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1) Dance speaks loudly for an oppressed people

November 24, 2017, 10:50 am
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2) PAPUA CIVIL SOCIETY: MEDIA IS FRAMING THE HOSTAGE TAKING ISSUE
3) PAPUA SENATOR ACCUSED TNI/POLICE OF DOING PUBLIC DECEPTION
4) STUDENTS ASKED FREEPORT TO BE CLOSED

5) AII urged the investigation of the disappearance of Martinus Beanal in Tembagapura

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1) Dance speaks loudly for an oppressed people
STEPHEN FITZPATRICK The Australian 8:24PM November 24, 2017

Sam Roem, left, Airileke Ingram and Yosua Roem in Sydney ahead of the Homeground festival of First Nations culture at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: John Feder

Yosua Roem was just 12 in January 2006 when, with 42 other West Papuan asylum-seekers, he washed up on the shores of Cape York after four precarious days and nights at sea.
It triggered an uproar. Indonesia withdrew its ambassador, there was a bitter war of cartoonists, including The Australian’s Bill Leak drawing president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as a dog mounting a hapless Papuan and saying “don’t take this the wrong way”. Jakarta demanded answers as visas were granted.
Roem and his older brother Sam knew nothing of these ructions; they did, however, know how to dance. So dance they did, including eventually studying with acclaimed ex-Bangarra performer and choreographer Albert David.
“You can imagine, we had no English but we’ve always gone for music and dance. That’s how we express ourselves,” Roem said. “Now we are connected with the original (people) here, the owners of the land, and our traditional dance and music are similar; it’s been our journey of understanding how we’re all connected.”
So connected, in fact, that this weekend they will perform at the Sydney Opera House in a performance titled Sorong Samarai, with David, ARIA-nominated Papua New Guinean producer Airileke Ingram, West Papuan activist Ronny Kareni and others.
The show takes its name from the two population extremities of the island where a disputed border separates a Melanesian people seeking to be united.
Ingram, who grew up with both Australian and Papuan culture, admits that until the arrival of the 43 shone a spotlight on Indonesian oppression in its half of the island — an estimated 10,000 West Papuan refugees live uncertain lives in Papua New Guinea — he had little idea of the problem.
He credits that moment, however, with bringing about his “awakening” and from there it was a short step away from the largely “cultural” music he had always performed to a more overt political stance. Ingram cites the 1984 murder of West Papuan musician Arnold Ap by Indonesian special forces Kopassus soldiers as an example why.
So connected, in fact, that this weekend they will perform at the Sydney Opera House in a performance titled Sorong Samarai, with David, ARIA-nominated Papua New Guinean producer Airileke Ingram, West Papuan activist Ronny Kareni and others.
The show takes its name from the two population extremities of the island where a disputed border separates a Melanesian people seeking to be united.
Ingram, who grew up with both Australian and Papuan culture, admits that until the arrival of the 43 shone a spotlight on Indonesian oppression in its half of the island — an estimated 10,000 West Papuan refugees live uncertain lives in Papua New Guinea — he had little idea of the problem.
He credits that moment, however, with bringing about his “awakening” and from there it was a short step away from the largely “cultural” music he had always performed to a more overt political stance. Ingram cites the 1984 murder of West Papuan musician Arnold Ap by Indonesian special forces Kopassus soldiers as an example why.

“I can do what I do in a free country; inside West Papua, you’ll be killed (for it),” he said.
Sorong Samarai features the rebel Morning Star flag, banned in West Papua, and draws in hip-hop, log drumming from Manus Island and urban West Papuan dance.
It’s part of the annual Homeground festival of First Nations culture, which will also host a regrouped Yothu Yindi, the Yolngu band whose international hit Treaty will reset the gaze on the Referendum Council’s recent report on indigenous constitutional recognition and Malcolm Turnbull’s dismissal of it.
“I believe having a treaty in this country would be for Australia to treat us differently ... because they would respect an indigenous perspective, not just a coloniser’s perspective,” Ingram said yesterday.
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Homeground  25 - 26 NOV 
FREE ALL WEEKEND    SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE FORECOURT
This November, Homeground returns bigger and better than ever featuring the very best First Nations artists from Australia and around the world. Join us to celebrate the power of contemporary artists and ancient customs in this free two-day festival packed with live music, dance, workshops, markets and more. 
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2) PAPUA CIVIL SOCIETY: MEDIA IS FRAMING THE HOSTAGE TAKING ISSUE
AdminNov 24, 2017



From left to right, Latifah Anum Siregar, Yuliana Langowuyo and Wirya Supriadi – Jubi/Roy Ratumakin

Jayapura, Jubi – In October 2017 there has been a series of shootings in Banti, Kimbeli and Utikini villages located around PT Freeport Indonesia area.
The series of shootings to the evacuation of communities in the three villages, according to Civil Society Coalition for Papua’s law enforcement and human rights, consisting of 25 Civil Society Organizations, is happening through scenarios played by the powerful.
Latifah Anum Siregar, Director of the Democratic Alliance for Papua (AIDP) said many people asked the real reasons behind evacuation of people from three villages while the area is their ancestral land.
“The issue of hostage-taking was carried out by the mass media after receiving information from the police, while there was actually no such thing as hostage-taking. The issue of hostage-taking had actually led the indigenous people who have customary rights in the area to come out with the drama of evacuation,” she said in on Wednesday during a press conference (November 22) at AlDP Office, Jayapura.
Anum added, the constellation in Tembagapura became the main topic in the coverage of several mass media both local and national. News about what happened around the mining area Pt. Freeport Indonesia is massive. Unfortunately, it was not accompanied by compliance with Law 40 regarding the press and journalist code of ethics.
“Who said there was a hostage? The use of a hostage phrase by the mass media has unwittingly caused a negative impact to Papuan indigenous students studying in several cities of study in Indonesia. The students were bullied by the local people for news with the hostage phrase” she said.
In the same occasion, Director of Secretariat of Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation (SKPKC) of Franciscan Papuan, Yuliana Langowuyo added that if there was any hostage it would always be followed by a demand.
For example, the case of Woyla aircraft hostage taking place in 1981 in Thailand demanded that fellow detainees held in custody post Cicendo events in Bandung, West Java, to be released.
“Well the case in Tembagapura what is the demand from the hostage taker reported by the mass media? The media should have verified any data obtained in the field, whether it was from the police, TNI, arms groups or community, to make it balanced and accountable,” he said.
It was proofed by the people in Banti who had been interviewed by one of the international media that said they are not in a hostage situation. They are free to move as usual, but if they intend to leave the village, their security cannot be guaranteed by the group accused of being a hostage taker.
“Police also disagree, such as Mimika Resort Police who rejected to use ‘hostage taking’ phrase in calling the situations in Banti and Kimbeli villages and prefer to use ‘isolated’ phrases, while top-level police continue to use hostage phrases and continue to dominate the news on the conflict in Timika. Who is controlled the media? ” she said.
To that end, Wirya Supriyadi of the Papuan People’s Network (Jerat) hopes that the mass media or national press should not become an institution that is only a tool to justify the statement of certain parties but rather to fulfill the people’s right to get true information, to uphold the basic values ​​of democracy, and to promote the supremacy of the law.
“Their roles are to conduct monitoring, critic, correction and suggestions on the matters relating to public interest and fighting for justice and truth. We also urge the security forces in this case the TNI and POLRI to stop disseminating information without clear evidence and facts related to violent and armed conflict that occurred in Tembagapura,” he said.
Wirya added, in addition he also hopes journalists, mass media and the national press to run the principle of independence of the press responsibly, especially to verify any information received.
“PT Freeport Indonesia must also immediately explain what has really happened in the villages of Banti, Kimbeli, Utikini, and surrounding areas because the villages are located in the mining area of ​​PT Freeport of which is located in the concession area of ​​the company and required a special identity to get into that location. How come the illegal immigrant community makes their livelihood in the areas? Who gives permission? This is a big question that should be explained by the company, ” he said. (tabloidjubi.com/Zely)

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3) PAPUA SENATOR ACCUSED TNI/POLICE OF DOING PUBLIC DECEPTION
Nov 24, 2017

Makassar, Jubi – A member of Papua Regional Representative Council (DPD-RI) from Papua, Yanes Murib, accused TNI and Police of making public deceived of the situation in Tembagapura, Timika to all Indonesian people.
“Media propaganda is overdoing it, as if the people in Banti and surrounding areas are in a critical or emergency situation,” said Yanes Murib to Jubi, Monday (November 20).
He asserted that the alleged hostage taking by TPN-OPM in Kampung Banti and surrounding areas is not true. He called the information as a propaganda that brings into conflict.
“It should be informed to the public that conditions on the ground are not as reported by the national media and the local media are all propaganda,” Yanes added.
Yanes also challenged accusation that said the TPN-OPM take hostage, raped, and killed. According to him it was impossible, while there are wives of them among the community, or son, family and relatives tribe. He questioned the purpose and interests of the country to make false news to the people of Indonesia.
He considered the TPN-OPM is clearly against only TNI/POLRI and not ordinary. “Their demands clearly define their own political rights,” said Yanes.
As a member of DPD RI he asked the state to stop doing public deception and propaganda of local and national media, and do not harm Papuan community.
Meanwhile, Legislator Papua, Laurenzus Kadepa said he wanted evidence of hostage taking against residents in Kampung Banti and Kimbeli, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Papua.
“We want evidence, such as videotapes showing residents in Banti and Kimbeli actually being held hostage, and what the demands of those who declare themselves as TPN and OPM on this issue,” Kadepa said.(tabloidjubi.com/Zely)
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4) STUDENTS ASKED FREEPORT TO BE CLOSED
Nov 24, 2017


 
                                                 Students from People United Front (FPR) – IST

Jayapura, Jubi– People’s Union Front (FPR) requested for PT Freeport in Tembagapura, Timika to be closed. The request is to restore the rights and sovereignty of the people of Papua and prevent prolonged humanitarian conflict in the land of Papua.
“We consider the Government of Indonesia had failed to guarantee the wellbeing of Papuan people,” said Coordinator of the People’s Union Front (FPR), Samuel Womsiwor, Wednesday (November 21).
The uncertainty of livelihood and the future of Indonesian people is in questioned, thus it impacts the mobilization of Indonesian migrants to the land of Papua that is uncontrolled. “This is a problem that creates conflict in Papua,” add Samuel.
Samuel also mentioned the exodus of 344 non-Papuans who live in Banti and Kimbeli Villages in Tembagapura, Mimika Regency who turn out to be illegal immigrants in the region Tembagapura. It is caused, he said by the mistake of Indonesia’s state to grant power to own natural resources to PT Freeport up to 50 years.
“The profits had no significant impact for the people of Papua as the owner of Amungsa earth,” Samuel explained. It had produces waste, destruction of forest into mining land and has damage the social fabric of society.
The President of Cendrawasih University Executive Council, Paskalis Boma, requested that the country provide access to international journalists and media, for the sake of conflict objectivity in Tembagapura. “We ask the TNI and Polri to respect the journalistic code of ethics,” Paskalis said.
It aims for the sake of the balanced information developed in Tembagapura Freeport – Timika to be visible to the world without any cover-up.(tabloidjubi.com/Zely)
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at


5) AII urged the investigation of the disappearance of Martinus Beanal in Tembagapura
Jumat, 24 November 2017 — 17:32

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi



Residents who were evacuated by security forces to Mimika City due to armed conflict in Utikini, Kimbele and Banti - Jubi / Benny


Jayapura, Jubi - Amnesty International Indonesia (AII), urged the Indonesian National Police to investigate the loss of Martinus Beanal, a worker of PT Pangan Sari Utama (PSU), a partner company of PT Freeport since November 7, 2017.

"Amnesty International Indonesia is concerned about the possibility of Martinus Beanal being a victim of enforced disappearance, and asking the authorities to seek immediate presence," Amman International Executive Director Usman Hamid told Jubi on Friday (24/11/2017).

According to Usman, Martinus Beanal disappeared as the escalation of security problems in the Tembagapura, Mimika, Papua region escalated and there was a maze of information related to the loss of Martinus Beana, as well as the security situation in the region.

"The authorities should not issue conflicting information before the conclusion of an in-depth investigation, we urge the police to look for the presence of Martinus Beanal," he said.

Usman added that the problematic security situation in the area of ​​Mimika Regency, has swallowed a number of victims in recent months.

"This armed conflict is certainly not free from the interests of the parties to the conflict, but feared this conflict extends to civilians," he added.

Police earlier said Martinus Beanal was kidnapped by the Armed Kriminal Group (KKB) in Tembagapura. Then, in the news media, police said Martinus Baenal was found dead and his body was buried family.

However, the information was denied by the victim's family. The victim's family claimed to have found no traces of Martinus until this story was written.

"Until today, we have not seen our sister's body," said Kristina Beanal, the younger brother of Martinus who accompanied Deborah Wanmang, wife of Martinus, on Monday (13/11/2017) via telephone to Jubi.

Kristina and Debora along with several mothers from Banti have gone to the Mimika Resort Police to question the whereabouts of Martinus Beanal. But both have not been clarified about the condition of Martinus.

Just to note, AII noted there was one person Brimob Brigadier Berry Pratama died and seven people injured since the shooting of August 2017 in Tembagapura region, Mimika. (*)
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1) For the sake of oil palm Brimob allegedly persecuted ulayat owners

November 25, 2017, 11:51 am
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2) West Papua Leaders apologise

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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at

1) For the sake of oil palm Brimob allegedly persecuted ulayat owners
Sabtu, 25 November 2017 — 11:15
Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi




Ilustrasi - Tempo.co

Jayapura, Jubi - Three Brimob officers in West Papua Police allegedly mistreated civilians, Yan Ever Mengge, in Puragi Village, Metamani District, South Sorong District, October 23, 2017, while vigil at PT Permata Putera Mandiri (PPM) palm plantation area, a subsidiary of ANJ Group).

Pres release received by Jubi per e-mail in Jayapura on Monday (20/11/2017) mentions, these three members hit the victim's back with a long-barreled gun.

The apparatus also uses boots and hands kicking the ribs and belly of the victim, head and knee, so that the victim is unable to walk. His whole body was bruised, vomiting blood, dizziness and unable to sleep.

"Currently Bowake survivors suffer from pain, trauma and have not received justice or recovery for the suffering experienced by him and his family," said Simon Soren from the Iwaro Student Youth and Student Association, who are members of the Solidarity for Victims of Violence and Indigenous Peoples of Iwaro through his press release.

Mentioned in the statement, violence against indigenous Papuans by elements of the TNI-Polri in securing the area of ​​plantation business, mining, logging and other natural resources utilization efforts in Papua often occurs.

Violence against Iwaro tribal peoples in Kampung Puragi not even once throughout 2017.

"This incident occurred since the Iwaro tribe who are in Kampung Puragi and the surrounding kampung, perform" customary barriers "on their customary land, forest and food hamlets, dismantled, evicted and eliminated by PT. PPM, without deliberation and approval of land owners, "he said.

In 2015, he said, four locals - landowners were imprisoned after the demonstrations and protested and demanded their rights the company seized.

On that basis, a solidarity of 14 representatives denounced the brutal actions of the authorities.

"We ask the West Papua Provincial Government and South Sorong Regency, and West Papua Police Chief, to take" immediate action ". Attract Brimob officers who are on duty at the location of plantation business, inspect and punish the Brimob officers, who are involved in such acts of violence, "said Franky Samperante, from the PUSAKA Foundation in Jakarta.

Solidarity also calls for a security, intimidation and violence approach to civil society to be stopped.

Minister of Agriculture, Minister of ATR / BPN, Minister of Environment and Forestry, West Papua provincial government and South Sorong regency are also required to audit and sanction the activities and permits and business rights of all ANJ Group subsidiaries operating in the area . The company's activities are suspected of involvement in acts of violence and human rights abuses, as well as the usurping of ulayat lands.

Seven clans garnered PT PPM activities

Since September, seven genera in Kampung Puragi, namely the Gue, Atoare, Mengge, Bumere, Kawaine, Oropae 1, and Oropae 2 clans are customary to the activities of PT PPM in Ureko to Nyono.

The alleged misappropriation of companies that have not completed their obligations regarding the status of land and compensation for losses and loss of community life. The company is also considered to be non-transparent in discussing the empowerment program of socio-economic and cultural rights for the community.

Indigenous peoples of seven clans continue to organize corporate activities. This makes the tension between society and company. The company also uses the "services" of Brimob personnel to watch in the company area.

Not infrequently these individuals commit acts of violence, intimidation and threatening citizens.

Violence against indigenous peoples

Beginning in October 2017, Head of Kampung Puragi, Nataniel Oropae together with the community of seven clans of landowners from Kampung Puragi, Sorong and Teminabuan (Sorsel) came to the contractor's office (RPU), Kapiremi Hamlet, Kilo 3, to demand that the company pay the losses and land and yield rights local forests damaged by the company.

When it rained and Nataniel took shelter beside the guard post. He reprimanded a Brimob officer who was at his side.

"Ade, what's looking for?" Nataniel asked.

Instantly the officer was angry and threatened Nathaniel to hit him.

"Do not hit!" Said Nataiel, until the officer dropped his intention.

In the community dialogue with the company, which was attended by the officials, there was no payment of customary land according to Gubernatorial Number 5. Only pay for wood cubic of size 30 upwards. While rattan, sago, rosin is not paid. People are disappointed and continue to make misfortune.

The landowners in Kapiremi Hamlet, whose land was evicted by PT PPM without deliberations involving the wider community and landowners, Arnold Bumere, in October 2017 protested and posted a ban. But he was greeted with intimacy. The incident happened in Logpond Jamarema.

Similar events

A similar event was experienced by Edison Oropae, a landowner in the deserted Ureko Hamlet. He experienced verbal violence.

On October 23, 2017, Yan Ever Mengge met a company operator displacing land and forest in Kapiremi Hamlet. He wanted to inquire about the demands of the community regarding the payment of compensation for lost land and forest products, because, according to the company's promise, it was realized on October 22, 2017. Then he requested that the company's activities be stopped.

Brimob officers came to the scene and asked the perpetrators. They also pursued Mengge, who is called the perpetrator of ill-treatment.

