2) Jayapura court rejects lawsuit by Awyu tribe over palm oil permit, advocates prepare to appeal
3) Land conflict between indigenous community in Tambrauw and company PT KKM implementing trans road project
4) Jokowi urged to resolve Freeport worker strike amid share talks with CEOs
5) Southwest Papua builds tourism school to support Raja Ampat
-------------------------
1) IDP’s humanitarian crisis in Papua: Catholic Church calls for immediate government action
The Secretariat of Justice and Peace (SKP in Indonesian) of the Catholic Church throughout Papua says 46,926 civilians were displaced from their villages due to armed conflict and urges the government to return the refugees to their hometowns. The urge was conveyed through the Pastoral Appeal of the SKP of the Catholic Church throughout Papua issued in Sorong, West Papua Province, on 12 October 2023. The pastoral call was signed by the Director of SKPKC Fransiscan Papua Yuliana Langowuyo, Director of SKP Diocese of Agats RD Linus Dumatubun, Head of SKP Diocese of Timika Saul Wanimbo, Director of SKPKC OSA Christus Totus Papua RP Heribertus Lobya OSA, Head of SKP Diocese of Manokwari Sorong RD Izaak Bame, and Secretary of the KPKC Commission of Jayapura Diocese Elias Gobay. The urge came after visiting refugees from Maybrat in Sorong Regency. (see photo/ SKP-Papua).
Moreover, the Cenderawasih Papua Catholic Student Association (MKC Papua) has called upon the Papuan Government, the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI/Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia), and bishops across Papua to take proactive measures to address the dire situation of refugees in Papua. The appeal was made following a discussion regarding the evolving situation in Papua, held in Tomohon, North Sulawesi, on 17 October 2023.
Nicolaus Huby, the Chairman of MKC Papua, emphasised the need for the Catholic church leadership to acknowledge and respond to the critical conditions in Papua. Huby expressed concerns that the current situation, marked by escalating violence and armed conflicts between the Indonesian National Army/Indonesian National Police (TNI/Polri) and the West Papua National Liberation Army/Free Papua Organization (TPNPB/OPM) from 2018 to 2023, requires urgent attention.
According to reports by humanitarian activists, a significant number of residents have been displaced from their homes. For instance, approximately 674 residents from Muara Bontoh (Yahukimo) were forced to flee to Dekai, while 2,252 people in Kiwirok and surrounding areas sought refuge in the Oksibil and neighbouring Papua New Guinea. Furthermore, over 37,000 Nduga residents from various districts had to leave their homes and relocate to Asmat Regency, Mimika Regency, and Jayawijaya Regency. Additionally, around 1,000 residents of Intan Jaya fled to Nabire Regency, Paniai Regency, and Mimika Regency, while approximately 6,000 Maybrat residents sought refuge in Kmurkek, Sorong Regency, and Sorong City.
The issue of refugees has been compounded by instances of violence, including the shooting of a Catholic catechist in October 2020 by the Indonesian military. Despite claims by the government and security forces that refugees have returned to their hometowns, reports from SKP in Papua and Komnas HAM suggest that many are still displaced. For example, there are still 5,296 people residing in refugee camps in Maybrat.
These refugees have been enduring difficult living conditions in overcrowded settings. They have called for assistance in providing health and education for their children, as their current resources are insufficient. Above all, they express their desire to return to their hometowns, provided that the military presence in East Aifat is reduced to ensure peace and safety.
The plight of these refugees has been compared to that of Joseph and Mary, who were forced to leave their hometown. Pope Francis has drawn parallels between the present-day refugees and the biblical narrative, highlighting the need for empathy and assistance.
Cenderawasih Papua Catholic Students have urged the Catholic church, the Indonesian government, and relevant authorities to take immediate action by:
- Facilitating the repatriation of refugees to their hometowns through meaningful consultations with internally displaced Papuans.
- Ensuring the safety of returning refugees and preventing intimidation.
- Providing reparations or compensation for all losses suffered by internally displaced persons, including physical, property, psychological, and mental losses.
- Guaranteeing basic rights for refugees before their return, including temporary shelters, food, healthcare, and access to education.
- Allowing humanitarian assistance from other organizations to reach internally displaced people.
- Halting military operations in Papua.
- Ending the dispossession of customary land rights of the Papuan people.
- Taking responsibility for resolving human rights violations in Papua.
