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

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

Contents:

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

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

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

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

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

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

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

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

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

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

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

(mehr …)

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

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

Contents:

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

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

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

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

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

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

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

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

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

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

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

(mehr …)

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

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

Contents:

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

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

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

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

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

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

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

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

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

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

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

(mehr …)

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

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

Contents:

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

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

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

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

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

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

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

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

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

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

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

(mehr …)

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

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

Contents:

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

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

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

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

– Amnesty International Appeals for Political Prisoners Release

– Freeport Strike Grinds Toward Resolution

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

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

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

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

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

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

(mehr …)

An dem zweistündigen Treffen nahmen auch der stellvertretende Präsident Boedino, mehrere Minister, sowie der indonesische Polizei- und der Militärchef teil. Die Kirchen Papuas waren vertreten durch Pastorin Jemima Krey (Präsidentin der Evangelischen Kirche im Lande Papua GKI-TP), Pastor Benny Giay (Präsident der Kingmi-Kirche Papua), Pastor Socratez Yoman (Präsident der Baptisten-Kirche Papua) und Pastor Martin Luther Wanma (Präsident der indonesischen Bibelkirche in Papua). Die Menschenrechtsverteidigerin Frederika Korain begleitete die Kirchenführer.
Das historische Treffen war von der Gemeinschaft der Kirchen in Indonesien PGI (Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia) initiiert worden. Die Kirchenführer überreichten dem Präsidenten ein gemeinsames Dokument, das die Entstehung eines Papua-Nationalismus als das Ergebnis einer „Zwangsehe“ zwischen Jakarta und Papua bezeichnet. Die Kirchenführer nehmen in der sechsseitigen Schrift Stellung zur Integration Papuas an Indonesien im Jahre 1969 und bezeichnen diesen zweifelhaften Integrationsprozess ohne Partizipation der Papua als Wurzel des ungelösten Konfliktes in ihrer Heimat. Der Betrug an den Papua und die anhaltenden Menschenrechtsverletzungen hätten zum Entstehen eines Papua-Nationalismus geführt, der von Jakarta als „Separatismus“ (miss)verstanden werde, heißt es in dem Dokument.
Die Kirchenführer aus Papua riefen den indonesischen Präsidenten dazu auf, in einen Dialog mit Papua unter internationaler Mediation einzutreten. Sie erklärten das Sonderautonomiegesetz aus dem Jahre 2002 für gescheitert und hinterfragten die „Behörde zur Beschleunigung der Entwicklung in den Provinzen Papua und West Papua“ UP4B (Unit Percepatan Pembangunan Provinsi Papua dan Papua Barat), die 2011 vom indonesischen Präsidenten ohne Partizipation der Papua ins Leben gerufen worden war. Die Kirchenführer baten Präsident Yudhoyono, die derzeitige Polizeioperation im Landkreis Paniai unverzüglich einzustellen und alle nichtorganischen Truppen aus Papua abzuziehen.
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signalisierte seine Bereitschaft, eine gemeinsame Lösung für die Probleme in Papua zu suchen. „Papua muss mit dem Herzen, mit Aufrichtigkeit und mit Ernsthaftigkeit entwickelt werden“, betonte der Präsident. Die zentralistischen Ansprüche Jakartas und die Forderungen nach einer Unabhängigkeit von Seiten der Papua könnten im Rahmen einer Konfliktlösung nicht miteinander verbunden werden, sagte der Präsident. Um die bestehenden Probleme zu lösen, müsse stattdessen ein Mittelweg gefunden werden, der Zugeständnisse von beiden Seiten erfordere. Die territoriale Integrität Indonesiens und das Sonderautonomiegesetz müssten in diesem Prozess den Rahmen bilden. Der Präsident erklärte sich bereit, die Arbeit der Entwicklungsbehörde UP4B vorerst einzustellen und eine „Affirmative Action“ für indigene Papua in den Bereichen Bildung und Wirtschaft zu veranlassen. SBY rief dazu auf, jegliche Gewalt von Seiten des indonesischen Militärs und der Befreiungsbewegung OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka) einzustellen, „um Raum für einen Dialog zu schaffen“. Nichtorganische Streitkräfte sollen demnach aus Papua abgezogen werden. Der indonesische Präsident betonte, dass die Kirchen- und Religionsführer für die Lösung der Probleme in Papua eine zentrale Rolle spielen und von Seiten der indonesischen Regierung stärker integriert werden müssen.
Die Gespräche zwischen dem indonesischen Präsidenten und den Kirchenführern Papuas sollen in der dritten Januarwoche 2012 fortgeführt werden. (kn)

(Q.: Pimpinan Gereja-Gereja di Tanah Papua: „Menangani Bayi Nasionalisme (Separatisme) Papua sebagai Hasil „Perkawinan Paksa“ Jakarta – Papua“, 16.12.11; Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia (PGI): PGI Sambut Baik Komitmen Baru Presiden Menyeleisaikan Masalah Papua, 17.12.11 sowie weitere vertrauliche Quellen).

