2) Indonesia fails to address major human rights issues: Coalition
-------------- FRIDAY, 07 APRIL, 2017 | 09:40 WIB 1) Government Displays Inconsistency with Freeport, Expert Says TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of parties regretted the government's decision to issue a special mining permit (IUPK) for PT Freeport Indonesia.
State Administrative Law Expert from Universitas Indonesia (UI) Dian Puji Simatupang, stated that the permit should only be issued if the government and Freeport reached an agreement on ending the company’s Contract of Work (CoW).
Dian said that from the legal perspective, issuing a permit is considered as an action taken by the government in its capacity as a public institution. Meanwhile, in the CoW, the government considered being on equal grounds with other private law subjects.
Dian argued that the government displayed inconsistency by issuing the license. "It's like the government is half-public and half-private. Such action should have been avoided," Dian said in a discussion in Jakarta on Thursday, April 6, 2017.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry issued Freeport's special mining license on February 10, 2017. Based on Government Regulation No. 1 of 2017 on Mineral and Coal Mining, as an IUPK holder, Freeport must comply with fiscal obligations, divest 51 percent of its shares, and have strong commitment to construct a smelter.
However, the company failed to comply with the government’s decision and insisted on maintaining its CoW. Both the government and Freeport has discussed the company’s willingness to change its status from February 2017. According to Secretary General of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Mochammad Teguh Pamuji, Freeport has agreed to change its operational framework from CoW to IUPK.
Teguh stated that negotiations on Freeport obligations will begin on mid-April 2017. Teguh added that the negotiation will involve a number of stakeholders including the Finance Ministry, the Fiscal Policy Agency, the Interior Affairs Ministry, the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, and the Attorney General Office.
Director General of Mineral and Coal Bambang Gatot added that the negotiation will also involve the Papua Regional Government, along with residents living around the company’s work area.
Bambang explained that if the negotiation failed to result in an agreement, Freeport’s license will expire.
2) Indonesia fails to address major human rights issues: Coalition Safrin La Batu The Jakarta Post Jakarta | Fri, April 7, 2017 | 01:37 pm Indonesia has not yet improved its policies on the promotion and protection of human rights, despite the evaluations in 2008 and 2012 of the United Nations-sponsored Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a coalition of civil society groups has said. The Civil Society Coalition for the Third UPR said Indonesia agreed to receive 150 of the 180 recommendations issued by the UPR in 2012 that highlighted major human rights violations in the country and provide ways to address the problems.
“The government has not held a formal, open and participatory mechanism to follow up on the recommendations. We see the government has not executed most of the recommendations,” the coalition said in a statement sent from Geneva, Switzerland.
Among the issues highlighted in the 2012 recommendations were 20 regarding freedom of religion. The UPR said mob violence involving hard-line Islamic groups was still rampant in the country.
“A number of recommendations in the 2012 UPR have not been clearly, firmly and constitutionally implemented,” said Elga Sarapung, who represents the Indonesian Interreligious Network (JAII), which is part of the coalition.
“The right to have a house of worship and the right to exercise beliefs, as well as to be free from intimidation and violence made in the name of religion, are not fully protected by the government,” he added.
Besides freedom of religion, the coalition also highlighted a number of other human rights issues, such as foreign journalists being barred from entering Papua and Indonesia’s death penalty for convicted drug traffickers.
1) Indonesia Permits Rare Papua Access to UN Health Rights Expert
Visit Shines Light on Government Policy Failures
Andreas Harsono Indonesia Researcher
The United Nations special rapporteur on the right to health did something remarkable last week: he traveled to the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua.
Dainius Puras’ two-day trip to Papua, part of a two-week official visit, was notable for the simple fact the Indonesian government allowed it to happen. Given the government’s long history of blocking scrutiny of conditions in Papua by foreign media and international observers, including UN experts, this development may indicate a change in policy.
In 2013, the government rejected the proposed visit of Frank La Rue, then-UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression, becausehe insisted on travelling to Papua. The government has justified limiting international observers’ access to Papua onsecuritygrounds, but the reality is the government and the security forces are just unwilling to facecriticismfrom nongovernmental organizations and the foreign media.Puras’ observations about health conditions in Papua are a searing indictment of the government’s failings on public health. Hesingled-outthe fact that ethnic Papuans “are two times more likely to have HIV/AIDS than the rest of the population and new infections are on the rise.” He called for the development of “culturally sensitive”
HIV/AIDS treatment in the region.Otherstatisticsare equally alarming: Papua has the lowest life expectancyin Indonesia and the country’s highest infant, child, and maternalmortality rates. Despite Papua’s glaring health service deficiencies, the government severelyrestrictsaccess of international NGOs, including those that provide much-needed healthcare services. In August 2010, the government banned from Papua the Dutch international aid organization Cordaid. The governmentassertedthe organization had assisted Papua pro-independence activists, an allegation Cordaid denied.
Puras’ concerns about health rights in Papua should be a wakeup call to the government that its current policies on health in Papua are seriously inadequate. The government should recognize that international NGOs – and allowing media to freely report in Papua – can play a crucial role in supporting official efforts to fill gaps in public health delivery systems. Permitting Puras’ visit will hopefully open the door to wider international access to Papua, so that the government can get support to address the appallingly poor health indicators of ethnic Papuans.
2) Uganda parliament pledges support for West Papua independence
By John Masaba
Added 7th April 2017 06:38 PM
Federal Republic of West Papua’s Jacob Rumbiak (left) hands over a the country's flag to Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah , during a courtesy visit to Parliament on April 7, 2017. Photo by Kennedy Oryema
Parliament of Uganda has pledged to support West Papua, a province of Indonesia fighting for independence to realise its dream.
This is after its leader petitioned parliament and presented heartrending accounts of sufferings under the rule of the island nation.
In a petition presented to the Parliament deputy speaker Jacob Oulanya on Friday, Jacob Rumbiak, the leader of United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) said they want Uganda to influence other countries in the region to support their bid for independence at the United Nations.
He told Saturday Vision that he believes Uganda’s strength at African Union (AU) can galvanize the African vote in New York and help them clinch independence by 2019.
Saturday Vision has learnt that besides Parliament, the group also wants to meet President Yoweri Museveni over their bid.
Formerly under Dutch rule, West Papua is fighting to shake off the firm rule of Indonesia, under which it was placed courtesy of a UN–backed treaty in 1969. The island maintains that Indonesia’s rule over it is illegal because the UN-sanctioned ballot -- ‘the Act of Free Choice’, which legitimized West Papua as a province of Indonesia in 1969, was fraudulent. Under the act, 1000 people, who were chosen to vote on behalf of the island, were coerced by Indonesian military to vote against the independence bid.
With a land size of 162, 371 square miles, West Papua is nearly twice the size of Uganda. However, Uganda boasts of a population eight times bigger and has better human development indicators than the island’s four million people according to online sources.
Rumbiak blames the above on an orchestrated genocide and the brutal rule they have suffered under Indonesia since 1969.
He claimed there is a systemic agenda by Indonesia — a Muslim dominated country — to destroy their way of life, and exterminate the Papuans, a black people of African descent. - See more at:
Timika, Papua (ANTARA News) - Two days of incessant rains in Mimika District, Papua Province, resulted in several rivers overflowing and floodwaters submerging Karang Senang, Kuala Kencana, and Kwamki Narama areas and hundreds of houses. The floods, caused by the overflowing of several rivers in the areas, have inundated numerous villages and hundreds of houses, with floodwaters reaching a height of up to 50 centimeters, spokesman of the Mimika district government Ausilius stated. "Many houses were built right near the rivers, and thus, the floods inundated those houses easily," he noted here on Friday.
Ausilius remarked that the residents whose homes were flooded on Friday were still waiting for the floodwaters to recede, but they did not evacuate to safer places. The local government is yet to take strategic steps to deploy heavy equipment, such as excavators, in order to normalize the flow of the rivers. Flooding in the Karang Senang Village also inundated an elementary school and forced the students to skip their studies.(*)
1) JAYAWIJAYA REGENCY PREPARED AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY ZONE
Apr 09, 2017
Activities of community in Muliama District, Jayawijaya-Jubi/Islami
Wamena, Jubi – In order to respond the high demand of vegetables in Jayawijaya, local government plans to implement a regional program of commodity in 10 districts this year. Over the years the needs of vegetables in Jayawijaya came from outside.
The government has established 10 locations in 10 districts as the location of the farm vegetables. Head of Plant Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture and Food Crops Jayawijaya, Yudhalara Monim said the site selection based on near watersheds (DAS).
According to Monim, one of the causes of vegetables crisis in Jayawijaya is no specialized labor who works as vegetable farmer.
People who used to be vegetables growers have now switched professions, so it affects the availability of vegetables in the market.
Head of Horticulture Section of Jayawijaya Agriculture and Foodstuffs Department, Irmayanti said they will work to improve and develop the commodity according to the potential land area.
Irmayanti said special commodities of Jayawijaya are cayenne pepper, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, and cabbage. “In addition we will encourage for onion and various kind of fruits to be planted,” she said.
They have prepared experts who are ready to work in the field with the involvement of extension workers, to assist program and activities related to horticulture.
The Chairman of Petra Balim School of Plantation, Fredrik Rumbiak support and give his appreciation to the government Jayawijaya who ready to implement commodity zone programs in that area.
Fredrik responded positively to the government program. For him it is a right step for developing agricultural land in Jayawijaya.(*)
2) NDIKEN CLAIMED MARIND COMMUNITY HAS NOT ENJOYED SPECIAL AUTONOMY
Apr 09, 2017
Merauke, Jubi – Members of the Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) of Merauke, Hendrikus Hengky Ndiken highlight the use of special autonomy funds (Autonomy). Ndiken claimed these funds have not enjoyed by indigenous Papuans. Over the years they still live below the poverty line.
He told on Tuesday (3/4/2017) that over 18 years, special autonomy funds disbursed by the central governments for the welfare of the community, but in reality Papuan indigenous are still marginalized and living in poverty.
He said that special autonomy funds disbursed in Merauke each year amounting to Rp138 billion. However, there is no real evidence of the program in the fields of education, health and infrastructure.
“For example the Papuan people in the city. At some point, their home looks so bad and alarming. Those are livable,” he said.
“Another issue is lack of education. Many Papuans children now work as a scavenger.”
He also criticizes health care issue on quality of services to Papuan indigenous and the attention of medical personnel. “Some of these issues are very sad. In fact, a large amount of special autonomy funds have not been utilized for the sake OAP, “he said.
One of the Youth Leaders Kimaam, Emanuel Buyuka said that the utilization of autonomy funds in Merauke district is ‘unclear’. The Papuan indigenous quality of life never progressed.
It is a fact that life of Papuan people in the villages has not improved. I think this has to be a serious note for Merauke government,” he said.(*)
Copper and gold miner PT Freeport Indonesia is getting the red-carpet treatment once again, as the government is allowing the company to resume exports despite the company’s mounting responsibilities.
The export activities are made possible with the issuance of a temporary special mining permit (IUPK) by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry that is backdated to February 10 and valid for eight months.
With the temporary IUPK in place, Freeport will be able to use the ministry’s recommendation it obtained in February to export 1.11 million wet metric tons (wmt) of copper concentrate for a year.
The company, the operator of the world’s largest gold mine and second-largest copper mine, is now waiting for an export permit to be issued by the Trade Ministry.
Despite the short export period, Freeport is seen as having dodged the bullet again, because it was previously required to convert its contract of work (CoW) to a permanent IUPK, divest 51 percent of its shares and build a smelter within five years before being able to export, as stipulated by Government Regulation (PP) No. 1/2017.
Requirements rejected Freeport — backed by its parent company, United States-based mining giant Freeport-McMoran Inc. — had consistently rejected the requirements and argued that they violated the investment certainty provided by the present CoW, dating back to 1991.
The disagreement had led to a standstill and Freeport warned that it could take the Indonesian government to international arbitration.
The miner had been unable to sell its copper concentrate overseas, creating a large pileup at its compound in Papua. However, earlier this month, Freeport resumed production at 40 percent of its normal rate after securing an export permit for anode slime, a byproduct of copper processing.
The temporary IUPK decision came just before US Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Indonesia this month. Freeport-McMoran is known to be politically connected, as US billionaire Carl Icahn, special adviser on regulatory reform to US President Donald Trump, is a major shareholder in the company.
The government has defended its decision, even though there is no legal basis that backs the temporary IUPK issuance and no concrete agreement has been made regarding the divestment and smelter issues.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry’s secretary-general, Teguh Pamudji, said in a press conference last week that it was working to ensure a smooth transition from the CoW to the IUPK.
Business ‘guidance’ “In any public policy, including in regulations surrounding the energy and mineral resources sector, there will always be an opportunity for the government to guide [businesses],” he said, insisting that such guidance applied to all firms wanting to convert their CoWs to IUPKs.
The government claims that during the next six months, it will continue negotiating with the company over the terms for a full conversion of the miner’s CoW, including the issues of investment stability, divestment and smelter construction.
It will also conduct a semiyearly evaluation on Freeport’s smelter commitment. The firm previously promised to construct a smelter in Gresik, East Java.
Teguh said if the government and Freeport Indonesia failed to see eye-to-eye in the next six months, the miner would be allowed to return to its CoW, but would be barred from exporting its copper concentrates again.
The 2009 Mining Law stipulates that the holder of a CoW cannot export its production without processing it domestically first.
Freeport spokesman Riza Pratama said the firm would be willing to fully convert its CoW to an IUPK as long as the latter granted investment stability, which entails legal and fiscal certainties that are equal to the ones outlined in the current CoW.
“We are in the process of obtaining an export permit,” he said.
BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Group, predicts in a recent report that Freeport will likely continue to negotiate with the government to maintain its operations in the country, as copper and gold prices are expected to rise to US$5,800 per ton and $1,525 per ounce, respectively, by 2021.
Fedina S. Sundaryani is a journalist writing for The Jakarta Post.
1) ECONOMIC FACTORS HAS CAUSED SAGO LEAF FOREST CHANGED INTO TIN ROOF
Apr 10, 2017
Part of condition of sago forest impacted by development project – Dok. Hendrik Palo
Jayapura, Jubi – Vice Chairman of Sentani Tribal Council Jayapura regency, Papua, Orgenes Kaway says sago forests in the district of Jayapura has largely changed appearance from trees and leaves of sago to corrugated roof made of tin that commonly called ‘Atap seng’.
