Wednesday, December 18, 2024

1) Komnas HAM Logs 113 Human Rights Violations in Papua in 2024

2) History of Refugees in Papua

3) Imparsial says military operations in Papua cause mass displacement

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https://en.tempo.co/read/1954400/komnas-ham-logs-113-human-rights-violations-in-papua-in-2024

1) Komnas HAM Logs 113 Human Rights Violations in Papua in 2024

Reporter

Eka Yudha Saputra

December 18, 2024 | 08:23 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has recorded 113 alleged human rights violations in Papua from January to December 16, 2024. Of these, 85 were related to armed conflicts and violence.

Komnas HAM Chairperson Atnike Nova Sigiro noted that the highest number of incidents occurred in April, May, June, November, and December. “December is only 16 days in, and there are already 10 cases,” she said during a press conference at the Komnas HAM office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Out of the 85 violence and armed conflict events, 24 were shootouts, 4 were raids, 23 involved armed civilian group attacks on officials, 4 resulted in displacements, 8 involved destruction of property, and 34 involved attacks on civilians. Additionally, 6 cases of violence were attributed to law enforcement officers.

Intan Jaya Regency in Central Papua Province recorded the highest number of armed conflicts and violence with 22 cases, followed by Puncak Regency with 22 cases, Puncak Jaya Regency with 13 cases, and Paniai Regency with 12 cases. Yahukimo Regency in Papua Pegunungan Province experienced 10 cases, while Nduga Regency and Pegunungan Bintang Regency each recorded 7 cases.

“So the vulnerable areas, where conflicts and violence occur, are in Central Papua Province. According to media monitoring, the numbers are quite extreme compared to other provinces or areas in Papua,” said Atnike.

The recorded casualties from armed conflicts and violence included 61 deaths. The majority were civilians, with 32 fatalities, including two children and one foreign national. “So the majority of those killed were civilians,” she emphasized.

Armed civilian group members, military soldiers, and police officers also suffered casualties, with 14, 8, and 7 fatalities respectively.

Furthermore, 39 individuals were injured. This included 27 civilians, 10 military personnel, 5 police personnel, and 7 members of armed civilian groups.

In addition to deaths and injuries, seventeen people were victims of hostage-taking, primarily construction workers in the Papua region, according to Atnike.

This data from Komnas HAM aligns with previous findings by Komnas HAM Papua. In commemoration of World Human Rights Day on December 10, the Head of Komnas HAM Papua, Frits Ramandey, stated that conflicts and violence continue to persist, particularly in conflict-prone regions. Throughout 2024, the escalation of violence in Papua has continued and shown a tendency to increase.

According to Frits, the primary challenge for the Indonesian government lies in rebuilding the trust of the Papuan people by fostering equality, equitable law enforcement, and non-discrimination. These efforts are crucial in cultivating a peaceful ecosystem that facilitates humanitarian dialogue.

Komnas HAM Papua urged the administration of President Prabowo Subianto to provide security assurances to all Indonesian and foreign citizens in Papua.

Furthermore, Frits encouraged the military commander to deploy units to Papua with a thorough understanding of local values, culture, and the unique characteristics of the region. He also emphasized the need for the police chief to ensure that law enforcement and security operations in Papua are conducted persuasively and humanely.

“The government must strive to improve the security system and governance framework while avoiding a security-based approach,” concluded Frits.

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A google translate.

Original Bahasa link.

https://jubi.id/pasifik/2024/riwayat-pengungsian-di-tanah-papua/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0yYNIgAFnuEkw_Wzr1MXF5PO-U2Zt4wXYt5ugwPzQq9mDRVC-FXD6zGUA_aem_TEagg-I84R4wZsS_avIcsQ

2) History of Refugees in Papua

Last updated: December 18, 2024 7:50 pm

Author: Dominggus Mampioper

Editor: Aries Munanda

Papuan refugee families who have been living since 1984 in a refugee camp in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. - doc. ICMC

Jayapura, Jubi – The political and security crisis gave birth to a flow of refugees from several areas in Papua. They fled because they did not want to be targets of violence from security forces or armed groups.

The flow of refugees is part of the long history of the Papuan Nation. The first wave of refugees was recorded as occurring in the early days of the annexation of Papua, around 1963.

The refugees consisted of six medical students from the Papua Medical College in Papua New Guinea. They were Hein Danowira, Peter Pangkatana, Chris Marjen, Saweri, Suebu, and Fiay. In addition, there was Wanma's group and friends who were studying telecommunications in Lae City, Papua New Guinea.

Some of the first generation of Papuan refugees settled until they died in Papua New Guinea. Many of their descendants were successful in the refugee camp. Some became pilots and aircraft technicians. Some also became soldiers in the Papua New Guinean army.

The next evacuation occurred after the Act of Free Choice (Pepera) in 1969. Moses Werror, Simon Messet, Johanes Songgonao, and friends fled to Papua New Guinea through the border area in Vanimo. Previously, the family of Benarnews journalist Herlyne Joku also fled to Papua New Guinea in 1965, and settled in Port Moresby.

