Sunday, June 28, 2015

1) Reaching out across Melanesia

2) West Papua makes history with political recognition

3) Papua police send investigation team to Dogiya village

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1) Reaching out across Melanesia

MSG leaders endorse engagement with Indonesia and West Papua
By Nic Maclellan in Honiara Sun 28 Jun 2015

The five-member Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has made an historic decision to expand its reach, with the granting of associate member status to Indonesia, and observer status to the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP).
The decision on West Papua was formally announced at the final plenary of the 20th MSG leaders’ summit, held this week in Honiara.
Summit host Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands said “the summit was conducted in the true Melanesian spirit of consensus and dialogue.”
Yesterday, Sogavare was joined in the leaders retreat by Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, FLNKS representative Victor Tutugoro of Kanaky/New Caledonia and Johnson Naviti, Director General of the Office of the Prime Minister in Vanuatu.
The ULMWP had applied for full membership of the sub-regional organisation, but in their Thursday retreat, the MSG leaders agreed that “the ULMWP be admitted as an observer under the regional and international category representing Melanesians living abroad.”
Indonesia has been an MSG observer since the 2011 MSG summit in Fiji. This week, in the presence of a delegation led by Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister Dr. A.M. Fachir, the island leaders approved “that associate membership be accorded to Indonesia representing the five Melanesian provinces in Indonesia.”
In the final plenary, the MSG member countries presented closing statements, followed by presentations by the Indonesian Vice Foreign Minister and ULMWP Secretary General Octo Mote. Both acknowledged the historic nature of this week’s decision, but agreed to differ on Indonesia’s human rights record. 
In their final communique, the leaders endorsed a series of reports and declarations, covering trade, policing, sports, violence against women, emergency response co-ordination and nuclear waste transhipments through island Exclusive Economic Zones.
A key decision endorsed the Implementation Framework for the MSG 2038 Prosperity for All Plan, an overarching regional strategy adopted at the last summit in Noumea.
With a major focus on trade, finance and connectivity, the leaders call for the finalisation of negotiations on the legal text for the third phase of the MSG Trade Agreement (MSGTA3) by October, before an MSG Trade Ministers Meeting later this year. Papua New Guinea will fund a major study of shipping, as part of a major focus on improving transport networks and communications across the MSG region.
In the closing ceremony, the five country representatives signed agreements establishing a Regional Police Academy and the legislative framework for the creation of an MSG Formed Police Unit (FPU).
As well as an MOU on technical co-operation in coastal fishery and aquaculture and an MSG Roadmap, leaders updated their twenty-year old Lakatoro Declaration on the Denuclearisation of the Pacific, with a new MSG Declaration on the Transhipment of Nuclear Waste and Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste.
Solomon Islands has offered to host an MSG youth hub to serve as a centre of excellence on youth development.
Leaders agreed to defer consideration of some issues, including the appointment of a new MSG High Level Representative to replace Ambassador Kaliopate Tavola of Fiji. With reservations expressed by Papua New Guinea, leaders also deferred discussion on proposals to establish an MSG Defence Ministers Meeting.
[There will be full coverage and analysis of the MSG summit in the July edition of Islands Business magazine.)
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2) West Papua makes history with political recognition
JUNE 26, 2015
Observer status has today been granted to West Papua by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) sub-regional bloc.
After over 53 years of political struggle for the right to self-determination, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) representing West Papuan, was today granted Observer status by the 20th MSG Leaders summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The ULMWP executives and secretariat welcomed the decision of the MSG leaders on behalf of the people of West Papua, describing it as a historic decision for West Papua.
ULMWP Secretary General, Octovianus Mote thanked Melanesian leaders: “We the United Liberation Movement for West Papua applied for full membership at the instruction of the MSG leaders in 2013 and 2014. Despite not getting full membership we welcome the decision of the leaders as it our first step to full political recognition.”  
Mote said political recognition allows ULMWP representing West Papua to be on the inside with Indonesia for the first time in history.  It is a first step to address the ongoing atrocities suffered by our people at the hands of successive Indonesian governments.
“I thank our leaders in Melanesian, especially the leaders from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and FLNKS (Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste – New Caledonia) for publicly supporting us in this quest. Your public support for our struggle gives our people hope that you have heard our cries, they affirm that we are part of this Melanesian family” he said.
Mote added that: “whilst this is the first step for West Papua, we will be working towards full membership into the MSG family.  But our struggle for political recognition will not stop here, we will take it to the regional and international level as we are a nation in waiting”.
The Pacific winds of change have made it impossible for Melanesian leaders to ignore rapidly growing support for West Papua. ULMWP spokesperson, Benny Wenda thanked the people of Melanesia and the solidarity support from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, FLNKS (Kanaky), Fiji and PNG, adding that it was their support and prayers that brought the movement this far.
“The people of Melanesia have made our cause for self-determination now your cause.  I would like to thank our Pacific family, especially our Melanesian people, the solidarity groups, civil society groups, young people, university student movements, churches, women’s groups, traditional chiefs, and parliamentarians, political leaders and the media who stood with us to get this recognition,” said Wenda.
He also thanked the people of West Papua, the migrant population, the churches and Muslim faith for their overwhelming support through petitions despite the real risks of doing so: “your signatures clearly speak the volume of support,” said Wenda.
“West Papua is a Melanesian and regional issue for the Pacific. Today we will raise the morning star flag to mark this historic moment of political recognition,” he said.
“With the Melanesian family firmly behind us, we now take our message to the world,” said Wenda.
The MSG summit in Noumea (Kanaky) in 2013 had recognized West Papuan self-determination. At the special MSG leaders meeting in Port Moresby in 2014, a criteria was set that West Papuans be united before they could be considered through an application for MSG membership.
The ULMWP was elected by 500 delegates representing seven customary regions of West Papua, consisting of more than 257 tribes in July 2011. Our unification was sponsored by the government and people of Vanuatu, the Malvatumauri National Council of chiefs, Vanuatu Council of Churches and facilitated by the Pacific Conference of Churches in December 2014.
We were elected by representatives of the three largest West Papuan coalitions with broad based support from non-affiliated groups, including churches, traditional chiefs, youth and students, NGOs, and women’s groups.
For more information:
Benny Wenda Spokesperson of the ULMWP
Mobile: +677 7362591
Joey Tau
Acting ULMWP Media Advisor Email: jtaurakava@gmail.com Mobile: +6777364058
End

