Wednesday, July 17, 2024

1) Protest erupts after Indonesian military kills 3 suspected independence fighters in Papua


2) Papua Quarterly Report Q2 2024: Stagnation and Conflict: Land Rights and Military Presence Intensify

3) BPJS Kesehatan launches Patient Referral Program in Southwest Papua 

4) Indigenous communities in Sorong demand end to illegal logging by PT MAM

5) Instagram censors school strikers over support for West Papuan self-determination



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https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/three-killed-07172024155159.html

1) Protest erupts after Indonesian military kills 3 suspected independence fighters in Papua

Locals say the killed men were civilians, not West Papua National Liberation Army members.

Victor Mambor
2024.07.17
Jayapura, Indonesia

Dozens of protesters took to the streets in Indonesia’s Papua region on Wednesday, a day after the military killed three people it claimed were armed pro-independence fighters.

The military said its forces killed the three men on Tuesday in the Mulia district of Puncak Jaya regency. It identified them as members of the Free Papua Movement, which seeks Papuan independence from Indonesia, and said they were armed and had resisted capture. 

An insurgent group spokesman denied the men were members.

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Candra Kurniawan said one of the men, Teranus Enumbi, had been hunted by Indonesian security forces since 2018 for “cruel and sadistic attacks,” including shootings and killings of civilians and security personnel. 

“The Indonesian military and police will continue to maintain stability in the region by protecting and serving the community,” Kurniawan said. “Law will be enforced.”

Sebby Sambom, a spokesman for the West Papua National Liberation Army – the armed wing of the independence movement – said the information provided by the military was false and that the deceased were not members of the liberation army.

“The shooting of civilians is a violation of human rights,” Sambom told BenarNews. 

Papuans protested at the hospital where the bodies of the victims were taken and the Puncak Jaya police station in Central Papua province, demanding an explanation for why the three were killed.

“We don’t accept the military’s response to the community’s demands regarding the shooting of three civilians, allegedly by members of the [infantry battalion] Raider 753 Task Force,” said one resident who declined to be named for security concerns.

Representatives of victims’ families have called for a transparent investigation into the shooting and for those responsible to be held accountable.

Papua police spokesman Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo declined to comment.

Insurgency

An insurgency has simmered in Papua since the early 1960s when Indonesian forces invaded the region, which had remained under a separate Dutch administration following Indonesia’s 1945 declaration of independence from the Netherlands.

Indonesia argues its incorporation of the mineral rich territory was rightful under international law, because it was part of the Dutch East Indies empire that is the basis for Indonesia’s modern borders.

Papuans, culturally and ethnically distinct from the rest of Indonesia, say they were denied the right to decide their own future and are marginalized in their own land. Indonesian control was formalized in 1969 under a United Nations-supervised referendum where a little more than 1,000 Papuans were allowed to vote.

Lawyer shot

In a separate development on Wednesday, a lawyer and human rights activist said he was being treated in a hospital after he was shot by an unknown assailant in Manokwari, a town in West Papua province.

“Thank God, I’m all right. I’m undergoing an observation in the hospital,” Yan Christian Warinussy, a lawyer and spokesman for the Papua Peace Network, told BenarNews in a text message. 

Frits Ramandey, the head of the Papua branch of the National Commission on Human Rights, said Yan suffered a chest wound in the incident, which occurred as he was leaving a bank.

“He is in good condition,” Ramandey told BenarNews.

Amnesty International condemned the attack.

“The shooting was an act of terror against Yan personally and his lifelong work,” it said in a statement sent to BenarNews. “Amnesty urges the authorities to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice to be held accountable.” 

West Papua police chief Inspector Gen. Johnny Edison Isir said officers were investigating the shooting, local media reported.

Pizaro Gozali Idrus in Jakarta contributed to this report.


