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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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URGENT ACTION AUTHORITIES REFUSE PRISONER MEDICAL CARE
Papuan political prisoner Kimanus Wenda is in urgent need of medical treatment. He has a tumour in his stomach, and needs to be transferred to a hospital to undergo an operation. Prison authorities have refused to pay for his transport and medical costs. Kimanus Wenda is being held at the Nabire prison in Papua province, Indonesia. He has a tumour in his stomach and is constantly vomiting. Prison doctors have confirmed that he needs an operation; however, Nabire does not have the necessary medical facilities available. Kimanus Wenda needs to be transferred to Jayapura, also in Papua province, where he can receive the medical treatment he urgently requires. His family and lawyer have requested that he be transferred to Jayapura but the Nabire prison authorities have refused to cover the cost of his transport and medical treatment.
Under Indonesian Government Regulation No. 32/1999 on Terms and Procedures on the Implementation of Prisoners’ Rights in Prisons, all medical costs for treatment of a prisoner at a hospital must be borne by the state. Kimanus Wenda has been ill-treated in detention in the past. During his arrest and interrogation in April 2003, he was reportedly tortured or otherwise ill-treated by military officers, who beat, kicked and stamped on him.
On 25 May 2011 Kimanus Wenda was beaten by prison guards after he and another political prisoner, Linus Heluka, attempted to file a complaint about a prison officer who had insulted a Papuan prisoner. At least four prison guards beat Kimanus Wenda with a thick piece of rubber and kicked him. The guards also hit Linus Heluka on the head and hand. Linus Heluka was then put in an isolation cell for two weeks. Please write immediately in English, Indonesian or your own language urging the authorities to: Ensure that Kimanus Wenda receives full and immediate access to the proper medical treatment he requires; Allow Kimanus Wenda to travel to Jayapura to receive urgent medical care as recommended; Cover the cost of such treatment in accordance with the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment (Principle 24) and Indonesian regulations; Immediately conduct an independent and impartial investigation into all allegations of torture or other ill-treatment by prison guards in Papua and ensure that, should the allegations be verified, those responsible be brought to justice in fair trials and the victims receive reparations; and Ensure that prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners meet standards provided for in Indonesian law as well as UN Standard Minimum Rules on the Treatment of Prisoners.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 3 OCTOBER 2011 TO:
Head of Nabire Prison
Arif Rachman Lapas Klas IIb Nabire, Jl. Padat Karya, Nabire 98801, Papua, Indonesia
Fax: +62 984 24721
Salutation: Dear Arif Rachman Head of the Papuan Provincial Department of Justice and Human Rights Daniel Biantong Jl. Raya Abepura No. 37, Kotaraja – Jayapura 99117, Papua Indonesia Fax +62 967 586112
Salutation: Dear Daniel Biantong
And copies to: Director General of Prisons Drs. Untung Sugiyono Ministry of Justice and Human Rights Jl. Veteran No. 11 Jakarta Pusat Indonesia Fax: +62 21 384 1711
Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.
Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.

URGENT ACTION AUTHORITIES REFUSE PRISONER MEDICAL CARE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In April 2003 Kimanus Wenda was accused of attacking a military warehouse in Wamena, Papua province, an accusation which he denies. According to his lawyers, he was arbitrarily detained at the barracks of the Wamena District Military Command 1702 by the military and police and initially denied access to a lawyer. There, he was reportedly tortured or otherwise ill-treated by military officers, including being beaten with a piece of wood, kicked on his chest, stamped on, and dragged around with a piece of rope around his neck. According to Kimanus Wenda, the ill-treatment continued while the police were interrogating him. A translator was not provided during the police interrogation, even though Kimanus Wenda did not speak Indonesian. He was forced to sign a confession he could not read. In January 2004 he was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for “rebellion” under Articles 106 and 110 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. He continues to suffer physically on account of the ill-treatment he experienced in 2003. In December 2005 Kimanus Wenda was transferred to Gunung Sari prison in Makassar, South Sulawesi, thousands of miles from his family in Papua. While he was there he was forced to sleep on a cement floor. In January 2008 he was transferred to Biak prison, Papua and then to Nabire prison. The Indonesian authorities have an obligation under national law and standards to provide medical treatment to all prisoners in the country. Article 17 of the Indonesian Government Regulation No. 32/1999 on Terms and Procedures on the Implementation of Prisoners’ Rights in Prison requires the prison authorities to provide adequate access to medical treatment. International standards also provide for medial treatment for prisoners. The UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners provides that prisoners needing treatment not available in the prison hospital, clinic or infirmary should be transferred to an appropriate institution outside the prison for assessment and treatment. Furthermore, Principle 24 of the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment requires that prison authorities cover the costs of such treatment. Amnesty International believes the denial of medical care to Kimanus Wenda could amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
Name: Kimanus Wenda
Gender m/f: m
UA: 251/11
Index: ASA 21/025/2011
Issue Date: 19 August 2011