The largest wave of refugees from Papua occurred in the 1980s. Based on records from the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), as many as 12 thousand Papuans crossed the Papua New Guinea border during that era.

Tempo Magazine's June 9, 1984 edition reported that there were 7,000 Papuan refugees on the Papua New Guinea border in April of that year. Tempo Magazine in their report also mentioned that the presence of these crossers was difficult to repatriate to Papua.

The Papuan refugees have now multiplied. Around 2,000 of them live in illegal camps without citizenship status in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This condition has lasted for two generations.

Citing a report from the Jesuit Refugee Service Institute (JRS), more than 9,000 Papuan refugees and asylum seekers are in the West Province, Papua New Guinea. They live in camps in the border areas with Indonesia, and urban areas.

Lack of assistance

Papuan refugees are deeply frustrated because their fate has been hanging in the balance for more than 20 years. They have difficulty accessing basic services, including education, employment, and decent housing due to unclear citizenship status.

"In the eyes of the world, we are sinking [as if we are no longer valuable]. All that is left [they remember] is our story," said Teresa, a Papuan refugee, quoted by apr.jrs.net. Teresa is around 70 years old. She lives in East Awin, Papua New Guinea.

The fate of refugees in Iowara-East Awin is no less dire. The refugee location was established by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1989. Although they have been relocated to Vanimo, their conditions are almost the same as other refugees.

According to the ICMC report in 2023, refugees and asylum seekers from Papua have hardly ever received assistance from anyone. They also live in dire conditions.

"They have hardly ever received assistance from anyone. Except for the secret assistance from the Catholic mission in Papua New Guinea.” This is the statement of ICMC on their official website, icmc.net.

ICMC began building a number of public facilities and infrastructure at the refugee camp in Vanimo in July 2023. They partnered with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI).

JRS Asia Pacific Advocacy Director Junita Calder said the lives of the refugees were very vulnerable. Their existence did not receive legal protection from the Papua New Guinea Government.

“Refugees continue to suffer due to the difficulty of the naturalization process. Their lives are vulnerable because they are not protected by [Papua New Guinea] law,” said Calder.

The refugees' hopes for a decent life are getting harder, considering that Papua New Guinea is also still entangled in welfare issues. It is recorded that around seven million or 70 percent of their population live in poverty. (*)

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A google translate.

Original Bahasa link.

https://jubi.id/rilis-pers/2024/imparsial-sebut-operasi-militer-di-tanah-papua-sebabkan-pengungsian-massal/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1OqDIbLVH4eGsJ-P2L4HOvW-dQ_EYmVhQ-N7xPs4pIEfD0MXB5xB3xDNU_aem_XWsg1iThFCql7rCHBK62RA

3) Imparsial says military operations in Papua cause mass displacement

Timoteus Marten

Last updated: December 18, 2024 2:53 pm

Author: Jubi Admin

Editor: Timoteus Marten

Thousands of Borban Village Residents while moving towards the emergency refugee camp north of Borban Village recently. -Jubi/Dok Nagai Urwan

Jayapura, Jubi – Imparsial stated that military operations in Papua only sacrifice civilians and cause mass displacement.

According to Imparsial, a number of civilians from Bumbakon, Mimin, Oksop, Alutbakon, Oktumi, Atenor, and Ngangom Villages, Oksop District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, have left their homes and have been forced to flee to the forest and other districts since December 8, 2024.

The refugees are reportedly having difficulty obtaining food and drinking water supplies. The wave of refugees was caused by residents feeling afraid due to the military operation, which suddenly deployed military personnel on December 4, 2024.

"This (military operation) was surprising and caused anxiety for residents of Oksop District, who felt disturbed by the presence of officers, in large numbers in their area," said Imparsial Director, Ardi Manto Adiputra, as quoted from a press release to Jubi in Jayapura, Papua, Wednesday (18/12/2024).

Moreover, continued Ardi, for women and children who had never heard the sound of gunfire around their village.

Imparsial views that the military operation that carried out sweeping actions by TNI members was carried out inhumanely and did not heed the principles of humanitarian law.

"They opened fire indiscriminately and carried out inspections in an intimidating and violent manner," said Ardi.

According to him, the sudden and large presence of the TNI in Oksop District caused residents to become afraid, and were forced to flee to the forest to save themselves.

"This incident has caused deep trauma for civilians who have become victims of the military operation that was carried out arbitrarily," he said.

According to the report of Rev. Jimmy Koirewoa, Head of the Legal and Human Rights Department of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI), said Ardi, around 3,318 people from Oksop District are in evacuation. The evacuation locations are scattered in several points and access to the evacuation and the GIDI Ephesus Sape church building is controlled by TNI officers.

The mobilization of TNI officers, he continued, was carried out by land and air, by dropping them from helicopters.

"As a result of this incident, all public facilities and services for residents were completely paralyzed, access to schools and health services was hampered," he said.

