AWPA Update No 7-(18 September 2023)
Below is a machine translation of an extract from the August report by Theo detailing some of the incidents that occurred in the territory.
and Five youths were killed by the security forces on the 14th Sept.
Five civilians who were found dead at the mouth of the Brasa River were only between 15-18 years of age and were members of the Kingmi Papua Church. According to the church the five youths usually deliver food to the village after buying it at Dekai. Sebby Sambom, spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army or TPNPB, stated that the five victims who were found dead on Friday (15/9/2023) were not members of the TPNPB. “They are not our members. They were purely civilians who wanted to return to their villages and were shot and bombed by the Indonesian military (Jubi 17/9/2023). ..............................
Australian advocacy group condemns killing of 5 West Papuans – challenges Canberra
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Extract August report
[2] SECURITY and OPERATIONS of the TNI/POLRI and TPNPB
[a] general notes about the atmosphere
* What was noted in the July 2023 report still applies. Adding to the contents of the reflection under point [1] above, it is certain that the living atmosphere in Papua has not improved (TvdB).
[b] violent/armed action
* August 2 2023: Markus Kamisopa (20), a Papuan civilian, died at the hands of TNI officers in Timika.[7]
* August 11, 2023: 3 people were arrested by joint TNI/Polri security forces in Yahukimo for allegedly being involved in the morning shooting aimed at a civilian.[8]
* August 15, 2023: a telecommunication tower caught fire and two houses were damaged after a gunfight between TPNPB and TNI/Polri in Ilaga, Puncak Regency.[9] According to information from security forces, one member of the security task force was injured, while three TPNPB members were shot.
* August 16, 2023: 3 civilians were reported dead after a shooting allegedly carried out by the PTNPB group at the Yosoma Complex, Jalan Batas Batu, Nduga Regency.[10]
* 17 August 2023: the library of SMAN 1 in Ilaga, Puncak Regency, was burned down by the TPNPB group.[11]
* 18 August 2023: Central Fakfak district office, Fakfak Regency, burned down. The cause of the fire is not yet known. However, what is worrying is the fact that this fire occurred the day after there was a fire at the Kramongga District Office and Middle School, Fakfak District. In that incident, a former Kramomongga village resident was also killed[12]. It is very worrying that this incident will be a reason to increase the security forces in Fakfak District. With this addition, it is also feared that the number of incidents of human rights violations will increase.[13] Meanwhile, it can also be noted that in Jayapura District, a government office burned down. We are still trying to find out why.[14]
It turns out that recently many public and private facilities were burned. For most incidents it is not clear what the cause is or who the perpetrator is. So, it would be better if this ambiguity was noted and we consider it inappropriate for media reports that too easily link all fire incidents with TPNPB. (TvdB)
*27 August 2023: two people died and three others were injured after being assaulted by unknown persons in Kawe village, doctor 36 mining location. Awimbon District, Gunung Bintang.[15] Around this incident there was additional news from TPNPB that they carried out this murder. They stated that 3 people were killed, 2 members of the National Police and one Intelligence officer. The National Police have stated that the victims were not members of the National Police.
* August 28, 2023: A mother, Michelle Kurisi Ndoga, murdered; His body was found in the Kolawa district, Lanny Jaya Regency, Central Mountains province. Once again there is various news surrounding this murder. TPNPB once claimed responsibility for the murder because Michelle's mother was considered a spy and collaborated with security forces. In hindsight the veracity of the claim was doubtful. Also, the pattern of Mrs. Michelle's activities and her work network is colored by many different stories. The police were informed that this murder is still under investigation. [16] Meanwhile, PAHAM (Papua Human Rights Lawyers Association) requested that an independent agency conduct an investigation.
