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Am 6. Juni überfährt ein Motorradfahrer ein Kind – die Folgen sind dramatisch und tragisch. Der Unfall ereignete sich in Hone Lama, einem Außenbezirk der Stadt Wamena. Die Motorradfahrer waren Soldaten des Bataillons 756. Wie immer bei Unfällen sammelten sich sofort Neugierige, aber auch wütende Verwandte des Unfallopfers. Dass die Täter Soldaten waren, machte ihre Wut noch größer, es kam zur Selbstjustiz. Die Täter wurden verfolgt, geprügelt, einer der beiden starb am Tatort, der andere wurde später mit Verletzungen ins Krankenhaus eingeliefert.
Zwei Stunden später unternahmen Kameraden des getöteten Soldaten einen regelrechten Rachefeldzug. Die Aktion begann in Hone Lama, von dort ging sie weiter durch einige Straßen der Stadt Wamena.
Die Soldaten drangen in die Häuser ein, verprügelten, wen sie antrafen, schossen in die Luft und auf Fensterscheiben, steckten Häuser, Motorräder und Autos in Brand und stachen mit ihren Bajonetten auf Menschen ein.
Nach verlässlichen Berichten wurde ein West-Dani, Elinus Yoman (27) getötet und 13 Personen vorwiegend durch Bajonettstiche verletzt. Einige Schwerverletzte werden noch im Krankenhaus Wamena behandelt.
Dieser Zwischenfall trägt erheblich zur Erhöhung der Spannung zwischen Papua-Bevölkerung und Sicherheitskräften bei. Niemand mag mehr den Versprechungen der Regierung Glauben schenken, die Probleme Papuas durch einen friedlichen Dialog beizulegen.
Viele Schießereien und Zusammenstöße der letzten Monate müssen bei den Papua die Überzeugung festigen, dass die Regierung gegen die Papua Krieg führt.
Das Bataillon 756 in Wamena hat sich den Namen Wim Ane Sili gegeben, wörtlich übersetzt ‚Ort des Kriegsgeschreis’. Soll dieser Name eine Drohung sein?
Alex Flor von Watch Indonesia kommentiert den Zwischenfall mit folgenden Sätzen: „1. Auf Seiten der verschiedenen Konfliktparteien Papuas liegen die Nerven blank, so dass bereits eher „triviale“ Anlässe wie ein Verkehrsunfall zur Eskalation führen können. Ungern erinnern wir uns daran, dass seinerzeit die bürgerkriegsähnlichen Konflikte auf den Molukken oder in Westkalimantan ihren Anfang in noch trivialeren Streitigkeiten genommen hatten.
2. Lynchjustiz ist in Indonesien keine Ausnahmeerscheinung und scheint insbesondere vielen BewohnerInnen der beiden Papua-Provinzen allzu oft das Mittel der Wahl zu sein. Dieser Zustand wird weiter anhalten oder sich gar noch verschärfen, solange die Bevölkerung in Papua keine Rechtssicherheit erfährt. Die Reaktion der Leute in Wamena muss insofern als „rational“ gewertet werden, als dass sie sich von einer Anzeige gegen die mutmaßlich schuldigen Soldaten keinerlei Hoffnung auf Gerechtigkeit machen konnten.“
Amnesty International schreibt in einer Stellungnahme zu diesem Fall: „Amnesty International fordert die Indonesische Regierung auf, gegen die Kultur der Straflosigkeit in Papua anzugehen. Sie soll notwendige Schritte einleiten, damit Sicherheitskräfte für die von ihnen begangenen Menschenrechtsverletzungen zur Verantwortung gezogen werden können. Dazu muss sofort das Gesetz über Militärgerichtshöfe geändert werden, damit Angehörige der Sicherheitskräfte, denen Menschenrechtsverletzungen vorgeworfen werden, vor unabhängige Zivilgerichte gestellt werden können. Außerdem muss Opfern und Zeugen ein angemessener Schutz gewährleistet werden.“

von Siegfried Zöllner

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Am 4. Juni (2012) fand in Jayapura eine Demonstration statt, die von Polizeikräften gewaltsam beendet wurde. Nach Informationen, die uns vorliegen, wurde ein Demonstrant getötet, zwei z.T. schwer verletzt und 43 Personen festgenommen.
Die Polizei setzte gepanzerte Fahrzeuge und Tränengas ein. Die Organisation KNPB (Nationales Komitee für West-Papua) hatte zu der Demonstration aufgerufen.
Man wollte auf kürzlich geschehene Übergriffe der Sicherheitskräfte aufmerksam machen.

Am Dienstag, dem 29. Mai, wurde ein deutscher Tourist, Herr Dietmar Pieper, von Unbekannten in Papua angeschossen und schwer verletzt. Seine Lebensgefährtin war Zeugin des Anschlages.
Sie berichtete, dass unbekannte Männer sich dem Paar genähert hätten, als es sich vormittags am öffentlichen Badestrand Base G aufhielt. Ohne irgend eine Motivation habe einer der Männer plötzlich auf Dietmar Pieper geschossen. Die Angreifer seien dann mit Autos davongefahren.

