2) The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Regional Defense Command (Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel) calls on diplomats and civil society organizations to unite
3) Indonesia commits to advancing Papua's health facility development
4) Central Papua Police plan Brimob expansion to reinforce security
5) Papua, Jakarta discuss unlocking coastal economic potential
6) Social Ministry trains operators of child facilities in Highland Papua
--------------------------------------------------------
1) Indo-Oz treaty. Pandering to Prabowo, ignoring unrest, West Papua
by Duncan Graham | Nov 16, 2025 | Comment & Analysis, Latest Posts
While Indonesians worry about President Prabowo’s undemocratic moves, the failures of his flagship ‘breakfast’ policy, and a faltering economy, Australia enters into another ‘treaty’ of little import. Duncan Graham reports.
Under-reported in the Australian media, Indonesia has been gripped by protests this year, some of them violent. protests with grievances ranging from cuts to the national budget and a proposed new law expanding the role of the military in political affairs, President Prabowo’s disastrous free school meals program, and politicians receiving a $3,000 housing allowance.
More recently, further anger against the president has been fuelled by his moves to make corrupt former dictator Soeharto (also Prabovo’s former father-in-law) a national hero.
Ignoring both his present travails, as well as his history of historical human rights abuses (that saw him exiled from Indonesia for years), Prabowo has been walking the 27,500-tonne HMAS Canberra, the fleet flagship of the Royal Australian Navy, along with PM Anthony Albanese.
The location was multipurpose: It showed off our naval hardware and reinforced the signing of a thin ‘upgraded security treaty’ between unequals. Australia’s land mass is four times larger, but there are eleven Indonesians to every one Aussie.
Ignoring the past
Although Canberra’s flight deck was designed for helicopters, the crew found a desk for the leaders to lean on as they scribbled their names. The location also served to keep away disrespectful Australian journalists asking about Prabowo’s past, an issue their Jakarta colleagues rarely raise for fear of being banned.
Contrast this one-day dash with the relaxed three-day 2018 visit by Jokowi and his wife Iriana when Malcolm Turnbull was PM. The two men strolled through the Botanical Gardens and seemed to enjoy the ambience. The President was mobbed by Indonesian admirers.
This month, Prabowo and Albanese smiled for the few allowed cameras, but there was no feeling that this was fair dinkum. Indonesia said the trip was “also a form of reciprocation for Prime Minister Albanese’s trip to Jakarta last May,” another one-day come n’go chore.
Analysing the treaty needs some mental athleticism and linguistic skills because the Republic likes to call itself part of a ‘non-aligned movement’, meaning it doesn’t couple itself to any other world power.
The policy was developed in the 1940s after the new nation had freed itself from the colonial Netherlands and rejected US and Russian suitors.
It’s now a cliché – ‘sailing between two reefs’ and ‘a friend of all and enemy of none’. Two years ago, former Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi explained:
“Indonesia refuses to see the Indo-Pacific fall victim to geopolitical confrontation. …This is where Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy becomes relevant. For almost eight decades, these principles have been a compass for Indonesia in interacting with other nations.
“…(it’s) independent and active foreign policy is not a neutral policy; it is one that does not align with the superpowers nor does it bind the country to any military pact.”
Pact or treaty?
Is a ‘pact’ a ‘treaty’? For most of us, the terms are synonyms; to the word-twisting pollies, they’re whatever the user wants them to mean.
We don’t know the new ‘security treaty’ details though the ABC speculated it meant there will be “leader and ministerial consultations on matters of common security, to develop cooperation, and to consult each other in the case of threats and consider individual or joint measures” and “share information on matters that would be important for Australia’s security, and vice-versa.”
Much of the ‘analysis’ came from Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s media statement, so no revelations here.
What does it really mean? Not much from a close read of Albanese’s interpretation:” If either or both countries’ security is threatened,
to consult and consider what measures may be taken either individually or jointly to deal with those threats.
Careful readers will spot the elastic “consult and consider”. If this were on a highway sign warning of hazards ahead, few would ease up on the pedal.
Whence commeth the threat? In the minds of the rigid right, that would be China – the nation that both Indonesia and Australia rely on for trade.
The last ‘security treaty’ to be signed was between PM Paul Keating and Soeharto in 1995. Penny Wong said the new document is “modelled closely” on the old deal.