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ABC News – On 14. November, the people, many in traditional dresses or painted in the colours of the Morningstar-flag, walked the 13 kilometres from Abepura to Jayapura, where they met with local MPs and call for a referendum on self-determination. One of the participants said, that the people of West Papua want freedom: “Indonesia kills many people of West Papua. West Papua have been victims from their country.”
The demonstration was largely peaceful, although there are reports that the police attempted to block the protesters from reaching Jayapura. The rally comes after at least six people were shot dead and more than a hundred were arrested and tortured by Indonesian security forces cracking down on a meeting in Jayapura last month. It was the Third Papuan People´s Congress to declare independence from Jakarta.

Please read also the article on www.abc.net.au/news with video footage.

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Der 55jährige Biologe Dietmar Pieper verbrachte den Morgen mit seiner spanischen Lebensgefährtin am Strand von Jayapura (Base-G), als gegen 11:40 Uhr plötzlich das Feuer auf ihn eröffnet wurde. Ein unbekannter Mann schoss Herrn Pieper zwei Mal in den Rücken sowie in die Brust und in den Oberschenkel.
Der Täter wurde von drei Autos begleitet, die sofort die Flucht ergriffen. Augenzeugen konnten der Polizei das Kennzeichen des Täters mitteilen, nach dem gefahndet wird.
Anwohner waren aus Angst in ihre Häuser geflüchtet und informierten nach 30 Minuten den Rettungsdienst. Herr Pieper wurde in das städtische Krankenhaus von Jayapura transportiert und dort sofort operiert. Sein Zustand sei stabil, heißt es in Medienberichten.
Die deutsche Botschaft in Jakarta bestätigte den Vorfall. Das Attentat scheint Teil einer sich zunehmend verschärfenden Konfliktsituation in Papua zu sein. Am Abend desselben Tages schossen Unbekannte auf einen indonesischen Lehrer im Landkreis Puncak Jaya.
Der 36jährige Anton Arung Tambila wurde in seinem Kiosk angegriffen und war auf der Stelle tot.
Am 17. Mai wurde ein indonesischer Motorradtaxifahrer, Arkilaus Refwutu, von Unbekannten in Mulia erschossen.
Am 1. Mai wurde Terjolih Weyah neben einer Militärstation (Koramil) in Abepura erschossen aufgefunden.
Trotz einer hohen Präsenz von indonesischen Sicherheitskräften, speziell im Landkreis Puncak Jaya, können die Täter stets entkommen. Das Gefühl der Unsicherheit nimmt für die Menschen in Papua stetig zu. (kn)

(Quelle: The Jakarta Post 30.05.12; Bintang Papua, 29.05.12, Markus Haluk 29.05.12: Segera membentuk tim investigasi independen guna mengungkap pelaku penembakan terhadap warga negera Jerman pada 29.05.2012 di pantai Base-G Jayapura Papua)