Eine weit verbreitete Meinung unter Papuas macht die indonesischen Sicherheitskräfte bzw. den Geheimdienst für den Anschlag verantwortlich. Ausländer sollten von Besuchen in Papua abgeschreckt werden. Gleichzeitig solle Papua als „gefährliche Region“ dargestellt und damit die Präsenz von immer mehr Sicherheitskräften gerechtfertigt werden.
Zum andern wollten die Demonstranten auf einen Zwischenfall im Hinterland von Nabire aufmerksam machen: Am 15. Mai (2012) wurden ein Papua von Sicherheitskräften erschossen und vier z.T. schwer verletzt. Pastor Dr. Neles Tebay, der Koordinator des Friedensnetzwerks Papua, nennt in einer Presseerklärung vom 5. Juni 2012 17 Zwischenfälle in diesem Jahr, bei denen Sicherheitskräfte auf Papua geschossen haben.
Er fordert dringend einen Dialog zwischen indonesischer Regierung und Vertretern der Papua.
Die Opfer des Zwischenfalls vom 4. Juni sind Yesa Mirin (25), aus dem Regierungsbezirk Yahukimo, Fanuel Taplo (29), aus dem Regierungsbezirk Pegunungan Bintang und Esan Sobolim (23, Student) aus dem Regierungsbezirk Yahukimo. Dem Namen nach ist Sobolim ein Yali. Yesa Mirin wurde getötet, die beiden Verletzten werden im Krankenhaus Yowari in Sentani behandelt. (sz)

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AHRC – KontraS (The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), SETARA Institute, AHRC (Asian Human Rights Commission), ICTJ (International Center for Transitional Justice, PGI (Indonesian Church Fellowship) and PI (Protection International) welcome the recommendation of the UPR (Universal Periodical Review) session released on May 25, 2012.

The UPR Session has released a number of recommendations in regards to human rights enforcement that we see as important and must be followed up by the Indonesian Government in the next four years. It is recorded that a total of 74 member countries participated in the session that was held on 23rd of May 2102 and made reviews on Indonesia’s national report on human rights.
27 out of them were members of the UN Human Rights Council, with 47 other members coming from observer countries. It is also noted that ASEAN member states also participated in reviewing the human rights condition in Indonesia. Regarding the recommendation adopted by the UPR 2nd Cycle’s Working Group, we see this document as adequately comprehensive to measure the commitment of the Government of Indonesia in enforcing many issues relating to human rights. Within this statement, we therefore, would like to highlight several issues that are of our utmost concern and have been previously submitted and included in our civil society report before the UPR session began.

First, the recommendation mostly emphasizes a few agendas that have been enshrined in the National Action Plan 2011-2014 relating to the progress of ratification of international human rights instruments that is currently stalled.
To name a few, the ratification of Rome Statute ICC and OPCAT has been included within the previous period of the National Action Plan (2004-2011) and as well in the previous UPR Session. However, up until the second cycle of the UPR session, both instruments still face a hindrance in reaching a significant progress which eventually should them to be included in the next National Action Plan (2011-2014). Furthermore, in this recommendation, a statement is also written to demand the ratification of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances (CED).

Second, another emphasis was put on the recommendation to guarantee the cessation of torture, strongly related to the amendment process of the Criminal Code which remains unresolved.
Torture as a form of crime was mentioned many times in the 2nd Cycle of the UPR session, particularly to be included within the Criminal Code amendment that is in line with the Convention against Torture, which has been ratified by the Government of Indonesia. The recommendation to amend the Criminal Code has also appeared a few times before in the 1st Cycle of the UPR Session (2004-2011). Moreover, the 2012 UPR session also recommends the existence of trainings for security forces and law enforcement officials and to bring the perpetrators to civil court, not the military court (particularly if the perpetrator comes from a military background).

Third, concern on the condition of freedom of religion and belief was mentioned many times by countries in the UPR Session 2012. In regards to that, the recommendation issued by the session specifically addresses the issue of freedom of religion and belief relating to the implementation and protection of religious minority groups in Indonesia such as Ahmadiyah, Baha’i, Syiah, and Christians. The recommendations also put an emphasis on the duty of the Indonesian government to repeal/amend several laws and regulations that are direct or indirectly discriminating certain religious groups and are seen as not in line with the Indonesian constitution and international human rights standards.

Fourth, on the subject of protection of human rights defenders, UPR 2012 recommends the government of Indonesia to provide a secure environment for the human rights defenders to support their work, including the guarantee to conduct independent investigation, and also to guarantee the protection of human rights defenders from acts of violence and partiality in legal processes.

Fifth, on the issue of Papua, the UPR’s recommendation mostly links the issue of freedom of expression, especially expression in terms of political issues. This emphasis to guarantee freedom of expression in Indonesia includes the guarantee of freedom of opinion by ending the implementation of Criminal Code article 106 and article 110. The situation in Papua, which is still far from access of international journalists, was also brought to the table in the UPR session. The recommendation thus demands free access for international and local journalists to enter Papua and West Papua. The recommendation also puts a stress on the climate of impunity and the series of human rights violations that are still happening in Papua and therefore, must be ended soon.

Sixth, fighting impunity was one of the general recommendations in a series of issues that were underlined by the UPR Session 2012. In this case, to fight impunity in Indonesia must be strengthened with the presence of laws and regulations and impartiality in its implementation.

