Nabire, Jubi – Yan C Warinussy, the Executive Director of the Institute for Research, Study, and Development of Legal Aid (LP3BH) in Manokwari, has asserted that the acquittal of Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti in the defamation case involving Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has exposed the veil over military operations that have been ongoing in Papua for over 50 years. Warinussy made this statement in a press release on Thursday (11/1/2024).
He expressed strong suspicion that these military operations are likely a shield to protect illegal natural resource management activities in Papua, particularly in the Degeuwo region, commonly known as the Wabu Block.
LP3BH Manokwari, as a civil society organization focusing on law enforcement and the protection of human rights in Papua, appreciates the decision of the East Jakarta District Court in the case of Haris and Fatia. According to Warinussy, this decision at least meets the sense of justice for indigenous communities and civil society in the Wabu Block and Papuaregion.
“Almost the entire region of Papua is now the target of unauthorized mining operations that disregard the rights of indigenous communities and tend to damage the environment,” he stated.
Warinussy emphasized that the decision of the East Jakarta District Court is a significant milestone in strengthening the mandate of Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of expression in public, as demonstrated by Hariz Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti.
“[The charge of] defamation cannot be applied to human rights and environmental activists who are advocating for the protection of human rights and the environment throughout Indonesia,” he added.
Warinussy argued that in-depth studies and analyses resulting from research should not be criminalized with accusations of defamation.
“The decision of the East Jakarta District Court can serve as a source of jurisprudence for the human rights and environmental protection movements in Indonesia, especially in Papua,” he concluded. (*)
Wamena, Jubi – In a strategic move to counter the escalating prices of essential commodities in Wamena, the provincial capital of Jayawijaya Regency in Mountainous Papua Province, the Provincial Government is set to embark on the construction of a dedicated logistics warehouse for staple goods.
The Acting Governor of Mountainous Papua, Velix Vernando Wanggai, revealed that approximately 300 tons of staple goods or related items are transported to Wamena on a daily basis.
Since assuming office on November 13, 2023, Wanggai has prioritized key issues, with a focus on revamping the logistics arrangement system to alleviate the persistently high costs of staple goods in the region.
“Several critical programs need attention this year, and one of our primary concerns is addressing the unreasonably high prices of staple goods in the Mountainous Papua area, directly tied to the inefficiency of the local logistics system,” he emphasized.
Wanggai further informed that constructive dialogue has been initiated with the Ministry of Transportation, extending to discussions with airlines operating in and around Wamena and other mountainous regions. This proactive approach aims to establish collaborative efforts to streamline logistics and transportation, ultimately contributing to a more stable pricing environment for essential goods.
The move signifies a commitment from the Provincial Government to ensure the welfare of the residents by tackling economic challenges head-on. The logistics warehouse project is anticipated to enhance the distribution network and reduce the reliance on external factors that may contribute to fluctuating prices.
As the Provincial Government takes concrete steps to address the economic concerns in Wamena, this initiative holds the promise of not only stabilizing staple goods prices but also fostering sustainable development in the region. (*)
Jayapura, Jubi – Jean Hendrik Rollo, the Head of the Food Security and Agriculture Department in Jayapura City, expressed the need to promote modern agriculture to increase interest, particularly among the younger population, in pursuing farming.
“The number of young people engaged in farming is still minimal, necessitating new breakthroughs to ignite the enthusiasm of the youth for agriculture,” stated Jean Rollo at the Jayapura City Mayor’s Office on Monday (15/1/2024).
He emphasized that modern agriculture is essential amid rapid technological advancements, making it attractive for the younger generation to engage in farming, even if it is just as a part-time job.
“The goal is to enhance the supply of food commodities so that Jayapura City does not face shortages of essential goods, and their prices remain affordable. The more commodity produced, the more reasonable the prices,” he explained.
Rollo noted that the new generation, born into farming families, often pursue higher education, but only a few return to farming. He suggested that through agricultural mechanization, farming families can continue farming even if their children have obtained a degree, utilizing agricultural technology for cultivating fields or plantations.
He highlighted that adopting advanced agricultural technology, such as agricultural machinery like combine harvesters, two-wheel and four-wheel tractors, and rice transplanters, not only creates new job opportunities but also boosts agricultural production.
“We, from the department, continue to strive to enable young farmers, encouraging modern agriculture. There is a potential for development in the agriculture sector with an expansive 21,000 hectares of land scattered across the city and Muara Tami District,” he stated.
Rollo expressed hope that prioritizing commodity fulfillment, especially during religious holidays when food demand rises, will result in significant price stability.
“There are 126 farmer groups among 4,000 farming households, totaling 12,000 farmers. Each farmer group consists of 20 to 40 households,” he added. (*)
Manokwari, Jubi – The West Papua Police Chief Insp. Gen. Jhony Edizon Isir has ensured security in the Maybrat region of Southwest Papua, despite the local Regional Election Commission’s (KPU) plan to relocate 31 polling stations (TPS) in five districts around Aifat Raya to the Maybrat Regency’s capital, Kumurkek.