In addition, he said, on December 4, 2024, the congregation of Kandang Bethlehem Bumbakon Stasi became the target of TNI members who were pursuing the TPNPB group. The congregation's houses were broken into, causing fear and mass evacuation.

According to Imparsial's records, the TNI troop deployment in Papua is still ongoing. During 2024, the government has sent at least 3,187 non-organic troops to Papua.

"It is important to remember that sending these troops is an illegal act that is contrary to Article 7 paragraph (3) of the TNI Law which emphasizes that military operations other than war can only be carried out after there is a state policy and political decision, namely the government's political policy together with the DPR which is formulated through a working relationship mechanism between the government and the DPR such as consultation meetings and working meetings," he said.

"Meanwhile, so far there has not been a single policy or political decision to carry out military operations by the TNI in Papua. As a result, victims continue to fall because armed contact often occurs in the middle of residential areas," he said.

Imparsial assessed that the government's continued deployment of troops and illegal military operations increasingly show that the government is not serious about resolving the conflict in Papua. The security approach is still the government's top priority. On the other hand, peaceful approaches and dialogue tend to be ignored.

"Security measures and approaches actually worsen the situation, increase the fear of local people and strengthen the influence of the military in areas that are already prone to conflict," he said.

Moreover, he said, the massive deployment of the TNI will continue to increase civilian casualties.

"If it continues, this cycle will continue to repeat itself and develop into a humanitarian crisis in Papua," he said.

Furthermore, he continued, this incident is very unfortunate considering that in the near future Catholics and Protestants will celebrate Christmas.

"However, this time the people in Oksop District cannot feel the happiness of welcoming Christmas in their respective homes, as in previous years," he said.

In this context, according to Ardi, the security forces who should be tasked with providing security and comfort for their citizens have instead become a source of fear. In fact, Oksop residents hope that this year's Christmas can be carried out in peace and tranquility.

Based on the above, Imparsial condemns the military operation carried out by the TNI in Oksop District which was sudden and caused fear among civilians.

Imparsial urges the government to immediately withdraw non-organic troops and stop illegal operations on the basis of Papuan security. Because there is no clarity on the mechanism for deploying troops in Papua and it is not in accordance with Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the TNI.

Imparsial also urges the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the military operation in Oksop District, which has resulted in a massive wave of refugees. (*)

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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

1) ASIA/INDONESIA - Papua: Bishop of Jayapura calls for displaced people to return for Christmas

2) Government proposes amnesty for 18 Papuan prisoners, but not armed rebels

3) Indonesia reforestation plan a smoke screen for agriculture project, critics say

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https://www.fides.org/en/news/75814-ASIA_INDONESIA_Papua_Bishop_of_Jayapura_calls_for_displaced_people_to_return_for_Christmas

1) ASIA/INDONESIA - Papua: Bishop of Jayapura calls for displaced people to return for Christmas

Tuesday, 17 December 2024

Jayapura (Agenzia Fides) - In view of the Christmas celebrations on December 25, the Bishop of Jayapura, Yanuarius Teofilus Matopai You, calls for an end to the measures that prevent displaced Papuans from returning home to celebrate Christmas in the Oksop district.

In the Oksop region, according to local sources, hundreds of people fled on November 30 when the army launched a special operation against members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB). The residents found refuge in the Pegunungan Bintang area, a regency in the Indonesian province of Papua, on the island of New Guinea.

After ten days, the police chief of Pegunungan Bintang, Anto Seven, said that the situation in Oksop had almost returned to normal and that the refugees, most of them Christians, could return home without any problems.

Bishop You, meanwhile, announced that his diocese, together with the Secretariat for Justice, Peace and Preservation of Creation of the Franciscans of Papua and the Department of Law and Human Rights of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI), has determined that the state of emergency continues and "the number of refugees has reached 401 people. Among them there are more than 30 children aged between two months and 12 years and 115 women, including several pregnant women and the elderly".

The Bishop explained that "the presence of the troops prevents the displaced from returning to their hometowns". The situation in Oksop, which has been going on for days, "shows that this is a humanitarian emergency" that "requires the utmost attention from everyone". For this reason, Bishop You also appeals to the institutions of the Pegunungan Bintang regency to "provide protection and assistance to the refugees" while they await their return. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 17/12/2024)

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https://www.indoleft.org/news/2024-12-13/government-proposes-amnesty-for-18-papuan-prisoners-but-not-armed-rebels.html

2) Government proposes amnesty for 18 Papuan prisoners, but not armed rebels

Kompas.com – December 13, 2024

Fika Nurul Ulya, Bagus Santosa, Jakarta – Minister of Law (Menkum) Supratman Andi Agtas has revealed that it has been proposed that as many as 18 prisoners involved in cases related to Papua are to be given amnesty.

He stressed however that the proposed prisoners are those who were not involved in armed criminal groups (KKB), the government name for Papuan armed rebel groups.

Agtas made the statement following a meeting with Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Institutions Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai and President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday December 13.