Seventh, security sector reform also became a specific recommendation that was believed as vital as an effort to increase respect to human rights values and the rule of law through educational and institutional reform.

Based on the above mentioned recommendations, we assess that this period’s recommendation is more concrete than the recommendation released 4 years ago, and we see that this recommendation acts as a challenge for the government of Indonesia in the next 4 years in the enforcement of human rights. Thus, we urge the Government of Indonesia to objectify these recommendations into concrete derivatives, so that the development and success of each recommendation can be measured within a specific time frame as a form of progress for the next UPR session.
Concretely, we request the President to promptly call a number of high rank officials from related institutions with the issues mentioned above: such as the Head of the Supreme Court, Chief of National Police, the Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Human Rights and Head of the National Human Rights Commission to ensure that the efforts to implement protection of human rights are conducted in a serious manner. Most importantly, we as representative from the civil societies without doubt, are willing to become partners in the process of fulfilment of human rights.

KontraS, SETARA Institute, AHRC, ICTJ, PGI and PI

Read this statement online

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Am 15. Juni, gegen 09:00 Uhr, war es auf dem Gelände des Militärkommandoposten Kodim 1705 zu einer Demonstration von Zivilsten gekommen. Sie protestierten gegen das brutale Vorgehen von fünf Militärangehörigen, die am 14. Mai den indigenen Papua Derek Adii getötet haben sollen.
Familienangehörige und Freunde des Ermordeten forderten bei dem Protest eine Aufklärung des Verbrechens und die strafrechtliche Verfolgung der Täter. Dabei kam es zu gewalttätigen Übergriffen zunächst von Seiten der Demonstranten, die Fensterscheiben des Militärstützpunktes zerschlugen und mit Gegenständen warfen.
Yones Douw, der zur Beobachtung des Protests vor Ort war, lief auf das Militärgelände, um die aufgebrachte Menge zu beruhigen. Die Demonstranten sollen daraufhin gemeinsam mit Yones Douw das Gelände verlassen haben.
Das Militär reagierte nun seinerseits mit Gewalt: Soldaten feuerten Warnschüsse ab und begannen, auf offener Straße auf Demonstranten einzuschlagen. Dabei hatten sie vor allem den in der Öffentlichkeit bekannten Menschenrechtsverteidiger Yones Douw im Visier.
Mindestens fünf Soldaten sollen mit Holzlatten auf Yones Douw eingeschlagen und ihm Verletzungen an Kopf, Schulter und Handgelenken zugefügt haben. Auch der Vater des Ermordeten Derek Adii, Damas Adii, wurde durch Militärangehörige mit Holzlatten attackiert. Während Yones Douw geschlagen wurde, hörte er die Soldaten sagen: „Diesen Tieren muss eine Lektion erteilt werden“ und „Tötet die Leute einfach“. Eine ärztliche Versorgung soll Yones Douw anschließend im Krankenhaus untersagt worden seien, da das Personal für die medizinische Behandlung einen Brief der Polizei verlangt habe.
Yones Douw leidet seitdem vor allem unter Kopfverletzungen und ist besorgt um seine Gesundheit und Sicherheit. 2009 war er bereits Opfer polizeilicher Gewalt gewesen.
Menschenrechtsorganisationen und Kirchen Papuas verurteilen die Gewalt an Yones Douw und anderen Menschenrechtsverteidigern in Papua. In einer gemeinsamen Presseerklärung vom 17. Juni 2011 fordern sie explizit den Schutz von Menschenrechtsverteidigern durch den indonesischen Staat.
Amnesty International hat in einer Eilaktion (Urgent Action) dazu aufgerufen, zum Schutz von Yones Douw Briefe an die indonesischen Behörden zu schicken. Wer sich an der Aktion beteiligen möchte, kann bei der Koordinationsstelle des West Papua Netzwerkes weitere Informationen und einen entsprechenden Musterbrief anfordern.

Kristina Neubauer

(Q.: Amnesty International: UA:188/11 Index:ASA 21/014/2011 Indonesia, 17.06.2011; Sekretarias Biro Keadilan dan Perdamaian Klasis Nabire; Siaran Pers Bersama Koalisi Para Pembela HAM di Tanah Papua „Jaminan Perlindungan Pembela HAM…?).