“We will guarantee the situation and public order there (Maybrat),” said Isir on Wednesday (10/1/2024).
Isir acknowledged that some of the refugees in the area have already returned to their hometowns.
“There are still some in the evacuation locations, but there are also those who have returned. If people want to return, we are ready to secure them,” he explained.
The Police Chief mentioned that he would coordinate with the local KPU to ensure the planned relocation of TPS. “If the security aspect is considered critical at any point, we will assess whether it is as intense as in Papua, then we will see,” Isir said.
Meanwhile, the Tambrauw Police Chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. Aries Dwi, stated that in line with the Police Chief’s directive, they would coordinate with various community leaders in Tambrauw to ensure the safe conduct of the elections. Tambrauw is an area bordering the Maybrat Regency and the Sorong Regency in Southwest Papua, as well as the Manokwari Regency in West Papua.
Andarias Kambu, the Chairman of the KPU Southwest-West Papua, has not responded to Jubi’s confirmation regarding the relocation of 31 TPS in five districts around Aifat Raya. According to Antara, Andarias Kambu mentioned that 31 polling stations in five districts in Aifat Raya would be relocated to Kumurkek, the capital of the Maybrat Regency.
The KPU Chairman assessed that Aifat Raya is an area categorized as prone to conflict, posing a potential threat to the electoral process in the region.
“To anticipate this, we are relocating these 31 polling stations to a safe place so that the people can exercise their voting rights properly,” said the KPU Chairman in Sorong on Tuesday.
Farli Simpetoding, the Chairman of the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) Southwest-West Papua, stated that he would contact Jubi again after a meeting with the leadership. However, as of the publication of this news, there has been no statement from their side.
Previously, there was a shooting incident involving two Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers in Maybrat on December 25, 2023. The incident resulted in the death of one TNI soldier, Hendrianto, while another soldier was shot in the abdomen but survived after receiving treatment. (*)
Jayapura, Jubi – The main focus of the Papua Regional Education, Library, and Archives Agency (DPPAD) in 2024 will be addressing Human Development Index, illiteracy eradication, school accreditation, and the construction of permanent school buildings.
These four issues represent the fundamental educational challenges in Papua Province. Christian Sohilait, the Head of Papua DPPAD, conveyed this during a celebration and welcoming event for the year 2023-2024 held in Jayapura City on Friday (12/1/2024).
“These are our priorities for this year, to resolve the four educational issues in Papua,” he stated.
According to Sohilait, the Human Development Index (HDI) in Papua is still below 70. The Papua Office of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded the HDI in Papua in 2023 at 63.01.
Christian mentioned that the illiteracy rate in Papua is still at 19 percent, significantly higher than the national illiteracy rate of 1 percent. Additionally, more than 300 schools in Papua are not yet accredited.
He also highlighted that out of 2,800 primary to high school-level schools, two percent of them do not have permanent school buildings.
He explained that these challenges persist because throughout 2023, the agency was occupied with the transfer of teachers and educators, as well as asset transfers following the approval of Law No. 2/2021 on the Second Amendment to Law No. 21/2001 concerning Papua Special Autonomy.
Furthermore, the budget allocation for the Papua DPPAD has decreased, making educational interventions in Papua less effective.
“With minimal funds, there is a significant burden placed on DPPAD Papua, such as managing the school operation aid (BOS) funds, accrediting teachers and school principals, and other tasks that the new province cannot yet undertake. In essence, we were preoccupied with everything related to the New Autonomous Regions (DOB) last year. Second, we could not express ourselves because the budget has decreased drastically. Now, I invite all staff to focus on addressing these issues,” Sohilait concluded. (*)
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Papua provincial government is aiming to reduce the rate of illiteracy by five percent in 2024, as part of its focus work program this year.
Head of the Papua Provincial Education Office, Christian Sohilait, stated here on Tuesday that the rate of illiteracy in Papua in 2023 had reached 19 percent.
"Illiteracy is still an issue that must be solved immediately in 2024," he remarked.
According to Sohilait, the national illiteracy rate had reached 1.8 percent, so this year, his side is committed to decreasing the rate in the region by two to five percent.
The Papua Education Office expected to meet the target by preparing teachers who will provide literacy exercises to children in need.
His side is prioritizing children living in remote areas while preparing the human resources that will educate them.
"Through cooperation with other parties in districts and cities, the target of decreasing the illiteracy rate can be achieved," he affirmed.
He remarked that in future, his office will arrange more flexible lessons, for instance, individual lessons at home rather than at school.
"Hence, teachers do not only provide lessons at school, (but) they must also go from house to house, and they will have sufficient time to provide literacy education to children outside school hours," he explained.
Based on the National Socioeconomic Survey by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in 2022, the illiteracy rate in Indonesia among people aged 15-59 years had reached 1.5 percent, decreasing from 1.56 percent in 2021.
The government stated that the decline in illiteracy rate is an indicator of the success of the national education program and the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ANTARA
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