2) Rising Military Influence: Indonesia Faces Democracy Challenges Amid Proposed TNI Law Revisions
3) After TNI Shooting in Yahukimo, TPNPB-OPM Issues Message to OAP
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Human Rights Monitor
1) Decades of struggle rewarded: Legal recognition of indigenous lands in Konda District
The local Government of Sorong Selatan Regency has officially recognized the indigenous peoples and customary territories of four sub-tribes in Konda District through a Regent Decree. The decree was presented by Regional Secretary on behalf of the Regent, Mr Samsudin Anggiluli. The recognized areas include 4,960.828 hectares for the Gemna sub-tribe, 4,674.579 hectares for the Nakna sub-tribe, 27,399.432 hectares for the Yaben sub-tribe, and 3,307.717 hectares for the Afsya sub-tribe. This recognition is a testament to the local wisdom and efforts preserved by these communities for generations, symbolizing the government’s commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring the welfare of indigenous peoples.
The legalisation of customary forest areas in Konda District covers a total of 40,282.556 hectares, benefiting two major tribes, Tehit and Yaben, with support from Konservasi Indonesia (KI). Additionally, a decree was issued to the Knasaimos customary law community, covering 97,441 hectares in Saifi and Seremuk districts, aided by Greenpeace Indonesia and Bentara Papua. KI’s Programme Director, Mr Roberth Mandosir, emphasized the importance of mapping for recognition, protection, and future generations. Nakna sub-tribe representative, Mr Nikolas Mondar, expressed gratitude for the decree, acknowledging the valuable assistance of NGOs in understanding forest management. Mr Fredrik Sagisolo, Chairman of the Knasaimos Indigenous Peoples Fellowship Council, highlighted the significance of legal recognition for the survival and certainty of indigenous lands.
The Knasaimos community has fought for two decades to protect their lands from exploitation by loggers and palm oil companies. Their persistence included mapping their territories, processing sago for economic independence, and seeking legal recognition. Greenpeace Indonesia’s Papua Forest Campaigner, Mr Amos Sumbung, pointed out that while the Knasaimos have succeeded, many other indigenous communities continue to lose their lands to corporate interests. This recognition marks a milestone in their long struggle, demonstrating the ongoing fight for indigenous rights and the protection of their lands and biodiversity.
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Human Rights Monitor
2) Rising Military Influence: Indonesia Faces Democracy Challenges Amid Proposed TNI Law Revisions
The current situation in Indonesia reveals a potential threat to its democracy, reminiscent of the era under President Suharto. In light of current debates regarding the planned revision of Law No 34/2004 on the military (TNI), TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated that the Indonesian Military now has a multifunctional role rather than the dual function it had during the New Order era. This multifunctional role sees the military involved in various sectors, including health and education in West Papua (see photos below, source: DGP). General Subiyanto claims that the military’s involvement in civilian matters benefits the country. However, the statement raises concerns about the military’s increasing influence in civilian affairs, potentially undermining democratic institutions and principles.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr M Herindra, assured the public that the current involvement of the TNI in civilian roles is regulated and controlled, dismissing fears of a return to the New Order’s dual-function doctrine. Both emphasised that Indonesia remains a democratic country and that the military’s involvement in non-military roles is necessary and beneficial. Herindra pointed out that the regulations are in place to prevent the misuse of military power, ensuring that such participation is based on requests from relevant ministries and not arbitrary decisions.
Despite these assurances, historical concerns persist. PDI-P Secretary General, Mr. Hasto Kristiyanto, reminded the public of the New Order era’s misuse of the military’s dual function for political purposes. This period saw the military deeply involved in politics, often at the expense of democratic processes. Hasto stressed that the reforms of the post-New Order era aimed to build distinct roles for the military and police, with the military focusing on defence and the police on law enforcement. The proposed revisions to the TNI and Police Laws, which include expanding the military’s authority, have reignited fears of past abuses.
Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives, Mr Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, addressed these concerns by stating that the expansion of TNI and police authority would be limited and determined by presidential needs. He acknowledged the current practice of TNI personnel occupying civilian positions and emphasised that such roles are necessary and beneficial under strict regulations. Yet, the proposed revisions to the TNI Law, which allow active soldiers to occupy civilian positions, have drawn significant debate and concern about potential overreach and erosion of civilian oversight.
The discussion around these legislative changes highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining national security and upholding democratic values in Indonesia. The trauma from the New Order era’s military dominance still lingers, and many fear that increasing the military’s role in civilian sectors could lead to a regression. While officials argue that today’s conditions are different and that regulations will prevent abuses, the potential for a slide back into military influence over civilian governance remains a critical issue for Indonesia’s democratic future.
TNI members provide basic healthcare and education services in conflict areas across West Papua. Most schools and healthcare facilities in these areas are dysfunctional or have been abandoned
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A google translate. Original Bahasa link
3) After TNI Shooting in Yahukimo, TPNPB-OPM Issues Message to OAP
Endy Langobelen BY ENDY LANGOBELEN June 8, 2024
YAHUKIMO – The military wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Kodap XVI Yahukimo, admitted to shooting a member of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, Thursday (6/6/2024).
Based on a press release issued by the KOMNAS TPNPB Headquarters Management, it was explained that the gunfight took place from noon at around 13.00 to 20.00 WIT at four points, namely at Kilometer 2, towards Kali Biru, Logbon area, and around Dekai Airport, the capital of Yahukimo Regency.
Sebby Sambom as the Spokesperson for TPNPB-OPM said that one TNI member was a victim in the action.
"TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo troops have successfully shot a member of the Indonesian Army from Papua until he is critical and is undergoing medical treatment at the Dekai Regional Hospital, which is still in the TPNPB Kodap XVI Yahukimo special forces operations area," said Sebby.
In relation to this action, TPNPB also issued a message to all Papuan Indigenous People (OAP) to be careful of the divide and rule politics that they believe are being carried out by the Indonesian Government against OAP through the acceptance of TNI-Polri members.
"All Papuan people must be aware that the acceptance of TNI-Polri specifically for Papuans is the same as pitting us fellow Papuans against each other to kill each other, this is the same as ethnic extermination among Papuans," said Sebby.
He also strengthened his argument by questioning why only OAP are focused on becoming TNI-Polri members while the executive, legislative and judicial fields are taken over by non-OAP.
"Are only Papuans who have to become TNI-Polri while the government, legislative and judicial fields are being taken over by Indonesian immigrants. This is what all Papuan people must be aware of and fight to achieve West Papuan independence," he added.
Previously reported, Head of Public Relations of the Cartenz 2024 Peaceful Operation Task Force, AKBP Bayu Suseno, through his written statement revealed that a TNI member was shot at around 18:20 WIT on Jalan Seradala, Kilometer 2, Dekai District.
"We can convey that from the attack carried out by the KKB Kodap XVI Yahukimo, one member of the Kodim 1715/Yahukimo named Private Rajami Uhio suffered a gunshot wound to the left thigh," he said.
Bayu explained that at that time, the Cartenz-2024 Peaceful Operation Task Force for the Yahukimo region received information via the Yahukimo Police HT radio that gunshots had been heard by the KKB from the direction of Jalan Seradala which resulted in Private Rajami Uhio suffering a gunshot wound to the left thigh.
"After receiving the report, our team from the Cartenz-2024 Peaceful Operation Task Force for the Yahukimo region immediately responded by moving quickly to the scene of the shooting," said Bayu.
It was said that the victim Private Rajami Uhio had been at the Dekai Yahukimo Hospital to receive medical treatment.
"The Cartenz-2024 Peace Ops Task Force will take firm and measured action against the KKB, the perpetrators of this shooting," Bayu concluded.
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