Apes, the three officers beat and tortured Mengge with a long rifle to his knees. His back, his waist and knees hurt.

"Brimob say, this is the day we kill you here. Brimob kicked me like a ball, "the story of Yan Ever Mengge.

He was taken to the company camp to be treated for some time. However, the bones and back of the body are still sick and often vomiting.

West Papua Police Chief Inspector General Pol Alberth Roja when confirmed per cell Thursday afternoon (23/11/2017) has not provided clarification. Jubi attempted to send a short message via his mobile number but was not replied yet.

The same thing was attempted to the company. But Jubi has not managed to ask for his clarification. (*)
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2) West Papua Leaders apologise

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West Papua Leaders attending their first Summit in Port Vila next week have apologised to the people for the postponement of the parade from yesterday morning to Monday same time next week.
The walk starts at Saralana Park and ends at the Chiefs Nakamal.
The Vanuatu Free West Papua Association Executive Committee also apologises for the delay saying all the invitations were sent and as far as it is aware, the reason was beyond its control or the delegates from West Papua.
Meanwhile at time of going to press, more delegates are expected to touch down over the weekend.
Rex Rumakiek is the oldest campaigner for West Papua freedom and is a member of the Executive Committee, the second highest decision making body below the West Papua Council.
Rumakiek was campaigning for West Papua freedom from the Vanua’aku Pati Office in Port Vila 40 years ago.
He recalls how his contributions have grown roots and blossomed to where younger West Papuans have come onboard to join the struggle to push it to where it is today – a bright beacon beckoning the United Nations General Assembly to recognise the Melanesian country’s God-given right to self-determination.
Rumakiek says, “I am proud to confirm that despite those changes, Vanuatu has not shifted one bit from its position to stand up with West Papua”.
In 1985, Father Lini invited then freedom fighter, Jeth Rumkorem (deceased) and political leader, Jacob Prai to Port Vila, to unite through a peace ceremony, to work together for the freedom of the people of West Papua.
In 2000 the first West Papua National Congress was allowed by Indonesia for the first time to be held at Jayapura in West Papua.
Following the Congress, the Government of Vanuatu invited the West Papua leaders to come to Port Vila where they signed a memorandum of understanding with OPM (military wing of West Papua).
Rumakiek remembers, “Barak Sope was then prime minister and he promised to invite us to join his Government delegation to attend the UN General Assembly if we could unite among ourselves first.
“We did, and six members in the delegation left from Port Vila to attend the UN General Assembly; three from Vanuatu and three from West Papua. I was one of them.
“At the time, Prime Minister Barak Sope raised the issue of the West Papua struggle and killings perpetuated allegedly by the Indonesian military.
“Part of his address said it was the UN which caused the struggle and deaths of the people of West Papua. He challenged the UN to find the way to solve the problem or whether it wanted to see more West Papuans suffer and die before it moved to solve the issue. The UN did not respond”.
When Serge Vohor was in Government, he maintained the same staunch stand for West Papua to be set free.
When Moana Carcasses was prime minister, he was applauded in West Papua for his brave address at the UN General Assembly which called for international focus on reports of human rights violations and killings allegedly orchestrated by the Indonesian military against the people of West Papua.
Finally the main groups fighting for West Papua freedom were invited to Port Vila by the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs in collaboration with the Pacific Council of Chiefs in 2014, to take part in a historic custom peace ceremony at Saralana Park. The historic meeting resulted in the formation of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) Committee.
Its first Summit is taking place in the Chiefs Nakamal next week for a week.
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Papuans gather in Vanuatu for Liberation Movement summit

November 27, 2017, 2:20 am
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ULMWP Unity

November 28, 2017, 11:20 am
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ULMWP Unity


ULMWP Unity

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“In order to maintain this level of engagement I ask that the United Liberation Movement of West Papua ensure there is a strong coordination of all the international activities.
“I call for unity of resolve and action. Governments in the region are increasingly trying to pull together their political efforts to rally for justice in West Papua.
“NGOs and Churches are also working hard together to ensure our actions are coordinated. Therefore the ULMWP as an organisation must do likewise. It must work in unison. There should be no place for infighting between us Government and NGOs.”


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Mining mire spreads in Indonesia

November 28, 2017, 11:54 am
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3 Morning Star flag raisings in Sydney today 1 Dec.

November 30, 2017, 10:22 am
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Hi all
3 Flag raisings in Sydneytomorrow 1 dec

Indonesian consulate at at 7am. 

Inner West Council will raise the flag on Leichhardt and petersham town halls. Details below .
If people can get to any of the events that would be a great show of support for the West Papuan people.
Also in particular at Leichhardt as we have to ask them each year and they will continue to do so if some supporters show up. A great photo opportunity with flag.
If you know anybody who might be sble to attend please. Pass on.

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 Extran from council release 
You are invited to the raising of the pro-independence West Papua flag tomorrow, Friday 1 December at 9.45am for 10am at Leichhardt Town Hall.


The Morning Star flag was first flown on December 1 1961. The flag represented the territory of West New Guinea from 1 December 1961 until 1 October 1962 when the territory came under administration of the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority

(UNTEA).


Indonesia took control over Papua with United Nations recognition in 1969.


Inner West Council will fly the Morning Star flag from two town halls (Petersham and Leichhardt) as a symbol of support for the West Papuan people

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Photos of Celebration of the 1 December 2017 in Port Vila.

December 2, 2017, 11:57 am
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Photos of Celebration of the 1 December 2017 in Port Vila. 
And an amazing show of support by the Government and people of Vanuatu for West Papua

The West Papuan people received an early Xmas present when the Vanuatu Government handed over to the ULMWP Leaders attending their first ULMWP Summit in Port Vila,  the title to the land and the key to a building for use in their struggle for self-determination. The ULMWP leaders were meeting at the Chiefs Nakamal in Port Vila durning the week. The ceremony took place on the afternoon of the 1st of December following a march from Fatumaru Bay to the building on the land where Crow’s Nest is. The Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai,  Deputy Prime Minister Joe Natuman, Lands Minister Ralph Regenvanu, Parliamentary Secretaries Johnny Koanapo and Andrew Napuat, as well as the President of the Malvatumauri, the head of the Vanuatu Christian Council and local activists. A historiac day for the West Papuan people and an overwhelming show of support from the Vanuatu Government and its people for West Papua. Two articles from the Vanuatu Daily Post below covering the events.





























Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and Deputy Prime Minister Joe Natuman arrive for the celebration and handover ceremony
























Photos of newly renovated house which is quite large

















Gathering for march
















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Vanuatu Daily Post
HOME 

By Dan McGarry 2 December

“We are all Melanesian,” said Deputy Prime Minister Joe Natuman. “We are family. We regard it as an obligation to help one another.”

Mr Natuman recounted the history of West Papua from post-WWII days, and remarked at the end that the struggle for independence was not only a struggle against colonialism, but a struggle against corporate and commercial interests too. “It’s not just Sukarno and Suharto, it’s also American big business that’s involved,” Mr Natuman said. “We’re not just fighting colonial powers. It’s big business too.”


This is the first time a senior figure in the Vanuatu government has publicly criticised the USA and its mining interests in relation to the issue of West Papuan independence. The nation’s sense of duty in helping to make all of Melanesia free was made manifest yesterday when the government of Vanuatu officially transferred the historic Crow’s Nest building to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua. The building will be shared with local creative collective Further Arts. Mr Natuman is a lifelong supporter of West Papuan independence.

He was the first speaker in the ceremony marking the official opening of the West Papuan mission in Vanuatu.


He was joined by Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, Lands Minister Ralph Regenvanu, Parliamentary Secretaries Johnny Koanapo and Andrew Napuat, as well as the President of the Malvatumauri, the head of the Vanuatu Christian Council and dozens of Vanuatu-based independence activists.

This week also marks the annual conclave of the ULMWP leadership, along with senior militants as well. Internationally known figures Octovianus Mote, Benny Wenda and several other independence leaders were also present. Some declined to be identified or photographed due to fear of retaliation by Indonesian authorities or their proxies. The day was nonetheless a happy one, and a few drops of rain were insufficient to quench the spirits of a movement that, for the first time in two generations, finally has a place to call home.

http://dailypost.vu/news/home/article_07997f25-c7aa-5973-8c07-23b13e113ac1.html



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http://dailypost.vu/news/gift-for-west-papua/article_b1ce23de-bc1e-5eb7-a973-b286d31c778d.html



Gift For West Papua

By Len Garae Dec 1, 2017


West Papua Leaders attending their first United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Summit at the Chiefs Nakamal in Port Vila this week, have said when the Vanuatu Government hands over to them the title to the secluded land and the key to the building on the land where Crow’s Nest is this afternoon, it is going to be the best thing that has ever happened to the West Papua struggle, to symbolize Melanesian blood that has flowed for freedom for the last 60 years.

Last week, three of the leaders spoken to by Daily Post could not hold back their joy and broke the news then quickly took it back saying the Government would have to be the one to break the news. MP for Port Vila and Minister of Land, Ralph Regenvanu explains, “The Council of Ministers has agreed to assist the ULMWP by providing a lease title on which is a newly-renovated office building which will become the Office of the ULMWP in Vanuatu.


“The lease title will be in the name of ‘ULMWP and Further Arts’, so they will be joint owners of the lease and building.

“Further Arts is a local charitable association which works to promote the arts and which has been assisting with the West Papua cause for many years.”

The handing over of the property on December 1 is significant because it is a day to remember the first raising of the West Papuan Morning Star flag 56 years ago.

Below is the programme for today that will see the Government of Vanuatu formally handing over the property to West Papuans and Further Arts.

• 2pm: Vanuatu dignitaries, West Papua Leaders, invited guests and general public gather at Fatumaru Bay.

• 2.30pm: Commemorative walk to Ceremonial Ground led by SDA Brass Band and Operasi Papua Merdeka (Military Wing)

• 3.30pm: Arrival at Ceremonial Ground and everyone seated

• 3.50pm: Flag Raising Ceremony and ‘Hai Tanaku’ Anthem


The keynote speech will be delivered by Deputy Prime Minister, Joe Natuman, followed by the handing over of the land lease title by Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and finally the handing over of the building keys to ULMWP and Further Arts by Land Minister, Ralph Regenvanu.



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Photos. The Morning Star raised in Sydney on the 1st December

December 2, 2017, 2:40 pm
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The Morning Star was raised in Sydney on the 1st December in a show of support for the West Papuan people.

At the Indonesian Consulate and on two of the Inner West Council's Town Halls, Leichhardt and Petersham. Congratulations to the  individuals and groups  who would have supported the West Papuan people by raising the flag and wearing  West Papuan T-shirts on West Papua's special day.
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Thanks  to the Inner West Council and people of Lechhardt and Petersham in Sydney who continue to raise the Morning Star flag  each year on 1st December. While people were raising the Morning Star outside the Indonesian Consulate in Sydney (Maroubra Rd, Maroubra), it was also being raised for the day by Petersham Town Hall, and then from 10am by Lechhardt Town.
Andrew J. 













































Leichhardt Town Hall













Petersham Town Hall
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1) Papua Demands Independence During December 1 Commemoration

December 2, 2017, 7:43 pm
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2) The Morning Star flag-raising at Auckland’s Aotea Square yesterday. Video: Café Pacific
3) Demonstrations held in Pacific to mark Papuan flag day
4) Local supporters join Papuan flag day demonstrations
5) Vanuatu gives West Papua group access to land, building
6) Call for more resources for PNG's security forces to protect border
7) Putting Indonesian Papua’s tensions in context
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SATURDAY, 02 DECEMBER, 2017 | 10:54 WIB
1) Papua Demands Independence During December 1 Commemoration

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Domberai chapter of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP) in Manokwari held the celebration of the Papua nation`s anniversary on Friday, December 1, 2017. The event was attended by youths, college students, and elderly people.
John Warijo, chairman of the Doberai chapter of the Papuan Customary Council, said the native Papuan people remain solid to this date. “After all we’ve been through, we’re still here to safeguard our country as the native people,” John said in Manokwari yesterday.
According to John, the 56th anniversary of Papua was celebrated as a statement of the native Papuans that they could not be separated from their history. He also called on the government to listen to the Papuan people’s aspiration, which is an independence.

 “The Indonesian government will surely reject our aspiration to be independent. But we won’t quit. We will continue to voice the aspiration,” he added.
John claimed that the Native Papuans have been marginalized. He even expressed his concerns that the native Melanesians in Papua would extinct.
“We may extinct in a half century. This is why we demand independence. The list of human rights violations is getting longer, and people who demand justice are considered as separatists,” he said.
Wilson Wader, the coordinator of the event, claimed that the demand for a full independence is not driven by political interests. “To us, this is our needs since the number of native Papuans is getting smaller,” he said.
He alleged that the road constructions and other infrastructure developments in Papua were initiated to facilitate transmigrations to Papua.
Wilson added that the Papuan awakening moment on December 1, 1961, was a statement of their wishes to be an independent state.
HANS ARNOLD KAPISA
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2) The Morning Star flag-raising at Auckland’s Aotea Square yesterday. Video: Café Pacific
By  - 
 

The Morning Star flag-raising at Auckland’s Aotea Square yesterday. Video: Café Pacific

The West Papuan Morning Star flag of independence – banned in Indonesia – has been raised on an official local government flagpole in Auckland’s Aotea Square as solidarity protests have been held around the Pacific.
Green MP Golriz Ghahraman, a defender of human rights, praised the flag-raising action yesterday when speaking to a small crowd of supporters including visiting international free speech advocates.

“New Zealand has always led on these issues and in a very proud way,” she said.

Retired Green MP Keith Locke, an outspoken supporter of West Papuans, with Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) executive director Malou Mangahas (left) and the Pacific Media Centre’s Del Abcede. Image: Cafe Pacific

She said to remain silent in the face of ongoing human rights violations in Papua by security forces amounted to “complicity”.
West Papua Action Auckland spokesperson Maire Leadbeater said it had been the first time official permission had been granted for the flag-raising on a flagpole in front of the central city Aotea Centre.
In Indonesia, protesters raising the Morning Star flag risk up to 15 years in jail.
200 arrested
Last year, more than 200 people were arrested in a flag-raising protest in the capital of Jakarta and authorities used water canon to quell the demonstration.
The Auckland flag-raising marked the 56th year since the Morning Star was first hoisted on 1 December 1961 alongside the flag of the Dutch colonial authorities before Indonesia invaded the territory.
The Auckland protest included Malou Mangahas, executive director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), and other participants at the Pacific Media Centre’s “Journalism under duress in Asia-Pacific” event featuring West Papua held the night before at Auckland University of Technology.

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3) Demonstrations held in Pacific to mark Papuan flag day
3:23 pm on 1 December 2017 
Demonstrations have been held around the Pacific to mark the anniversary of West Papua's declaration of independence when the Morning Star flag was first raised.

New Zealand Green MP Golriz Ghahraman attends West Papua protest Photo: RNZ Pacific Johnny Blades
It's 56 years since the Papua nationalist flag was first officially flown in the former Dutch New Guinea, shortly before Indonesia took control of the territory.
The Morning Star was subsequently banned.
At today's flag Morning Star raising ceremony in Auckland, the New Zealand Green MP Golriz Ghahraman said it was important to maintain vocal about the issue.
"The West Papuan situation is essentially one of the most serious ongoing human rights abuses in and around the Pacific, which is our neighbourhood. So standing by or being silent starts to become complicity on our part and New Zealand's always led on these issues."
Ms Ghahraman said diplomatic pressure should be kept up on Indonesia to push for human rights improvements in West Papua.

                                                             Golriz Ghahraman Photo: RNZ Lynda Chanwai-Earle
The New Zealand MP said diplomatic and trade pressure should continue to be applied on Indonesia to push for human rights improvements in West Papua.
The flag was subsequently banned after Indonesia took control of the former Dutch New Guinea in 1962.
Ms Ghahraman says human rights abuses in Papua persist and New Zealand should keep the issue on its agenda with Indonesia.
She also says action needs to be taken to halt the destruction of Papuan rainforest.
"I would like us to move to a place where we regulate trade in such a way where we don't trade in a way that benefits from human rights abuyses incluing environmental atrocities," she said.
"So I would like us in our law to take into account the way that products are made and the way that resources are gotten before we buy these things."
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4) Local supporters join Papuan flag day demonstrations

December 1, 2017

Solomon Islands Solidarity for West Papua joined other groups in the Pacific and around the globe today in raising the West Papuan flag and advocating for the freedom of people in the Indonesian region.
Representative of the solidarity group in Solomon Islands Lily Chekana said people raise the West Papuan flag, the Morning Star, on this day every year.
December 1 marks the anniversary of West Papua’s first declaration of independence in 1961 before Indonesia took control of the territory.
And the flag symbolises freedom for the people of West Papua.
Ms Chekana said although the loss of independence was unfortunate, it did not steal the people’s optimism.
“They look at every 1st of December as a day that will always give hope that one day they will raise the West Papuan flag in their own country,” she said.
Local supporters raised the Morning Star on their houses and along the streets, and the solidarity group also asked taxi operators to display the flag on their cars.
But the group’s support for West Papua goes beyond the demonstration today.
Ms Chekana said the issues in the region deserve international attention, and she applauded former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s efforts to highlight West Papua on the world stage.
“Without him, the international community would not have heard about the issue of West Papua,” she said.
Her group plans to work closely with the new Prime Minister to continue its advocacy for people in the region.
“The West Papua issue is a human rights issue,” she said. “And if it is a human rights issue, it’s everybody’s issue.”
By Fred Osifelo
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5) Vanuatu gives West Papua group access to land, building
3:48 pm on 1 December 2017 
Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai will hand over the title to a plot of land with a building on it to the leaders of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua this afternoon.

The ceremony to hand over the title marks the end of the first Summit attended by around 50 leaders of West Papua, in Port Vila.
The land is sitting on a limestone outcrop above the Port Vila suburb of Tebakor.
The property will be jointed owned by ULMWP and a ni Vanuatu Charitable Organisation called Further Arts - an organisation that has dedicated itself to the West independence movement.
Global West Papua campaigner Benny Wenda said the gift is the best thing that has happened to the West Papua struggle in the last 60 years.
He said West Papuan campaigners will now have an office to work, and a place to call home.