"Including some cases related to Papua, there are approximately 18 people, but those who were not armed. The president also agreed to give them amnesty", Agtas said at the Presidential Palace complex.

He explained that the granting of amnesty was a step to reconcile with the people of Papua. "This is part of good faith so that Papua becomes calmer", he said.

According to Agtas most of the proposed cases are those involving activists who were imprisoned for expressing their opinions. "This is part of our efforts to reconcile with friends in Papua. This is an endeavour of good faith by the government", he added.

Furthermore, Agtas explained that the 18 Papuan prisoners are just part of 44,000 prisoners proposed by the government to be given amnesty. The final decision however will require consideration from the House of Representatives (DPR).

Aside from the Papua cases, there are also other prisoners who have been proposed to receive amnesty, including those who suffer from congenital diseases such as HIV and individuals with mental disorders. "There are approximately one thousand people, who will also asked to be given amnesty", he said.

Agtas added that prisoners who underwent rehabilitation due to narcotics use were also included in the list of amnesty proposals. "Despite this, we will convey the exact amount after we conduct an assessment together with the Minister of Immigration", he explained.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Menkum Supratman Usulkan Amnesti untuk 18 Narapidana Papua".]

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2024/12/13/20075501/menkum-supratman-usulkan-amnesti-untuk-18-narapidana-papua

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https://news.mongabay.com/2024/12/indonesia-reforestation-plan-a-smoke-screen-for-agriculture-project-critics-say/

3) Indonesia reforestation plan a smoke screen for agriculture project, critics say

HANS NICHOLAS JONG 17 DEC 2024 ASIA

Critics say an Indonesian government plan to reforest 12.7 million hectares (31.4 million acres) of degraded land is a smoke screen to offset deforestation from a massive agricultural project.
The food estate program includes a plan to establish 2 million hectares (4.9 million acres) of sugarcane plantations in Papua.
A new study by the Center of Economic and Law Studies estimates the food estate program would emit 782.5 million tons of carbon dioxide, nearly doubling Indonesia’s global carbon emission contribution.
Indonesia climate envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo, who is also the brother of President Prabowo Subianto, says the food estate program is necessary for food security and that forest loss will be offset by reforestation; critics, however, say reforestation cannot compensate for the destruction of natural forests.

JAKARTA — At the U.N. climate conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Indonesian government announced an ambitious plan to reforest 12.7 million hectares (31.4 million acres) of degraded land, an area 80 times the size of London.

The government framed the policy as a critical move to combat climate change, as Indonesia is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases from the land sector, mainly due to deforestation for agriculture.

But critics argue it’s a smoke screen to offset deforestation from a massive agricultural project, raising questions about its sincerity and feasibility.

Others warn the plan faces significant challenges, such as logistical hurdles.

The reforestation initiative comes as part of Indonesia’s efforts to achieve its FOLU Net Sink 2030 target, which aims to turn the country’s forests into a net absorber of carbon by 2030.

The reforestation initiative will help Indonesia achieve the target by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the country’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said.

Yet government officials admitted the program is also intended to offset deforestation caused by the controversial food estate program, a mega agricultural project targeting millions of hectares for cultivation. Critics argue that this dual approach means the reforestation initiative might be more about optics than impact, which will undermine the credibility of Indonesia’s climate commitments.

A climate solution or greenwashing?

The food estate program, which includes a plan to establish 2 million hectares (4.9 million acres) of sugarcane plantations in Indonesia’s easternmost region of Papua, has received much backlash due to its potential impact on the country’s rainforests and biodiversity.

A new study by the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS) estimated that the food estate program in Papua would emit 782.5 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nearly doubling Indonesia’s global carbon emission contribution.

The environmental and climate impact from the food estate project prompted heavy criticism at the COP29 climate conference from some parties, including delegates from other countries, according to Indonesia climate envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo, who is also the brother of President Prabowo Subianto.

“I already responded and I told [the critics] that our national food program is non-negotiable,” he said as quoted by Kompas daily during an event in Jakarta in December.

Hashim argued that the food estate program is necessary to make sure that Indonesia has enough food and doesn’t have to depend on imports from other countries.

And the reforestation project will offset the forest loss caused by the food estate program, he added.

“We will reduce the negative impact [of the food estate project] with new programs, one of them being the reforestation that we will do,” Hashim said as quoted by CNN Indonesia. “This [reforestation program] will be entrusted to the Ministry of Forestry so that we can be independent and fulfil our obligation to the world [in climate mitigation].”

Torry Kuswardono, director of the NGO Pikul Foundation, called the trade-off troubling. “There are always regions sacrificed in these kinds of policies,” he said during a recent discussion in Jakarta.

Nadia Hadad, executive director of the NGO Madani Berkelanjutan, meanwhile, warned that reforestation cannot compensate for the destruction of natural forests, especially now that Indonesia has already exceeded its deforestation quota under its 2030 targets.