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Landraub hat viele Gesichter. In Indonesien, wie auch in anderen Ländern des globalen Südens, werden ganze Dörfer entwurzelt und vertrieben, um den Plänen in- und ausländischer Investoren Platz zu machen.
Was das für die Einzelnen bedeutet, haben 35 Delegierte von Kirchen und Nichtregierungsorganisationen bei einer Reise nach Papua und Sumatra vom 2. bis 13. Mai erfahren. Der Workshop unter dem Titel „Peace with the Earth“ kam auf Einladung der Vereinten Evangelischen Mission (VEM) unter Beteiligung von Brot für die Welt und seinen Partnern (Lentera, Bakumsu, KSPPM) zustande. Indonesien besitzt einen der artenreichsten und größten Regenwälder der Welt.
Doch die Hälfte des Areals ist bereits zerstört; Prognosen des Umweltprogrammes der Vereinten Nationen (UNEP) zufolge werden bis zum Jahr 2022 bereits 98 Prozent der Wälder degradiert oder verschwunden sein, wenn die Abholzung im derzeitigen Tempo weitergeht. Bei Besuchen in zerstörte Waldgebiete und einer Zellstoff-Fabrik, in Palmölplantagen und bei lokalen Gemeinschaften, bei Grubenarbeitern und einem Bergbaukonzern wurde den Teilnehmern deutlich, wie ein Geflecht gesellschaftspolitischer Interessen zur Bildung von Monopolen und Monokulturen führt. Der ehemalige Umweltminister Sonny Keraf brachte es auf eine knappe Formel: „Politische Führer brauchen Geld für ihren nächsten Wahlkampf, Unternehmer helfen ihnen aus und im Gegenzug revanchieren sich die Politiker mit Konzessionen von Landflächen.“
Aus Sicht der Regierung gehört das Land dem Staat – es sei denn, jemand kann durch einen Grundbrief beweisen, dass er der rechtmäßige Besitzer ist. Doch dies kommt so gut wie nie vor, da solche Dokumente in der Vergangenheit kaum ausgestellt wurden und die Landbehörden sich heute meist weigern, nachträglich Grundbriefe auf der Basis des Gewohnheitsrechts auszustellen. Somit kann die Regierung das Land nach Gutdünken an den meistbietenden Investor verpachten. Eigentlich stünde einem solchen Vorgehen die UN-Erklärung zum Schutz indigener Völker im Weg, nach der Indigene ihre „freie, informierte und vorhergehende Zustimmung“ (FPIC = free, prior and informed consent) geben müssen, ehe ihr Land verkauft wird. Doch die Regierung erkennt die indonesischen Ureinwohner schlichtweg nicht als Indigene an. Da lokale und regionale Gesetze jedoch von der Jakarta-Doktrin abweichen können, schließen viele Investoren zusätzlich Verträge mit den Bewohnern vor Ort ab. Matius´ Dorf ist erst der Anfang.
In zehn bis zwanzig Jahren werde es in Papua ebenso aussehen wie jetzt schon in Nord-Sumatra, befürchtet Kristina Neubauer, Koordinatorin des West Papua Netzwerkes (WPN) und des Faith-based Network on West Papua (FBN).
Im August 2010 initiierte das indonesische Landwirtschaftsministerium das Agro-Megaprojekt MIFEE (Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate), bei dem 1,2 Millionen Hektar Land rund um die Stadt Merauke in Großplantagen umgewandelt werden sollen. Die meisten Dörfer stehen mit der Entscheidung alleine da und sind auf die Tricks der Unternehmen nicht vorbereitet. „Die Kirchen sollten in ihren Gemeinden darüber aufklären, wie die Firmen vorgehen”, empfiehlt das Papua-Team.
Die Dorfbewohner sind mit den Entscheidungen oft überfordert; sie haben weder Erfahrung mit Landverträgen noch eine Vorstellung davon, wie die Plantagenwirtschaft ihr Leben und ihr Land verändern wird. Matius hat von einem leichteren Leben, einem Kontakt zur Außenwelt geträumt. Jetzt hat er ein Handy – aber telefonieren kann er deshalb noch lange nicht. Denn für ein Handynetz haben die Investoren nicht gesorgt.
In ihrer Abschlusserklärung emutigten die Delegierten die Kirchen zu mehr politischer Verantwortung. Sie appellierten an Kirchen auf der ganzen Welt, sich an die Seite derer zu stellen, die von Landraub und Zerstörung ihrer Lebensgrundlagen bedroht sind. „Wenn unsere Brüder und Schwestern unter einer ungerechten Wirtschaftslage leiden, sind wir aufgefordert sie zu befreien und zu stärken”, sagte Bischof Stephen Ismail Munga aus Tansania in seiner Abschlusspredigt.
Das Ende der Apartheid habe gezeigt, dass eine kritische Masse die Welt verändern kann.

Quelle: VEM / Bild: VEM (Christina Felschen)

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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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