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Human Rights monitor


2) Papua Quarterly Report Q2 2024: Stagnation and Conflict: Land Rights and Military Presence Intensify

Human Rights News, Reports / Indonesia, West Papua / 17 July 2024 
This comprehensive 9-page document lists cases and developments including human rights violations and their patterns; escalation of armed conflict and its impact on civilians; significant political shifts in Indonesia affecting West Papua; and international responses and initiatives. It covers the period from 1 April to 30 June 2024.





Summary

Human rights

Human rights statistics indicate a stagnation, without a significant increase or decrease in cases of civil rights violations throughout the 2nd Quarter of 2024. However, Human Rights Monitor (HRM) received a growing number of cases of land grabbing from various regencies across West Papua. These cases exemplify private investors’ scramble for land and resources in West Papua, who frequently bypass the process of obtaining Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the indigenous communities who own the land. Reports of this trend emerged from the Papuan regencies of Merauke, Mimika, Deiyai, and Sorong between April and June 2024.
During the reporting period, all cases of extra-judicial killings and disappearances were linked to the ongoing armed conflict between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and Indonesian security forces. This conflict is a major driver of human rights abuses. Victims were either civilians caught in the crossfire or individuals killed by security forces during operations.
West Papua continues to see restrictions on civil liberties. Police have broken up or blocked peaceful protests, preventing activists and journalists from speaking out about or reporting on injustices and calls for self-determination within and outside West Papua. Papuan student groups and solidarity movements often hold rallies in other parts of Indonesia to raise awareness about the human rights situation in the country’s easternmost provinces. Police have been accused of mistreating and torturing protesters on several occasions, seemingly as punishment for their participation. The number of arbitrary detentions in recent quarters, as reflected in statistics, suggests a climate of fear among activists and human rights defenders.
Indonesia struggles to address impunity for human rights violations. Lack of transparency in internal investigations and light sentences for police and military personnel involved in abuses create a climate of impunity in West Papua. These practices make it difficult to hold perpetrators accountable. Civilian court proceedings against suspects remain exceedingly rare. A recent case in the Nabire District Court involving a police officer accused of killing Mr Yulianus Tebai in January 2023 might be a step towards tackling impunity, though the officer’s connection to the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol Pamong Praja) might be a factor in bringing the case to court. It’s unclear if the verdict will reflect the severity of the crime.
NGOs criticised the Indonesian National Army (TNI) for its lack of transparency in handling the case against 13 soldiers accused of torturing three Papuan civilians in Puncak Regency. The incident, which happened on 3 February 2024, resulted in the death of one civilian and left two others severely injured. Although the suspects were named on 25 March 2024, the Military Police Center (PUSPOM TNI) has not provided any updates on the investigation. This lack of transparency leaves the victims’ families and the public in the dark concerning the identities of the suspects and the nature of the evidence gathered. This secrecy fuels significant concerns about a fair trial and raisis fears that the perpetrators may evade proper punishment.
Military tribunals and disciplinary sanctions against police officers have failed to bring justice to the victims and their relatives. On 16 June 2024, the family of Mr 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.