“Ecosystem recovery takes a long time and often cannot restore original conditions, such as peatlands and mangroves,” Nadia said. “Relying on restoration and rehabilitation alone will make it more difficult to meet Indonesia’s climate commitments. So preventing [deforestation] must come first.”

Skepticism over feasibility

Experts are also skeptical about the logistical feasibility of reforesting 12.7 million hectares.

Hashim said restoring degraded lands into natural forests had proven to be possible in Indonesia, citing the case of Samboja Lestari, an orangutan rescue and rehabilitation center that doubles as a tropical rainforest reforestation project in the island of Borneo.

The 1,854-hectare (4,581-acre) Samboja Lestari site used to be deforested land covered in the highly fire-prone cogon grass and devoid of trees and wildlife. The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) led a campaign to plant nearly 1,000 tree species to reforest the land, resulting in the growth of secondary forest and the return of 163 species of birds and other wildlife.

Forestry expert Pramono Dwi Susetyo highlighted the differences between small-scale projects like Samboja Lestari and the vast, topographically diverse lands targeted by the government.

Samboja Lestari has a topography that’s relatively easy to reforest, as it is located in an area that’s zoned for production with relatively flat land that’s easy to access, he said.

“It’s not the same as reforesting 12.7 million hectares in areas that are spread out with varied topographies, not only flat field, but also hills and mountains with low accessibility,” Pramono said in an op-ed.

Critics also point to Indonesia’s history of underfunded reforestation programs. The government has allocated just 950 billion rupiah ($59.3 million) for reforestation in 2025, enough to rehabilitate only 19,000 hectares (46,950 acres) — less than 0.2% of the target.

Putera Parthama, who used to serve as the head of a department in charge of reforestation at the Indonesian forestry ministry, said he hoped the new initiative could attract the much-needed funding for Indonesia’s reforestation bid.

“Hopefully this important breakthrough for the rehabilitation of critical land and forest in Indonesia could soon become reality,” he said in an op-ed.

Funding and implementation challenges

Hashim acknowledged the scale of the challenge and emphasized the need for foreign funding. The Bezos Earth Fund, which signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia’s environment ministry earlier this year, has expressed interest in supporting Indonesia’s climate goals, he said.

The Bezos Earth Fund, however, said it has not committed to any specific programs or funding in Indonesia.

Hashim also stated that Indonesia’s reforestation efforts would prioritize restoring natural forests rather than creating monoculture plantations, which have been criticized for their limited biodiversity and carbon-absorption capacity. “We will plant fruit trees to create habitats for wildlife,” he said.

Still, Pramono cautioned that the government’s monitoring period for new plantations is inadequate. Under existing reforestation programs, the government is allocating funds to monitor and maintain the work for just three years after the trees are planted. And the government measures the success of a reforestation program by the number of seeds planted, rather than how many trees survive to maturity, he said.

“Building a forest means not just planting seeds, but also monitor and nurture them until they turn to mature trees with the ages of at least 15-20,” Pramono said. “For the reforestation initiative to succeed, the government has to be able to fund the maintenance of the plants until they become mature.”

Navigating structural and legal barriers

The success of the initiative may also hinge on addressing structural challenges, such as enforcing rehabilitation obligations for companies with mining concessions.

In 2019, the government identified at least 400,000 hectares (988,000 acres) of mining concessions in forest areas that should be rehabilitated by companies.

Despite legal requirements, many companies neglect to restore degraded lands after completing their operations, according to Rajiv, a lawmaker overseeing environmental issues.

He, therefore, urged the government to take a tougher stance.

“We ask the minister [of forestry] to be brave. If they don’t carry out [rehabilitation], just revoke their permits so that we’re not perceived as playing around,” Rajiv said during a parliamentary hearing in November 2024, which was also attended by the forestry minister, Raja.

Responding to the call, Raja pledged to enforce stricter oversight and collaborate with law enforcement to ensure compliance.

“I firmly say that I’m brave [to force companies to rehabilitate their concessions],” he said. “There’s no problem. As long as the data is there, we will crack down on these unruly concession owners with the authority that we have and work together with the attorney general’s office and the police.”

Path forward

Pramono recommend that the government prioritize reforestation in protected and conservation areas, which account for 10.1 million hectares (25 million acres) of Indonesia’s degraded lands. These areas are critical for preserving water catchments and preventing disasters like floods and landslides, he said.

Transparency and community involvement are also crucial to avoid forced evictions, according to Dewi Sartika of the Consortium for Agrarian Reform (KPA).

“Don’t let these locations [to be reforested] target settlements and villages which have been claimed one-sidedly [by the government] as forest areas,” she said.

To make sure that the new reforestation initiatives are carried out in areas that urgently need to be reforested and avoid displacement of Indigenous communities, the government needs to make a master plan with detailed maps of degraded lands in the country, said Syaharani, the head of the environmental management department at the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL).

Raja said the government has drafted a master plan that identifies lands that are in critical condition and thus need to be prioritized for reforestation.