The Keating doc went into the shredder when Indonesian troops invaded East Timor in 1998, and Australia took the side of the wee state and its independence fighters.
Would we do the same for the guerrillas in West Papua if we knew what was happening in the mountains and jungles next door? We don’t because the province is closed to journos, and it seems both governments are at ease with the secrecy. The main protests come from NGOs, particularly those in NZ.
FM Wong added that “the Treaty will reflect the close friendship, partnership and deep trust between Australia and Indonesia.”
Sorry, Senator, that’s fiction. Another awkward fact: Indonesians and Australians distrust each other, according to polls run by the Lowy Institute. “Over the course of 19 years …attitudes towards Indonesia have been – at best – lukewarm.
And at worst, they betray a lurking suspicion.
These feelings will remain until we get serious about telling our stories and listening to theirs, with both parties consistently striving to understand and respect the other. ‘Security treaties’ involving weapons, destruction and killings are not the best foundations for friendship between neighbours.
Future docs should be signed in The Domain.
Duncan Graham has a Walkley Award, two Human Rights Commission awards and other prizes for his radio, TV and print journalism in Australia. He now lives in Indonesia.
———————————————————————
A google translate
Original Bahasa link
2) The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Regional Defense Command (Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel) calls on diplomats and civil society organizations to unite
November 16, 2025 in Press Release Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Author: Jubi Admin - Editor: Arjuna Pademme
Jayapura, Jubi – The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Regional Defense Command (Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel) in the Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Pegunungan, calls on all diplomats and civil society organizations everywhere who are fighting for Papuan independence to unite.
TPNPB Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel also called on Papuan diplomats to unite in political lobbying with the United Nations and UN member states regarding the armed conflict between the TPNPB and the Indonesian military, which has claimed numerous lives and property throughout Papua.
TPNPB Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel also called on those fighting for Papuan independence to cease creating new polemics on social media that could damage the image of the Papuan nation.
"Stop attacking Mr. Sebby Sambom and the National Commission of the Papuan People's Liberation Army (TPNPB), and immediately forgive each other for the sake of the Papuan people's struggle," wrote the TPNPB Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel in a written press release on Sunday (11/16/2025).
He stated that many TPNPB members and civilians have been victims. Therefore, all parties must stop creating new polemics in the struggle. Instead, they must unite immediately. Because what they are fighting for is not for TPNPB independence, but for the history and the Papuan people.
Furthermore, the TPNPB Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel called on all civil society organizations fighting for Papuan independence at home and abroad, including those in Papua, to immediately unite to stop Indonesian colonialism in Papua.
According to the TPNPB Kodap XV Ngalum Kupel, the four years of war between the TPNPB and the Indonesian military have resulted in numerous casualties in the Bintang Mountains. For four years, thousands of civilians who fled into the forest have remained there, without any humanitarian assistance from the International Red Cross.
"So that all Papuan diplomats around the world can immediately unite and lobby internationally for UN intervention in the armed conflict that has claimed many lives and property in Papua." (*)
------------------------------------------------
3) Indonesia commits to advancing Papua's health facility development
November 16, 2025 17:14 GMT+700
Jayapura (ANTARA) - Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has affirmed the central government's commitment to enhancing and adding medical facilities across Papua Province to ensure accessible and quality health services in the eastern region.
"We will follow up on the suggestions conveyed by Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri," he noted in a press release received in Jayapura, Papua, on Sunday.
The minister also emphasized that boosting health services nationwide is part of President Prabowo Subianto's eight core missions called the Asta Cita.
Sadikin made the remarks in response to Fakhiri's appeal for the central government to expedite the development of health facilities in the nine regions forming Papua Province to nurture healthy and quality human capital.
The governor confirmed that he had met with the minister in Jakarta on Friday (November 14), where he highlighted the construction of a hospital in Keerom District using a budget of more than Rp122 billion (around US$7 million), which has progressed to 50 percent.
He also mentioned the development of community health laboratories in Keerom and Jayapura Districts, with progress still stuck at 25 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Both facilities are being built on a budget worth Rp15 billion (nearly US$900 thousand) each.
Furthermore, Fakhiri sought the Health Ministry's support for commencing several major projects, including the construction of the Rodofabo Hospital in Waropen District, which requires up to Rp200 billion (US$12 million) in funding.
“Not to mention the development of a hospital in Mamberamo Raya District with a budget of Rp300 billion (US$18 million), as well as a special biosafety level2 room for the Papua Health Laboratory,” the governor added.