————————————————————
2) Jayapura court rejects lawsuit by Awyu tribe over palm oil permit, advocates prepare to appeal
On 2 November 2023, the Jayapura State Administrative Court (PTUN Jayapura) rejected a lawsuit filed by the indigenous Awyu Tribe in Papua Province (see photo, credit Gusti Tanati/ Greenpeace). The lawsuit was related to an environmental feasibility permit issued by the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office (DPMPTSP) for PT Indo Asiana Lestari (PT IAL) to develop oil palm plantations covering 36,096.4 hectares in the Mandobo and Fofi Districts in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province. The Awyu Tribe argued that the permit was issued without their knowledge or consent.
The panel of judges, led by Merna Cinthia SH MH, along with member judges Yusup Klemen SH and Donny Poja SH, declared the lawsuit unreasonable and rejected it. They argued that the procedure and substance of the Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL) issuance did not contradict laws and regulations or the principles of good governance. As a result, PT IAL’s environmental feasibility permit was declared valid.
Emanuel Gobay, a lawyer for the Awyu Tribe, expressed dissatisfaction with the judge’s decision, stating that it did not align with environmental law principles. Mr Gobay pointed out that the judges did not adequately consider the substance of the problematic AMDAL document and rejected requests for field inspections. The legal team also intended to evaluate the judge’s attitude in deciding the case.
Furthermore, Tigor Hutapea, a member of the Papuan Customary Law Enforcement Coalition, argued that the judges erred by accepting an investment support letter from the Indigenous Peoples’ Agency (LMA) of Boven Digoel as meaningful participation. He emphasised that LMA had an unclear legal status and did not represent the indigenous Awyu people and the Woro clan. According to Hutapea, LMA had no authority to approve the release of forests belonging to indigenous peoples, disregarding the principle of free, prior, and informed consent from affected communities.
The lawsuit received significant support from various communities and organisations. A petition compiled by the Solidarity Movement to Save Papua’s Customary Forests garnered signatures from 73 institutions and 94 individuals, demonstrating widespread backing for the Awyu Tribe’s cause.
Dr Totok Dwi Diantoro, an expert witness for the Awyu Tribe, emphasised that indigenous peoples’ consent is a fundamental requirement for permits related to business activities in their customary areas. This requirement is in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which enshrines the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) as a right of Indigenous peoples when dealing with new activities in their territories.
Related case information: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/awyu-indigenous-community-sue-papua-dpmptsp-office-over-right-to-information-about-palm-oil-companys-permit/ and https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/leader-of-woro-clan-awyu-people-files-lawsuit-concerning-palm-oil-company-pt-ial-permits/
————————————————————
3) Land conflict between indigenous community in Tambrauw and company PT KKM implementing trans road project
Indigenous communities in South Miyah District, Tambrauw Regency, Papua Barat Daya Province, are facing conflicts with companies involved in the West Papua trans road project. PT Volica won the tender for the project, while PT Kuyake Karya Membangun (KKM) serves as the implementing contractor. The project has been marred by disputes and allegations of non-compliance with agreements made with customary rights owners.
One of the main issues revolves around the violation of a collective agreement signed on 13 April 2023. According to the agreement, material collection for the project should only occur within the territory of customary rights owners. However, PT KKM was found to have taken materials from the Momo clan’s land, leading to a dispute between the Momo and the customary rights owners Sewia clan and a breach of the agreement.
Customary rights owners have made numerous attempts to mediate with the companies involved, but their efforts have been largely ignored. The situation escalated when customary rights owners attempted to block the project site, prompting PT KKM to bring in security forces to dismantle the blockade.
Despite mediation efforts and attempts to involve the local district government, PT KKM has not responded positively to the demands of customary rights owners. They have requested compensation for the use of their land, as agreed upon in the collective agreement.
The Tambrauw district government and the West Papua National Road Implementation Task Force are now being urged to step in and help resolve the conflict. There are concerns about the role of security forces in these disputes, and it is emphasized that their actions should not exacerbate tensions.
Customary rights owners have given PT KKM a one-week ultimatum to settle their demands, including the payment of location compensation fees. If the company fails to comply within the agreed timeframe or if there is no meeting between the parties, the customary rights owners threaten to block the West Papua trans road once again, specifically in the village of Esahae.
The disputes and conflicts surrounding the West Papua trans road project highlight the challenges in balancing development projects with the rights and concerns of indigenous communities. The situation calls for a fair and transparent resolution that respects the customary rights and dignity of the local population.
-----------------------------------------------------
4) Jokowi urged to resolve Freeport worker strike amid share talks with CEOs
News Desk - PT Freeport Indonesia
17 November 2023
Jayapura, Jubi – In the midst of ongoing discussions surrounding the incorporation of Freeport shares in Indonesia and the potential extension of mining licenses—a matter reaching its final stages—there is an urgent plea directed at President Joko Widodo and PT Freeport Indonesia. They’re implored to swiftly address the persistent issue involving 8,300 workers who have been on strike since May 1, 2017.