[c] additional troops
* Warships stationed in Sorong: Two Republic of Indonesia warships (KRI) fast missile boat types KRI Kapak-625 and KRI Panah-626, have arrived and are sanding at the wharf of the Command Fleet (Koarmada) III headquarters, Katapop, Sorong, Southwest Papua , on Friday 25 August 2023.[17]
* NTB Police Mobile Brigade to Papua: A squad of 200 NTB Brimob personnel was sent to Papua to secure PT Freeport Indonesia's vital objects.[18]
special note: in a news report from Kompas, the impression is given as if the troops sent to Papua were all stationed in Freeport's operating areas to protect 'vital projects'.[19] Of course, the suggestions in the news make many readers mistaken. Basically, troops sent from other regions to Papua are stationed anywhere in Papua, specifically in conflict areas. (TvdB)
[d] around security for the 2024 election
* Headquarters to send Brimob troops to Papua: for the sake of securing the implementation of the 2024 elections in Papua Police Headquarters confirmed that Brimob personnel would be sent to Papua. The number cannot yet be determined.[20]
[e] about the Susi Air pilot being taken hostage
* no developments compared to notes in the July 2023 update (TvdB).
———————————
3] REFUGEES IN PAPUA / AREA OF CONFLICT
[a] The fate of those who range: elderly, women, children: In Maybrat District, many people have been displaced for two years, and they live in very worrying conditions. Meanwhile, 20 children died. For some it is due to malnutrition. Of course, those who are vulnerable become victims. Often children only get food once a day. Thus disruption in the growth process is unavoidable. The main thing is that the concern for refugees is getting more urgent day by day![21]
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The 22nd Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders Summit was held in Port Vila, Vanuatu
MSG Secretariat
The ULMWP’s application for full membership was rejected at the the MSG Summit as Leaders said their application did not meet the existing criteria for membership. The ULMWP has observer status and Indonesia is an associate member.
Over the last few months in West Papua, the grass roots had taken to the streets calling on the MSG to grant full membership to West Papua at the MSG. Many were arrested, beaten, tortured and jailed as they rallied peaceful in calling on the MSG to support them. It's tragic that the MSG did not respond to their call.
MSG throws away golden chance to reset peace and justice for West Papua
Sad Regenvanu condemns MSG for ‘failing’ people of West Papua
https://asiapacificreport.nz/2023/08/30/sad-regenvanu-condemns-msg-for-failing-people-of-west-papua/
Every West Papuan and their supporters also felt let down by the MSG Leaders decision.
Green Left. Melanesian Spearhead Group ‘fails West Papua’
https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/melanesian-spearhead-group-fails-west-papua
A small glimmer
The MSG chair said it would be asking the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to ensure that the requested visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to Indonesia takes place, and to ask Jakarta to allow the commissioner to visit West Papua and have the report considered at the next MSG summit in 2024.
In 2015 at the PIF summit in Port Moresby, Leaders requested the Forum Chair to convey the views of the Forum to the Indonesian Government, and to consult on a fact finding mission to discuss the situation in Papua with the parties involved.
Indonesian delegation walks out of MSG leaders summit before West Papuan leader Benny Wenda’s speech.
Indonesia responds after claim official attempted to bribe RNZ Pacific journalist
9. On human rights issues in Indonesia’s West Papua Province, the Leaders:
i. Acknowledged that the most appropriate fora to discuss human rights matters is at the United Nations through the UN Human Rights Council;
ii. Reaffirmed the sovereignty of Indonesia over West Papua and acknowledged that MSG Leaders have made their collective views on this matter which are fully covered in the PIF Communiques;
iii. Urged PIF to pursue implementation of the decision of the PIF Leaders Communique of August 2019 for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a mission to West Papua and the Papuan Provinces and must take into consideration its root causes;
iv. Requested the Chair of the MSG to write to the Associate Member to allow the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to West Papua and to request the UN Human Rights Commission to have their Report on human rights violations in West Papua, delivered in good time for the consideration of the next MSG Summit in 2024;
v. Directed the Secretariat to accompany the UNCHR Commissioner on their visit and to produce a Report on any constructive socio-economic developments in West Papua and the Papuan Region and have it delivered for the consideration of the next MSG Summit in 2024; and
13 E. APPLICATION FOR MSG MEMBERSHIP BY THE UNITED LIBERATION MOVEMENT OF WEST
PAPUA.