Bambar Village Ondoafi (indigenous Sentani) of Waibu District, Doyo Lama, Jayapura said It is caused by economic factors and the rapid development. The customary landowners have no enough power to tame the current of development.
As the result they sell their customary land that was once a sago forest and turn it into ‘shopping house building’ or tin roofs housing complex.
“Whoever they are who initially yelling do not sell the land, but with pressure of economic conditions such as commodity prices, and also the pressure of development that Papua being pushed as a pilot development example for Eastern part of Indonesia. All of these are unstoppable,” said Orgenes Kaway, Wednesday April 5th 2017.
He pointed out; that customary owners in the area of Doyo states may not sell the land, but being pushed by the development in the district of Jayapura that now expand to Doyo area, like it or not the residents might finally sell their land.
“Kalau bisa jangan jual tanah. Dikontrakkan saja. Ini demi generasi berikut. Kalau tanah sudah habis dijual, bagaimana dengan generasi Papua kedepan,” kata Emus.
“If possible, please do not sell the land. Rent it. It’s for the next generation. If the land is up for sale, how about the next generation Papuans?” said Emus.(*)
2) FIVE CITIES DOMINATED FUEL CONSUMPTION IN PAPUA
Apr 10, 2017
Jayapura, Jubi – Fuel (BBM) consumption is concentrated in five cities of 29 counties and cities in Papua Province according to Pertamina Retail Fuel Marketing Manager Operation Region (MOR) VIII Maluku-Papua, Zibali Hisbul Masih.
“Jayapura city dominate, which consumes 28.26 percent, then 12.53 percent in Merauke, following Nabire 11.31 percent, Mimika 10.92 percent and Jayapura regency 8.06 percent. Total consumption is 71.65 percent,” he told Jubi recently.
According to Zibali, due to the use of fuel consumption concentrated in those five cities, controlling inflation should continue to monitor the rise of prices in those five regions if it is based on fix price of fuel.
“It’s a point that we need to be aware of related to price fluctuations in fuel sector that encourage inflation, because those area is fundamental,” he said.
Relate to possible inflation, Zibali argued that the price for premium or subsidized fuel such as diesel and kerosene will remain unchanged because the government decided not to raise subsidized fuel prices on April 1, 2017. Pricing is valid up to three months, until June 2017.
Decisions based on Presidential Decree No. 191/2014 and Regulation Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No.27 / 2016 has sets price of fuel based on types and of special assignments.
“The concern now is the shift in consumer purchasing power of a premium to non-subsidized fuel by 25 percent, in which the non-subsidized fuel will follow world prices of oil,” he said.
Head of Industry and Trade Agency of Papua Province Max Olua say if Pertamina agree the Irian Bhakti commercial can work for the distribution to districts, so that the same prices of fuel is apply in remote district as well.(*)
Jayapura, Jubi – After decades of fearing that the New Guinea highland wild dog had gone extinct in its native habitat, researchers have finally confirmed the existence of a healthy, viable population, hidden in one of the most remote and inhospitable regions on Earth.
According to DNA analysis, these are the most ancient and primitive canids in existence, and a recent expedition to New Guinea’s remote central mountain spine has resulted in more than 100 photographs of at least 15 wild individuals, including males, females, and pups, thriving in isolation and far from human contact.
“The discovery and confirmation of the highland wild dog for the first time in over half a century is not only exciting, but an incredible opportunity for science,” says the group behind the discovery, the New Guinea Highland Wild Dog Foundation (NGHWDF).
“The 2016 Expedition was able to locate, observe, gather documentation and biological samples, and confirm through DNA testing that at least some specimens still exist and thrive in the highlands of New Guinea.”
If you’re not familiar with these handsome creatures, until now, New Guinea highland wild dogs were only known from two promising but unconfirmed photographs in recent years – one taken in 2005, and the other in 2012.
Last year, a NGHWDF expedition made it to the Papua province of western New Guinea, which is bordered by Papua New Guinea to the east and the West Papua province to the west.
Led by zoologist James K McIntyre, the expedition ran into local researchers from the University of Papua, who were also on the trail of the elusive dogs.
Trail cameras were immediately deployed throughout the area, so they could monitor bait sites around the clock. The cameras captured more than 140 images of wild Highland Wild Dog in just two days on Puncak Jaya – the highest summit of Mount Carstensz, and the tallest island peak in the world.
NGHWD explains, “The fossil record indicates the species established itself on the island at least 6,000 years ago, believed to have arrived with human migrants. However, new evidence suggests they may have migrated independently of humans.
In all of the dogs observed so far, their ears sit erect and triangular on the top of the head.
According to the NGHWDF, there are roughly 300 New Guinea singing dogs remaining in the world, living in zoos, private facilities, and private homes, and they’re known for their high-pitched howls, which they will perform in chorus with one another, and sometimes for several minutes at a time:
The research into these amazing dogs is ongoing, and a scientific paper on the discovery is expected to be released in the coming months.(*)
Summary of events in West Papua for March-11 April 2017.
(For all the talk from Jokowi that West Papua is now open to journalists, the banning of Journalists wanting to visit West Papua continues).
Timika immigration office deports two French nationals
18 March. Timika, Papua (ANTARA News) - The Tembagapura Immigration Office in Papua province deported two French nationals on Friday for violating their Indonesian visa. The two French citizens, identified as Frank Jean Piere Escudie and Basile Marie Longchamp, violated their visa to make a documentary film under the project "The Explorers" in several places in the easternmost Indonesian province of Papua, Head of the Tembagapura Immigration Office Jesaja Samuel Enock said here on Friday. "Based on the results of the interrogation, the two French nationals used visit visas to make a documentary film on nature, culture, and other attractions in Papua, without holding necessary permits from the authorized agencies," he stated. They were deported to their country by Garuda Indonesia flight from Mozes Kilangin Airport in Timika en route to Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Banten province on Friday evening. They would be flown to their country on Friday night or early on Saturday, he noted. http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/109999/timika-immigration-office-deports-two-french-nationals
Phelim Kine Deputy Director, Asia Division of Human Rights Watch reported on the issue “Indonesia Steamrolls Media Freedom in Papua, Again”
Indonesian policedetained and then deportedthe two reporters, who were filming a documentary for Indonesia’s Garuda Airlines, for lacking “necessary documents from related institutions,” without elaborating. The authorities havebarredthe two journalists from returning to Indonesia for at least six months to ensure they get the message.
TempoThe blacklisting of Jack Hewson, a freelance journalist working for Al Jazeera, shows the Indonesian government’s paranoia towards foreign journalists.
Protesters outside the Jakarta headquarters of Freeport Indonesia calling for the closure of the giant mine in Papua. Image: Tempo
ANALYSIS:Tempo The blacklisting of Jack Hewson, a freelance journalist working for Al Jazeera, shows the Indonesian government’s paranoia towards foreign journalists.
The government should allow the foreign press to cover Papua. Preventing journalists from reporting the facts there is not a good testament on the claim of press freedom in Indonesia.
Hewson, who is based in Jakarta, planned to report on the Freeport issue from Timika in Papua. But after leaving for the Philippines last week, he learned that he has been banned from returning to Indonesia for no clear reason. It transpires that the request for the ban came from the Indonesian Military (TNI). According to the Immigration Directorate General, Hewson is suspected of “dangerous activities, endangering security and public order”. What did Hewson do that was deemed to have endangered security? Was he not simply covering and writing reports about Indonesia like other journalists? Was it linked with his plan to cover Freeport? Whatever the problem, blacklisting a foreign journalist without a reason or sufficient evidence is a serious violation of press freedom………..
UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health visits West Papua
Andreas Harsono from Human Rights Watch said in a statement that
“The United Nations special rapporteur on the right to health did something remarkable last week: hetraveledto the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua. Dainius Puras’ two-day trip to Papua, part of a two-weekofficial visit, was notable for the simple fact the Indonesian government allowed it to happen. Given the government’s long history of blocking scrutiny of conditions in Papua by foreign media and international observers, including UN experts, this development may indicate a change in policy”.
Jubi also reported on the visit of the United Nations Special Rapporteur Dainius Pûras. “The purpose of this visit is to learn how Indonesia endeavours to implement the right to health, including the measures the country has taken to date and the challenges it faces,” Mr. Pûras wrote in his press statement. His visit will be the first to Indonesia by an independent expert of the UN Human Rights Council entrusted to monitor the realisation of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
WHO appreciates Papua KPA for taking part in socializing prepex
25th March 2017
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed appreciation to the Papuas HIV/AIDS Eradication Commission (KPA) for being active in socializing adoption of circumcision using prepex in the province. Prepex is the Worlds Only Non-Surgical Male Circumcision Device. Technical advisor of the Male Circumcision Innovation Group of WHO, Timothy Hargreave, said here on Saturday he came to Jayapura mainly to learn and see the use of Prepex in circumcision in a bid to prevent HIV. "Papua is the first area in Asia adopting circumcision with prepex after Africa. Certainly there is difference . That is what we want to learn and know," Hargreave said. There must be differences in circumcision with prepex in Africa and Papua because of the need to adjust to situation and condition in each area, he added. "That is why we are here to learn and see. Hopefully the circumsion is safe for all both the patients, the officers and other involved," he said. He said he also appreciated the active participation of the local authorities in taking part in socializing circumcision with prepex in this province. He said, however, that circumcision does not guarantee that the the province would be 100 percent free from the HIV virus, therefore, he advised man to use condoms in having sex with prostitutes to minimize the spread of the HIV virus.(*)
Local News
West Papuan supporters in Sydney join in rallies
West Papuan supportersjoined in a numberof rallies in the past month to fly the Morning Star flag and to raise awareness of the issue of West Papua
Punks for West Papua also had a series of showings of their documentary at various venues with more to come, raising awareness of the issue.
The Region
Melanesian Spearhead Group
In a press release (March 16, 2017), The Melanesian Spearhead Group’s (MSG) Chair, Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare of the Solomon Islands described his dialogue with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister, Hon Peter O’Neill as ‘very fruitful.’The MSG Chair met with Hon O’Neill in the PNG Capital, Port Moresby yesterday, concluding his second and final round of consultations with MSG leaders since taking up the chairmanship of the Melanesian sub-regional grouping in June 2015.
The MSG Chair, Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare and the PNG Prime Minister, Hon Peter O'Neill.
The key issues of discussion included the following:
MSG Special Leaders’ Summit;
Outcome of the Meeting of the MSG sub-committee on Legal and Institutional Issues {SCLII) in Port Vila in December 2016. SCLII is the MSG sub-committee that makes recommendations to the MSG Governing Bodies- Senior Officials Meeting, Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Leaders’ Summit;
West Papua;
MSG Free Trade Agreement;
MSG Labour Mobility, Independent Review of the MSG Secretariat; and
MSG Chairmanship Handover from Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea.
Speaking after his meeting with Prime Minister O’Neill, the MSG Chair said “I had a very fruitful meeting with the PNG Prime Minister on the agendas of discussion as I also had with Prime Minister Charlot Salwai of Vanuatu, Victor Tutugoro of the FLNKS and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji earlier on in February.”
On the issue of West Papua, the MSG Chair said he told Prime Minister O’Neill that the United Liberation Movement of West Papua’s (ULMWP’s) application for membership of the MSG will be dealt with under the Revised MSG Membership Criteria. He said Prime Minister O’Neill expressed the ULMWP’s membership of the MSG is not an issue to PNG but rather the ULMWP proving that it is a united body that represents the collective views of the people of West Papua just as the FLNKS is evidently a united body representing the collective views of the Kanaks of New Caledonia. The MSG Chair said the PNG Prime Minister further stated that any discussion on the issue of sovereignty should be taken up appropriately with the United Nations Decolonisation Committee (C24) in New York and the Human Rights Commission in Geneva.
Ambassador Peter Ilau: Concerning MSG, Free Papua Not a Sovereign Country
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
JAKARTA, NETRALNEWS.COM - The Free Papua Movement (OPM) and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) is not a sovereign state. Because of not being a sovereign state then OPM or ULMWP automatically do not meet the requirements of membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). The Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to the Republic of Indonesia, Commodore (Ret) Peter Ilau, DMS, CBE confirmed this in a series of interviews with Netralnews.com in Papua New Guinea Embassy office in Jakarta last week.
"MSG has a very clearly in its charter that whoever wants to be a member has to be sovereign country, so West Papua is not sovereign country that automatically they don’t qualify for membership," said Ambassador Peter Ilau.
Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) is an international organization made up of four countries in Melanesia, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as the Kanak National Liberation Front of New Caledonia.
The International organization whose existence is more on Melanesia ethnicity (descent) has strong enough influence. The Indonesian government under President Jokowi seems to look at and consider also the strategic of MSG.
So that in June 2015 Indonesia was accepted as a partner member. Indonesia's entry into MSG of course after MSG thought that Indonesia is a country that is also inhabited by Melanesian descent such as residents of East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku and entire population in Papua.
Ambassador Peter Ilau said that MSG indeed contained Kanak National Liberation Front in the New Caledonia which is not a sovereign state.
"The Kanak for New Caledonia is a special case because the French government gave them endorsement to be a member of MSG. It is not different the government of Indonesia gave endorsement to West Papua, which probably never happen. But there is a case for the Kanak [received by MSG] and Kanak that endorsed by the government of French. That's why they are member and in MSG the charter is very clear: You have to be a sovereign country, independent to be the member of MSG," Peter Ilau asserted.
Information background, Papua separatist group, which is the member of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua and also OPM, failed to become a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group during a Summit held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Thursday, July 14, 2016. This dashed hopes of the movement to be recognized as member of group of countries that are in the Pacific Islands. (*)
According to the police minister of Solomon Islands, the country's police force is looking to enter a co-operation agreement with the Indonesian National Police. Peter Shanel and other police ministers of Melanesian Spearhead Group member countries had a conference in Jakarta this month, following meetings of MSG police commissioners. RNZI report ( 27 March)
In a RNZI report (4 April) The Solomon Islands government says its strong stance on issues relating to West Papua is separate from proposed policing co-operation with Indonesia. Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Milner Tozaka however said any co-operation arrangement with Indonesia comes under existing bilateral relations and does not compromise the country's stance on West Papua."We are at liberty to maintain our good relationship with any country.""Therefore in terms of policing if the ministry of police and corrections see that this is in line with our policy and it is best for our Royal Solomon Islands Police Force that should be quite acceptable," he said.
Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryucudu met with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne in Sydney on Thursday, taking further steps forward since mending ties over a military spat that prompted the suspension of military cooperation. The two met during the annual Defense Ministers’ Meeting.
Ryamizard conveyed his appreciation for Australia’s efforts to resolve an incident that involved one of its military language facilities in November that led to postponed cooperation between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Australian Defense Force for two months. He expressed “happiness over the resumption of military cooperation between the two countries,” according to a Defense Ministry statement. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo agreed with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to fully restore defense cooperation, training exchange and activities during a state visit to Australia in February.
Putting behind past troubles, Ryamizard and Payne discussed, among other things, strengthening defense cooperation in the field of science and technology. Ryamizard particularly emphasized Indonesia’s efforts to develop its defense cybersecurity. (Jakarta Post March 17)
West Papuan people in Timika rally to support global petition and Swim for West Papua
APRIL 1, 2017
In Timika, over a thousand people gathered in a rally to show their support for the Global Petition for West Papua and the Swim for West Papua team that will carry it to the United Nations in August 2017. All participants held up hand-signed posters, reading “We support #BackTheSwim #LetWestPapuaVote INTERNATIONALLY SUPERVISED VOTE FOR WEST PAPUA
Timika, Papua (ANTARA News) - Hundreds of people from Solidaritas Peduli Bangsa (Nation Care Solidarity) took to the street at the Timika Indah Traffic Roundabout, Tuesday, voicing their opposition to Freeport Indonesia and affirming their support to the government. The people thronged the street around the roundabout since around 9 a.m. local time and brought along an Indonesian flag and pamphlets bearing messages in support of the government.
Tanzil Azharie, the coordinator of the movement, stated that the peaceful demonstration was held as a mark of support to the government for its efforts in handling the complex situation involving Freeport Indonesia and the local government. The demonstrators also voiced eight points of action regarding the issue, including urging Freeport Indonesia to abide by the rules in Indonesia, especially Law Number 4 of 2009 and Government Regulation Number 1 of 2017 that necessitates the company to change its status into a Special Mining Permit and divesting as much as 51 percent of its shares.
The masses also urged Freeport to build a smelter and pay water tax worth Rp3.5 trillion to the Papua government. Another demand made was that Freeport should give greater attention to the seven tribes in the Mimika Sub-district where the mine is located. Freeport should also take responsibility of the generated waste that has lead to environmental damage.They also demanded that Freeport should be held accountable for its selfish acts when it fired its employees without giving prior notice. The masses took to the street for around two hours until around 11 a.m. local time. The activity proceeded peacefully, with around 20 police personnel guarding the masses.(*) (Antara 14 March).
Kontras Lists Human Rights Violations in Indonesia
TEMPO (15 March) reported that the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), drew up a list of 19 human rights issues in Indonesia. The list was drafted ahead to Kontras' 19th birthday on March 20, 2017. Kontras coordinator Yati Andriyani said that the list reflects the current state of human rights issue in Indonesia. "Ahead of Kontras' 19th birthday, we found a thesis that the state is not yet mature. Why? We have some yardsticks, the current state of human rights is a far cry from the ideal image of human rights," Yati said in Jakarta on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. On the list, No 17 was “The future of justice in Papua”.
TNI to Build Missile Detachment in Bintuni Bay, West Papua
APRIL, 2017
TEMPO.CO, Bintuni - Commander of Military District (Kodam) XVIII Kasuari of the National Armed Forces (TNI), Major General Joppie Onesimus Wayangkau mentioned about the missile detachment that is set to be established in Bintuni Bay, West Papua.The detachment, which will be equipped with radar monitors, is included in Kodam’s new strategic territorial plan to secure vital state assets in West Papua. One of them is the oil and gas refinery operated by SKK Migas and BP Tangguh. “We’ll establish one missile detachment under Kodam XVIII Kasuari to secure vital state assets such as the oil and gas mine that are located here,” Wayangkau said on Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
Wayangkau also said that they are responding to reports coming in from the local residents regarding drone activities in the area. According to the reports, drone activities have been spying and troubling the people living in the vicinity of Bintuni Bay and the people working at the mining companies. “We have received information about the mysterious spy drone, but we’re having difficulty in detecting it since Papua only has two tracking radars that are located in Biak and Sorong,” Wayangkau said. Bintuni Bay Regent, Petrus Kasihiu, fully supports the plan of establishing a missile detachment in his region. His administration will provide the land needed for the construction. “We will definitely prepare the land, Bintuni Bay regional government welcomes Kodam XVIII Kasuari for the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI),” Kasihiu said.
HANS ARNOLD
West Papuan man shot dead by the Indonesian police in Yapen.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has received urgent witness reports that today, 27thMarch 2017, West Papuan man Maikel Merani was executed by the Indonesian police in Konti Unai village, Yapen. A media statement giving a brief chronology of events on ULMWP webpage at https://www.ulmwp.org/4966-2
Uganda parliament pledges support for West Papua independence
The Parliament of Uganda has pledged to support West Papua, a province of Indonesia fighting for independence to realise its dream. This is after its leader petitioned parliament and presented heartrending accounts of sufferings under the rule of the island nation. In a petition presented to the Parliament deputy speaker Jacob Oulanya on Friday, Jacob Rumbiak, the executive director of United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) said they want Uganda to influence other countries in the region to support their bid for independence at the United Nations…………………..
Federal Republic of West Papua’s Jacob Rumbiak (left) hands over a the country's flag to Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah , during a courtesy visit to Parliament on April 7, 2017. Photo by Kennedy Oryema -
Freeport brings ‘no benefits’ to Papuan people, say Jakarta protesters
Papuans protesting over the Freeport mine in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. Image: CNN Indonesia
The Papuan Student Alliance (AMP) have held a joint action with the Indonesian People’s Front for West Papua (FRI-West Papua] in front of the offices of PT Freeport Indonesia in Jakarta demanding that the mining company with headquarters in the United States halt its mining activities in Papua because it “harms the people”. In another protest in the central Javanese city of Yogyakarta on Friday, police moved in on students demanding the closure of the Freeport Indonesia and self-determination for the West Papuan nation near their university and broke up the rally.
Frans Nawipa from the AMP said that over the past 50 years in which Freeport had conducted mining activities on Papuan land there had not been the slightest benefit obtained by the Papuan people…
INDONESIA : What are you going to do for Papua, Mr. President?
April 11, 2017
Since Suharto stepped down in 1998, and political reform occurring for the last 18 years, Papua has yet to enjoy real reform, as enjoyed by other provinces in Indonesia. While there have been initiatives to address human rights problems in Papua and West Papua provinces, they have not resulted in significant improvements on the ground. Former President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) for instance, changed the name of Irian Jaya province to Papua, when he was in power. Unfortunately, Gus Dur’s effort occurred in a very short period; after one year he was forced to step down by the Parliament.
Subsequently, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s administration made a commitment to organize peaceful dialogue between Papua and Jakarta, but nothing ever materialized. There was merely some dialogue conducted by church organizations, such as the Indonesian Communion Churches (PGI). Although President Yudhoyono established a special unit for Papua, the Unit for the Acceleration of Development in Papua and West Papua (UP4B), it was an ad hoc unit concerned with infrastructure and economic development, without any focus on legal and human rights problems faced by indigenous Papuans. After President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) came to power, the new government decided to discontinue the UP4B.
With President Widodo starting his presidential campaign from Papua, many people had high expectations about the future of Papua under his administration. Up to his inauguration in October 2014, President Widodo showed concern towards Papua: he ordered his subordinate to develop a market for local Papuan mothers; he released some political prisoners; and for some time he even visited Papua.
In the last two years however, President Widodo has not shown any serious effort to address problems in Papua. The government has no clear agenda or policy related with law and human rights in the province. The perpetrators of past human rights abuses continue to enjoy impunity, such as in the cases of Puncak Jaya 1977-1978, Wasior and Wamena 2001 and 2003, as well as the Abepura case of 2000. Despite the Abepura case being prosecuted in the Makassar district court in 2005, the court failed to find evidence and finally released all the perpetrators. The government has also failed to address various recent cases of human rights abuse, such as the Paniai case, and the brutal attack and murder of Vijay Pauspaus in Sanggeng Manokwari Barat.
In the last one year, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) collected references and case reports concerning human rights violations in Papua, one of which is the report concerning allegations of genocide in Puncak Jaya Papua 1977-1978, published by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), a regional organization based in Hong Kong. There has been no progress however, regarding the Komnas Ham’s initiative.
One of the cases that occurred under President Widodo’s administration and gathered a lot of public attention, is the Paniai case. In this case, five students were shot to death and 17 others were seriously injured, when police and military officials allegedly attacked and shot local residents. Ironically, even though Komnas HAM established an investigation team (pro justitia) based upon Law No 26 of 2000 on the Human Rights Court, as well as based upon the Decision Letter of its Chair (No 009/ Komnas HAM/ III/ 2016), until now the Commission has not issued any investigation report.
The investigation team for Paniai started its work on 1 May 2016, but the military and police have not shown any seriousness or commitment to cooperate with Komnas HAM. This goes against President Widodo’s statement, “I want this case [Paniai case] resolved as quickly as possible, so it does not reoccur in the future,” of 28 December 2014.
The government’s seriousness towards Papua is being questioned internationally as well, with six Pacific countries raising human rights in Papua in the UN General Assembly's 71st Session, on 26 September 2016. The six Pacific countries of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Tonga called for the Indonesian government to address human rights violations in Papua, and for West Papuan self-determination rights to be respected. In fact, widespread international attention upon Papua indicates the lack of progress in Papua.
It is therefore high time to ask President Widodo, what are you going to do for Papua, Mr. President?
About the Author:Mr.Chris Biantoro is Indonesian human rights lawyer and currently working as aprogram officer of Indonesian Desk at the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). He can be contacted at chris.biantoro@ahrc.asia
About 150 West Papuans received their Papua New Guinea citizenship in Kiunga, Western province yesterday after living as refugees for more than 40 years in PNG. Acting chief migration officer Solomon Kantha said they could now vote in this year’s elections if their names were on the PNG Common Roll. The West Papuans from Indonesia had crossed the PNG-Indonesian border when fleeing political persecution from the Indonesian government. They had fled after the Dutch colonial government had handed over Irian Jaya to the Indonesian government in the early 1960s to become the West Papua province of Indonesia. Citizenship Advisory Committee chairman and Telefomin MP Solan Mirisim said they were able to get their citizenship because the Government in November 2014 announced that West Papuan refuges would not have to pay the required K10,000 citizenship application fees.
“These ceremony marks a significant event and the first ceremony that recognise West Papuans who have sought refugees or asylum here in the 1070s and 1980s,” MIrisim said. “It provides you with identification to formally make you a part of this country.” West Papua is a province of Indonesia. Indonesia claimed the territory of the former Dutch East Indies so it invaded Irian Jaya in 1961. It was agreed in 1969 the UN should oversee a plebiscite of the people in which they would be given two choices: to remain part of Indonesia or to become an independent nation. This vote was referred to as the ‘Act of Free Choice’. But, the vote was conducted by consensus decision-making, or consensus of elders, numbering 1000 of these men had been selected by the Indonesian military. This body was coerced into unanimously voting to remain part of Indonesia The result of the compromised vote was rejected by Papuan nationalists, who established the Free Papua Movement .The National
2) ’No smelter, no export license,’ government tells Freeport
Fedina S. Sundaryani The Jakarta Post
Jakarta | Tue, April 11, 2017 | 03:31 pm
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan said on Tuesday that the government would force PT Freeport Indonesia to revert back to its contract of work (CoW) should the mining giant fail to fulfill its promise of building a smelter in Gresik, East Java.
The company, a subsidiary of United States-based mining behemoth Freeport McMoRan, was recently awarded an eight-month special mining permit (IUPK), which will end in October. During this time, the miner is expected to continue negotiating disputed terms on its contract conversion, including issues of divestment and smelter construction.
The IUPK status maintains Freeport Indonesia’s right to export semi-processed metals, including concentrates.
“If the company insists on not building a smelter, it will have to return to its CoW until the contract expires [in 2021]. If the company doesn’t want [to build a smelter], it should just revert – but that means it can not export,” Jonan said on the sidelines of a seminar in Jakarta.
Jonan issued on March 31 Energy and Mineral Resources Ministerial Decree No. 28/2017, a substitute to decree No. 5/2017 on adding value to minerals through domestic processing, just days before the ministry announced that it had awarded Freeport Indonesia the short-term IUPK.
Under the revised decree, the minister can award miners an IUPK once they submit a proposal to convert from their CoW.
The short-term IUPK may either last until the CoW’s expiry or a “specific time period to accommodate adjustments to continued operations.” (hwa)
1) Papua lacks medical support to combat whooping cough, HIV/AIDS: Group
Jakarta | Wed, April 12, 2017 | 02:42 pm
Local people in Dikiyouwa village, Kamu district, Dogiyai, Papua get prepared to count votes during the 2017 elections on Feb.15. (JP/Nethy Dharma Somba)
A shortage of healthcare facilities and medical practitioners has hampered efforts to combat whooping cough and HIV/AIDS, two of the main health problems affecting people in Papua.
Although they are treatable illnesses, whooping cough (formally known as pertussis) and HIV/AIDS have developed into epidemics in the province because of people’s poor access to proper medication and essential medicines.
Papua-based health advocacy group Sekretariat Keadilan, Perdamaian dan Keutuhan Ciptaan (SKPKC) Fransiskan said pertussis and HIV/AIDS had taken a lot of people’s lives.
Basil Haryanto of the SKPKC Fransiskan said a lack of medical practitioners had contributed to the high number of HIV/AIDS cases in Papua because many patients were unable to get proper health treatment.
Papua Health Agency data shows that as of June 2016, there were 25,349 HIV/AIDS cases in 28 regencies and Jayapura city in Papua, a region populated by 2.83 million people, according to the Central Statistics Agency’s 2010 census.
