Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
Armed clashes between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB)
and the Indonesian security forces have continued into the new year. A few of the incidents below.
In the latest incident, Jubi reported (5 February) that the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has accused the Indonesian security forces of burning down residents' houses and abusing civilians in Ilaga. The security force sweep in the area is in response to the seizure of weapons by the TPNPB at Amenggaru Ilaga Airport.
Because the TPNPB members escaped the TNI allegedly tortured three civilians and burned down the residents' houses. Sebby Sambom reported to Jubi that "one of the civilians was tortured and died, while two other civilians were tortured by the security forces and are still being treated at home," Sebby reported to Jubi via the WhatsApp messaging service, on Monday (5/1/2024).
Sambom said that TNI security forces also burned down residents' houses in the villages at the Ila Water Head, namely in Agayome and Yenggerenok villages.
"In operations in both villages, the Indonesian colonial TNI burned residents' houses and abused residents, beating and interrogating them. The operations carried out by TNI officers in Agayome village from KODIM Puncak Ilaga district and from the Gome post entered Yengerenok village," he said.
Sambom said that apart from burning residents' houses, a priest, Eriak Waker, and his residents were interrogated and tortured……...........
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2024/02/tpnpb-accuses-tni-of-burning-down.html
Also on the evening of the 5th February, TPNPB Troops attacked attack an Indonesian Military Office. A posting on FB reported that 3 TNI Members and an Intelligence Member were wounded.
On the 1st January, Human Rights Monitor (HMR) reported that a military member reportedly ill-treated and killed Mr Daud Bano, 35, in the Karya Bumi Besum Village, Namblong District, in the Jayapura Regency on 1 January 2024. The incident was witnessed by Mr Yehuda Bano, 34, who was also misstretaed and sustained bruises after being beaten by the perpetrator during the same incident. The killing triggered the outbreak of ethnic tensions between the indigenous land rights holders and the migrant community in Karya Bumi Besum, which had been relocated in 1974 as part of the government’s transmigration program under former dictator Suharto. ...........
The family of Daud Bano, a resident of Kwansu Village in Kemtuk District, Jayapura Regency who died after being slain by an Indonesian Military (TNI) soldier, requests that the perpetrator be fairly and openly prosecuted........
On 19 January 2024, a Brimob ranger assigned to the Operation Peace Cartenz Task Force in Central Papua province suffered wounds in a clash with members of the TPNPB. He died at the Intan Jaya Public Hospital .
In an armed clash with joint Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police forces on Sunday (21/1/2024) and Tuesday (23/1/2024), five members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in the Intan Jaya region were reported killed. The TPNPB said only one of its members was killed.
Security forces kill two Papuans and injure indigenous woman during raids in Intan Jaya – about 4,400 residents displaced
Human Rights Monitor 29 January 2024
Human rights observers have expressed concerns regarding a series of armed clashes in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, from 19 to 24 January 2024, which resulted in two Papuan men killed and one Papuan woman injured by joint security forces. Members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) reportedly killed a member of the Damai Cartenz joint security force unit (see photos below, source: independent HRD) on 19 January 2024. The TPNPB confirmed the death of one of their combatants on 23 January 2024 (see photo below, source: Suara Papua). Both sides claim higher kill counts, but these could not be verified.
The continuous armed confrontations between the TPNPB and the Indonesian joint security forces have prompted the evacuation of residents in various villages. Public buildings were allegedly burnt to the ground by TPNPB, while security forces reportedly set residential houses on fire during raids against the TPNPB (see photos below, source: independent HRDs). According to the information received, security force personnel killed 23-year-old Mr Melkias Nambagani near the Bilogai Village on 23 January 2024. Earlier, security force members had shot dead Mr Yusak Sondegau, 38, in front of his house in the Jalai Village on 21 January 2024. An indigenous Papuan woman named Mrs Apriana Sani, 28, allegedly sustained a bullet wound on her left arm as security forces opened fire at a group of TPNPB fighters in the Jogasiga Village on 20 January 2024 (see photos below, source: Kingmi Papua). The extent of material and property damage remains uncertain. Fear prevails, preventing affected local residents from moving freely and working in their gardens. Many have reportedly fled their homes and are afraid to return to their villages.
