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Am 21. April 2012 wurde der internationale Bericht „Menschenrechte in Papua 2010/11“ des Faith-based Network on West Papua (FBN) der Öffentlichkeit in Papua vorgestellt. Kristina Neubauer, Koordinatorin des West Papua Netzwerkes (WPN) und des FBN, präsentierte den Bericht vor fast 200 Leuten in Jayapura, der Hauptstadt Papuas.
Der ins Indonesische übersetzte Menschenrechtsbericht wurde von den anwesenden Kirchenführern, Menschenrechtsverteidigern, traditionellen und Frauengruppen sehr begrüßt. Auch die lokalen Medien berichteten in den darauffolgenden Tagen über die Veranstaltung und die Inhalte des Berichts. Die Tageszeitung „Bintang Papua“ berichtete am 24. April auf der Titelseite über die Veröffentlichung des Berichts: „Menschenrechtsverletzungen in Papua werden nicht in der UN diskutiert“ lautete der Titel des Artikels, den das West Papua Netzwerk ins Deutsche übersetzt hat und im Folgenden abdruckt.

Jayapura
Obwohl in Papua oft Menschenrechtsverletzungen geschehen, hat der Menschenrechtsrat der Vereinten Nationen in Genf während seiner letzten Sitzung im März 2012 die Menschenrechtsproblematik in Papua nicht diskutiert. Dies berichtete Kristina Neubauer, Koordinatorin des Faith-based Network on West Papua (FBN), während der Vorstellung des internationalen Berichts „Menschenrechte in Papua 2010-2011“ am Samstag, den 21. April im Sophie-Gebäude auf dem Gelände des P3W in Padang Bulan.
Kristina Neubauer berichtete, dass während der dreiwöchigen Sitzung des UN-Menschenrechtsrates Papua keine Erwähnung fand. „Es fand keine Diskussion zu Papua statt“, sagte Kristina Neubauer vor fast 200 Gästen verschiedener gesellschaftlicher Gruppierungen Papuas. Weitere Sprecher im Rahmen der Veröffentlichung waren die drei indigenen Papuaführer Ruben Magai, Mitglied im Papua-Provinzparlamentes DPRP, Socratez Sofyan Yoman, Präsident der Baptistenkirche Papua, und Matius Murib, stellvertretender Vorsitzende der Zweigstelle der Nationalen Menschenrechtskommission Komnas HAM in Papua. Kristina Neubauer unterstrich, dass die geringe Aufmerksamkeit im Ausland gegenüber der Problematik in Papua auf die unzureichende Datenlage zurückzuführen sei. „Es bedarf vollständiger Daten und einer vollständigen Dokumentation.
Ausländische Regierungen wollen keine Geschichten hören. Was sie wollen, sind Daten und Fakten“, sagte Kristina Neubauer. Sie appellierte an alle Seiten in Papua, jeden Menschenrechtsfall sorgfältig zu dokumentieren. „Mein Rat ist, ab sofort die Daten zu jeder Menschenrechtsverletzung in Papua schriftlich festzuhalten. Das ist sehr wichtig.“ Pfarrer Socratez Sofyan Yoman betonte, dass dieser Menschenrechtsbericht etwas sei, auf das man in Papua lange gewartet habe. Man könne zwar über vieles reden, letztendlich bedürfe es aber schriftlicher Berichte. „Im Ausland gibt es eine hohe Lesekultur“, erklärte er.
Papua sei inzwischen zum wirtschaftlichen Spielfeld etlicher Länder dieser Welt geworden, die die indonesische Regierung unterstützen. „Es gibt nur einen Weg, den wir nehmen können. Und dieser Weg wird von der Welt gewiss unterstützt: der Weg eines Dialoges. Die Kirchen setzen sich bereits seit langem für einen solchen Dialog ein“, sagte Yoman.
Ruben Magai wurde mehrfach gebeten, die Reaktionen des Provinzparlamentes gegenüber den Forderungen der Bevölkerung darzustellen, wie beispielsweise die Rückgabe des Sonderautonomiegesetzes. Der Abgeordnete beschrieb die Rolle des Parlaments als die eines Vermittlers. „Die Antworten werden letztendlich vom Staat gegeben“, erklärte Ruben Magai.
Er vermute, dass die Bildung der „Einheit zur beschleunigten Entwicklung Papuas und West Papuas“ UP4B (Unit Percepatan Pembangunan Papua dan Papua Barat) eine Antwort Jakartas auf die Rückgabe des Sonderautonomiegesetzes gewesen sei. Die Einheit der Papua und ihrer unterschiedlichen Positionen ist nach Ansicht von Ruben Magai sehr wichtig. Was stattdessen aber geschehe, sei das Aufkommen vieler verschiedener Meinungen und Aspirationen und niemand sei bereit, die eigene Position aufzugeben. „Diese Situation signalisiert der Welt, dass Ihr nicht vereint seid. Die einen reden von der Unabhängigkeit, die anderen fordern ein Referendum und wiederum andere einen Dialog“, kritisierte Ruben Magai mit Nachdruck.
Als Beispiel nannte er den Dritten Papua-Kongress, der von der OPM abgelehnt wurde. „Wir sind verwirrt und wissen nicht, wie wir darauf reagieren sollen. Also sagen wir lieber gar nichts“, erklärte der Abgeordnete. In einer schriftlichen Zusammenfassung des Menschenrechtsberichts durch Kristina Neubauer heißt es, dass der Bericht das Ergebnis der Zusammenarbeit von drei internationalen Menschenrechtsorganisationen ist (Faith-based Network on West Papua, Franciscan International und Asian Human Rights Commission). Der Bericht wurde bereits am 2. November 2011 auf Englisch in Genf, Schweiz, veröffentlicht.
Der englische Titel des Berichts lautet „Human Rights in Papua 2010/11“. Zur Veröffentlichung des internationalen Menschenrechtsberichts in Genf war auch die Indonesische Botschaft an den Vereinten Nationen eingeladen. In einem Dialog mit dem FBN und weiteren internationalen Nichtregierungsorganisationen habe die Vertreterin der Indonesischen Regierung hinsichtlich des internationalen Menschenrechtsberichts gesagt, dass „der Schutz der Menschenrechte eine Priorität der Indonesischen Regierung“ darstelle. „Das FBN stimmt dieser Aussage nicht zu, da der Schutz der Menschenrechte keine Priorität der Indonesischen Regierung im Lande Papua ist. Dass der Schutz der Menschenrechte in Papua noch nicht gewährleistet ist, beweist der aktuelle Bericht des FBNs“, erklärte Kristina Neubauer.
Der Menschenrechtsbericht 2010/11 ist eine Dokumentation von Verletzungen sozialer, politischer, wirtschaftlicher und kultureller Menschenrechte der indigenen Papuabevölkerung in den Jahren 2010/11. „Der Bericht erhebt nicht den Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit, da viele Menschenrechtsverletzungen in Papua noch im Dunkeln geschehen und bis heute nicht gemeldet sind“, heißt es.

Übersetzung aus dem Indonesischen von Kristina Neubauer, Jayapura

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From ETAN

As organizations concerned about human rights in Indonesia and West Papua, we are writing to urge the U.S. government and Congress not to allow the sale of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to the Indonesian military (TNI). Providing these helicopters would pose a direct threat to Papuan civilians, who have been the target of deadly TNI assaults for many years.
The sale of this weapons system to the TNI — notwithstanding its long record of disregard for civilian casualties, corruption, human rights violations and impunity in East Timor, Aceh and elsewhere — would only increase the suffering of the Papuan population.

Indonesia´s Deputy Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told the Antara news agency, that Indonesia intends to buy eight AH-64 Apache helicopter from the United States.

The heavily-armed AH-64 is a highly lethal weapon which can be used to escalate conflict within Indonesia and in West Papua. These aircraft will substantially augment the TNI´s capacity to prosecute its „sweep operations“ in West Papua and thereby, almost certainly lead to increased suffering among the civilian populations long victimized by such operations.

TNI „sweep operations,“ including several now underway in the Central Highlands region of West Papua, involve attacks on villages. Homes are destroyed, along with churches and public buildings. These assaults, purportedly to eliminate the poorly armed Papuan armed resistance, force innocent villagers from their homes. Papuan civilians either flee the attacks to neighboring villages or into the surrounding forests where many die or face starvation, cut off from access to their gardens, shelter, and medical care.

The AH-64 is designed for air to ground attack. It can operate day or night and is armed with high caliber chain guns . It is also equipped to fire missiles.

Congress must be notified of major weapons sales. We urge Congress to oppose the sale of these helicopters.

