1) Church calls for independent probe into violence involving security forces in Papua

Al Jazeera English video

2) Indonesia human rights :13 soldiers arrested after torture video

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https://en.jubi.id/church-calls-for-independent-probe-into-violence-involving-security-forces-in-papua/

1) Church calls for independent probe into violence involving security forces in Papua 

News Desk - Security Forces Violence In Papua 

31 March 2024

Sentani, Jubi – Rev. Benny Giay, the Moderator of the Papuan Church Council, has emphasized the need of a third party to investigate various cases of violence involving security forces in Papua. This third party should examine all related facts and information, including allegations that the victims were members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).

“Those who are arrested or killed are often referred to as armed groups, separatists, terrorists, and other accusations. It is necessary to have a third party to clarify this. There is a lot of violence in Papua now but the media also does not classify it, so we suspect everything,” said Giay in Sentani, Jayapura Regency on Tuesday (16/3/2024).

Giay cited the incident of racial slurs against Papuan students in Surabaya, East Java, in August 2019, which sparked massive demonstrations in various cities in Papua and other cities in Indonesia. Giay stated that when Papuans protested against the racism, they were instead labeled as insurgents.

He also criticized the government’s policy of labeling the TPNPB as terrorists in April 2021. According to him, various labeling is used by state authorities against Papuans, including when Papuans become victims of violence perpetrated by security forces in Papua.

“It is easy for the military and police to label all Papuans as part of an armed violence group, then they arrest, torture, abuse, and kill them all,” said Giay.

He explained that the third party he referred to could be an independent institution, civil society organizations, or independent local, national, or international media.

“As long as the investigation by the third party has not been conducted, there is no one capable of verifying whether the victims are TPNPB members or civilians. The media almost always quotes from the military and police without prior confirmation,” he said.

Giay also criticized the increasing deployment of security forces from outside Papua to Papua, especially ever since the protest against racism in 2019. He argued that over the past four years, the Indonesian government has excessively used security forces in Papua.

“They use security forces to silence democracy, critical voices, and excessively prioritize security approaches. In that context, Papuans are considered separatists, so anyone can be killed or alleged and arrested as part of an armed violence group. How do the security forces know if someone is a member of an armed group? How can they differentiate them from civilians?” Giay questioned.

He further warned that the violence of security forces in Papua would only further obscure the facts of the Papua conflict. For example, the violence used in interrogation processes could lead victims to confess anything to end their suffering quickly.

“And in the interrogation process, they should not be forced to confess to being part of the armeg group. That could happen. Since those security forces are newcomers [to Papua] so they cannot chase the TPNPB, in the end, anyone on the street is suspected, arrested, and then forced to admit their involvement,” said Giay.

Giay called for a thorough review of all information related to security forces’ violence in Papua, including cross-checking with sources from the victims’ families, church networks, and traditional leaders to gather the truth. This is important to ensure that security forces do not use the accusation that their victims are TPNPB members as a way to avoid legal accountability. (*)

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 Al Jazeera English 

2) Indonesia human rights :13 soldiers arrested after torture video

Army commanders in Indonesia have apologised to the people of the Papua region - after video emerged of an indigenous man being tortured. 13 soldiers were arrested and questioned. Army commanders say the man in the video was a member of an armed separatist group, who was planning to set fire to a health centre. Human rights groups say it’s the latest of many violations in Papua. Al Jazeera's Jessica Washington reports from Jakarta.

Video

Indonesia human rights :13 soldiers arrested after torture video

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1) Indonesian military apologies fail to mask the harassment, gagging of Papuan leaders

2) UN Human Rights Committee concerned over Indonesia human rights violations against Papua people

3) The TPNPB News-As of March 29, 2024

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https://asiapacificreport.nz/2024/03/29/indonesian-military-apologies-fail-to-mask-the-harassment-gagging-of-papuan-leaders/

1) Indonesian military apologies fail to mask the harassment, gagging of Papuan leaders 

By APR editor -  March 29, 2024

COMMENTARY: By Ronny Kareni

Since the atrocious footage of the suffering of an indigenous Papuan man reverberates in the heart of Puncak by the brute force of Indonesia’s army in early February, shocking tactics deployed by those in power to silence critics has been unfolding.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the plight of the leaders of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Markus Haluk and Menase Tabuni. Their unwavering resolve in condemning the situation has faced targeted harassment and discrimination.