Joint security forces allegedly searched Papuan residents’ houses indiscriminately and set some of them on fire in their search for TPNPB members. The TPNPB claimed that security forces dropped mortar grenades from drones (see photos below, source: TPNPB) in indigenous settlements on 21 January 2023. In return, security forces accused the TPNPB of burning two government public buildings. In mid-January 2024, TPNPB fighters claimed they had successfully shot down and captured one of the combat drones (see photos below, source: TPNPB). The clashes have left the communities in Intan Jaya in fear. Local human rights observers estimate that about 4,400 indigenous persons from the villages Jalai, Mamba, Yokatapa, Wandoga, Sambili, Bilogai, and Kumpalagupa have been internally displaced as a result of the clashes. 337 of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) reportedly fled to a catholic rectory in Sugapa (see photos and videos below, source: Kingmi Papua). The IDPs sought shelter in other villages and neighboring regencies that were considered safe. Some IDPs reportedly fled to Nabire following the land route.
Join the West Papua Project on Zoom on Feb 14, 6:00pm—7:30pm AEDT, as a panel of experts explains recent popular calls across the Pacific for a revival of the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific.
About: West Papua has had some success with campaigns such as ‘Bring West Papua back to the Pacific family’, including formal observer recognition at the Melanesian Spearhead Group. The issue has been raised at the Pacific Islands Forum since 2000 and in 2019 Forum leaders resolved to ‘strongly encourage’ Indonesia to allow the UN Human Rights Commissioner to visit.
These gains have been accompanied by a groundswell of Pacific grassroots solidarity emphasising ‘wansolwara’ ‘one ocean, one people’. However, hopes for freedom for West Papua and the other Pacific territories still living with colonial rule (Mā’ohi Nui, Kanaky, Guam) are threatened by the geostrategic rivalry of the US and China.
The AUKUS alliance (Australia, Britain and the US) has grave implications for nuclear non-proliferation and Pacific solidarity. The AUKUS partners see the region, which they term the “the Indo-Pacific’ as strategically important for their imperial goals and are seeking new Pacific partners for their militarisation plans.
As in the Cold War past, the Pacific is at risk of becoming a ‘sacrifice’ zone. Across the region, peace and Indigenous movements are considering new strategies and reviving old networks to promote genuine security by addressing injustice, and the twin threats of nuclearisation and climate change.
Experts Marco De Jong, Rex Rumakiek and Nic Maclellan discuss why West Papua should be a key part of these new networks.
ELSHAM Papua advocates human rights amid conflict in Papua, calls for resolution Jubi News Desk 4 January 2024
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. (*)
Komnas HAM focuses on monitoring conflict zones in Papua for human rights advancement in 2024
Jubi News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 19 January 2024
Jayapura, Jubi – Frits Ramandey, the Head of the Representative Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua), stated that in 2024, the focus of their efforts will be on monitoring several armed conflict areas in Papua. “The potential for violence, particularly armed conflicts, in various regions of Papua is a matter of concern for Komnas HAM,” Ramandey said in Jayapura City on Wednesday (17/1/2024).
Ramandey outlined the specific conflict-prone areas across four provinces that Komnas HAM Papua plans to monitor. In Papua Province, the monitoring will cover Keerom Regency and the Yapen Islands Regency. In Central Papua Province, attention will be directed towards Dogiyai Regency, Paniai Regency, Intan Jaya Regency, Mimika Regency, Puncak Regency, and Puncak Jaya Regency. In the Mountainous Papua Province, monitoring will extend to Nduga Regency, Yahukimo Regency, and Jayawijaya Regency. Additionally, Komnas HAM Papua will also monitor the situation in Maybrat Regency in the Southwest Papua Province. Ramandey stressed that the monitoring of conflict areas is part of Komnas HAM’s strategic program for 2024, aimed at advancing human rights across the six provinces of Papua. He highlighted the importance of creating space for dialogue as an effort to halt the violence in armed conflicts in Papua. Ramandey cited instances where territorial expansion and the formation of new autonomous regions tend to escalate violence due to the lack of community participation in the process.