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6) Call for more resources for PNG's security forces to protect border
11:03 am on 1 December 2017 

A Papua New Guinea MP has called for more resources for the country's defence and police forces to protect its borders.
Belden Namah is the MP for Vanimo Green, an electorate in West Sepik province on the country's porous border with Indonesia.
He said cross-border trafficking of guns and illicit goods from Indonesia's Papua province remains a big problem for PNG.
Mr Namah said the PNG government has failed to properly resource the PNG Defence Force and the border weakness reflects that.
"Arms have been smuggled from the border between West Sepik and Western Province, and they're making their way up to the Highlands," he said.
"It is a serious issue, and I can see that this issue is also now affecting the PNG LNG Project where the landowners take up arms and threaten to shut down the LNG Project."
Belden Namah has called for enhanced defence co-operation with Australia and Indonesia.
It was not the first time the MP had made a call to bolster PNG's Defence Force capacbility to manitain border security however old problems around the border persist.
"We continue to have these incursions by Indonesian troops to our side of the border, and our people continue to live in fear because of these problems between Indonesia and the West Papua people," he said.
Mr Namah also said there should be closer co-ordination, close co-operation wth Indonesia's security forces to make sure no incursions were made, saying the government is not sensitive to these kinds of issues.
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7) Putting Indonesian Papua’s tensions in context
 Bobby Anderson
28 November 2017 06:10 AEDT
Since August, numerous civilians and security staff have been killed or wounded in the Tembagapura area in Indonesian Papua, host of Freeport McMoRan's vast Grasberg mining complex. The violence is almost entirely ascribed to the armed wing of the Free Papua Organization (Organisasi Papua Merdekaor OPM*). Two police have been killed and seven wounded. In the absence of specific demands from the OPM faction, led by Sabinus Waker, Freeport has not halted mining operations, though they did temporarily close the road.
According to the police, Waker's OPM faction 'took hostage' roughly 1300 people in the villages of Banti and Kimbely. A joint military-police security force entered the villages on 18 November, with no casualties on either side. Around 350 people in the area opted to be evacuated, but the vast majority did not.
This latest incarnation of unrest is characterised by the media and activists as 'increasing tensions', a view that supposes some catalytic moment will one day be reached, with Papua as a pressure cooker destined to explode. But viewed across a longer timeline, it's clear that the absence of any such violence would be more unusual.
Between 2009 and 2015, at least 20 people were killed and 59 wounded in the vicinity of Tembagapura. The previous decades saw a number of other violent incidents, including the 2002 killing of Tembagapura international school teachers allegedly ambushed by OPM while picnicking (a case that has never been satisfactorily closed), and the 1996 kidnapping of dozens of foreign and Indonesian scientific researchers. Two hostages were killed in a rescue attempt, followed by an army-led counterinsurgency campaign.
Put into context, the latest violence in Mimika is thus both less unusual and more opaque than as described by the Indonesian government and by numerous media outlets. It's worth unpacking a few aspects of this fight in order to highlight a muddled network of relationships.

The Location

Tembagapura's Banti and Kimbely villages are mostly inhabited by migrants from other areas of Papua, but also from as far away as Sumatra and Java. They are artisanal gold miners, searching the mine tailings that contaminate the Utikini River. Since mining operations started in Ertsberg and later in Grasberg, Freeport has served to draw unemployed youth from across the entire archipelago. Any who don't end up employed by the mine or its numerous service providers and contractors try their luck mining these tailings.

The Security Actors

The police and military are heavily involved in such gold trades, either by charging protection fees to miners, acting as buyers, or running their own operations. These activities aren't limited to Mimika regency, where Grasberg is located. Gold mining in nearby Intan Jaya and further afield in Buru Island provides significant off-budget income.
Security actors must generate some income, as those hoping for promotion must generate rents to transmit up the chain of command. 'Protecting' forestry operations and plantations are popular activities. But security actors don't only seek profit – they often need the resources to do their jobs. National operational funding transfers for police are generally gone before they reach the sub-district level. Justifications aside, in non-state contexts such payments constitute organised crime.

The 'Separatists'

OPM is only bound within a hierarchical structure on paper. In rural Papua, those who describe themselves as 'OPM' are often local, lightly armed gangs that express vague separatist ideologies while occasionally committing extortion. There are exceptions – Waker's faction is more active, but not as much as the previous Kwalik faction. Other nearby exceptions include Goliat Tabuni's OPM in Puncak Jaya and Purom Wenda's faction in Lanny Jaya. Tabuni and Purom have warred against one another seemingly as much as they have targeted the state.
Waker's OPM faction only targets the police – there have, so far, been no military casualties. The military and police describe a united front in current security operations, but this is hardly the norm in Indonesia.
Cooperation between security actors and separatists over natural resource extraction operations is also common, the largest and richest of these in Indonesia being Freeport. Previous research demonstrated collusion between OPM and the military in Mimika in a likely effort to increase 'security' contributions from the company. Freeport disclosed that such contributions totalled US$5.6 million in 2002. In 2003, the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act made reporting obligations to the US government for such payments more specific, which may have hampered the ability of local security actors to demand them successfully. But it's unlikely Freeport has managed to avoid such payments entirely, especially amongst its plethora of contractors – if they did, they would be extremely unusual among such companies in Indonesia.

The Company

Freeport's 51% share divestment looms. Before that can occur, the company's asset valuation must be agreed between the company and the government. Against standard practice, Indonesia seeks to exclude mineral reserves from the valuation, even though such assets are only accessible by means of the infrastructure Freeport has constructed.
The latest Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict report notes 'a high probability of continued tensions as different parties within Indonesia contend for huge economic stakes', noting that 'any violence in the Freeport area can involve multiple actors with multiple interests. Even if the OPM is blamed, Papuans will be asking who else was involved'.

The 'Hostages' 

There weren't any. OPM established a roadblock to impede access to the area. If such actions are hostage-taking, then every day in Papua communities are being held hostage. Across the province, temporary roadblocks are the means by which gangs tax passers-by and communities express grievances and seek redress (in the case of communities, roadblocks often serve as invitations to negotiations). Military and police, especially those on short-term assignments, use them to shake downpassing traffic.
The hostage claim originates with the police, and was reported without question by most Indonesian media (Tabloid Jubi and a few others excepted). Mimika Police Chief Viktor Mackbon later contradictedthe claim, as did the provincial government. The roadblock, and the hostage claim, are likely parries in a negotiation that predates both.
The current conflict may not be a continuation of historical trends per se, but there are numerous precedents for it. It illustrates the paucity of the state across rural and highland Papua. In its easternmost province, Indonesia does not yet meet the minimalist Weberian definition of the state as an entity that has the monopoly on organised violence within a claimed territory.
Instead, Indonesia's presence in Papua resembles a variant of the early states described by the late Charles Tilly: violence-wielding organisations operating in partnership with early modern capitalists to extract resources and rents from areas whose populations are otherwise ignored, so long as they do not threaten the state. The wealth Jakarta extracts from Papua is immense, and yet Papuans are the poorest Indonesians: they are the least educated, the least healthy, and the quickest to die. The government doesn't even know with certainty how many Papuans there are: Papuans themselves experience neglect, humiliation, and a steady stream of human rights violations.
To paraphrase many a media outlet, tensions are high. But when in the history of Indonesian Papua have they not been high? And what do those high tensions lead to, other than a slight lull before the next round of tensions?
What is described as tension is really fear.
* Author's note: The Liberation Army of West Papua (Tentara Pembebasan Nasional) is the armed wing of the Organisasi Papua Merdeka or Free Papua Organization, but within Papua 'OPM' is used to refer to the armed wing as well as the political wing.



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1) TPN-PB Paniai states ready to reclaim sovereignty

December 3, 2017, 12:12 pm
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1) TPN-PB Paniai denies the DPRD statement
2) TPN-PB Paniai states ready to reclaim sovereignty


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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at

1) TPN-PB Paniai denies the DPRD statement
Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi,
Minggu, 03 Desember 2017



TPN-PN / OPM Paniai before commemorating the Independence Day of the Nation of Papua, December 1, 2017 - Jubi / Abeth You

Paniai, Jubi - West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB) in Paniai denied the statement of the Regional People's Legislative Assembly (DPRD) that there was no TPN / OPM in the local area. The organization still exists and is always there.

"We are not going anywhere. So the DPRDs stop using the situation for certain interests," said Pangeran TPN-OPM commander, Damianus Magai Yogi, to Jubi after the Independence Day of the West Papua Nation in Paniai.

Yogi even accused if the DPRD never protect the people. "Just looking for a bite of rice so the problem is always ignored to civilians who do not know anything," said Yogi pointing behind the council.

He requested that the DPRD give detailed reasons for the statement, even assuring it was ready to explain the real conditions and the existence of its organization.

When wawanacara, Yogi also declared the rejection of the division of Moni District which will be deducted the district capital and as a sacred place.

"We strongly refuse. No expansion. For what there is pemekaran, we are fighting Papua Merdeka, not struggling pemekaran, "he said.

He accused the pemekaran not the door of the welfare of the community because the human resources in the local area is very minimal that will be dikuasi by immigrants.

Previously, Secretary of Commission I of DPRD Paniai, Peter Zonggonau stated security and public order in Paniai is still safe under control. The district dubbed Wagadei earth is certainly no TPN and OPM that had been considered troubling.

"In Paniai there is no TPN OPM. That I love to tell the Tembagapura case to be transferred to Paniai, "said Petruz, to Jubi last November.

Petruz accused the perpetrators of chaos in Paniai only the unemployed group in the absence of jobs provided by the local government.

"We do not want people in Paniai district to bleed before the holy month for Christians," he said. (*)

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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at


2) TPN-PB Paniai states ready to reclaim sovereignty
Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi,
  •  Sabtu, 02 Desember 2017 — 13:26





Paniai, Jubi - West Papua National Liberation Army The Free Papua Movement (TPN-PN / OPM) of Meepago region is ready to reclaim the sovereignty of Papua. The statement was delivered during a ceremony commemorating the birth of the West Papua to 56, December 1, 2017 at the headquarters of Second Division Makodam Pemka IV Paniai, Heart of Papua in Totiyo, Enarotali, Paniai, Papua, Friday (1/12/2017).

"The raising of the Morning Star flag as a reflection of the birthday of the West Papuan people has become a whole nation," said Commander of TPN-OPM Paniai, Damianus Magai Yogi, after the ceremony.

He regretted that in 1969, through the People's Determination (PEPERA), the Indonesian nation annexed the West Papua community by force and did not comply with the conscience of the people of West Papua.

"So until 2017, we TPN-PB / OPM as a state fence continue to struggle to reclaim the sovereign rights that have been seized by the colonial Indonesia," said Yogi, adding

Until now, according to Yogi, the spirit of liberation struggle never died to fight for the fate of the people of Papua. Warning December 1, 2017 as evidence of our TPN-PB / OPM Paniai region commemorate the birth of the nation of West Papua Hut Yang-56 Year 1961.

The memorial is an eternal history for the people of West Papua and will be remembered by all generations of West Papuan folk fighters throughout the century.

Land Army TPN-PN / OPM Paniai, Otto Jemmy Magay Yogi said, independence is the right of all nations, no one forbids and forbids. For, the Papuan nation is independent only once there must be official recognition from Indonesia and the UN.

"This is one day that has spawned the nation of West Papua. So, must be commemorated by the people of West Papua, "he said Jemmy.

His organization has pledged wholeheartedly that it has to struggle with dignity for the sake of the struggle for sovereignty.

"The people of West Papua continue to struggle to reclaim the sovereign rights that have been seized. And we promise to live and keep fighting, "he said. (*)
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1) March for West Papuan Independence

December 3, 2017, 11:41 pm
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2) Wenda elected as new head of West Papuan liberation movement
3) Pacific Media Centre turns ten, discusses media freedom under threat
4) Vanimo MP says PNG govt asleep on border protection
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Note. A large number of photos in the article 
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1) March for West Papuan Independence

On Friday (01/12), dozens of demonstrators gathered in Central Jakarta to demand West Papuan independence from Indonesia. Marchers brought posters and sang traditional West Papuan songs in defiance what the demonstrators see as a foreign occupation of the territory. (JG Photo / Yudha Baskoro)
By : JG | on 11:42 AM December 04, 2017 Category : Eyewitness, Multimedia, Photos
Jakarta. On Friday (01/12), dozens of demonstrators gathered in Central Jakarta to demand West Papuan independence from Indonesia. Marchers brought posters and sang traditional West Papuan songs in defiance what the demonstrators see as a foreign occupation of the territory.
"We're not Indonesian, we're the Morning Star, the Morning Star, you've just said red and white," demonstrators chanted, referring to West Papua's historical flag.
Marchers, members of the Papuan Student Alliance and the People's Front of Indonesia for West Papua, also demanded that the Indonesian government force US-based mining giant Freeport McMoran to shut down operations in the province.
The demonstration came on the eve of West Papua's first declaration of independence on Dec. 1, 1961.
"The relationship between Papua and Indonesia is like an illegal marriage," said one activist.

"We are different from Indonesia, it's been a long time. You are white, we are black, your hair is straight, we are curly, we are brothers or you just want our own natural wealth," an orator shouted in front of a police officer.
"After Dec. 1, 1961, [former president] Soekarno declared the Trikora 19 days later in Yogyakarta to seize West Papua and dissolve the country," said Surya Anta, spokesman for the People's Front of Indonesia for West Papua.
In fact, Trikora was the name given to the Indonesian military operation to invade and annex the Dutch territory of New Guinea, which lasted nine months.
Demonstrators planned to march to Freeport's offices in Kuningan, South Jakarta, but were stopped by police in front of the Megaria cinema in the center of the city.

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2) Wenda elected as new head of West Papuan liberation movement
4:10 pm today 
Benny Wenda, Wellington, 10 May 2017. Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has elected the exiled independence leader Benny Wenda as its new leader.
Mr Wenda effectively replaces Octo Mote who was the general-secretary of the Movement, which is West Papuans' premier organisation for advancing independence from Indonesia.
For the past week, the Movement's executive has been in Vanuatu's capital for its first major summit since forming there three years ago.
During the summit, the Movement introduced new by-laws and a change in structure to a chairmanship in the organisation.
According to a member of the Liberation Movement executive, Andy Ayamiseba, the chairmanship is to be rotated.
This is a co-ordinative body so we don't want to encourage particular groups or individuals to dominate the Movement," Mr Ayamiseba explained.
"So we from the council committee, which is the supreme authority of the ULMWP, have elected Mr Benny Wenda to take over the leadership.”
from left:) United Liberation Movement for West Papua chairman Benny Wenda, Vanuatu prime minister Charlot Salwai and deputy prime minister Joe Natuman, as well as ULMWP deputy chairman Octo Mote at the Movement's summit in Port Vila, 1 December 2017. Photo: Australia West Papua Association

During the summit, Vanuatu's government also donated a building in Port Vila which will be the Liberation Movement's Pacific headquarters.
According to Mr Ayamiseba, the office building would serve as the Liberation's home base from where its international diplomacy lobbying efforts will be co-ordinated.
"It demonstrated the commitment of the Vanuatu government, as a member of the UN, to our case," he said.
Vanuatu's prime minister Charlot Salwai, and his deputy Joe Natuman, officially handed over the title to the land and the key to the on Friday, which was an important anniversary in the Papuan independence struggle.
The first of December is the anniversary of West Papua's declaration of independence when the Morning Star flag was first raised.
It's 56 years since the Papua nationalist flag was first officially flown in the former Dutch New Guinea, shortly before Indonesia took control of the territory.
The flag was subsequently banned after Indonesia took control of the former Dutch New Guinea in 1962.

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3) Pacific Media Centre turns ten, discusses media freedom under threat
4:54 pm today 
Auckland University of Technology's Pacific Media Centre has marked its tenth anniversary with a seminar discussing two of the wider region's most critical media freedom crises.
The 'Journalism Under Duress' seminar examined media freedom and human rights in Philippines and Indonesia's Papua region, otherwide known as West Papua.

The executive director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Malou Mangahas spoke about extrajudicial killings and an ongoing spate of murders of journalists in her country.
Threats to journalists in the Philippines have been on the rise since President Rodrigo Duterte came to power last year. However, according to Ms Mangahas, his "war on drugs" has seen over 7 thousand people killed, over often spurious allegations that they were drug dealers.
In the discussion about West Papua, the PMC seminar heard that access to the Indonesian region for foreign journalists, while still restricted, remained critical for helping Papuans' voices to be heard.
Many West Papuans don't trust Indonesian national media outlets in their coverage of Papua, while independent journalists in this region face regular threats by security forces for covering sensitive issues.
The Pacific Media Centre and its two associated news and current affairs websites, Pacific Scoop and Asia Pacific Report, are among the few New Zealand media outlets to cover West Papua.
As well as a range of media books over the past decade, the PMC also publishes the long-running research journal Pacific Journalism Review.
"The Pacific Media Centre is rather unique in a New Zealand university context because it combines the attributes of a research and publication unit, and is also a media producer," said the PMC director Professor David Robie.
"The PMC provides a publishing environment for aspiring and young journalists to develop specialist expertise and skills in the Pacific region which is hugely beneficial for our mainstream media. All our graduates go on to very successful international careers.
"We also provide an important independent outlet for the untold stories of our region," he said.
Earlier, the head of the School of Communication Studies at AUT, Professor Berrin Yanıkkaya launched the book Conflict, Custom & Conscience: Photojournalism and the Pacific Media Centre 2007-2017, as well as the latest edition of the Pacific Journalism Review.
She said Professor Robie and his PMC colleagues had created "a channel for the voiceless to have a voice, a platform for the unseen to be seen”.


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4) Vanimo MP says PNG govt asleep on border protection
From Dateline Pacific, 6:04 am today 
A Papua New Guinea MP has called for for enhanced defence co-operation with Australia and Indonesia to protect PNG's borders.
Belden Namah is the MP for Vanimo Green, an electorate in West Sepik province on the country's porous border with Indonesia.
He says cross-border trafficking of guns and illicit goods from Indonesia's Papua region remains a big problem for PNG.
Mr Namah told Johnny Blades  that the government is asleep on the issue.