13. On the application for MSG Membership by the United Liberation Movement of West Papua the Leaders acknowledged the decision of the MSG Foreign Ministers on the various issues raised under this agenda and:
i. Noted that ULMWP does not meet the existing criteria for Membership under the Agreement Establishing the MSG that will warrant grant of membership status;
ii. Noted that ULMWP Membership application cannot be approved because consensus could not be reached by all Members;
ill. Agreed that ULMWP's application does not satisfy the Revised Criteria for full membership of the MSG which would inevitably require the review of the Agreement Establishing the MSG;
iv. Agreed for one-year moratorium on new membership to the MSG and directed the Secretariat to further refine the Membership Guidelines;
v. Mandated the Secretariat to explore ways on how MSG can establish closer collaboration with the Government of Indonesia by leveraging the Special Autonomous Arrangements to draw special focus on social, economic development and empowerment of the people of West Papua and the Papuan Provinces;
vi. Tasked the Secretariat to develop the concept of "Constructive Engagement Platform,” such as an annual MSG/lndonesia Parliamentary Dialogue on developments in the Papuan Provinces in line with Leaders’ decision to create a ‘space’ for dialogue with the Government of Indonesia.
vii. Reinforced that the Membership of the MSG must be limited only to Sovereign and Independent States with the special arrangements for FLNKS;
viii. Agreed to request the MSG Chair to write to PIF’s Chair to ensure that the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to Indonesia is undertaken;
ix. Agreed to request the Associate Member to allow the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to West Papua and to have the Commissioner’s Report on human rights issues in West Papua delivered for the consideration of the next MSG Summit in 2024; and
x. Agreed for Leaders to undertake visits to Paris and Jakarta and make representations on the decolonisation process in New Caledonia and the developments in the Melanesian provinces in Indonesia.
It would appear Indonesia, Australia and France also showed interest in membership
From Islands Business
Indonesia’s MSG bid on back burner: PM Marape
August 28, 2023
A one-year moratorium has been placed on Indonesia’s application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
Prime Minister James Marape said this was so that Pacific Island Forum could address the West Papua issue and specifically human rights allegations in the province. Marape also said that the MSG received interest from Australia, France and Indonesia to join the group. He explained that a date has not yet been set, but a group of leaders from the MSG would visit Indonesia to raise the West Papua issue. “Representatives of all current member countries will make this visit and see for ourselves if the allegations of human rights abuse are true or not,” Marape said. “We must also understand that every country has its own law and order issues, so we will be visiting Indonesia, to put to rest this issue, before we can start discussing Indonesia’s application to join the MSG. “The MSG comes under the Pacific Islands Forum.” Marape also said that the MSG agreed on a one-year moratorium on the applications of other countries who had showed an interest in joining the group, which included, Australia and France. Meanwhile, The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has responded cautiously over the Melanesian Spearhead Group’s surprise denial of full membership at its leaders summit last week, welcoming the communique while calling for urgent action over Indonesia’s grave human rights violations…………
https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/indonesias-msg-bid-on-back-burner-pm-marape/
New ULMWP structure
Menase Tabuni-President
Octovianus Mote - vice-president,
Markus Haluk - secretary,
Benny Wenda - foreign affairs
Buchtar Tabuni - chair of the Legislative Council
Apollos Sroyer -chair of the Judicial Council.
West Papua: Liberation movement strengthens unity and solidarity with the people
Susan Price West Papua Green Left September 8, 2023 Issue 1389
At its August 22 summit in Port Vila, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) formed a new leadership structure to continue the independence struggle from inside West Papua and created a strategic roadmap for the next five years.
Fifty representatives attended the summit from inside West Papua and around the world -- meeting for only the second time since ULMWP was formed in 2014.