According to Ramandey, numerous violent incidents occurred in 2023, resulting in 40 fatalities, 41 injuries, one person being held hostage, and one individual reported missing. He urged the government to engage in continuous dialogue with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), an armed group, to address the ongoing issues. Ramandey also called for the Peace Operation Cartenz, conducted by security forces, to focus on restoring security and public order in areas prone to armed violence. (*)
Bishop criticizes excessive deployment of security forces in Papua
Jubi News Desk - Papua Peace Dialogue 1 February 2024
Jayapura, Jubi – The Bishop of Jayapura, Mgr. Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You, has expressed concerns over the deployment of Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police personnel from outside Papua to the region, stating that it instills fear and discomfort among the local residents. Bishop Yanuarius made these remarks during a discussion titled “Quo Vadis Papua Land of Peace?” organized by the Secretariat for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation of the Franciscan Papua in Jayapura City on Monday, January 29, 2024. “The excessive deployment of security forces causes the community to live in fear,” he said.
Bishop Yanuarius argued that the deployment of security forces to Papua, under the pretext of maintaining sovereignty, has significant implications for the lives of civilians. According to him, the people of Papua are already traumatized by the presence of the TNI and police.“The deployment of forces is making security in Papua increasingly non-conducive. Papua is not a military emergency area. Yet the people have to leave their villages, gardens, and businesses and go elsewhere. Their lives are very difficult, and it continues,” he said.Bishop Yanuarius emphasized that the central government should create space for dialogue. Dialogue is a wise step to discuss and find solutions to the conflicts in Papua.“If the dialogue space is not opened, we will continue like this. What have we done wrong? What sins have we committed that the central government and the president allow us to live in this situation?” the Bishop questioned.
A report from the Democracy Alliance for Papua (AlDP) in 2023 noted that at least 10,250 TNI soldiers and 1,416 police from outside Papua were sent and stationed in the region. These thousands of security personnel are involved in various tasks, including the Cartenz Peace Operation, border security operations between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, territorial community operations, public order, security operations for PT Freeport Indonesia, and Susi Air pilot rescue.
The Director of the Secretariat for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation of the Franciscan Papua, Alexandro Rangga OFM, emphasized the need for all parties to honestly discuss the issues in Papua. This is crucial for those with interests in Papua to take sincere actions to realize a peaceful Papua. “We need to talk honestly about our home [Papua],” said Alexandro on Monday. Alexandro stressed the importance of advocating for a peaceful Papua as conflicts persist in the region. He expressed concern that armed conflicts could escalate and trigger dangerous horizontal conflicts or conflicts between residents. “If not, the slogan Papua Tanah Damai (Papua Land of Peace) that started 22 years ago will remain just a slogan. Those experiencing the lack of peace in Papua are the people themselves, regardless of the decisions made by political elites. The pressure on the people is increasing, and it is dangerous because every reaction to anarchic actions has a comprehensive effect in Papua,” he added. (*)
Jayapura Bishop urges peaceful dialogue for resolving conflicts in Papua
Jubi News Desk - 30 January 2024
Jayapura, Jubi – Jayapura Bishop Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You emphasizes that violence and conflict in Papua can only be resolved through peaceful dialogue. This sentiment was expressed during a public discussion organized by the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Secretariat of the Franciscans in Papua, held in Jayapura City on Monday (29/1/2024). The Bishop of Jayapura highlighted that Papua has witnessed the longest history of armed conflict in Indonesia. He pointed out that the armed conflict between the security forces (TNI/Polri) and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has resulted in violence, murders, displacement, and disrupted harmony among the residents of Papua. “In many places where violence and even homicides occur, there is displacement. People are compelled to leave their villages, moving elsewhere.The plight of these displaced people is heartbreaking as they lead challenging lives. Meanwhile, their areas are controlled by military or police forces, constantly in conflict with the TPNPB,” he added. Yanuarius stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue to address the root causes of conflict in Papua. According to him, the root causes of the Papua conflict have been formulated by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI, now the National Research and Innovation Agency or BRIN) in the Papua Road Map document.