TRANSCRIPT

BELDEN NAMAH: There hasn't been much attention given to the Defence Force by the government, especially inadequate funding for them to be able to man the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. There has been a lot of illegal activities like smuggling of drugs, smuggling of weapons between the cross-border. Arms have been smuggled from the border between West Sepik and Western Province, and they're making their way up to the Highlands. It is a serious issue, and I can see that this issue is also now affecting the PNG LNG Project where the landowners take up arms and threaten to shut down the LNG Project. This is not really good for the country.
JOHNNY BLADES: Do you think PNG should be looking at more partnerships for its defence force with maybe Australia or Indonesia?
BN: We've had defence co-operation with Australia for a long, long time. But there hasn't been much done by the PNG government itself. We can't continue to rely on Australia. But yes in terms of partnership, there must be enhanced co-operation between Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Australia especially at the border to stop these illicit activities from happening along the border of the three countries, whether by sea or by land.
JB: So you'd like to see a more tightly guarded border?
BN: I'd like to see more funding into the Defence Force, into the the police, so that we give priority to manning the border, addressing the law and order issues in this country. I don;t see much attention being given by the government. In order for countries to develop, you have to firstly address the law and order issues. You may not eradicate them. Those problems will continue to be there. you have to come up with measures that will be able to control. And I would like to see more funding to be able to combat the law and order issues in the country, to be able to combat the illegal activities  on the border. It used to be really good from the early 1970s, 1980s. It was only in recent times that there's not been much attention given.
JB: So, more needs to be done, more resourcing and effort...
BN: More needs to be done. And we also continue to have these incursions by Indonesian troops to our side of the border, and our people continue to live in fear because of these problems between Indonesia and the West Papua people, those fighting for freedom.
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1) PAPUA DECEMBER 1ST MARKED WITH DOZENS OF ARREST

December 4, 2017, 10:59 am
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2) FOR THE SAKE OF PALM OIL, BRIMOB ALLEGEDLY PERSECUTED CUSTOMARY LAND OWNER
 3) Australia and Indonesia: are we there yet?
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1) PAPUA DECEMBER 1ST MARKED WITH DOZENS OF ARREST
Dec 04, 2017

                              Dozens of KNPB members and sympathizers arrested and taken to Merauke Police – Jubi / Frans L Kobun

Nabire, Jubi – Anniversary of West Papua 1st December day of Independence Manifesto marked with arbitrary arrest in Nabire, Merauke, Salatiga and Ternate.
In Nabire Regency, Papua Province, police arrested three members of West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Nabire. They were arrested by Nabire Police Resort on Friday (December 1st) at 07:56 am Papua time.
Yohanes Kogopa, a member of KNPB told Jubi during a press conference at KNPB Nabire secretariat. He said the three KNPB members were Melcisedek Yeimo, Kris Mote, and Yulianus Boma.
“The Police came to our secretariat at around 7:00 am when I still asleep. I was very surprised,” he said on Friday (December 1st). He also said there were about four gun shots heard. “When I was awake and dribbled for the third shot, I ran to the back of the secretariat,” he said.
Several police personnel also smashed some part of the secretariat, which resulted of several broken glass, broken front doors, broken boards, and a blackboard hollowed out. “The three of our member were then forcibly arrested,” he said.
While arresting their members, their motorcycle was also taken by the police. “But it’s not our motorcycle, it’s owned by our neighbor,” he said.
Up until 17:15 PM when the press conference took place, the three are still detained in Nabire resort police.
Alex Pigai, one of Nabire’s KNPB administrators, added that KNPB demands their friends held in Porles Nabire to be released immediately.
“There are many incidents such as this, and the police are constantly intimidating us,” he said.
Another KNPB member, Anton Gobai, also said that the pattern of arrest is similar as happened few times. “This time, they (the police) were not only arrested our friends but also took bananas, cassava, ginger, and sugar cane that were ours. They took those to the police car,” he said.
When Jubi contacted the Nabire resort police to ask for confirmation and comment, there was no response until the news was released. 
Arrested in Merauke
Earlier in Merauke, dozens of KNPB members and sympathizers were arrested by Merauke. A total of 20 people of KNPB supporters were arrested on Thursday (November 30) night. It is said that they plan to be discharged on Friday afternoon.
“The KNPB sympathizers were secured in one of the houses around Jalan Cikombong, Kamundu Village overnight at around 24.00 WIT,” said the Head of Merauke Police Station, Police Commissioner (Kompol) Marthen Koagouw, to Jubi on Friday (December 1st).
Marthen said they were held a discussion as well as planning an action of December 1st on Friday. He said the police did not know for sure what the discussion was about. When the police came, the discussion has stopped. “But obviously there is a plan to take action December 1,” said Marthen.
It is noted that in order to monitor the anniversary of December 1 in Papua, Merauke police held patrols in three places in 2017. They were also monitor KNPB activists and sympathizers activities.  The three places are Jalan Bupul, Jalan Domba and Jalan Cokombong. 
“We did not find people gathering and doing various activities,” he said.
Merauke Police Chief, Adjunct Senior Commissioner (AKB) Bahara Marpaung said the situation is safe and conducive. “Indeed a number of people were secured last night, because they gathered to talk about something. But we immediately secured and taken them the Merauke police station,” said Bahara.
After some inspection they will be returned, he said. “Last night they stayed at Merauke Resort Police Station. But today (December 1) they will be taken back to their homes by car,” he said. 
Police took 30 students in Salatiga
Papua Student Alliance (AMP) activists in Salatiga City, Central Java, were also arrested by the police, just before dawn of the December 1 celebration.
“Initially we celebrated December 1st on November 30, 2017 at midnight, which is also the night entered December 1, 2017,” said Leadership Alliance of Papua Students of Semarang and Salatiga, Jackson Gwijangge, in a press release, Saturday (December 2).
He explained that the arrest occurred when Salatiga AMP activist wearing customary clothes and Morning star ornamental on his face made a pose with West Papua Independence Day’s Cake to celebrate the event. “The activity was recorded and uploaded with video photos to social media,” Jackson said.
Following the morning, December 1, 2017 at 02.00 pm they AMP held a worship celebrating the day of political manifesto of the people of Papua. 
During the service, TNI and Police officers surrounded their dormitory and intimidated the students who were worshiping.
At that time the police officer asked Yance Murib, but not answered by students who were doing worship. “Then the police officer took us to police station for interrogation,” said Jackson. 
It was said that police interrogated Tommy Meage, Magel Kobal and Yance Murib because they were the students’ negotiator to the police. However, they still at the police station until 5 pm with no news.
 “There were 30 people in the Polres yard and the three negotiators were still being interrogated in the room related to photos, video clips with Morning Star ornament updated through social media,” he said.
The 1st December has been a historical moment for West Papuan to be celebrated. It was on 1st December 1961 the independence political manifesto and morning star flag first being raised. Indonesia government are oppsed any celebration of that historical moment, and morning star flag are banned.(tabloidjubi.com/Zely)
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2) FOR THE SAKE OF PALM OIL, BRIMOB ALLEGEDLY PERSECUTED CUSTOMARY LAND OWNER
Dec 04, 2017



                Yan Ever Mengge, an alledged victim of violence in Puragi Village, South Sorong, West Papua Province – IST



Jayapura, Jubi – Three Brimob personnel in West Papua Police allegedly mistreated civilians, Yan Ever Mengge, in Puragi Village, Metamani District, South Sorong Regency, on October 23, 2017, while held a vigil at PT Permata Putera Mandiri (PPM) palm plantation area, a subsidiary of ANJ Group.
According to a Press release by civil society organizations received by Jubi per e-mail in Jayapura on Monday (November 20), the man is one of the three members who were hit at the back with a rifle butt.
The apparatus also uses boots and hands, kicking the ribs and belly of the victim, head and knee, made the victim unable to walk. His whole body was bruised, vomiting blood, dizzy and unable to sleep.
“Currently Bowake (the nickname of victim) survive suffer from pain, trauma and have not received justice or recovery for the suffering they and their families suffered,” said Simon Soren of the Iwaro Student Youth and Student Association, who are members of Solidarity for Victims of Violence and Indigenous Peoples of Iwaro through their press release.
Mentioned in the statement, violence against indigenous Papuans by elements of the TNI-Polri in securing the area of ​​plantation business, mining, logging and other natural resources utilization efforts in Papua often occurs.
Violence against Iwaro tribal peoples in Puragi has been repeated throughout 2017.
“This incident occurred since Iwaro tribe in Puragi and the surrounding kampong, perform “customary barriers “on their customary land, forest and food hamlets, dismantled, evicted and eliminated by PT. PPM, without deliberation and approval of land owners,” he said.
In 2015, he continues, four locals – landowners were imprisoned after the demonstrations and protested to demand their rights which the company seized.
On that basis, the solidarity from 14 representatives denounced the brutal actions of the authorities.
“We ask the West Papua Provincial Government and South Sorong Regency, and West Papua Police Chief, to take immediate action. To investigate Brimob officers who are on duty at the location of plantation business, inspect and punish the perpetrators who are involved in such acts of violence, “said Franky Samperante, from the PUSAKA Foundation in Jakarta.
Solidarity also calls for a security, intimidation and violence approach to civil society to be stopped.
Minister of Agriculture, Minister of ATR / BPN, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, West Papua provincial government and South Sorong regency are also required to audit and sanction the activities and permits and business rights of all ANJ Group subsidiaries operating in the area.
 The company’s activities are suspected to involve several acts of violence and human rights abuses, as well as the taking off customary lands.
Seven clans garnered PT PPM activities
Since September, seven clans gathered in Puragi, namely the Gue, Atoare, Mengge, Bumere, Kawaine, Oropae 1, and Oropae 2 clans are customary to the activities of PT PPM in Ureko to Nyono.
They accused the company has not completed their obligations regarding the status of land and compensation for losses and loss of community life. The company is also considered to be non-transparent in discussing the empowerment program of socio-economic and cultural rights for the community.
Indigenous peoples of seven clans continue to organize corporate activities. This makes the tension between society and the company. The company also uses the “services” of Brimob personnel to watch in the company area.
Not infrequently these individuals commit acts of violence, intimidation and threatening citizens.
Violence against indigenous peoples
Beginning in October 2017, Head of Kampong Puragi, Nataniel Oropae together with the community of seven clans of landowners from Puragi, Sorong and Teminabuan (Sorsel) came to the contractor’s office (RPU), Kapiremi Hamlet, at Kilo 3, to demand that the company to pay the losses and land and yield rights of local forests damaged by the company.
It was rains and Nataniel took shelter beside the guard post. He reprimanded a Brimob officer who was at his side.

“Ade, what’s looking for?” Nataniel asked.
Instantly the officer was angry and threatened Nathaniel to hit him.
“Do not hit!” Said Nataiel, until the officer dropped his intention.
In the community dialogue with the company, which was attended by the authorities, there was no payment of customary land according to Gubernatorial Regulation Number 5. They only pay the wood cubic up to 30 up. While rattan, sago, rosin is not paid. People are disappointed and continue to protest.
The landowners in Kapiremi Hamlet, whose land was evicted by PT PPM without deliberations involving the wider community and landowners, Arnold Bumere, in October 2017 protested and posted a ban.
But he was greeted with intimidation. The incident happened in Logpond Jamarema.
A similar event was experienced by Edison Oropae, the owner land in the desert Ureko. He experienced verbal violence.
On October 23, 2017, Yan Ever Mengge met a company operator displacing land and forests in Kapiremi Hamlet. He wanted to inquire about the demands of the community regarding the payment of compensation for lost land and forest products, because, according to the company’s promise, it was realized on October 22, 2017.
Then he requested the company’s activities be stopped. Brimob officers came to the scene and asked the perpetrators. They also pursued Mengge, who is called the perpetrator of ill-treatment.
Unfortunately, the three officers beat and tortured Mengge with a long rifle to his knees. His back, his waist and knees hurt. “Brimob say, this is the day we kill you here. Brimob kicked me like a ball,” the story of Yan Ever Mengge.
He was taken to the company camp to be treated for some time. However, the bones and back of the body are still sick and often vomiting.
West Papua Police Chief Inspector General Pol Alberth Roja when confirmed per cellular on Thursday afternoon (November 23) has not provided clarification.
Jubi tried to send a short message via the cellular number but not yet replied. Similar thing was attempted to the company. But Jubi has not managed to ask for their clarification.(Timo Marten/Zely)
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 THE PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMANT DECEMBER 5 2017 - 12:15AM 

3) Australia and Indonesia: are we there yet?
The people of these neighbouring nations know surprisingly little about each other.

My neighbour on the plane was an Indonesian, going home to Jakarta, after having spent many years living and working in Australia. "What takes you back?" I enquired. Like most Australians, I tend to assume that anyone from a developing country who gets the chance would prefer to live and work in Australia.
"Job opportunities," he replied. Jakarta was growing fast, and with the skills he had (he was in IT), he thought he could do much better there than in Sydney.

He was no doubt right about that, although, when I got to Jakarta, I wondered how anyone could survive, let alone prosper, in a city with traffic congestion of mind-boggling dimensions and air pollution bad enough to make your eyes water.
It's difficult to get your head around Indonesia. Our two countries differ in almost every conceivable way: in history, religion, population, linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as overall economic development. We cannot ignore each other, yet common ground is difficult to delineate.
The Turnbull government's recent foreign policy white paper sees Indonesia through the lens of China's growing strategic power. Indonesia is billed as an Indo-Pacific democracy with which we will build closer economic and other relations, helping to secure greater balance in the region. Australia, we are reminded, favours open markets and the rule of law, and will continue to push for these good things regionally and internationally.

Foreign policy statements play primarily to a domestic audience, so in a sense it doesn't matter whether the other countries in the drama agree with their Australian-assigned roles. In any case, the real action lies in bilateral relations, which will always be advancing and retreating, largely unheralded, on a range of fronts.
Even so, something seems not quite right. We used to spend a lot of time talking about Indonesia (only Papua New Guinea is closer), but unless something happens to upset or inconvenience us, our near neighbour excites little public interest. I expected to meet many Australians as I travelled around Java; to my surprise, I found almost none. All the Australians, I was told, were on Bali, and most never got beyond Kuta. Other tourists were European, predominantly Dutch. No doubt many had connections going back to the days (over 70 years ago now) when the Netherlands was the resident colonial power. I suspect the lack of interest is reciprocated: most Indonesians I met seemed to know little about Australia. Having established through friendly enquiry that I was Australian, if I said I was from Canberra, people looked a bit puzzled.

Should we be concerned? Australia is a more prosperous and certainly more populous country than it was, yet fewer year 12 students are studying Indonesian than 40 years ago. And that's absolute numbers. While students from Indonesia study in Australia, the numbers are not huge: about 14,000 at all levels, many funded through aid scholarships. Richer Indonesians seeking tertiary education tend to go to the United States.
I was looking forward to catching up with my contact in Jakarta, a former student, who is now a middle-ranking public servant. My friend picked me up the following day in a very smart SUV. It was late in the morning so we were able to make our way very slowly to see some of the city.

I complimented her on her car. She used to take the bus to work, she explained, but the service was unreliable and she found the experience of being squashed up with mostly male passengers unpleasant. She does not wear the hijab, which I suppose didn't help. Her daily commute from her suburban flat to the CBD and home again was about seven hours. "You could ride a motorbike," I suggested. For every SUV clogging the inadequate road system, there were at least two motorbikes, whose drivers (mostly male but some women, too) zapped in, out and around the traffic. "It's not safe," she said. I could see her point. Although the car drivers did not exactly follow the rules, the motorbike riders were even worse. Indeed, they were banned from some parts of the city.
It's not easy, living in a city of 10 million people, on an island of 140 million, in a country with 260 million. You must live and let live. Middle-class drivers may decry the army of motorbikes, but it's difficult to see how Jakartans could get around at all without them. There are several motorbike-based ride-sharing services, each with its own app. And when you want to drive out of a car park or side street into a main road clogged with traffic, a chap called (in Bahasa) a "Pak Ogah" will appear to help you out. The Pak Ogah walks into the middle of the traffic, holds up his hand, the cars stop and, as you exit, you push a small sum into his palm. Not everyone pays – there are always free riders – but enough to make it worthwhile.
I'm unsure we have the right mindset to deal with Indonesia's complex, contradictory society.
My friend had done quite well so far. I wondered, though, how she would fare in the future. It's definitely not easy being a woman and trying to pursue a career. Girls go to school but, particularly in Java's more traditional areas, are then expected to marry, have children and stay home to look after them. Indonesia's mostly moderate, but conservative, form of Islam is unhelpful for women's equality.
There is certainly a strong-arm element in the Indonesian character. But perhaps this is understandable. It's a wonder a nation of such astonishing diversity holds together at all. Perhaps because of a fear of breakaway movements, their sense of sovereignty is strong. When Indonesian fishing boats ferried asylum seekers to Christmas Island, the passengers all came from eslewhere. A decade ago, some unfortunate Papuans tried to escape to Australia. Their return was demanded, and they were quickly sent back.
I am unsure we have the right mindset for this complex, contradictory society. Beyond our immediate concerns, we seem too unambitious in some ways, too high-minded in others. There is much we can give. We could, for example, do more to support Indonesian female students, here and in Indonesia, following up and supporting their careers as much as possible. The rule of law and open markets are attractive concepts, but they don't always correspond with the reality on the ground.
Foreign direct investment into Indonesia is dominated by Singapore, China, Japan and the Netherlands. In trade, Australian companies have done well through live-cattle exports but have struggled to make much impact in other areas, such as infrastructure. Clearly, access depends on much more than just propinquity. Indonesia is unlikely to open its domestic market to more Australian imports unless there is some advantage to it in doing so. Unless we can come up with more creative ways of linking overall policy to economic and business interests, we will continue to miss out.
Professor Jenny Stewart is a visiting fellow in UNSW Canberra's school of business. 
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1) The consequences of Friday's peaceful protest

December 5, 2017, 12:15 am
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2) Indonesian minister wants Papua activists arrested

3) Juffa wants to give Oro land to West Papuans

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http://dailypost.vu/news/the-consequences-of-friday-s-peaceful-protest/article_cb577c3d-f20e-56ec-a626-13d7509aa495.html

1) The consequences of Friday's peaceful protest

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A win for the ‘little guys’ was marked on the notch of the West Papuan belt as they rallied for a peaceful protest last Friday on the streets, and joined by the young and old advocators of an independent West Papua.
Chants of ‘Free West Papua’ and ‘Papua Merdeka’ rung on a Friday afternoon as an orchestra of arbitrary symphonies tagged along; from string bands to little horns, the Morning Star Flag waived side by side the National colours as the protest gained in numbers on its way to Crow’s Nest area for the handover of an official West Papuan headquarters in the country.
However, with such events, one can only imagine the dreadful repercussions it would have on the indigenous people in West Papua.
In an interview with Yamin Kogoya, a member of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, he mentioned that they are fully aware of the consequences of their actions but “it is a risk that we have to take”.
“We know that every time that we do this kind of event, more lives in Papua are at risk, and there’s more violence, imprisonments, and also deaths, this is the retaliation from the Indonesian state, the Indonesian military forces. We are fully aware of the repercussions and the consequences of these sort of actions of these events, but this is a brave action that we have to take to the world, if we do not take this sort of risk, then in the next 10 to 20 years there will not be a single Papuan alive in Papua,” Mr. Kogoya alleged.
Many who leave West Papua, don’t usually return, but for Daniel Randongkir and Menase Tabuni, members of ULMWP who left for West Papua on Saturday after the protest, are returning without an ounce of fear and expect to be severely disciplined by the Indonesian Military.
Mr. Tabuni explained that he is aware of how dangerous it would be returning but isn’t afraid – “Yes very dangerous, but we experience this generation to generation, so why fear now? We are fighting the truth, one day the truth will defend itself”.
Mr. Randongkir added: “Maybe they can arrest me or shoot me, we don’t care, we are committed to the struggle, we give our life to the struggle.”
A David and Goliath feat lays ahead for the West Papauns, after 56 years of determined and motivated protest, the voice of the movement is only growing stronger.
Although it may seem like they are fighting a losing battle; the question was tossed at ULMWP member Mr. Kogoya to which he replied, “It’s like an elephant fighting an ant, if an ant gets into the elephant’s ears for long, at the end the elephant will give up”.

