2) 1st July 1971 Proclamation

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https://www.amnesty.id/kabar-terbaru/siaran-pers/indonesia-historic-peoples-tribunal-findings-signal-an-alarming-situation-in-papua/06/2024/

1) Indonesia: Historic People’s Tribunal findings signal an alarming situation in Papua

Responding to the final statement of Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Papua in London, Amnesty International Indonesia’s executive director Usman Hamid said:

“The final statement truly mirrors the deteriorating developments in Papua. Their historic findings signal the depth of the human rights violations and environmental destruction in the region.

“The tribunal is a great start to paving the way to justice in Papua and we hope that it serves as an opportunity for the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Papua, to acknowledge their suffering and to support their fight for human rights.

“The Indonesian authorities have continuously failed to end the conflict that keeps claiming more civilian lives in the region. It is therefore essential for authorities to evaluate its military operations and business activities by corporate actors to ensure the recovery and the protection of human rights in Papua.

“This arduous path of justice for Papuans must end. It is high time for the international community to call on the Indonesian authorities to end the long-established violence.”

Background

The “Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on State and Environmental Violence in West Papua” took place from 27 June to 29 June 2024 at Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom.

A panel of tribunal experts heard evidence from numerous international NGOs and local civil society organisations as well as testimonies from individuals who have witnessed human rights violations and environmental destruction.

The Tribunal stated that the Indonesian state has forcibly taken Indigenous Papuan lands through racial discrimination, leading to cultural loss and violent repression, including unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, displacement, and environmental degradation. It urged the international community, particularly the UN, to respond urgently to the situation in Papua.

The panel of experts comprises: Teresa Almeida Cravo (Portugal), Donna Andrews (South Africa), Daniel Feierstein (Argentina), Marina Forti (Italy), Larry Lohmann (UK), Nello Rossi (Italy), and Solomon Yeo (Solomon Islands), according to the website of Queen Mary University of London, which hosted the tribunal.

The hearings were held by the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal, an independent international institution dedicated to addressing critical issues of human rights and environmental justice. Since its establishment in 1979, the Tribunal has been instrumental in investigating and bringing to light cases of state and corporate abuses, providing a voice for marginalized communities worldwide.

Amnesty International recognizes that initiatives aimed at bringing together and recording – in a systematic way – information from a range of sources about human rights violations and placing them on the public record will raise public awareness about alleged human rights violations. However, such initiatives are no substitute for a proper process of investigation and due process of accountability. Amnesty International there maintains its calls that Indonesia complies with its obligation to ensure that there are independent, impartial, thorough and effective investigations into human rights abuses with a view to bringing suspected perpetrators to justice.

Indigenous Peoples of Papua have been long-suffering through heavy military operations which have resulted in unlawful killings by both state and non-state armed groups, torture and other ill-treatment, internally displaced persons and other human rights violations. Between January 2018 and June 2024, Amnesty International Indonesia has recorded 128 unlawful killings and a death toll of at least 236 civilians. The killings were conducted by the security forces (81 cases with 131 victims) and pro-independence armed groups (47 cases with 105 victims). From February 2023 to April 2024, the government had deployed 6,773 military and police personnels to Papua.

According to a statement by an internally displaced Papuan in the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council on 21 June 2024, more than 70,000 Papuans have left their home due to escalated conflict.

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2) 1st July 1971 Proclamation

Today we remember the 53rd anniversary of  the independence declaration  at Markas Victoria on 1st July 1971. 

1st July 1971

From Robin Osborne's book. Indonesia's Secret War

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1) 2,000 Bibida District refugees in Madi repatriated, those in Nabire not yet

2) WWII Japanese soldier remains unearthed in Indonesia's Papua  

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A google translate.

Original Bahasa link

https://jubi.id/polhukam/2024/2-000-pengungsi-distrik-bibida-di-madi-dipulangkan-yang-di-nabire-belum/

1) 2,000 Bibida District refugees in Madi repatriated, those in Nabire not yet

The Paniai Regency Refugee Post Coordinator in Nabire is ready to assist the Paniai Regency Government and the Central Papua Provincial Government to repatriate refugees

June 28, 2024 in Politics, Law and Security

0

Author: Hengky Yeimo - Editor: Syofiardi

                                   Refugees from Bibida District, Paniai Regency in Nabire. – Jubi/Hengky Yeimo

Nabire, Jubi – The Paniai Regency Government and the Paniai Police have repatriated around 2,000 residents from Bibida District and its surroundings (East Paniai, Dumadama, and Dogomo) from the refugee location at the Madi Holy Cross Catholic Church, Paniai, Central Papua Province on Tuesday (6/25/2024).