LIPI identifies four root causes of the Papua conflict: development failures, marginalization and discrimination against indigenous Papuans, state violence and allegations of human rights violations, and controversies over the history and political status of Papua. “People should be given the opportunity to speak. Dialogue means leaders of the country sitting together with the people, listening to their thoughts and feelings, and vice versa. Dialogue provides an opportunity for people to speak, then find the best solutions,” explained Yanuarius.
The Bishop emphasized that the government must open a space for peaceful dialogue to resolve conflicts in Papua. Bishop Yanuarius stated that dialogue is a part of respecting the dignity and honor of the people of Papua. “Why are we at fault? What have we done wrong that the central government and the president let us live in these conditions? So far, the government has had the notion that if there is a dialogue, Papua will become independent. Do not jump to conclusions; we need to have a dialogue first. There will be statements in the dialogue that can be accepted, and some that cannot be accepted; it depends on the authority of the government,” Bishop Yanuarius urged.
Bernada Materay, a History lecturer at Cenderawasih University, emphasized that it is time to break the chain of conflict. However, Materay cautioned that all parties must thoroughly understand the issues in Papua before taking action.
“We need to speak honestly for a proper and correct resolution. It is time to stop the violence,” she stated. Nursalim Arrozy, a figure from Nahdlatul Ulama in Papua, emphasized that peaceful dialogue must be accompanied by sincerity and must not involve hypocrisy. Arrozy stressed the need for active involvement of both indigenous Papuan and non-Papuan communities who have long resided in Papua. “A serious dialogue is necessary. So far, it has only been discourse that remains unimplemented. Without dialogue, genuine peace is impossible in Papua,” he asserted. (*)
Forgotten People of Maybrat – A report on the humanitarian crisis in the Maybrat Regency, Papua Barat Daya Province
Reports / Indonesia, West Papua / 18 January 2024
Update on the security situation in Maybrat
More than two years have passed since an armed group of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) attacked a military post in the Kisor Village, Aifat Selatan District, Maybrat Regency, Papua Barat Daya Province. The event triggered massive internal displacements. According to the numbers released by Komnas HAM on 28 July 2023, a total of 5,296 IDPs continue to live in scattered accommodations in the city of Sorong without the perspective of returning to their villages.
Updated information that reached the Human Rights Monitor in December 2023 indicates that the conflict and humanitarian situation in Maybrat has again deteriorated. First, the armed conflict situation in Maybrat throughout 2023 appeared to be under control. HRM documented two armed attacks between January and October 2023, resulting in the death of one security force officer in the Aifat Timur Tengah District. However, the TPNP intensified their attacks in late November 2023. Five security force members were killed and two injured during three armed clashes that occurred within a period of one month. A TPNPB member was reportedly killed by security forces in the neighbouring Sorong regency on 1 December 2023.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Maybrat continues. Most villages in the Aifat Timur District and several villages in the Aifat Selatan District remain abandoned. Houses have been damaged, and personnel belongings, as well as livestock, have disappeared. The Maybrat Regent and the Maybrat Secretary have called on internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Maybrat to return to their homes or villages despite the heavy military (TNI) presence in the regency................
Full update
Deputy PM Winston Peters issues plea for immediate release of Kiwi pilot Phillip Mehrtens held hostage for one year
By Benjamin Plummer 5 Feb, 2024
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appealed for the immediate release of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens nearly a year after his capture in Papua, Indonesia.