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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/99350/papua-police-send-investigation-team-to-dogiya-village

3) Papua police send investigation team to Dogiya village

Minggu, 28 Juni 2015 20:25 WIB | 466 Views
Jayapura (ANTARA News) - The Papua provincial police have sent a seven-member team to Dogiyai district to investigate the shooting case at Ugapuga village on Thursday.

"The team left for the scene on Saturday morning (June 27) and arrived at Nabire Airport at around 09.15 a.m. eastern Indonesian time by Trigana Air flight," Head of the Public Relations Service at the Papua Provincial Police Station Senior Commissioner Patrige said here on Sunday.

The team led by Adjunct Senior Commissioner Darma Suwandito will help investigate the shooting case which left the 23-year old Menase or Yoseni Agapa dead, he said

"Before proceeding their journey by land to Dogiya, the team of the Papua provincial police took a rest at the KP2 post en route to the scene as part of preparations to conduct the investigation, he said.

Menase or Yoseni Agapa (22), a resident of Ugapuga village, Dogiai district was shot dead when a group of people from Manase or Yoseni Agapa, blockaded trans Nabire-Paniai highway and extorted money from motorists.

The shooting occurred when a car carrying a number of people passed through the village on their way from Paniai district to Nabire district.

(Reported by Alfian Rumagit/Uu.S012/B003)
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1) MSG acts in the best interest


2) Army inches back into civilian  sphere

3) US Dept. of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014
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http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=311522
1) MSG acts in the best interest
By VUNIWAQA BOLA-BARI
Sunday, June 28, 2015