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Recent events in Papua – the violence at the Freeport-Rio Tinto mine, the brutal clamp-down against freedom of expression in Abepura – show that Papuans continue to face extreme forms of exploitation and human rights violations.
Meanwhile the steady advance of large-scale investment projects continues to marginalise and impoverish Papuans, village by village. Gold, copper, gas, palm oil, and timber are prized more highly, it seems, by the business and political elites than are the communities whose livelihoods depend on this region’s rich natural resources.
But Papuans are continuing to demand their right to determine their own futures and the right to own, manage and benefit from their lands and resources.
These communities and the civil society movements supporting them are calling for more resources and a greater effort to strengthen their position. So that they can better resist, village by village, the destructive side of the ‘development’ imposed from outside.

Please read more.

by DTE

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Im November wurden indonesische Truppen aus Ost-Kalimantan und West-Java nach Papua, insbesondere in die Region Paniai, verlegt. Die Truppen wurden auf die Dörfer verteilt und kontrollieren die Bevölkerung seitdem streng. Vom 14. bis 16. November durchkämmte das Militär die Dörfer Kogekotu, Bapouda, Ipakiye und Madi. Die Soldaten brachen gewaltsam die Türen der Häuser auf und zerschlugen Fenster.
Sie beschlagnahmten Beile und Hackmesser und zerbrachen Bögen und Pfeile, die von der Bevölkerung für die Jagd gebraucht werden. Die Bewegungsfreiheit der Bewohner wurde eingeschränkt und wer aufs Feld gehen will, muss sich nun beim Militärposten einen Passierschein besorgen.
Am 5. Dezember demonstrierten die Bewohner der Dörfer Dagouto, Eka und Wegamo gegen die Stationierung von Truppen in ihren Dörfern. Am 13. November wurde ein junger Mann namens Matius Tenouye von Soldaten erschossen, als er eine Brücke über dem Degeuwo-Fluß im Dorf Tayaga, Bezirk Bogobaida, Landkreis Paniai überquerte. Das Militär war von indonesischen Goldgräbern zu Hilfe gerufen worden, weil Landbesitzer von den Goldgräbern Entschädigung forderten.
Das Schema dieses Falles ist typisch für die Situation in Papua: Indonesische Firmen nehmen für ihre Geschäfte indigenes Land in ihren Besitz und rufen bei Konflikten das Militär. Unschuldige Zivilisten wie Matius Tenouye werden zu Opfern.
In einen Aufruf der Kirchen vom 16. November 2011 heißt es: „Wir fragen, warum die zivile Bevölkerung zum Ziel der militärischen Aktionen wird. Was haben die Familien getan, dass ihre Häuser zerstört wurden? … Wir fordern den Polizeichef von Paniai auf, sofort alle willkürlichen Maßnahmen gegen die Bevölkerung einzustellen. Wir wollen keine pauschale Verurteilung und Bestrafung der Bevölkerung!“
Außerdem fordern die Kirchen, alle aus Java und Kalimantan eingeflogenen Truppen abzuziehen.

Inzwischen erreichen uns Berichte, dass seit dem 13. Dezember eine groß angelegte Militäraktion mit Unterstützung von Kampfhubschraubern gegen das Dorf Eduda stattfindet, in dem sich einige bewaffnete Widerstandskämpfer aufhalten sollen.
Unbestätigten Berichten zufolge sollen die Bewohner der umliegenden Dörfer in die Wälder geflohen sein. Ihre Dörfer sollen von den Truppen niedergebrannt worden sein. Es gibt Berichte von Toten und Verletzten, die noch verifiziert werden müssen.