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Amnesty International – The Indonesian government must immediately act on the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission’s (Komnas HAM) findings that human rights violations were committed by Indonesian security forces at the Third Papuan Peoples’ Congress on 19 October 2011.
The Komnas HAM investigation team found a range of human rights violations allegedly committed by the Indonesian security forces, including opening fire on participants of the peaceful gathering and beating and kicking them. The Commission, which made its findings public on 4 November 2011, has called on the Indonesian National Police chief to investigate these human rights violations. It was reported on 7 November that the President’s office had rejected the findings of Komnas HAM, stating that the police were still handling the case. The Indonesian authorities must initiate an independent, thorough and effective investigation into the Commission’s findings.
If the investigations find that the security forces committed unlawful killings or torture or other ill-treatment, then those responsible, including persons with command responsibility, must be prosecuted in proceedings which meet international standards of fairness, and victims provided with reparations. The failure to bring perpetrators of these violations to justice in fair trials will reinforce the perception that the security forces in Papua operate above the law and fuel the ongoing climate of mistrust towards the security forces there. On the afternoon of 19 October 2011, police and military units violently dispersed participants of the Third Papuan People’s Congress, a peaceful gathering held in Abepura, Papua province. The bodies of Demianus Daniel, Yakobus Samonsabara, and Max Asa Yeuw were found near the Congress area. An estimated 300 participants were arbitrarily arrested at the end of the Congress.
Most were released the following day but six have been charged. Five people were charged for “rebellion” and “incitement” under Articles 106, 110 and 160 of the Criminal Code, while one was charged for “possession of weapons” under Emergency Law No. 12/1951. According to Komnas HAM, the three people who were found dead had gunshot wounds on their bodies. The Commission was not able to confirm whether they were killed by the police or military, and have called for police forensics investigators to examine the bullets. Komnas HAM also found that at least 96 participants had been shot, kicked or beaten by police officers.
Komnas HAM further reported that security forces had raided a Catholic monastery and seminary. They shot at the building and broke the windows when the monks refused to hand over alleged separatists to the police. Many Papuans are now afraid to leave their homes because of the continued security checks and raids. The Commission also raised concerns that security forces had confiscated mobile phones, laptop computers, printers, cameras, cars, motorcycles and millions of rupiah in cash, and called for these items to be returned to the owners. The Commission stated, contrary to statements by the Indonesian authorities that the Congress was illegal, that the Indonesian Minister of Law, Politics and Security had in fact directed the Director General of Regional Autonomy at the Home Affairs Ministry, to attend the Congress and give the opening speech.
The Commission made a series of recommendations including calling on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to accelerate the dialogue with the Papuan people and to evaluate the deployment of a large security presence in the area. The Komnas HAM investigation indicates that security forces appear to have violated the rights to life and to freedom from torture and other ill-treatment, both of which are non-derogable under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a state party. By using unnecessary and excessive force and firearms against the participants, the Indonesian security forces have also violated the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which Indonesia has also ratified.
Moreover, the right of all people in Indonesia to be free from torture and other ill-treatment is guaranteed in the Indonesian Constitution and the 1999 Law on Human Rights. The actions of the security forces also appear to contravene the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials which provide, among other things, that force should be used only as a last resort, in proportion to the threat posed, and should be designed to minimize damage or injury.

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Am 15. Juni, gegen 09:00 Uhr, war es auf dem Gelände des Militärkommandoposten Kodim 1705 zu einer Demonstration von Zivilsten gekommen. Sie protestierten gegen das brutale Vorgehen von fünf Militärangehörigen, die am 14. Mai den indigenen Papua Derek Adii getötet haben sollen.
Familienangehörige und Freunde des Ermordeten forderten bei dem Protest eine Aufklärung des Verbrechens und die strafrechtliche Verfolgung der Täter. Dabei kam es zu gewalttätigen Übergriffen zunächst von Seiten der Demonstranten, die Fensterscheiben des Militärstützpunktes zerschlugen und mit Gegenständen warfen.
Yones Douw, der zur Beobachtung des Protests vor Ort war, lief auf das Militärgelände, um die aufgebrachte Menge zu beruhigen. Die Demonstranten sollen daraufhin gemeinsam mit Yones Douw das Gelände verlassen haben.
Das Militär reagierte nun seinerseits mit Gewalt: Soldaten feuerten Warnschüsse ab und begannen, auf offener Straße auf Demonstranten einzuschlagen. Dabei hatten sie vor allem den in der Öffentlichkeit bekannten Menschenrechtsverteidiger Yones Douw im Visier.
Mindestens fünf Soldaten sollen mit Holzlatten auf Yones Douw eingeschlagen und ihm Verletzungen an Kopf, Schulter und Handgelenken zugefügt haben. Auch der Vater des Ermordeten Derek Adii, Damas Adii, wurde durch Militärangehörige mit Holzlatten attackiert. Während Yones Douw geschlagen wurde, hörte er die Soldaten sagen: „Diesen Tieren muss eine Lektion erteilt werden“ und „Tötet die Leute einfach“. Eine ärztliche Versorgung soll Yones Douw anschließend im Krankenhaus untersagt worden seien, da das Personal für die medizinische Behandlung einen Brief der Polizei verlangt habe.
Yones Douw leidet seitdem vor allem unter Kopfverletzungen und ist besorgt um seine Gesundheit und Sicherheit. 2009 war er bereits Opfer polizeilicher Gewalt gewesen.
Menschenrechtsorganisationen und Kirchen Papuas verurteilen die Gewalt an Yones Douw und anderen Menschenrechtsverteidigern in Papua. In einer gemeinsamen Presseerklärung vom 17. Juni 2011 fordern sie explizit den Schutz von Menschenrechtsverteidigern durch den indonesischen Staat.
Amnesty International hat in einer Eilaktion (Urgent Action) dazu aufgerufen, zum Schutz von Yones Douw Briefe an die indonesischen Behörden zu schicken. Wer sich an der Aktion beteiligen möchte, kann bei der Koordinationsstelle des West Papua Netzwerkes weitere Informationen und einen entsprechenden Musterbrief anfordern.

Kristina Neubauer

(Q.: Amnesty International: UA:188/11 Index:ASA 21/014/2011 Indonesia, 17.06.2011; Sekretarias Biro Keadilan dan Perdamaian Klasis Nabire; Siaran Pers Bersama Koalisi Para Pembela HAM di Tanah Papua „Jaminan Perlindungan Pembela HAM…?).