FIJI believes the Melanesia Spearhead Group is acting in the best interests of the people in West Papua after it made Indonesia an associate member.
The group elevated the sovereign power in West Papua — Indonesia — to associate member of the MSG and opened the door for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to join the MSG as an observer.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said this in the Solomon Islands during the MSG meeting.
He said the biggest test they went through at the meeting was related to the issue of West Papua.
"But we needed to be mindful of one thing and one thing alone, which course of action is most likely to achieve a positive outcome for the people of West Papua as a whole, to improve their lives, to give them a sense of purpose and fulfilment," Mr Bainimarama said.
He added in the case of the MSG, there was a need to bring them closer into the Melanesian family.
He said what the MSG did in elevating Indonesia to be an associate member and allowing ULMWP to be an observer was a way of maintaining the integrity of the principles on which the MSG was founded and one that must always be upheld.
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2) Army inches back into civilian  sphere
Associated Press, Jakarta | National | Sat, June 27 2015, 5:22 PM 
Nearly two decades after the fall of dictator Soeharto forced Indonesia's military out of politics, the army is inching back into civilian roles, risking a setback for democracy in this Southeast Asian nation and perhaps even for the turbulent region.
The vast Indonesian archipelago is one of the world's most-populous democracies and also among the youngest. Many Indonesians welcomed the army's retreat from politics after Soeharto's often brutal 32-year rule was ended by mass protests in 1998. But years later, analysts and former generals say the military's national defense role is still not fully accepted among officers or the rank-and-file.
Now, the army is creeping into areas beyond defense as inexperienced President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo relies on it to strengthen his hand against the powerful and unruly police and political parties allied to former President Megawati Sukarnoputri.
Megawati, the daughter of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, positioned herself as the power behind Jokowi's presidency by letting her party back him during last year's election.
The army has signed agreements with government ministries and state companies that involve it in areas such as providing security for airports, bus stations and railways and helping farmers increase their crops. Some officials have called for army involvement in Indonesia's anticorruption agency to counter attempts by police and their political allies to neuter an institution that is effective and feared.
Jokowi recently nominated an army general to head all military forces, breaking with the schedule of a reform-minded convention of rotating the post between the navy, air force and army.
"I think it is obvious that the move is calculated to bring the army on side given that the president is having so much trouble from friends and foes alike," said Vedi Hadiz, an Indonesia expert at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. "It is only the army that can scare the police."
Indonesia is by far the most populous nation and biggest economy in Southeast Asia. The resilience of its democracy has extra significance at a time when China's authoritarian leaders are testing U.S. primacy in the region and American relations with Thailand, a key regional ally, have chilled.
The region of some 600 million people is accustomed to rule by autocrats and Indonesia is not alone in struggling to nurture faith in the messy processes of democracy while also meeting expectations for improved living standards.
Last year, generals overthrew civilian rule in perennially unstable Thailand and have no firm timetable for elections. The military remains deeply embedded in Myanmar's nascent democracy, while Malaysia's opposition alliance has collapsed, dimming chances of a change in government after decades of rule by one party.
The risk of greater army involvement is that it "might cause failure in the progress of the transition to democracy for Indonesia," said Agus Widjojo, a retired Indonesian army general who helped lead reforms of the military. "If this is a relapse and a counter-reaction, especially if it starts from the military, it can cause a ripple effect."
Widjojo sees weaknesses on both sides: Jokowi, who lacks confidence without the army at his side, and in the military where many still "cling to the extensive role" of the past.
Jokowi, who is military supreme commander, caused a stir earlier this month when he was photographed at the presidential palace wearing army fatigues rather than a neutral military uniform that would show him as an impartial leader of the armed forces' three branches. He says his nomination of army Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo as military commander was based on the "latest geopolitical and geostrategic situation."
Despite a reputation for brutality, the image of Indonesia's armed forces, known as the TNI, has improved since Suharto's departure, when it relinquished control of internal security, though gray areas remained.
According to the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict in Jakarta, the military benefits from favorable comparisons with the poor image of the police, which has worsened this year as it attacked the anti-graft agency. That has allowed the army to portray itself as honest, civic minded and loyal to the president. Separated from the military after the Suharto era, the police grew into a powerful institution and also one of the most loathed as low wages encouraged corruption and lack of professionalism worsened communal conflicts.
The army is "definitely moving into civilian spheres no question," said Sidney Jones, the institute's director. But the institute does not believe the TNI is intent on returning to the center of the political stage. Instead it aims to claim internal security roles such as counter-terrorism from the police and secure more opportunities to bring in cash outside of the national budget.
The money-making opportunities extend to the local level where the military and police compete for lucrative alliances with criminal gangs in the drug trade and other illegal activities, said Hadiz. Jokowi's appointment of Nurmantyo to head the military suggests the president's tacit backing of the army in that rivalry, he said.
As the army tests how far it can extend its authority, particularly if it gets involved with anti-corruption policing, it will face opposition from activists and politicians who prospered in a democracy where the military were comparative outsiders, said Hadiz.
“However, these same politicians seem to instinctively reach out to the military when they are in trouble,” he said. (ren)(+++)
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3) US Dept. of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014

Indonesia country report at


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Saturday, June 27, 2015

PM Makes Case For West Papua, Closer Relations

Http://Fijisun.com.fj/2015/06/28/Pm-Makes-Case-For-West-Papua-Closer-Relations/

PM Makes Case For West Papua, Closer Relations

Prime Minister, Honorable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama June 28
08:482015





Leaders’ plenary statement – Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders Summit, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The Chairman, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, Prime Minister of the Government of the Solomon Islands,
Hon. Peter O’Neill, the Prime Minister of the Government of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Sato Kilman, the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, Victor Tutugoro, the chairman and spokesperson of the FLNKS, Foreign Ministers, Excellencies, director general and Members of the MSG secretariat, senior officials, ladies and gentlemen,
Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
Mr Chairman,
– At the outset, I want to congratulate the Government of the Solomon Islands for assuming the Chairmanship of the MSG and your role in Chairing our Leader’s Summit. You have already demonstrated – in recent days – a strong sense of judgement and purpose.
And I am confident that under your leadership over the next two years, we will be able to effectively achieve our collective goals for the benefit of all our peoples.
I assure you of my own Government’s full co-operation and support.
– I also express my sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of the Solomon Islands for the wonderful way in which they have hosted our gathering and for the many courtesies accorded to my delegation.
 
– I also thank the outgoing chairman Victor Tutugoro and FLNKS for their leadership over the past two years.
The progress of the people of New Caledonia under the Noumea Accords forms part of our final communiqué. And Fiji commends you for the inclusive and collaborative way in which the FLNKS has worked to produce an outcome in 2018 that benefits every citizen.
 