Whooping cough has also spread quickly in Papua, although with proper treatment the disease is manageable, the activist said. This shows local authorities have neglected their responsibilities to fully guarantee Papuan people’s right to health, he said.
In Mbua district, Nduga regency, pertussis killed 54 children from October 2015 to January 2016 because of a lack of skilled health workers in existing facilities.
“The government has built many community health centers [Puskesmas] in Papua, but the problem is no medical practitioners are placed there,” said Veronika Koman, a human rights lawyer and an activist from Papua itu Kita (Papua is Us). (rdi/ebf)
JAKARTA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A plane with several people on board lost contact on Wednesday in Papua province of eastern Indonesia, search and rescue operation have been underway, spokesman of Indonesian transport ministry J. A. Barata said.
"The cargo plane lost contact today (Wednesday). Now we are checking the number of crew," Barata told Xinhua via phone.
Marsudi, spokesman of the national search and rescue office, said the C208 Caravan plane was on route of Wajo and Sentani.
It departed at 2:45 p.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive at 3:24 p.m. local time, Marsudi said.
"The plane sent S.O.S. message during the flight," Marsudi said.
"Search and rescue for the plane is underway now, involving a plane and personnel from local search and rescue office. But the weather seems unfavorable," said Marsudi.
Losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars appear to be pushing the Indonesian government and mining giant Freeport McMoRan to resolve a row that has crippled operations at Grasberg, the world's richest copper mine, for three months.
Freeport says it has lost revenue of about $1 billion since the export of copper concentrate from Grasberg was halted on Jan. 12 under new rules issued by the government. The government has lost millions of dollars in royalties and is worried about layoffs and a slowing economy in the restive Papua region, where the giant mine is located.
"There's a lot of grandstanding in public – that, with our economy being close to a $1 trillion a year now, Freeport is a small matter," said a senior Indonesian government official, who estimated the lost royalties and taxes from the mine at about $1 billion a year.
"But truth be told, a $1 billion a year reduction in fiscal revenue is a lot," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Indonesia halted Freeport's copper concentrate exports under new rules that require the Phoenix, Arizona-based company to adopt a special license, pay new taxes and royalties, divest a 51 percent stake in its operations and relinquish arbitration rights.
Freeport threatened in February to take the dispute to arbitration, saying the rules were "in effect a form of expropriation".
But now, Indonesia has promised to allow Freeport to export its copper concentrate once again, while negotiations continue over the next six months on contentious issues, including on divestment, economic and legal protection and smelting investment.
The compromise comes ahead of a visit to Indonesia by U.S. Vice President Mike Spence next week. Pressure to resolve the row could also come from Freeport's third-biggest shareholder, activist investor Carl Icahn, who has been appointed a special adviser to President Donald Trump.
For Indonesia, tensions at Grasberg could hamper its efforts to calm the Papua region, where a low-level insurgency has simmered for decades. The mine's social and environmental footprint also remains a source of friction.
Papua's GDP growth is expected to drop to 3 percent this year due to the Freeport dispute, down from 9.21 percent in 2016, according to the Papua branch of Indonesia's central bank.
A slump in Papua's economy could aggravate tensions with Jakarta, complicating efforts by President Joko Widodo to enforce policies to extract more from its natural resources.
"When there is a crisis at Freeport, it will send major ripples through Papuan society," said Achmad Sukarsono, an Indonesian expert at the Eurasia consultancy.
PAPUA ECONOMY
In Timika, a sprawling town of around 250,000 people and a supply hub for Grasberg, the Freeport dispute has hit businesses, caused a slump in house prices and stalled credit, residents say.
Mastael Arobi, who owns a car rental business there, has cut his fleet by two-thirds because of slow business and is worried about the interest he pays on loans.
"We are half-dead thinking about repayments," he said.
Transport operators in Timika had similar complaints, with a motorcycle taxi driver saying it was hard to make even a third of the up to 300,000 rupiah ($22.50) he used to make each day.
"Since these furloughs and layoffs began we have stopped providing credit to Freeport workers," said Joko Supriyono, a regional manager at Bank Papua in Timika, who said ATM transactions had declined by around two-thirds since January.
Freeport, which employs more than 32,000 staff and contractors in Indonesia, has now "demobilised" just over 10 percent of its workforce, a number expected to grow until the dispute is resolved.
Persipura, the main soccer club in Papua and one of Indonesia's most decorated teams, announced last month that Freeport, its top sponsor, had stopped its funding.
Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said in a recent interview that while he did not anticipate political pressure, Washington should not politicize the Freeport issue.
Another Indonesian government official said moves to allow Freeport to export temporarily were aimed at showing that the government is willing to find a solution, and to send a positive message, especially to foreign investors, who are watching the saga closely.
"We are not changing our stance. Our basic stance on 51 percent divestment, our demand for smelters - all that is still there. But in negotiations, you should give a little to assure the other side that we are still open to some options," said the official.
The two sides had opted for a temporary solution to break a deadlock in issues that "cannot be resolved quickly," said Bambang Gatot, Director General of Coal and Minerals in the mining ministry,
A spokesman for Freeport Indonesia declined to comment on the warming ties with the government.
A senior Freeport McMoRan executive said last week the company was awaiting details of a temporary export permit from the Indonesian government that would allow it to ramp up production.
($1 = 13,330 rupiah)
(Additional reporting by Hidayat Setiaji, Wilda Asmarini and Kanupriya Kapoor in JAKARTA and Samuel Wanda in TIMIKA; Writing by Ed Davies; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Processed wood ready to export to China at Jayapura Port–Jubi/ Sindung Sukoco
Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Province governor, Lukas Enembe has officially released an export processed wood to China through Jayapura Port of Papua. Assuming the value of exports or foreign exchange of 100 containers reached Rp22 billion.
Papua Provincial Forestry Office Yan Yap Ormuseray said the exported processed wood has based on timber forest product utilization permit (HPH) in Papua. The timber comes from Keerom District, Jayapura and Sarmi processed by PT Batasan, PT Hanurata, PT Mojalindo, and Papua Hutan Sari Makmur.
“The wood is processed in primary and secondary wood industry in Jayapura, coordinated by ISWA (Employers’ Association of Indonesia Processed Timber) Papua and Komda Papua,” said Ormuseray in his speech to release of 100 containers of yellow Merbabu woods to China on Monday, April 10th 2017.
It is expected, he said that exporters’ entrepreneurs will make regular efforts to export timber overseas and local governments are expected to support it.
Papua Governor Lukas Enembe said very grateful that Papua has become an exporting region overseas. He argues that Papua’s natural resources have yet been utilized well.
“We can export every month, but there must be enough labor as well in Papua. But at the moment it is good that the number of export is constantly increasing. It will be better if coupled from other commodities that have not been well explored such as tuna, coffee, coconut, and seaweed,” said Enembe.
Papua Governor wished for the government officials to maximize other commodities as Indonesian Port Company (PT. Pelindo) claimed to look for the market.
“Pelindo will find the market, I hope the government officials can work hard on this case,” he said. (*)
3) ONDOAFI: IT’S DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT SAGO REGULATION
AdminApr 12, 2017
Jayapura, Jubi – It was difficult to apply Regency Regulation (Perda) No 3/2000 related to preservation of sago in Jayapura regency. One of the reasons, according to Orgenes Kaway, a Papua Ondoafi (Sentani-Papua indigenous) in Bambar Village, Waibu District, Jayapura regency, most indigenous has released their customary land right.
He said sago forests are closely related to customary rights. These customary rights do not belong to the government, but the indigenous people. Either individual or tribal clans may limit customary owners of the communal land.
“I think it’s difficult to make and implement legislation regarding preservation of sago. There are various factors that sometimes led community to release their customary rights. Economic factor is one of them, and the pressure of progress and development,” said Kaway recently.
According to Papuan legislators from the National Awakening Party (PKB), government has role to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the forest sago. Invites people to keep the sago forests in certain areas.
“But the government too should show their role and concern for the preservation of sago. If you want to get serious on this, it is not about making a program for one or two months. It should be sustainable because sago cultivation is a routine,” he said.
Other Papuan legislators, Mustakim see the problem of sago preservation in Papua is that the areas are diminished, eroded by construction of buildings, shops, residential and road infrastructures.
“Every year sago palm are diminished, while efforts to replace the lost sago are very minimal. The government needs to establish sago palm as local wisdom in Papua,” said Mustakim.
It also because sago is the staple food of Papuans from time of the ancestors, before they know anything about rice.
He asked the government to encourage the development of large scale sago processing industries. (*)
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4) INDONESIA UNMOVED BY WEST PAPUA INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE
Admin Apr 12, 2017
By Michael Hart
Campaign to support West Papua liberation – IST
In the Indonesian province of West Papua, a movement for independence has existed since the early 1960s. Located at the country’s easternmost point, West Papua came under Indonesian control in a disputed UN-backed referendum in 1969, sparking an independence struggle which has taken place far from the gaze of the outside world.
Over the past five decades these seemingly intractable conflicts have been largely forgotten by those outside the region. In recent years however, the dispute has gained greater international attention as a result of more organized efforts on the part of independence activists, alongside a growing network of concerned politicians around the globe.
Yet despite this upturn in media coverage, civil society action and political maneuvering, the call for a new referendum on West Papua’s future remains unlikely to be granted.
Over the last five decades, information on the situation in West Papua has been difficult to obtain and verify, as foreign journalists and non-governmental organizations have largely been banned from the province. However, numerous human rights violations have reportedly been carried-out by the Indonesian security forces, including accusations of torture, murder, intimidation and arbitrary arrests. In addition, many people from other parts of Indonesia have been moved into the province, in what could be viewed as an attempt to lessen the influence of West Papuan culture.
The conflict long-ago reached a point of stalemate, with the dispute refusing to recede despite the fact that almost 50 years have passed since the original referendum took place. There are multiple reasons why the dispute has become so intractable, not to mention the firmly-ingrained competing interpretations of the situation, which prevail on each side of the debate.
From the perspective of the West Papuan independence movement, the grievances felt in the 1960s have not subsided over time, and continue to drive the struggle today. First and foremost, the perceived historical injustice at the way the referendum was conducted remains strong. Other secondary factors have added to this feeling of injustice in the years since, including reports of human rights violations, cultural marginalization and economic disadvantages.
From the perspective of the Indonesian government, the territory was always rightfully obtained under a legal referendum, with the result sanctioned by the UN, thus resulting in legitimacy to govern and support from the international community.
Many of Indonesia’s allies and closest neighbors – notably Australia – have long supported Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua. The province has come to occupy a central location in Indonesia’s national imagination, and is of huge economic importance due to its rich mineral resources. As a result, Indonesia has gone great lengths to secure control over the area, through maintaining a strong military presence and effectively closing the region off to international observers.
In recent years, Indonesia has been accused of carrying-out large-scale arrests of demonstrators and members of the independence movement, whilst the government has repeatedly urged other nations to respect Indonesia’s sovereignty. In this sense, the status-quo has undergone little change.
Yet last year, the independence campaign appeared to pick up pace, with a global conference on West Papua held in London in May 2016. Members of the ‘Free West Papua’ movement were in attendance, along with members of the ‘International Parliamentarians for West Papua’ (IPWP) group, including the current UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. At the meeting, prominent pro-independence leader Benny Wenda urged the UN to initiate and supervise a new vote for independence in West Papua, to make up for the perceived failings of the 1969 UN-backed vote.
The reinvigorated pro-independence campaign serves as evidence that despite Indonesia’s tight control of the province, and despite doubts over whether West Papua would be able to survive as an independent nation, calls for a new referendum are unlikely to subside. In fact, the independence movement appears to be more resilient and better-organized than at any time in recent history.
The involved parties are aware that persuading Indonesia to hold a new referendum is an unlikely prospect. Yet irrespective of the campaign’s long-term success or failure in terms of achieving an independence vote, it serves an important purpose in raising awareness of the human rights situation faced by civilians in West Papua.(*)
5) Rio Tinto ponders future in Indonesia’s Grasberg copper mine
Barbara Lewis and Sanjeeban Sarkar
Diversified miner Rio Tinto restated on Wednesday its decision to continue discussions regarding the future of its stake in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia.
"There is no doubt that Grasberg is a world-class resource. However, there's a difference between a world class resource and a world class business," Chief Executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said on Wednesday, responding to a shareholder at the company's annual general meeting in London.
"Rio Tinto will have to come to a conclusion about whether we want to stay or not... we will inform the market as and when the situation evolves," he added.
Rio Tinto has a joint-venture with Freeport-McMoRan for the Grasberg copper and gold complex in remote Papua, with rights to 40 per cent of production above specific levels until 2021 and 40 per cent of all production after 2021.
Freeport's exports of copper concentrate from Grasberg, the worlds richest copper mine, have been at a standstill since mid-January, when Indonesia introduced rules that are intended to improve revenues from its resources and create jobs.
The company, the biggest publicly-listed copper miner, has lost $US1 billion since the export of copper concentrate from Grasberg was halted.
The government has lost millions of dollars in royalties and is worried about layoffs and a slowing economy in the restive Papua region.
6) AGO to set up special unit to tackle past rights abuses
Margareth S. Aritonang The Jakarta Post
Jakarta | Wed, April 12, 2017| 09:15 pm
The Attorney General’s Office is planning to create a special directorate, which will handle the settlement of past human rights violation cases.
Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo announced the plan during a hearing with members of the House of Representatives’ Commission III, which oversees law and human rights, on Wednesday.
The special directorate will be led by an echelon-two official and will focus its work on finding solutions to past human rights violations, he said.
“We hope the establishment of this directorate will effectively push forward efforts to settle cases of past rights abuses,” Prasetyo said.
Among past rights abuses, which remain unresolved, are the anticommunist massacres of 1965; the mysterious shootings of criminals between 1982 and 1985, known as Petrus; the Talangsari massacre in 1989; and the forced disappearances of anti-Soeharto activists in 1997 and 1998.
Other cases include the Tri Sakti tragedy in 1998; the Semanggi I and Semanggi II student shooting incidents in 1998 and 1999; as well as a string of abuses that occurred in Wasior and Wamena, Papua, in 2001 and 2003 respectively.