Following the summit, the ULMWP announced that Menase Tabuni was elected as the new President, and would lead its Executive from inside West Papua, "so it maintains presence and solidarity with the Papuan people on the ground". "I am honoured to be appointed as the new President of the ULMWP and will do everything I can to continue our legitimate struggle for independence," said Tabuni. "We must do this from within West Papua as well as campaigning in the international community. I will remain in Papua with the people as we continue to fight for human rights and self determination."
Former President, Benny Wenda will take on the role of Foreign Affairs.
The ULMWP is an umbrella organisation representing key groups such as the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL), the Federal Republic West Papua (NFRPB), and the National Parliament of West Papua (PNWP).
"We are united and committed to work together to achieve our vision for an independent, democratic nation of West Papua within the Pacific family," said the ULMWP. The ULMWP welcomed the decision by the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting, which met in Port Vila on August 23, to push Indonesia to invite the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner to visit West Papua along with a Pacific delegation "so the international community has a better understanding of the real situation on the ground in West Papua". The ULMWP also continues to demand that international media be able to visit West Papua and report freely, saying "Indonesia cannot call itself a democracy while it keeps its largest province hidden from the world".
Audio
West Papua liberation group faces leadership shake-up after failed MSG application
By Mackenzie Smith Broadcast 13h ago
West Papua was one of the key issues during last week's meeting between the leaders of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape says he highlighted his country's respect for Indonesia's sovereignty and the recent decision by the Melanesian Spearhead Group to seek the Pacific Islands Forum and United Nations intervention on human rights abuse in Papua. In response, Mr Marape says Indonesia's President Joko Widodo issued an invitation to meet with MSG leaders in October. The meeting comes just three weeks after the MSG rejected an application for full membership by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua. That failure has now resulted in a shake up of the groups leadership.
PNG’s Marape makes foreign policy gaffes over Israel, West Papua
RNZ Pacific 15 Sept. 2023
Analysis by David Robie
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has made two foreign policy gaffes in the space of a week that may come back to bite him as PNG prepares for its 48th anniversary of independence this Saturday. Critics have been stunned by the opening of a PNG embassy in Jerusalem in defiance of international law - when only three countries have done this other than the United States amid strong Palestinian condemnation - and days later a communique from his office appeared to have indicated he had turned his back on West Papuan self-determination aspirations.
Marape was reported to have told President Joko Widodo that PNG had no right to criticise Indonesia over human rights allegations in West Papua and reportedly admitted that he had "abstained" at the Port Vila meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group last month when it had been widely expected that a pro-independence movement would be admitted as full members.
The membership was denied and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) remained as observers - as they have for almost a decade, disappointing supporters across the Pacific, while Indonesia remains an associate member.
Although Marape later denied that these were actually his views and he told PNG media that the statement had been "unauthorised", his backtracking was less than convincing. In the case of Papua New Guinea's diplomatic relations with Israel, they were given a major and surprising upgrade with the opening of the embassy on September 5 in a high-rise building opposite Malha Mall, Israel's largest shopping mall. Marape was quoted by the PNG Post-Courier as saying that the Israeli government would "bankroll" the first two years of the embassy's operation……………….
Jakarta’s Security Minister seeks extra US$4m to boost Pacific campaign against Papua ‘misinformation’
By APR editor - September 11, 2023
By Kristian Erdianto in Jakarta
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Security, Politics and Legal Affairs Wiranto – a former high-ranking military officer — has proposed an additional budget of 60 billion rupiah (US$4 million) to fund diplomatic efforts related to the so-called “Papua problem”. The proposed budget would be separate from the Coordinating Ministry for Security, Politics and Legal Affairs’ (Kemenko Polhukam) annual budget. Wiranto said that the 60 billion rupiah would be used to pay for diplomatic efforts by the government in the South Pacific region.
READ MORE: Other West Papua diplomacy reports
“We are pursuing intense soft-diplomacy. I’m heading it up myself, going there, coordinating, and talking to them. We’re proposing an additional budget of 60 billion rupiah”, said Wiranto. He was speaking during a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Budget Committee at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, last week. Wiranto explained that just a few years ago as many as seven out of 13 countries in the South Pacific supported Papuan independence.