The Susi Air pilot was taken hostage by West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) fighters on February 7 last year, shortly after landing on a remote Paro airstrip in Nduga, Highland Papua. In a statement today, Peters called for those holding Mehrtens to immediately release him “without harm”. “His continued detention serves the interests of no one.” Peters said. Peters said Mehrtens was able to contact some friends and family just before Christmas to assure them that he was alive and well. “However we are still concerned at the length of time he has been held.”
A range of government agencies had been working with Indonesian authorities over the past year to secure Mehrtens’ release. The response, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, had also been supporting his family. “Let me be absolutely clear. There can never be any justification for hostage-taking,” Peters said. The father-of-one was carrying five passengers, including a baby, from Mozes Kilangin Airport in Mimika, in Central Papua, to Paro Airport in Nduga.
Susi Air founder and former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia Susi Pudjiastuti told the Herald Mehrtens was one of the airline’s best pilots. A friend and former colleague had described Mehrtens as a “quiet and serious” man who was originally from Christchurch. He is married to a woman of Indonesian descent and had been living in her home country for quite some time. He speaks fluent Bahasa, the main language spoken in Indonesia. Peters said he had spoken with the Mehrtens family recently and assured them the Government was exploring all avenues to bring him home. “They have requested privacy and I’d ask that their wishes are respected,” he said. The Kiwi appeared in a video in April flanked by his separatist rebel captors calling on Indonesia to stop air strikes in Nduga. He said the actions were unnecessary and put his life and lives of other innocent people at risk. In another video that circulated on social media in November, Mehrtens was surrounded by armed men. The video said Mehrtens had been given two months to live before he would be shot dead.
However, West Papua spokesman Akouboo Amatus Douw said the video dated back to May or June and Mehrtens remained in good health. “I just received a message from our teamwork [sic] just a few minutes ago and they said that he is still alive, he is very healthy at [the] moment,” Douw said last week. “We, the liberation fighters, gave him very good hospitality, which is if he needs some medication or water or food or whatever, they [will] always provide since they captured him in February.
“We have our own humanitarian team inside the TPNPB so that team looks after him. “His wellbeing and welfare is a top priority.” Conflicts between indigenous Papuans and Indonesian security forces are common in the impoverished Papua region, a former Dutch colony in the western part of New Guinea that is ethnically and culturally distinct from much of Indonesia. Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a United Nations-sponsored ballot widely seen as a sham. Since then, a low-level insurgency has simmered in the mineral-rich region, which is divided into the Papua and West Papua provinces. Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.
New era of partnership for MSG and Australia
Vanuatu Daily Post Feb 3, 2024
The Director General (DG) of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Leonard Louma, and the Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Heidi Bootle have committed to strengthening the Australia-MSG partnership in 2024. MSG members and Australia share longstanding bonds, including through deep cultural and historical ties, significant development, education and trade linkages, shared values including multiculturalism, democracy, equality and human rights, according to a statement from the MSG Secretariat.
Australia and the MSG Secretariat also shared a commitment to taking strong climate action.In 2024, the MSG Secretariat will partner with Australia to launch two new projects aligned with its economic, social and cultural agenda for the region:
(i) A Policy Coordination Unit within the MSG Secretariat will boost its administrative and project management capacity and resource MSG to have a stronger impact for its members.
(ii) The Yut4Melanesia initiative will support youth in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to respond to climate change and find solutions to the region’s pressing environmental challenges, such as plastic pollution.
DG of the MSG Secretariat, Leonard Louma OBE said in the statement: “We welcome the partnership of the Australian Government and are equally excited to launch these two new projects this year. “I note that the Australian Cooperation programs with our MSG Members continues to expand largely in many areas and I appreciate these efforts very much. “Furthermore, I am pleased to note that this commitment by Australia will help enhance the capacity of the Secretariat in improving the implementation of our work program.”
Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Heidi Bootle said, “Australia highly values its partnerships across the Melanesian region, through close relationships with MSG member countries and strong historical and cultural ties, including through our Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander communities.”
“These new, Melanesian-led initiatives elevate our partnership with the MSG Secretariat to another level and will enable the MSG Secretariat to deliver more for its members.” In December 2022, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, and the then Deputy Director General of the MSG Secretariat, George Hoa’au, signed the Australia-MSG Memorandum of Understanding on Development Cooperation, a long-term partnership towards achieving the MSG 2038 Prosperity Plan. Australia also partnered with the MSG to host the inaugural and 2nd MSG Prime Minister’s Cup football tournament, hosted in Vanuatu (2022) and New Caledonia (2023) respectively, and supported the 2023 Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival (MACFEST) hosted by the Government of Vanuatu in collaboration with the MSG.
ULMWP President in Vanuatu to establish office
By Len Garae 10 hrs ago
United Liberation Movement of West Papua’s (ULMWP) Interim President, Mr. Benny Wenda, arrived at Port Vila International Airport yesterday as the first ever ULMWP President to be elected by over 5,000 indigenous delegates from within West Papua.
He was welcomed on his arrival by a delegation of the Maraki Vanua Riki Council of Chiefs of SHEFA Province that displayed the West Papua Flag to confirm that West Papua’s adoption by SHEFA Province is safe in the powerful hands of the Chiefs of SHEFA. His usual trade mark smile to the Chiefs and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Morris Kaloran and the Head of Foreign Mission Mr. Freddy Waromi, confirmed that President Wenda’s latest visit is not the same as his previous visits because his current visit carries the mandate of his people following his unanimous election in Jayapura during the ULMWP Congress from November 20-23 last year.
Mr. Wenda confirmed on his arrival that he is here to set up his Office in the ULMWP International Centre on the land provided to the people of West Papua by the Vanuatu Government. In fact, he has confirmed this time that he is not in a hurry to return to London as he has the necessary travel documents to set up his Office in Port Vila.
To the Chiefs, Churches, the Government and people of SHEFA and Vanuatu, President Wenda said he is confident that he has arrived with a mandate plotted by God to take his people in the direction that he is taking. After his long trip from London, he rested at his hotel for the night. President Wenda is expected to attend his official welcome ceremony at SHEFA Provincial Headquarters hosted by the President of SHEFA Province, Mr. Kalmer Tom Kalwatman this afternoon beginning at 3 o’clock this afternoon.
The ceremony also includes ULMWP’s Interim Prime Minister. However it is understood that travelling out of West Papua is not easy so it is likely that he would not be able to be present this time. But the Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Mr. Ralph Regenvanu has assured the Chiefs of SHEFA that he will also be present, an indication that is understood to be welcomed by the ULMWP President. Mr. Regenvanu has always been on the frontline to speak for the freedom of the people of West Papua.
Komnas HAM Papua: Indigenous consent crucial for Wabu Block mining
Jubi News Desk - Wabu Block Mining 29 January 2024
Jayapura, Jubi – Frits Ramandey, the Head of the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua), emphasized that mining activities in the Wabu Block in Intan Jaya should obtain permission from the indigenous landowners. On January 18, 2024, members of the Solidarity of Students and People of Papua conducted a peaceful protest rejecting the Wabu Block, which is set to operate in Intan Jaya. They believe that mining in a former area of PT Freeport Indonesia‘s mining in Intan Jaya Regency will adversely affect the indigenous people there. “Obtaining consent from the landowners are crucial to avoiding potential conflicts and to provide space for the participation of indigenous communities in the Wabu Block,” Ramandey said on Thursday (25/1/2024). He expressed concern that unilateral recommendations issued by the government
would only escalate conflicts in Intan Jaya.