Meanwhile, 409 refugees from Bibida who are in Nabire Regency have not been repatriated. The same thing was also experienced by refugees from Bibida who are in other regencies, such as Mimika, Deiyai, and Dogiyai.

Coordinator of the Paniai Regency Refugee Post in Nabire Martinus Zonggonau told Jubi that he was ready to help the Paniai Regency Government and the Central Papua Provincial Government to return refugees to their hometowns. He also said he was ready to help repatriate refugees in several other places.

"We appreciate the quick steps of the Acting Regent of Paniai who has repatriated residents from Madi, this is a step taken by the Acting Regent with a mature strategy. As the young generation of Paniai, we appreciate this performance," he said, Thursday (6/27/2024).

Zonggonau said that on Tuesday (25/6/2024) the Head of the Central Papua Province Social Service, Nenu Tabuni, contacted him to visit the funeral home of a refugee who died in Wadio Atas at the residence of Soter Zonggonau.

Then his party has contacted the Social Service of the Central Papua Provincial Government to help repatriate refugees in Nabire Regency. However, so far there has been no response.

"If the government is willing to contact me and my team, we are ready to repatriate refugees to their hometowns," he said.

According to Zonggonau, the response of the Central Papua Provincial Government to repatriate refugees at this time is very appropriate. Because, after his team communicated with the refugees in Nabire, they already wanted to return to their hometowns.

"After seeing the refugees who were accommodated at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Madi being repatriated on a large scale, those in Nabire also want to return home," he said.

Zonggonau said the Head of the Social Service and the Acting Governor of Central Papua Province have committed to repatriating refugees. This was conveyed when the Central Papua Provincial Government team delivered aid in the yard of the Catholic Church in Jayanti on June 17, 2024.

"We really hope that the Central Papua Provincial Government and the Paniai Regency Government can help facilitate refugees from Nabire to return to their hometowns, our team is ready to repatriate refugees," he said.

According to Zonggonau, the Central Papua Provincial Government and the Paniai Regency Government must help with transportation to repatriate refugees to Bibida, Paniai.

"These residents must be returned to their hometowns immediately, because their livestock and houses have been damaged by security forces while pursuing the TPNPB-OPM in the East Paniai, Bibida, Wayabu, and Duma Dama Districts," he said.

According to him, repatriating refugees is important so that they can quickly organize their homes and villages as before.

"Because the displaced residents think that the source of people's lives is in their hometowns," he said.

Regarding aid for refugees, Zonggonau said that students from Paniai are currently raising funds and providing food aid for Bibida refugees in Nabire.

"I received information that students and youth from Paniai in Jayapura and Manokwari are raising funds and providing notebooks, etc. so that they can be distributed to refugees who are still in Nabire, because it is easy to reach," he said.

He hopes that students who raise funds can communicate with the refugee post in Nabire so that they can be helped in distributing it. Because currently his party is still waiting for information from the Central Papua Provincial Social Service regarding the repatriation of refugees from Nabire.

"If the refugees have been repatriated, the aid can be distributed directly to Bibida. If not, we are ready to facilitate students and youth for the distribution of aid," he said.

Tribal chief appreciates Paniai Regency Government

Central Papua Youth Tribal Chief Emanuel Mote said on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Acting Regent of Paniai together with joint officers (TNI-Polri) had repatriated civilians who had fled after the gunfight between the TNI-Polri and TPNPB in Bibida.

"The number of residents based on data from the Central Papua Provincial Government is 1,500 people who have been repatriated to their hometowns in Bibida, Dogomo, East Paniai, and Duma Dama," he told Jubi, Thursday (6/27/2024).

Regarding the 409 refugees in Nabire, Mote said, the Acting Regent of Paniai Martha Pigome had met them at the refugee camp in Jayanti, Nabire, Central Papua on Sunday (16/6/2024) at 15.00 Papua Time. At that time, the Acting Regent of Paniai asked the refugees to return to Paniai.

"On that occasion, the Acting Regent of Paniai Martha Pigome met with the displaced community, while also handing over transportation money and food assistance, received directly by the refugees, but no residents have returned to Paniai, some are still in Nabire," he said.

According to Mote, with the return of residents who took refuge at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Madi, Paniai, it is hoped that refugees in Nabire Regency and other locations will be able to return to their hometowns.

"If there are residents who choose to stay in Nabire or send their children to school in Nabire, that's possible. Or everyone wants to return to their hometowns, but the point is that everything is safe so I hope those in Nabire can return to Paniai," he said.

The Holy Cross Parish Priest, Madi, Father Herman Betu Pr, estimates that the wave of civilian refugees leaving various villages in Bibida will continue until Tuesday, June 18, 2024. It is estimated that more than 2,000 residents have left Bibida.