Conflict

As of early June 2024, over 76,919 people remained internally displaced due to the armed conflict in West Papua, with no humanitarian access. This number increased to more than 80,000 after more than 5,000 indigenous Papuans fled their homes following a raid by security forces in the Bibida District, Paniai Regency, on 14 June 2024. Updated figures show a total of 7,900 internally displaced persons (IDPs). In another development, security forces helped around 1,200 IDPs who were staying at the Salib Suci Parish in Madi to return to their villages.
HRM documented a surge in armed conflict in West Papua during the second quarter of 2024. There were 35 new clashes, raising the total to 69 by 30 June 2024. The period saw a rise in fatalities among the TPNPB. Two security force members were killed and five injured, while the TPNPB lost eight fighters and had one injured. This imbalance is linked to increased military presence in conflict areas. As in previous reports, civilians were the most affected, with six killed by the TPNPB and four by security forces.
Papuan communities struggle to prevent the central government from expanding military facilities near their homes. Residents fear being caught in the crossfire between security forces and the TPNPB as a result of this expansion. Additionally, communities living near military posts reportedly face constant monitoring and limitations on their movements. On 25 May 2024, military members reportedly occupied the only functioning hospital in the Paniai Regency for several days. Snipers on the top floor caused all patients to flee in panic. Women in the Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, called for the removal of military and police posts due to the threat they pose to civilians caught in the crossfire. Likewise, the Bibida District community is opposing the establishment of new military posts following a security raid on 14 June 2024.  
As of July 2024, there is no sign of rapprochement between the conflict parties. The Indonesian Government continues to hold on to a security-based approach, with soldiers slowly taking over civilian responsibilities in the fields of healthcare and education in West Papua. The rise in military presence observed even beyond known conflict zones is alarming. The recent election of Prabowo Subianto as president adds another layer of uncertainty. Subianto’s stance on West Papua has historically been aggressive, leading many to believe the situation could deteriorate under his leadership.

Political developments

Recent political developments suggest Indonesia is gradually moving away from the spirit of reform that drove earlier governments to democratise the nation following the end of President Suharto’s authoritarian New Order regime. The results of the February 2024 presidential election further support this observation.
The Indonesian Parliament is considering revising Broadcasting Law No 32/2002, sparking concerns from academics, human rights activists, and media stakeholders. The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) in Jakarta and NGOs have voiced their opposition, fearing the amendments could stifle freedom of expression and discriminate against minorities in Indonesia.
In light of current debates regarding the revision of  Law No 34/2004 on the military (TNI), TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated that the TNI 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. The statement raises concerns about the military’s increasing influence in civilian affairs, potentially undermining democratic institutions and principles.
Recent developments related to the government’s current agenda to revise the Police Law have caused concerns among Indonesia’s civil society. On 28 May 2024, the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) officially adopted the Third Amendment to Law No. 2 of 2002 on the Indonesian National Police or the Draft Law on Police. Civil society groups are concerned that the revisions expand police power without strengthening oversight or public control. They argue the revisions don’t address existing weaknesses in police accountability.
A positive policy development regarding the legal recognition of customary land offers hope for customary communities in Indonesia. Between 2022 and 2023, various indigenous groups in Papua have proposed the recognition of customary forests to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry(MoEF). Nine clans from the Wambon Kenemopte Tribe in Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, have submitted proposals. In a significant local development, the Government of Sorong Selatan Regency has officially recognised the indigenous peoples and customary territories of four sub-tribesin Konda District through a Regent Decree. The Awyu tribe continues to wait for a decision by the Supreme Court to protect 36,094 hectares of customary land from palm oil expansion. The Awyu have launched a campaign and petition to support their legal efforts with other forms of advocacy.

International developments

The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) expressed concern over the recent brutal torture inflicted on indigenous Melanesians in West Papua by Indonesian military members. Rev James Bhagwan, PCC General Secretary called for Indonesia’s suspension or expulsion from the MSG if it refuses to facilitate a visit by the UN Human Rights Commission to West Papua.
The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT) held a session on State and environmental violence in West Papua in London, from 27 to 29 June. A panel of judges heard from the victims of human rights violations and questioned experts to investigate and assess the environmental impacts of development in West Papua and the human rights violations linked to those practices.
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3) BPJS Kesehatan launches Patient Referral Program in Southwest Papua 
 July 17, 2024 20:24 GMT+700


Sorong, Southwest Papua (ANTARA) - State health insurer BPJS Kesehatan has initiated the Patient Referral Program (PRB) to improve access to and quality of services for National Health Insurance (JKN) participants in Southwest Papua.

Pupung Purnama, head of the BPJS Kesehatan office in Sorong, said on Wednesday that the PRB aims to ensure that JKN participants, particularly those suffering from chronic diseases, receive the appropriate medical treatment.