He also spoke of having proposed the procurement of essential tools and equipment for the Jayapura General Hospital, Abepura General Hospital, and Abepura Psychiatric Hospital.
"Additionally, we proposed elevating the status of the Abepura Public Hospital to one of a reference hospital for maternity and children's health services and lung infection treatment," Fakhiri added.
Despite the lagging projects, the governor appreciated the central government for completing the construction of the Jayapura Central General Hospital and the Supiori Hospital, which incurred budgets of Rp633 billion (US$38 million) and Rp53 billion, respectively.
Related news: Health Minister vows more specialist doctors for Jayapura hospital
Related news: Papua's Jayapura General Hospital to improve healthcare access
"We will follow up on the suggestions conveyed by Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri," he noted in a press release received in Jayapura, Papua, on Sunday.
The minister also emphasized that boosting health services nationwide is part of President Prabowo Subianto's eight core missions called the Asta Cita.
Sadikin made the remarks in response to Fakhiri's appeal for the central government to expedite the development of health facilities in the nine regions forming Papua Province to nurture healthy and quality human capital.
The governor confirmed that he had met with the minister in Jakarta on Friday (November 14), where he highlighted the construction of a hospital in Keerom District using a budget of more than Rp122 billion (around US$7 million), which has progressed to 50 percent.
He also mentioned the development of community health laboratories in Keerom and Jayapura Districts, with progress still stuck at 25 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Both facilities are being built on a budget worth Rp15 billion (nearly US$900 thousand) each.
Furthermore, Fakhiri sought the Health Ministry's support for commencing several major projects, including the construction of the Rodofabo Hospital in Waropen District, which requires up to Rp200 billion (US$12 million) in funding.
“Not to mention the development of a hospital in Mamberamo Raya District with a budget of Rp300 billion (US$18 million), as well as a special biosafety level2 room for the Papua Health Laboratory,” the governor added.
He also spoke of having proposed the procurement of essential tools and equipment for the Jayapura General Hospital, Abepura General Hospital, and Abepura Psychiatric Hospital.
"Additionally, we proposed elevating the status of the Abepura Public Hospital to one of a reference hospital for maternity and children's health services and lung infection treatment," Fakhiri added.
Despite the lagging projects, the governor appreciated the central government for completing the construction of the Jayapura Central General Hospital and the Supiori Hospital, which incurred budgets of Rp633 billion (US$38 million) and Rp53 billion, respectively.
Related news: Health Minister vows more specialist doctors for Jayapura hospital
Related news: Papua's Jayapura General Hospital to improve healthcare access
Translator: Qadri P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
—————————————————————
4) Central Papua Police plan Brimob expansion to reinforce security
November 16, 2025 16:38 GMT+700
Timika (ANTARA) - The Central Papua Regional Police are planning to add one more battalion to their Mobile Brigade (Brimob) Corps to beef up their capacity to maintain stability and security in the region.
Central Papua Police Chief Brigadier General Alfred Papare said in Timika, Mimika District, on Sunday that the regional police currently operate two Brimob units: Battalion A in Nabire District and Battalion B in Timika.
He noted that the two battalions were previously stationed with the Brimob Corps of the Papua Regional Police, headquartered in Jayapura City.
"Our plan is to raise one more battalion because Brimob personnel are urgently needed here, considering this region's relatively high vulnerability to security disruptions," he pointed out.
Papare, who previously served as deputy chief of the West Papua Regional Police, explained that his side intends to prepare Brimob personnel to support all resort police units across Central Papua Province to ensure lasting security and order for the public.
The one-star general said he acknowledges that Central Papua remains a hot spot of violent incidents, particularly those perpetrated by armed rebel groups, which have hindered development programs in several interior or remote areas.
On that note, he expressed confidence that the Brimob expansion plan will facilitate and fast-track the mobilization of personnel to back up local police offices in the event of security-threatening incidents.
The transfer of the Nabire and Timika Brimob Battalions to the Central Papua Police was followed by the inauguration of the emblem of the regional police's Brimob Corps by Brigadier General Papare. The corps is led by Grand Commissioner Ahmad Nurman Ismail.
This move is part of the structural development of the Central Papua Police, established in November last year with its headquarters in Nabire, to strengthen security measures in several conflict-prone areas.