The residents who fled were not only to the church, but there were also those who sought shelter in relatives' homes around Paniai, and some even fled to the forest.

"A situation like this has never happened while I was on duty in Paniai," he said.

Father Herman Betu Pr said that the displaced residents had been returned because the situation in their hometowns was declared conducive by the government.

"We have sent them back to their respective hometowns, there are residents from Dogomo District and Duma Dama District, East Paniai District, and Bibida District, some who went to Nabire and the surrounding areas have not returned," he said. (*)

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/317226/wwii-japanese-soldier-remains-unearthed-in-indonesias-papua

2) WWII Japanese soldier remains unearthed in Indonesia's Papua  

June 29, 2024 13:44 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government confirmed on Friday the discovery of nine remains of suspected Japanese soldiers killed during World War II in Biak Numfor District, Papua.

Hilmar Farid, the Director General for Culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, said the discovery could strengthen historical understanding for Japanese tourists visiting the region.

"They can come, learn, and understand that the impact of World War II reached even remote areas like Biak Numfor," he said.

He noted that the ministry has collaborated with the Japanese government and Biak Numfor district authorities since 2019 to resolve the fate of remains from the WWII era found in the region.

A joint technical team has been working since 2019 to excavate, identify, and repatriate the remains of Japanese soldiers in Papua and West Papua provinces. The nine remains were found during the team's latest mission on May 20–30.

The Ministry is discussing repatriation with Japanese authorities. However, Farid stated that the most likely option is to keep the remains at the Biak Numfor site.

"There are many cases worldwide where soldiers who died in foreign lands were buried there," Farid said.

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) will analyze and identify the remains to confirm they are Japanese soldiers. If not repatriated, they will be reinterred in Biak Numfor.

Fransisco Olla, a Biak Numfor district official, said the discovery is expected to bolster local tourism. He emphasized the emotional and historical connection the region has with Japan due to WWII, when at least 3,000 Japanese soldiers died there.

Related news: 20,000 of our soldiers' skeletons in Papua: Japan
Related news: Japan continues repatriation of soldiers' remains from Papua

Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso

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1) Indigenous communities oppose Merauke Sugarcane Project over socio-environmental concerns

 

2) Clearing of sago trees in Sorong to make way for palm oil plantations

3) Destruction of community plantations in Timika highlights lack legal protection

4) London, 27th-29th June 2024: Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal Session on State and environmental violence in West Papua

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/indigenous-communities-fight-merauke-sugarcane-project-due-to-the-potential-socio-environmental-concerns/

1) Indigenous communities oppose Merauke Sugarcane Project over socio-environmental concerns

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 28 June 2024 

The Indonesian government’s plan to transform Merauke town, South Papua (Papua Selatan) Province, into a major centre for sugarcane plantations and bioethanol production has sparked significant controversy and legal disputes. This large-scale agricultural endeavour, part of the National Strategic Project (PSN), aims to achieve sugar self-sufficiency by 2027. However, the project faces strong opposition from indigenous communities, environmental activists, and local leaders who fear ecological degradation and social exploitation. t also poses significant challenges, particularly concerning environmental sustainability and the rights of indigenous communities.

Government initiatives 

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, along with other high-ranking officials, has been actively promoting the sugarcane project. During his visit to Merauke from 3-4 June 2024, he emphasised the government’s vision of making Merauke a key hub for agricultural and plantation activities to meet national and global food demands. The project is expected to cover two million hectares, with an investment of 130 trillion IDR, aiming to produce 2,6 million tons of sugar and 244 million litres of bioethanol annually.

Ma’ruf Amin highlighted Merauke’s favourable conditions for sugarcane cultivation, including large tracts of available land and suitable weather. He expressed confidence that the project would boost local and national economies, citing the potential for high sugar yields comparable to those in Australia. The government’s strategy involves modern agricultural techniques and mechanisation, which, according to Amin, would eventually reduce the need for a large workforce.

Local opposition and environmental concerns

Despite the government’s positive outlook, the project has faced strong resistance from local communities. On 13 June 2024, indigenous people from the Kimahima and Maklew sub-tribes staged a demonstration at the Merauke Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) office, protesting against the planned sugarcane plantations on Kimaam Island. They argued that the forest, which they have preserved for generations, is crucial for their livelihoods and the survival of local wildlife.

Franky Samperante, Managing Director of the Pusaka Bentala Rakyat Foundation, warned of the potential ecological and social fallout, drawing parallels with the negative impacts of the earlier MIFEE project. He criticised the lack of comprehensive socio-ecological studies and the tendency of such projects to benefit investors at the expense of indigenous communities.