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This is the 89th 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://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: Twenty-six members of the U.S. House of Representatives appealed to Indonesian President Yudhoyono to release Papuan prisoner of conscience Filep Karma, noting concern that „your government meet its fundamental obligations to protect the rights of its people, as respect for human rights strengthens democracy.“ The bipartisan letter call Karma´s case „an unfortunate echo of Indonesia´s pre-democratic era.“ Amnesty International, meanwhile, appealed for the release of another Papuan, Melkianus Bleskadit, imprisoned for peaceful dissent. The Indonesian government granted a three month remission to the sentence of Papuan political prisoner Buchtar Tabuni on the occasion of Indonesian independence day, who was then released. The leak of secret Special Forces (Kopassus) documents reveal systematic Kopassus surveillance and intimidation targeting Papuans and even international personnel seeking to document human rights concerns in West Papua. The documents label prominent international leaders including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu and dozens of members of the U.S. Congress as supporters of „separatism“ in West Papua. Human Rights Watch urged that in the wake of the documents revelations that the U.S. military cease all activities in cooperation with Indonesian military units in West Papua. Papuans leaders to convene a broad congress in October. Papuan leaders write U.S. Congress to call for peacekeepers. Church leaders and ordinary civilians have called for an end to Indonesian military intimidation in the Paniai District. The Indonesian military commander has ruled out negotiations with armed separatists in West Papua, indicating the extent to which the TNI calls the shots in West Papua. In an organizational statement WPAT has called for Papuans to be afforded the internationally recognized right to self-determination.

Contents:
– U.S. Congressional Representatives Renew Call for Release of Filep Karma
– Amnesty International Calls for Release of Papuan Imprisoned for Peaceful Dissent
– Buchtar Tabuni is Finally Freed
– Kopassus Spying and Intimidation Targeting Civilians Revealed
– Papuans to Convene to Address West Papua´s Future
– Church Leaders in Paniai Call for An End to Security Force „Repressive Military Measures“
– Indonesian Military Continues to Call The Shots in West Papua
– WPAT STATEMENT: Papuans Must Be Afforded the Right to Self-determination

U.S. Congressional Representatives Renew Call for Release of Filep Karma

On August 22, a bipartisan group of 26 members of the U.S. House of Representatives called on the Government of Indonesia to free Papuan activist Filep Karma, saying that his detention raised questions about the Indonesia´s commitment to democracy. The House members expressed concern that Karma has suffered „degrading and inhumane treatment“ in prison arguing that „(a)s a strategic partner, we remain concerned that your government meet its fundamental obligations to protect the rights of its people, as respect for human rights strengthens democracy.“ In letter, addressed to Indonesia´s President Yudhoyono, the congressmembers wrote that „Mr. Karma´s case represents an unfortunate echo of Indonesia´s pre-democratic era.“ The letter was organized by Republican Representative Joe Pitts and Democratic Representative Jim Moran. U.S. lawmakers in 2008 wrote on behalf of Karma and Yusak Pakage, another Papuan activist who was also sentenced for raising the separatist flag. Indonesia pardoned Pakage last year see also Freedom Now Welcomes Call of 26 Members of U.S. House for Release of Renowned Human Rights Advocate Filep Karma (PDF).

Amnesty International Calls for Release of Papuan Imprisoned for Peaceful Dissent

Amnesty International (AI), on August 25, issued an appeal on behalf of Papuan activist Melkianus Bleskadit, imprisoned in West Papua for his involvement in what AI noted was „a peaceful protest and for raising an independence flag.“ AI called for his immediate and unconditional release, noting his sentence „highlights the continuing use of repressive legislation to criminalize peaceful political activities in the province.“ On December 14, 2010, Papuans took part in a peaceful march in Manokwari to protest against injustice and human rights violations by the Indonesian security forces. During the demonstration the „14 Star Flag“, a symbol of West Melanesian independence, was raised. The Manokwari Sub-district Public Order Police (Polres) arrested seven political activists: Melkianus Bleskadit; Daniel Yenu, a priest (see below); and five students – Jhon Wilson Wader, Penehas Serongon, Yance Sekenyap, Alex Duwiri and Jhon Raweyai. All seven men were charged with „rebellion“ under Article 106 of the Indonesian Criminal Code which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and with „incitement“ under Article 160. On 18 August the Manokwari District Court sentenced Melkianus Bleskadit to two years´ imprisonment. Yenu was sentenced to seven months and 16 days on 23 August 2011. Yenu was then released because he had spent more than eight months in detention. The five students trials are ongoing. Yenu´s lawyer has raised concerns about his trial, saying that evidence not obtained from the location of the incident was impermissibly introduced and that Yenu was forced by the judges to defend against the charges on 16 August without his lawyer. AI noted that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Indonesia is a state party, and the Indonesian Constitution guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, association and peaceful assembly. Amnesty International, in its published appeal, called on the Indonesia to „withdraw government regulation No. 77/2007 that bans the display of regional logos or flags, which are used by separatist organizations.“ The regulation is „contrary to the spirit of the 2001 Special Autonomy Law that granted Papuans the right to express their cultural identity,“ AI said, adding „the ban on waving these flags cannot be considered legitimate grounds for restricting freedoms of expression and association as set out in the ICCPR.“ According to Amnesty International „at least 90 political activists in the provinces of Maluku and Papua have been imprisoned solely for their peaceful political activities. Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.“