The leaders of the ULMWP have become targets of a state campaign aimed at silencing them.

• READ MORE: West Papuan wounds of suffering — diplomatic pressure on Indonesia needed urgently
• Indonesia human rights – 13 soldiers arrested after torture video — Al Jazeera
• Other West Papua reports

Menase Tabuni, serving as the executive council president of the ULMWP, along with Markus Haluk, the executive secretary, have recently taken on the responsibility of leading political discourse directly from within West Papua.

This decision follows the ULMWP’s second high-level summit in Port Vila in August 2023, where the movement reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the people of West Papua.

On March 23, the ULMWP leadership released a media statement in which Tabuni condemned the abhorrent racist slurs and torture depicted in the video of a fellow Papuan at the hands of Indonesia’s security forces.

Tabuni called for an immediate international investigation to be conducted by the UN Commissioner of the Human Rights Office.

Harassment not protection
However, the response from Indonesian authorities was not one of protection, but rather a chilling escalation of harassment facilitated by the Criminal Code and Information and Electronic Transactions Law, known as UU ITE.

Since UU ITE took effect in November 2016, it has been viewed as the state’s weapon against critics, as shown during the widespread anti-racism protests across West Papua in mid-August of 2019.

Harassment and intimidation . . . ULMWP leaders (from left) Menase Tabuni (executive council president), Markus Haluk (executive council secretary), Apolos Sroyer (judicial council chairperson), and Willem Rumase (legislative council chairperson). Image: ULMWP

The website SemuaBisaKena, dedicated to documenting UU ITE cases, recorded 768 cases in West Papua between 2016 and 2020.

The limited information on laws to protect individuals exercising their freedom of speech, including human rights defenders, political activist leaders, journalists, and civil society representatives, makes the situation worse.

For example, Victor Mambor, a senior journalist and founder of the Jubi news media group, in spite of being praised as a humanitarian and rights activist by the UN Human Rights Council in September 2021, continues to face frequent acts of violence and intimidation for his truth-telling defiance.

Threats and hate speech on his social media accounts are frequent. His Twitter account was hacked and deleted in 2022 after he posted a video showing Indonesian security forces abusing a disabled civilian.

Systematic intimidation
The systematic nature of this intimidation in West Papua cannot be understated.

It is a well-coordinated effort designed to suffocate dissent and silence the voice of resistance.

The barrage of messages and missed calls to both Tabuni and Haluk creates a psychological warfare waged with callous indifference, leaving scars that run deep. It creates an atmosphere of perpetual unease, leaving wondering when the next onslaught will happen.

The inundation of their phones with messages filled with discriminatory slurs in Bahasa serves as crude reminders of the lengths to which state entities will go in abuse of the law.

Translated into English, these insults such as “Hey asshole I stale you” or “You smell like shit” not only denigrate the ULMWP political leaders but also serve as threats, such as “We are not afraid” or “What do you want”, which underscore calculated malice behind the attacks.

This incident highlights a systemic issue, laying bare the fragility of democratic ideals in the face of entrenched power and exposing the hollowness of promises made by those who claim to uphold the rule of law.

Disinformation grandstanding
In the wake of the Indonesian government’s response to the video footage, which may outwardly appear as a willingness to address the issue publicly, there is a stark contrast in the treatment of Papuan political leaders and activists behind closed doors.

While an apology from the Indonesian military commander in Papua through a media conference earlier this week may seem like a step in the right direction, it merely scratches the surface of a deeper issue.

Firstly, the government’s call for firm action against individual soldiers depicted in the video, which has proven to be military personnel, cannot be served as a distraction from addressing broader systemic human rights abuses in West Papua.

A thorough and impartial investigation into all reports of harassment, intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders ensures that all perpetrators are brought to justice, and if convicted, punished with penalties commensurate with the seriousness of the offence.

However, by focusing solely on potential disciplinary measures against a handful of soldiers, the government fails to acknowledge the larger pattern of abuse and oppression prevailing in the region.

