2) Indigenous land rights under threat – the impact of palm oil expansion in Papua
3) Watch: Kiwi pilot Phillip Mehrtens released by captors in peaceful ceremony
4) Indonesia paid no ransom to free NZ pilot Mehrtens: Minister
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Human Rights Monitor (Photos in report.)
1) IDP Update September 2024: New Research on IDPs in West Papua underlines urgent need for Government action
As of September 2024, more than 79,867 people in West Papua remain internally displaced as a result of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). New internal displacements between June and August 2024 reportedly occurred in the regencies Maybrat and Puncak. In the Paniai Regency, not all internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to their homes after being displaced due to a security force raid in the Bibida District in April 2024.
IDPs who decided to return to their villages are facing extraordinary military presence and surveillance by security force members. In the Paniai Regency, security force members have made attempts to set up new security posts near indigenous villages, increasing the potential for the occurrence of armed clashes near civilian settlements and human rights abuses against residents. Former IDPs from Maybrat reported that they must live under constant surveillance by the military after returning to their home villages, while education and healthcare facilities are not fully functional.
While the Government of Indonesia continues to deny the existence of IDPs in West Papua, Indonesian churches have taken the initiative to research the situation of the IDPs. The results were published in early September 2024. Human Rights Monitor has not received updated information on the condition and numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga, Intan Jaya, Yahukimo, Fakfak, and Puncak regencies in the past three months.
New research on IDPs in West Papua
In September 2024, the Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia, the West Papua Council of Churches, and the Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia published joint research results on IDPs in West Papua. The research was conducted by a collective of researchers from various fields, including migration, socio-politics, law and social justice, religion, and humanitarianism. Data was collected in July-August 2024 and obtained firsthand from 70 IDPs, all indigenous Papuans.
The research identified the top four difficulties they faced were lack of food (97%), health care (87%), economic/livelihood factors (81%), and loss of access to free education (90%). Some assistance was provided by church groups (30%), family/relatives (29%), and/or 24% from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or solidarity groups. Local government support was reported to be very low. After more than three years, half of the respondents reported not receiving any assistance. Accordingly, two-thirds of IDPs mentioned they do not feel safe in their current situation.
All respondents cited ‘armed conflict’ as the main cause of their displacement (100%). ‘Fear’ was mentioned by 97% of all respondents. A total of 41% of displaced families reported that they were intimidated by parties to the conflict and 39% of respondents revealed that their families were directly threatened. IDP respondents reported that their average period of displacement was more than three years, which included a period of between one and two years of moving around in the forest on foot. IDP respondents reported spending 1-2 years in forest displacement, usually walking long distances. About two-thirds of the respondents were constantly on the move or sleeping in the open or under tents/tarps.
The main considerations that influence IDPs to return are economic and livelihood issues if they return to their villages (53%), and the lack of security in their home village (70%). 39% of respondents stated they would not return because of threats from conflict parties.
The research illustrates that internal displacement has become a chronic problem in West Papua, given the duration and intensity of displacement. The persons interviewed in average internally displaced for more than three years. Some of them lived in forest shelters for more than 16 months under poor living conditions (97% reported not having enough food), facing psychosocial trauma and vulnerability (66% of respondents feel unsafe in their current location).
Paniai
A security force raid in the Bibida District, Paniai Regency, caused the internal displacement of an estimated more than 5,000 persons from 15 villages in the districts Ekadide, Aradide, Bibida and Paniai Timur in mid-June 2024. Other observers stated their number reached up to 7,600 IDPs, composed of indigenous Mee and Moni people. On 25 June 2024, security forces accompanied more than 1,200 IDPs from the Catholic Salib Suci Church to their villages. In contrast to many other conflict-affected regencies in West Papua, the local government quickly reacted to the humanitarian crisis. Parliament members and the Paniai Regent visited the IDPs in Madi and the Gerbang Sadu Village in Nabire Regency, on 16 June 2024. They donated food and financial support of 100 million rupiah (about € 5,672) to the IDP shelters in Madi and Nabire.