Related news: Sorong riots prompt police to deploy 100 elite Brimob officers
Related news: Brimob-Cartenz team in Mulia to restore law and order
Related news: Indonesian police reenact killing of two Brimob officers in Papua
Central Papua Police Chief Brigadier General Alfred Papare said in Timika, Mimika District, on Sunday that the regional police currently operate two Brimob units: Battalion A in Nabire District and Battalion B in Timika.
He noted that the two battalions were previously stationed with the Brimob Corps of the Papua Regional Police, headquartered in Jayapura City.
"Our plan is to raise one more battalion because Brimob personnel are urgently needed here, considering this region's relatively high vulnerability to security disruptions," he pointed out.
Papare, who previously served as deputy chief of the West Papua Regional Police, explained that his side intends to prepare Brimob personnel to support all resort police units across Central Papua Province to ensure lasting security and order for the public.
The one-star general said he acknowledges that Central Papua remains a hot spot of violent incidents, particularly those perpetrated by armed rebel groups, which have hindered development programs in several interior or remote areas.
On that note, he expressed confidence that the Brimob expansion plan will facilitate and fast-track the mobilization of personnel to back up local police offices in the event of security-threatening incidents.
The transfer of the Nabire and Timika Brimob Battalions to the Central Papua Police was followed by the inauguration of the emblem of the regional police's Brimob Corps by Brigadier General Papare. The corps is led by Grand Commissioner Ahmad Nurman Ismail.
This move is part of the structural development of the Central Papua Police, established in November last year with its headquarters in Nabire, to strengthen security measures in several conflict-prone areas.
Related news: Sorong riots prompt police to deploy 100 elite Brimob officers
Related news: Brimob-Cartenz team in Mulia to restore law and order
Related news: Indonesian police reenact killing of two Brimob officers in Papua
Translator: Evarianus S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
--------------------------------------------
5) Papua, Jakarta discuss unlocking coastal economic potential
November 16, 2025 18:02 GMT+700
Jayapura (ANTARA) - The provincial government of Papua and the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries have explored avenues for collaboration on capitalizing on Papua’s coastal areas to boost the local economy.
Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri said in Jayapura City on Sunday that the marine, fisheries, and tourism sectors have the potential to stimulate sustainable economic growth in the province, according to data.
"Bearing that in mind, I brought relevant local institutions to my meeting with Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Didit Herdiawan in Jakarta to discuss the management of coastal regions," he pointed out.
The governor described the meeting as a strategic step to synergize the programs of the regional and central governments, with the end goal of identifying viable ways to fully harness the potential of coastal regions for the benefit of local residents.
"Papua has a long coastline, with most of its regions situated along the line. This advantageous condition positions marine resources and coastal tourism as one of the anchors of our efforts to boost Papua’s local revenue," Fakhiri explained.
He further expressed confidence that effective and responsible management of marine resources and tourist attractions will bring economic benefits to the province.
"On that note, it is crucial that we build strong collaboration between the provincial government and the ministry. We are well aware that synergizing fisheries, marine affairs, and tourism is integral to optimally developing coastal areas," he stated.
The governor went on to say that his administration has prepared a range of development plans, including one designed to empower fishermen.
"We truly need care and support from the central government, especially President Prabowo Subianto, for Papua to fast-track the development of the eastern part of Indonesia," he concluded.
Related news: Ministry sends aid to Merauke coastal flooding victims
Related news: Raja Ampat should symbolize Indonesia's green economy: lawmaker
Related news: Papua's economy to be strengthened by 8,000 cooperatives
Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri said in Jayapura City on Sunday that the marine, fisheries, and tourism sectors have the potential to stimulate sustainable economic growth in the province, according to data.
"Bearing that in mind, I brought relevant local institutions to my meeting with Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Didit Herdiawan in Jakarta to discuss the management of coastal regions," he pointed out.
The governor described the meeting as a strategic step to synergize the programs of the regional and central governments, with the end goal of identifying viable ways to fully harness the potential of coastal regions for the benefit of local residents.
"Papua has a long coastline, with most of its regions situated along the line. This advantageous condition positions marine resources and coastal tourism as one of the anchors of our efforts to boost Papua’s local revenue," Fakhiri explained.
He further expressed confidence that effective and responsible management of marine resources and tourist attractions will bring economic benefits to the province.