Das West-Papua-Netzwerk hat anlässlich des Internationalen Tages der Menschenrechte am 10. Dezember mit anderen Organisationen in einem Brief an den indonesischen Präsidenten auf die ständigen Menschenrechtsverletzungen der indonesischen Sicherheitskräfte an der Bevölkerung Papuas hingewiesen.
Auch der Menschenrechtsbericht 2010/11, an dessen Erstellung das West-Papua-Netzwerk mitgearbeitet hat, dokumentiert die fortwährende Einschüchterung und Unterdrückung der Papua und zahlreiche Morde an der Bevölkerung. (sz)

Der Menschenrechtsbericht erschien unter dem Titel „Human Rights in Papua 2010/2011“. Er kann bei der Koordinationsstelle des West-Papua-Netzwerks bestellt oder aus dem Internet heruntergeladen werden: www.faithbasednetworkonwestpapua.org

(Quelle: Tabloidjubi.com; West Papua Media Alerts, Austra-lien)

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Der Bericht schildert die grausame Realität von Verletzungen ziviler und politischer Menschenrechte sowie wirtschaftlicher, sozialer und kultureller Rechte in Papua in den Jahren 2010 und 2011. Der Bericht soll auf die Menschenrechtssituation in Papua aufmerksam machen und helfen, in Papua ein „Land des Friedens“ zu schaffen.
Konkret lenkt der Bericht die Aufmerksamkeit auf die schwierige Situation von nationalen und internationalen zivilgesellschaftlichen Gruppen und Menschenrechtsverteidigern. Diese sind regelmäßig Opfer von Einschüchterungen, Schikanen und willkürlichen Verhaftungen unter dem Vorwurf des Staatsverrats (makar), während sie von ihrem Recht auf freie Meinungsäußerung im Ringen um Gerechtigkeit und Verantwortlichkeit Gebrauch machen. Der Bericht prangert außerdem die Politik der indonesischen Regierung an, die darauf ausgerichtet ist, internationale Menschenrechtsorganisationen, die in West Papua tätig sind, zu diskreditieren und ihre Arbeit zu beschränken.
Einige internationale Organisationen sind direkt oder indirekt gezwungen, sich aus dem Land zurückzuziehen, wie beispielsweise das International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) und die Peace Brigades International (PBI). Auch der Zugriff auf internationale Medien wird durch manipulierte bürokratische Prozesse häufig behindert. Zur Vorstellung des Berichtes und anlässlich der aktuellen tragischen Entwicklungen in Papua, lud Franciscan International am 2. November zu einem Runden Tisch nach Genf ein. An diesem nahmen sowohl Vertreter der Zivilgesellschaft wie vom Faith Based Network on West Papua, Geneva for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, TAPOL, World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) und dem Papua Peace Network (JDP -Jaringan Damai Papua) teil, als auch Vertreter des UN-Sonderberichterstatters zum Schutz von MenschenrechtsverteidigerInnen und die ständige Vertretung der Republik Indonesien an den Vereinten Nationen. In Reaktion auf die zahlreichen vorgebrachten Probleme und Bedenken, die während der Diskussion geäußert wurden, gab die Vertretung der indonesischen Regierung ein offizielles Statement ab, in dem es hieß, dass der „Schutz der Menschenrechte national Priorität genießt“. Bei aller Anerkennung für die Mitarbeit der ständigen Vertretung der Republik Indonesien traf diese Aussage auf starken Widerspruch seitens der INROs.
Man äußerte, dass „politische Reden im Bezug auf die Menschenrechtsverletzungen in Papua nicht genug seien, da – in Wirklichkeit – noch immer ein Klima der Angst in Papua herrscht.“ Die INROs schlossen mit der Aufforderung an die Regierung Indonesiens, umgehend alle politischen Gefangenen freizulassen; Einschüchterungen, Schikanen und körperliche Gewalt gegen Menschenrechtsverteidiger, Journalisten und religiöse Führer sofort einzustellen; Folter unter Strafe zu stellen und das Fakultativprotokoll zum Übereinkommen gegen Folter zu ratifizieren; das internationale Übereinkommen zum Schutz vor dem „Verschwinden lassen“ zu ratifizieren; und in einen aufrichtigen Dialog mit nationalen und internationalen zivilgesellschaftlichen Gruppen einzutreten.

Der englischsprachige Bericht kann von der FBN-Homepage heruntergeladen werden.

Für weitere Informationen kontaktieren Sie bitte:
Kristina Neubauer – Faith-based Network on West Papua, Koordinatorin
Francesca Restifo – Franciscans International, Direktorin für Internationale Advocacyarbeit
Paul Barber – TAPOL, Koordinator
Wong Kai Shing – Asian Human Rights Commission, geschäftsführender Direktor

Genf, 3. November 2011

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