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https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345463/indonesian-minister-wants-papua-activists-arrested

2) Indonesian minister wants Papua activists arrested

12:17 pm today 
Indonesia's Minister of Defence has called for members of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to be arrested when they return to the country.

The pro-independence organisation has just concluded a summit in Vanuatu, where the UK-based activist Benny Wenda was elected its new chairman.
Vanuatu's government also donated a building in Port Vila to the Movement for its use as a Pacific regional headquarters.
While the Movement has observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Indonesia's government is opposed to it representing Papuans internationally, as well as its pro-independence activities.
A number of the Movement's executive members live in exile, but some of those who had travelled to Vila for last week's summit face possible arrest when they return to the Indonesian-ruled Papua region.
According to Indonesian media, the Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that those involved in the summit should be arrested on their return.
He also expressed disappointment at the involvement of diplomats from Melanesian countries who actively support the Liberation Movement.
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3) Juffa wants to give Oro land to West Papuans
9:48 pm GMT+12, 03/12/2017, Papua New Guinea

Northern Governor Gary Juffa says he would allocate land for West Papua people with PNG citizenship to settle in his province.
 
“Some are now residing in Northern and I also urge other provinces to allow West Papuans who are now PNG citizens to settle in their provinces,” Juffa said.
 
During the 53rd West Papuan flag-raising ceremony in Port Moresby on Friday, Juffa also committed K5000 (US$1,557) for next year’s anniversary.
 
The event held at the Jack Pidik Park was to commemorate West Papuans’ independence from their Dutch colonisers in 1964 before their annexing as an Indonesian province. The annexing did not go down well, with some being forced to flee across border to live in PNG.
 
Meanwhile Jean Parkop, wife of National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, has urged Papua New Guineans to help the West Papuans to get their citizenship and National Identification Cards.
 
Parkop, who is also a West Papuan Freedom activist, said: “The government has done its part to allow West Papuans to get their citizenships freely.
 
“So let’s help and allow them to settle on our land. That is the only way we can help them. Let them stay and take part in our political issues. Let them stay and contribute to our economy until they return to their homes.”.

SOURCE: THE NATIONAL/PACNEWS
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1) FIRST UNITED LIBERATION MOVEMENT FOR WEST PAPUA (ULMWP) LEADERS’ SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE

December 5, 2017, 11:47 am
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2) Indonesian minister condemned by Papuan Liberation Movement
3) Liberation Movement to remain voice of West Papuans - Wenda
4) Indonesia to grab Rio Tinto stake in Grasberg mine
5) Gov't Must Step Up Focus on Human Rights: Amnesty International
6) Russian military personnel arrive in Biak for navigation exercises
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1) FIRST UNITED LIBERATION MOVEMENT FOR WEST PAPUA (ULMWP) LEADERS’ SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE





1. The 1st United Liberation Movement for West Papua Leaders Summit was held in Port Vila, Vanuatu on 27 November to 3 December.
2. The Official Opening of the Summit was held at the Malvatuamuri Council of Chiefs’ Nakamal Complex, in Saralana. HE. Hon. Mr. Charlot Salwai MP, Prime Minister of Vanuatu made the opening remarks accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Hon. Mr. Joe Natuman MP. Also present was Minister of Lands, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, MP., Parliamentary Secretary/Special Envoy for West Papua to the Prime Minister, Hon. Jonny Koanapo, MP and Hon. Andrew Napuat, MP. The Opening Ceremony included the raising of the Vanuatu National Flag followed by the raising of the Morning Star Flag and West Papua National anthem “Hai Tanahku Papua”, which was sung by all Papuan leaders, delegation and support groups. A traditional ceremony of welcome dance was performed by the youths from Malakula. The Leaders then convened for the plenary at the Chief Nakamal building.
3. The Summit was chaired by the ULMWP Council Committee:
Mr. Andy Ayamiseba, Chairman of West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL), Mr. Buchtar Tabuni, Chairman of National Parliament of West Papua (NPWP) and Mr. Edison Waromi, Prime Minister of the Federated Government of West Papua (NRFPB).
4. Leaders in attendance included the representative of the WPNCL, NPWP, NRFPB, The National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPN-PB), Military Council of the National Liberation Army (DM-TPNPB), Army of the Republic of West Papua (TRWP), the Customary Council of West Papua (DAP), West Papua Liberation Organisation (WPLO) and Alliance of Papuan Students (AMP).
5. The representatives of Vanuatu Cultural Centre, Port Vila, Tongoa Shepherds Women Association, Australia West Papua Association (AWPA), Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Australia, International Academic for West Papua-Australia, as Observers to the Summit and addressed the meeting.
6. Leaders also welcomed the Special Guest to the First ULMWP Leaders Summit. The Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak Socialiste (FLNKS), representative of MSG and Solomon Island to addressed the meeting.
7. Leaders considered and approved the Rules and Procedures of the First ULMWP Leaders’ Summit 2017.
8. The Leaders also noted that there were requests to the Council Committee to further develop procedures and criteria to assess non-affiliated Papuan resistance group applications for ULMWP membership to be considered.
9. The Leaders also noted that the UN-based MSG Ambassadors, Vanuatu Ambassador. Solomon Island Ambassador would be requested to be involved in consultations with the Decolonization Committee (C24) on the issue of West Papua regarding the West Papua Petition on self-determination toward political independence.
10 Leaders agreed to continue work with, develop and maintain the relationship with the 8 (Eight) Pacific Coalition for West Papua, MSG, PIF, ACP, CARRICOM, ACP-EU, and all West Papua support groups regarding the issue of West Papua right to self-determination toward political independence.
11. Leaders noted an update on the situation in West Papua and recognized that the human rights situation is becoming worse there, the Papuans and the Indonesians who support the human rights and the self-determination of West Papua were arrested and tortured.
12. As required by the Rules and Procedures, the Secretary General presented the Secretariat’s 2014-2017 Report to the Leaders for their consideration and approval.
13. The Leaders considered and received the following:
(I) Report by the ULMWP Secretary General on the Secretariat’s Activities for the First Period of Work (2014-2017) included the Report from the ULMWP Liaison Team from West Papua; (II) Report by the ULMWP Working Committee (Ad Hoc Committee); (III) Draft of the Amendment of the By-Laws of the organization; (IV) Draft of the Regulation of the organization; (V) Draft of the Rules and Procedure of Finance; (VI) Draft of the Ethical Code of the organization; and (VII) Draft of the Job Descriptions
14. Leaders considered and subsequently adopted the Secretary General’s Report.
15. Leaders considered, discussed and approved the following:
(I) Report by the ULMWP Secretary General on the Secretariat’s Activities for the First Period of Work (2014-2017) included the Report from the ULMWP Liaison Team from West Papua; (II) Report by the ULMWP Working Committee (Ad Hoc Committee); (III) Draft of the Amendment of the By-Laws of the organization;
(IV) Draft of the Regulation of the organization; (V) Draft of the Rules and Procedure of Finance (VI) Draft of the Ethical Code of the organization (VII) Draft of the Job Descriptions
16. As required by the By-Laws and the Rules of Procedures Leaders nominated and elected the new structure of the Executive Committee of the ULMWP Leadership for the second period of the Work Term 2018-2021.
Leaders appointed are as follows:
Chair: Benny Wenda 
Deputy Chair: Octovianus Mote 
Secretary: Rex Rumakiek 
Spokesperson: Jacob Rumbiak 
Treasurer: Paula Makabory 
Member: Oridek Ap
17. The 1 December celebrations and the Official Handing Over Ceremony of ULMWP Building commenced with a rally and march attended by ULMWP leadership, delegates from West Papua and solidarity groups from Vanuatu, Kanaky, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia and the United Kingdom. The march concluded at the new ULMWP Head Office in Anabrou where the Handing Over Ceremony was held. Opening remarks were made by West Papua Unification Committee, Pastor Allen Nafuki, followed by Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Hon. Mr. Joe Natuman MP and HE. Hon. Mr. Charlot Salwai MP, Prime Minister of Vanuatu. Also in attendance was Minister of Lands, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, MP., Parliamentary Secretary/Special Envoy for West Papua to the Prime Minister, Hon. Johnny Koanapo, MP and Hon. Andrew Napuat, MP. The flags of Vanuatu and West Papua flew together and the National anthem “Hai Tanahku Papua” was sung by all Papuan leaders and delegation. Minister for Lands, Mr. Regenvanu handed over the keys to the building to ULMWP Chairman, Benny Wenda and Deputy Chair, Octovianus Mote. The building was officially opened by Prime Minister of Vanuatu. Mr. Salwai. After a tour of the building, the West Papuan delegation provided gifts to the Vanuatu government that were received in a traditional Melanesian ceremony of thanks by the National Council of Chiefs. ULMWP Chairman, Benny Wenda, addressed the delegates about the success of the Summit, the renewed commitment to unity and the growing strength in the movement inside West Papua as well as the international solidarity campaign. Pastor Peter Ranbel offered a Closing Prayer, which was followed by a Kava Ceremony with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister as the traditional sealing of the Official Handing Over Ceremony.
December 5, 2017


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2) Indonesian minister condemned by Papuan Liberation Movement

10:05 pm on 5 December 2017 

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has condemned an Indonesian government call for its members to be arrested.
The pro-independence Movement has just concluded a summit in Vanuatu, where the UK-based activist Benny Wenda was elected its new chairman.

However Indonesia's Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu called for members of the Liberation Movement who are based in Indonesian-ruled Papua to be arrested upon their return.
The Movement's Pacific regional diplomat Akouboo Douw has described the minister's call as abusive.
He says the Movement has every right to hold its meeting in Vanuatu, where it has official business as part of its role in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Mr Douw says the West Papuans' meeting was not against the Indonesian constitution or its Pancasila state philosophy.
"It is not going to be big disaster for your nation but also Indonesia has to respect the ULMWP as an entity of the MSG," said Mr Douw.
He has urged Australia and New Zealand to monitor the Papua-based Liberation Movement's members when they return home lest they be arrested by Indonesia.
While the Movement has observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Indonesia's government is opposed to it representing Papuans internationally, as well as its pro-independence activities.
According to Mr Douw, Jakarta should realise that the independent Melanesian member countries in the MSG, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu, support the right to self-determination for all Melanesians.

Meanwhile, he thanked Vanuatu's government for donating a building in Port Vila to the Liberation Movement for use as its international headquarters.
Mr Douw said that West Papuans have rights to come and go, and that Vanuatu is a free Melanesian country which Papuans consider like a home.
Meanwhile, the independent Papua newspaper Tabloid Jubi reported that dozens of Papuans were arrested for publicly marking the anniversary of the first Papuan declaration of independence.
Last Friday was 56 years since the Papua nationalist flag was first officially flown in the former Dutch New Guinea, shortly before Indonesia took control of the territory.
The Morning Star flag was subsequently banned.
Each year on 1 December there are demonstrations in cities around the wider Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand, where Morning Star flags are flown to mark the anniversary.
The demonstrations in the towns and cities of West Ppapua and Papua provinces tend not to feature the flag raising, and typically result in arrests by Indonesian police.

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3) Liberation Movement to remain voice of West Papuans - Wenda
3 minutes ago 
The new head of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, says the organisation's agenda will not change.
Mr Wenda has replaced Octo Mote, its former secretary-general, at the head of the premier organisation pursuing Papuan independence from Indonesia.
The change in leadership came in Vanuatu where the Movement last week held its first major summit since its inception three years ago.
Members of the organisation's executive dismissed suggestions that there was a power struggle within the Movement. The move to a chairmanship structure, they said, reflected the co-operative nature of the organisation so that no one group or individual should dominate.
"We operate on a power-sharing basis, so that's why it's very important to maintain the unity and agenda. That's what the executive council has given us the mandate to continue," said Mr Wenda.
The chairmanship will be rotational, with Mr Mote to be deputy chairman. Mr Wenda said the Movement's new leadership structure would not affect the self-determination push.
"Now we have new leadership so we really need the people - the people back home in West Papua, and in the Pacific - we need you to be our voice, and to maintain the unity to campaign for our right to self-determination. We hope that Pacific leaders will continue to support our right to self-determination."
Listen to more on Dateline Pacific duration3:51
Add to playlist 
 
Benny Wenda has thanked Vanuatu's government for donating a building in Port Vila for the Liberation Movement to use as an international headquarters.
"The government officially handed over the key, and this is a key step for the Movement itself," he said, paying tribute to Vanuatu's ongoing support for Papuan self-determination aspirations.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu has called for members of the Liberation Movement who are based in Indonesian-ruled Papua to be arrested upon their return home.
However the Movement's Pacific regional diplomat Akouboo Douw described the minister's call as abusive, saying his organisation had every right to hold its meeting in Vanuatu, where it has official business as part of its role in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
According to Mr Wenda, the United Liberation Movement's goal was not about dismantling the Indonesian republic.
Mr Wenda said he was not bothered that he has previously been branded a criminal and a fugitive by Indonesia's government which is opposed to the Movement representing Papuans.
"Indonesia will look at it that way, but we are fighting for our right to self-determination. We are fighting, not destroying the Indonesian unitary state of the republic," he explained.
"But West Papua... Indonesia is illegally occupying it. That is the problem, that's the issue."
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4) Indonesia to grab Rio Tinto stake in Grasberg mine
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After pumping billions into Grasberg copper-gold mine in Indonesia for almost 25 years, Rio Tinto (ASX, LON, NYSE: RIO) might finally be about to see a decent return as the country’s government said Tuesday it plans to acquire the miner’s 40% stake in the coveted operation.
The move comes as Grasberg’s operator, US-based Freeport McMoRan (NYSE:FCX), agreed in August to divest 51% of PT Freeport Indonesia to the country’s government. But until today, it wasn’t clear what would happen to Rio’s interest in the mine.
The Southeast Asian nation, which will complete the acquisition of Freeport’s stake in Grasberg by February 2018, intends to purchase Rio’s stake as well, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan said on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Under a joint venture formed with Freeport in 1995, Rio is entitled to a 40% share of production when certain output levels are hit. 
Rio’s deal with Freeport was struck in 1995 and entitles it to a 40% share of production when certain output levels are hit. But as a result of strikes and other disruptions and as the open pit at Grasberg nears the end of its life, the Melbourne-based miner hasn’t seen any benefit since 2014.
Under the agreement between the Phoenix, Arizona-based miner and Indonesia, Grasberg will see an investment of as much as $20 billion through 2031 to further develop the mine, including the construction of a smelter. After 2021 Rio would get the 40% share on all production.
But authorities had told Freeport, which under the divestment framework retains operational control until 2041, that it would prefer the joint venture with Rio be over ahead of the stake stale, something Freeport had so far rejected.
Rio has held talks with Indonesian groups, including state-owned PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium, known as Inalum, about a possible exit from its interest in Grasberg, sources familiar with the matter said in October.
Rio’s chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques publicly questioned Grasberg's place in the group’s future back in February. He followed in June with a remark about Grasberg being a world-class copper deposit, which might not be a world-class mining investment.
The mine is the world’s second-largest copper mine and fourth largest gold operation.