All of these countries had voting rights in the United Nations General Assembly.
Jakarta pursuing diplomatic efforts
Wiranto claimed many of the South Pacific countries had been receiving “misinformation” about Indonesia’s approach to Papua. For example, a view that the government had neglected development in Papua. According to the former ABRI (Indonesian Armed Forces, now call TNI) commander, the government was already pursuing diplomatic efforts with the leaders of two South Pacific countries, Nauru and Vanuatu. The national leaders had been invited to visit Papua to “see for themselves” the progress in development there. “We’ve been forgetting, we’ve been negligent, that there are many countries there which could potentially threaten our domination. Papua is part of our territory and it turns out that this is true,” said Wiranto. The additional budget of 60 billion rupiah proposed by Wiranto would be used for five coordinated activities.
20 billion rupiah to ‘improve Papua’s international image’;
15 billion rupiah to improve Indonesia’s cooperation with the South Pacific;
15 billion rupiah to improve cooperation with South Pacific international organisations;
5 billion rupiah for the management of Australian and South Pacific territorial border security; and 5 billion rupiah to improve Australian and South Pacific territorial border security intelligence cooperation.
Pacific Media Watch reports: Last month, the Melanesian Spearhead Group decided not to admit the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) as full members of the MSG in spite of it being widely expected to happen.
The declined membership was seen as a success of Indonesian diplomacy in the region in recent months in the face of mounting allegations of human rights violations by Indonesian military forces.
Translated by James Balowski of IndoLeft News. The original title of the article was Wiranto Ajukan Tambahan Anggaran Rp 60 Miliar untuk Diplomasi Terkait Papua.
674 persons internally displaced after security force raid in Yahukimo
Case, Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua /
Human Rights Monitor 7 September 2023
The escalating conflict in the Yahukimo District, Papua Pegunungan Province, has led to the internal displacement of 674 persons (see photo on top, source: Suara Papua). The internally displaced persons (IDPs) belong to 169 families from nine districts in the regency. The raid occurred shortly after an attack against a military post by West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) members on 21 August 2023. The shootout resulted in the death of one military member. Reports revealed acts of arbitrary arrests and torture during the raid.
Many IDPs have lost their homes and belongings. Security force members reportedly burned down twelve residential houses and killed livestock. Two pigs burnt along with their homes. Fifteen pigs died due to lack of care after their owners fled their homes. Twelve IDPs have fallen ill, highlighting the health challenges they are currently facing. Solidarity groups have opened a humanitarian post to collect humanitarian aid. According to local media, the Yahukimo Regency Government has assisted in the form of rice, basic necessities, and funds. Local government representatives have promised to relocate the IDPs for their safety and well-being. The residents in Kali Bonto were relocated in 2018 due to tribal conflicts. They have experienced recurring acts of intimidation and harassment by security force members since 2021, causing them to live in constant fear.
Background
People in West Papua, particularly the indigenous population, face harsh consequences of the armed conflict that has been ongoing for more than 50 years in the region. Security operations against the TPNPB are often accompanied by arbitrary violence against the indigenous population, including house burnings and fear. The situation has led residents in conflict areas to seek refuge and safety at other locations. Observers say that more than 60,000 people in West Papua have been internally displaced due to the armed conflict since 2019. Human rights organisations have been raising concerns regarding excessive violence against civilians during security raids across West Papua. Torture, extrajudicial executions, internal displacements, and the destruction of private property, including burning residential houses and killing livestock, often accompany the raids. The same patterns of violations have occurred during similar raids in the regencies Intan Jaya, Puncak, and Pegunungan Bintang. Most victims during such security raids are indigenous Papuans. The police and military members often stigmatise indigenous villagers as TPNPB members or collaborators. The TPNPB fights consist of armed guerrilla groups across all regencies in West Papua, who fight for the political independence of West Papua from the Republic of Indonesia.