Also the statement from the Presidential Staff Office could be viewed as a performative gesture aimed at neutralising international critics rather than instigating genuine reforms.

Without concrete efforts to address the root causes of human rights abuses in West Papua, such statements risk being perceived as empty rhetoric that fails to bring about tangible change for the Papuan people.

Enduring struggle
Historically, West Papua has been marked by a long-standing struggle for independence and self-determination, always met with resistance from Indonesian authorities.

Activists advocating for West Papua’s rights and freedoms become targets of threats and harassment as they challenge entrenched power structures and seek to bring international attention to their cause.

The lack of accountability and impunity enjoyed by the state and its security forces of such acts further emboldens those who seek to silence dissent through intimidation and coercion. Thus, the threats and harassment experienced by the ULMWP leaders and West Papua activists are not only a reflection of the struggle for self-determination but also symptomatic of broader systemic injustices.

In navigating the turbulent waters ahead, let us draw strength from the unwavering resolve of Markus Haluk, Menase Tabuni and many Papuans who refuse to be silenced.

The leaders of the ULMWP and all those who stand alongside them in the fight for justice and freedom serve as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

It is incumbent upon us all to stand in solidarity with those who face intimidation and harassment, to lend our voices to their cause and to shine a light on the darkness that seeks to envelop them.

For in the end, it is only through collective action and unwavering resolve that we can overcome the forces of tyranny and usher in a future where freedom reigns freely.

Ronny Kareni is a Canberra-based Free West Papua activist, musician, trained-diplomat, youth vocational specialist and human rights defender. He graduated in diplomacy studies at the Australian National University. He is committed to and passionate about working with First Nations, Pacific and the nonprofit sector to support social, cultural and legal justice for the most vulnerable target groups. Special report for Asia Pacific Report.

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https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/03/un-human-rights-committee-concerned-over-indonesia-human-rights-violations-against-papua-people/

2) UN Human Rights Committee concerned over Indonesia human rights violations against Papua people

María Paz Rodríguez Galiano | Facultad de Derecho PUCP, PE 

MARCH 29, 2024 02:30:14 PM

The UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) expressed profound concern regarding the systematic occurrence of gross human rights violations against the Papuan people, involving security forces and law enforcement officers in Indonesia. The statement came at the conclusion of its 140th session on Thursday, following the review of reports from Indonesia, Chile, Guyana, Namibia, Serbia, Somalia, and the UK.

One of the main topics of the concluding observations was impunity and accountability for past human rights violations stemming from the decades-long conflict between separatists and Indonesian troops. The UNCHR highlighted that, despite Indonesia’s commitment to investigating numerous reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of indigenous peoples in Papua, there has been a failure to investigate these violations. This, in turn, has prevented the distribution of reparations for the victims.

The UNHRC also emphasized there remains insufficient information regarding various cases of human rights violations, including one occurring between 1965 and 1966. The locations of mass graves containing an estimated 500,000 victims of the “anti-Communist” massacres during this period are still unknown.

However, it is not only the lack of information but also a lack of publicity regarding Indonesia. The UNHRC noted that the report presented in December 2022 on the twelve cases brought before the Non-Judicial Resolution Team for Serious Human Rights Violations is not publicly available. Similarly, the UNCHR has raised concerns about the lack of judicial action in the investigated cases, as out of 16 cases of human rights violations investigated by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), only 4 have been prosecuted in court.

The report also provided recommendations to Indonesia’s government, urging it to intensify its efforts to eradicate impunity and guarantee accountability for past human rights violations. Given the UNHRC’s concern regarding the failure to investigate human rights abuses, the committee also advised Indonesia to ensure that Komnas HAM receives adequate financial and technical support, as well as sufficient human resources, to enable effective and independent actions in defense of human rights.

Likewise, the UNHRC recommended Indonesia prioritize the prompt investigation of all human rights violations, encompassing arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, ill-treatment and extrajudicial killings—including those cases reported to Komnas HAM. Furthermore, Indonesia should ensure that families and victims receive updates and information about the investigations, as well as full reparations proportionate to the gravity of the damage.