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5) Gov't Must Step Up Focus on Human Rights: Amnesty International
By : Sheany | on 3:20 PM December 05, 2017
Jakarta. With its official launch in the country set for Thursday (07/12), Amnesty International Indonesia emphasized the need for the government to step up focus on human rights issues and warned that neglecting human right violations can impede the country’s growth.
Speaking at a press conference in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, chairman of the board for Amnesty International Indonesia, Todung Mulya Lubis, said that despite progress in democracy, political life and the economy, Indonesia still needs to pay more attention to human rights issues.
"There’s still plenty that must be done to resolve past human rights violations […] Indonesia won’t have smooth progress if those remain unresolved, it will always obstruct the way," Todung said.
The London-based organization hopes to push Indonesia to be a global player in upholding human rights with its local chapter.
"Amnesty International Indonesia wants to urge Indonesia to take a global role in the human rights movement. That’s one of our dreams," Monica Tanuhandaru, one of the board members, said.
She emphasized that economic development in Asia, Southeast Asia and Indonesia will be "meaningless without justice of human rights."
However, as the world bears witness to changing political dynamics across the globe, it is no longer solely the role of the government to ensure protection of human rights. Rather, it should be the product of a collective act from all members of society.
"[The] state is becoming weaker and weaker. Efforts to uphold and protect human rights must be done by civil society, but this doesn’t mean that we deny the existence of the state," Todung expressed.
Amnesty International Indonesia hopes to "unite all human rights movements that are present in Indonesia," especially as it aims to urge the government to resolve human rights violations.
For decades, the Indonesian government has provided little clarity on how it will address past human rights violations, including violations allegedly committed in 1965 and 1998, as well as those resulting from past conflicts in Papua, West Papua and East Timor.
Promises that these violations will be duly addressed was popular among candidates during the country’s last presidential campaigns, but real commitments to human rights from the current administration seem to have been overridden by priorities on other aspects, such as the economy and infrastructure development.
Sidarto Danusubroto, a member of the Presidential Advisory Board (Wantimpres), said that telling the truth in Indonesia is "not a simple process" and will likely require a long time.
While the government has programs for human rights, it is facing "economic issues" that must be resolved, he said.
"I’m afraid that if the government also has to resolve past human rights violations, current programs for the economy will weaken," Sidarto defended.
Countries like South Africa and Chile, Sidarto said, have "built their memories of human rights" through museums.
He reflected on the importance of these countries being able "to admit their dark past without the need to hide," and expressed his hopes that Indonesia will eventually get there.
"I hope, one day, we’ll get there – where we don’t have to be ashamed to speak of our dark past," Sidarto said.
Amnesty International Indonesia will launch its #JoinForces initiative on December 7, coinciding with the 517th Kamisan – a silent protest in front of the State Palace in Central Jakarta – as a form of solidarity to the protesters who have been demanding that the Indonesian government solve past cases of human rights abuses, which was initiated by friends and family members of 1998 student activist victims, every Thursday afternoon for the past 10 years.
The organization will also host simultaneous events across Indonesia between December 7 and 10, including in Bandung (West Java), Solo (Central Java) and Makassar (South Sulawesi).
The initiative is focused on combating growing "scapegoat" politics and the rise of negative populism that the organization said has "undermined the basic rights of minority groups."


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6) Russian military personnel arrive in Biak for navigation exercises
Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post
Jayapura, Papua | Tue, December 5, 2017 | 05:45 pm

Two Russian Ilyushin-76 strategic airlifters carrying 81 military personnel arrived at Frans Kaisiepo Airport in Biak regency, Papua on Monday and early Tuesday for navigation exercises as well as sightseeing in Indonesia’s easternmost province.
Manuhua Biak Airport spokesperson First Lieutenant Putukade Wempy said the military personnel would be in Biak from Dec. 4 to 9.
"They will only stay in Biak. They won't go anywhere else,” he told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
Besides the two planes that have already arrived, Wempy said they expected two Tupelov TU-95 bomber planes. When they arrived, there would be a total of 110 Russian military personnel in Biak.
Manuhua Biak Air commander Col. Fajar Adriyanto told reporters that the arrival of the planes was part of a collaboration between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and its Russian counterpart that included choosing Biak as the exercise location.
"The planes fly directly from Russia for 12 hours, and this will be the first time they have flown near the equator," said Fajar. "They usually fly in temperatures of minus 37 degrees, now they will fly in plus 37 degrees. So it will really be a 100% change."
The Russian planes are not equipped with radar, ammunition, or cameras as the navigation exercises would only consist of checking the accuracy of long-distance flying over the seas, he said.
"The exercises have no other purpose. Their arrival will also promote Biak as a tourist destination, Fajar added” (kmt/rin)
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INDONESIA: INDEPENDENTLY INVESTIGATE THE TORTURE AND UNLAWFUL KILLING OF MAN IN PAPUA

December 5, 2017, 1:06 pm
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INDONESIA: INDEPENDENTLY INVESTIGATE THE TORTURE AND UNLAWFUL KILLING OF MAN IN PAPUA

, Index number: ASA 21/7535/2017
Indonesian authorities must immediately conduct an independent, impartial and effective investigation into allegations of torture leading to the death of a man in Kimaam, Merauke district, Papua Province and bring the perpetrators to justice in fair trials. Providing compensation to the victim’s family cannot substitute for the state’s obligation to ensure justice in the case. Amnesty International Indonesia also calls for all cases concerning human rights violations and crimes under international law to be tried before civilian courts.

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AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL


INDONESIA PUBLIC STATEMENT


Index: ASA 21/7535/2017


2 December 2017

 Indonesia: Independently investigate the torture and unlawful killing of man

in Papua



Indonesian authorities must immediately conduct an independent, impartial and effective investigation into allegations of torture leading to the death of a man in Kimaam, Merauke district, Papua Province and bring the perpetrators to justice in fair trial s . Providing compensation to the victim’s family cannot substitute for the state’s obligation to ensure justice in the case. Amnesty International Indonesia also calls for all cases concerning human rights violations and crimes under international law to be tried before civilian courts. 


On 15 November, villagers from Woner village in Ki maam District, Merauke Regency, Papua Province held a public protest to draw attention to the role of their village leaders in the alleged misuse of funds earmarked for deve lopment projects in the area over a period of three years. The village leader filed a complaint to local military personnel at Yalet Post, stating that many of the young protesters had been consuming alcohol and were behaving drunkenly. Subsequently the mi litary personnel from the Yalet Post came to the protest was concluded site after, but could not find all the youth protesters because they had fled to a nearby forest . 


On 18 November at 11pm, four military personnel from the Yalet Post came to the house of one of the a lleged protestors, Ishak Yaguar, while he was sleeping. According to his family, the army dragged Ishak out of his house, stripped him of his clothing, kicked him, and beat him with a wood stick while taking him to Yalet Military Post, abou t 800 meters away. On the morning of 19 December, military personnel brought Ishak to the Kimaam Police Precinct, where he was transferred to the custody of police officers. In the afternoon, one of Ishak’s family members was prevented from visiting him by officers at the police station. In the evening, Ishak’s family received information from the police that he had been transferred to a hospital in Kimaam. Later that night, one of Ishak’s family members found out that Ishak had died. 


At a public ceremony on 22 November, a local military commander from the Yalet Military Post displayed an agreement signed by military personnel from Yalet Military Post and a person whom the military claimed was a representative of Ishak’s family. The document specified that the family and the local military forces would settle the case through a non - judicial process. During the ceremony, the local military commander gave Ishak’s father IDR 50 million (around USD 3,700). However, most of Is hak’s family did not acknowledged the agreement and one of the family’s representatives told Amnesty International Indonesia that they want to continue the case through a judicial process. At any rate, under the United Nations Convention against Torture an d Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) , to which Indonesia is a state party, the authorities are legally obliged to investigate all complaints and reports of torture and bring perpetrators to justice, in addition to providing rep arations to victims.


This incident is the latest reminder that the use of torture and other ill - treatment by law enforcement officials in Papua remains prevalent. Alleged acts of torture and other ill - treatment are rarely investigated in an independent an d transparent manner, and few perpetrators have been tried or convicted for their acts. Further, torture is not a specific criminal offense under Indonesia’s Criminal Code. Amnesty International Indonesia calls on Indonesian authorities to immediately cond uct an independent, impartial and effective investigation into Ishak Yaguar’s death , applying the 

Manual on the Effective Investigation 

and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the Istanbul Protocol). They should ensure that anyone against whom sufficient, admissible evidence is found 

in relation to Ishak Yaguar’s torture, unlawful death or other human rights violations involving criminal acts  is held accountable in a 

proceeding that comply with internation al fair trial standards.


The investigation,  and any prosecutions, should not be limited to the direct perpetrators but also look into any involvement of 

commanders, irrespective of rank. 


Amnesty International Indonesia further urges the Indonesian parlia ment to combat torture and ill - treatment by amending the existing Criminal Code or passing new legislation to criminalise torture and other acts of ill - treatment in accordance with the UN Convention against Torture and other r elevant international standard s.


Background 

Amnesty International Indonesia believes that the Kimaam case is not an isolated incident but reflects that the torture or other ill - treatment is still commonly used by the security forces in the Papua region. Previous investigations into human rights violations committed by security forces in Papua and West Papua provinces – including unlawful killings, the use of unnecessary and excessive force, and torture and other ill - treatment – have been unduly delayed, dropped, or their findings sup pressed, encouraging perpetrators to commit more human rights violations and leaving victims and their families without access to truth, justice and reparations.

In almost all known cases of human rights violations , members of the police and military force s in Papua and West Papua provinces have not faced criminal proceedings and have received only disciplinary sanctions when found to have committed human rights violations. No one has been held accountable for numerous known acts of torture and other ill - tr eatment in the Papua region in recent years. 

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1) OPM and police shootout at Lanny Jaya

December 6, 2017, 11:33 am
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2) Dodging the hard questions in the Pacific
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at

1) OPM and police shootout at Lanny Jaya
Rabu, 06 Desember 2017 — 21:11



                                     illustrations of OPM member Lanny Jaya led by Purom Wenda - Jubi. Dock

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi

Jayapura, Jubi - The self-proclaimed Free Papua Movement (OPM) led by Purom Okiman Wenda, based in Lanny Jaya, Papua, claimed to be the perpetrator of the shooting at Lanny Jaya Police Station in Tiom while police officers were apple morning, Wednesday (6 / 12/2017) at approximately 08:15 Papua time.

"We did the shootings when we happened to be passing by and the Lanny Jaya Police apparatus was apple, then we fired in. There were two police officers who were hit," said the claiming party as Purom Okiman Wenda when contacting Jubi on Wednesday (6/12 / 2017).

According to him, this is the spontaneous action of his side, when passing near Polres Lanny Jaya.

Police Chief Lanny Jaya, AKBP Tony Ananda Swadaya when contacted Jubi via his phone justified the action of the guns.

"The situation is safe, we happened to be shot from the bottom of the river, who shot first at the Police, but they have gone back," said AKBP Tony Ananda.

According to him, the armed contact occurred for approximately three hours. But he made sure there were no casualties in the incident, and now the situation is safe. Vehicles from Wamena, Jayawijaya to Lanny Jaya can already pass. So also from Tiom to Wamena has also passed.

"We are constantly wary of anticipating the next attack, which we are worried about, we are prepared to be assisted by the TNI, the Purom Wenda group who carried out the attack, because starting December 1 they have been carrying out the shooting of our patrol car," he said. (*)

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2) Dodging the hard questions in the Pacific

BY Nic Maclellan 5 December 2017 16:29 AEDT  


The Foreign Policy White Paper calls for enhanced engagement with the Pacific islands, a welcome priority that was echoed in Shadow Defence Minister Richard Marles' recent speech to the Lowy Institute. But the framing of this engagement as a policy of strategic denial avoids some of the complex issues facing the region that will continue to undermine Australia's standing.
According to the White Paper, Australia's approach to the region will focus on 'helping to integrate Pacific countries in the Australian and New Zealand economies and our security institutions'. But integration on whose terms? Whose security are we talking about? It is folly to believe that citizens in neighbouring Pacific countries will allow Australian governments to set the agenda. That horse has long bolted.
In recent years, a number of bipartisan policies from the Coalition and Labor have arguably damaged Australia's standing in the region. These include the commitment to fossil fuel exports, the expensive and unresolved warehousing of asylum seekers and refugees on Manus and Nauru, and the gutting of the overseas aid program, slashed to the lowest ratio of national income ever recorded. Over the last two decades, trade policy has been a central pillar of regional engagement, but years of negotiations on PACER-Plus ended with an agreement that the two largest island economies have refused to sign (the treaty isn't mentioned in the White Paper chapter on the Pacific).
Recent speeches from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Labor show an important recognition that more can be done. But we should discuss the hard question: what happens if Pacific island citizens reject the underlying premise of our renewed engagement – that Australia's regional leadership is in their best interest?
Five questions should be explored further as Australians look to an enhanced role in the islands.

What Sort Of Security Are We Looking For?

The first 'cornerstone' for Pacific engagement promoted by Marles 'is a far more extensive and deeper defence relationship with those countries which have a defence force'. He goes further, arguing 'it would benefit us to see the capability of the Pacific Island Countries' defence forces grow.'
Have we learnt nothing from our role in supporting the Papua New Guinea Defence Force during the war on Bougainville? Have we not been listening to Fijian citizens who look beyond the military for security? As the Forum launches a regional dialogue on a new 'Biketawa-Plus' security framework, we should prioritise support for actors beyond the defence forces.
Former diplomat James Batley notes the White Paper 'sees the region as both as a potential source of, and as a vector for, threats against Australia.' But no justice, no peace. Many Pacific citizens will reject Canberra's call for 'stability' if it means reinforcing an unjust status quo. Just ask people living in peri-urban squatter settlements, angry at the growing inequality in their societies, or independence movements seeking a new political status and cultural independence.
Our Pacific neighbours have been debating regional security without putting defence of Australia at the heart of the discussion. We need more work on 'human security' rather than realpolitik 'national security'; yet Australian governments prioritise the latter in funding and technical assistance. As an example, 83% of the $2.6 billion spent on RAMSI went on policing, law and justice programs, despite a call from many Solomon Islanders for greater resources to be allocated to community development initiatives in agriculture, community employment, and women's empowerment.

What Can We Offer To Self-Determination Movements?

The White Paper dodges the complex and challenging debate around self-determination in Pacific territories administered by France, the US and New Zealand, as well as in neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and PNG. There is just one paragraph on Bougainville and no mention of New Caledonia or West Papua.
Given the White Paper's stated commitment to human rights and a global 'rules-based order', this silence on the right to self-determination is striking.
Debates around autonomy or independence will be a central feature of regional politics in coming years. Successive governments in Canberra have already chosen sides in these debates, wary of new nation states being created across Melanesia. But popular support for self-determination will inevitably complicate bilateral relationships with Port Moresby, Jakarta and Paris, as well as Australia's role in the Pacific Islands Forum.
The 2016 decision to extend full Forum membership to New Caledonia and French Polynesia amplifies the capacity of the French Republic to intervene in this regional debate. Because the French state controls key legal powers over defence, policing and the military in its Pacific dependencies, Paris rather than Noumea or Papeete will drive policy in the Forum Regional Security Committee and South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting. This has concerned many Pacific opinion makers already critical of the disproportionate influence by Australia and New Zealand over Forum policy.

Do Island States Really Want Canberra Calling The Shots?

In his commentary on the White Paper, Greg Colton suggests that Australia should promote 'the establishment of a Compact of Free Association with Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati as a foreign policy priority for the Pacific'.
The idea fails the pub test. Would Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati would allow Canberra to direct their foreign policy, a core element of any Compact relationship? Pacific countries in Free Association with the US or New Zealand have never taken up this status after being an independent and sovereign state. The US Compact States also bridle at the restrictions of their status, demonstrated by expanding engagement with China, or Marshall Islands' diplomacy on nuclear disarmament.
There is obviously scope for an improved relationship with the Smaller Island States (SIS). There have been positive initiatives in recent times, such as the Pacific Labour Scheme that provides greater access to the Australian labour market. But this is a long way short of a trade-off for these countries to give greater control over foreign policy to Canberra.
In recent years, Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati have used the Pacific Small Island Developing States caucus at the UN to advance policies in direct opposition to those of Australia. Even Nauru, reliant on Australian funding from the refugee detention centres, has supported the re-inscription of French Polynesia on the UN list of non-self-governing territories, lobbied for the West Papuan nationalist movement and signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Where's The Money?

Budget cuts have hollowed out institutions that are vital for our engagement with the region, from volunteer programs to Radio Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology. This is particularly evident with the overseas aid program and climate finance. As Annmaree O'Keefe argued, the failure of the White Paper to seriously address the role of overseas development assistance is a crucial weakness.
By 2020, Australian governments must ramp up public climate financing to meet our fair share of global targets, requiring a fivefold increase beyond existing commitments. Neither major party has said where this money could come from, at a time budget papers predict overseas aid will sink to 0.2% of gross national income by 2020. Since the 2009 Copenhagen summit, Australia's climate finance has been drawn completely from the aid budget, so other options are needed.
In contrast to larger Asian nations, which benefit from private capital flows, smaller island states will always need public investment. Countries such as France are addressing this challenge, through studies into new and innovative sources of development and climate funding. If Australia is serious about engagement with the Pacific, it must do the same, in order to guarantee ongoing and predictable public financing.

What Happens When We Are Not In The Room?

Marles is correct to say Australia can do more in the region, but he poses a false dichotomy: 'Often I feel there is an instinct not to act in the manner of an overbearing colonial power; to proceed on the basis of a light touch. This sentiment is well motivated, but it is wrong.'
But new ways of working will involve addressing the contradiction between our global and regional priorities. The White Paper wants to increase 'our exports of high-quality coal and LNG' to Asia but also lead the Pacific debate on climate policy. We can't do both. Marles argues 'the countries of the Pacific expect us to lead.' I'd suggest that in some cases, people in the Pacific want Australia to get out of the way.
In global summits, DFAT diplomats often oppose Pacific island policies on loss and damage, greenhouse emission targets, nuclear disarmament or alternatives to neoliberal economics. In response, many innovative policies are being formulated and promoted through institutions where Australia is not in the room, such as the Pacific Small Island Developing States, the Alliance of Small Island States, or sub-regional organisations such as the Melanesian Spearhead Group and Polynesian Leaders Group.
This new Pacific diplomacy has paid off. Over the last year, Fiji has served as President of the UN General Assembly, co-chaired the global oceans conference and was appointed to the presidency of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP23). Canberra has provided valuable financial support to these initiatives, which has been welcomed by Pacific citizens and governments. But fundamental policy differences over climate change, trade and decolonisation will continue to complicate regional relations.
There will be new calls to transform the regional architecture, as these differences reinforce the growing sentiment that Australia and New Zealand should play a different role within the Forum. Unless we talk honestly about why people are looking to partners beyond Australia, it will be increasingly difficult to paper over contested visions for the future.
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1) NZ parliamentary committee gets West Papua briefing

December 6, 2017, 10:22 pm
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2) Indonesia must step up focus on human rights, says Amnesty
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1) NZ parliamentary committee gets West Papua briefing
5:42 pm today 
A New Zealand parliament select committee has heard there is currently no pathway for West Papua to be put on the UN decolonisation list.
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials at a parliamentary select committee briefing on West Papua, 7 December 2017 : Michael Appleton, Unit Manager, Pacific Regional Division; Stephen Harris, Divisional Manager, South East Asia Division; Ben King, Acting Chief Executive/Deputy Secretary Americas and Asia Group; Phillip Taula, Divisional Manager, United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division. Photo: VNP / Phil Smith

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee was today briefed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about West Papua, following an earlier hearing in June.
A committee member, government MP Louisa Wall, asked about a recent petition to the UN from the indigenous people of Indonesian-ruled Papua region seeking re-inscription with the Decolonisation Committee, or C24. West Papua had been on the list in the early 1960s before being removed when Indonesia took control of the territory.
Ministry officials said that for West Papua to be added to the list again there first needed to be a resolution in the UN general assembly.
"The problem at the moment is there's actually no pathway back for it to go to the C24 if it's blocked by the C24 - Indonesia (which is a member of the C24) would need to agree," said Stephen Harris, the Divisional Director of South and South East Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
But Ms Wall said West Papua was a "growing and emerging issue in the Pacific", suggesting it would increasingly demand a concerted response by New Zealand.