– Mr chairman, my fellow leaders, our final communiqué is a testament to the way in which we have all worked in a positive manner this week to advance the cause of our organisation and the position of all Melanesians.
We have faced some difficult challenges in reaching a consensus on some of these issues.
But I want to commend you all on behalf of the Fijian people for approaching these challenges in an atmosphere of co-operation and goodwill. Some difficult choices have had to be made. Some fine balances have had to be reached.
But we conclude this gathering having confronted those challenges head on.
And we have made decisions that are ultimately in the best interests of the Melanesian people as a whole.
Choices that we genuinely believe are most likely to produce positive outcomes for the greatest number of our people and for the common good.
 
– The most testing choices we faced this week related to the issue of West Papua.
But we needed to be mindful of one thing and one thing alone.
Which course of action is most likely to achieve a positive outcome for the people of West Papua as a whole.
To improve their lives. To give them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. And in the case of the MSG, to bring them closer into the Melanesian family.
 
– As our final communiqué details, we have elevated the sovereign power in West Papua – Indonesia – to Associate Member of the MSG.
And we have also opened the door for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to join us as an observer.
In doing so, Fiji believes we are acting in the best interests of the people in West Papua, as well as maintaining the integrity of the principles on which the MSG was founded and that we must always uphold.
 
– For our part, Fiji has been guided by a number of overriding principles in approaching the West Papua issue.
The first and foremost of these is that Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua cannot be questioned.
The province is an integral part of Indonesia.
So that when we deal with West Papua and its people, the MSG has no choice but to deal with Indonesia and in a positive and constructive manner.
 
– Furthermore, we are convinced that the best hope for improving the lives of the people of West Papua – our fellow Melanesians – is to work closely with the Indonesian Government.
To provide encouragement and support in an atmosphere of co-operation and friendship. To encourage it in its current program to govern West Papua in an inclusive and enlightened manner.
We cannot erase the history of West Papua and some of the negative aspects of that history, which we acknowledge include significant human rights violations.
But the Indonesia that presided over those excesses is not the Indonesia we know today. It is now one of the most vibrant democracies in the world. And at a national level, Indonesia is also committed to righting some of the wrongs of the past and placing West Papua on a new course.
– I want to commend the Indonesian President and his Government for the steps they are taking to improve conditions in West Papua for its Melanesian population.
The Indonesian Government recognises the need to do so and the President has personally committed himself to this issue.
So it is incumbent on the MSG countries to
Continues on page 20
From page 19
support him in this effort and engage with Indonesia on West Papua in a positive and constructive manner.
– From Fiji’s perspective, the best way to achieve this is to bring Indonesia closer into the workings of the MSG.
Which is why we have supported elevating Indonesia from observer status to Associate Member.
By strengthening our engagement as an organisation with Indonesia, we are also strengthening our joint co-operation on issues relating to West Papua.
And strengthening our own engagement with the West Papuans themselves – the elected representatives of the Melanesian people within the Indonesian democracy.
Fiji is convinced that this is not only the best way to improve the situation for our Melanesi-
an brothers and sisters in West Papua. It is the only way.
 
– Mr Chairman, my fellow leaders. At the same time, we also hope that as time progresses, those West Papuans who are outside Indonesia can also become part of that engagement.
We acknowledge that the United Liberation Movement for West Papua represents a significant body of opinion in the West Papuan diaspora and also has the welfare of the West Papuan people at heart.
So it is also in the interests of everyone that they also be brought into the process.
 
– The ULMWP has now been granted observer status at the MSG.
This may be a disappointment to those who were hoping for full membership.
But our rules of membership made that impossible.
The ULMWP is not the sovereign power in West Papua.
It is an external, non government organisation that may represent West Papuan interests and opinion.
But the MSG simply could not give it the status it desired without compromising a fundamental principal.
That non-government organisations cannot have the same status as governments in our organisation.
 
– I appeal to the ULMWP not to regard this as a defeat but an opportunity.
You have now been brought into the fold.
Use this privilege to also work with us for the betterment of every West Papuan.
Working together – Indonesia, the MSG countries and the West Papuan diaspora – we can achieve much better outcomes for the West Papuan people.
Let us turn our backs on the years of killing, hatred and suspicion and work towards a new era – one of engagement, co-operation and collaboration between all the parties to achieve a better outcome for the people of West Papua.
It is the best way to improve their circumstances. It is the only way.
-Mr Chairman, my fellow leaders. For Fiji, the issue of climate change is of singular importance.
As you all know, every Pacific country is affected in one way or another.
And in the case of three nations – Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands – their very existence is threatened by the rising seas.
We have our opportunity later this year to get the industrialised nations to finally sign up to the dramatic cuts in carbon emissions that the scientists say are needed to avert catastrophe. And it is an opportunity that we must all take.
– Fiji intends to work with its Pacific neighbours to lead the charge at the World Climate Summit in Paris at the end of November.
This issue, of course, has been at the heart of our deliberations this week.
But I want to again urge you all – my fellow Melanesian leaders – to join me in a concerted effort to make the world finally sit up and take notice.
The time for talking on climate change is over.
The time for radical action is now. And we must all make sure that the entire world recognises this seminal issue for our wellbeing and survival in the Pacific and finally take the necessary action.
 