"On that note, it is crucial that we build strong collaboration between the provincial government and the ministry. We are well aware that synergizing fisheries, marine affairs, and tourism is integral to optimally developing coastal areas," he stated.
The governor went on to say that his administration has prepared a range of development plans, including one designed to empower fishermen.
"We truly need care and support from the central government, especially President Prabowo Subianto, for Papua to fast-track the development of the eastern part of Indonesia," he concluded.
Related news: Ministry sends aid to Merauke coastal flooding victims
Related news: Raja Ampat should symbolize Indonesia's green economy: lawmaker
Related news: Papua's economy to be strengthened by 8,000 cooperatives
Translator: Qadri P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
———————————————
6) Social Ministry trains operators of child facilities in Highland Papua
November 16, 2025 16:06 GMT+700
Jayawijaya, Highland Papua (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs has conducted capacity-building activities for operators of 22 orphanages and temporary shelters in Highland Papua Province to ensure they provide safe environments for children.
“Training has been delivered to operators of 22 orphanages and temporary shelters across Highland Papua, with materials presented directly by representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs,” said Ronald Yikwa, head of the Social Rehabilitation Division at the Highland Papua Social Affairs Office.
Speaking in Wamena, Jayawijaya District, on Sunday, he said the training program was designed to help all child protection facilities in the province comply with procedures mandated by the 1945 Constitution and the Child Protection Law.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that orphanages and temporary shelters are managed responsibly and have the capacity to meet children’s basic needs.
“We hope operators of the 22 orphanages and temporary shelters across Highland Papua can provide quality services for orphans, ensuring their rights to education, health and social support are fulfilled,” Yikwa said.
He added that the regional government is committed to supporting orphanages and temporary shelters in creating environments that allow abandoned children to grow and develop.
“We will continue to encourage the completion of documents related to children in orphanages and temporary shelters,” he said, noting that such documents are essential for proposing direct cash assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Yikwa added that his office will work to distribute food assistance, citing the significant need for rice and milk in these facilities.
“We remain committed to making every effort to supply rice to local orphanages and temporary shelters,” he said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Social Affairs dispatched officials to conduct direct assessments of orphanages and temporary shelters in Highland Papua.
“We have reviewed the situation firsthand, and our next step is to report our findings to the central government so that facilities like the Izinmo Orphanage can be prioritized for assistance,” said ministry official Bisner Hotman Malau during a visit to the facility.
He stressed that although the ministry is committed to providing support, all assistance must follow the appropriate administrative process.
Related news: Indonesian govt pledges aid for orphanages in Highland Papua
Related news: Indonesian troop delivers clothing for Highland Papua peacebuilding
“Training has been delivered to operators of 22 orphanages and temporary shelters across Highland Papua, with materials presented directly by representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs,” said Ronald Yikwa, head of the Social Rehabilitation Division at the Highland Papua Social Affairs Office.
Speaking in Wamena, Jayawijaya District, on Sunday, he said the training program was designed to help all child protection facilities in the province comply with procedures mandated by the 1945 Constitution and the Child Protection Law.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that orphanages and temporary shelters are managed responsibly and have the capacity to meet children’s basic needs.
“We hope operators of the 22 orphanages and temporary shelters across Highland Papua can provide quality services for orphans, ensuring their rights to education, health and social support are fulfilled,” Yikwa said.
He added that the regional government is committed to supporting orphanages and temporary shelters in creating environments that allow abandoned children to grow and develop.
“We will continue to encourage the completion of documents related to children in orphanages and temporary shelters,” he said, noting that such documents are essential for proposing direct cash assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Yikwa added that his office will work to distribute food assistance, citing the significant need for rice and milk in these facilities.
“We remain committed to making every effort to supply rice to local orphanages and temporary shelters,” he said.
Earlier, the Ministry of Social Affairs dispatched officials to conduct direct assessments of orphanages and temporary shelters in Highland Papua.
“We have reviewed the situation firsthand, and our next step is to report our findings to the central government so that facilities like the Izinmo Orphanage can be prioritized for assistance,” said ministry official Bisner Hotman Malau during a visit to the facility.
He stressed that although the ministry is committed to providing support, all assistance must follow the appropriate administrative process.
Related news: Indonesian govt pledges aid for orphanages in Highland Papua
Related news: Indonesian troop delivers clothing for Highland Papua peacebuilding
Translator: Yudhi E, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
-----------------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.