Not all of the IDPs returned home as of late July 2024. Figures compiled by local church workers in late July 2024 concluded that only about 2,500 IDPs had returned to their homes. According to information from a local solidarity group, about 400 IDPs who had fled to Nabire (see photo below, Source: Jubi) returned to Bibida and Paniai Timur on 22 July 2024. Their return was funded by solidarity groups without financial support from the local government.
A possible reason for IDPs to return to their home is aggravated by the attempt to expand the military infrastructure in the Paniai Regency. In early July 2024, the indigenous communities rejected the proposed establishment of a new military post in the Aradide Regency. A Health Centre (Puskesmas) in the Bibida District was reportedly still occupied by military members to accommodate military personnel as of late July 2024.
Maybrat
Human rights defenders observed a new mode of military operations in the Maybrat Regency. According to the information received, an additional 48 civilians had to leave their forest shelters following attacks by the military near Kisor Village, Aifat Selatan District. On 9 August 2024, military members reportedly bombed eleven houses with mortar grenades from drones and the ground (see photos below, source: WPCC).
Some IDPs have taken refuge in the forest since September 2021 and survived depending on nature. The villages in the greater Aifat area continue to be under the control of the military. Military personnel continue occupying offices, schools, and homes, while healthcare facilities are being neglected.
Residents are afraid to go home or even go out on the street. Military personnel require villagers to report before leaving and upon return if they work in their gardens. Some IDPs stated that military members prohibited them from visiting gardens in certain areas or told them to work for a limited period.
The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) announced in late August 2024, that Komnas HAM Commissioners would soon conduct a field visit to Maybrat. The visit should serve the purpose of evaluating the implementation of recommendation
Puncak
In early June 2024, approximately 500 households in the districts Agandugume and Oneri reportedly fled to the Sinak District, Puncak Regency, due to military operations (see photos below, source: independent HRDs). Some IDPs fled to stay with relatives in the Nabire Regency. The IDPs have not been able to return to their homes due to the continued presence of non-organic military forces in the Puncak Regency. The displacement was triggered by the central government’s construction of logistics warehouses in Agandugume and Oneri Districts, despite local opposition, leading to armed clashes between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) and Indonesian military forces.
Since early June, the armed clashes frequently re-occurred in the Sinak District until 8 July 2024, preventing IDPs from returning to their villages. The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by the lack of government assistance for the displaced populations. In addition to the 500 households from Agandugume and Oneri, another 400 households from the districts Magebume and Yugumoak have reportedly fled to the regencies Nabire and Timika since 3 March 2023, following a separate violent incident.
IDPs across West Papua, Indonesia, as of 15 September 2024…….. https://humanrightsmonitor.org/reports/idp-update-september-2024-new-research-on-idps-in-west-papua-underlines-urgent-need-for-government-action/
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Human Rights Monitor
2) Indigenous land rights under threat – the impact of palm oil expansion in Papua
A new report has revealed the devastating impacts of palm oil investment in Papua, Indonesia, on both the environment and indigenous communities. The study, conducted by researcher Wiko Saputra, found that while the economic benefits of the industry are limited, the environmental and social costs are significant.
Environmental Destruction and Limited Economic Gains
Wiko’s research, presented in a public discussion on 27 August 2024, showed that palm oil plantations in Papua have resulted in substantial deforestation, leading to environmental losses of Rp96.6 trillion. Despite the vast areas of land allocated for palm oil cultivation, only a small portion is actually used for plantations, with the remainder serving as “landbanks” with high economic value.
The economic benefits and tax revenues generated by palm oil investment have been far outweighed by the environmental costs. The cost-benefit ratio of 5.48 per cent indicates that the investment is more harmful than beneficial.
Indigenous Communities Displaced and Food Security Threatened
The expansion of palm oil plantations has had a devastating impact on indigenous communities in Papua. Deforestation has led to a loss of traditional food sources, contributing to food insecurity in many regions. Thirty out of 42 districts involved in palm oil plantation business are now experiencing food insecurity.