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From posting on FB

3) The TPNPB News-As of March 29, 2024

Shared by: Sebby Sambom (Jubir TPNPB)

The Indonesian Military Is Doing Massive Air Strike In Nduga For Three Days And They Are Doing Attacks At Night Using Drones And Also Fighter Jet Planes.

Press Release of TPNPB Komnas Central Headquarters Management for March 29, 2024

Indonesian Military Authority carried out a mission to liberate Captain Philips Mark Marthens in Nduga with bomb attacks through fighter jets and military helicopters, And also drones

Thus the Report:

Indonesian military conducts aerial bomb attack with fighter jets and military helicopters on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 20:40 - 22:00 pm. In the said attack the Indonesian Military carried out bombers as many as 8 times that resulted in 4 Red Ant posts belonging to the special forces of TPNPB OPM Kodap III Ndugama Derakma led by Perek P Jelas Karunggu in Kobit burned down.

Perek Karunggu explains that the bomb attacks carried out by the Indonesian Military using fighter jets and military helicopters exactly Captain Philips Mark Marthes was located. However, in the said bomb attack TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma team together with Capt Philips Mark Marthens survived. Only our 4 posts were on fire.

Bomb attacks carried out by Indonesian Military using fighter jets and military helicopters continue on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 22:21 pm. In the bomb attack the Indonesian military authority has carried out bombers as many as 6 times at the Red Ant Post in Kobit. Nanum, TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma troops together with Capt Philips Mark Marthnes survived the bomb attack. The Indonesian Military Authority has also used unmanned reconnaissance aircraft during air operations at the exact location of Captain Philips.

Bomb Attacks continued on the third day on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 08:20am for 2 hours which resulted in Kobit Post, Korowait Post, and Kambila Headquarters belonging to TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma special forces burnt to the ground.

Perek Jelas Karunggu the leader of Kambila Headquarters reports that four outposts and one special forces headquarters of TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma have been burned to the ground due to a bomb attack carried out for 3 days by the Indonesian Military through the air until 08:20 am this Friday, March 29, 2024

During the occurrence of such a massive air strike carried out by the Indonesian Military since March 27-29, 2024 our TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma troops have also managed to shoot down the Indonesian military helicopter body and suffered gunshot wounds as many as three bullets. Tutur Perek P Clearly Karunggu.

We TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma are still standby since morning till evening Friday, 29 March 2024 and have deployed special forces to shoot down Indonesian Military who want to enter our area with fighter jets and helicopters, We are not afraid. Reveal The Clear Bronze.

So live reporting from Nduga battlefield.

Note :

For more than 1 year the Indonesian Government does not have good intentions in looking for a solution for the release of captain Philips Mark Marthens a new Zealand citizen whom we are hostage, because he has entered the territory of armed conflict between the Indonesian Military and us (TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma).

So we assess to the Indonesian Government that the government has instructed its Military to come to Nduga on the assassination mission against Capt Philips Mark Marthens. The cause, operation and bombing were exactly where Capt Philips Mark Marthens was.

Even the Indonesian military operation has violated international humanitarian law (Law of War) because the Indonesian Military use Bomb for 3 days and will endanger the life of Captain Philips Mark Marthens.

Commander in charge of TPNPB OPM kodap III Ndugama Derakma

*Brigade Agianus Kogeya

Operation commander TPNPB OPM kodap III Ndugama Derakma

*Mayor Pemne Kogeya

Thus the Broadcast Per Management of the TPNPB Komnas Central Headquarters, And forwarded to all parties by

West Papua National Liberation Army spokesman Sebby Sambom.

Thanks for good cooperation.

In Bahasa

The TPNPB News-Per 29 Maret 2024

Shared by: Sebby Sambom (Jubir TPNPB)

Militer Indonesia Sedang melakukan serangan Udara secara massive di Nduga selama tiga hari Dan mereka lakukan Serangan pada malam hari Menggunakan Drone Dan Juga Pesawat jet tempur.