During the meeting, Prasetyo reiterated the government’s stance against resolving past abuses through a human rights tribunal. He said insistence on a judicial mechanism would prevent settlement efforts from progressing because of the sensitive nature of rights abuse cases.
Prasetyo further explained that the new directorate would collaborate with other related government institutions in search of win-win solutions. “It is needed to prevent gross rights violations in the future,” he said, when asked about the significance of the directorate. (ebf)
7) Weather Hampers Search For Missing Cessna C208 in Papua
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Cessna C208 plane owned by PT Spirit Avia Sentosa (SAS) lost contact roughly five miles from Oksibil, Papua on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
Head of the Search and Rescue Agency, Rear Admiral Muhammad Syaugi said that the search for the missing plane is currently hampered by bad weather.
"Up until this moment we haven't discovered any findings under bad weather and difficult terrains, even though the plane departed this morning under clear skies," Syaugi said on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
Syaugi said that the agency has established a post in Oksibil, he still needed to add extra personnel from Jayapura, Papua.
"There are 10-15 people from Jayapura, [arriving] tomorrow morning," Syaugi said.
Syaugi also revealed that the plane’s ITV emergency signal has yet to be detected.
"We would be able to detect the ITV if it's activated," Syaugi said. The agency is partnering with Australia in attempting to locate the missing plane. "[Australia] isn't able to detect the plane too."
The Caravan C208 is piloted by Rio Pasaribu. The PK-FSE coded plane took off from Boven Digoel at 02:44 UTC with its last contact at 02:49 UTC with a scheduled landing at 03:24 UTC.
Logo Swim for West Papua. (Swim for West Papua - Doc)
Jayapura, SUARAPAPUA.com- "Pool for West Papua is the support made to encourage international support for the campaign on the liberation of West Papua.
Some time ago, the editorial suarapapua.com had the opportunity to interview Joel, captain Pool For West Papua (Swim for West Papua). The following is an interview with the captain's voice Papua:
Papua voice: Why Movement Pool For West Papua held?
The team captain SWP: Swim for West Papua (Pool for West Papua) is the support that is done by the grassroots to encourage international support for the Liberation of West Papua Campaign in 2017.
Suara Papua: The goal?
The team captain SWP: The purpose of this activity is to raise public awareness of international demands for an independent West Papua. We are supporters and the issue of West Papua have known for a long time. We also hope that we will be able to reach people and the audience who did not know about the crisis for 50 years that hit West Papua.
Papua voice: We hear you made a petition to collect signatures up to 10 thousand. And until now has reached 20 thousand signatures. Then the online petition site was blocked in Indonesia. How do you explain it?
SWP team captain: We aim to collect as many signatures from January to the end of August. The Indonesian government has close access to this petition. Personally I believe that they are very afraid of what could happen if their crimes against the Papuan People exposed internationally.
Papua voice: We also heard that a petition signed it will go to the UN. How do you explain it?
The team captain SWP: In August 2017, I and five others will swim along 69 km on Lake Geneva in Switzerland and we will take the petition to the United Nations. The petition itself was written by ILWP (an organization of international lawyers for West Papua) and a petition supporting diplomatic struggles ULMWP for an internationally supervised referendum for West Papua.
We hope that through this effort we can raise awareness of the situation in West Papua and Papua help people reach the road to release.
We believe that human rights are universal and should be recognized and apply to everyone.
We support the right of West Papua to self-determination.
The road to liberation is very long but we are sure that we can travel 69km on Lake Geneva together and that West Papua would be a little closer to independence when our business was completed / unsuccessful.
Papua voice: What is your message to the people of West Papua?
SWP team captain: People West Papua, not his own camp all. One day you will all be free. We are on your side all the way to liberation. Papua Merdeka!
Papua voice: Thank you.
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic. Original bahasa link at
Jayapura, SUARAPAPUA.com- Office for Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation (SKPKC) Franciscan Papua has launched a report entitled Papua at the Threshold of Destruction. The report was launched in Jayapura, Papua and Jakarta. The 109 page report, highlighting various issues of Human Rights during 2016.
In the electronic mail received suarapapua.com on Tuesday (11/04/2017) explains, until now Papua is still in the red zone in law enforcement and human rights violations.
“The human rights situation in Papua is still deteriorated. Incidents of violence, arrests, torture, and murder of civilians in Papua continued throughout 2016, "said directress SKPKC Papua Franciscans, Yuliana Langowuyo Tuesday.
Yuliana said, in a 109 page report, highlighted various human rights issues during 2016 and the report was launched in Jayapura and Jakarta.
Yuliana said, the report is compiled from the documentation, advocacy, and investigations conducted by the Franciscan SKPKC Papua and the network of human rights institutions in Papua.
Each year, the Franciscan SKPKC Papua issue a report chronicles the Passionist Memoria. This year, in addition to chronic, we issued a human rights report with a different approach, which provides space narration and analysis on a number of issues that are considered crucial and wide public attention.
"The cases examined in this report, among other cases, environmental damage and land disputes tribal Yerisiam cave with palm oil companies in Nabire, virus cases of pertussis in Mbua, nduga regency, which killed about 54 people, mostly children under the age of five, last endemic case of HIV, "he said.
Explained, violence and human rights abuses that claimed the young people, restrictions on freedom of the press, of curtailing democracy and freedom of expression and speech. And also about the completion of the human rights team formed by the government of Papua Indonesia had not yet completed a single case since it was formed.
"Law enforcement against a number of cases of violence experienced by activists, strongly suspected of human rights violations are not investigated seriously by law enforcement," he said.
He also said, SKPKC highlighting serious human rights activists deaths and Papua Solidarity Coordinator First Merchants (SOLPAP), Robert Jitmau. Death of Robert Jitmau improperly disclosed is not deemed serious by law enforcement.
According SKPKC, kjata him, the performance of the police in enforcing the law despised, particularly cases of violence against Papuans. The case of the shooting of children in the area Intan Jaya, for example, far from the reach of law enforcement.
Papua on the Threshold of Destruction is a human rights documentation was made to recall the role of the state in protecting and respecting human rights in Papua.
"SKPKC offer recommendations included in this report to give way and settlement solutions to a range of human rights issues in Papua," said Juliana.
Further Yuliana, "We hope the events that exacerbate the face of human rights in Papua in 2016 will not recur," said Juliana.
Franciscan SKPKC Papua believes the Indonesian government under President Joko Widodo more serious and show work riel in the completion and settlement of cases of human rights in Papua.
"During 2016 there were no cases of human rights violations are successfully completed. President Joko Widodo is expected to more firmly instructed his ministers to work harder to uncover and resolve the issue of human rights in Papua, "he concluded.
3) Garuda Indonesia opens new routes in West Papua
Jakarta | Thu, April 13, 2017| 05:28 pm
National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is expanding flights to Kaimana regency in West Papua with ATR-600 aircraft that can carry 70 passengers. The new routes will serve Ambon-Kaimana-Manokwari and Ambon-Kaimana-Nabire.
The Ambon to Kaimana flight departs at 7:55 a.m. local time and arrives at 9:40 a.m. local time. The Ambon to Manokwari flight arrives at 11:30 a.m. while the Ambon to Nabire arrives at 11:20 a.m. local. The Manokwari route is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the Nabire route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“The price for a ticket from Ambon to Kaimana starts at Rp 1 million, from Ambon to Nabire starts at Rp 1.4 million and from Ambon to Manokwari starts at Rp 2 million,” says Kaimana deputy regent Ismail Sirfefa.
Kaimana is a small port town in West Papua and the capital of the Kaimana regency, served by Kaimana Airport. The town itself is part of a sea conservation area in West Papua and offers a variety of attractions such as marine tourism, culture and history. One of its famous tourist attractions is Triton Bay. (asw)
1) New app allows Papuans to call emergency services, complain about police
Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post
Jayapura, Papua | Fri, April 14, 2017 | 10:05 am
At your service: Jayapura Police personnel explain Noken Online, a new smartphone application to improve public service delivery, to students in Jayapura on Wednesday. (JP/Nethy Dharma Somba)
Jayapura Police have launched Noken Online, an Android-based mobile application that aims to improve police and other emergency services.
“To submit a report, residents do not need to travel to a precinct or sub-precinct police station anymore. They can just open the Noken Online app on their Android mobile phones and submit their reports. People can monitor the situation in the city and give input to the police from home,” Jayapura Police chief Tober Marison Sirait said during the launch of the application on Wednesday.
During the launch, Papua Police chief Paulus Waterpauw used the application to contact the offices of several village-level security and public order advisors (Babinkamtibmas).
“It is hoped that all Jayapura residents can benefit from this application as much as possible so that they can get services as early as possible,” said Waterpauw.
The Noken Online app is to be implemented widely across the province.
“Jayapura Police has pioneered the implementation of this online-based service. It is hoped that other police precincts do the same in a bid to provide good services to the people,” Waterpauw said.
The public services covered by the app include the health sector, as people can directly contact emergency units at the Dok II Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Jayapura, the Bhayangkara Police Hospital and the Indonesian Navy’s Marthen Indey Hospital.
People can also contact fire units, offices of state-owned electricity firm PLN and state-owned tap water company PDAM Entrop, the Jayapura branch of the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS) and the Jayapura Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD). A panic button connects users to police offices across Jayapura. (ebf)
2) SAR Team Evacuates Pilot of Crashed Cessna Plane in Papua
TEMPO.CO, Jayapura - The SAR team managed to evacuate the body of Rio Pasaribu, the pilot of crashed Cessna plane in the mountainous area of Oksibil district, Papua.
The body had been taken to Oksibil Hospital and was yet to be taken to Jayapura, local SAR team chief Suyanto said.
Reports say that evacuation process involves two helicopters belonging to PT SAS and PT Freeport.
“It was difficult because the wreckage was at the edge of a cliff, but the team managed to evacuate the body of the pilot who flew a plane with flight number PK-FSO,” Suyatno said.
3) Airlines expand domestic flights in eastern regions
7 hours ago | 449 Views
Pewarta: Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A 70-seater ATR-72-600 aircraft that took off from the Pattimura International Airport in Maluku Province, Wednesday, landed at West Papua Provinces Utarom Airport at 9:40 a.m. local time.
The arrival of the aircraft was welcomed by West Papua regional government officials and local residents with a traditional dance performance.
The aircraft took off from the Pattimura Airport an hour and 25 minutes earlier and was seen off by Vice President for Region IV of state-owned airlines Garuda Indonesia Sentot Mujiono, Deputy Chairman of Commission V of the House of Representatives, and Assistant I of the Maluku Regional Government Angky Renyaan.
It was a maiden flight by Garuda Indonesia that has opened new routes from Maluku Province to West Papua serving several regions in Indonesias two eastern provinces.
The eastern regions of the country have, so far, been less developed as compared to their western counterparts, thus creating disparities in economic development and advancement. Yet, of late, the government has shifted its attention to also advance development in the eastern provinces of the country.
This has prompted several airlines to start new domestic flights such as what was done by Garuda Indonesia on Wednesday. The carrier is taking anticipatory steps in order to benefit from future economic development.
Lately, airlines, such as Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia Air Transport, Batik Air, and Wings Air, have aggressively started new domestic flights to expand services on routes in eastern Indonesian provinces and regions, such as Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua.
Batik Air of the Lion Group, for instance, is planning to open a new route from Jakarta to Jayapura, with transit points in Makassar in South Sulawesi and Timika in Papua.
The regional government of Mimika District, Papua, lauded Batik Airs plan to also open flight services to the Mozes Kilangin Aiport in Timika, the district capital of Mimika.
Transportation Service Head of Mimika John Rettob noted in Timika that apart from Batik Air, other airlines, such as Wing Air, also part of the Lion Air Group, are planning to operate flights to Timika.
"Wings Air has long planned to start new flights to serve the Wamena-Timika, Nabire-Timika, and Tual-Kaimana-Timika routes, while Batik Air is planning to start flights on the Jakarta-Makassar-Timika-Jayapura route and a direct fight from Jakarta to Timika," Rettob remarked.
Last month, Wings Air had also opened a new flight route from Manado to Miangas, Talaud Island, North Sulawesi.
"For the time being, we fly once a week on Sunday to Mingas Island," Operations Director of Wings Air Redi Irawan stated.
During the maiden flight, Wings Air served the Manado-Melonguane-Miangas-Melonguane-Manado route using an ATR-72-600 aircraft.
Wings Air is also planning to open new flights to serve the Ternate-Labuha route in North Maluku Province. The new route will cover Ternate and Labuha to meet the publics demand for air transportation.
"According to the schedule, Wings Air will operate additional return flights on the Ternate-Labuha route in North Maluku. The first flight had departed on March 26, 2017," Ronani Sjarif, the acting head of the Oesman Sadik Airport of Labuha, remarked.
The routes will be served by Wings Airs ATR-72-500-600 series aircraft having a capacity to accommodate 72 passengers.
Garuda Indonesia, which has opened new flight routes from Ambon in Maluku Province to Manokwari-Nabire in West Papua on Wednesday, plans to expand its domestic flights from Manado and other regions in North Sulawesi to Palu and Luwuk in Central Sulawesi.
"This year, we will open new air links from Manado to various regions," Garuda Head for Manado Donald Jerry Rieuwpassa had said in Manado last month (Mar 13).
He stated that the new routes will cover Sangihe, Talaud in North Sulawesi, Morotai in North Maluku, Palu and Luwuk in Central Sulawesi, as well as other regions. For the new routes, Garuda will operate the ATR-72-600 aircraft and Bombardier aircraft.
In its maiden flight from Maluku to West Papua on Wednesday (April 12), Garuda Indonesia used the ATR72-600 type aircraft with 70-seat capacity. It made the maiden flight to serve the Ambon - Kaimana route, which would continue to Manokwari and then return to Ambon.
Garuda will serve the Ambon - Kaimana route on Monday and Saturday; the Ambon - Maonkwari route on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and the Ambon - Nabire route on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, he pointed out.
In the meantime, private airlines Indonesia Air Transport will operate regular flights on the route between Makassar, South Sulawesi, and Bungku, Morowali District, in Central Sulawesi.
The inaugural flight was scheduled on Wednesday (March 22) but was canceled, as the airport operation certificate had not been issued by the Ministry of Transportation, Head of Morowalis Transportation Office Harsono Lamusa stated when contacted via cell phone, last month.