Indigenous communities have been demanding an end to deforestation, as their livelihoods and cultural heritage are inextricably linked to the land.
Seizure of Customary Land
In addition to the environmental and social impacts of palm oil investment, the study also highlighted the seizure of customary land in Papua. According to researcher Dr Laksmi A Savitri, around 30 per cent of the land in Papua is now under corporate control, with a total area of 13.26 million hectares used by 374 companies.
During a live-streaming event on 14 September 2024, Dr Laksmi A Savitri, Jhon Gobai, and Dominikus B. Gebze discussed the mechanisms used to seize customary land in Papua. They identified three primary mechanisms: regulatory pressure from above, consumerism from below, and the seduction of intermediaries from the centre. “Around 30 per cent of the land is given by the state to corporations with a work contract between 30 to 90 years,” said Laksmi.
Despite the recognition of customary land rights in several regulations, indigenous communities often find their land transferred to state land or state forest areas. This makes their rights invisible and vulnerable to encroachment.
Jhon Gobai emphasized that the recognition of the rights of indigenous people in Papua has been regulated in the Papuan Special Autonomy Law (UU Otsus), especially in Article 43 paragraphs 1 and 2. He highlighted the importance of dialogue between indigenous people and the government before the investment is made, and ensured the implementation of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (PADIATAPA).
Call for Sustainable Development and Respect for Indigenous Rights
The findings of the report underscore the need for a more sustainable and equitable approach to development in Papua. The government is urged to stop the exploitation of natural resources and provide opportunities for indigenous communities to manage their own territory.
“If we really want to build Indonesia, the direction must be to the east,” said Wiko Saputra. “The current investment is not a real investment, but a political investment and a trick.”
By prioritising human resource development, education, and local community health, Papua can achieve sustainable growth while respecting the rights of its indigenous people.
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3) Watch: Kiwi pilot Phillip Mehrtens released by captors in peaceful ceremony
7:51 pm on 23 September 2024
New video footage has been released of a peaceful hand-over ceremony of Kiwi pilot Phillip Mehrtens' release in West Papua.
The footage, sent to RNZ Pacific by a member of the West Papua Council of Churches, shows a formal ceremony followed by Mehrtens shaking hands with a number of locals before entering a helicopter and being flown away.
Mehrtens was held hostage by the West Papua National Liberation Army for 19 months after he landed a small plane in a remote mountainous area in February last year.
His release comes after disputed claims a bribe was made and six months on from the group saying they intended to release him.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters told Morning Report the suggestion a bribe was paid was "a disgrace".
Mehrtens will be reuniting with his wife and son after more than a year-and-a-half in captivity in West Papua - a region fighting for liberation from Indonesia.
Located just over 6000km north of New Zealand, West Papua is the western half of the island of New Guinea, bordering the independent nation of Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked those involved in his release on Monday.
"But it wasn't just the good people at MFAT, there were many other agencies and people involved. In Papua, there were the churches, local government and civil society representatives who all worked relentlessly on this case."
Luxon noted Mehrtens family wanted to publicly thank his captors for keeping him safe throughout this saga.
A former New Zealand police negotiator Lance Burdett told Midday Report that international hostage negotiations "comes down to money but it is a complex pathway to get to that point”.
'No bribe'
West Papua Council of Churches' Reverend Sofyan Socratez Yoman provided video of the transfer of Mehrtens.
He was part of early negotiations with Indonesia and New Zealand and is in close contact with the family of Mehrtens captor, military commander of Free Papua Movement, Egianus Kogoya.
Rev Yoman said Mehrtens release was peaceful and an act of goodwill. He was adamant the capture was politically motivated and not about money.
"No, no, no, bribe. This is, this is a political mission, this is a kindness of Egianus Kogoya to release Mehrtens.
"This is telling the public and internationally that we are not barbaric, we are not terrorists, we are not criminals, we are human beings."
West Papuans have been seeking independence since the 1960s following the controversial transfer of the region to Indonesia by the United Nations.