Siaran Pers Manajemen Markas Pusat Komnas TPNPB per 29 Maret 2024

Otoritas Militer Indonesia melakukan misi pembebasan Kapten Philips Mark Marthens di Nduga dengan serangan bom melalui pesawat tempur dan helikopter militer, Dan Juga drone

Demikian Laporan:

Militer Indonesia melakukan serangan Bom melalui udara dengan pesawat tempur dan helikopter militer pada hari Rabu, 27 Maret 2024 pukul 20:40 - 22:00 malam. Dalam serangan tersebut Militer Indonesia melakukan pengebomam sebanyak 8 kali yang mengakibatkan 4 pos Semut Merah milik pasukan khusus TPNPB OPM Kodap III Ndugama Derakma dibawa pimpinan Perek P Jelas Karunggu di Kobit terbakar habis.

Perek Karunggu menjelaskan bahwa serangan bom yang dilakukan oleh Militer Indonesia dengan menggunakan pesawat tempur dan helikopter militer tepat Kapten Philips Mark Marthes berada. Namun, dalam serangan bom tersebut pasukan TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma bersama Kapten Philips Mark Marthens selamat. Hanya 4 pos kami yang terbakar.

Serangan bom yang dilakukan oleh Militer Indonesia dengan menggunakan pesawat tempur dan helikopter militer berlanjut pada hari Kamis, 28 Maret 2024 pukul 22:21 malam. Dalam serangan bom tersebut otoritas militer indonesia telah melakukan pengebomam sebanyak 6 kali di Pos Semut Merah di Kobit. Nanum, pasukan TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma bersama Kapten Philips Mark Marthnes selamat dari serangan bom tersebut. Otoritas Militer Indonesia juga telah menggunakan pesawat pengintai tanpa awak selama melakukan operasi melalui udara tepat kapten Philips berada.

Serangan Bom terus berlanjut di hari ketiga pada Jumat, 29 Maret 2024 pukul 08:20 pagi selama 2 jam yang mengakibatkan Pos Kobit, Pos Korowait, dan Markas Kambila milik pasukan khusus TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma terbakar habis.

Perek Jelas Karunggu pimpinan Markas Kambila melaporkan bahwa empat pos dan satu markas pasukan khusus TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma telah terbakar habis akibat penyerangan bom yang dilakukan selama 3 hari oleh Militer Indonesia melalui udara hingga pukul 08:20 pagi tadi Jumat 29 Maret 2024.

Selama terjadi serangan udara yang dilakukan oleh Militer Indonesia yang begitu masif sejak tanggal 27-29 Maret 2024 kami pasukan TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma juga telah berhasil menembak Bodi Helikopter Militer Indonesia dan mengalami luka tembak sebanyak tiga peluru. Tutur Perek P Jelas Karunggu.

Kami TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma masih siaga sejak pagi hingga malam ini Jumat, 29 Maret 2024 dan telah menyebarkan pasukan khusus untuk menembak Militer Indonesia yang mau memasuki wilayah kami dengan pesawat tempur dan helikopter, Kami tidak takut. Ungkap Perek Jelas Karunggu.

Demikian laporan langsung dari Medan perang Nduga.

Catatan:

Selama 1 tahun lebih Pemerintah Indonesia tidak mempunyai niat baik dalam mencari solusi pembebasan kapten Philips Mark Marthens warga negara selandia baru yang kami sandera, karena telah memasuki wilayah konflik bersenjata antara Militer Indonesia dengan kami (TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma).

Maka kami menilai kepada Pemerintah Indonesia bahwa pemerintah telah menginstuksikan kepada Militernya untuk datang ke Nduga dalam misi pembunuhan terhadap Kapten Philips Mark Marthens. Sebab, operasi dan serangan bom tersebut tepat dimana Kapten Philips Mark Marthens berada.

Bahkan operasi Militer Indonesia tersebut telah melanggar hukum humaniter internasional (Hukum Perang) karena Militer Indonesia menggunakan Bom selama 3 hari dan akan membahayakan nyawa Kapten Philips Mark Marthens.

Penanggung jawab panglima TPNPB OPM kodap III Ndugama Derakma

*Brigjen Egianus Kogeya

Komandan operasi TPNPB OPM kodap III Ndugama Derakma

*Mayor Pemne Kogeya

Demikian Siaran Per Management Markas Pusat Komnas TPNPB, Dan diteruskan kepada semua pihak oleh

juru Bicara Tentara Pembebasan Nasional Papua Barat, Sebby Sambom.