Buchtar Tabuni is Finally Freed

Indonesian authorities released from prison, Buchtar Tabuni, chairman of KNPB, the West Papua National Committee. Tabuni was one of 656 prisoners in Papua to receive remission of his sentence on the anniversary of Indonesia´s independence on 17 August 1945. Tabuni was one of scores of Papuans recognized by international human rights organizations as a prisoner of conscience. Buchtar said he regarded his remission, which shortened his sentence by a mere three months, as an ´insult´ for the people of West Papua. Speaking to supporters at the prison gate, he said that he did not recognize the Indonesian independence day because „our ancestors never fought for an Indonesian government but (rather) fought for the Melanesian people.“ Remission was merely an attempt by the Indonesian government to improve its reputation on the international stage. „They think that with my release I will show my love and affection for Indonesia, but that is not so. I will continue my struggle for this nation even more radically than before,“ he said. He congratulated the Indonesian government on the anniversary, but went on to ask the government to give its support to the Papuan people who are yearning for their independence.

Indonesian Special Forces Spying and Intimidation Targeting Civilians Revealed

Australia´s The Age reported on 19 classified documents, including over 500 pages and dating from 2006 to 2009, belonging to the Indonesian military „special forces“ (Kopassus). The documents reveal a vast Kopassus network of spies and informants throughout West Papua that targets Papuans civil society leaders as well as foreigners visiting or working in West Papua. Well over 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, including the chairwoman of the Senate intelligence committee, Dianne Feinstein, are branded separatist supporters in a document called “ Anatomy of Papuan Separatists.“ South African anti-apartheid hero and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu and Papua New Guinea´s former Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare are also so-labeled, along with journalists, academics and others within and outside West Papua. The lists of House members appear to be taken from public letters from July 29, 2008 urging release of Papuan political prisoners and a March 17, 2005 letters from the Congressional Black Caucus to the UN Secretary General and U.S. Secretary of State asking for a review of the United Nation´s conduct in West Papua at the time of the „Act of Free Choice,“ opposing U.S. military assistance to Indonesia and urging support for self-determination. Twenty Senators who signed a June 28, 2004 letter calling for United Nations Special Representative to Indonesia to monitor and report on the situations in Aceh and Papua are also listed as „in support of Free Papua Separatists.“ The Age reports that the documents reveal the „deep paranoia of Kopassus and its interference in the daily lives of Papuans, the documents are also remarkable for the false assertions they contain.“ The documents also show the Indonesian government´s efforts to restrict the capacity of UN personnel, foreign parliamentarians, journalists, researchers and human rights advocates to monitor human rights violations in West Papua. In a particularly powerful reaction to the disclosure of the Kopassus documents Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch urged the U.S. government to „call on the Indonesian government to fully disclose all military tribunal cases involving alleged abuses against civilians, including prosecutions for ´disobeying orders,´ and provide transcripts to the public.“ She added, „(u)ntil the Indonesian government re-examines these cases, in line with the U.S. Leahy law, which prevents the US from cooperating with abusive military units, the U.S. government should not participate in joint endeavors with military personnel or units working in Papua. The US should also call on Indonesia´s military to stop viewing peaceful political activists as threats to national security and stop spying on them.“ The West Papua Project at the University of Sydney, who received the documents earlier this year, published its own extensive analysis, “ Anatomy of an Occupation: The Indonesian Military in West Papua.“

Papuans to Convene To Address West Papua´s Future

Papuan leaders have announced plans for a Papuan Congress to convene in Jayapura, October 16-19. Selpius Bobii, chair of the organizing team for the congress, accompanied by Forkorus Yaboisembut , chair of Dewan Adat Papua (the Papuan Customary Council), told the media August 22 that the congress will include „All organizations of whatever kind, customary councils, ethnic groups as well as other organizations [who] will be able to present their own agendas.“ Attendees at this „Third Papuan People´s Congress“ will also include representatives of the DPRP, the Provincial Papuan Assembly. The theme of the Congress is to be: „Affirming the basic rights of the indigenous Papuan people for the present and the future.“ The Papuan leaders speaking to the media noted that they planned to inform President Yudhoyono of the plans for the Congress though, they stressed, they would not be seeking his permission to proceed with it. Bobii also urged the Indonesian government to implement the decisions of the grand meeting of the MRP (Majelis Rakyat Papua) together with the indigenous Papuan people held on 9-10 June 2010.