Three Papuan students convicted of treason released
Jubi 8 September 2023
Jayapura, Jubi – On Thursday, September 7, 2023, three students of the Jayapura University of Science and Technology (USTJ) who had been convicted in a treason case, were released from the Abepura Prison in Jayapura City. They were picked up by a group of student activists in Jayapura City. The three students, namely Yoseph Ernesto Matuan, Devio Tekege, and Ambrosius Fransiskus Elopere, had been charged with treason due to their involvement in a free speech held at the campus on November 10, 2022. At that time, they were spotted carrying the Morning Star flag while expressing their rejection to the Papua peace dialogue plan initiated by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).
Police then dispersed the event, leading to the arrest of several participants, including Matuan, Tekege, and Eloperer. Subsequently, they were accused of treason and faced trial at the Jayapura District Court.
The release was facilitated by the Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua), who was part of the Papua Law Enforcement and Human Rights Coalition, the legal team representing the three students during the treason trial. Outside the Abepura Prison, several student activists wearing USTJ jackets had gathered since 9 a.m Papua time. Marwa Wayne, the field coordinator, expressed her surprise at the early release of the three students, as the initial release date had been set for September 12, 2023. Wayne conveyed their happiness for the students’ freedom and thanked the authorities for the expedited release. Persila Heselo, the attorney for Matuan, Tekege, and Elopere, also expressed gratitude at the early release. The three were welcomed by dozens of student activists, as well as their legal team, who gathered in front of the prison to pray together.
During this gathering, Yoseph Ernesto Matuan expressed his gratitude to the court for their early release and reaffirmed their commitment to continue their advocacy on behalf of their land. There was a dispute with the police when the pick-up team intended to march the three convicts to the Tauboria Catholic Student Dormitory, which was about 2.6 kilometers from Abepura Prison. The police cited concerns about disrupting traffic flow and offered a police vehicle. Eventually, the pick-up team agreed to hire public transportation for the students’ journey to the dormitory. Yustina Haluk emphasized that Yoseph Ernesto Matuan, Devio Tekege, and Ambrosius Fransiskus Elopere should not have been convicted of treason. Haluk argued that the students were merely exercising their right to peaceful expression, a right guaranteed by Law No. 9/1998 on Freedom of Expression in Public. He further highlighted the limited freedom of expression in Papua. Haluk hopes the government will take action to clarify the status of the Morning Star flag in order to prevent the wrongful criminalization of peaceful expression, as exemplified by the cases of Matuan, Tekege, and Elopere.
INDONESIA: MEDICINE AND BLANKETS AIR LIFTED TO FAMILIES IN REMOTE CENTRAL PAPUA AFTER DEVASTATING COLD SNAP
5 SEPTEMBER 2023 - INDONESIA
TIMIKA, Indonesia, 5 September 2023 – About 8,000 peopleare in urgent need of food support in remote areas of Central Papua in eastern Indonesia, after large swathes of crops were destroyed by a combination of hailstorms, severe frost and drought linked to the global El Niño phenomenon, said Save the Children.
The aid agency is working with partners in Puncak, the district most affected by the drought, distributing much-needed blankets, cold-weather clothes and medicines to families impacted by the climate shock. Puncak is a mountainous area in Papua which regularly experiences low temperatures but has been colder than usual this year with more days of severe frost. As the area is extremely remote, aid can only be delivered via airlift. The unusual weather has contributed to the deaths of at least six people across Papua – including a baby – since June when, stable crops were severely damaged by hailstorms. The following months brought an unusual lack of rain, along with frosts, which has created food shortages in towns and villages. Children and their families are also finding it difficult to access clean drinking water as many natural sources have dried up due to the drought. The drought conditions in Papuaare being linked to the global El Niño phenomenon, which started to impact Indonesia in June. Nearly half of the country is expected to see below average rainfall in September, with conditions expected to peak in coming weeks, but the impact of the delayed rainy season will be felt for longer. Rice production across the country has fallen by 1.2 million tonnes or 5% this year.