Terima kasih atas kerja sama yang baik.

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1) UN rights panel concerned by extrajudicial killings in Indonesia's Papua

2) Update on detention of two Papuans arrested after shooting in Yahukimo – Police obstruct lawyers from meeting with suspects

3) Indonesian Army Apologizes After Torture Video Goes Viral 

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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/un-rights-panel-concerned-by-extrajudicial-killings-in-indonesias-papua

1) UN rights panel concerned by extrajudicial killings in Indonesia's Papua

UPDATED MAR 28, 2024, 09:45 PM

GENEVA - The U.N. Human Rights Committee said on Thursday it was concerned by extrajudicial killings in Indonesia's Papua province, where separatists and Indonesian troops have been fighting for decades.

"The Committee is concerned by multiple reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of indigenous peoples in Papua, which have not been investigated despite the state party's commitment to do so," it said in a report.

The Committee said it welcomed a Supreme Court decision to uphold the conviction of six law enforcement officers for the premeditated murder of four Papuan people in the city of Timika, but stressed there was a lack of information on other cases.

The Committee recommended that Indonesia promptly investigates "all human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and extrajudicial killings..."

It also called on Indonesia "to strengthen efforts to end impunity and hold perpetrators accountable for previous violations".

Resource-rich Papua, Indonesia's easternmost region, has experienced violence between armed separatists and troops since the former Dutch territory was brought under Indonesian control in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969.

The conflict has escalated significantly since 2018, with pro-independence fighters mounting deadlier and more frequent attacks. REUTERS

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/update-on-detention-of-two-papuans-arrested-after-shooting-in-yahukimo-police-obstruct-lawyers-from-meeting-with-suspects/

2) Update on detention of two Papuans arrested after shooting in Yahukimo – Police obstruct lawyers from meeting with suspects

Cases, Human Rights News / West Papua / 28 March 2024 

The Papuan Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) has raised concerns over the denial of legal assistance to Melianus Baye and Benny Elopere, two minors detained by the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) on suspicion of involvement in an aircraft shooting incident in the Yahukimo Regency. Military members arbitrarily arrested the minors (see photo on top, source) while bathing in the Brazza River in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, on 22 February 2024, shortly after an armed clash with a resistance fighter of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Human rights defenders allege that the minors were tortured upon arrest, as photos indicate.

Despite being appointed as legal counsel by the families of the detainees, LBH Papua advocates were repeatedly denied access to meet with Melianus Baye and Benny Elopere by the investigators from the Papua Police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation and General Crimes. The investigators reportedly still denied access as the suspects’ relatives accompanied LBH lawyers. The denial of access undermines the fundamental right to legal representation during detention, as enshrined in international human rights standards and Indonesia’s Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).

Emanuel Gobay, Director of LBH Papua, highlighted the obstruction faced by their advocates, emphasizing the discriminatory treatment in contrast to previous cases where access to detainees was granted without hindrance. The obstruction raises concerns about the transparency and fairness of the legal process. Such actions not only violate the detainees’ right to legal support but also impede their ability to defend themselves against the accusations leveled against them effectively. Moreover, the denial of access for lawyers could be a strategy to cover up acts of physical torture during detention.

Background

Statistical figures indicate that the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and treatment remains a widespread practice among the police and military in West Papua. Accordingly, the eradication of torture and ill-treatment remains among the urgent human rights issues in West Papua.

Another case of torture in West Papua has recently drawn national attention to the problem of torture in West Papua after videos of Indonesian soldiers torturing an indigenous Papuan went viral on social media, causing public outrage. The footage is rare visual evidence of the utmost brutality used by security force members during raids in conflict areas across West Papua.

Similar to extra-judicial executions, the widespread use of torture and ill-treatment is closely linked to the problem of impunity, particularly for perpetrators of the police, who are rarely brought to justice in public civil court trials. Human rights education programs for police officers and military members appear not to be able to tackle this problem as long as perpetrators receive lenient imprisonment sentences and disciplinary sanctions in closed internal procedures.