– We have less than six months to get this crisis – from our perspective – on the global agenda.
And I urge you all to put it at the top of your own agendas and make your own voices heard. Loudly.
Fiji wants to work with you all to coordinate our planning for the Paris summit.
And while we are still to gain t
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AI-RELEASE SEVEN PAPUAN ACTIVISTS

AI urgent action people can respond to.

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RELEASE SEVEN PAPUAN ACTIVISTS
CASE OVERVIEW MORE INFORMATION
On 20 May Nopinus Humawak, Alex Nekenem, Maikel Asso and Yoram Magai were arrested at a peaceful rally in Manokwari, West Papua province, Indonesia. The protest was in support of a peaceful Papuan pro-independence group.
The four men have been charged with ‘incitement’ and could face up to six years’ imprisonment. Three of the men told their lawyers that they had been beaten and burnt with cigarettes while in detention. They are currently being held at the police mobile brigade (Brimob) detention centre in Manokwari.
In Biak, Papua province, activists Apolos Sroyer and Dorteus Bonsapia were detained on 20 May when they went to inform police of a planned protest. They have now been charged with ‘incitement’. Wamoka Yudas Kossay was charged with ‘incitement’ on 22 May for taking part in a peaceful protest. He was not provided a lawyer during his interrogation.
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UA: 139/15 Index: ASA 21/1932/2015 Indonesia Date: 23 June 2015

URGENT ACTION
PAPUAN ACTIVISTS DETAINED AND CHARGED
Seven Papuan political activists have been detained as a result of their peaceful political activities. They have been charged with ‘incitement’ and could face up to six years’ imprisonment. Three of the men have reported being beaten and burnt with cigarettes while in detention.

On 20 May 2015, four political activists from the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), Nopinus Humawak (also known as Narko Murib), Alex Nekenem, Maikel Asso and Yoram Magai were arrested with around 70 others at a peaceful rally in Manokwari, West Papua province. The protest was in support of a peaceful Papuan pro-independence umbrella group, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). According to witnesses, dozens of protesters were beaten by police with rifle butts during the rally. While the majority of the protesters were subsequently released, the four men were charged with “incitement” under Article 160 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code and could face up to six years’ imprisonment. On 14 June, Nopinus Humawak reportedly escaped from detention. The three other men told their lawyers that they had been beaten by at least four police personnel while in detention and burnt with cigarettes. They are currently being held at the police mobile brigade (Brimob) detention center in Manokwari.

In another incident in Biak, Papua province, activists Apolos Sroyer and Dorteus Bonsapia were detained on 20 May when they visited the police station to inform them of a planned protest in support of ULMWP. Police held them overnight at the station for questioning and on the following day they were charged with “incitement”. A third political activist from Biak, Wamoka Yudas Kossay, was also charged with “incitement” on 22 May, after he took part in a peaceful protest in support of ULMWP at the Darfuar market the day before. He was not provided a lawyer during his interrogation.
Please write immediately in English, Bahasa or your own language:

 Urging the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Alex Nekenem, Maikel Asso, Yoram Magai, Nopinus Humawak, Apolos Sroyer, Dorteus Bonsapia and Wamoka Yudas Kossay, as they have been arrested solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression;
 Calling on them to ensure that pending their release, the seven men are not tortured or otherwise ill-treated and have regular access to their families, lawyers of their choice and any medical treatment that they require.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 4 AUGUST 2015 TO:
Papua Regional Head of Police
Yotje Mende
Jl. Samratulangi No. 8 Jayapura, Papua,
IndonesiaFax: 011 62 967 533763 Salutation: Dear Brigadier General

Also send copies to:
Director General for Human Rights
Aidir Amin Daud
Ministry of Law and Human Rights Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav No. 4-5 Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12950, IndonesiaFax: 011 62 215 253095
Twitter: @Humas_Kumham Salutation: Dear Aidir Amin Daud
And copies to:
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) Nur Kholis
Jl Latuharhary
No.4 Menteng Jakarta Pusat
10310,
IndonesiaFax: 011 62 213 912026
Email: pengaduan@komnasham.go.id

H.E. Ambassador Budi Bowoleksono, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
2020 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington DC 20036Fax: 1 202 775 5365 I Phone: 1 202 775 5200 I Email: ikuhn@embassyofindonesia.org or faisal@embassyofindonesia.org

Please let us know if you took action so that we can track our impact! EITHER send a short email to uan@aiusa.org with “UA 139/15” in the subject line, and include in the body of the email the number of letters and/or emails you sent, OR fill out this short online form to let us know how you took action. Thank you for taking action! Please check with the AIUSA Urgent Action Office if taking action after the appeals date.
 