Rev Yoman said it was time to wake up to the issue of West Papua.
"West Papuan people struggle, fighting for more than six, six decades for justice, peace, independence, liberation struggle continually.
"We need international communities, including New Zealand communities and governments. Listen up, listen up our sovereign. Listen [to] our suffering."
Green MP Teanau Tuiono has been vocal on the liberation of West Papua.
"International community has been complicit by not paying attention," he said.
"It's a wake-up call to resolve the situation, to support the self determination of indigenous peoples in West Papua, and encouraging the Pacific Islands Forum to actually do more, to get a UN human rights investigation team to go in there, verbally with indigenous peoples, to support what's happening over there, and to push to do more, move towards a peaceful resolution to West Papua."
The Pacific Islands Forum has been contacted for comment.
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4) Indonesia paid no ransom to free NZ pilot Mehrtens: Minister
September 23, 2024 17:08 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia did not pay any ransom to free Philip Mark Mehrtens, a Susi Air pilot from New Zealand abducted by a Papuan armed separatist group, Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Coordinating Minister Hadi Tjahjanto emphasized.
"This (release) is the result of the efforts made by religious figures, community figures, police officers, and soldiers," he remarked after a meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Monday.
Tjahjanto underscored that it took persistence to eventually free Pilot Mehrtens from the separatist group that held him hostage for 19 months.
"We had to undergo quite a long process (to free Mehrtens), as the safety of the pilot was the priority. Hence, this success is on all of us," he remarked.
The minister then said the incident that befell the foreign pilot would not hinder the development of the Papua region.
"The development of Papua will continue running for the sake of the welfare of locals. Soldiers and police officers will be dispatched in the event of minor disruptions in a region," he pointed out.
Related news: Indonesia hands over pilot Mehrtens to New Zealand government
He also told reporters that similar approaches might be employed to deal with such unwanted cases in future.
Earlier, on Saturday (September 21), the 2024 Cartenz Peace Task Force, comprising Indonesian soldiers and police officers, picked up Mehrtens, who had been held hostage by the separatist group led by Egianus Kogoya since February 2023.
Head of the task force, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that his side prioritized a soft approach to rescue the pilot in Nduga District, Highland Papua Province.
After a medical check, the New Zealand national was transported to Jakarta from Timika aboard an aircraft belonging to the Indonesian Air Force on the same day.
In Jakarta in the evening, Minister Tjahjanto represented the Indonesian government in handing over Mehrtens to New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, Kevin Burnett.
Related news: NZ pilot Mehrtens in touch with family following release: Police
"This (release) is the result of the efforts made by religious figures, community figures, police officers, and soldiers," he remarked after a meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Monday.
Tjahjanto underscored that it took persistence to eventually free Pilot Mehrtens from the separatist group that held him hostage for 19 months.
"We had to undergo quite a long process (to free Mehrtens), as the safety of the pilot was the priority. Hence, this success is on all of us," he remarked.
The minister then said the incident that befell the foreign pilot would not hinder the development of the Papua region.
"The development of Papua will continue running for the sake of the welfare of locals. Soldiers and police officers will be dispatched in the event of minor disruptions in a region," he pointed out.
Related news: Indonesia hands over pilot Mehrtens to New Zealand government
He also told reporters that similar approaches might be employed to deal with such unwanted cases in future.
Earlier, on Saturday (September 21), the 2024 Cartenz Peace Task Force, comprising Indonesian soldiers and police officers, picked up Mehrtens, who had been held hostage by the separatist group led by Egianus Kogoya since February 2023.
Head of the task force, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, stated that his side prioritized a soft approach to rescue the pilot in Nduga District, Highland Papua Province.
After a medical check, the New Zealand national was transported to Jakarta from Timika aboard an aircraft belonging to the Indonesian Air Force on the same day.
In Jakarta in the evening, Minister Tjahjanto represented the Indonesian government in handing over Mehrtens to New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, Kevin Burnett.
Related news: NZ pilot Mehrtens in touch with family following release: Police
Translator: Melalusa S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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