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 Human Rights Watch

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/03/28/indonesian-army-apologizes-after-torture-video-goes-viral

March 28, 2024 1:38PM EDT | Dispatches

3) Indonesian Army Apologizes After Torture Video Goes Viral 

Thirteen Soldiers Detained for Brutal Beating of Papuan Man

Andreas Harsono Indonesia Researcher 

 andreasharsono andreasharsono

The Indonesian military apologized to “all Papuan people” and detained 13 soldiers from an elite battalion in West Java who had tortured a Papuan man in Gome, Central Papua.

A video posted to social media shows three soldiers in army undershirts brutally beating Definus Kogoya, a young Papuan man, who had his hands tied behind him and been placed inside a drum filled with water. The soldiers taunted Kogoya with racist slurs, kicking and hitting him. In another video, a man used a bayonet to cut his back. The water turned red.

The army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi, said the soldiers had “tarnished efforts to handle conflict” in Central Papua, adding that the military police had questioned 42 soldiers of the 300 Infantry Raider Battalion, and identified at least 13 suspects.

General Sianturi alleged that Kogoya was a member of the West Papua National Liberation Army and had been arrested on February 3 with two other Papuan men, Alianus Murib and Warinus Kogoya, after they had allegedly tried to burn down a medical clinic in Gome. He said Warinus Kogoya died when he jumped from a military vehicle after arrest.

Kogoya and Murib were handed over to police custody by the battalion on February 6. The police immediately released the two men as they had found no evidence of arson or other violent acts. Both men needed medical treatment.

On March 21, Benny Wenda, a West Papua leader in exile in the United Kingdom, posted the video, saying, “Torture is such a widespread military practice that it has been described as a ‘mode of governance’ in West Papua.”

Human Rights Watch has documented numerous accounts of torture from West Papua over the past two decades including some that were filmed and later made public. Several soldiers have been prosecuted but received light punishment.

Some Indonesian officials have blamed Papuan militants when confronted with torture allegations.

While there is an ongoing armed conflict in Central Papua – in May 2023, an Indonesian soldier was fatally shot – international law forbids torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of civilians or captured combatants in custody.

To end such abuses, Indonesian authorities should prosecute the alleged perpetrators in civilian courts. The Indonesian military justice system lacks independence, impartiality, and transparency.

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AWPA Letter to Australian FM re torture video

Open  Letter to Australian  Foreign Minister re torture video

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

PO Box 28, Spit Junction,  NSW 2088

 

Senator the Hon Penny Wong

PO Box 6100
Senate
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

  

  

28 March 2024

 

Dear Foreign Minister,

 

I am writing to you on behalf of the Australia West Papua Association in Sydney concerning the brutal torture of a West Papuan man , Defianus Kogoya  by Indonesian troops in West Papua in early February. 

 

Anybody watching  the video footage of the Papuan man being tortured by the Indonesian security forces cannot help but be horrified and outraged at the brutality of those involved in the torture.  A video of the  torture is circulating on social media and in numerous articles in the main stream media. The  video shows the man placed in a drum filled with water, with both his hands tied. The victim is repeatedly punched  and kicked by several soldiers. His back is also slashed with a knife. One can only imagine the fear and terror the Papuan man must feel at this brutal torture being inflicted on him.

 

At first the military denied the claim . However, they eventually admitted it was true and  arrested 13 soldiers involved in the incident.

 

I’m sure we will hear statements from Jakarta that this was an isolated incident, that they were rouge soldiers and that 13 soldiers  have been arrested over the torture.  However, if the video had not gone viral would anybody have been held to account? 

 

Tragically this is not an isolated incident.  We will not go into all the details of the human rights abuses committed against West Papuans by the Indonesian security forces as we are sure you are aware of the numerous reports documenting these incidents.

 

However, there are regular clashes between the Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB (Free Papua Movement)  who are fighting for their independence. As a result of these clashes the military respond with what they call sweeps of the area. It’s not unusual for houses and food gardens to be destroyed during these operations, including the arrest and torture of Papuans. Local people usually flee in fear from the military to the forest or other regions  creating internally displaced people. (IDP) . Human rights reports indicate there are more than 60,000 IDP in West Papua.  Many suffer from malnutrition  and their children are missing out on their education. 