URGENT ACTION
PAPUAN ACTIVISTS DETAINED AND CHARGED
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Indonesia enshrines guarantees to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in its Constitution and national legislation. But legislation continues to be used to criminalize peaceful political activities and to imprison people solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and opinion, peaceful assembly conscience and religion.
Dozens of peaceful political activists are currently imprisoned in the Papuan region (provinces of Papua and West Papua), some sentenced to as long as 20 years’ imprisonment, for attending, organizing or participating in peaceful political activities or protests, or possessing, raising or waving the prohibited pro-independence ‘Morning Star’ flag of Papua. Many of those arrested are charged with “rebellion” (makar) under Articles 106 and 110 (crimes against the security of the state) of Indonesia’s Criminal Code.

Amnesty International has also documented the use of excessive force and firearms as well as torture and other ill- treatment against political activists and others accused of links to pro-independence groups Accountability for such acts is rare, and at most security personnel receive disciplinary sanctions.
Amnesty International takes no position whatsoever on the political status of any province of Indonesia, including calls for independence. However, the organization believes that the right to freedom of expression includes the right to peacefully advocate referendums, independence or other political solutions.

One of the reasons why cases of torture and other ill-treatment continue to occur in Indonesia is the failure to revise Indonesia’s Criminal Code, to criminalize acts of torture. In 2008, the UN Committee against Torture called on the Indonesian government to revise the Criminal Code to incorporate the crime of torture consistent with the definition in Article 1.1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and to ensure that all acts of torture are punishable by appropriate penalties which take into account their grave nature. The Criminal Code has been under revision for about three decades. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights submitted a new draft of the Criminal Code to parliament in June 2015 for deliberation in August.

Name: Alex Nekenem (m), Maikel Asso (m), Yoram Magai (m), Nopinus Humawak (m), Apolos Sroyer (m), Dorteus Bonsapia (m), Wamoka Yudas Kossay (m)
Issues: Freedom of expression, Arbitrary detention, Torture/ill-treatment
UA: 139/15
Issue Date: 23 June 2015 Country: Indonesia
UA Network Office AIUSA │600 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC 20003 T. 202.509.8193 │ F. 202.675.8566 │E. uan@aiusa.org │ amnestyusa.org/urgent
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1) Indonesia is Associate Member, West Papua Observer in MSG

2) West Papuans given Melanesia bloc access, but not full membership

3) MSG Leaders made a tough decision: PM

4) MSG grants West Papua observer status

5) Bainimarama commends Indonesian President
6) Islands in focus: Papuans  block airport over land  dispute 
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http://www.dailypost.vu/news/article_5922c439-24a1-5653-bb03-476f793ea9c7.html