"How interested are we in the Pacific Island interest in the emancipation of Papua? Because it's not going to go away. I can see resolutions in the Pacific islands Forum soon that want us as a block of sixteen countries to be doing something possibly putting an application so they can be added to this non-self governing territory list."
However, Mr Harris said sentiment on this issue amongst Pacific Island countries was "quite varied".
"There is not a block of sixteen Pacific Island countries who think the same on this."
He said that reports about Indonesia's official reaction to some of the expressions of political voice in Papua were "disturbing".
According to Mr Harris, New Zealand tended to register its concern about human rights abuses at the ministerial level.
"Since June there has been an upwelling of public unrest that I mentioned with the armed insurrection in a couple of villages in Papua. At the same time there's been redoubling, I think, by the Inodnesian president Joko Widodo to try and invest more of his personal political capital in to progress there."
Mr Harris said that human and social indicators showed that Papuans generally lagged behind people in other parts of Indonesia by a long way.

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2) Indonesia must step up focus on human rights, says Amnesty
By  - 
  
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Media release . International Human Rights Day - West Papua

December 7, 2017, 11:47 am
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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) 

8 December 2017

 Media release . International Human Rights Day - West Papua

As International Human Rights Day approaches (10 December), The Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu called for West Papuan delegates who attended the ULMWP Summit in Port Vila to be arrested on their return to West Papua.


 The theme of this years Human Rights Day is the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, both which were adopted by the UN General Assembly on the 16th of December, 1966. 

Joe Collins of AWPA said “Indonesia claims to be a democracy yet as the world prepares to celebrate human rights day, Indonesia intimidates peaceful West Papuan activists ignoring a number of articles in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” 


Article 19
1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference. 

 2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice. 

Collins of AWPA said," Indonesia is obviously becoming greatly concerned at the internationalization of the issue of West Papua and is trying to intimidate West Papuan activists to not attend or hold meetings where the issue of West Papua could be raised at international fora.






                                                                             March in Port Vila 1st December

There were also a number arrests in West Papua in Merauke, Nabire and in Salatiga as activists prepared to celebrate West Papuan national flag day.

Local media Jubi reported that dozens of KNPB members and sympathizers were arrested by Merauke, 3 KNPB members arrested in Nabire   and up to 30 Papua Student Alliance (AMP) activists were arrested in Salatiga City, Central Java by the police, just before dawn on the 1st December 







                   Dozens of KNPB members and sympathizers arrested and taken to Merauke Police – Jubi / Frans L Kobun
                    Jubi 4 Dec 2017





Collins of AWPA said “ as Australia prepares to take up its position on the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year term, its time the Government stopped ignoring the human rights abuses in West Papua and starting raising concerns about the arrest and intimidation of peaceful West Papuan activists with the Indonesian government. 


Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop   should reflect on what Eleanor Roosevelt said in relation to human rights.

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home -- so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. [...] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world." -- Eleanor Roosevelt 



                                                Rally outside Indonesian Consulate Sydney on the 1st December

Ends
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1) Self-determination resistance continues in West Papua

December 8, 2017, 11:09 am
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2) In remembering Paniai bleeding, the people will boycott the election
3) The plane was shot during a shootout at Lanny Jaya
4) Hadi Tjahjanto Officially Named as New TNI Commander
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1) Self-determination resistance continues in West Papua
Friday December 8, 2017 07:06 PM GMT+8


DECEMBER 8 — The province of West Papua continues to be shrouded in secrecy from the rest of the world. West Papua’s struggle for independence from the Indonesian government has been simmering for half a century. The conflict has received little media coverage since the Indonesian government has managed to block and censor information. The government has also implemented a policy that bars foreign journalists from entering West Papua, hence preventing stories of human rights violations from being reported and reaching the outside world.
West Papua was the only territory of the East Indies Empire which the Dutch did not give to Indonesia. In 1961, the Dutch formed a national assembly and the Morning Star flag was hoisted declaring its independence. Soon after, Indonesia invaded West Papua with the military support of the Soviet Union.
The US intervened by brokering the New York Agreement without consulting or involving the indigenous people. The agreement gave Indonesia interim control of West Papua until the 1969 Act of Free Choice, a UN-sponsored referendum to vote for either independence or integration will be held. Instead of holding a universal referendum, only one per cent of the population was handpicked to vote. Those selected by the authorities were intimidated with force which resulted in a unanimous vote that was in favour of joining Indonesia.
Although the outcome of the referendum was unopposed around that time, many West Papuans think that their mandate was not taken into account on whether they want to be a part of Indonesia. The Indonesian government wrests their control of West Papua through the New York agreement.
The West Papua resistance is the most protracted conflict in the Pacific which is a highly sensitive issue for Indonesia. Almost 500,000 people have been killed since Indonesia’s annexation in 1969. The province is the most heavily militarised place of Indonesia with around 45,000 military personnel currently deployed. In 2012, security forces deployed in Wamena ambushed civilians and burned down houses and vehicles. The violence continued where in May 2015 some 487 activists were arrested for taking part in the signature-raising campaign, where some were subjected to torture.

Jokowi’s administration
There have been high hopes that the incumbent Indonesian president Joko Widodo may bring in new reforms on Indonesia’s policy towards West Papua. He granted release to five West Papuan inmates and removed restrictions on international media during his visit to the province in May 2015.
“The Jokowi administration has been trying to improve the human rights, economic, and security conditions in Papua,” DrIkrar Nusa Bhakti, a research professor at the Research Centre for Politics was quoted in an online article on ABC.
“Mr Jokowi has visited Papua four times and become the first Indonesian president (to) spend his time and attentions on Papua,” he added.
Although Widodo has tried to pacify Melanesian leaders that Indonesia upholds democracy, the police continue to use unrestrained force on West Papua.
The UN now faces regional pressure to probe the alleged human rights violations in West Papua. In March 2017, seven Pacific countries, led by Vanuatu, pushed for an UN inquiry into the alleged human rights abuses such as extrajudicial executions, fatal shootings and beatings of nonviolent protesters.
The appeal on behalf of the seven states was made by Vanuatu’s Justice Minister Ronald Warsal during a session in the UN Human Rights Council who requested for a detailed report from the high commissioner for human rights.
“To date the Government of Indonesia has not been able to curtail or halt these various and widespread violations,” he said.
“Neither has that Government been able to deliver justice for the victims. Nor has there been any noticeable action to address these violations by the Indonesian Government,” he added.
In response, Indonesia has denied that human rights abuses are rife in West Papua and criticised the countries for meddling into its affairs.
“The Indonesian Government has always endeavoured to address any allegation of human rights violation as well as taking preventative measures and delivering justice,” an Indonesian Government spokesperson told the Human Rights Council.
Some think that chances remain slim for an UN supervised referendum without approval from the Indonesian government who is ferociously against holding another referendum. West Papua’s mandate for liberation is the government’s biggest nightmare.
“The TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces) has made very clear it will not allow it, and no president has sufficient political will or capital to push it that hard,” Damien Kingsbury, Professor of International Politics at Deakin University in Melbourne was quoted in an online article on Pasifik News.
On the other hand, others think that the heightened awareness from the unwavering and persisted self-determination struggle may be a positive step.
“We need to look at what the movement has been able to achieve in recent years in terms of raising the profile of this issue not just in our region but across the world,” said Tess Newton Cain, political analyst from the Vanuatu-based TNC Consulting.
High-profile politicians such as Britain’s opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn have also backed the resistance movement, calling for a political strategy for West Papuans.
“It’s about a political strategy that brings to worldwide recognition the plight of the people of West Papua, that forces it onto a political agenda, that forces it to the UN, and ultimately allows the people of West Papua to make a choice about the kind of government they want and the kind of society in which they want to live,” he said during a meeting of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua at the House of Commons in the UK.
The mountainous region, comprising the provinces of Papua and West Papua, is home to more than 250 Melanesian ethnic groups. The tribes have not shown any inclination to join Indonesia, a country with which there is no common culture, history, ethnicity or religion. West Papuans belong to the Melanesian race. In 2007, the province’s name changed from West Irian Jaya to West Papua to fulfil the aspirations of the indigenous people.
Indonesia’s sovereignty of West Papua is recognised by most countries including the US and Australia. Australia has said that Indonesia’s rule over the region Papua provinces is defined by the 2006 Lombok Treaty. However, many Pacific island countries think that another referendum should be held to decide West Papua’s sovereignty.
The province is a poverty-stricken region even though it is one of the most mineral-rich areas in the world. According to the Australian Institute of International Affairs, the poverty level in the province is thrice more than Indonesia’s national average.
Indeed secession movements against an occupation are a tall order where the propensity of achieving full secession is grim. The self-determination resistance will continue until West Papuans are not given the freedom of choice to decide about their political future. Getting outsiders involved in the movement might be one way to push for democratic reform that will restore the dignity, freedom and respect for them.

*Roshni Kapur graduated from the University of Sydney where she specialised in Master of Peace and Conflict Studies. Her research interests are in the areas of women’s rights, civil society, and migration, conflict transformation and reconciliation.
**This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represents the views of Malay Mail Online.
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at

2) In remembering Paniai bleeding, the people will boycott the election
Jumat, 08 Desember 2017 — 16:37

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi,

Paniai, Jubi - Paniai district, Papua, is planning to boycott the 2019 general election, disillusioned with the government's disregard for the bloody Paniai incident on December 8, 2014. The shooting in front of thousands of Paniai people was a gross violation of Human Rights in Papua.

"Since the incident of this case, Paniai people do not believe in the Indonesian government that should solve the case through Komnas HAM RI," Paniai youth leader Tinus Pigai told Jubi on Friday (8/12/2017).

Tinus considers the state to be responsible, what more has been the law number 39 of 1999, about human rights and law number 26 year 2000 about human rights court.

"The process stagnates by the
"The government has not set a perpetrator accountable for his actions," Father said.

He requested that the Papuan people not forget the case of Paniai Berdarah. "President Jokowi promised to investigate the case, but until now there is no clarity," Pater asserted (*)


 government, so once again we are ready to boycott the election," said Tinus added.

He regretted the government's stance of non-enforcement does not protect the Melanesian nation in the land of Papua. The incident happened exactly December 8, 2014 then it caused high school students each Yulianus Yeimo, Apinus Gobai, Simon Degei and Alpius You died, and 17 other students were injured.

According to Tinus, the incident was apparently carried out openly by the joint forces of the TNI and Police in Karel Square, Gobai.

The Catholic figure in Paniai, Father Santon Tekege, Pr said the brutal shoot incident that caused the young generation's casualties had not been legally accounted for.


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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at


3) The plane was shot during a shootout at Lanny Jaya
Kamis, 07 Desember 2017 — 19:32

Papua No. 1 News Portal | Jubi,

Wamena, Jubi - A plane belonging to Demonim Air airline with the aim of Tiom was shot when a shootout in Lanny Jaya, not long ago. The plane managed to land after several times spinning in the air.

"But now the situation is safe and back to normal," said Lanny Jaya regional secretary Christian Sohilait, Thursday (7/12/2017).

Christian said the shooting also made the flow of Wamena-Tiom transport was halted for three hours. "Because it happened in front of the highway, and also had one flight," Christian said, adding.

The shooting of the plane raises fears of flying to Tiom, but the government has already explained to security aviation that it has returned to normal by the apparatus guarantees.

According to Christian, police officers from Jayawijaya Police have been backing up Police officer Lanny Jaya, so the situation of Tiom is safe and the transportation has returned as usual.

"Even the bupati has also given an appeal to the community to remain calm and not to evacuate because the security forces have taken action," he said.

He mentioned there were security personnel at Polres Lanny Jaya 60 people, Brimob 30 people, TNI combined 50, with a total of 130 personnel ready to take over security in Tiom.

Earlier, the Free Papua Movement (OPM) led by Purom, Okiman Wenda, headquartered in Lanny Jaya region, claimed to be the perpetrator of the shooting at Lanny Jaya Police Station in Tiom.

"It was us who did the shooting, when we happened to pass and Lanny Jaya Police apparatus was apple, then we fired," said Okiman.

He claimed there were two police officers who were hit, while the shootings were spontaneous as they passed near Polres Lanny Jaya.

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FRIDAY, 08 DECEMBER, 2017 | 23:04 WIB
4) Hadi Tjahjanto Officially Named as New TNI Commander

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi officially appointed Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto on Friday, December 8, as the new Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Commander. Hadi Tjahjanto will replace Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo who will retire in March of 2018.
Hadi has served important roles before being inaugurated as the new TNI Commander under Presidential Decree No. 83/2017. One of them was the Military Secretary for President Jokowi for one year. 
After that, Hadi became the Inspector General at the Defense Ministry. He was then named as the Air Force Chief of Staff by President Jokowi not long after. 
Hadi Tjahanto is the second TNI Commander that comes from the Air Force. Before Hadi, Djoko Suyanto was the TNI Commander during Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s administration. 
ISTMAN MUSAHARUN PRAMADIBA
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The First United Liberation Movement for West Papua Leaders Summit

December 8, 2017, 11:53 pm
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 The First United Liberation Movement for West Papua Leaders Summit 

A brief summary


‎‎


                                            Port Vila, Vanuatu.  27 November to 3 December.



                                                           ------------------------------------




The First United Liberation Movement for West Papua Leaders Summit was held in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 27th November to 3 December.


Supporters and representatives of solidarity groups were invited both to attend as observers and to address the meeting, to give reports on their activities and their opinions on the progress of the ULMWP since its formation in 2014.

Most of the meetings were closed to the observers. However on the 28th November various supporters in attendance from the region including representatives from the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, Tongoa Shepherds Women Association, Australia West Papua Association (AWPA), Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Australia and International Academics for West Papua-Australia) were given the opportunity to address the meeting.


History and story telling were part of the process and in particular the connection West Papua has In the Pacific region. Much of the recent increase in awareness in the region is due to politicians, CSOs, Church groups and the people of the pacific lobbying their leaders to support West Papua. 



The need to be included with other Melanesian countries in the MSG remains important. (ULMWP did not achieve full membership but the MSG granted observer status to West Papua in 2015). Pacific leaders were lobbied by representatives of the ULMWP and the people of the Pacific and West Papua was also put back on the agenda at the other regional organization, the Pacific Islands Forum (after a number of years of absence). Great victories for the West Papuan people.  


The recent great swell of support in the region for West Papua has been built on the work done in the past by groups such as the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific movement and church organisations


We can all remember the lobbying that took place in the past by West Papuan representatives Rex Rumakiek, Andy Ayamiseba and John Ondawame. 


Reports from Australia included:
Joe Collins told how AWPA (Sydney) started as the "Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific West Papua Support Group" in 1993. He also reported on the various groups in Sydney, Punks/Rockin for West Papua, Free West Papua Campaign Australia (representative, Ash Brennan), The Free Papua Movement Co-ordinated by Selai, and the West Papua Project at Sydney University (WPP Coordinator Cammi Webb-Gannon.   Anne Noonan spoke of West Papua support from organisations such as WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom) and MAPW (Medical Association for Prevention of War)  Julian King suggested other ways of appeal to the United Nation.Other excellent speakers included Rebecca Langley, Jason McLeod, Jim Elmslie, and Peter Arndt. There is also support from the indigenous people of Australia for West Papua.



In another historic celebration of the first of December for the West Papuan people and with an overwhelming show of support from the Vanuatu Government and its people, the Vanuatu Government handed over to the ULMWP Leaders attending their first ULMWP Summit, the title to the land and the key to a building to house their struggle for self-determination.  The property will be jointed owned by ULMWP and Further Arts a Ni Vanuatu Charitable Organisation. The ceremony took place on the afternoon of the 1st of December following a march from Fatumaru Bay to the building on the land where Crow’s Nest is. The Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, Deputy Prime Minister Joe Natuman, Lands Minister Ralph Regenvanu, Parliamentary Secretaries Johnny Koanapo and Andrew Napuat, as well as the President of the Malvatumauri, the head of the Vanuatu Christian Council and local activists were all present. Inspiring and informative speeches were given. Wonderful music and refreshments was offered to the guests 


The ULMWP Communiqué (below) is a perfect summary of the outcome of the meeting. Included in the brief report are media articles and photos of events during the summit. Most of the information will already have been seen on various social media sites, however compiled here for easy access.


Structure: ULMWP Chairman, Benny Wenda. Deputy Chair, Octovianus Mote.

Jacob Rumbiak, Spokesperson for ULMWP.  Rex Rumakiek, Secretary of ULMWP. Paula Makabory Treasurer of ULMWP.  Ordik Ap,ULMWP Executive Committee Member. Edison Waromi  Chair of ULMWP Council Committee. Andy Ayamiseba, ULMWP Council Committee member.  Buchtar Tabuni, ULMWP Council Committee member.