Fadli Usman, Humanitarian Director, Save the Children Indonesia, said:
“Thousands of children urgently need support across Papua. After the hail and drought caused crops to fail, they need food, as well as clothes and blankets to protect them against the cold weather. We have managed to reach some areas by plane, but there are still people in remote areas that need assistance. “Papua is already seeing the impact of El Nino, on top of the effects of the climate crisis. Children in Puncak not only need emergency help now – they need long term, sustainable solutions to protect them from the climate crisis. “Save the Children has teams on the ground in Papua providing immediate assistance and is continuing to work with local and national partners. The Indonesian Government is working hard to respond - but more needs to be done to help vulnerable children and their families.’ Save the Children has been operating in Indonesia since 1976 and works across the country in humanitarian responses and programs linked to education, health and nutrition, child protection, and poverty. In Puncak, Save the Children is working with local partners to distribute essential supplies, and is assessing the needs of children and their families on the ground in order to plan a further response.
Human Rights Issue in Papua Worsens with a Weak Law Enforcement
Translator Najla Nur Fauziyah Editor Laila Afifa 30 August 2023
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The director of Papua's Human Rights Policy Advocacy Assembly Mathius Murib mentioned that the human rights issues in Papua worsen with a rising number of violence and hostage situations. The human rights activists in Papua are also at great risk of violence, such as being terrorized, intimidated, and threatened.
"Violence [in Papua] rises in number, hostage situation is also still happening, while all the approach [against the situation] does not reflect the spirit of the human rights," he said during the Universal Periodic Review Discussion of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) today, Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Despite the risk, Mathius said, he and other human rights activists in Papua are still willing to advocate for human rights enforcement in the province. However, their efforts are clashing with the law enforcement framework, causing many human rights violation cases left unsolved. "This is an internal evaluation, which I believe is important to ensure public trust as human rights activists since convincing the victims to seek justice is quite difficult," he said. The victims, according to Mathius, always ask about their previous unanswered human rights complaints.
Mathius emphasized that a synchronization and harmonization of the legal system is necessary. "We hope for good judges and prosecutors in the future that could translate the spirits of Komnas HAM. Thus, human rights violations cases could be put to rights," he concluded. I GUSTI AYU PUTU PUSPASARI
Indonesia's Papua hits rock bottom for press freedom
Poor showing of Christian majority province on national index a result of growing violence in region, Church observer says
By UCA News reporter Published: September 02, 2023
Press freedom in Indonesia's predominantly Christian Papua province is now the worst in the Muslim-majority Southeast Asian nation, according to a recent survey.
Papua had the lowest ranking at 64.01 percent on the country's press freedom index, down sharply from 75.57 percent last year, the Indonesian Press Council said at the release of the survey on Aug. 31. Neighboring West Papua province fell from 69.23 percent to 68.22 this year.
This data is not surprising, considering the increasing violence in the Papua region in recent years which has impacted civil liberties, including the press, said Father Bernard Baru from the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of Jayapura diocese. Jayapura is the capital and largest city in Papua province. He said limited press freedom in Papua means the media generally only report information conveyed by official sources "and often this is conveyed systematically." "The lack of commitment to press freedom is also evident from the closed access to foreign journalists in Papua," he said………………
https://www.ucanews.com/news/indonesias-papua-hits-rock-bottom-for-press-freedom/102469
Controversy surrounds deaths of civilians after Kramomongga incident in West Papua
Jubi News Desk - West Papua 12 September 2023
Manokwari, Jubi – Following an incident in the Kramomongga District, Fakfak Regency, West Papua Province on August 15, 2023, the police have apprehended a total of 12 individuals suspected of involvement in the attack. Seven of them have faced legal prosecution, while five were fatally shot by law enforcement officers. Yan Christian Warinussy, the Executive Director of the Manokwari Legal Aid Research, Assessment, and Development Institute (LP3BH), expressed concerns regarding the shooting of four civilians in an ambush operation following the attack that killed Kramamongga District’s chief, Darson Hegemur. This concern arises from information provided by LP3BH Manokwari’s contact person in Fakfak, indicating that the four civilians who were fatally shot on Saturday, September 9, 2023 in Nembukteb Village were not connected to the death of the Kramamongga District chief in August 2023.