Legal disputes over land ownership

The sugarcane project is not the only large-scale agricultural venture in Merauke facing challenges. On 20 June 2024, the Mahuze Kewam clan from Muting District filed a lawsuit against PT Bio Inti Agrindo (BIA), an oil palm plantation company, accusing it of annexing 1,800 hectares of their land without consent. The clan claims that the land, used for oil palm cultivation since 2007, was sold to PT BIA by the Mahuze Milafo clan without involving the rightful owners, leading to a demand for 150 billion IDR in compensation and the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

Corporate and political issues

PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (Persero), a state-owned plantation company, has also been vocal about the sugarcane food estate in Merauke. President Director Mohammad Abdul Ghani acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about the project’s feasibility, given adequate infrastructure development by the government. He emphasised the need for full mechanisation and corporate involvement to ensure the project’s success.

The project has received political backing, with members of the House of Representatives urging PTPN and its sub-holdings to support the government’s vision of sugar self-sufficiency and the broader campaign promises of political leaders like Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/clearing-of-sago-trees-in-sorong-to-make-way-for-palm-oil-plantations/

2) Clearing of sago trees in Sorong to make way for palm oil plantations

Cases, Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 28 June 2024 

The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (BPN) and the government of Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua (Papua Barat Daya) Province, are being urged to review the permits and impose strict sanctions on PT Inti Kebun Sejahtera (IKSJ) following recent trespassing on customary land.

This demand was made by the Klagilit clan after discovering that PT IKSJ had entered their customary territory without free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). Mr Ambrosius Klagilit, a young lawyer from the Moi tribe representing the Klagilit clan, reported that in December 2023, the clan was alarmed by the activities of PT IKSJ, which began clearing sago trees in their traditional area.

In December 2023, the Klagilit clan became aware of the clearing taking place in a sago grove known as Mageme. A clan member halted the destruction activities on 28 December 2023, after discovering yellow ribbons marking the area for clearance, which were subsequently removed by the clan.

To confirm the extent of the trespassing, several Klagilit clan representatives used GPS to measure the affected area on 30 December 2023. They found that approximately 300 metres in length and 10 metres in width of their customary forest and sago grove had been cleared by the company.

The clearing resulted in the loss of about 1,000 sago trees and other economically valuable trees, causing an estimated 2,5 billion IDR (around 142,750 EUR) in damages. These sago trees are a staple food for Papuans, including the Klagilit clan, and were reportedly uprooted to construct a road.

Despite taking legal steps to hold PT IKSJ accountable, the Klagilit clan has yet to receive a response. Complaints were filed with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency on 11 February 2024, the National Human Rights Commission on 7 February 2024, the National Land Agency of Sorong Regency and the Regional People’s Representative Council of Sorong Regency. However, no follow-up has been received.

The Klagilit clan states that PT IKSJ obtained the Right to Use Business (HGU) without informing the clan, violating customary and FPIC rights. Indonesian law, e.g Article 12(1) of Law No 39/2914, requires business actors to deliberate and obtain community approval before proceeding with such activities.

The Klagilit clan is calling for an evaluation of PT IKSJ’s permits and the imposition of strict sanctions for the unauthorised displacement of land and forest. They emphasise the need for BPN and the Sorong Regency Government to scrutinise the company’s activities and ensure accountability.

One anonymous clan member expressed their determination to protect their customary lands and prevent further encroachment, highlighting the destruction caused by companies and the need to preserve their forests for future generations.

Investigations revealed that PT IKSJ and PT IKS are subsidiaries of PT Ciliandry Anky Abadi (CAA), a private Indonesian company acquired from the Indonesian Plywood Company (KALIA) Group, owned by the Sutanto family. CAA also owns PT Inti Kebun Lestari (IKL) in the region.

Mr Ciliandry Fangiono, listed by Forbes Magazine as one of Indonesia’s wealthiest individuals and CEO of First Resources, owns shares in PT CAA and its subsidiaries. Although First Resources maintains a relationship with PT CAA, it has distanced itself from the latter.

According to a report by Chain Reaction Research, PT CAA was among the top 10 companies responsible for deforestation in 2020. PT CAA owns palm oil mills PT Tirta Madura and PT Borneo Ketapang Indah, which supply major companies such as Avon, Friesland Campina, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, and L’Oreal.

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/destruction-of-community-plantations-in-timika-escalates-legal-protection-lacking/

3) Destruction of community plantations in Timika highlights lack legal protection

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 27 June 2024 

Long-standing tensions in Timika have escalated, resulting in the significant destruction of local community plantations. The conflict began in 2017 and has reached alarming levels in 2024 with repeated incidents of violence, destruction, and threats. The person behind these actions is an individual known by the initials YG.

Timeline of Events:

May 17, 2017: YG initially occupied the location of SD Negeri 9 Timika and constructed a house, marking the beginning of his controversial presence in the area.