According to the plan, Indonesia Air Transport will serve flights on the Bungku-Makassar route six times a week, with ticket prices ranging between Rp800 thousand and Rp1.3 million.
The flights will be operated using an ATR-42 aircraft, as the Maleo Bungkus airport runway is only 1,050 meters in length. "It is expected that next year, the airport will be able to accommodate aircraft, with larger capacity, as we are now extending the runway," Lamusa remarked.
The transportation official said that his side was now extending the runway by 400 meters, so that next year, it will be 1,450 meters long.
Morowali District is the largest nickel producing area in Central Sulawesi. In addition, the palm oil industry, marine products, and marine tourism hold immense potential. However, it is difficult to reach the district via modes of land and sea transportation.
With regular flights operating on the Bungku-Makassar route, people, investors, and tourists will have wider access to Morowali and North Morowali and will help accelerate economic growth and boost welfare of the people in the two districts, according to Lamusa.(*)
Illustration rescue campaign of intimidation of journalists anywhere. (IST - SP)
Yakuhimo, SUARAPAPUA.com - Four journalists who served in Dekai, Yahukimo, Papua, was banned from covering the activities of launching the first landing of the Hercules aircraft belonging to the National Army Forces (TNI-AU) in airports Nop Goliath Dekai, Saturday (15/04/2017) morning.
Kampung news reporters and Jubi who want to enter to do reporting, is not allowed by police officers on duty at the airport Dekai.
Herens Lokon, Kampung news reporter, explaining he and Jonathan Itlai, Kampung news editors, not allowed to cover.
"We two come cover. Up at the front entrance to the departure of two members of the police Yakuhimo, one named Raden said not allowed to enter and there is no warrant from the airport, "said Herens.
Such actions are regrettable because they hinder the work of journalists.
"We are on assignment to lift the name of the area through the media. The reason is not clear, probably because they do not know or do not understand the work of journalists? I am also confused by this ban, "he said.
Reporters in Yahukimo not much. Everything is original child Yakuhimo. Identity and clear journalistic activity.
"Maybe they just assigned, so I was forbidden entry to to cover," annoyed Lokon.
Piter Lokon of Jubi and Ardi Bayage of suarapapua.com also suffered the same fate. Both are not permitted by members of Brimob.
"I asked the clerk that the plane had come in, so we want to cover simultaneously capture having previously been the interview with the Head of the Department of Transportation Yakober Mandila ST, associated aircraft will land. But Raden, BriMobs remain firm, "said Piter.
Although officials ushered reporters covering the service, two officers in the fixed prohibit.
"I am upset with the actions of Raden and Amin. Disallow we went to cover, even though I had one more year job as a journalist in Yakuhimo. Society also know me from Jubi, possibly a member of the new bertugaskah? How strange, "he said, surprised.
Separately, Yakober Mandila, Head of Transportation Department confirms Yakuhimo never forbid journalists.
"We never told them. It was the actions of individual security. We were even more pleased because the media there to lift the name of this area. I do not forbid you to cover, "said Mandila.
Measures banning it regrettable Deputy Police Yakuhimo as impressed limiting the activity of journalists in the field.
According to him, the attitude of the members thus not justified. As a leader never forbade the press. Only the possibility that member while busy to serve people at the entrance.
"During this time never instructed our members banned journalists. It does not exist. We support each other, we're all good purpose, "said Wakapolres.
Just a note, the Air Force Hercules first landed on the airport Nop Goliath Dekai to support the acceleration of development in Yahukimo. Launching was held as part of a one-year leadership and Julian Heluka Busup Abock.
Announcers: Ardi Bayage
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Yakuhimo, SUARAPAPUA.com- Herchules aircraft owned Indonesian Air Force has landed premiered on Saturday (04/15/2017) at the airport Nop Goliath, Yahukimo, Papua.
The inaugural flight carried out with three different flight route. Jayapura - Dekai, Dekai - Merauke and Timika - Dekai.
Yakober Mandila, Head of Transportation Yakuhimo say, does the contract between the government Yakuhimo with the Air Force's Hercules aircraft are due to be forward Yakuhimo economic center in the central mountains. He said, for there perhubungannya track Yakuhimo land, river and air.
"The conduct of this cooperation agreement is the policy of the district government. Yakuhimo. Already a year regent Abock Yakuhimo and our lead in the Transportation Agency has also been a year. We were trying to make Yakuhimo more advanced, "said Yakober.
For the future, he said, Dishub Yakuhimo the Jayapura airbase will cooperate to help transport the necessary logistics in Yakuhimo.
"These flights will also be set. But, that is if the new material is ready losgistik landing. In addition we are also trying to track river transport, "he said.
"All these efforts made to Yakuhimo into economic regions in the central mountains dipuisatkan in Yahukimo, because Yakuhimo is one of the strategic areas that can be reached by land, air and river," said Kepelah Office
It said while the government menuggu wake Palabuhan Act of Braza river, harbor Lokbon will still be used. It's just common river low tide and high tide. So pemkab Yakuhimo is building the port in the Act.
Bilateral tensions lurk behind American Vice President Mike Pence’s upcoming visit to Jakarta, a three-day tour the US has billed as a 'goodwill' visit
By REUTERS APRIL 17, 2017 5:24 PM (UTC+8)
Papuan students display placards during an anti-Freeport rally in front of the US giant Freeport-McMoRan office in Jakarta on April 7, 2017. The students demanded an end to mining by Freeport in Papua and the freedom of Papua from Indonesia. / AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO
Washington has billed Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Indonesia next week as a booster for the Strategic Partnership between the world’s second- and third-largest democracies, but a raft of bilateral tensions could sap the goodwill from his trip. Pence’s counterpart in the world’s most populous Muslim country has voiced worries about US President Donald Trump’s immigration policy, which critics say is biased against Muslims, and about his “America First” mantra on trade and investment. “We in Indonesia never change. The change is there. That’s why we’re asking them now, ‘what is your policy now on the economy, on democracy, now that Trump is in power?’,” Vice President Jusuf Kalla told Reuters on March 31.
“What does it mean, ‘America first’? I can say, too, ‘Indonesia first’ if you say ‘America first’.”
Indonesia is one of 16 countries against which the United States runs a trade deficit that will be investigated by the Trump administration for possible trade abuses. Trump’s combative approach will not sit easily with Indonesia, where economic nationalism and protectionist tendencies have flourished since a slump in commodity prices in recent years slammed the brakes on economic growth. “Unfortunately I do see a hardening of attitudes on our side,” said a senior Indonesian government official, who declined to be named. “And it’s of particular concern because we’re on that list of 16 countries … that are going to be investigated.” The official said a tougher stand by Indonesian authorities had also contributed to a series of disputes with US companies, including Alphabet Inc’s Google, miner Freeport-McMoRan Inc and financial services giant JP Morgan Chase & Co. Indonesia has dueled with Google over back taxes and fines running into hundreds of millions of dollars, and with Freeport in a contract row that has crippled operations at the world’s second-largest copper mine, Grasberg.
It also dropped JP Morgan as a primary bond dealer after the bank’s research analysts issued a negative report on the country in November.
“It’s a very unfortunate series of issues which all happen to be American,” said the official, who expects them to come up in private during Pence’s visit. Indonesia is the third stop on an April 15-25 tour that includes South Korea, Japan and Australia.
Google declined to comment for this report, and JPMorgan did not respond to a request for comment.
Freeport Indonesia spokesman Riza Pratama said: “This visit is happening entirely independent of our current negotiations with the government of Indonesia.”
However, billionaire investor Carl Icahn, Freeport’s third-biggest shareholder and now a special adviser to Trump, has described Jakarta’s tactics over the mining contract as “disingenuous and insulting”, according to the New York Times.
Another potential irritant is biodiesel.
The US National Biodiesel Board (NBB), a producer group, has petitioned the US government to impose anti-dumping duties on biodiesel from Indonesia and Argentina, claiming they have flooded the US market.
“This is one of the issues that we have asked the trade ministry to bring to the meeting (with Pence),” Paulus Tjakrawan, a director at the Indonesia Biofuel Producers Association, told Reuters.
“Our hope is for the government to be firm … Otherwise we will be taken advantage of,” he said. “Not to act like thugs but, for example, if they put barriers to our exports, why not stop importing some of their goods?” Despite the strains, the government official said Indonesia would be careful to start its relationship with the Trump administration on the right foot. Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s approach to foreign policy has been led more by economic interests than geopolitical considerations: he has pursued increased trade and investment from China but keeps a diplomatic distance from Beijing and established a strategic partnership with Washington under former President Barack Obama.
US ambassador to Indonesia, Joseph Donovan Jr, said in a statement last week that Pence’s visit reflected a continued commitment to that partnership, would deepen economic engagement and boost regional security cooperation. “The US embassy here certainly is going to great lengths to make the visit a success,” said the Indonesian official. “My impression is he’s (Pence) not going to ruffle feathers in public, he’s not going to cause a ruckus.”
1) Government to build Rp3 trillion dam in Jayawijaya
6 hours ago | 557 Views
Wamena, Papua (ANTARA News) - The Central Government will build a dam to cost Rp3 trillion in the regency of Jayawijaya, Papua to be completed in 2019.
Deputy General Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce for Eastern Indonesia Andi Ruman N Karumpa said the project is currently in the process of designing.
"The water reservoir will supply clean water for farmers in Jayawijaya and people living in the mountainous area," Andi Rumah said when opening a meeting of the leaders of the Papua branch of the Indonesian Federation of National Construction Executives (Gapensi)in this municipal town of the Jayawijaya district on Tuesday.
He said President Joko Widodo wanted the project to be completed in 2019.
Meanwhile Jayawijaya Regent John Wempi Wetipo said he welcomed the plan of the central government to provide clean water for his district.
"We thanks the government as we have no money to build big projects such as the dam," John said, adding the Jayawijaya district administration has a lot of ideas to develop the district but all would need large fund.
He said he hope development programs in this district would have support from the provincial and central governments.(*)
2) National Police spokesman to take on new role as Papua Police chief
Jakarta | Tue, April 18, 2017| 07:25 pm
National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar will soon step down to assume a new position as Papua Police chief, as part of a wider reshuffle that will see 127 officers moved or be promoted to new positions.
Boy will replace current Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw, according to an internal National Police telegram issued on Tuesday.
Paulus is set to replace Insp. Gen Setyo Wasisto as deputy chief of the National Police’s Intelligence and Security Agency, while Setyo will take Boy’s post as spokesman.
Before becoming National Police spokesman in 2016, Boy served as Banten Police chief from 2014. He also held the position of Jakarta Police spokesman and Padang Police chief in West Sumatra.
3) LOCAL JOURNALISTS FORBID FROM COVERING THE LAUNCH OF HERCULES AIRCRAFT IN YAHUKIMO
Four journos forbid from covering
the launch of Herculesaircraft in Dekai,
Yahukimo Papua Province, April 15th 2017 (From left to
right) Ardi Bayage, Piter Lokon, Yonatan Itlay and Herens Lokon –
Jubi/Yuliana Lantipo
Yahukimo, Jubi – The launch of Herkules aircraft belonging to Indonesian Air Force (AI) A-I332 at Nop Goliat Dekai airport, was marked by a ban on coverage.
Four journalists from suarapapua.com, tabloidjubi.com and Weekly Kabar Kampung are not allowed to cover by police officers of Yahukimo Resort Police and airport officials on Saturday (April 15th).
Herens Lokon, reporter at Kabar Kampung said he was with his director, Yonatan Itlay, and would like to cover the landed plane. But they were stopped at the departure gate by two police officers from Yahukimo Resort police, and an airport employee. They were banned to enter.
Lokon suspects that the officers did not know them, while he said there were only few indigenous journalists in Yahukimo, so they should have known them. According to him there were possibility that the officers were new around that place.
Journalists at tabloidjubi.com, Piter Lokon, and Ardi Bayage from suarapapua.com were also prohibited from entering the airport by the same police officers and airport employees.
“They said the ceremony is later in afternoon so we are not allowed to enter, while the plane is landing at the airport,” said Piter Lokon.
According to Piter, when he asked the reason behind the banned, the two police officers and airport employees admitted that they were ordered to do so from Yahukimo Transportation Department and their leaders.
Although the four journalists said they would only like to take photos of the landed Hercules they were still banned by the officers.
They can see inside the airport other reporters coming from Jayapura which ready to cover the arrival of the plane.
Head of Yahukimo District Transportation Department, Yakober Mendila ST, denied the reasons given by the two police officers and airport officials.
“We will not prohibit journalists from covering. We prefer reporters to cover. There is no reason we would like to limit the coverage,” said Mendila.
Deputy Chief of Yahukimo Resort Police, AKBP. Yohanes Itlay claimed to Jubi that he never give orders to prohibit journalists perform coverage for the aircraft launching. He deplored his members’ attitude towards journalists.
“We never order to ban the media coverage. Probably the our officers who banned the journos were busy serving the people at the entrance, “said the Deputy.(*)
Jakarta, Jubi – Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) noted Indonesia’s Human Development Index (HDI) in 2016 entered the highest category, increased by 0.63 points to 70.18 from 2015.
“In 2016, the status of human development in Indonesia increased from ‘moderate’ to ‘high’, Indonesia’s HDI in 2016 grew by 0.91 percent compared to 2015,” BPS chief, Suhariyanto said in a press conference in Jakarta as quoted by Antara news agency on Monday (April 17th).
Papua is still listed in the category of Low or with index below 60. However, the disparity is quite high, for example HDI in Nduga District, Papua Province is 26.56, while in Jayapura City has reached 78.56.
But it is also said that the growth of HDI is the highest in Papua which reached 1.40 percent, followed by South Sumatra 1.16 percent and East Java 1.15 percent.
BPS does not explain further the cause of the high growth rate of HDI in Papua Province even though the value of HDI itself is in the low category.
End 2016, Head of Jayapura Regency Central Statistics Agency, Jeffry de Fretes to Jubi said that the regency has increased its HDI over the last four years.
The HDI of Jayapura Regendy was 70.04 percent in 2015, ranked third after Jayapura City and Timika Regency.
“There is a significant increase compared to previous years that were still below the current 70 percent,” he said in Sentani mid-December last year.
