2) A list of sources of information/links in Bahasa/English. July 2025
3) Culture Minister Fadli Zon calls for reviving traditions in Raja Ampat
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1) Sorong City Police release 16 residents, 8 remain in detention
Last updated: August 30, 2025, 1:58 pm
Author: Gamaliel M. Kaliele Editor: Angela Flassy
Published August 30, 2025
Papuan mothers and the families of prisoners carried out a spontaneous action by occupying the yard of the Sorong City Police Headquarters, Friday (29/8/2025) - Jubi/Gamaliel
Sorong Jubi – The Sorong City Police have released 16 residents arrested during a demonstration on Wednesday (August 27, 2025). The releases were made Friday evening after police found no criminal elements.
Simon Soren, legal advisor to the Papuan Human Rights Advocates Coalition, said the decision confirmed the arrests were unlawful. However, four more residents were arrested on Friday afternoon, bringing the total to eight people still detained as of Saturday (August 30, 2025).
"Of the total, 16 people were recently released on the grounds that they did not meet the elements of a crime. So, after two 24-hour detentions, it has been proven that they are innocent," Simon said.
He explained that his team had initially advocated for the 17 residents arrested, but the number continued to grow as the situation developed.
"Initially, we advocated for 17 people, then the data increased to 23. Today, six more people were detained. Nevertheless, we continue to advocate for all those arrested," he said on Friday (August 29, 2025).
The Coalition's current focus is ensuring the legal status of those still detained and monitoring the situation on the ground. "We don't want to jump to conclusions, but the bottom line is that the 16 people arrested were proven not to have committed any crime," he reiterated.
Meanwhile, another legal advisor from the Papua Human Rights Advocates Coalition, Ambrosius Klagilit, expressed his regret over the alleged violence experienced by several residents while in detention. "We at the Papua Human Rights Advocates Coalition actually regret this, because the police must adhere to the applicable legal principles and not be brutal towards civilians," he said.
Ambrosius added that seven residents remain detained by the Sorong City Police. "The seven people still detained are all charged under Article 170 of the Criminal Code, and we will continue to provide legal assistance to them," he said.
Of the eight residents still under arrest, five are activists from the Pro-Democracy Papuan People's Solidarity Front (FSP) throughout Greater Sorong. Four activists were arrested at the residence of one of the political prisoners, Goram Gaman, on Friday afternoon.
Earlier on Friday afternoon, dozens of Papuan women (Mama Papua) along with the families of the detainees staged a spontaneous protest, occupying the courtyard of the Sorong City Police Headquarters. They even blocked Jalan Ahmad Yani in a show of disappointment over the residents' arrests.
"We didn't come here to cause trouble, but we demand justice for our children," Robby Wanwa, a member of the Southwest Papua Provincial Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), was also present and provided assurances to the police that the children still being detained would be released immediately. "We, the DPRD, along with the tribal chiefs, are ready to act as guarantees. These children should not be detained any longer. Let them return home, and we will be responsible for ensuring they do not repeat the same thing," Robby asserted.
As of the publication of this report, attempts to contact the Sorong City Police Chief regarding the details of the detention of the remaining seven residents had not yet been answered. (*)
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2) A list of sources of information/links in Bahasa/English. July 2025
PAPUA 2025 JULI daftar sumber informasi
oleh Theo van den Broek
https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2025/08/awpa-west-papua-update-no-4.html
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3) Culture Minister Fadli Zon calls for reviving traditions in Raja Ampat
August 30, 2025 14:37 GMT+700
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Culture Minister Fadli Zon has called for efforts to revive and preserve cultural traditions in Southwest Papua, especially in Raja Ampat, an area renowned for both its natural beauty and rich heritage.
“We see extraordinary cultural potential in Southwest Papua, particularly in Raja Ampat, which holds traces of past civilizations and traditions,” Fadli said in a statement on Saturday.
He emphasized the need to sustain cultural expressions, such as traditional dances, drum music, and performing arts, to ensure they are passed down through generations.
Minister Fadli stressed that cultural preservation is crucial not only for identity and history but also as a key driver of tourism.
“Advancing culture will strengthen our tourism sector, ensuring that culture and tourism grow together in Southwest Papua, including Raja Ampat,” he said.
Raja Ampat, part of a district with nearly 3,000 islands, is famed for its breathtaking marine biodiversity, with more than 553 species of coral and 1,500 types of fish.
Related news: Raja Ampat remains safe for tourists: Indonesian govt
It is also home to rich cultural traditions that enhance its appeal as a travel destination.
During a cultural dialogue, the ministry collaborated with local governments, communities, and cultural activists to commit to preserving the region’s heritage for future generations.
Artists from across the region, including Tambrauw District and Sorong City, presented their works and ideas to support the continuity of Southwest Papua’s culture.
The event was attended by Southwest Papua Deputy Governor Ahmad Nausrau, Raja Ampat Deputy District Head Mansur Syahdan, and several other local leaders, underscoring the spirit of regional collaboration.
In 2023, Raja Ampat was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognizing its significance in geology, ecology, and culture.
Related news: Environment Minister warns of biodiversity disturbances in Raja Ampat
“We see extraordinary cultural potential in Southwest Papua, particularly in Raja Ampat, which holds traces of past civilizations and traditions,” Fadli said in a statement on Saturday.
He emphasized the need to sustain cultural expressions, such as traditional dances, drum music, and performing arts, to ensure they are passed down through generations.
Minister Fadli stressed that cultural preservation is crucial not only for identity and history but also as a key driver of tourism.
“Advancing culture will strengthen our tourism sector, ensuring that culture and tourism grow together in Southwest Papua, including Raja Ampat,” he said.
Raja Ampat, part of a district with nearly 3,000 islands, is famed for its breathtaking marine biodiversity, with more than 553 species of coral and 1,500 types of fish.
Related news: Raja Ampat remains safe for tourists: Indonesian govt
It is also home to rich cultural traditions that enhance its appeal as a travel destination.
During a cultural dialogue, the ministry collaborated with local governments, communities, and cultural activists to commit to preserving the region’s heritage for future generations.
Artists from across the region, including Tambrauw District and Sorong City, presented their works and ideas to support the continuity of Southwest Papua’s culture.
The event was attended by Southwest Papua Deputy Governor Ahmad Nausrau, Raja Ampat Deputy District Head Mansur Syahdan, and several other local leaders, underscoring the spirit of regional collaboration.
In 2023, Raja Ampat was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognizing its significance in geology, ecology, and culture.
Related news: Environment Minister warns of biodiversity disturbances in Raja Ampat
Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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