January 14-19, 2024: YG and his associates brought in heavy equipment and armed themselves with bows, arrows, and other sharp tools. It is suspected that they received funds from second and third parties. This led to the destruction of various community plantations. Banana trees, cassava, sweet potatoes, pineapples, peanuts, papaya, soursop, and vegetable plantations were cleared. The community members faced threats with sharp tools.

March 28, 2024: YG and his associates, using heavy equipment and armed with weapons, threatened the community, leading to the destruction of plantations owned by Mrs Debora Yobee and Mr Stepanus Gobai (sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas).

April 3, 2024: At 5:00 pm, YG and his group again entered and destroyed further plantations using machetes while threatening community members.

April 14, 2024: Backed by a third party, identified as a group from the Kei Tribe, YG conducted further clearing and destruction of Rev. Daniel Makai’s garden. This involved the theft of bananas and the cutting down of rambutan and mango trees using machetes, alongside threatening community members.

May 14, 2024: At around 5:00 pm, YG, accompanied by members of the Kei Tribe, sprayed an unknown substance on vegetable and sweet potato plants, adding to the ongoing destruction.

June 15, 2024: At 1:00 pm , YG and the Kei Tribe people destroyed further community gardens., carrying bows, arrows, spears, machetes, and catapult arrows, threatening the community.

Legal challenges:

Efforts to address these incidents through legal channels have been met with significant challenges. Numerous police reports filed by the community regarding the destruction of their plantations were not acted upon, with authorities directing these cases to be settled outside of the law rather than criminal prosecution. The lack of responsiveness by authorities has left the victims without justice or recourse. The perpetrators also threatened a member of the Mimika Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) with arrows and bows, leading to a police report. This was the only case that received a response. Yet, no action was taken against the perpetrators.

The ongoing violence and destruction of plantations in Timika highlight the urgent need for effective legal intervention and protection for West Papuan communities facing land grabbing and intimidation. The lack of action by authorities continues to exacerbate the tension and insecurity faced by indigenous communities.

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Human Rights Monitor

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/london-27th-29th-june-2024-permanent-peoples-tribunal-session-on-state-and-environmental-violence-in-west-papua/

4) London, 27th-29th June 2024: Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal Session on State and environmental violence in West Papua

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 27 June 2024 

The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT), established in 1979 on the basis of the Universal Declaration of Peoples’ Rights, and in compliance with its Statute, has opened a procedure to investigate the environmental impacts of development in West Papua and the human rights violations linked to those practices. The PPT was asked by some of the most important human rights organisations based in West Papua and Indonesia, alongside the most prominent international human rights and environmental NGOs working in this area, and coordinated by the Centre for Climate Crime and Climate Justice based at Queen Mary University, London. The session will take place at Queen Mary University of London Mile End Campus, from 27th  to 29th June 2024 (see the program here).

During the public hearings, the PPT will examine a body of evidence on environmental impacts of development in the region, and the persecution, human rights violations and extra-judicial killings committed against West Papuans, who have been engaged in a struggle for their right to self-determination since colonisation by the Netherlands in 1898. In particular, the requesting organizations asked that the Tribunal explores evidence of the mass displacement of indigenous people, the depletion and poisoning of water supplies and the destruction of local ecosystems related to logging, palm oil plantations and mineral extraction.

According to the Indictment, the subject of the charge “is rooted in fundamentally unequal social and economic relationships that enable Indonesian industrial policy to be imposed on the people of West Papua against their will. The militarised techniques of social control that accompany it ensure the continuation of those unequal social and economic relationships”. As requested, the Tribunal will move beyond the legal paradigms in order to explore, and restore, from the perspective of the West Papuan people, the relationship between the rights of the people and the rights of the earth.

According to its Statute, the PPT has notified the Indictment to the Indonesian authorities to fully recognize their rights to defence.

The panel of judges, convened by the PPT President and the PPT General secretariat, is integrated by, in alphabetical order: Teresa Almeida Cravo (Portugal), Donna Andrews (South Africa), Daniel Feierstein (Argentina), Marina Forti (Italy), Larry Lohmann (UK), Nello Rossi (Italy) and Solomon Yeo (Solomon Islands).

The link for registration, both online and in person, is here.

