Jayapura, Jubi – In 2023, according to ELSHAM Papua’s Director, Rev. Matheus Adadikam, there were numerous instances of arbitrary arrests conducted by the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police across various regions in Papua. These incidents occurred in Boven Digoel in January; in Wamena in February; in Puncak Regency in March; and in Nduga in April.
Additionally, there were internal displacements in Paro, Nduga in February following the Susi Air pilot’s abduction, the West Papua National Liberation Army’s (TPNPB) shootings in Ilaga in March, and civilian property looting allegedly by the TNI in the Kuyawage area in April.
Adadikam stated to Jubi on the eve of the new year that there were still numerous armed clashes and sweeps throughout 2023 that claimed the lives of civilians.
Reflecting on the human rights situation in Papua, he mentioned that ELSHAM Papua observed a continuous stream of events violating human rights in the region, including persistent conflict without resolution, the perpetuation of militaristic policies, favoritism towards capitalist investors, and practices of impunity.
“Moreover, the criminalization of activists, stifling of expression, extrajudicial killings, internal displacements, racist rhetoric, and animosity persisted, highlighting the ongoing human rights issues in Papua,” said Adadikam.
ELSHAM Papua viewed the promises made by President Jokowi regarding the resolution of past human rights violations in Papua in December 2014 and the establishment of the Human Rights Violation Settlement Team in 2022 and 2023, as merely gestures, and an insincere one.
Adadikam noted that these initiatives seemed more like attempts to improve Indonesia’s global image after scrutiny by the UN Human Rights Council, rather than genuine efforts to address human rights violations.
Considering the persistent conflict, ELSHAM Papua stressed the necessity for the state to earnestly work towards resolving ongoing conflicts in Papua, urging an end to militaristic approaches and the excessive use of force against civilians in conflict zones.
Furthermore, Adadikam highlighted the need for the state to ensure civilian safety in Papua and specifically appealed for the release of the Susi Air pilot, held captive since February 2023, as a humanitarian gesture. (*)
Jayapura, Jubi – Despite the overcast skies following a rainy night, the poignant ceremony bidding farewell to Lukas Enembe, the former Governor of Papua from 2013 to 2023, unfolded solemnly at his residence in Koya Tengah, Muara Tami District, Jayapura City on Friday, December 29, 2023. Enembe’s final resting place was near the Evangelical Church of Indonesia, Dea Pasifik Congregation.
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Papua time, the heartfelt ceremony, led by GIDI President Rev. Dorman Wandikbo, saw Enembe’s casket placed in the center of a field, surrounded by grieving family members. The yard was filled with mourners, some standing outside the long tents due to the overwhelming crowd.
After the service, family, religious figures, legal representatives, and organization members shared their cherished memories of Enembe. Pater John Djonga, a prominent Catholic leader in the Koya region, remembered Enembe as a courageous advocate for his people’s rights, emphasizing Enembe’s call for unity in pursuing justice for Papua’s people.
Pater John interpreted the cloudy weather as a sign of both the people of Papua and the natural environment mourning Enembe’s passing on December 26, 2023. Enembe’s legacy lives on through his wife, Yulce Wenda Enembe, and their three children—Astrac Bona Enembe, Eldorado Gamael Enembe, and Dario Alvin Nells Isak Enembe.
Yulce Wenda expressed deep gratitude for their shared life and sought forgiveness for any mistakes before her husband’s casket was taken to the burial site.
“Thank you for being with us on this journey, guiding our family and our children. If we erred, forgive us. Farewell peacefully. You are now with the Lord,” she said
The procession to Enembe’s burial site, about a kilometer from his residence, was a solemn march. Mourners gradually departed from the residence around 4 p.m. (*)
“The National Police (Polri) Chief has emphasized that the police force must remain neutral. Again, I will remind all staff, from the regional police to the resort police, to maintain their neutrality,” Isir stated during a media briefing in Manokwari.
He affirmed that Polri is committed not to be involved in the activities of practical politics and will maintain public security and order to ensure the optimal running of all stages of the elections.
Thus, the West Papua Regional Police and its resort police forces are conducting the Mantap Brata Mansinam Operation for 222 days, starting from October 19, 2023, to October 20, 2024, to maintain security during the elections.
“Some regions, such as Maybrat District (Southwest Papua Province), are the main focus for additional security personnel. A lot of regions are vulnerable, as they are prone to conflicts,” Isir remarked.
Meanwhile, Commander of the XVIII Military Region Command/Cassowary Major General Ilyas Alamsyah Harahap stated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is constantly providing security assistance, so that the upcoming elections can run smoothly.
“TNI is ready to deploy its force to maintain security, especially in vulnerable regions,” Harahap stated.
Harahap remarked that peaceful elections can be realized if all components of society offer their support to law enforcement.
The press also has an important role in educating the people, so they will not be provoked by hoaxes, often disseminated on social media, which can disrupt the election.
“Let us all maintain stability and security as well as a peaceful political (climate),” he stated.
Chairperson of the West Papua General Elections Commission (KPU) Paskalis Semunya stated that the Mantap Brata Mansinam Operation ensures the safe execution of all election stages.
“We appreciate the support from the TNI and Polri that will guarantee the election organizers’ safety in conducting all stages of the election,” Semunya stated.
Related news: National Police chief, TNI commander attend community service in Papua
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