Signed,

East Timor and Indonesia Action Network
West Papua Advocacy Team
Asia-Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC)
Asian Human Rights Commission
Australia East Timor Friendship Association of South Australia Inc.
Australia West Papua Association – Melbourne
Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
Australians for a Free East Timor
Baptist Church, Papua, Indonesia
Campaign for Peace and Democracy
Center For Creative Activities, Philadelphia
Columbus Campaign for Arms Control
ETAN-Madison
East Timor Action Network / Portland
East Timor National Victims „74-99“ Association
East Timor Religious Outreach
Episcopal Peace Fellowship
Faith-based Network on West Papua (FBN)
Fellowship of Reconciliation
Foreign Policy In Focus
Foundation Pro Papua, The Netherlands
Franciscans International
Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
Green Delaware
Health Alliance International
Hunter East Timor Sisters, Australia
Indonesia Human Rights Committee, Auckland New Zealand
Hunter East Timor Sisters, Australia
Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, Ann Arbor, MI
International Federation for East Timor
International Labor Rights Forum
International Lawyers for West Papua
International Platform of Jurists for East Timor
Japan East Timor Coalition
Jews Against Genocide, USA
Justice for Palestine Matters, Australia
KontrS, Indonesia
Koalisi Anti Utang, Indonesia
Land Is Life
La´o Hamutuk – Timor-Leste Institute for Development Monitoring and Analysis
LEPOCO Peace Center
Massachusetts Peace Actionon
Metta Center for Nonviolence
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Justice and Peace Centre, Australia
Moana Nui Action Alliance
Mornington Branch of the Australian Greens Victoria
Neighbors for Peace, Chicago
Nicaragua Center for Community Action

Nonviolence International
Office of the Americas
Ohio Valley PEACE
Pace e Bene Australia
Pantau Foundation Jakarta
Partij voor de Liefde, The Netherlands
Pax Christi Aotearoa-New Zealand
Pax Christi Australia
Pax Christi Australia (NSW)
Pax Christi Metro New York
Pax Christi New Orleans
Pax Christi Victoria ( International Christian Peace Movement)
Peace Action
Peace Action of Washington State
Peace House, Ashland, OR
Peace Island Foundation, Boston, MA
Peace Movement Aotearoa
Philippine Workers Support Committee
Shomer Shalom Network for Jewish Nonviolence
Socialist Party of the Netherlands
Stg. Timor Lorosae Solidarity (TLS), The Netherlands
Stichting Akar, The Netherlands
Swedish East Timor Committee
Swedish Free Papua Association
TAPOL
Urban Poor Consortium (UPC), Indonesia
Vereniging Papuavrouwen in Nederland – the Netherlands
Veterans for Peace NYC Chapter 34
Voices for Creative Nonviolence
Volunteers for International Solidarity
War Resisters League
War Resisters League, Chicago Chapter
War Resisters League, Portland
WarIsACrime.org
Watch Indonesia, Germany
WESPAC Foundation
West Papua Action Network, USA
West Papua Netzwerk, Germany
West Papua Solidarity Wellington
Western New York Peace Center
Wheaton Franciscan Sisters
Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, Madison WI

Added signers
Baltimore Nonviolence Center
Byak Regional People´s Parliament ( Biak,West Papua)
Puget Sound Nuclear Weapons Free Zone
Quaker Peace & Service Aotearoa New Zealand
Rogue Valley Peace Veterans

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Bis heute würden Papua Opfer von Folter, politischen Morden, willkürlichen Verhaftungen und Einschränkungen ihres Rechtes auf freie Meinungsäußerung. Papua, die sich kritisch gegenüber der Regierung oder dem Vorgehen der Sicherheitskräfte äußern, würden oft des Separatismus beschuldigt und so Zielscheibe von Militär und Polizei. Matheus Adadikam kritisierte darüber hinaus, dass immer öfter Menschen ihres Landes enteignet würden. Das bedrohe die Existenz vieler Papua. Umwandlung von Wald in Plantagenland, die Vergabe von Bergbaukonzessionen und anhaltende Migration von anderen indonesischen Volksgruppen in das Gebiet verdrängten an vielen Orten die Papua mehr und mehr aus ihren angestammten Siedlungsgebieten.

Dialog gefordert
Für Novel Matindas lässt es die indonesische Regierung bis heute an politischem Willen zur Umsetzung der 2001 beschlossenen Sonderautonomie fehlen. Folter und Mord bedrohten das Leben von Menschenrechtsverteidigern in Papua. Hunderte Papua seien in den letzten Jahren getötet worden. Der Kirchenrat hat den indonesischen Präsidenten Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) dazu aufgerufen, in einen Dialog mit den Papua einzutreten und die militärischen Operationen in Papua unverzüglich einzustellen. In einem Gespräch mit Kirchenvertretern hat der Präsident zugesagt, dies zu tun. Bis heute fehlten jedoch eindeutige Signale, die eine Umsetzung dieser Zusage belegen würden, so Matindas.

Hoffnung auf Gesprächsbereitschaft
Veranstalter der Diskussion in Genf war unter anderem das internationale Faith Based Network on West Papua (FBN), dem die Vereinte Evangelische Mission (VEM) und das deutsche West Papua Netzwerk (WPN) angehören. Dr. Jochen Motte, Mitglied des Vorstandes der Vereinten Evangelischen Mission und Vertreter der VEM im FBN, äußerte die Hoffnung, dass die indonesische Regierung sich der Kritik der indonesischen Kirchenvertreter und anderer Menschenrechtsverteidiger stellt, entschieden Maßnahmen zur Beendigung von Menschenrechtsverletzungen und Straflosigkeit ergreift und alle Militäroperationen in Papua beendet als Voraussetzung für den Beginn eines wirklichen Dialogs mit den Papua.

Jochen Motte, VEM

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WPAT / ETAN This is the 93rd in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN).
Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm
Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org.

Summary: Indonesian security forces, including the U.S. and Australian supported Detachment 88, conducted „sweeping operations“ in the Paniai area of West Papua that destroyed churches, homes and public buildings, and forced hundreds of civilians from their homes. The Indonesia´s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the Police Commander to remove forces from the region, echoing civil society leaders in Paniai. Jakarta´s failure to provided basic health services to Papuans has led to a high rate of death among mothers at child birth according to a recent report. An unconfirmed report claims that President Yudhoyono has committed to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua and to suspend the operations of a special unit proposed to address fundamental Jakarta-Papua problems. The cost in human life for Papuans of Jakarta´s decades of neglect of the Papuan population is well documented. Amnesty International met with a senior official in Jakarta to press for release of political prisoners, particularly in West Papua and Maluku. The three-month old strike by workers at the Freeport McMoRan mines appears to be headed toward resolution.

Contents:

– Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai

– Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai

– Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth

– President Yudhoyono Reportedly Offers Pledge to Withdraw Non-Organic Troops from West Papua

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai
Despite efforts by the Indonesian government and its security forces to block all monitoring of developments in the Paniai region of West Papua, courageous journalists, human rights advocates and others have been able to report on the ongoing tragedy there. Since the first days of December, Indonesian security forces, including the U.S.-trained and funded Detachment 88, Brimob elements, and units of the Indonesian military, have been conducting a massive „sweeping“ campaign, purportedly targeting local leaders of the pro-independence Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM). Hundreds and in all probability thousands of villagers have been driven from their homes due to the violence unleashed by government forces which has destroyed churches, homes, and public buildings.
An early December report carried in the Jakarta Post revealed the dimensions of the human tragedy now unfolding: About 500 inhabitants of Dagouto village in Paniai Regency, Papua, have opted to leave their homes and seek refuge following the deployment of 150 Mobile Brigade officers to their area, Paniai tribe council chief John Gobai said Wednesday. „Our people have become refugees at Uwatawogi Hall in Enarotali, Paniai, for several weeks. They are now afraid they may not be able to celebrate Christmas at home,“ John told reporters at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). John, along with four other Paniai people, was at the commission to complain about the presence of police officers in the area, which they said „exacerbated the security situation.“
The National Police has increased its numbers of personnel in the regency following several deadly shootings, reportedly claiming the lives of eight traditional miners working on the Degeuwo River, near Dagouto, last month.

Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai
On December 17, Jubi reported that the Indonesian Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) called on the Indonesian Chief of Police to immediately withdraw all Brimob troops (the militarized police) from the West Papua district of Paniai and to refrain from sending any additional personnel there. The request came in the wake of widespread reports (see above) of brutal security force sweeping operations that had targeted civilians. The deputy head of Komnas HAM, M. Ridha Saleh, wrote the chief of police in response to a formal complaint made by the chairman of the Regional Traditional Council (DAD) in Paniai.
The letter cited two recent incidents involving members of the police force: A shooting near the copper-and-gold mine in Degheuwo which led to the death of a civilian. And the situation following the dispatch of 150 additional Brimob troops who arrived in Enarotali on November 11-14, 2011 The letter called for the removal of a Brimob post set up in the midst of several kampungs and for a police investigation into the death of Mateus Tenouye.
The letter noted that only a Brimob withdrawal could enable Paniai to return to their daily lives which have been badly disrupted by security operations by Brimob and other Indonesian security personnel. (WPAT Note: There are consistent reports of the involvement of Detachment 88, Kopassus, and other TNI personnel in the sweeping operations. Neither the U.S. nor Australian governments have made any comment regarding their support for an organization that in this instance, and in numerous previous incidents, has resorted to brutality in dealing with peaceful non-combatants.)
The Komnas HAM appeal concluded with a call for dialogue among all parties.

Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth
The Jakarta Post reports that maternal deaths in West Papua remain high. Victor Nugraha, an official with the Papuan Health Agency, speaking to media in Manokwari, said that the rate of deaths in 2011 would be at least as high as in 2010. Real figures, he added, were difficult to ascertain because many cases of death during child birth are not recorded due to the shortage of medical personnel to maintain records.
According to the official the main causes of maternal death were hemorrhage, post-pregnancy infections, and hypertension. Anemia due to iron deficiency can lead to hemorrhaging. Beside low iron levels due to poor nutrition, anemia can also be caused by malaria, which is common in West Papua. The official also explained that late pregnancy checks and poor surgery facilities for caesarean sections in clinics also contribute to maternal deaths. This report echoes a far more detailed study conducted in the Kebar Valley of West Papua in 2008 (see Health care in the Bird´s Head Peninsula.
Its conclusions are stark: Out of 708 pregnancies 4.7% led to miscarriage and 1.4% of the children were born dead. Out of 665 child births, where the baby was born alive, 213 baby´s and children eventually died. This is an infant mortality rate of 32.0%. This means that almost 1 out of 3 children dies before its fifth birthday. 57.3% of the died children (213) were younger than 1 year old. 27.7% is between the age of 1 to 5 when it dies. Most baby´s and toddlers (32.9%) died of fever or malaria. Fever in combination with coughing (probably pneumonia) causes a mortality rate of 13.9%. Diarrhea, icterus, prematures and pulmonary affections like tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis also occur, but in smaller numbers. In 12.7% of the dead infants the cause of death was unknown, according to the mother. 94.4% of the pregnant women give birth at home, whether or not with the presence of a traditional midwife . 14 children were born twins; 3 are still alive. WPAT Comment: Inadequate health services are common throughout those areas of West Papua where the majority of Papuans live. Services are better, sometimes substantially so, in towns where the majority of the non-Papuan, government-assisted migrants live.
Totally inadequate health services, along with government failure to provide education or employment opportunities, in majority Papuan populated areas have inevitably contributed to lower birth rates for West Papuans and greater deaths among Papuan children under the age of five. This decades-old policy of neglect of Papuans constitutes one of the bases of charges of genocide leveled against the Indonesian government.

Report of Major Jakarta Pledge on Demilitarization of West Papua
West Papua Media Alerts on December 18 reported that President Yudhoyono made a commitment to Papuan Church leaders in a December 16 meeting to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua. He reportedly said that he would suspend the activities of the special Unit to Accelerate the Development of Papua and West Papua (UP4B) which was to have addressed fundamental issues in the Jakarta-Papua relationship.
Key Papuan leaders in attendance included: Chair of the Papua GKI Synod, Yemima Kret; Chair of the Baptist Church of Papua, Socrates Sofyan Yoman; Chair of the Kingmi Synod, Benny Giay; Martin Luther Wanma and Rika Korain. Upon hearing an appeal for an end to the troop presence the President reportedly asked the Police Chief and Commander of the TNI to stop the violence.
According to Rev. Benny Giay, the President commanded the Chief of Police and the Armed Forces (TNI) „to stop the violence in Paniai, at least during the month of Christmas.“ However, Pastor Gomar Gultom, also at the meeting, told the media that the President did not mention a specific deadline for withdrawal of non-organic troops.
With regards to efforts to launch a Jakarta-Papua dialogue, Gultom said the two sides have not yet decided on the dialogue format or issues to be discussed. Religious leaders are scheduled to meet again in mid-January 2012 to formulate the program in more detail. Gultom added that President SBY spoke about the UP4B led by Lt. Gen. ( ret) Bambang Darmono.
The Religious leaders said that UP4B was formed unilaterally, without hearing the aspirations of the Papuan people. „There is a meeting point agreed upon last night. All points will be evaluated together, and UP4B will be stopped until results of the joint evaluation are available,“ he said. WPAT Comment: There is no evidence as of early January that any of the undertakings reportedly set forth by President Yudhoyono have in fact come to pass. Fighting in Paniai continues and there has been no announcement of a suspension of the operation of UP4B.

Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release
On December 6, Amnesty International officials met with Indonesia´s Coordinating Minister for Law, Politics and Security, Djoko Suyanto to urge the Indonesian Government free political prisoners incarcerated for peacefully expressing their views. Amnesty urged the government „to integrate human rights in their efforts to address the situation in Papua.“
The Amnesty International presentation focused on at least 90 people who are in prison in West Papua and Maluku for peaceful pro-independence activities, including Filep Karma, a Papuan independence leader currently serving a 15-year sentence in Abepura, Papua. Filep´s case has received special attention by the human rights group.
The meeting took place less than one month following the brutal assault on the Papuan Third National Congress during which peaceful Papuan dissenters were beaten and killed and many were arrested, only to join the growing ranks of Papuan political prisoners. Amnesty argued that „the Indonesian government should free all those who are detained in Papua and Maluku for peacefully expressing their views, including through raising or waving the prohibited pro-independence flags, and distinguish between peaceful and violent political activists.“ Amnesty pointed out that although the government had the duty and the right to maintain public order, its actions restricting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly had violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Indonesia has ratified. Amnesty stressed the need to set up a human rights court and a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate cases of human rights violations since Indonesia annexed Papua in the 1960s.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Minister Djoko Suyanto at the meeting expressed the government´s commitment to ensure accountability for human rights abuses committed by security forces.

Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution
In early December worker representatives and the Freeport McMoRan corporation reached a tentative deal whereby workers would return to their job sites, thus ending a crippling strike which left the world´s largest copper and gold operation at a standstill since workers began striking the massive West Papua mine site in September.
The Indonesian government was losing $8 million worth of taxes, royalties and dividends each day the strike continued. As of late December, workers had not yet resumed work owing to unresolved issues outside the framework of the new contract. Principal among these is the workers insistence that their leaders not be sanctioned either by Freeport McMoRan, which had talked of firing them, or the police, who have threatened to arrest them for „subversion.“
The status of a number of contract workers were also at issue. Workers have also insisted on security measures that will preclude additional violence by unidentified elements thought possibly to have ties to the authorities. The workers achieved significant concessions in their over three months long strike. The key provisions of the new contract is an agreement by Freeport McMoRan to a pay rise of 40 percent over two years. The current pay is $2-$3 an hour. The union had demanded an hourly rate of $7.50. Back issues

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WPAT / ETAN This is the 93rd in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN).
Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm
Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org.

Summary: Indonesian security forces, including the U.S. and Australian supported Detachment 88, conducted „sweeping operations“ in the Paniai area of West Papua that destroyed churches, homes and public buildings, and forced hundreds of civilians from their homes. The Indonesia´s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the Police Commander to remove forces from the region, echoing civil society leaders in Paniai. Jakarta´s failure to provided basic health services to Papuans has led to a high rate of death among mothers at child birth according to a recent report. An unconfirmed report claims that President Yudhoyono has committed to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua and to suspend the operations of a special unit proposed to address fundamental Jakarta-Papua problems. The cost in human life for Papuans of Jakarta´s decades of neglect of the Papuan population is well documented. Amnesty International met with a senior official in Jakarta to press for release of political prisoners, particularly in West Papua and Maluku. The three-month old strike by workers at the Freeport McMoRan mines appears to be headed toward resolution.

Contents:

– Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai

– Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai

– Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth

– President Yudhoyono Reportedly Offers Pledge to Withdraw Non-Organic Troops from West Papua

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai
Despite efforts by the Indonesian government and its security forces to block all monitoring of developments in the Paniai region of West Papua, courageous journalists, human rights advocates and others have been able to report on the ongoing tragedy there. Since the first days of December, Indonesian security forces, including the U.S.-trained and funded Detachment 88, Brimob elements, and units of the Indonesian military, have been conducting a massive „sweeping“ campaign, purportedly targeting local leaders of the pro-independence Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM). Hundreds and in all probability thousands of villagers have been driven from their homes due to the violence unleashed by government forces which has destroyed churches, homes, and public buildings.
An early December report carried in the Jakarta Post revealed the dimensions of the human tragedy now unfolding: About 500 inhabitants of Dagouto village in Paniai Regency, Papua, have opted to leave their homes and seek refuge following the deployment of 150 Mobile Brigade officers to their area, Paniai tribe council chief John Gobai said Wednesday. „Our people have become refugees at Uwatawogi Hall in Enarotali, Paniai, for several weeks. They are now afraid they may not be able to celebrate Christmas at home,“ John told reporters at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). John, along with four other Paniai people, was at the commission to complain about the presence of police officers in the area, which they said „exacerbated the security situation.“
The National Police has increased its numbers of personnel in the regency following several deadly shootings, reportedly claiming the lives of eight traditional miners working on the Degeuwo River, near Dagouto, last month.

Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai
On December 17, Jubi reported that the Indonesian Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) called on the Indonesian Chief of Police to immediately withdraw all Brimob troops (the militarized police) from the West Papua district of Paniai and to refrain from sending any additional personnel there. The request came in the wake of widespread reports (see above) of brutal security force sweeping operations that had targeted civilians. The deputy head of Komnas HAM, M. Ridha Saleh, wrote the chief of police in response to a formal complaint made by the chairman of the Regional Traditional Council (DAD) in Paniai.
The letter cited two recent incidents involving members of the police force: A shooting near the copper-and-gold mine in Degheuwo which led to the death of a civilian. And the situation following the dispatch of 150 additional Brimob troops who arrived in Enarotali on November 11-14, 2011 The letter called for the removal of a Brimob post set up in the midst of several kampungs and for a police investigation into the death of Mateus Tenouye.
The letter noted that only a Brimob withdrawal could enable Paniai to return to their daily lives which have been badly disrupted by security operations by Brimob and other Indonesian security personnel. (WPAT Note: There are consistent reports of the involvement of Detachment 88, Kopassus, and other TNI personnel in the sweeping operations. Neither the U.S. nor Australian governments have made any comment regarding their support for an organization that in this instance, and in numerous previous incidents, has resorted to brutality in dealing with peaceful non-combatants.)
The Komnas HAM appeal concluded with a call for dialogue among all parties.

Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth
The Jakarta Post reports that maternal deaths in West Papua remain high. Victor Nugraha, an official with the Papuan Health Agency, speaking to media in Manokwari, said that the rate of deaths in 2011 would be at least as high as in 2010. Real figures, he added, were difficult to ascertain because many cases of death during child birth are not recorded due to the shortage of medical personnel to maintain records.
According to the official the main causes of maternal death were hemorrhage, post-pregnancy infections, and hypertension. Anemia due to iron deficiency can lead to hemorrhaging. Beside low iron levels due to poor nutrition, anemia can also be caused by malaria, which is common in West Papua. The official also explained that late pregnancy checks and poor surgery facilities for caesarean sections in clinics also contribute to maternal deaths. This report echoes a far more detailed study conducted in the Kebar Valley of West Papua in 2008 (see Health care in the Bird´s Head Peninsula.
Its conclusions are stark: Out of 708 pregnancies 4.7% led to miscarriage and 1.4% of the children were born dead. Out of 665 child births, where the baby was born alive, 213 baby´s and children eventually died. This is an infant mortality rate of 32.0%. This means that almost 1 out of 3 children dies before its fifth birthday. 57.3% of the died children (213) were younger than 1 year old. 27.7% is between the age of 1 to 5 when it dies. Most baby´s and toddlers (32.9%) died of fever or malaria. Fever in combination with coughing (probably pneumonia) causes a mortality rate of 13.9%. Diarrhea, icterus, prematures and pulmonary affections like tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis also occur, but in smaller numbers. In 12.7% of the dead infants the cause of death was unknown, according to the mother. 94.4% of the pregnant women give birth at home, whether or not with the presence of a traditional midwife . 14 children were born twins; 3 are still alive. WPAT Comment: Inadequate health services are common throughout those areas of West Papua where the majority of Papuans live. Services are better, sometimes substantially so, in towns where the majority of the non-Papuan, government-assisted migrants live.
Totally inadequate health services, along with government failure to provide education or employment opportunities, in majority Papuan populated areas have inevitably contributed to lower birth rates for West Papuans and greater deaths among Papuan children under the age of five. This decades-old policy of neglect of Papuans constitutes one of the bases of charges of genocide leveled against the Indonesian government.

Report of Major Jakarta Pledge on Demilitarization of West Papua
West Papua Media Alerts on December 18 reported that President Yudhoyono made a commitment to Papuan Church leaders in a December 16 meeting to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua. He reportedly said that he would suspend the activities of the special Unit to Accelerate the Development of Papua and West Papua (UP4B) which was to have addressed fundamental issues in the Jakarta-Papua relationship.
Key Papuan leaders in attendance included: Chair of the Papua GKI Synod, Yemima Kret; Chair of the Baptist Church of Papua, Socrates Sofyan Yoman; Chair of the Kingmi Synod, Benny Giay; Martin Luther Wanma and Rika Korain. Upon hearing an appeal for an end to the troop presence the President reportedly asked the Police Chief and Commander of the TNI to stop the violence.
According to Rev. Benny Giay, the President commanded the Chief of Police and the Armed Forces (TNI) „to stop the violence in Paniai, at least during the month of Christmas.“ However, Pastor Gomar Gultom, also at the meeting, told the media that the President did not mention a specific deadline for withdrawal of non-organic troops.
With regards to efforts to launch a Jakarta-Papua dialogue, Gultom said the two sides have not yet decided on the dialogue format or issues to be discussed. Religious leaders are scheduled to meet again in mid-January 2012 to formulate the program in more detail. Gultom added that President SBY spoke about the UP4B led by Lt. Gen. ( ret) Bambang Darmono.
The Religious leaders said that UP4B was formed unilaterally, without hearing the aspirations of the Papuan people. „There is a meeting point agreed upon last night. All points will be evaluated together, and UP4B will be stopped until results of the joint evaluation are available,“ he said. WPAT Comment: There is no evidence as of early January that any of the undertakings reportedly set forth by President Yudhoyono have in fact come to pass. Fighting in Paniai continues and there has been no announcement of a suspension of the operation of UP4B.

Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release
On December 6, Amnesty International officials met with Indonesia´s Coordinating Minister for Law, Politics and Security, Djoko Suyanto to urge the Indonesian Government free political prisoners incarcerated for peacefully expressing their views. Amnesty urged the government „to integrate human rights in their efforts to address the situation in Papua.“
The Amnesty International presentation focused on at least 90 people who are in prison in West Papua and Maluku for peaceful pro-independence activities, including Filep Karma, a Papuan independence leader currently serving a 15-year sentence in Abepura, Papua. Filep´s case has received special attention by the human rights group.
The meeting took place less than one month following the brutal assault on the Papuan Third National Congress during which peaceful Papuan dissenters were beaten and killed and many were arrested, only to join the growing ranks of Papuan political prisoners. Amnesty argued that „the Indonesian government should free all those who are detained in Papua and Maluku for peacefully expressing their views, including through raising or waving the prohibited pro-independence flags, and distinguish between peaceful and violent political activists.“ Amnesty pointed out that although the government had the duty and the right to maintain public order, its actions restricting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly had violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Indonesia has ratified. Amnesty stressed the need to set up a human rights court and a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate cases of human rights violations since Indonesia annexed Papua in the 1960s.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Minister Djoko Suyanto at the meeting expressed the government´s commitment to ensure accountability for human rights abuses committed by security forces.

Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution
In early December worker representatives and the Freeport McMoRan corporation reached a tentative deal whereby workers would return to their job sites, thus ending a crippling strike which left the world´s largest copper and gold operation at a standstill since workers began striking the massive West Papua mine site in September.
The Indonesian government was losing $8 million worth of taxes, royalties and dividends each day the strike continued. As of late December, workers had not yet resumed work owing to unresolved issues outside the framework of the new contract. Principal among these is the workers insistence that their leaders not be sanctioned either by Freeport McMoRan, which had talked of firing them, or the police, who have threatened to arrest them for „subversion.“
The status of a number of contract workers were also at issue. Workers have also insisted on security measures that will preclude additional violence by unidentified elements thought possibly to have ties to the authorities. The workers achieved significant concessions in their over three months long strike. The key provisions of the new contract is an agreement by Freeport McMoRan to a pay rise of 40 percent over two years. The current pay is $2-$3 an hour. The union had demanded an hourly rate of $7.50. Back issues

(mehr …)

WPAT / ETAN This is the 93rd in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN).
Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm
Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org.

Summary: Indonesian security forces, including the U.S. and Australian supported Detachment 88, conducted „sweeping operations“ in the Paniai area of West Papua that destroyed churches, homes and public buildings, and forced hundreds of civilians from their homes. The Indonesia´s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the Police Commander to remove forces from the region, echoing civil society leaders in Paniai. Jakarta´s failure to provided basic health services to Papuans has led to a high rate of death among mothers at child birth according to a recent report. An unconfirmed report claims that President Yudhoyono has committed to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua and to suspend the operations of a special unit proposed to address fundamental Jakarta-Papua problems. The cost in human life for Papuans of Jakarta´s decades of neglect of the Papuan population is well documented. Amnesty International met with a senior official in Jakarta to press for release of political prisoners, particularly in West Papua and Maluku. The three-month old strike by workers at the Freeport McMoRan mines appears to be headed toward resolution.

Contents:

– Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai

– Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai

– Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth

– President Yudhoyono Reportedly Offers Pledge to Withdraw Non-Organic Troops from West Papua

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai
Despite efforts by the Indonesian government and its security forces to block all monitoring of developments in the Paniai region of West Papua, courageous journalists, human rights advocates and others have been able to report on the ongoing tragedy there. Since the first days of December, Indonesian security forces, including the U.S.-trained and funded Detachment 88, Brimob elements, and units of the Indonesian military, have been conducting a massive „sweeping“ campaign, purportedly targeting local leaders of the pro-independence Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM). Hundreds and in all probability thousands of villagers have been driven from their homes due to the violence unleashed by government forces which has destroyed churches, homes, and public buildings.
An early December report carried in the Jakarta Post revealed the dimensions of the human tragedy now unfolding: About 500 inhabitants of Dagouto village in Paniai Regency, Papua, have opted to leave their homes and seek refuge following the deployment of 150 Mobile Brigade officers to their area, Paniai tribe council chief John Gobai said Wednesday. „Our people have become refugees at Uwatawogi Hall in Enarotali, Paniai, for several weeks. They are now afraid they may not be able to celebrate Christmas at home,“ John told reporters at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). John, along with four other Paniai people, was at the commission to complain about the presence of police officers in the area, which they said „exacerbated the security situation.“
The National Police has increased its numbers of personnel in the regency following several deadly shootings, reportedly claiming the lives of eight traditional miners working on the Degeuwo River, near Dagouto, last month.

Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai
On December 17, Jubi reported that the Indonesian Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) called on the Indonesian Chief of Police to immediately withdraw all Brimob troops (the militarized police) from the West Papua district of Paniai and to refrain from sending any additional personnel there. The request came in the wake of widespread reports (see above) of brutal security force sweeping operations that had targeted civilians. The deputy head of Komnas HAM, M. Ridha Saleh, wrote the chief of police in response to a formal complaint made by the chairman of the Regional Traditional Council (DAD) in Paniai.
The letter cited two recent incidents involving members of the police force: A shooting near the copper-and-gold mine in Degheuwo which led to the death of a civilian. And the situation following the dispatch of 150 additional Brimob troops who arrived in Enarotali on November 11-14, 2011 The letter called for the removal of a Brimob post set up in the midst of several kampungs and for a police investigation into the death of Mateus Tenouye.
The letter noted that only a Brimob withdrawal could enable Paniai to return to their daily lives which have been badly disrupted by security operations by Brimob and other Indonesian security personnel. (WPAT Note: There are consistent reports of the involvement of Detachment 88, Kopassus, and other TNI personnel in the sweeping operations. Neither the U.S. nor Australian governments have made any comment regarding their support for an organization that in this instance, and in numerous previous incidents, has resorted to brutality in dealing with peaceful non-combatants.)
The Komnas HAM appeal concluded with a call for dialogue among all parties.

Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth
The Jakarta Post reports that maternal deaths in West Papua remain high. Victor Nugraha, an official with the Papuan Health Agency, speaking to media in Manokwari, said that the rate of deaths in 2011 would be at least as high as in 2010. Real figures, he added, were difficult to ascertain because many cases of death during child birth are not recorded due to the shortage of medical personnel to maintain records.
According to the official the main causes of maternal death were hemorrhage, post-pregnancy infections, and hypertension. Anemia due to iron deficiency can lead to hemorrhaging. Beside low iron levels due to poor nutrition, anemia can also be caused by malaria, which is common in West Papua. The official also explained that late pregnancy checks and poor surgery facilities for caesarean sections in clinics also contribute to maternal deaths. This report echoes a far more detailed study conducted in the Kebar Valley of West Papua in 2008 (see Health care in the Bird´s Head Peninsula.
Its conclusions are stark: Out of 708 pregnancies 4.7% led to miscarriage and 1.4% of the children were born dead. Out of 665 child births, where the baby was born alive, 213 baby´s and children eventually died. This is an infant mortality rate of 32.0%. This means that almost 1 out of 3 children dies before its fifth birthday. 57.3% of the died children (213) were younger than 1 year old. 27.7% is between the age of 1 to 5 when it dies. Most baby´s and toddlers (32.9%) died of fever or malaria. Fever in combination with coughing (probably pneumonia) causes a mortality rate of 13.9%. Diarrhea, icterus, prematures and pulmonary affections like tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis also occur, but in smaller numbers. In 12.7% of the dead infants the cause of death was unknown, according to the mother. 94.4% of the pregnant women give birth at home, whether or not with the presence of a traditional midwife . 14 children were born twins; 3 are still alive. WPAT Comment: Inadequate health services are common throughout those areas of West Papua where the majority of Papuans live. Services are better, sometimes substantially so, in towns where the majority of the non-Papuan, government-assisted migrants live.
Totally inadequate health services, along with government failure to provide education or employment opportunities, in majority Papuan populated areas have inevitably contributed to lower birth rates for West Papuans and greater deaths among Papuan children under the age of five. This decades-old policy of neglect of Papuans constitutes one of the bases of charges of genocide leveled against the Indonesian government.

Report of Major Jakarta Pledge on Demilitarization of West Papua
West Papua Media Alerts on December 18 reported that President Yudhoyono made a commitment to Papuan Church leaders in a December 16 meeting to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua. He reportedly said that he would suspend the activities of the special Unit to Accelerate the Development of Papua and West Papua (UP4B) which was to have addressed fundamental issues in the Jakarta-Papua relationship.
Key Papuan leaders in attendance included: Chair of the Papua GKI Synod, Yemima Kret; Chair of the Baptist Church of Papua, Socrates Sofyan Yoman; Chair of the Kingmi Synod, Benny Giay; Martin Luther Wanma and Rika Korain. Upon hearing an appeal for an end to the troop presence the President reportedly asked the Police Chief and Commander of the TNI to stop the violence.
According to Rev. Benny Giay, the President commanded the Chief of Police and the Armed Forces (TNI) „to stop the violence in Paniai, at least during the month of Christmas.“ However, Pastor Gomar Gultom, also at the meeting, told the media that the President did not mention a specific deadline for withdrawal of non-organic troops.
With regards to efforts to launch a Jakarta-Papua dialogue, Gultom said the two sides have not yet decided on the dialogue format or issues to be discussed. Religious leaders are scheduled to meet again in mid-January 2012 to formulate the program in more detail. Gultom added that President SBY spoke about the UP4B led by Lt. Gen. ( ret) Bambang Darmono.
The Religious leaders said that UP4B was formed unilaterally, without hearing the aspirations of the Papuan people. „There is a meeting point agreed upon last night. All points will be evaluated together, and UP4B will be stopped until results of the joint evaluation are available,“ he said. WPAT Comment: There is no evidence as of early January that any of the undertakings reportedly set forth by President Yudhoyono have in fact come to pass. Fighting in Paniai continues and there has been no announcement of a suspension of the operation of UP4B.

Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release
On December 6, Amnesty International officials met with Indonesia´s Coordinating Minister for Law, Politics and Security, Djoko Suyanto to urge the Indonesian Government free political prisoners incarcerated for peacefully expressing their views. Amnesty urged the government „to integrate human rights in their efforts to address the situation in Papua.“
The Amnesty International presentation focused on at least 90 people who are in prison in West Papua and Maluku for peaceful pro-independence activities, including Filep Karma, a Papuan independence leader currently serving a 15-year sentence in Abepura, Papua. Filep´s case has received special attention by the human rights group.
The meeting took place less than one month following the brutal assault on the Papuan Third National Congress during which peaceful Papuan dissenters were beaten and killed and many were arrested, only to join the growing ranks of Papuan political prisoners. Amnesty argued that „the Indonesian government should free all those who are detained in Papua and Maluku for peacefully expressing their views, including through raising or waving the prohibited pro-independence flags, and distinguish between peaceful and violent political activists.“ Amnesty pointed out that although the government had the duty and the right to maintain public order, its actions restricting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly had violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Indonesia has ratified. Amnesty stressed the need to set up a human rights court and a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate cases of human rights violations since Indonesia annexed Papua in the 1960s.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Minister Djoko Suyanto at the meeting expressed the government´s commitment to ensure accountability for human rights abuses committed by security forces.

Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution
In early December worker representatives and the Freeport McMoRan corporation reached a tentative deal whereby workers would return to their job sites, thus ending a crippling strike which left the world´s largest copper and gold operation at a standstill since workers began striking the massive West Papua mine site in September.
The Indonesian government was losing $8 million worth of taxes, royalties and dividends each day the strike continued. As of late December, workers had not yet resumed work owing to unresolved issues outside the framework of the new contract. Principal among these is the workers insistence that their leaders not be sanctioned either by Freeport McMoRan, which had talked of firing them, or the police, who have threatened to arrest them for „subversion.“
The status of a number of contract workers were also at issue. Workers have also insisted on security measures that will preclude additional violence by unidentified elements thought possibly to have ties to the authorities. The workers achieved significant concessions in their over three months long strike. The key provisions of the new contract is an agreement by Freeport McMoRan to a pay rise of 40 percent over two years. The current pay is $2-$3 an hour. The union had demanded an hourly rate of $7.50. Back issues

(mehr …)

WPAT / ETAN This is the 93rd in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN).
Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm
Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org.

Summary: Indonesian security forces, including the U.S. and Australian supported Detachment 88, conducted „sweeping operations“ in the Paniai area of West Papua that destroyed churches, homes and public buildings, and forced hundreds of civilians from their homes. The Indonesia´s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the Police Commander to remove forces from the region, echoing civil society leaders in Paniai. Jakarta´s failure to provided basic health services to Papuans has led to a high rate of death among mothers at child birth according to a recent report. An unconfirmed report claims that President Yudhoyono has committed to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua and to suspend the operations of a special unit proposed to address fundamental Jakarta-Papua problems. The cost in human life for Papuans of Jakarta´s decades of neglect of the Papuan population is well documented. Amnesty International met with a senior official in Jakarta to press for release of political prisoners, particularly in West Papua and Maluku. The three-month old strike by workers at the Freeport McMoRan mines appears to be headed toward resolution.

Contents:

– Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai

– Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai

– Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth

– President Yudhoyono Reportedly Offers Pledge to Withdraw Non-Organic Troops from West Papua

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai
Despite efforts by the Indonesian government and its security forces to block all monitoring of developments in the Paniai region of West Papua, courageous journalists, human rights advocates and others have been able to report on the ongoing tragedy there. Since the first days of December, Indonesian security forces, including the U.S.-trained and funded Detachment 88, Brimob elements, and units of the Indonesian military, have been conducting a massive „sweeping“ campaign, purportedly targeting local leaders of the pro-independence Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM). Hundreds and in all probability thousands of villagers have been driven from their homes due to the violence unleashed by government forces which has destroyed churches, homes, and public buildings.
An early December report carried in the Jakarta Post revealed the dimensions of the human tragedy now unfolding: About 500 inhabitants of Dagouto village in Paniai Regency, Papua, have opted to leave their homes and seek refuge following the deployment of 150 Mobile Brigade officers to their area, Paniai tribe council chief John Gobai said Wednesday. „Our people have become refugees at Uwatawogi Hall in Enarotali, Paniai, for several weeks. They are now afraid they may not be able to celebrate Christmas at home,“ John told reporters at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). John, along with four other Paniai people, was at the commission to complain about the presence of police officers in the area, which they said „exacerbated the security situation.“
The National Police has increased its numbers of personnel in the regency following several deadly shootings, reportedly claiming the lives of eight traditional miners working on the Degeuwo River, near Dagouto, last month.

Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai
On December 17, Jubi reported that the Indonesian Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) called on the Indonesian Chief of Police to immediately withdraw all Brimob troops (the militarized police) from the West Papua district of Paniai and to refrain from sending any additional personnel there. The request came in the wake of widespread reports (see above) of brutal security force sweeping operations that had targeted civilians. The deputy head of Komnas HAM, M. Ridha Saleh, wrote the chief of police in response to a formal complaint made by the chairman of the Regional Traditional Council (DAD) in Paniai.
The letter cited two recent incidents involving members of the police force: A shooting near the copper-and-gold mine in Degheuwo which led to the death of a civilian. And the situation following the dispatch of 150 additional Brimob troops who arrived in Enarotali on November 11-14, 2011 The letter called for the removal of a Brimob post set up in the midst of several kampungs and for a police investigation into the death of Mateus Tenouye.
The letter noted that only a Brimob withdrawal could enable Paniai to return to their daily lives which have been badly disrupted by security operations by Brimob and other Indonesian security personnel. (WPAT Note: There are consistent reports of the involvement of Detachment 88, Kopassus, and other TNI personnel in the sweeping operations. Neither the U.S. nor Australian governments have made any comment regarding their support for an organization that in this instance, and in numerous previous incidents, has resorted to brutality in dealing with peaceful non-combatants.)
The Komnas HAM appeal concluded with a call for dialogue among all parties.

Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth
The Jakarta Post reports that maternal deaths in West Papua remain high. Victor Nugraha, an official with the Papuan Health Agency, speaking to media in Manokwari, said that the rate of deaths in 2011 would be at least as high as in 2010. Real figures, he added, were difficult to ascertain because many cases of death during child birth are not recorded due to the shortage of medical personnel to maintain records.
According to the official the main causes of maternal death were hemorrhage, post-pregnancy infections, and hypertension. Anemia due to iron deficiency can lead to hemorrhaging. Beside low iron levels due to poor nutrition, anemia can also be caused by malaria, which is common in West Papua. The official also explained that late pregnancy checks and poor surgery facilities for caesarean sections in clinics also contribute to maternal deaths. This report echoes a far more detailed study conducted in the Kebar Valley of West Papua in 2008 (see Health care in the Bird´s Head Peninsula.
Its conclusions are stark: Out of 708 pregnancies 4.7% led to miscarriage and 1.4% of the children were born dead. Out of 665 child births, where the baby was born alive, 213 baby´s and children eventually died. This is an infant mortality rate of 32.0%. This means that almost 1 out of 3 children dies before its fifth birthday. 57.3% of the died children (213) were younger than 1 year old. 27.7% is between the age of 1 to 5 when it dies. Most baby´s and toddlers (32.9%) died of fever or malaria. Fever in combination with coughing (probably pneumonia) causes a mortality rate of 13.9%. Diarrhea, icterus, prematures and pulmonary affections like tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis also occur, but in smaller numbers. In 12.7% of the dead infants the cause of death was unknown, according to the mother. 94.4% of the pregnant women give birth at home, whether or not with the presence of a traditional midwife . 14 children were born twins; 3 are still alive. WPAT Comment: Inadequate health services are common throughout those areas of West Papua where the majority of Papuans live. Services are better, sometimes substantially so, in towns where the majority of the non-Papuan, government-assisted migrants live.
Totally inadequate health services, along with government failure to provide education or employment opportunities, in majority Papuan populated areas have inevitably contributed to lower birth rates for West Papuans and greater deaths among Papuan children under the age of five. This decades-old policy of neglect of Papuans constitutes one of the bases of charges of genocide leveled against the Indonesian government.

Report of Major Jakarta Pledge on Demilitarization of West Papua
West Papua Media Alerts on December 18 reported that President Yudhoyono made a commitment to Papuan Church leaders in a December 16 meeting to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua. He reportedly said that he would suspend the activities of the special Unit to Accelerate the Development of Papua and West Papua (UP4B) which was to have addressed fundamental issues in the Jakarta-Papua relationship.
Key Papuan leaders in attendance included: Chair of the Papua GKI Synod, Yemima Kret; Chair of the Baptist Church of Papua, Socrates Sofyan Yoman; Chair of the Kingmi Synod, Benny Giay; Martin Luther Wanma and Rika Korain. Upon hearing an appeal for an end to the troop presence the President reportedly asked the Police Chief and Commander of the TNI to stop the violence.
According to Rev. Benny Giay, the President commanded the Chief of Police and the Armed Forces (TNI) „to stop the violence in Paniai, at least during the month of Christmas.“ However, Pastor Gomar Gultom, also at the meeting, told the media that the President did not mention a specific deadline for withdrawal of non-organic troops.
With regards to efforts to launch a Jakarta-Papua dialogue, Gultom said the two sides have not yet decided on the dialogue format or issues to be discussed. Religious leaders are scheduled to meet again in mid-January 2012 to formulate the program in more detail. Gultom added that President SBY spoke about the UP4B led by Lt. Gen. ( ret) Bambang Darmono.
The Religious leaders said that UP4B was formed unilaterally, without hearing the aspirations of the Papuan people. „There is a meeting point agreed upon last night. All points will be evaluated together, and UP4B will be stopped until results of the joint evaluation are available,“ he said. WPAT Comment: There is no evidence as of early January that any of the undertakings reportedly set forth by President Yudhoyono have in fact come to pass. Fighting in Paniai continues and there has been no announcement of a suspension of the operation of UP4B.

Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release
On December 6, Amnesty International officials met with Indonesia´s Coordinating Minister for Law, Politics and Security, Djoko Suyanto to urge the Indonesian Government free political prisoners incarcerated for peacefully expressing their views. Amnesty urged the government „to integrate human rights in their efforts to address the situation in Papua.“
The Amnesty International presentation focused on at least 90 people who are in prison in West Papua and Maluku for peaceful pro-independence activities, including Filep Karma, a Papuan independence leader currently serving a 15-year sentence in Abepura, Papua. Filep´s case has received special attention by the human rights group.
The meeting took place less than one month following the brutal assault on the Papuan Third National Congress during which peaceful Papuan dissenters were beaten and killed and many were arrested, only to join the growing ranks of Papuan political prisoners. Amnesty argued that „the Indonesian government should free all those who are detained in Papua and Maluku for peacefully expressing their views, including through raising or waving the prohibited pro-independence flags, and distinguish between peaceful and violent political activists.“ Amnesty pointed out that although the government had the duty and the right to maintain public order, its actions restricting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly had violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Indonesia has ratified. Amnesty stressed the need to set up a human rights court and a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate cases of human rights violations since Indonesia annexed Papua in the 1960s.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Minister Djoko Suyanto at the meeting expressed the government´s commitment to ensure accountability for human rights abuses committed by security forces.

Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution
In early December worker representatives and the Freeport McMoRan corporation reached a tentative deal whereby workers would return to their job sites, thus ending a crippling strike which left the world´s largest copper and gold operation at a standstill since workers began striking the massive West Papua mine site in September.
The Indonesian government was losing $8 million worth of taxes, royalties and dividends each day the strike continued. As of late December, workers had not yet resumed work owing to unresolved issues outside the framework of the new contract. Principal among these is the workers insistence that their leaders not be sanctioned either by Freeport McMoRan, which had talked of firing them, or the police, who have threatened to arrest them for „subversion.“
The status of a number of contract workers were also at issue. Workers have also insisted on security measures that will preclude additional violence by unidentified elements thought possibly to have ties to the authorities. The workers achieved significant concessions in their over three months long strike. The key provisions of the new contract is an agreement by Freeport McMoRan to a pay rise of 40 percent over two years. The current pay is $2-$3 an hour. The union had demanded an hourly rate of $7.50. Back issues

(mehr …)

WPAT / ETAN This is the 93rd in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN).
Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm
Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org.

Summary: Indonesian security forces, including the U.S. and Australian supported Detachment 88, conducted „sweeping operations“ in the Paniai area of West Papua that destroyed churches, homes and public buildings, and forced hundreds of civilians from their homes. The Indonesia´s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the Police Commander to remove forces from the region, echoing civil society leaders in Paniai. Jakarta´s failure to provided basic health services to Papuans has led to a high rate of death among mothers at child birth according to a recent report. An unconfirmed report claims that President Yudhoyono has committed to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua and to suspend the operations of a special unit proposed to address fundamental Jakarta-Papua problems. The cost in human life for Papuans of Jakarta´s decades of neglect of the Papuan population is well documented. Amnesty International met with a senior official in Jakarta to press for release of political prisoners, particularly in West Papua and Maluku. The three-month old strike by workers at the Freeport McMoRan mines appears to be headed toward resolution.

Contents:

– Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai

– Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai

– Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth

– President Yudhoyono Reportedly Offers Pledge to Withdraw Non-Organic Troops from West Papua

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai
Despite efforts by the Indonesian government and its security forces to block all monitoring of developments in the Paniai region of West Papua, courageous journalists, human rights advocates and others have been able to report on the ongoing tragedy there. Since the first days of December, Indonesian security forces, including the U.S.-trained and funded Detachment 88, Brimob elements, and units of the Indonesian military, have been conducting a massive „sweeping“ campaign, purportedly targeting local leaders of the pro-independence Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM). Hundreds and in all probability thousands of villagers have been driven from their homes due to the violence unleashed by government forces which has destroyed churches, homes, and public buildings.
An early December report carried in the Jakarta Post revealed the dimensions of the human tragedy now unfolding: About 500 inhabitants of Dagouto village in Paniai Regency, Papua, have opted to leave their homes and seek refuge following the deployment of 150 Mobile Brigade officers to their area, Paniai tribe council chief John Gobai said Wednesday. „Our people have become refugees at Uwatawogi Hall in Enarotali, Paniai, for several weeks. They are now afraid they may not be able to celebrate Christmas at home,“ John told reporters at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). John, along with four other Paniai people, was at the commission to complain about the presence of police officers in the area, which they said „exacerbated the security situation.“
The National Police has increased its numbers of personnel in the regency following several deadly shootings, reportedly claiming the lives of eight traditional miners working on the Degeuwo River, near Dagouto, last month.

Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai
On December 17, Jubi reported that the Indonesian Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) called on the Indonesian Chief of Police to immediately withdraw all Brimob troops (the militarized police) from the West Papua district of Paniai and to refrain from sending any additional personnel there. The request came in the wake of widespread reports (see above) of brutal security force sweeping operations that had targeted civilians. The deputy head of Komnas HAM, M. Ridha Saleh, wrote the chief of police in response to a formal complaint made by the chairman of the Regional Traditional Council (DAD) in Paniai.
The letter cited two recent incidents involving members of the police force: A shooting near the copper-and-gold mine in Degheuwo which led to the death of a civilian. And the situation following the dispatch of 150 additional Brimob troops who arrived in Enarotali on November 11-14, 2011 The letter called for the removal of a Brimob post set up in the midst of several kampungs and for a police investigation into the death of Mateus Tenouye.
The letter noted that only a Brimob withdrawal could enable Paniai to return to their daily lives which have been badly disrupted by security operations by Brimob and other Indonesian security personnel. (WPAT Note: There are consistent reports of the involvement of Detachment 88, Kopassus, and other TNI personnel in the sweeping operations. Neither the U.S. nor Australian governments have made any comment regarding their support for an organization that in this instance, and in numerous previous incidents, has resorted to brutality in dealing with peaceful non-combatants.)
The Komnas HAM appeal concluded with a call for dialogue among all parties.

Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth
The Jakarta Post reports that maternal deaths in West Papua remain high. Victor Nugraha, an official with the Papuan Health Agency, speaking to media in Manokwari, said that the rate of deaths in 2011 would be at least as high as in 2010. Real figures, he added, were difficult to ascertain because many cases of death during child birth are not recorded due to the shortage of medical personnel to maintain records.
According to the official the main causes of maternal death were hemorrhage, post-pregnancy infections, and hypertension. Anemia due to iron deficiency can lead to hemorrhaging. Beside low iron levels due to poor nutrition, anemia can also be caused by malaria, which is common in West Papua. The official also explained that late pregnancy checks and poor surgery facilities for caesarean sections in clinics also contribute to maternal deaths. This report echoes a far more detailed study conducted in the Kebar Valley of West Papua in 2008 (see Health care in the Bird´s Head Peninsula.
Its conclusions are stark: Out of 708 pregnancies 4.7% led to miscarriage and 1.4% of the children were born dead. Out of 665 child births, where the baby was born alive, 213 baby´s and children eventually died. This is an infant mortality rate of 32.0%. This means that almost 1 out of 3 children dies before its fifth birthday. 57.3% of the died children (213) were younger than 1 year old. 27.7% is between the age of 1 to 5 when it dies. Most baby´s and toddlers (32.9%) died of fever or malaria. Fever in combination with coughing (probably pneumonia) causes a mortality rate of 13.9%. Diarrhea, icterus, prematures and pulmonary affections like tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis also occur, but in smaller numbers. In 12.7% of the dead infants the cause of death was unknown, according to the mother. 94.4% of the pregnant women give birth at home, whether or not with the presence of a traditional midwife . 14 children were born twins; 3 are still alive. WPAT Comment: Inadequate health services are common throughout those areas of West Papua where the majority of Papuans live. Services are better, sometimes substantially so, in towns where the majority of the non-Papuan, government-assisted migrants live.
Totally inadequate health services, along with government failure to provide education or employment opportunities, in majority Papuan populated areas have inevitably contributed to lower birth rates for West Papuans and greater deaths among Papuan children under the age of five. This decades-old policy of neglect of Papuans constitutes one of the bases of charges of genocide leveled against the Indonesian government.

Report of Major Jakarta Pledge on Demilitarization of West Papua
West Papua Media Alerts on December 18 reported that President Yudhoyono made a commitment to Papuan Church leaders in a December 16 meeting to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua. He reportedly said that he would suspend the activities of the special Unit to Accelerate the Development of Papua and West Papua (UP4B) which was to have addressed fundamental issues in the Jakarta-Papua relationship.
Key Papuan leaders in attendance included: Chair of the Papua GKI Synod, Yemima Kret; Chair of the Baptist Church of Papua, Socrates Sofyan Yoman; Chair of the Kingmi Synod, Benny Giay; Martin Luther Wanma and Rika Korain. Upon hearing an appeal for an end to the troop presence the President reportedly asked the Police Chief and Commander of the TNI to stop the violence.
According to Rev. Benny Giay, the President commanded the Chief of Police and the Armed Forces (TNI) „to stop the violence in Paniai, at least during the month of Christmas.“ However, Pastor Gomar Gultom, also at the meeting, told the media that the President did not mention a specific deadline for withdrawal of non-organic troops.
With regards to efforts to launch a Jakarta-Papua dialogue, Gultom said the two sides have not yet decided on the dialogue format or issues to be discussed. Religious leaders are scheduled to meet again in mid-January 2012 to formulate the program in more detail. Gultom added that President SBY spoke about the UP4B led by Lt. Gen. ( ret) Bambang Darmono.
The Religious leaders said that UP4B was formed unilaterally, without hearing the aspirations of the Papuan people. „There is a meeting point agreed upon last night. All points will be evaluated together, and UP4B will be stopped until results of the joint evaluation are available,“ he said. WPAT Comment: There is no evidence as of early January that any of the undertakings reportedly set forth by President Yudhoyono have in fact come to pass. Fighting in Paniai continues and there has been no announcement of a suspension of the operation of UP4B.

Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release
On December 6, Amnesty International officials met with Indonesia´s Coordinating Minister for Law, Politics and Security, Djoko Suyanto to urge the Indonesian Government free political prisoners incarcerated for peacefully expressing their views. Amnesty urged the government „to integrate human rights in their efforts to address the situation in Papua.“
The Amnesty International presentation focused on at least 90 people who are in prison in West Papua and Maluku for peaceful pro-independence activities, including Filep Karma, a Papuan independence leader currently serving a 15-year sentence in Abepura, Papua. Filep´s case has received special attention by the human rights group.
The meeting took place less than one month following the brutal assault on the Papuan Third National Congress during which peaceful Papuan dissenters were beaten and killed and many were arrested, only to join the growing ranks of Papuan political prisoners. Amnesty argued that „the Indonesian government should free all those who are detained in Papua and Maluku for peacefully expressing their views, including through raising or waving the prohibited pro-independence flags, and distinguish between peaceful and violent political activists.“ Amnesty pointed out that although the government had the duty and the right to maintain public order, its actions restricting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly had violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Indonesia has ratified. Amnesty stressed the need to set up a human rights court and a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate cases of human rights violations since Indonesia annexed Papua in the 1960s.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Minister Djoko Suyanto at the meeting expressed the government´s commitment to ensure accountability for human rights abuses committed by security forces.

Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution
In early December worker representatives and the Freeport McMoRan corporation reached a tentative deal whereby workers would return to their job sites, thus ending a crippling strike which left the world´s largest copper and gold operation at a standstill since workers began striking the massive West Papua mine site in September.
The Indonesian government was losing $8 million worth of taxes, royalties and dividends each day the strike continued. As of late December, workers had not yet resumed work owing to unresolved issues outside the framework of the new contract. Principal among these is the workers insistence that their leaders not be sanctioned either by Freeport McMoRan, which had talked of firing them, or the police, who have threatened to arrest them for „subversion.“
The status of a number of contract workers were also at issue. Workers have also insisted on security measures that will preclude additional violence by unidentified elements thought possibly to have ties to the authorities. The workers achieved significant concessions in their over three months long strike. The key provisions of the new contract is an agreement by Freeport McMoRan to a pay rise of 40 percent over two years. The current pay is $2-$3 an hour. The union had demanded an hourly rate of $7.50. Back issues

(mehr …)

WPAT / ETAN This is the 93rd in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN).
Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm
Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org.

Summary: Indonesian security forces, including the U.S. and Australian supported Detachment 88, conducted „sweeping operations“ in the Paniai area of West Papua that destroyed churches, homes and public buildings, and forced hundreds of civilians from their homes. The Indonesia´s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the Police Commander to remove forces from the region, echoing civil society leaders in Paniai. Jakarta´s failure to provided basic health services to Papuans has led to a high rate of death among mothers at child birth according to a recent report. An unconfirmed report claims that President Yudhoyono has committed to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua and to suspend the operations of a special unit proposed to address fundamental Jakarta-Papua problems. The cost in human life for Papuans of Jakarta´s decades of neglect of the Papuan population is well documented. Amnesty International met with a senior official in Jakarta to press for release of political prisoners, particularly in West Papua and Maluku. The three-month old strike by workers at the Freeport McMoRan mines appears to be headed toward resolution.

