold a free speech demanding the release of Victor Yeimo, a spokesman for the KNPB. Victor is currently being tried at the Jayapura District Court in a case of alleged treason. The follow-up trial of Victor Yeimo will take place on April 11, 2023.
The right to freedom of opinion and peaceful assembly has been guaranteed and protected in various legal instruments. In international human rights instruments, the right to freedom of opinion and convey information is guaranteed in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and General Comment Number 34 on Article 19 of the ICCPR. This right is also guaranteed in the Indonesian Constitution, namely Article 28E paragraph (3) and 28F of the 1945 Constitution, as well as in Articles 14 and 25 of Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights.
Amnesty International does not take any position on the political status of any province or territory in Indonesia, or any state, including calls for independence. However, Amnesty International believes that the right to freedom of expression also includes expressions of a political nature.
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He noted that the strategic issues in Papua include the selection of members of the Papuan People's Council (MRP) as well as the appointment of Papuan People's Representative Council (DPRP) and City/District People's Representative Council (DPRK) members from native Papuans.
The other matter was the implementation of the 2024 general elections and regional head elections, he stated after inaugurating the Regional Working Meeting (Rakerda) and Development Planning Discussion (Musrenbang) on the 2024 Papua Regional Government Working Plan (RKPD).
The deputy home affairs minister urged all district and city governments to establish election committees to appoint the MRP, DPRP, and DPRK members in 2024.
The appointment of candidates for the MRP, DPRP, and DPRK members from the indigenous Papuan people should comply with two regulations, he emphasized.
The duo regulations are Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua as well as Government Regulation Number 106 of 2021 on Authority and Institutions in the Implementation of the Special Autonomy Policy for Papua Province, he stated.
"I encourage the provincial government and the district and city governments in Papua to pay attention to the applicable provisions, so that the elected MRP members can truly represent indigenous Papuans," Wetipo remarked.
As the position of governor and vice governor of Papua must be held by native Papuans, the MRP is tasked with providing recommendations regarding the authenticity of the indigeneity claim of the governor and vice governor candidates participating in the 2024 elections, he noted.
Hence, his side expected that the MRP members, elected later for the 2023-2028 term of office, can be inaugurated in June 2023.
"The Home Affairs Ministry has hoped that the selection of the (new) MRP members from each customary region can be completed (soon) and represent the customary, women, and religious groups of native Papuans," the deputy minister affirmed.
He also expressed optimism that every district and city government in Papua would strive to ensure successful implementation of the 2024 general elections and regional head elections estimated to be held on February 14, 2024.
Related news: Papua Bawaslu asks people with disabilities to monitor election stages
Related news: West Papua Police prepare personnel to secure General Elections
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