“The management of the Wabu Block should not only receive recommendations from the government but also from the indigenous landowners. The Wabu Block serves as a trigger for conflicts. The people of Intan Jaya have learned from Freeport as well as traumatized,” he said. Acting Regent of Intan Jaya Apolos Bagau, on Thursday, mentioned that he would convey the aspirations of the Solidarity of Students and People of Papua rejecting the Wabu Block to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
“We will convey them to the central government, especially to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The results will be communicated to the public,” he stated.
Bagau clarified that the news about the Acting Governor of Central Papua issuing a mining permit for the Wabu Block is false and spread by irresponsible parties. He also emphasized that the Intan Jaya Regency Administration has never issued a mining permit for the Wabu Block. (*)
Amungme Tribe appeals to Jokowi for reevaluation of Freeport’s AMDAL, citing environmental and social injustice
Jubi News Desk - PT Freeport Indonesia 26 January 2024
Jayapura, Jubi – Jhon Magal, the Director of the Indigenous People’s Institution of the Amungme Tribe (LEMASA), has requested President Joko Widodo to conduct a reevaluation of the second Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL) concerning underground mining and tailings of PT Freeport Indonesia. It is worth noting that the reassessment did not involve the indigenous people in the vicinity of the mining area and those affected. In a brief message to Jubi on January 24, 2024, Magal conveyed the aspirations of the Amungme Tribe, particularly those in the Nemangkawi Region, specifically in the Waa, Tsinga, and Arwanop valleys. He highlighted the direct impact of Freeport’s operations, expressing a sense of injustice, deception, poverty, and powerlessness experienced by the local community.
Magal stated that ever since Freeport entered the ancestral land of Bumi Amungsa Nemangkawi through the First Contract of Work signed by the Indonesian government and Freeport on April 7, 1967, based on Law No. 1/1967 on Foreign Capital Investment, the sacred land of the Amungme Tribe was then destroyed, contaminated, and their sacred mountain has suffered damage. “The damage, ranging from the highest peak to the sea, has had a significant impact on our environment as a result of mining activities,” he said. He pointed out that since the presence of Freeport, the lives of the Amungme Tribe have been significantly affected. Though in 2018, the 51% share divestment made the Indonesian government the majority shareholder, the implications for justice and the welfare of the community remain concerning.
From 2018 to 2021, PT Freeport Indonesia conducted an AMDAL study without the participation of the directly affected community in the company’s activities. Magal criticized the management of Freeport for choosing to interact with community groups that support their business sustainability but do not represent the comprehensive layers directly impacted. Magal emphasized that since the company’s presence in their ancestral land, the basic rights of the indigenous people have been ignored. He called on President Joko Widodo to intervene in the Freeport’s AMDAL process, ensuring a transparent reevaluation involving those directly affected. Furthermore, Magal requested the President to consider the aspirations of the Amungme Tribe in light of the recent changes in the law regarding Special Autonomy for the Province of Papua. He urged that the social department’s aspirations of Freeport be handed over to the indigenous landowners directly affected. In the third and final request, Magal highlighted the economic significance of the ancestral land and sacred mountain of the Amungme Tribe, which has contributed significantly to the national economy. (*)
Wenda calls on Euro politicians to sign Brussels Declaration on West Papua
By APR editor - January 25, 2024 Asia Pacific Report
A leading West Papuan advocate has welcomed this week’s launch of the Brussels Declaration in the European Parliament, calling on MPs to sign it. “The Declaration is an important document, echoing the existing calls for a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua made by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG),” said United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) president Benny Wenda. “I ask all parliamentarians who support human rights, accountability, and international scrutiny to sign it.”…………………...
Mongabay Series: Indonesian Fisheries
https://news.mongabay.com/2024/01/indonesia-turkiye-tuna-investment-fish-farm-fisheries-japan/
Deforestation: Playing With Fire An analysis of Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 policy
Photos of Invasion day rally, Sydney
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2024/01/photos-of-invasion-day-rally-sydney.html
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