Papuan Leaders Appeal To U.S. Congressional Leaders

In an August 10 letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate the „collective leadership of the Papuan people“ (including principally the leaders of the Dewan Adat Papua) appealed to the legislators and to the U.S. Government to continue to support efforts to defend the fundamental human rights of the Papuan people. The leaders also proposed the creation of an „International Peace Keeping Force,“ pointing to the continuing abuse suffered by Papuans at the hands of the Indonesian security forces and the failure of the Indonesian government to halt these abuses or hold those committing those abuse accountable before the law. The letter also informed the U.S. officials of plans for an extraordinary meeting of Papuans which will convene in Jayapura in October. (see above)

Church Leaders in Paniai Call for An End to Security Force „Repressive Military Measures“

Churches in Paniai District in the Central Highlands are very concerned about the situation following an armed skirmish that took place on 17 August and about reports that additional troops have been sent to Paniai to search for two firearms that were reportedly seized from police headquarters in Komopa on 15 August. An August 28 press release issued by the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Paniai Diocese and the Commission for Justice and Peace of the KINGMI Church called on security officials to freeze the deployment of security forces in Paniai District. According to the August 29 JUBI the representative of the Diocese of Paniai, Fr. Marko Okto Pekei, and Yafet Tetobi of the KINGMI Church also called on military leaders to ensure that the forces already deployed in the district do „not roam round freely in the area with all their military equipment because doing so would only worsen the situation.“ Villagers now thinking about returning home are afraid to do so because of continued military activity. The church representatives urged all sides to realize that the preservation of security and an atmosphere of peace is the duty of all: community leaders, leaders of customary groups, leaders of women and youth, as well as the security forces and the TPN/OPM. The two church commissions also expressed regret over the wounding of two people during an armed conflict that occurred on August 17 in Uwibutu, Madi. „We also deeply regret the actions of certain elements who have destroyed the economies of families living in the area.“ Troops have also been conducting operations in search of two firearms reportedly seized from police headquarters in Komopa on August 15. The church representatives said that problems between the security forces and the TPN/OPM should be handled by means of persuasion and urged that the security forces forego „repressive military measures“ because they would only result in civilian casualties. An August 25 report in JUBI, translated by TAPOL, notes that local people in Paniai called on the local military chief, the military commander command and President Yudhoyono to pull back these troops from the area. Yafeth Y Kayame, head of the Suku Mee people, said the additional deployment of troops to Paniai has undermined calls for peace. „Local people have become more frightened than ever. People are asking ´Why have they come to Paniai? Enarotali and Paniai are not areas of conflict so the authorities must stop sending troops here. If it is only to re-capture two firearms, then the troops already here would surely be enough, without bringing in more troops,´ they say.“ According to some sources, in addition to infantry brigade 753/Arga Vira Tama Nabire, a company of Brimob (the militarized police) was also reportedly being deployed to Paniai. Although this has been denied by Major-General Erfi Triassunu, commander of XVII/Cenderawasih military command, the fact is that these ´new´ troops can be seen almost every day driving along the roads in convoys. Meanwhile, according to the JUBI report, anxiety has continued to spread among the local people and many have left their homes with a new exodus starting on Tuesday (August 23).

Indonesian Military Continues to Call the Shots in West Papua

An August 26 Antara report contains comments by Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Commander Admiral Agus Suhartono that reveal that the TNI continues to control policy in West Papua, independent of civilian oversight. Suhartono said that the military will not negotiate with separatist movements, especially the Free Papua Movement (OPM). „There are no [negotiations], none, in any shape or form,“ Admiral Suhartono told members of the People´s Representative Council (DPR) at TNI Headquarters in Jakarta. In his 2005 Indonesian Independence Day remarks, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that his then new administration wished to resolve the Papua question in a just, peaceful and dignified manner. That policy, which would mean an end to the use of repressive measures embodied by the military´s infamous „security approach,“ has been supported by Papuan leaders, Indonesian experts and international organizations. The refusal of the TNI to relent in its employment of „sweep operations“ in response to the so-called „separatist threat“ in West Papua, notwithstanding the human cost of these operations to Papuan civilians, runs counter to the professed intent of the civilian government´s to address decades of abuse and malfeasance in West Papua through nonviolent means. The TNI refusal to accept civil control of the military in West Papua is also manifest in its refusal to be held accountable before the law. President Yudhoyono has repeatedly spoken of the need to ensure justice there. During a November 2010 visit by U.S. President Obama, President Yudhoyono assured the U.S. that the video-taped beating and torture of Papuan civilians by the military was being dealt with appropriately. This was untrue: what was being dealt with was an earlier case of military abuse of West Papuan citizens. Ultimately, as is typical, military courts convicted the perpetrators of the torture only of „disobeying orders“ and sentenced them to minimum prison sentences. WPAT COMMENT: The TNI´s continued resort to the „security approach“ in West Papua, manifest most clearly in continued „sweep operations“ that displace Papuan civilians and cost civilian lives, is an ongoing tragedy for Papuans. TNI unaccountability for its criminal activity, including systematic abuse of Papuan civilians and continuance of illegal „business operations“ there, is a part of this continuing tragedy. But the TNI´s behavior in West Papua also has implications for Indonesian democracy more broadly. The TNI´s role in West Papua underscores that this institution remains above the law and insubordinate to the policy and direction of the civilian government. It constitutes a severe threat to the growth of Indonesian democracy.