Representing these workers, the Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) points to Freeport’s Fourlong policy as the root cause of the strike. This policy implementation occurred amidst the ongoing tumult between the Indonesian government and Freeport concerning shares and mining licenses.
Despite the Indonesian government’s acquisition of a majority stake (51 percent) and the commitment to establish a smelter in 2018, the strike continues unabated.
Emanuel Gobay, Director of the Papua Legal Aid Institute, asserts that both the Indonesian President and Freeport’s CEO have failed to address the strike in accordance with the National Human Rights Commission’s recommendations in 2017, followed by subsequent directives in 2018. Gobay strongly criticizes them for prioritizing financial gains over the welfare of these workers.
“This failure to act violates labor laws intended to ensure humane treatment, welfare, and protection for workers. These actions infringe upon a multitude of labor rights, encompassing health, life, education for workers’ children, fair wages, welfare, and various other rights guaranteed by human rights laws,” Gobay said.
The urgency emphasized by the Papua Legal Aid Institute lies in the necessity to resolve the worker strike before any additional discussions or decisions concerning share incorporation or license extensions take place. They stress that both the Indonesian President and Freeport’s CEO are obliged, by law, to adhere to labor laws and uphold the rights of the striking workers.
-----------------------------------------
5) Southwest Papua builds tourism school to support Raja Ampat
9 hours ago
Sorong, Southwest Papua (ANTARA) - The Southwest Papua provincial government is building a tourism community school in Raja Ampat District to support tourism development in the local area.
Acting Governor of Southwest Papua Muhammad Musa'ad explained here on Saturday that the existence of a tourism school is an important step towards preparing quality human resources to support tourism development in Raja Ampat.
"Raja Ampat is a small paradise in Southwest Papua and is well-known in the eyes of the world. It is important for us to prepare human resources to respond to the tourism needs," Musa'ad explained.
He affirmed that progress in the tourism industry is inseparable from the role of qualified human resources, as tourism products will not sell without supporting resources.
The provincial government is making concrete efforts to develop the tourism school in Raja Ampat, including building cooperation with Cenderawasih University (Uncen) and Hasanuddin University (Unhas).
The two universities will help the government conduct holistic studies in order to support tourism school development in Raja Ampat.
"I asked a number of academicians from Uncen and Unhas to conduct studies in developing tourism community schools in Raja Ampat," Musa'ad stated.
The lessons to be imparted at the tourism school encompass foreign language skills and basic knowledge and duties in the field of tourism.
"All of that requires a tourism school because in the school, a number of things related to tourism will be taught to support the development of tourism in Raja Ampat," he explained.
In 2024, the tourism school in Raja Ampat will go under trial, and it is expected to increase the quality of human resources in tourism.
Southwest Papua also signed a cooperation contract with tourism education institutions in Switzerland to help strengthen the province's tourism human resources.
Related news: New UNESCO Global Geoparks to bolster tourism, creative economy: Uno
Related news: Lonely Planet includes Raja Ampat in 'Best in Travel' list
Acting Governor of Southwest Papua Muhammad Musa'ad explained here on Saturday that the existence of a tourism school is an important step towards preparing quality human resources to support tourism development in Raja Ampat.
"Raja Ampat is a small paradise in Southwest Papua and is well-known in the eyes of the world. It is important for us to prepare human resources to respond to the tourism needs," Musa'ad explained.
He affirmed that progress in the tourism industry is inseparable from the role of qualified human resources, as tourism products will not sell without supporting resources.
The provincial government is making concrete efforts to develop the tourism school in Raja Ampat, including building cooperation with Cenderawasih University (Uncen) and Hasanuddin University (Unhas).
The two universities will help the government conduct holistic studies in order to support tourism school development in Raja Ampat.
"I asked a number of academicians from Uncen and Unhas to conduct studies in developing tourism community schools in Raja Ampat," Musa'ad stated.
The lessons to be imparted at the tourism school encompass foreign language skills and basic knowledge and duties in the field of tourism.
"All of that requires a tourism school because in the school, a number of things related to tourism will be taught to support the development of tourism in Raja Ampat," he explained.
In 2024, the tourism school in Raja Ampat will go under trial, and it is expected to increase the quality of human resources in tourism.
Southwest Papua also signed a cooperation contract with tourism education institutions in Switzerland to help strengthen the province's tourism human resources.
Related news: New UNESCO Global Geoparks to bolster tourism, creative economy: Uno
Related news: Lonely Planet includes Raja Ampat in 'Best in Travel' list
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.