Based on the mapping process so far, 6.5 million hectares (16 million acres) of the degraded lands that will be reforested are located in forest areas, and the rest are outside forest areas, he said.

Raja added that degraded lands can also be reforested with food crops using a system called intercropping in order to enhance food security without further deforestation.

“With this map, we will discuss with the president and the minister of agriculture on how to achieve food sovereignty,” Raja said.

Banner image: The Pesalat Reforestation Project in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, where thousands of seedlings have been planted to restore forests lost due to fire and logging. Image by World Resources Institute via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).

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Monday, December 16, 2024

1) In memory of kelly Kwalik who was killed by the Indonesian security forces on 16 December 2009.

2) Humanity, reconciliation drive president's amnesty move: Minister 
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1) In memory of kelly Kwalik who was killed by the Indonesian security forces on 16 December 2009.
Songs 
 David Bridie  “ Kelly Kwalik Country" at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj_VfDuclOA

Kelly Kwalik Pahlawan Negeriku
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8OJhhBHFUE



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From posting on AWPA FB page

15 Years Ago, Warrior Kelly Kwalik Was Killed!
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KNPB_Timika: Commemorating the Day of the Murder of the Charismatic Warrior of the Papuan Nation Kelly Kwalik Since December 16, 2009-December 16, 2024, it has now been 15 years, in Timika Papua Indonesia.
The murder of the Charismatic Warrior Kelly Kwalik is proof that Indonesia has failed to resolve the Historical Problem of the Political Status of the Papuan Nation.

We, the KNPB Timika Region, are cleaning the Tomb of Kellyy Kwalik and praying and discussing beside his tomb as a form of respect for his dedication and loyalty in fighting for the rights of the Papuan nation.

We, the KNPB Timika, invite, the spirit, and totality of Kelly Kwalik's struggle must continue to exist and grow in every Generation to continue to rise to save the Land and People of Papua from Colonization and Oppression.

Kelly Kwalik is one of the figures who inspires that in reality men and as indigenous Papuans must dare to take a firm stance on the Sovereignty of the Papuan Nation which is being deceived and forced to be eliminated.
We must be firm, tough and militant to fight the inhumane system of oppression.
It is important as the younger generation and all Papuans to know every track record of the Papuan fighters who were killed because they defended the rights of the Papuan Nation.

KNPB Timika
Long Live the Papuan People
Long Live the Papuan Nation

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/338194/humanity-reconciliation-drive-presidents-amnesty-move-minister

2) Humanity, reconciliation drive president's amnesty move: Minister

December 15, 2024 16:17 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto's decision to grant amnesty to thousands of prisoners stems from the government's genuine care for humanitarian values as well as efforts to achieve reconciliation, according to Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai.

"The president deeply cares about these two aspects. This decision is a humane political maneuver that aligns with human rights and point number 1 of his Asta Cita (eight main missions)," he noted in his office's statement received here on Sunday.

Pigai then highlighted that the amnesty will be tendered to prisoners involved in various cases, including those related to political hate speeches in the digital space, which violate the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE).

He said that the president had decided to pardon prisoners serving their sentence for insulting the head of state for the sake of freedom of speech.

The minister further remarked that the amnesty would also be granted to prisoners linked to rebel acts in Papua, imprisoned drug abusers deserving rehabilitation, child prisoners, elderly convicts, and inmates suffering from mental disorders or long-term illnesses.

"This decision truly considers humanity and reconciliation aspects. Giving amnesty to ITE Law offenders and prisoners suffering from long-term diseases reflects human rights. This signifies that Mr. President takes human rights into consideration before making decisions," he pointed out.

Pigai, who is also a human rights activist from Papua, affirmed that the newly established Ministry of Human Rights would pay close attention to the prisoners that meet the criteria for the amnesty.

"We will assist them, including through the Human Rights Awareness program," he stated.

Earlier on Friday (December 13), President Prabowo convened with several ministers of the Red and White Cabinet at the Presidential Palace to discuss a range of issues, including the plan to grant amnesty to prisoners with certain criteria.

Speaking after the meeting, Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas noted data from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has shown that the amnesty could be granted to about 44 thousand prisoners.

The amnesty proposal will be submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) for consideration, he added.

Related news: Prabowo to pardon prisoners in drug, Papua-related cases
Related news: Govt addresses prison overcrowding through amnesty for drug inmates

Translator: Fath Putra, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala

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Sunday, December 15, 2024

AWPA -West Papua Update No 7

Season's Geetings. Selamat Hari Natal dan Selamat tahun baru

AWPA -West Papua Update No 7

16 December 2024

There was no improvement in the human rights situation in West Papua with clashes continuing between the TPNPB and the Indonesian security forces. The latest clash occurred on Wednesday the 11th December. The attack occurred in Yokibak Village, Nogi Sub-district, Lanny Jaya District. One police officer died while another was wounded. The spokesperson for TPNPB-OPM, Sebby Sambom, said that the shooting was carried out by the OPM military group under the command of Major General Lekagak Telenggen.