“To the best of our knowledge from our contact person’s investigation, the four residents killed on Saturday were innocent civilians unrelated to the Kramomongga incident,” Warinussy said on Saturday, Warinussy emphasized that, in order to obtain impartial and unbiased information, LP3BH Manokwari has called upon the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to promptly dispatch an investigative team to probe the deaths of the four civilians. In accordance with the Human Rights Courts Law, when there is a strong suspicion of human rights violations, Komnas HAM can investigate such incidents, including those in Kramomongga. “We have recently seen reports of civilians allegedly being shot dead by security forces from the West Papua Police on grounds of resistance to law enforcement officers,” he added. Previously, the West Papua Police had undertaken efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the arson attack in Nembukteb Village, Kramomongga District, with three individuals being taken into custody. “Twelve suspects have been apprehended. Seven are currently in custody, while five have been fatally shot,” said Sr. Comr. Adam Erwindi, the West Papua Police spokesperson. The attack in Kramomongga District on August 15 involved the arson of the district office and school building, along with the torturous death of Kramamongga District’s chief Darson Hegemur.
Concerns grow over delayed investigation into alleged shootings in Papua amid escalating conflict
Jubi 14 September 2023
Jayapura, Jubi – Director of the Democracy Alliance for Papua (AIDP) Latifah Anum Siregar has criticized the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) for the slow progress in investigating the alleged shootings of civilians in Dogiyai Regency, Central Papua Province. Siregar expressed concern that this delayed investigation was contributing to the escalating conflict in the region. “We had hoped that Komnas HAM would swiftly initiate their investigation after the incident, as it is crucial to conduct a prompt and thorough examination,” Siregar said on Monday, September 11, 2023. On July 13, 2023, a civilian named Yosua Keiya (20) allegedly died from gunshot wounds, reportedly fired by Mobile Brigade personnel in Idakebo Village, North Kamu District, Dogiyai Regency. The Legal Aid Institute Talenta Keadilan Papua (LBH-TKP) and the Human Rights Advocacy Network claimed that Yosua Keiya’s shooting was followed by another incident on the evening of July 13 in Dogiyai’s Moanemani, resulting in the deaths of Yakobus Pekey (20) and Stepanus Pigome (19).
However, on July 19, 2023, Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, denied information regarding the alleged shootings that led to the deaths of three Dogiyai civilians. According to him, investigations conducted by various police units did not find any fatalities or injuries during the handling of mass riots in Dogiyai on July 13-14, 2023.
The conflicting data has prompted several human rights organizations to call on Komnas HAM to dispatch a team to Dogiyai to verify the casualties or injured victims during the incident.
Siregar emphasized that a delay in addressing the alleged shootings could further intensify the conflict. Additionally, the ripple effects of the conflict could include the displacement of people, disruption of local governance, economic stagnation, interrupted education services, the reinforcement of stigmas against Indigenous Papuans (OAP), and heightened tensions between OAP and non-OAP communities.
Siregar also urged Komnas HAM to prioritize cases of violence in Papua, despite their limited authority, and pay closer attention to the overall conflict situation in the region.
“Komnas HAM, despite its limited authority, should prioritize handling cases in Papua. If their procedural approach remains slow, they may become overwhelmed as one case is not yet resolved before another is reported,” she explained.
Siregar insisted that Komnas HAM should provide the public with preliminary findings of the Dogiyai shooting case to help dispel confusion stemming from conflicting information. “Even if it’s preliminary data, it should be clarified and confirmed. This way, other confusing information can be minimized with Komnas HAM’s data,” Siregar emphasized. Furthermore, Siregar emphasized the need for professionalism within local governments to prevent the spread of unverified information. He stated that unclear information could create fear, trauma, and severe stigmatization within the community.
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