WPAT STATEMENT: Papuans Must Be Afforded the Right to Self-determination

The West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) has for many years sought to advance respect for the human rights of the Papuan people. To that end WPAT has advocated for an end to human rights violations by members of the Indonesian military, police, intelligence agencies, and others which are in blatant violation of Indonesian law and Indonesia´s obligations under international law and covenants. WPAT has also long advocated that the U.S. government condition its assistance to the Indonesian military and police on their cessation of human rights violations, submission to legal accountability for their past and ongoing actions and unconditional acceptance of civilian control. This advocacy has also entailed concerted efforts to ensure that Papuans´ voices are heard, notwithstanding Indonesian government efforts to repress Papuans who seek to assert their right to peaceful dissent. In this regard, WPAT continues to support Papuan calls for an end to the persecution of political prisoners and an end to government restrictions on access to West Papua by international media, UN personnel, human rights monitors and researchers, and providers of humanitarian assistance. WPAT strongly supports Papuan calls for the demilitarization of West Papua and an end to Indonesian government reliance on a „security approach“ to peaceful protest. WPAT has joined international calls for reform of the Indonesian criminal code which penalizes dissent notwithstanding Indonesian obligations under international law to protect the right of free speech and peaceful assembly. It has long been WPAT´s conviction that human rights and personal freedoms are best secured in a legal environment shaped by democratic values and in a political framework based on genuine self-determination. This conviction grows out of the assertion of WPAT founder John Rumbiak who maintained that the root of the problems afflicting Papuans lay in the reality that they have never been afforded their right to self determination. That right is clearly articulated in international law including in Article 1 of the UN Charter, as well as in Article 1 of both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and theInternational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Indonesia is a party to both covenants. WPAT considers that the people of West Papua have never been permitted genuine self-determination. That fundamental right was subverted by the Government of Indonesia, acting in complicity with much of the international community in 1969, when it coercively annexed West Papua through the fraudulent process known as the „Act of Free Choice.“ WPAT, for several years, has supported Papuan calls for an internationally mediated, senior-level dialogue between the Government of Indonesia and Papuans, represented by both Papuan officials and senior members of Papuan civil society. Papuans have supported such a dialogue as a means of addressing myriad outstanding problems confronting them, including: human rights abuse at the hands of unaccountable security forces operating outside civilian control; economic, political and economic marginalization of Papuans through deliberate Indonesian government policies such as transmigration; Indonesian government failure to provide essential health, education and other services to Papuans; and the destructive exploitation of West Papua´s natural resources in a manner that fails to benefit Papuans. WPAT notes that in addition to Papuan calls for dialogue, there is also growing Papuan support for a referendum that would at long last allow Papuans a voice in their own political future. WPAT strongly supports the Papuan peoples right to self-determination and recognizes that a referendum conducted under conditions that allow for monitoring by international media and human rights organizations, among others would, at last, afford Papuans their long-denied right. WPAT does not support independence for West Papua or any other specific outcome of a referendum or dialogue process. Such outcomes depend on the free choice of the Papuan people made peacefully, without coercion, subterfuge or pressure of any kind.

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Migration from other parts of Indonesia has had a major impact on Papuan society, and experts fear that Papuans could become a marginalised minority in the near future. Key jobs and business opportunities appear to be taken by migrants, while Papuans face discrimination.
Pressure is growing in Papua itself for a solution, as Papuans increasingly feel frustrated with the current situation. Indonesia took control of West Papua from the Netherlands in 1962, without the consent of the Papuan people. In 1969, a sham consultation was conducted with handpicked Papuan delegates, and the ‘Act of Free Choice’ ratified Indonesian sovereignty.
In 2001, a new special autonomy arrangement was introduced, but today many Papuans believe the current arrangement has not delivered anything meaningful for their people. Last week, the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) formally handed back the Special Autonomy status, and an estimated 10,000 people demonstrated in support of a new agreement for Papua. CSW’s National Director Stuart Windsor said: “Our team met with a number of key individuals and organisations in West Papua, and the message they received was a resounding call for dialogue. It is clear that Papuans are becoming a minority in their own land. The potential for religious tensions to rise is also there, as the predominantly Christian Papuans feel discrimination from the largely Muslim migrants.
The presence of Islamist groups in Papua remains a concern. Health, education and the environment are all further challenges that need solutions. The Papua question cannot be resolved by violence, and therefore dialogue must be the way forward. Indonesia acted with impressive responsibility in seeking a peaceful solution in Aceh, and CSW hopes the Indonesian government will take a similar approach to Papua. We encourage a home-grown process led by Indonesians and Papuans, but recommend the presence of international mediators.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on 020 8329 0045, email kiri@csw.org.uk
or visit www.csw.org.uk.

CSW is a human rights organisation which specialises in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.

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´We Papuan people should welcome the constructive communications being offered by the government, as the way to resolve all the crucial problems in Papua. Even though it is not entirely clear, the willingness to communicate with the Papuan people is a sign of good will and means that the government is very concerned about Papua.´
However, he said that the government must explain to the Papuan people what it means by constructive communications, and what form the government intends this to take. Are there phases through which this will pass This needs to be clarified. We have only been hearing recently about Constructive Communications without it being made clear what this means.
This needs to be brought within the context with the perception of the Papuan people for entering into dialogue between Jakarta and Papua. He said that a meeting should be held with the Papuan people who want dialogue.
In such a meeting, it should be possible to clarify the substance of a Jakarta-Papua Dialogue and Constructive Communications. This meeting should discuss the format of dialogue and the format of constructive communication that would be acceptable to both sides. He expressed his optimism that there will be a resolution to the problem for the Papua people.

Forwarded by West Papua Media Alerts

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