Should you have any further question, please contact ppt@permanentpeoplestribunal.org

***

The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT) is an international opinion tribunal that is competent to judge any type of crime committed causing injury to peoples and minorities. It was established in Bologna in 1979 thanks to the intuition of jurist and politician Lelio Basso, on the basis of the framework defined in the Universal Declaration of the Rights of People (1976). Established as a direct continuation of the Russel Tribunals on Vietnam (1966-67) and Latin America (1973-76), it was then transformed into a permanent institution, able to give a voice and visibility to those people facing a lack of their rights, and impunity. The Tribunal is built around a network of internationally recognized experts, who are then appointed for the PPT panel of judges for each session. Through its sessions and judgments, the Tribunal has given visibility to several cases of serious human rights violations, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. It has recently expanded the scope of its competence to include economic, ecological, and systemic crimes. The PPT is based in Rome, at the Fondazione Lelio e Lisli Basso, Via della Dogana Vecchia 5.

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1) Benny Wenda’s plea to back new West Papuan ‘liberation front’ for freedom

2) In Papua, TNI pursuing security with a humane face

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1) Benny Wenda’s plea to back new West Papuan ‘liberation front’ for freedom

Asia Pacific Report

By APR editor - 

June 26, 2024

The president of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has welcomed the launch of a new political front, urging support for this new initiative on the “roadmap to liberation”.

Benny Wenda said the launch of the West Papua People’s Liberation Front (GR-PWP) was a  new popular movement formed to execute the national agenda of the ULMWP.

He reaffirmed the three-fold strategy as:

READ MORE: Other West Papua reports

• A visit to West Papua by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights;
• ULMWP Full membership for ULMWP of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG); and
• An internationally-supervised self-determination referendum.

“Our roadmap is clear — we will not stray in this or that direction, but remain totally focused on our end goal of independence,” Wenda said in a statement.

“By pursuing this threefold agenda, we are rebuilding the sovereignty that was stolen from us in 1962. The ULMWP roadmap is West Papua’s path to liberation.”a

Wenda said that all West Papuan organisations or affiliated groups were welcome to participate in the GR-PWP, including political activists, student groups, religious organisations, Indonesian solidarity groups, the Alliance of Papuan Students, and KNPB.

‘National agenda for self-determination’
“The Liberation Front is not factional but will carry out the national agenda for self-determination. It will deepen the ULMWP’s presence on the ground, supporting the cabinet, constitution, governing structure and Green State Vision we have already put in place,” Wenda said.

“The GR-PWP has been endorsed by the Congress, the highest body of the ULMWP according to our constitution.”

Wenda said GR-PWP would have a decentralised structure, being spread across all seven customary regions of West Papua.

The capital of Jayapura would not dictate decisions to the coasts or islands — all regions would have an equal voice in the movement.

“Unity is essential to our success. Our liberation movement will only succeed when West Papuans from all regions, from all tribal groups and political factions,” Wenda said.

“The agenda belongs to all West Papuans.”

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2) In Papua, TNI pursuing security with a humane face

 June 25, 2024 19:41 GMT+700

Indonesian Armed Forces' (TNI’s) Raider Infantry Batallion 509/Balawara Yudha task force officers interact with children of Bilogai Village in Intan Jaya, Central Papua. (ANTARA/HO-Koops Habema/nbl)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) said it is committed to presenting a humane face and providing benefits to the residents of Papua while maintaining security in the region.

This commitment was demonstrated by the TNI's Raider Infantry Battalion 509/Balawara Yudha task force officers operating under the command of the Habema Operational Command. They provided benefits to residents of Bilogai village in Intan Jaya district, Central Papua.

"TNI soldiers in Bilogai village are focused on optimizing their duties to accelerate development in the Papua region," said Brigadier General Lucky Avianto, TNI's Habema operational commander, in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The officers of the task force, led by its commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Dessiawan Setyadi, have been assisting Bilogai residents in their activities while manning their posts in the village.

For instance, they helped tend to a minor injury suffered by one resident, Martin, who cut his finger while using a cable to transport luggage. He expressed gratitude to the military officers for their help.

Meanwhile, Mama Ester, also a local, commended TNI for their service to the community. She highlighted the kind gesture from officers who purchased the vegetables and fruit she sold at a local market.

“TNI soldiers are good. We are greatly helped by them, and we are safe on the road,” she said.

TNI's humane approach in Papua is consistent with Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2020 on the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua, which mandates the military to engage with local figures and strategic groups to promote local development.

It is also in line with the soft-power strategy devised by TNI commander, General Agus Subiyanto, to address Papua issues.

Over the past few years, armed Papuan groups have repeatedly used hit-and-run tactics against Indonesian security personnel and committed acts of terror against civilians in the districts of Intan Jaya, Nduga, and Puncak.

In response, the military and the police set up the Habema Operational Command earlier this year to optimize joint security operations in Papua to prevent local conflicts and neutralize the threat posed by armed Papuan groups.