Human Rights Monitor

Photos etc. in update

IDP Update December 2024: Security raids trigger new displacements in Tambrauw and Pegunungan Bintang

Human Rights News, Reports / Indonesia, West Papua / 13 December 2024

As of December 2024, more than 83,295 people in West Papua [1] remain internally displaced as a result of armed conflict between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Between October and December 2024, new internal displacements were reported in the regencies of Tambrauw and Pegunungan Bintang. In Tambrauw, people fled in fear of raids after the TPNPB attacked security forces in the Bamusbama District. The internal displacement in Oksop was triggered by the deployment of a significant number of military members in the district without informing local communities about the purpose of the deployment.

The Papua Council of Churches (DGP) and Native Pastors (Pastor Pribumi) organised an exhibition on the situation of IDPs in West Papua. The exhibition was launched in Jayapura on 7 December, 2024 to bring more public attention to the plight of conflict-related IDPs who continue to be widely neglected by the Indonesian Central Government.

Human Rights Monitor has not received updated information on the condition and numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maybrat, Intan Jaya, Yahukimo, Fakfak, Paniai, and Puncak regencies in the past three months.

Districts Bamusbama and Fef, Tambrauw Regency

New internal displacements in Tambrauw, Papua Barat Province, were reported from the districts of Bamusbama and Fef after joint security forces raided the Bamusbama village on 30 November 2024. According to human rights defenders in Tambrauw, 128 people from the villages Bamuswayman, Wormon, Babak, Bamusbama, Bano, Syarwom, and Banfot fled their homes in fear of the potential further raids or armed clashes in the area. The security force raids followed an armed clash between security forces and TPNPB members in Bamusbama Town on 30 November 2024. The TPNPB claimed to have killed three security personnel during the clash.

Despite the trauma and fear, the residents chose to return home because the forest was no safe place for them. The village head, elders, and community leaders who participated in the evacuation decided to bring the residents back to the village, and they began to return on 3 and 4 December 2024. Even though they have returned home, they are still under pressure and living in fear, preventing them from resuming normal activities as they remain constantly vigilant.

Following reports of the internal displacements circulating on social and local media, the Tambrauw Police Chief, Commissioner Aries Dwi Cahyanto, claimed in a media statement on 8 December 2024 that the situation in Tambrauw had normalised and that the information about the internal displacements was a hoax.

IDPs in the Tambrauw Regency, December 2024…………..

Full update

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/idp-update-december-2024-security-raids-trigger-new-displacements-in-tambrauw-and-pegunungan-bintang/

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Military operation in the Tambrauw Regency.

Local media and civil society groups on social media have reported that up to 106 People had fled to the Forest after a clash between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and a Brimob Force of the Tambrauw Police. The clash occurred on the 27 November 2024 .

Local people reported being very afraid because of the military activities and reports of gunfights in the region. On the 1st December the Bamusbama District Office was also burned by persons unknown.

Tambrauw Police are investigating the burning of the Bamusbama District Office in Tambrauw, Sunday (1/12/2024). ANTARA/Yuvensius Lasa Banafanu

The police chief said that 20 TNI/Polri personnel were divided into two teams. Ten personnel to guard the scene and ten others members would conduct patrols throughout the Bamusbama District.

During military operations local people will always flee because they have learned from past that the result of military operations can mean houses/ villages destroyed, intimidation, arrests and torture.

A number of civilians from Tambrauw district who fled after a gunfight in Bamusbama district, November 27, 2024. (Supplied for Suara Papua)

The Australian Government continues to ignore what is going on in West Papua as if the issue will somehow disappear. The West Papuan people are not going to give up their struggle for self-determination and the sooner DFAT starts raising the ongoing human rights abuses in West Papua with Jakarta the better. A small step that could help improve the situation”.

The 1st December marked the 63rd anniversary of the first official flying of the Morning Star flag, in 1961, in the then-Dutch colony of Netherlands New Guinea. In West Papua and around the world, West Papuans and their supporters celebrate this important date in Papuan history by raising the Morning Star Flag and holding commemorative events.

Part of the commemorations this year were protests against the reintroduction of the Transmigration Programme and the planned food estates such as sugar cane, palm oil and rice farms, which will also lead to the destruction of tropical rainforests, biodiversity and customary land. Both major threats to the Papuan people.

AWPA raised the flag on the Leichhardt Town Hall on the 29 November as council was closed on the 1st Dec.). Thanks to Council for their support (the 18th year in a row).

From Green Left

The Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) and supporters raised the West Papua flag at Leichhardt Town Hall on November 29, to show their solidarity with West Papuan’s struggle for self-determination. This year’s National Flag day, on December 1, marks the 63rd anniversary of the first official flying of the Morning Star flag, in 1961, in the then-Dutch colony of Netherlands New Guinea.

“The Dutch were prepared to give West Papuans their freedom. It is one of the great tragedies that their freedom was cruelly crushed, when West Papua was handed to Indonesia in 1963,” AWPA’s Joe Collins said. “It was a betrayal of a whole people.”

