3) Jubi media office firebombing part of systematic effort to silence press in Papua
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ measured approach to the West Papua issue, stating that his GNUT administration respects Indonesia’s sovereignty.
Speaking ahead of his departure to Indonesia this Friday, Manele addressed the media on his administration’s position on West Papua – a matter that has long been a sensitive topic in the Pacific region.
While acknowledging the complex nature of the West Papua issue, Manele said that there are two primary concerns: human rights violations and the ongoing call for self-determination.
He reiterated Solomon Islands’ recognition of Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua and also the importance of resolving the self-determination question through peaceful dialogue and consultation with the Indonesian government.
“Our position on self-determination is clear. It’s an issue that must be approached through dialogue and consultation with Indonesia,” Manele stated.
The Prime Minister also touched on human rights concerns in West Papua, an issue that has drawn international attention over the years. While reiterating respect for Indonesia’s sovereignty, Manele emphasised the importance of addressing human rights issues through constructive dialogue.
“We take the opportunity to express to Indonesia through dialogue that there are human rights issues they need to address. These include rights to land, access to resources, and other fundamental rights,” Manele noted, urging Indonesia to take these concerns seriously.
He also referred to existing mechanisms within the United Nations (UN) and regional bodies, stating that it is up to Indonesia to engage with institutions such as the UN Commission on Human Rights to allow further examination of the situation in West Papua.
Manele also referred to the UN’s Committee of 24, which deals with decolonisation and self-determination matters, reaffirming that international bodies are available to address such issues. However, Solomon Islands will continue to encourage discussions between West Papua and Indonesia to find a peaceful solution.
In line with this, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has previously called on Indonesia to invite the UN Commission to visit West Papua and assess the human rights situation on the ground.
Solomon Islands continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution to these critical issues through open dialogue and constructive engagement with Indonesia.
Manele will be traveling to Indonesia this Friday, to attend the inauguration ceremony for the new President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto and the Vice President Gibran Raka.
Indonesia has invited MSG countries or leaders to attend the inauguration ceremony. The ceremony will be on Sunday, 20 October 2024 and the Prime Minister will return next Wednesday.
"We must admit that violent incidents befalling civilians are still evident (in Papua)," he said while outlining directives related to the development and special autonomy of Papua at his palace in Jakarta on Friday.
Amin also extended his appreciation to security officers and law enforcers for taking immediate action to deal with each incident of violence.
He then expressed the hope that Papua will become even safer, while calling upon all people, including Papua residents, to live in harmony and collaborate to bring progress to Indonesia's easternmost region.
He further said that as chair of the Papua Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Steering Committee (BP3OKP), he has presided over a series of coordination meetings and made several visits to Papua since 2021.
"I have witnessed plenty of positive changes, including those related to the development of infrastructures and facilities as well as improvements in public services in four new autonomous regions," he added.
Related news: In Papua, TNI pursuing security with a humane face
He then stressed the importance of ensuring that central and regional governments remain duly committed to implementing policies that are oriented toward accelerating development in Papua.
"It is vital that we develop Papua in the spirit of togetherness, considering that Papua stands as an integral part of Indonesia's diversity and unity," he said.
Amin then drew attention to the upcoming simultaneous regional head elections in November, saying that Papua requires strong, professional, and reliable leaders to achieve progress.
"My message to whoever will be elected (as regional leaders) is to prioritize regional advancement and the welfare of people," he said.
Related news: Gov't should optimize socio-cultural approach to deal with OPM: DPR
Translator: Benardy F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
3) Jubi media office firebombing part of systematic effort to silence press in Papua
Adlu Raharusun, Jayapura – A Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Jujur Bicara or Jubimedia editorial office in Jayapura, Papua, on the morning of Wednesday October 16. The alleged terror attack has attracted concern as well as criticism from journalist organisations.
Jayapura city Alliance of Independent Journalist (AJI) Chairperson Lucky Ireuw stated that the alleged terror attack against Jubi was a serious threat to the press freedom in the land of Papua. He also urged the police to thoroughly investigate the case.
"Terror against Jubi and press workers in the land of Papua has occurred repeatedly, but to this day has not yet been resolved [by the police]. AJI together with the LBH Pers [Legal Aid Institute for the Press] and all parties will oversee the handling of this case until it's resolved", said Ireuw.
Ireuw asserted that acts of terror and other attacks against Jubi would not shake the enthusiasm of journalists in voicing the truth in the land of Papua. However, he reminded all parties to respect and protect press freedom.
West Papua Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Chairperson Bustam also urged the police to fully uncover and arrested the perpetrators so that similar incidents are not repeated.
"Attacks on the mass media are a real threat to press freedom, which is the main pillar of democracy. We condemn all forms of violence against journalists and the media. Such actions hamper the right of people to obtain true and fair information", Bustam said.
Papua-Maluku Indonesian Television Journalist Association (IJTI) Coordinator Chanry Suripatty stated that the Molotov's bomb attack on Jubi sets a bad precedent for press freedom in Papua. Therefore, the perpetrators and the motives for the attack must be revealed transparently.
"Attacks on the media cannot be taken lightly. This is not only a physical threat, but also a direct attack on press freedom, and democracy in the land of Papua", Suripatty said in a written statement.
Suripatty suspects that the alleged terror attack is an attempt to silence the mass media in the land of Papua. There is concern therefore that the incident will further increase acts of violence against and pressure on journalists in Papua
"We suspect this is a systematic effort to curb press freedom and democracy in the land of Papua. If press freedom continues to be intimidated, what is at stake is not only the right of journalists, but also the public's right to obtain information that is truthful, and balanced", said Suripatty.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Serangan Molotov Ke Jubi Cederai Kebebasan Pers".]
Source: https://jubi.id/polhukam/2024/serangan-molotov-ke-jubi-cederai-kebebasan-pers/
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