 

Amnesty International Indonesia,  church and civil society groups in West Papua and around the world have condemned the torture and are calling for a thorough investigation into the torture case.  

 

AWPA  is urging you to also add your voice, condemning this brutal torture incident by the Indonesian military .

 

The West Papuan people are calling on the UN high commissioner for human rights to visit West Papua to investigate the human rights situation in the territory. We urge you to use you good offices with the Indonesian Government , urging Jakarta  to allow such a visit to take place.

 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Joe Collins

AWPA (Sydney)

 

JP EDITORIAL Stop fighting fire with fire

 

https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2024/03/27/stop-fighting-fire-with-fire.html

JP EDITORIAL  

Stop fighting fire with fire 

This time, we have a photographic evidence for the brutality, with videos on social media showing a Papuan man being tortured by a group of plainclothes men alleged to be the Indonesian Military (TNI) members. One clip shows the man's head being beaten with a rod, while another has his back slashed by a blade that looks like a combat knife.

Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, March 27, 2024

 Indonesia It happens again and again; indigenous Papuans fall victim to Indonesian soldiers. This time, we have a photographic evidence for the brutality, with videos on social media showing a Papuan man being tortured by a group of plainclothes men alleged to be the Indonesian Military (TNI) members. 

One clip shows the man's head being beaten with a rod, while another has his back slashed by a blade that looks like a combat knife. After initially denying the assailants in the footage were military personnel, the TNI issued on Monday a rare apology and said that 13 soldiers had been arrested following the viral video. “I apologize to all Papuans, and we will work to ensure this is never repeated,” said Cenderawasih Military Commander in Papua Maj. Gen.

 Izak Pangemanan. That rare apology is a positive sign, but it is not enough. We have had enough pledges from the military about not inflicting more violence on Papuans, but time and again blood is spilled in the name of the military and police campaign against armed separatist groups.

The resource-rich Papua region has seen escalating violence since 2018, when the military increased its presence there in response to deadlier and more frequent attacks, allegedly committed by armed rebels.

Throughout 2023 alone, there were 49 acts of violence by security forces against civilians recorded by the rights group Commission for Missing Person and Victims of Violence (Kontras) in the form of, among others, forceful arrest, torture and shooting. At least 67 people were injured and 41 others lost their lives in the violence. Also according to Kontras, some of the arrested civilians could not be proven to have ties to the armed rebel groups, particularly the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). 

In regard to this week's viral videos, the TNI claimed that the man beaten in the video was identified as Defianus Kogoya, a separatist who planned to burn down a health center in Central Papua.

Whether Defianus was a rebel or civilian, what the soldiers did to him is unjustified, because no national or international law allows the torture of members of hostile forces. The Geneva Conventions and its additional protocols have at least seven articles banning torture. 

There are also other sets of regulations banning cruel or inhuman treatment of captured enemies. National regulations also prohibit security forces personnel from committing unnecessary violent acts. 

Article 351 of the Criminal Code mandates two years and eight months’ imprisonment for any individuals committing torture, a provision that also applies to military personnel. For soldiers, the punishment can be heavier as they face the possibility of getting an additional one third of the punishment if they are found guilty of torture by a military court. 

The TNI also announced on Monday that it had arrested 13 soldiers allegedly involved in the incidents in the video. The investigations are still ongoing, but the military promised to name them as suspects soon.

These might be good first steps, but they may mean nothing if their superiors are not prosecuted alongside the foot soldiers. At the very least, the TNI must ensure that the 13 suspects are prosecuted thoroughly in a military court of justice. 

The TNI should also work harder to prevent systemic issues that allow such violence to occur. A TNI spokesperson acknowledged on Monday that the military was far from perfect. That is good, but it would be better if the TNI actually worked in a transparent manner on how it addresses that imperfection. 

Overall, the government and especially the incoming administration of president-elect Prabowo Subianto must make more serious efforts at achieving a long-lasting peace in Papua. Sending more troops has proven to merely lead to escalation. The incoming government should consider the possibility that fighting fire with fire, only leads to a bigger fire.

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