Vanuatu Daily Post

1) Indonesia is Associate Member, West Papua Observer in MSG

Posted: Saturday, June 27, 2015 12:00 am
By Godwin Ligo | 0 comments
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has accepted the United Liberal Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) as Observer in the regional organisation on the basis that it represents West Papuans living outside West Papua.
According to international media, that was the announcement made yesterday by the MSG Chair, Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
The MSG Chair also announced that Associate Membership was accorded to Indonesia who is representing "the five Melanesian provinces in Indonesia".
That was the decision of the leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group at the MSG Summit in Solomon Islands that ended yesterday.
Indonesia will be represented in MSG by the governors of the five provinces in West Papua.
The ULMWP application for full membership in MSG was held back.
While Vanuatu was the beacon of hope for West Papua in the world in the past, at this stage the people of Vanuatu do not know how Vanuatu voted at the MSG in the bid for ULMWP's application for full membership.
But in a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, it stated that the United Liberation Movement for West Papua representatives have expressed appreciation to Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders in an address to the MSG Plenary on Friday.
The Vanuatu Prime Minister, Sato Kilman, who did not attend the MSG meeting following the political situation in the country stated: “The 20th Summit ended on Friday 26th with a Plenary which also saw addresses from newly admitted Associate members Indonesia, and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua as Observers.
“In a much-anticipated communiqué which was signed by Leaders on Thursday evening at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara, among other important decisions, Leaders approved that ULMWP be admitted as an Observer to the MSG under the regional and international organizations category and representing Melanesians living abroad.
“In addition, leaders also approved that Associate membership be accorded to Indonesia who will also be representing the five Melanesian Provinces in Indonesia.
“These two decisions were arguably quite historical as well as progressive in their own right, rendering the MSG as a platform for greater dialogue between the Government of Indonesia and the ULMWP.
“In his address to the plenary on Friday morning, representative of the ULMWP expressed their appreciation to leaders for endorsing their bid for membership and for their unification under the ULMWP umbrella which was made possible under the auspices of the Government, the Chiefs, Church Leaders and people of Vanuatu.
“It is important to note that the Vanuatu Government’s strong stance, support and advocacy for self-determination for all indigenous peoples and the universal principles of human rights which all MSG members subscribe to have been instrumental in the inclusion of La Couse Kanak and now West Papua in the agenda of the MSG, and for the inclusion of the FLNKS representing the Kanak people of New Caledonia, and now ULMWP the people of West Papua.
“To that end, the Vanuatu Government wishes to congratulate both the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and the Government of Indonesia for choosing the MSG as a conduit or platform whereupon they may dialogue and in reconciling any differences.
“The spirit of the MSG and the Melanesian way encourages closer dialogue cooperation and the spirit of comradeship and collegiality and in a reconciliatory manner than confrontational.
“Leaders of the MSG, including Vanuatu, therefore encourage the ULMWP and the Government of Indonesia to make the most the space and opportunity rendered by their inclusion in the MSG for dialogue and in a reconciliatory and progressive manner.
“This is a position which the Government of the day will rally behind and support to be more pragmatic and progressive, as opposed to a confrontational approach.
“The 20th MSG Leaders’ Summit also saw the signing of a myriad of documents and declarations which included, the Agreement Establishing the MSG (Revised 2015), the Declaration on the MSG 2038 Property for All Plan and implementation Framework. Agreement Establishing the Regional Police Academy (RPA), Legislative Framework Agreement of the Formed Police Unit (FPU), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Humanitarian and Emergency Response Cooperation Center (HERCC), Melanesian Declaration on the Transshipment of Nuclear Waste and Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Waste (previously the 1995 Lakatoro Declaration on Denuclearization on the Pacific), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Technical Cooperation in Coastal and Aquaculture Development between members of the MSG, and the MSG Roadmap for inshore Fisheries Management and Sustainable Development.
“The leaders also considered and endorsed a paper on Recovery Support for Vanuatu in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Pam which would comprise pledges of support in areas identified in the recently concluded National Recovery Plan, and on a bilateral basis ,” the statement ended and signed by the Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council, Bishop James Ligo, told the Daily Post that the VCC accepts the decision by the MSG leaders in granting West Papua an Observer status in the MSG as a first step.
At the same time he questions the granting of Associate Member to Indonesia.
However, the VCC Chairman said, the VCC will continue to put pressure on the MSG for eventual full membership of West Papua under ULMWP into the MSG.
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2) West Papuans given Melanesia bloc access, but not full membership

Pacific Beat 
Pacific affairs reporter Liam Fox and staff
Updated about an hour ago

A coalition of West Papuan organisations has been accepted into a regional grouping of Melanesian countries but denied full membership.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) had applied to become a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). 
It had hoped membership would give it greater diplomatic recognition and focus more attention on human rights abuses committed by the Indonesian military and police. 
We might not be a full member of the MSG, but a door has opened to us. We will sit across a table from Indonesia as equal.
Octavianus Mote, secretary general of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua
The Melanesian Spearhead Group's members are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the French overseas territory of New Caledonia's independence movement FLNKS (Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste).
It was formed in 1986 to support the decolonisation process and help regional liberation groups, but has since evolved into a regional body discussing trade and security issues.
The West Papuan representatives the MSG summit had an opportunity to put their views on their new status in the final plenary session.
Secretary general of the ULMWP, Octavianus Mote, put a positive spin on the development, saying the diplomatic recognition will help them to focus international attention on human rights abuses in the province.
Media player: "Space" to play, "M" to mute, "left" and "right" to seek.
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AUDIO: Melanesian Spearhead Group admitting West Papuan observers seen as positive (Pacific Beat)
"For 53 years we have endured the most severe human rights violations — torture, killing, disappearance, rape, arbitrary arrest and detention — that the lives of at least 500,000 people have been taken, women, children and men," he said.
"That is why today is so important to us.
"We might not be a full member of the MSG, but a door has opened to us. We will sit across a table from Indonesia as equal."
However, Indonesia's membership of the MSG was upgraded from observer status to associate membership, giving it a greater say in Melanesian politics than the West Papua grouping.

Discussions to begin in 'constructive manner'

Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama, who had already put his view that Indonesia should be granted membership before the summit, said his vote was guided by "a number of overriding principles in approaching the West Papuan issue."