According to him, the indicator of HDI increase is triggered by the increase of per capita expenditure, education and health sector. Particularly for education, in 2011 the school’s expectation was 12.91 percent then increase to 13.79 percent in 2015.
At that time the Head of Jayapura Regency Education Office, Alpius Toam admitted an increase in education. However, teacher’s availability were still problem.
“We don’t have enough teachers, but still, efforts will continue to be done to improve education, “he said.(*)
1) New Guinea’s indigenous tribes are alive and well (just don’t call them ‘ancient’)
Emma Gilberthorpe Senior Lecturer in Anthropology, University of East Anglia
In Down the Mighty River with Steve Backshall, the adventurer and naturalist took a journey through New Guinea, the world’s second largest island. As he travelled along the Baliem River, through some of the densest jungle on the planet, Backshall visited the Dani people, which the BBC described as an “ancient tribe”.
I spent two years living with groups not far from the Dani, and was disappointed to hear this sort of language still being used. This distorted perspective perpetuates the myth of the “living fossil” or the “backwards tribe”.
After all, what exactly is an “ancient tribe”? Surely, by definition, an ancient tribe is either really, really old, or really, really dead. The Dani are neither. Nor are they “backward”. The 25,000 or so Dani people scattered across the Baliem Valley are very much alive and well, prospering in a challenging region despite being faced with land dispossession from mining, military control from Indonesia, and the occasional film crew from “the West”.
Just north of Australia, New Guinea is divided between Indonesia (west) and Papua New Guinea (east).Rainer Lesniewski / shutterstock
Indeed, the Dani have featured in several TV and film documentaries over the years. The first of these, Dead Birds, made in the early 1960s by anthropologist-filmmaker Robert Gardner, followed two males as they went about their everyday business. Back then, the Dani were a model of “tribal culture” representing what was fast becoming an elusive example of “stone-age man”. They used stone tools, practised gift exchange and fought over territory.
Such practices were typical across the island of New Guinea, particularly in the vast central highlands. Over 50,000 years of habitation, this almost impenetrable rainforest proved the ideal environment for developing permanent agriculture, complete with drainage canals.
The Dani themselves were only first “discovered” in 1938 when, completely by chance, a pilot flying overhead spotted their cultivated fields. But they had long been part of a complex social network of exchange and interaction that reached across the island. Even the government patrols and prospectors that once infested New Guinea were restricted to more accessible coastal regions, so the island’s rural inhabitants continued farming, trading and intermarrying across huge distances.
By the time of “discovery”, the indigenous population had, politically, already been divided in two. In 1828, European colonisers separated New Guinea in half, right down the 141st meridian. By 1963 the western half was formally annexed to Indonesia, while the east became formally detached from Australia in 1975 to form the independent state of Papua New Guinea.
The Dani people are therefore governed ultimately from the Indonesian capital Jakarta, some 3,500km away, while an international border separates them from their kin in Papua New Guinea. These culturally and historically-linked groups have been fighting ever since to release West Papua from Indonesia.
Stone axes, grass skirts, missing fingers
The region’s cultural complexity has made it an ideal location for anthropologists, and my own work has taken me to the Kutubu and Ok Tedi regions in Papua New Guinea. In Ok Tedi, which lies just the other side of the 141st meridian, my friends and hosts were very similar to the Dani people that Backshall met. Like the Dani, they value the sal kambun (penis gourd) and bul bul (grass skirts) as symbols of identity, and they value the stone axe for its practical ability to outlive and outperform the modern alternatives sent to replace it – steel axes and knives.
The ritual amputation of digits is common across the island. As anthropologist Karl Heider recalls in his ethnographic examination of the Dani, close female relatives of males killed in warfare (not those who die from “natural” causes) “have their fingers chopped off”. This is not unique to the Dani; in fact digit/hand amputation was not unusual among men and women across the highland region before missionary intervention.
In one of his most memorable scenes, Backshall was invited to sleep alongside the smoke-dried remains of a legendary village elder. Such mummification is actually quite rare across the highlands, even among the Dani, who according to Heider cremate the dead in a detailed and lengthy series of funerary rites. The practice is typically associated with the Anga language group in Papua New Guinea and likely spread eastwards to the Dani.
In recent years, the Dani have been affected by mining, tourism and ongoing attempts to “Indonesianise” their highland culture. But perhaps the biggest threat of all comes from the military presence representing Indonesian interests in a resource-rich land with what they see as a “backwards” culture. Like the colonialists who described the vast area of internal New Guinea as “uninhabited”, government bodies and multinationals still view rural landscapes as Terra nullius, “no-one’s land”.
The illusion of “no-one’s land” and “the ancient tribe” is not helpful to the amazing people who live there. My friends in Ok Tedi and Kutubu are artists, school teachers, academics, gardeners, widows, businessmen and businesswomen. And yet, everything they do remains tightly entwined by a rich, resilient and dynamic culture.
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2) Protested, blocking related websites West Papua situation
A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Protested, blocking related websites West Papua situation
Jubi | News Portal Papua No. 1,
The press conference to protest the blocking of four organizations related websites West Papua in LBH Pers, Kalibata, Jakarta, Tuesday (04/18/2017) - supplied
Jakarta, Jubi - Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Press, Jubi Association, Foundation One Justice (YSK), and community Papua That We protest against the alleged blocking of some websites containing news, attitude and analysis related to West Papua.
"In early April 2017, the official site www.ampnews.org Papua Students Alliance / AMP alleged to have internet access terminated arbitrarily without any prior notice. Termination of this access in unison with other websites that also raised human rights violations in Papua, "according to a release received by the editors Jubi, Tuesday (04/18/2017).
Their protest addressed to Kominfo allegedly blocked by not using a strong legal basis because it is contrary to Article 28J of the 1945 Constitution "Although the government has been given the authority by Article 40 paragraph 2 of Law ITE, but the implementation of the article must be set forth in Government Regulation and to date these provisions have not been there, "said Asep Komarudin of LBH Pers in the statement.
Although the alleged reason for termination access because these sites contain elements of "separatist", but only in a permanent blocking can not be done without based on the human rights standards.
It was emphasized Bernard Agapa, a community movers Papua It Kita in Jakarta. According to him, every person has the right to communicate and obtain information to develop personal and social environment, and the right to seek, obtain, possess, store, process and convey information by using all available channels.
"That is the mandate of the 1945 constitution, you know, so that the people of Papua, also have the right to communicate information according to kepentinngan them, sekalpiun the political demands, as long as do not by force and meet the principles of human rights," said Bernard when confirmed Jubi, Tuesday (18 / 4).
Right of citizens to know
Mid-February, Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) hard criticized Jakarta for allegedly kept silent on violations of press freedom in Papua, including human rights violations was allowed to happen in the profit-taking in Papua rich.
"They keep silent on violations against the press and other human rights, try to compare with the billions of profits gained from Papua by outside interests. It's a shame, "said Monica Miller, Chairman of the PFF.
They also protested the blocking of the portal suarapapua.com, while appreciating the Press Legal Aid Institute and non-press solidarity initiative in Jakarta who do advocate for Papuan Voices exempt access.
"Blocking is allegedly one form of press freedom and the silencing of one form of termination of the right to information society, especially the people of Papua," said Asep Komarudin of LBH Pers mid-December.
Separately, Syamsul Alam Agus from The Justice Foundation (YSK) specifically highlighted the role of such sites for information obejktif and what for the people of Papua.
"We know that the content of web sites are blocked in Papua is a provider of information for the people of Papua and the public objectively. Imagine if there is no content and the web? Public-infomrasi information presented only development that seems to good but the endless corruption and human rights violations, "said Syamsul Alam.
The blocking for him by the government violates the right of citizens to know.
Fourth and community organizations urged the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Communications) to open and normalize these sites. They also urged Kominfo create transparent mechanisms related to blocking the website to be more respect for the principles of human rights.
For information Reporters Without Borders (RSF) sat Indonesia in World Press Freedom Index rankings to 130th out of 180 countries. Indonesia is considered the country further away from qualification that supports freedom of the press. RSF also condemned the ban and restrictions on access, imprisonment and even deportation of foreign journalists in Papua.
"Indonesia is scheduled to host the celebration of World Press Freedom Day on 3rd May, but repeatedly refused to issue visas to the press, even the number of journalists who entered 'hitam'nya list is increasing," it said Benjamin Ismaïl, head of RSF Asia Pacific.(*)
As ANZAC Day (25 April) approaches and Australians and New Zealanders remember those who fought and lost their lives in wars, we must not forget the Indigenous people who died in Australia’s frontier wars and remember those who are still not free in our region. In particular we should remember the West Papuan people who are still struggling for justice 54 years after Indonesia took over control of West Papua.
33rd commemoration-The death of Arnold Ap
Another important commemoration at this time is the death of Arnold Ap, who is believed to have been killed by Kopassus soldiers 33 years ago on the 26 April 1984. According to the military he was shot in the back while trying to escape although many believe he was executed. He was arrested by Kopassus troops In November 1983, imprisoned and tortured for suspected sympathies with the Free Papua Movement.
Arnold Ap was a West Papuan cultural leader, anthropologist and musician. He was the leader of the group Mambesak, and Curator of the Cenderawasih University Museum. He also broadcast Papuan culture on a weekly radio show. His Mambesak music is still very popular and his songs are regarded as symbols of Papuan cultural identity and continues to be an integral part of the West Papuan resistance. At the time Indonesian officials were trying to crush Papuan identity and their music and dance became key weapons in the West Papuan Peoples nonviolent struggle for cultural survival.
photo from Jubi 24 April 2013
Last year supporters in Sydney added his name to the Honour Roll at Marrickville Community Centre along with West Papuan leader John Ondawame and those Australian Soldiers who served in Merauke in the war, Dr Norman Lee, John Collins and Alan Noonan.
Joe Collins of AWPA said, ‘we would like the anniversary of the death of Arnold Ap to be commemorated yearly, not only another day of significance in West Papua history but linking Australia’s and West Papua’s shared history which should not be forgotten”.
Ceremony at Addison Rd Community Centre, Marrickville 19 April
As ANZAC Day approaches a little bit of history.
John Collins, pictured speaking at rally in Hyde Park Sydney in 2006 in support of the 43 West Papuan Asylum seekers. He served in Merauke in the war. He did the two sketches below while there. An Xmas card and one of the main street in Merauke in 1944.
West Papuan leader Rex Rumakiek will be raising the West Papua flag at Frontier Warriors in Canberra tomorrow Friday 21st April at 11am. ------------------ Wednesday May 17 - 5 PM - 7 PM Forum with West Papua freedom fighters Benny Wenda, Rex Rumakiek Hosted by Resistance University Sydney
The Vice-President of Indonesia has signalled he prevented his US counterpart from discussing the contract row that has crippled operations at Grasberg – the world's second largest copper mine – by telling him "the affair is finished".
Rio Tinto – which revealed on Thursday its copper production had taken a heavy hit due in part to the dispute at Grasberg – was expected to be closely watching US Vice-President Mike Pence's visit to Indonesia this week.
The company's majority partner in Grasberg, US mining giant Freeport McMoRan, said earlier this month it had lost about $1 billion in revenue after the export of copper concentrate was halted on January 12 under new rules issued by the Indonesian government.
"As a consequence of the export ban Rio Tinto is reporting its metal share for the first quarter as zero," Rio Tinto said in a report released to the exchange on Thursday morning.
"Discussions are continuing between Freeport and the Indonesian government to reach a mutually satisfactory longer-term agreement."
The Freeport saga was expected to be raised during Mr Pence's visit, especially given US President Donald Trump's adviser on regulatory issues, Carl Icahn, is Freeport's third biggest shareholder.
However, asked by reporters if Freeport was discussed during a bilateral meeting, Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla said: "No. I preceded it by saying the affair is finished so he would not mention it. I said it's finished, it's business to business. It is finished."
Mr Kalla said what was left were improvements to the contract. "He [Mr Pence] did not respond to it. He did not talk about it."
Grasberg, which is located in the restive province of Papua, is the world's largest gold mine and second largest copper mine.
The row is over new rules that require Freeport to convert its contract of work to a special mining licence, build a smelter, pay new taxes and royalties and divest a 51 per cent stake in its operations.
Freeport threatened to take the dispute to arbitration but a compromise was reached earlier this month that allowed Freeport to export its copper concentrate while negotiations continued over the next six months.
Rio Tinto is entitled to a 40 per cent share of output from Grasberg above specific levels until 2021 and 40 per cent of all production after 2021.
However, the company indicated on Thursday it might not take ownership of 40 per cent of copper production from Grasberg after 2021.
"Rio Tinto's participation beyond 2021 is likely to be affected due to the application of force majeure provisions in the joint venture agreement between Rio Tinto and Freeport McMoRan," it said.
Last month Rio Tinto Group chief Jean-Sebastien Jacques said it was considering its stake in the Grasberg mine.
"There is a big difference between a world-class resource and a world-class business and depending on how the situation will evolve, today I can't confirm it's going to be a world-class business for Rio Tinto," he was quoted saying by Bloomberg.
The situation was "very fluid" and "depending on what happens in weeks, months or even years, then we'll have to take a call".
Rio Tinto revealed on Thursday its copper production was down 37 per cent in the first quarter and compared to the same quarter last year due to the Grasberg mine impasse and a 43-day strike at the Escondida mine in Brazil.
Rio Tinto shares were down 0.39 per cent to $58.67 on Thursday.
Mr Pence did not mention Freeport but told the media that the US was seeking trade relations that were both "free and fair" for job creation and growth for both countries.
"American companies have been doing business in Indonesia for years and American products and services have contributed greatly to Indonesian economic development, but we believe we still have room for significant progress," he said.
Jakarta based lawyer and mining expert Bill Sullivan said he was sure Rio Tinto would be watching closely to see if Mr Pence's visit to Indonesia "clarifies the situation with regard to Freeport and results in certainty as to how Freeport can move forward in developing the Grasberg mine on a commercially realistic basis – fiscal certainty is key".
Copper miner Freeport-McMoRan Inc warned on Friday it would punish workers for absenteeism at its Indonesian unit, a day after one of its main unions announcedplans to go on a one-month strike over employment conditions.