Sixty-three years later, while the West Papuan people maintain their right to self-determination, human rights abuses continue and the security situation in the territory continues to deteriorate…………….

https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/solidarity-shown-west-papua-indonesia-continues-attack-independence-movt

Flag raising on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpgF1m-6Wo4

West Papuan supporters also joined in the Palestine rally in Gadigal//Sydney on the 1st December. The link, between Palestine, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander struggle and West Papua is settler colonialism.

Photos at

https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2024/11/photos-west-papuan-supporters-join-in.html

And in Naarm/Melbourne

West Papuan activist Cyndi Makabory speaking at the December 1 Palestine rally in Naarm/Melbourne.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvV1MIGNOwc

Marking December 1, Papuan students reject strategic national projects, transmigration

Jubi Papua – December 3, 2024

Sorong – The Papua Student Alliance (AMP), the Indonesian People's Front for West Papua (FRI-WP) and the All-Surabaya Papua High School and University Students Association (IPMAPA Surabaya) have expressed their firm opposition to National Strategic Projects (PSN), the transmigration program and military mobilisation in Papua. This statement was made on December 1 during a commemoration marking 63 years since the declaration of West Papua's independence in the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya. AMP field coordinator Yulius Magai highlighted the revival of the regular transmigration program, which he called a form of "settler colonialism". This program is considered to be aimed at suppressing the existence of indigenous Papuans (OAP) and is similar to the colonial practices against Aboriginal tribes in Australia.

Papuan students protesting against PSN, transmigration and military deployment – December 3, 2024 (AMP

"Since 1964, this program has transferred 78,000 families from outside Papua. After being stopped in 1998, waves of migration continued to occur, moreover it was exacerbated by the new autonomous regional policy (DOB)", said Magai in a press release received by Jubi.

As a consequence, the migrant population in Papua is now almost equivalent to the number of indigenous Papuans with a ratio of 50:50.

The alliance also criticized national strategic projects which are seen as damaging the environment and violating the rights of indigenous peoples. Projects such as the Warim Block and the Wabu Block are said to accelerate the exploitation of natural resources, worsen deforestation and damage customary land……………………..

https://www.indoleft.org/index.php/news/2024-12-03/marking-december-1-papuan-students-reject-strategic-national-projects-transmigration.html

In Yogyakarta a clash against the police broke out during the Free West Papua protest on Sunday night as a protester tried to raise the Morning Star (Bintang Kejora) flag. ( The Jakarta Post December 2, 2024)

Police officers form a barricade on Dec. 1, 2024, during the Free West Papua rally in Yogyakarta. Rally participants clashed with the police, who prevented one of the protestors from flying from flying the Morning Star (Bintang Kejora) flag. (Kompas.com/Wisang)

Protests against the transmigration program

Possible reenactment of transmigration program triggers West Papua-wide protests – Police crackdown on protesters in Jayapura and Nabire

Human Rights Monitor

Human Rights News / Indonesia, West Papua / 6 December 2024

On 15 November 2024, thousands of Papuans went to the streets after the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) called for peaceful Papua-wide demonstrations against the central Government’s plan to relaunch the transmigration program, with West Papua being one of the target areas. Indigenous Papuans are concerned that the influx of population from more developed areas will inevitably contribute to the marginalisation of Papuans, exacerbate land grabbing and exploitation of natural resources instead of bringing benefits for indigenous communities. Many fear a loss of their culture and growing economic competition concerning labour possibilities and entrepreneurship. Besides concerns on transmigration, the protests addressed the conversion of 2 million hectares of customary land for rice field production in the Merauke Regency, Papua Selatan Province since August 2024, as part of the central government’s Strategic National Projects (PSN) on food security.

The ‘Transmigrasi’ Program envisaged the population transfer from overpopulated Indonesian islands like Java to remote rural areas on a large scale, mainly to West Papua and Kalimantan. It was initiated under Indonesia’s first President Sukarno and later retained under military dictator Suharto. During the Reformation, the program was restructured and downsized.

One day after President Prabowo Subianto’s inauguration on 20 October 2024, the minister for Transmigration, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, announced plans to continue transmigration programs in eastern Indonesia, particularly West Papua, to improve the national unity and welfare of the local population. This together with several follow-up statements triggered a public debate in West Papua.

Following the statements, the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) called for peaceful demonstrations for the rejection of Jakarta’s transmigration plans across West Papua. Larger protests were held in Jayapura, Nabire, Sorong, Dekai (Yahukimo Regency), and Yalimo, but also in some Indonesian cities outside of West Papua, such as Manado. Police officers in the towns of Jayapura and Nabire reportedly cracked down on protesters using water cannons, tear gas, wooden sticks, and rubber ammunition. According to reports received, 14 protesters were arbitrarily detained, while at least 16 protesters were injured as a result of police violence…………..

AWPA Sydney

Wednesday, December 18, 2024