Jakarta took control of Papua, which forms half of the island of New Guinea, in 1963 from former colonial power the Netherlands.
A Papua New Guinea politician who has been very vocal in support of the West Papuan cause says the inclusion of both the United Liberation Movement for West Papua and the governors in the Melanesian Spearhead Group is a clever move.
Gary Juffa, governor of PNG's Oro province, says he doesn't trust Indonesia's motives, and believes that West Papua is a free nation under Indonesian occupation.
But he told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program that at least all parties are now part of the MSG and that might encourage positive dialogue.
Media player: "Space" to play, "M" to mute, "left" and "right" to seek.
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AUDIO: Church lobby group disappointed with West Papuan MSG decision (Pacific Beat)
"It gives ULMP a little bit of what they want," he said.
"It's a foot in the doorway, so they aren't shut out, and that's good.
"It also recognises and accommodates Indonesia as a sovereign nation, as it is recognised by the rest of the world.
"Even though the manner in which they have acquired West Papua was illegal, they are still recognised as a sovereign state and West Papua is a territory of theirs."
Mr Juffa said there was always a need for dialogue and the MSG is a platform on which to have it.
Another strong West Papua supporter, Fiji's influential Methodist Church, believes the inclusion of both the ULMWP and Indonesia could turn out to be a positive one.
Reverend James Bhagwan, secretary for communication and overseas missions for the Methodist Church, said while there are clearly problems with the decision, it may lead to political progress for the West Papuans.
Mr Bhagwan said the church had long been concerned about human rights abuses in West Papua, and it remained a key concern.
"Will what has happened alleviate that, or bring those human rights violations to a close?" he said.
"Or open the door for MSG members to go in with a peace keeping force or some sort of support to assist the West Papuans, who are suffering."
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3) MSG Leaders made a tough decision: PM

17:44 Today


Taken from/By: DEPTFO 
Report by: Ritika Pratap
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says one of the most testing choices faced by the Melanesian Spearhead Group this week was related to the issue of West Papua.
The MSG Leaders at their 20th Summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands have agreed to admit Indonesia as Associate Members of MSG and granted the United Liberation Movement for West Papua an observer status.
Bainimarama says Fiji has been guided by a number of overriding principles in approaching the West Papua issue.
He says the first and foremost of these is that Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua cannot be questioned as the province is an integral part of Indonesia.
Bainimarama says to deal with West Papua and its people, the MSG has no choice but to deal with Indonesia and in a positive and constructive manner.
He says MSG member countries are convinced that the best hope for improving the lives of the people of West Papua – is to work closely with the Indonesian Government.
Bainimarama says they are hopeful as time progresses, those West Papuans who are outside Indonesia can also become part of that engagement.
He says the United Liberation Movement for West Papua may be a disappointed as they hoped for full membership but the rules of membership made that impossible.
He says the ULMWP is not the sovereign power in West Papua as is an external, non government organization that may represent West Papuan interests and opinion.
Bainimarama says the MSG simply could not give it the status it desired without compromising a fundamental principal.
However he says the ULMWP should not to regard this as a defeat but an opportunity.
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4) MSG grants West Papua observer status

13:07 Today


Taken from/By: DINFO
Report by: Ritika Pratap; Island Business
Indonesia through its five provincial governors in West Papua has been admitted as an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Peter O’Neill said late Thursday.
In a break from tradition where announcement of the MSG Leaders decision is supposed to be made by its chair, host of the summit, Prime Minister Mannaseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands, O’Neill’s office announced that Indonesia is an associate member of the MSG and that the United Liberation Movement of West Papua has been granted observer status.
The decision was made at the 20th MSG Leaders summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The ULMWP executives and secretariat welcomed the decision of the MSG leaders on behalf of the people of West Papua, describing it as a historic decision for West Papua.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua applied for full membership at the instruction of the MSG leaders in 2013 and 2014.
ULMWP Secretary General Octovianus Mote says despite not getting full membership they welcome the decision of the leaders as it’s their first step to full political recognition.


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5) Bainimarama commends Indonesian President
VUNIWAQA BOLA-BARI Saturday, June 27, 2015
Update: 5:51PM 
PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has commended the Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his government for the steps they are taking to improve conditions in West Papua for its Melanesian population.
Mr Bainimarama commended Mr Widodo and the Indonesian Government while addressing the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands yesterday.
He said it was incumbent on the MSG countries to support Mr Widodo in the effort and engage with Indonesia on West Papua in a positive and constructive manner.
"From Fiji's perspective, the best way to achieve this is to bring Indonesia closer into the workings of the MSG," he said.
While Indonesia has been elevated from observer status to associate member of the MSG, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua has been granted observer status at the group.
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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/06/27/islands-focus-papuans-block-airport-over-land-dispute.html

6) Islands in focus: Papuans  block airport over land  dispute 
The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Archipelago | Sat, June 27 2015, 8:47 AM - 


At least 15 residents from Ifar Besar village blockaded the runaway of Sentani Airport, Jayapura on Friday, demanding land compensation.

Led by Dilon Taime, the son of Apolos Taime, who owns the customary land in the area, the residents started to install bamboo poles at the end of runaway at 4 p.m. local time.

The residents left the runaway at about 4:45 p.m., Antara reported.

Papua Police Spokesman Sr. Comr. Patrige said the police had removed the blockage, which was caused by unsettled claims to be compensated for land. 

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