Tensions are rising around Grasberg, the world's second-biggest copper mine, after operator Freeport laid off thousands of workers there to stem losses from an ongoing dispute with the Indonesian government over mining rights.
While Freeport is expecting to soon seal agreements with Jakarta to allow it to temporarily resume copper concentrate exports after a more than three-month hiatus, a strike could impact its efforts to ramp up production.
"Freeport Indonesia has experienced a high level of absenteeism over the last several days," Freeport spokesman Eric told Reuters.
"Absenteeism is being tracked and disciplinary actions will be enforced under the terms of the Collective Labor Agreement," Kinneberg said.
As of last week Freeport had "demobilized" just over 10 percent of its workforce of 32,000, a number expected to grow until its dispute with the government is fully resolved.
Further adding to tensions around Grasberg, several Freeport workers and police were injured in a clash in Papua on Thursday, when officers fired rubber bullets at demonstrators in Timika.
The Freeport workers' union said in a statement on Thursday that the company's efforts so far to reduce its workforce have had "extensive impacts on workers and their families".
Workers are worried about the layoffs "because there are no limits or specific criteria on workers who will be furloughed," the union said. It demanded an end to the furlough policy, and notified Freeport of plans to strike for 30 days from May 1.
'AGITATED'
"Efforts by the company to cut costs and reduce their numbers of workers, this is what has made them feel agitated," said Virgo Solossa, a Freeport workers' union member told Reuters. He added that in his view Freeport was only doing what it needed to survive, and that he and many other workers would not join the strike.
Some workers on Thursday "carried out acts of anarchy ... so police took action and fired rubber bullets," Solossa said. He said four workers and seven police were injured in the clash but that the dispute was not related to the planned strike.
Timika Police Chief Victor Machbon confirmed the details of the incident, adding that approximately 1,000 demonstrators attempting to free a union leader at a court hearing had not dispersed when tear gas was fired.
Indonesia halted Freeport's copper concentrate exports in January under new rules that require the Arizona-based company to adopt a special license, pay new taxes and royalties, divest a 51 percent stake in its operations and relinquish arbitration rights. The stoppage has cost both the company and Indonesia hundreds of millions of dollars, but negotiations over sticking points is expected to continue for the next six months at least.
In February Freeport served notice to Jakarta in the dispute, saying it has the right to commence arbitration in 120 days if no agreement is reached.
(Reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor and Fergus Jensen; Additional reporting by Wilda Asmarini; Writing by Fergus Jensen; Editing by Tom Hogue)
2) Papuan women told to avoid old-fashioned traditions
Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post
Jayapura, Papua | Fri, April 21, 2017| 09:31 pm
Empowerment: Papuan women attend a discussion and training session provided by the Papuan Working Group to develop the economy of their families. (JP/Nethy Dharma Somba)
The struggle of Kartini, a young female hero who strove to release Indonesian women from old-fashioned traditions, must be followed by women in Papua, where local communities still adopt a strict patriarchal system.
“Papuan women should not let themselves be shackled by old-fashioned traditions. It doesn’t mean we should no longer adhere to our customs and traditions. But what should happen is that our traditions must become our motor to keep moving forward,” said Jacoba Lokbere, a Papua Legislative Council member from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), in Jayapura on Friday.
The lawmaker further said many Papuan women were still shackled by old-fashioned traditions, such as marriage at a young age, because there was a common belief there that once a woman got her period, she was ready to get married. Youth marriage was common especially in remote villages with poor access to information and communications.
“It is still widely considered that women’s sole responsibilities are to give birth to their children, tackle housework and work in plantations. Only men are allowed to work outside the home,” said Jacoba, in her statement on the commemoration of Kartini Day on April 21.
The female Papuan politician said she could release herself from the adoption of old-fashioned traditions because of her strong will to see more Indonesian women having a successful career in various fields, but without forgetting the support of their families.
“Families play a great role in releasing a woman from the adoption of old-fashioned traditions,” she said. (ebf)
Equal rights: US Ambassador to Indonesia Joseph Donovan (right, wearing brown batik shirt) attends the International Women's Day celebration at Hamadi Beach in Jayapura, Papua, recently. (JP/Nethy Dharma Somba)
3) Ministry warns tourists traveling to Eastern Indonesia of malaria infection
Jakarta | Fri, April 21, 2017| 09:08 am
The Health Ministry has warned the public, especially tourists traveling to the Eastern part of Indonesia, to be cautious about malaria infection in the region.
According to the ministry's data, malaria is still highly endemic in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Maluku, North Maluku, West Papua and Papua provinces.
The ministry’s director of vector and zoonotic infection disease prevention and control, Vensya Sitohang, said that tourists, especially backpackers, should anticipate and take necessary measurements against the disease. "Avoid going outdoors at night since the anopheles mosquito is more active during that time. If you must travel after dark, apply [mosquito repellent] lotion; and install a mosquito net for when you are sleeping," she said as quoted by Antara news agency.
For those already bitten, Vensya advised travelers to immediately visit health services and conduct laboratory checks for malaria.
Tourists are also encouraged to take precautions by taking antimalarial medications prior to their trip, which are available for free in health facilities like Puskesmas (community health centers) and hospitals.
NTT and West Papua are currently among the country's most popular travel destinations with highlights including Raja Ampat and Labuan Bajo. (mas/kes)
4) Research reveals low number of female whale sharks in Papua
Arya Dipa The Jakarta Post
Papua | Fri, April 21, 2017| 10:24 am
A research team from the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia reveals that the population of whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay, Papua, is quite large, amounting to 135 individuals.
“Only four out of the total population are female, however,” said Evi Nurul Ihsan, WWF Indonesia’s monitoring and surveillance officer for Cenderawasih Bay in Kwatisore, Nabire, Papua, last week.
“Such a situation has also occurred in other places, such as in the Philippines and other parts of the world,” he said, adding the causes remained a mystery of the global research on whale shark populations.
Together with other whale shark observers, Evi recorded their numbers by using underwater photographic devices. They took pictures of scratches and white freckles behind the left and right gills of the whale sharks for identification purposes because each of them has a different pattern. They also recorded their size and sex.
Based on satellite monitoring results, the migration area of the whale sharks is quite large, Evi said. They not only moved within Cenderawasih Bay National Park waters but also reached the northern waters of West Papua that directly connect to the Pacific Ocean.
“But they will always return to the national park. Hence, its existence is important for the whale sharks,” said Evi.
Whale sharks also can be found in waters around Alor and Flores in East NusaTenggara and around Bali, Maluku, North Sulawesi, Papua, Sabang in Aceh and Situbondo in East Java. In Probolinggo, East Java, the presence of whale sharks is seasonal. “But in Papua, they appear throughout the year,” said Evi. (ebf)
US Vice President Pence Trusts Indonesia in Fighting Terrorism
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United States Vice President Michael R. Pence said that the US and Indonesia will continue to work together in the war against terrorism. Pence said that Indonesia is a US strategic partner in the war against terrorism.
“I can convince the Indonesian people that we won’t stop fighting terrorism,” he said in Jakarta on Friday, April 21, 2017.
Pence suggested that cooperation is important to deal with terror threats.
He explained that the terror attack launched in Paris, France, was a warning that a terror attack can happen anywhere and anytime.
“Indonesia and the United States have been there,” he said, adding that both countries need to anticipate such an attack.
Earlier on Thursday, April 20, 2017, Mike Pence arrived in Indonesia to sign a number of memoranda of understanding on business cooperation between Indonesia and the US. Indonesia is the first country in Southeast Asia visited by Pence before he departed for Australia.
During the first day of his visit, Mr. Pence met President Joko Widodo or Jokowi to discuss trade and terrorism topics. Pence said that strong partnership in the defense sector would be useful to anticipate security threats.
1) Police shooting victims treated at Mimika Hospital
Jakarta | Sat, April 22, 2017| 05:17 pm
Taking a stand: Workers of US-based gold and copper mining company Freeport Indonesia stage a rally in front of Timika District Court on April 20. (Antara/Vembri Waluyas)
Two employees of US-based gold and copper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia, who were victims of a rubber bullet shooting allegedly committed by Timika police personnel on Thursday, are receiving intensive medical treatment at Mimika Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Timika, Papua.
According to RSUD Mimika spokesperson Lucky Mahakena, the two Freeport employees are Andrian W. Santoso and Muhammad Faidsal.
Faidsal was reportedly shot on the left side of his buttocks while Andrian suffered wounds to his left leg, directly under his knee.
“Two other people who were rushed here have returned home,” Lucky said as quoted by Antara on Saturday, referring to Zainal Arifin, who was shot in his right thigh, and Pukuh Prihantono, who was shot in his left knee. Another Freeport employee wounded in the sole of his foot returned home immediately after receiving treatment by medical personnel at the hospital.
The five Freeport employees suffered the wounds during a clash between police personnel and mining company workers who staged a protest in front of Timika District Court on Thursday. The police shot rubber bullets in their attempt to disperse the crowd.
Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Victor Dean Mackbon suffered injuries, including a punctured vein, to his left heel because of shrapnel from rubber bullets. He is currently receiving intensive treatment in a VIP room at RSUD Mimika.
Lucky said a team of doctors at RSUD Mimika had removed the shrapnel from Victor's wounds. “After surgery, he [Victor] may need two or three weeks for recovery,” he added. (mrc/ebf)
Community of seven villages in Demta District, Jayapura District, blocked te street of Demta 18th April – Jubi/Simon Daisiu
Demta, Jubi – Residents of seven villages led by the heads of each village blocked the Trans road Brap-Demta, Demta District, Jayapura District.
Road blocking was triggered by road condition that has been damaged for long time, but failed to repair.
Tarfia community leaders Abubakar Eli, one of the villages participated in the action said on April 18th that a palm oil company, PT. SInar Mas has operate and crossed this area since 2000. He suspects the damage is caused by cars/trucks passing carried goods belonging to PT Sinar Mas.
According to Eli, residents have organised five demos to demand the road to repair. But until now their demands never responded.
“We, the people of Demta District have been very disappointed. We asked the government about the road work from Kilometer 17 to Demta, is it (the improvement) is just a lip service? We demand it now. Do not use us a political object,” he said.
According to him, road damage hampered economic activities of the people. Residents who want to sell their farm products to the city were forced to discourage.
The protest action coordinator, Oto Tauruy said they blocked the main road to prevent PT Sinar Mas’ vehicles from passing the road.
“Public vehicles may pass,” said Oto.
The blockade starts from port of Sinar Mas in Demta from the morning until afternoon. Jubi failed to get any explanation from the company.
Head of Tarfia Village, Silas Tauruy said the blockade will continue until they get response from the company.(*)
Waisai, Jubi – The Raja Ampat Regency Government, West Papua Province is said to be drafting a draft regional regulation (draft) on prohibition of large-ships and cruise ships entering the area.
Head of Legal Division of the Raja Ampat Regional Secretariat, Mohliat Mayalibit, said they are discussing the draft with indigenous leaders.
“We are discussing the draft, and we have consulted with West Papua Legal Bureau for the revision,” he told Jubi in Waisai, capital of Raja Ampat, Wednesday April 19th.
He said the Raja Ampat regency involves indigenous leaders to formulate the regulation, so they do not feel alienated in their own village.
“Iindigenous leaders are involved to keep their customary rights,” he said.
In early March the Caledonan Sky-flagged British cruise ship, weighing 4,000s and a length about 90 meters, hit a coral reef in Kri waters, Mios Mansar District, Raja Ampat, West Papua.
It is expected after the regulation will be passed; large ships and cruise ships cannot go without control into Raja Ampat coastal, known as the world’s coral reef triangle.
Once corrected, the draft legislation will be brought to local parliament to be ratified into a local regulation.
“But we will review portions of each authorities such as Sayahbandar, Transportation and Fisheries and Marine Service,” he said.
Head of Sorong Syahbandar, Jhoni Silalahi supports the good step of Raja Ampat Regency initiative in designing the rules.
He said he also ready to provide input for proposed draft discussion so it does not conflict with the rules of Ministry of Transportation. (*)
Sentani, Jubi – The implementation of Local Regulation (Perda) Number 3 Year 2000 on Sago Forest Area Protection in Jayapura District will soon be evaluated.
Member of Legislative Commission B of Jayapura District, Freddy Kaway said it seems that legislation has not functioned. This local regulation has struck with the interests of indigenous peoples’ customary rights.
“We forbid any construction of building in sago forest areas, but those who have customary rights are local people, so this is also often became a barrier in the implementation,” he told Jubi in Sentani, Wednesday April 19th.
He refer to the facts that some customary rights owners sold their land and turn them to property buildings.
Therefore he added, this law will be reviewed for evaluation. Thus, there would be a protection for local potential that still exists in the area.
At different occasion, Boaz Enok, Ondoafi (indigenous Papua who owned customary land) in Sosiri village said the problem is the protection of sago trees which regulated in Local Regulation No. 3 of 2000 has not been socialized well to the public.
“If there are rules or regulations made by the Government, it should be socialized widely. Now the impact of development implemented by different interests who seek profits in this area has been very difficult to handle, “said Enok. (*)
Jakarta, Jubi – Ministry of Health asked the public, especially tourists who want to travel to eastern Indonesia, to be cautious of malaria transmission.
Based on data from Ministry of Health quoted in Jakarta, April 19th the achievement of malaria eradication in NTT Province, Maluku, North Maluku, West Papua and Papua is still zero percent, or still considered high endemic malaria.
Director of Vector and Zoonotic Disease Control and Prevention at the Ministry of Health, Vensya Sitohang reminded tourists, especially those who travel backpacks and adventure to various remote areas in order to prepare for malaria anticipation.
Vensya said the most important anticipation is to keep away from being bitten by anopheles mosquito, the cause of malaria.
He suggested, if possible, for tourists not to go out at night when anopheles mosquitoes are more active.
“If they have to go out at night, protect the body with lotion, and if sleep must use mosquito net,” she said while suggested people regularly visit the health service for laboratory checks to know whether they are infected.
In addition, tourists are also advised to take preventive malaria drugs before traveling that can be obtained at health centers. The drug is given free of charge.
NTT and West Papua provinces are now popular tourist destinations with several favorite places, such as Raja Ampat and the stunning islands of Labuan Bajo.(*)