Related news: TNI distributes food parcels for Highland Papua's Batas Batu residents
Related news: TNI provides healthcare services for Central Papua's Bilogai villagers

Reporter: Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso

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2) IDPs from Bibida and Paniai Timur return home

3) Unrest in Fef, Tambrauw Regency ends – talks promise transparency and justice for Papuan killed in 2021

4) Eleven forest areas in Papua proposed to become customary forests – battling the lack of recognition

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1) Police Reported as Perpetrators of Most Torture Acts in Indonesia: Komnas HAM, KontraS

Translator

Najla Nur Fauziyah

Editor

Petir Garda Bhwana

27 June 2024 07:08 WIB

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Human Rights Commission or Komnas HAM reported that the National Police is the most frequently reported for torture cases compared to other state institutions. From January 1, 2020, to June 24, 2024, the human rights institution received a total of 176 torture cases by police out of 282 reports.

"The one who got reported the most (regarding torture) are the police," said Komnas HAM Human Rights Advancement Sub-commission Coordinator Anis Hidayah in a discussion organized by Amnesty International Indonesia entitled 'Penyiksaan: Asian Value?' on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Komnas HAM also stated the Indonesian armed forces as the second most reported institution after the police with 15 torture cases. The third position was held by the Correctional Penitentiary or the State Detention Center with 10 torture cases. 

Anis explained that torture cases occurred throughout Indonesia, with the largest reported number of 47 cases in West Sumatra, followed by 25 cases in Jakarta, and 21 cases in South Sumatra. 

However, Anis stressed that the data could not represent all cases in the country as many people are yet to report findings of torture allegations by state institutions to Komnas HAM. 

KontraS Releases Data

In line with data released by Komnas HAM, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) reported the police as the institution committing the most cases of torture. 

According to the data obtained from the period of June 2023 to May 2024, the acts of torture include cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment and punishment. "As an institution, the police committed the most acts of torture," said Dimas Bagus Arya, KontraS Coordinator on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at a commemorative event for the International Day of Support for Victims of Torture in Jakarta.

During the occasion, KontraS presented its situation reports on torture and cruel, inhumane, or degrading punishments in Indonesia. Data results showed that Indonesia recorded as many as 60 torture cases over the past year, with 40 perpetrated by the police. 

"The Resort Police involved in 21 cases, Sectoral Police 10 cases, and Regional Police 9 cases,” Dimas said. 

The event KontraS held was titled “Di Balik Ilusi Populisme Hukum: Impunitas dan Minimnya Komitmen Penghapusan Penyiksaan di Indonesia” or “Behind the Illusion of Legal Populism: Impunity and Lack of Commitment to Eradicate Torture Acts in Indonesia.” 

KontraS invited representatives from Komnas Ham, the witness and victim protection agency LPSK, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Police, and the National Armed Forces. However, representatives from the police and the Indonesian military were unable to attend.

HENDRI AGUNG PRATAMA | FAUZI IBRAHIM

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2) IDPs from Bibida and Paniai Timur return home

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 26 June 2024 

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the districts of Bibida and Paniai Timur were allowed to return home. Anestimated number of more than 5,000 persons fled on 14 June 2024 after security forces carried out raids against the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in response to the assassination of a taxi driver in the Kopo Village on 12 June 2024. On 25 June 2024, security forces accompanied more than 1,200 IDPs from the Catholic Salib Suci Church to their villages. HRM has not received information about IDPs who had fled to Timika, Nabire, and Enarotali.

In the early morning of 25 June, the acting regent of Paniai, Dr Martha Pigome announced to the IDPs in Madi that they were allowed to return to their hometowns escorted by local government officials and security forces as the security situation in Bibida and Paniai Timur had recovered. For eleven days, they had lived inside the unfinished church building that is still under construction. The local government and solidarity groups provided the IDPs with food and other relief aid.

Report includes videos

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3) Unrest in Fef, Tambrauw Regency ends – talks promise transparency and justice for Papuan killed in 2021

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 26 June 2024 

The longstanding conflict between the family of the late Moses Yewen and the military presence in Fef district, Tambrauw Regency, Southwest Papua (Papua Barat Daya) Province has moved towards resolution. This follows a series of meetings and protests that highlighted the community’s grievances and demands. Mr Moses Yewen was tortured by military members on 9 April 2021 and died a month later. His relatives claim his death was a consequence of the torture he experienced.

On 16 June 2024, the family of Moses Yewen, supported by local community members, initiated a blockade of the Satgas 623 post in Fef. This action was a response to the lack of transparency and unresolved legal proceedings concerning the death of Moses Yewen, who was allegedly beaten by two soldiers from the Yonif 762/VYS unit in 2021. The protest underscored the community’s frustration with the military and judicial authorities for failing to provide clarity and justice.