Contents:

– Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai

– Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai

– Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth

– President Yudhoyono Reportedly Offers Pledge to Withdraw Non-Organic Troops from West Papua

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

Brutal „Sweeping Operation“ Continues to Displace Civilians in Paniai
Despite efforts by the Indonesian government and its security forces to block all monitoring of developments in the Paniai region of West Papua, courageous journalists, human rights advocates and others have been able to report on the ongoing tragedy there. Since the first days of December, Indonesian security forces, including the U.S.-trained and funded Detachment 88, Brimob elements, and units of the Indonesian military, have been conducting a massive „sweeping“ campaign, purportedly targeting local leaders of the pro-independence Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM). Hundreds and in all probability thousands of villagers have been driven from their homes due to the violence unleashed by government forces which has destroyed churches, homes, and public buildings.
An early December report carried in the Jakarta Post revealed the dimensions of the human tragedy now unfolding: About 500 inhabitants of Dagouto village in Paniai Regency, Papua, have opted to leave their homes and seek refuge following the deployment of 150 Mobile Brigade officers to their area, Paniai tribe council chief John Gobai said Wednesday. „Our people have become refugees at Uwatawogi Hall in Enarotali, Paniai, for several weeks. They are now afraid they may not be able to celebrate Christmas at home,“ John told reporters at the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). John, along with four other Paniai people, was at the commission to complain about the presence of police officers in the area, which they said „exacerbated the security situation.“
The National Police has increased its numbers of personnel in the regency following several deadly shootings, reportedly claiming the lives of eight traditional miners working on the Degeuwo River, near Dagouto, last month.

Indonesian Human Rights Commission Calls for Withdrawal of Security Forces from Paniai
On December 17, Jubi reported that the Indonesian Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) called on the Indonesian Chief of Police to immediately withdraw all Brimob troops (the militarized police) from the West Papua district of Paniai and to refrain from sending any additional personnel there. The request came in the wake of widespread reports (see above) of brutal security force sweeping operations that had targeted civilians. The deputy head of Komnas HAM, M. Ridha Saleh, wrote the chief of police in response to a formal complaint made by the chairman of the Regional Traditional Council (DAD) in Paniai.
The letter cited two recent incidents involving members of the police force: A shooting near the copper-and-gold mine in Degheuwo which led to the death of a civilian. And the situation following the dispatch of 150 additional Brimob troops who arrived in Enarotali on November 11-14, 2011 The letter called for the removal of a Brimob post set up in the midst of several kampungs and for a police investigation into the death of Mateus Tenouye.
The letter noted that only a Brimob withdrawal could enable Paniai to return to their daily lives which have been badly disrupted by security operations by Brimob and other Indonesian security personnel. (WPAT Note: There are consistent reports of the involvement of Detachment 88, Kopassus, and other TNI personnel in the sweeping operations. Neither the U.S. nor Australian governments have made any comment regarding their support for an organization that in this instance, and in numerous previous incidents, has resorted to brutality in dealing with peaceful non-combatants.)
The Komnas HAM appeal concluded with a call for dialogue among all parties.

Inadequate Health Care Responsible for High Rate of Death of Mothers at Child Birth
The Jakarta Post reports that maternal deaths in West Papua remain high. Victor Nugraha, an official with the Papuan Health Agency, speaking to media in Manokwari, said that the rate of deaths in 2011 would be at least as high as in 2010. Real figures, he added, were difficult to ascertain because many cases of death during child birth are not recorded due to the shortage of medical personnel to maintain records.
According to the official the main causes of maternal death were hemorrhage, post-pregnancy infections, and hypertension. Anemia due to iron deficiency can lead to hemorrhaging. Beside low iron levels due to poor nutrition, anemia can also be caused by malaria, which is common in West Papua. The official also explained that late pregnancy checks and poor surgery facilities for caesarean sections in clinics also contribute to maternal deaths. This report echoes a far more detailed study conducted in the Kebar Valley of West Papua in 2008 (see Health care in the Bird´s Head Peninsula.
Its conclusions are stark: Out of 708 pregnancies 4.7% led to miscarriage and 1.4% of the children were born dead. Out of 665 child births, where the baby was born alive, 213 baby´s and children eventually died. This is an infant mortality rate of 32.0%. This means that almost 1 out of 3 children dies before its fifth birthday. 57.3% of the died children (213) were younger than 1 year old. 27.7% is between the age of 1 to 5 when it dies. Most baby´s and toddlers (32.9%) died of fever or malaria. Fever in combination with coughing (probably pneumonia) causes a mortality rate of 13.9%. Diarrhea, icterus, prematures and pulmonary affections like tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis also occur, but in smaller numbers. In 12.7% of the dead infants the cause of death was unknown, according to the mother. 94.4% of the pregnant women give birth at home, whether or not with the presence of a traditional midwife . 14 children were born twins; 3 are still alive. WPAT Comment: Inadequate health services are common throughout those areas of West Papua where the majority of Papuans live. Services are better, sometimes substantially so, in towns where the majority of the non-Papuan, government-assisted migrants live.
Totally inadequate health services, along with government failure to provide education or employment opportunities, in majority Papuan populated areas have inevitably contributed to lower birth rates for West Papuans and greater deaths among Papuan children under the age of five. This decades-old policy of neglect of Papuans constitutes one of the bases of charges of genocide leveled against the Indonesian government.

Report of Major Jakarta Pledge on Demilitarization of West Papua
West Papua Media Alerts on December 18 reported that President Yudhoyono made a commitment to Papuan Church leaders in a December 16 meeting to withdraw non-organic troops from West Papua. He reportedly said that he would suspend the activities of the special Unit to Accelerate the Development of Papua and West Papua (UP4B) which was to have addressed fundamental issues in the Jakarta-Papua relationship.
Key Papuan leaders in attendance included: Chair of the Papua GKI Synod, Yemima Kret; Chair of the Baptist Church of Papua, Socrates Sofyan Yoman; Chair of the Kingmi Synod, Benny Giay; Martin Luther Wanma and Rika Korain. Upon hearing an appeal for an end to the troop presence the President reportedly asked the Police Chief and Commander of the TNI to stop the violence.
According to Rev. Benny Giay, the President commanded the Chief of Police and the Armed Forces (TNI) „to stop the violence in Paniai, at least during the month of Christmas.“ However, Pastor Gomar Gultom, also at the meeting, told the media that the President did not mention a specific deadline for withdrawal of non-organic troops.
With regards to efforts to launch a Jakarta-Papua dialogue, Gultom said the two sides have not yet decided on the dialogue format or issues to be discussed. Religious leaders are scheduled to meet again in mid-January 2012 to formulate the program in more detail. Gultom added that President SBY spoke about the UP4B led by Lt. Gen. ( ret) Bambang Darmono.
The Religious leaders said that UP4B was formed unilaterally, without hearing the aspirations of the Papuan people. „There is a meeting point agreed upon last night. All points will be evaluated together, and UP4B will be stopped until results of the joint evaluation are available,“ he said. WPAT Comment: There is no evidence as of early January that any of the undertakings reportedly set forth by President Yudhoyono have in fact come to pass. Fighting in Paniai continues and there has been no announcement of a suspension of the operation of UP4B.

Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release
On December 6, Amnesty International officials met with Indonesia´s Coordinating Minister for Law, Politics and Security, Djoko Suyanto to urge the Indonesian Government free political prisoners incarcerated for peacefully expressing their views. Amnesty urged the government „to integrate human rights in their efforts to address the situation in Papua.“
The Amnesty International presentation focused on at least 90 people who are in prison in West Papua and Maluku for peaceful pro-independence activities, including Filep Karma, a Papuan independence leader currently serving a 15-year sentence in Abepura, Papua. Filep´s case has received special attention by the human rights group.
The meeting took place less than one month following the brutal assault on the Papuan Third National Congress during which peaceful Papuan dissenters were beaten and killed and many were arrested, only to join the growing ranks of Papuan political prisoners. Amnesty argued that „the Indonesian government should free all those who are detained in Papua and Maluku for peacefully expressing their views, including through raising or waving the prohibited pro-independence flags, and distinguish between peaceful and violent political activists.“ Amnesty pointed out that although the government had the duty and the right to maintain public order, its actions restricting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly had violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Indonesia has ratified. Amnesty stressed the need to set up a human rights court and a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate cases of human rights violations since Indonesia annexed Papua in the 1960s.
According to the Jakarta Globe, Minister Djoko Suyanto at the meeting expressed the government´s commitment to ensure accountability for human rights abuses committed by security forces.

Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution
In early December worker representatives and the Freeport McMoRan corporation reached a tentative deal whereby workers would return to their job sites, thus ending a crippling strike which left the world´s largest copper and gold operation at a standstill since workers began striking the massive West Papua mine site in September.
The Indonesian government was losing $8 million worth of taxes, royalties and dividends each day the strike continued. As of late December, workers had not yet resumed work owing to unresolved issues outside the framework of the new contract. Principal among these is the workers insistence that their leaders not be sanctioned either by Freeport McMoRan, which had talked of firing them, or the police, who have threatened to arrest them for „subversion.“
The status of a number of contract workers were also at issue. Workers have also insisted on security measures that will preclude additional violence by unidentified elements thought possibly to have ties to the authorities. The workers achieved significant concessions in their over three months long strike. The key provisions of the new contract is an agreement by Freeport McMoRan to a pay rise of 40 percent over two years. The current pay is $2-$3 an hour. The union had demanded an hourly rate of $7.50. Back issues

(mehr …)