The referral program targets JKN participants with stable chronic diseases who require long-term treatment or nursing care at first-level healthcare facilities (FKTPs), following a referral or recommendation from specialist doctors.

"This program not only provides new hope for participants with chronic diseases to get better treatment but also helps change the outlook on chronic disease management in Indonesia," he explained.

Chronic diseases covered by the program include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disorders, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and epilepsy.

Patients with chronic mental health disorders, stroke, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other chronic diseases listed by the Health Ministry can also participate in the program.

According to Purnama, the program's participants will get access to regular health examinations, medical consultations, and medicines at FKTPs collaborating with BPJS Kesehatan.

"We are committed to ensuring the availability of drugs to support the control of participants' health conditions and increase accessibility to quality health services for those in need," he emphasized.

One of the JKN participants who has registered for the PRB program is John Hutahean. The 57-year-old man, who visits the clinic every month, said that his treatment and control process is more organized and efficient.

"In 2009, I underwent bypass surgery because I had a heart disease; so every month, I have to check my health at the clinic," he said, adding that all treatments he received were free of charge.

Related news: BPJS launches facial recognition tech to enhance services
Related news: Health Ministry downplays bed loss concerns over KRIS

Translator: Yuvensius B, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso




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Human Rights monitor

4) Indigenous communities in Sorong demand end to illegal logging by PT MAM

Cases, Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 17 July 2024 
Indigenous communities in Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, are accusing PT Mancaraya Argo Mandiri (PT MAM) of illegally logging their customary forests. The company’s operational license was revoked in 2019, but it is suspected of continuing activities in the Sayosa and Maudus districts.
Torianus Kalami, chairman of the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago (AMAN) Malamoi, condemned PT MAM’s operations and urged the local and provincial governments to take immediate action. He described the logging as a violation of indigenous rights and environmental damage.
Kalami fears the continued logging will devastate the customary forests, harming the indigenous people’s way of life and cultural heritage. He reported witnessing individuals carrying out logging without proper permits. “Selling this timber at low prices fuels the problem,” said Kalami. (See Suara Papua/ T. Kalami photo of timber Harvest by PT MAM in Sayosa).
The indigenous communities, including the Klesi, Klow, Murpa, Maas, and Kwanik clans, consider these forests sacred and essential for their survival. They are demanding the government expel PT MAM, halt all illegal logging, and protect their customary lands.
Yordan Malamuk, an indigenous man from Sayosa district, highlighted the environmental consequences of illegal logging, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of wildlife habitat. He, along with others, is urging the government to take a strong stance against PT MAM.

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5) Instagram censors school strikers over support for West Papuan self-determination

Social media giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has censored the School Strike 4 Climate group. The group’s Instagram page was shut down in April after it announced plans for a school strike for West Papua on August 30.

“We were quite excited for about five minutes,” spokesperson Jaromir Pinkas told Green Left. They had commissioned artwork, posted it online and “after about five minutes” the account was banned.


“We haven’t been able to get anything back,” Pinkas said.

Social media promotion had been an important way of building support for the strike, Pinkas said. The group is calling on supporters to spread the word about the action and about West Papua’s struggle for self-determination.

Pinkas believes that Meta’s action is “specifically because [the post was associated with] West Papua”.

The anti-colonial struggle and climate activism are “intrinsically linked, almost to the extent that in a lot of cases they are effectively the same fight”.

This is especially the case in West Papua, “because the destruction of lives and communities is done to facilitate ecological destruction”, in particular mining and logging.

The group has tried to get Meta to reverse its decision, but has been led to believe there is no appeal.

Facebook and Instagram have a long history of censorship. Green Left’s popular Facebook page was unpublished for 10 years in March.

“A lot of people just don’t know about what’s happening in West Papua” including the “ties that Australia has to that,” Pinkas said.

Facebook wants to keep it that way whereas School Strike 4 Climate wants to change that.

[The School Strike for West Papua is on August 30 at 1pm in the Queens Gardens in Magan-djin/Brisbane.]


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