Hans Baru, the head of the Fef district, confirmed that the blockade was driven by disappointment with the ongoing lack of information regarding the case. The family’s actions were seen as a spontaneous outpouring of frustration towards the military units and the judicial process. “The lack of transparency from Pangdam XVIII/Kasuari, Kodim 1810 Tambrauw, and the Military Court in Jayapura regarding the case of Moses Yewen has deeply upset the community,” said Hans.

In a meeting held on 19 June 2024, attended by key stakeholders including Engelbertus Gabriel Kocu, the acting regent of Tambrauw, the local government, military officials, and representatives of Moses Yewen’s family, a significant breakthrough was achieved. The family demanded that the building used by the Satgas Fef post, which is situated on traditionally owned land with a formal ownership certificate held by Moses Yewen’s child, be transferred to them. Thomas Baru, representing the family, emphasised that this transfer was necessary to support the educational and daily needs of Moses Yewen’s children and widow.

“The building, currently serving as the Satgas post, stands on land that belongs to Moses Yewen’s family. We request that it be handed over to us to manage and potentially convert into a source of income, such as rental housing, to support the family,” said Thomas Baru during the meeting.

Rufina Yewen, another family member, echoed this sentiment, stating that the building should be leased, not sold, ensuring the family retains control and benefits from its use. Acting Regent Engelbertus Gabriel Kocu assured the family that their requests would be considered, pending administrative verification of the building’s status.

Following these discussions, the family agreed to lift the blockade on the Satgas 623 post, signalling a tentative acceptance of the new Satgas 762 unit. “With cooperation from all parties, we have reached a consensus to welcome Satgas 762 and resume peaceful coexistence in Fef,” Kocu announced.

Commander of the new Satgas unit, Letkol Inf Dwi Harianto, expressed a commitment to improving relations with the community through a humanistic and territorial approach. “We aim to build a better relationship with the residents of Tambrauw, ensuring such conflicts do not arise again,” stated Harianto. Hopefully, this sets a precedent for transparency and cooperation between military forces and local populations in Papua Barat Daya Province.

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4) Eleven forest areas in Papua proposed to become customary forests – battling the lack of recognition

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 26 June 2024 

Between 2022 and 2023, various indigenous groups in Papua have proposed the recognition of customary forests to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF). Recognising these forests is vital for protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. In the Indonesian legal system, the recognition of customary territories is not the same as the determination of the status of customary forests. Recognition of customary territories is carried out at the local government level, while the status of customary forests is issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Nine clans from the Wambon Kenemopte Tribe in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, have submitted proposals. These clans include Kinggo Kambenap, Tenggare, Aute, Kanduga, Ekoki (Aiwat Village), Ekoki (Kampung Subur), Kemi, Eninggugop, and Wauk. Additionally, proposals came from the Gelek Malak Kalawilis Pasa in Sorong Regency and the Afsya people in Konda South Sorong District. The total forest area proposed is 245,506 hectares.

Processing delays

Yuli Prasetyo Nugroho, Head of the Sub-Directorate of Determination of Customary Forests and Forest Rights at MoEF, stated that the ministry is processing proposals from the Afsya Tribe and Gelek Malak Kalawilis Pasa with local governments. He noted that many areas are outside forest regions or under legal disputes, preventing immediate recognition. Many areas are designated for Oil Palm Plantation Use Rights (HGU).

Documentation challenges

Franky Samperante, Director of the Bentala Rakyat Heritage Foundation, highlighted the extensive documentation required for proposals. The Afsya people must correct errors in the Decree of the Regent of South Sorong. The deadline for completing these requirements is 31 July 2024.

Samperante estimated that 2,061,538 hectares of forest in Papua have been converted to plantation companies and industrial plantation forests (HTI), with 120,255 hectares cleared and 1,948,283 hectares remaining under indigenous control.

Insufficient recognition

Kasmita Widodo, Head of the Customary Territory Registration Agency (BRWA), emphasised that MoEF’s recognition is insufficient. Only 39,841 hectares have been recognised, despite over 11 million hectares of potential customary forests mapped in Papua. Verification intensified only in 2022, causing delays, and the lack of regional regulations remains a significant barrier.

Impact on indigenous livelihoods

Irene Thesia, an indigenous woman from South Sorong Regency, stressed the link between forest depletion and the survival of indigenous peoples. She fears plantation companies threaten their way of life. Thesia emphasised that indigenous livelihoods depend on customary forests and urged the Ministry to refrain from issuing plantation permits in Papua.

Advocacy and government support

Samperante stated that NGOs have been crucial in assisting communities, but local governments and MoEF must collaborate more effectively to accelerate recognition. He stressed the importance of recognising and respecting indigenous knowledge and ensuring social, legal, and economic security for indigenous peoples.

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