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FIRST UNITED LIBERATION MOVEMENT FOR WEST PAPUA (ULMWP) LEADERS’ SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE





FIRST LEADERS’ SUMMIT

COMMUNIQUE

1. The 1st United Liberation Movement for West Papua Leaders Summit was held in Port Vila, Vanuatu on 27 November to 3 December.


2. The Official Opening of the Summit was held at the Malvatuamuri Council of Chiefs’ Nakamal Complex, in Saralana. HE. Hon. Mr. Charlot Salwai MP, Prime Minister of Vanuatu made the opening remarks accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Hon. Mr. Joe Natuman MP. Also present was Minister of Lands, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, MP., Parliamentary Secretary/Special Envoy for West Papua to the Prime Minister, Hon. Jonny Koanapo, MP and Hon. Andrew Napuat, MP. The Opening Ceremony included the raising of the Vanuatu National Flag followed by the raising of the Morning Star Flag and West Papua National anthem “Hai Tanahku Papua”, which was sung by all Papuan leaders, delegation and support groups. A traditional ceremony of welcome dance was performed by the youths from Malakula. The Leaders then convened for the plenary at the Chief’s Nakamal building.


3. The Summit was chaired by the ULMWP Council Committee: Mr. Andy Ayamiseba, Chairman of West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL), Mr. Buchtar Tabuni, Chairman of National Parliament of West Papua (PNWP) and Mr. Edison Waromi, Prime Minister of the Federated Government of West Papua (NRFPB).


4. Leaders in attendance included the representative of the WPNCL, PNWP, NRFPB, The National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPN-PB), Military Council of the National Liberation Army (DM-TPNPB), West Papua Revolutionary Army (TRWP), the Customary Council of West Papua (DAP), West Papua Liberation Organisation (WPLO) and Alliance of Papuan Students (AMP).


5. The representatives of Vanuatu Cultural Centre, Port Vila, Tongoa Shepherds Women Association, Australia West Papua Association (AWPA), Catholic Commission for Justice

and Peace Australia, International Academic for West Papua-Australia, as Observers to the Summit and addressed the meeting.


6. Leaders also welcomed the Special Guest to the First ULMWP Leaders Summit. The Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak Socialiste (FLNKS), representative of MSG and Solomon Island to addressed the meeting.


7. Leaders considered and approved the Rules and Procedures of the First ULMWP Leaders’ Summit 2017.

8. The Leaders also noted that there were requests to the Council Committee to further develop procedures and criteria to assess non-affiliated Papuan resistance group applications for ULMWP membership to be considered.


9. The Leaders also noted that the UN-based MSG Ambassadors, Vanuatu Ambassador. Solomon Island Ambassador would be requested to be involved in consultations with the Decolonization Committee (C24) on the issue of West Papua regarding the West Papua Petition on self-determination toward political independence.


10. Leaders agreed to continue work with, develop and maintain the relationship with the 8 (Eight) Pacific Coalition for West Papua, MSG, PIF, ACP, CARRICOM, ACP-EU, and all West Papua support groups regarding the issue of West Papua right to self-determination toward political independence.


11. Leaders noted an update on the situation in West Papua and recognized that the human rights situation is becoming worse there, the Papuans and the Indonesians who support the human rights and the self-determination of West Papua were arrested and tortured.


12. As required by the Rules and Procedures, the Secretary General presented the Secretariat’s 2014-2017 Report to the Leaders for their consideration and approval.


13. The Leaders considered and received the following:

I. Report by the ULMWP Secretary General on the Secretariat’s Activities for the First Period of Work (2014-2017) included the Report from the ULMWP Liaison Team from West Papua;

II. Report by the ULMWP Working Committee (Ad Hoc Committee);

III. Draft of the Amendment of the By-Laws of the organization;

IV. Draft of the Regulation of the organization;

V. Draft of the Rules and Procedure of Finance;

VI. Draft of the Ethical Code of the organization; and

VII. Draft of the Job Descriptions


14. Leaders considered and subsequently adopted the Secretary General’s Report.


15. Leaders considered, discussed and approved the following:

(I) Report by the ULMWP Secretary General on the Secretariat’s Activities for the First Period of Work (2014-2017) included the Report from the ULMWP Liaison Team from West Papua;

(II) Report by the ULMWP Working Committee (Ad Hoc Committee);

(III) Draft of the Amendment of the By-Laws of the organization;

(IV) Draft of the Regulation of the organization;

(V) Draft of the Rules and Procedure of Finance

(VI) Draft of the Ethical Code of the organization

(VII) Draft of the Job Descriptions

16. As required by the By-Laws and the Rules of Procedures Leaders nominated and elected the new structure of the Executive Committee of the ULMWP Leadership for the second period of the Work Term 2018-2021. Leaders appointed are as follows:

Chair : Benny Wenda Vice Chair : Octovianus Mote Secretary : Rex Rumakiek Spokesperson : Jacob Rumbiak Treasurer : Paula Makabory Member : Oridek Ap


17. The 1 December celebrations and the Official Handing Over Ceremony of ULMWP Building commenced with a rally and march attended by ULMWP leadership, delegates from West Papua and solidarity groups from Vanuatu, Kanaky, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia and the United Kingdom. The march concluded at the new ULMWP Head Office in Anabrou where the Handing Over Ceremony was held.


Opening remarks were made by West Papua Unification Committee, Pastor Allen Nafuki, followed by Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Hon. Mr. Joe Natuman MP and HE. Hon. Mr. Charlot Salwai MP, Prime Minister of Vanuatu. Also in attendance was Minister of Lands, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, MP., Parliamentary Secretary/Special Envoy for West Papua to the Prime Minister, Hon. Johnny Koanapo, MP and Hon. Andrew Napuat, MP. The flags of Vanuatu and West Papua flew together and the National anthem “Hai Tanahku Papua” was sung by all Papuan leaders and delegation. Minister for Lands, Mr. Regenvanu handed over the keys to the building to ULMWP Chairman, Benny Wenda and Deputy Chair, Octovianus Mote.



The building was officially opened by Prime Minister of Vanuatu. Mr. Salwai. After a tour of the building, the West Papuan delegation provided gifts to the Vanuatu government that were received in a traditional Melanesian ceremony of thanks by the National Council of Chiefs. ULMWP Chairman, Benny Wenda, addressed the delegates about the success of the Summit, the renewed commitment to unity and the growing strength in the movement inside West Papua as well as the international solidarity campaign. Pastor Peter Ranbel offered a Closing Prayer, which was followed by a Kava Ceremony with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister as the traditional sealing of the Official Handing Over Ceremony.


----



WEST PAPUA NATIONAL DAY SPEECH OF CHAIRPERSON BENNY WENDA


Vanuatu, 1 December 2017:


Wa wa wa wa


On behalf of the newly elected leadership of ULMWP, the people of West Papua, the Papuan delegates who have travelled to be here today and our solidarity groups around the world, I would like to thank the people of Vanuatu for allowing us to celebrate our independence day here with you.


Today is a significant day for the people of West Papua. Today we celebrate 56 years since we declared our independence from the Dutch and raised our Morning Star flag for the first time. But after all this time, we still do not have our freedom.


Today we are so happy to stand with you here on your sacred ground to celebrate our national day as well as the opening of our ULMWP Head Office, thanks to the generosity and solidarity from the Vanuatu government and its people. Today, the people of Vanuatu have made history for West Papua.


On behalf of my people, I want to express our solidarity with the people of Vanuatu. We take spirit from your struggle for independence and we thank you for our solidarity in our struggle. We want to thank especially the Unification Committee here in Vanuatu for all of their hard work in supporting us, as well as the Council of Chiefs.


As you are aware, this journey has been a long and difficult journey. Quite often, we as Papuans feel that it is only us against the world. But when Vanuatu says “We will stand beside you”, it gives us hope for the future and that one day we will invite you to celebrate with us in West Papua our independence.


We also know the challenge ahead of us is huge. Over the last few days we have spent so many hours discussing, sharing and planning for the future of our movement. We are more united than ever. We commit to listening carefully and being accountable to our people on the ground in West Papua. It is from the people of West Papua – and all our solidarity groups around the world – that we gain our strength. Under our new leadership structure, we commit to a strong and unified future because we know this is what is needed for the liberation of our people.  My prayer is that all of those who want to see the liberation of the nation of West Papua will support us in their prayers.


Our movement is growing in strength all the time. It is the support of our Pacific neighbours that has helped to drive the momentum we now have – and allowed nations around the world to start to support us on the international stage. Without the support of the Pacific, it would have been difficult to develop this growing international solidarity. Your continued support is essential for our cause and we thank you.


As we stand here today celebrating freely our national day and raise the West Papuan flag, I want to pay tribute to our brothers and sisters in West Papua who will do the same, but under threat of violence, arrest and imprisonment. We pay tribute to their courage and we promise to do our utmost to ensure the success of our struggle so that one day we will raise this flag in a free and independent West Papua.


Wa wa wa wa


Benny Wenda

Chairman

United Liberation Movement for West Papua

--------------------------------




Images from some of the events in Port Vila


1 December 2017





Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and Deputy Prime Minister Joe Natuman arrive for the celebration and handover ceremony
















The March






















Gathering for march

























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Media coverage




Vanuatu Daily Post 28 November 2017



Vanuatu Daily Post 1 December 2017


Note. The photo of the house on from page was a mistake. Photos below.







Vanuatu Daily Post 2 December 2017


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West Papua Summit

Vanuatu Daily Post

By Len Garae Nov 24, 2017

An expected total of 50 West Papuan Leaders from West Papua and beyond and supporters of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, are going to take part in a walk from Saralana Park to the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs Nakamal this morning, to launch the first West Papua Leaders’ Summit after the first Committee was elected in 2014. The West Papua United Liberation Movement was formed three years ago in the Chiefs Nakamal. Following the launch, the Leaders’ Summit is expected to go for a week ending with a flag raising ceremony on December 1. Asked if coming to Port Vila to attend the Summit is safe, London-based Global Campaigner Benny Wenda replies, “It is not safe but it is the price towards our 


West Papua struggle for freedom”.

On what it feels like inside knowing that the imminent gathering is preparing to pioneer the way forward to tomorrow, he replies, “For me Port Vila is becoming our home — our shelter because the Government and people are always welcoming us here. We can travel round the world but we are always welcome here in Vanuatu as well as in the Solomon Islands”. Wenda is confident that the parade today is plotting new history for West Papua’s destiny and sending a message to the world that Vanuatu and its people are committed all the way to make sure that West Papua gains its independence. Rex Rumakiek, now over 80 years old, still remembers the small beginnings with the initial message delivered by Father Walter Lini (deceased) in his address to the people of East Ambae at Longana People’s Centre on what was then called Aoba in 1983.

“Father Lini reminded the people of the young country that despite the country’s lack of resources but that at the end of the day, everybody had to pray for God’s divine guidance to sustain the people of West Papua to be able to achieve self-determination from Indonesia,” he recalls.


John Tekwie is the former governor of Sandaun Province in Papua New Guinea on the northern border with West Papua. He is the representative of West Papua in the Pacific. “I want to thank the Vanuatu Government and its people for being the front runner for West Papua. “Let me say that the politics of West Papua in PNG is all confused politics. “The leaders do not really know what to do.

“Do they give their support to our brothers and sisters in West Papua first or do they entertain Indonesia’s political interests?” he says with dilemma.

But he confirms the people of PNG are very supportive of the struggle of the people of West Papua. There is no problem at all. “I am talking of politics and let’s leave that to the politicians and let’s move on, to this new part of the final process,” he explains. “I say the final process because this meeting is critical to finalise the election of the new executives involving a final structure of new political status of the organisation, bringing it to the next level. “For me I want to see a structure where we now have a government in exile. We cannot be forever campaigning and being advocates of independence forever. “We have to make a statement, take a definitive and resolute position and move to the next level.

“You see. I’ve been a governor for Sandaun Province on the border for ten years. 


I understand politics. I am the border man on the corridor between Papua New Guinea and West Papua and am a Vanimo man right on the border.”

He feels the gesture made by the Vanuatu Government and its people to the people of West Papua is a very important thing.

“It is a historic event and we have seen the document and we are waiting for the Prime Minister to announce it when he is ready,” he concludes.

The Public Relations Officer of the Office of the Prime Minister cannot be reached for comment.  http://dailypost.vu/news/west-papua-summit/article_4a8c79db-2567-5588-85f6-332b48a15a00.html


------



United Liberation Movement of West Papua called to unite

The Vanuatu Independent

By Pacnews -  November 28, 2017


THE United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) needs to ensure there is a strong coordination of all the international activities, says Vanuatu’s Prime Minister.


Charlot Salwai called for unity of resolve and action by the ULMWP.

“Governments in the region are increasingly trying to pull together their political efforts to rally for justice in West Papua,’’ he said. “NGOs and Churches are also working hard together to ensure our actions are coordinated. Therefore the ULMWP as an organisation must do likewise. It must work in unison. There should be no place for infighting between us Government and NGOs.”


Mr Salwai was speaking to encourage West Papuan delegates attending their week-long ULMWP Committee Summit in the Chiefs Nakamal in Port Vila. West Papua Liberation Army soldiers in uniform saluted Mr Salwai, Deputy Prime Minister Joe Natuman, and Parliamentary Secretary for Decolonisation and Tanna MP Johnny Koanapo, along with other dignitaries.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to all freedom fighters in Melanesia.

“Colonisers settled in Melanesia to exploit the abundant natural resources of the indigenous landowners,’’ he said. “While some colonisers had been forced to leave, some are still finding it difficult to recognise that it is time to now respect the needs of others and decolonise in the 21st Century. “So this is one of the challenges we are faced with. “Work as brothers and comrades.

“You all need the faith, efforts and the skills of your fellow brothers and sisters in order that your efforts can have maximum impact.

 “I want to assure you that Vanuatu maintains a strong support to the people of West Papua. This is a position of the people in our communities, nakamals and churches all over the country.”

“But on the other hand, the ULMWP needs a cohesive team that must work with one objective to ensure that they do everything necessary to defend the rights of the indigenous people in West Papua. They all need to be pulling in one direction.’’ He said the message of West Papuan struggle has crossed the oceans and continents and is now spreading all over the world.

And he said in the Pacific the support of the rights of the West Papuans is growing. “It began with one country – Vanuatu which was recently joined by the Solomons,’’ he said. “Today we are glad that the number has now increased to seven members known as the Pacific Islands Coalition of West Papua (PICWP). “I commend ULMWP through Dr Octo Mote and Benny Wenda for all the work you are doing. “I want to stress also that it is worth noting that the number of countries supporting the cause of West Papua internationally is increasing. “This is a positive sign indicating that knowledge about the plight of the people of West Papua can no longer be concealed. It must come to light.”

Washington-based Secretary General of ULMWP, Octo Mote thanked both present and past Governments for standing up for West Papua. “From this Nakamal, this spirit house of your ancestors, including the late Father Walter Lini, founder of this nation, and the late Prime Minister Edward Natapei, who led us in prayer at the unification of our organisations, and others whose names are many, we started on an extraordinary journey three years ago, that has taken us around the world and to the hall of the United Nations General Assembly for the first time in decades,” he said.


He said with the support of the Vanuatu Government, the Solomons former Prime Minister and MSG chair Manasseh Sogavare led the creation of the seven-country Pacific Island Coalition for West Papua, PICWP. “PICWP then lifted the cause of West Papua beyond Melanesia and even the Pacific, to become, in the last year and half, a global issue. All PICWP countries spoke at the UN General Assembly and then brought West Papua to the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, the ACP”, he said. I

“In that forum, we now have almost unanimous support from the Caribbean and African countries. With the help of your representative and those of the other PACWP countries, we have been travelling to the Capitals of the Caribbean and Africa. It was the newly independent countries of those two regions, whose support almost fifty years ago at the United Nations, prevented that body from endorsing the shameful, sham Act of so-called free choice.


“We look forward with the greatest pleasure to working with you in the coming months to bring the cause of West Papua to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and finally to the UN General Assembly to pass a resolution calling for the self-determination of our long suffering people.”


“We look forward with the greatest pleasure to working with you in the coming months to bring the cause of West Papua to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and finally to the UN General Assembly to pass a resolution calling for the self-determination of our long suffering people.”



---------------------


Vanuatu gives West Papua group access to land, building

RNZI  1 December 2017 

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai will hand over the title to a plot of land with a building on it to the leaders of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua this afternoon.

 The ceremony to hand over the title marks the end of the first Summit attended by around 50 leaders of West Papua, in Port Vila. The land is sitting on a limestone outcrop above the Port Vila suburb of Tebakor. The property will be jointed owned by ULMWP and a ni Vanuatu Charitable Organisation called Further Arts - an organisation that has dedicated itself to the West independence movement. Global West Papua campaigner Benny Wenda said the gift is the best thing that has happened to the West Papua struggle in the last 60 years. He said West Papuan campaigners will now have an office to work, and a place to call home.  https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345195/vanuatu-gives-west-papua-group-access-to-land-building
----------------------
Indonesian minister wants Papua activists arrested

RNZI 5 December 2017

Indonesia's Minister of Defence has called for members of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to be arrested when they return to the country. The pro-independence organisation has just concluded a summit in Vanuatu, where the UK-based activist Benny Wenda was elected its new chairman. Vanuatu's government also donated a building in Port Vila to the Movement for its use as a Pacific regional headquarters. While the Movement has observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Indonesia's government is opposed to it representing Papuans internationally, as well as its pro-independence activities. A number of the Movement's executive members live in exile, but some of those who had travelled to Vila for last week's summit face possible arrest when they return to the Indonesian-ruled Papua region. According to Indonesian media, the Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said that those involved in the summit should be arrested on their return. He also expressed disappointment at the involvement of diplomats from Melanesian countries who actively support the Liberation Movement.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345463/indonesian-minister-wants-papua-activists-arrested



-------------------

Indonesian minister condemned by Papuan Liberation Movement

RNZI  5 December 2017


The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has condemned an Indonesian government call for its members to be arrested. The pro-independence Movement has just concluded a summit in Vanuatu, where the UK-based activist Benny Wenda was elected its new chairman. However Indonesia's Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu called for members of the Liberation Movement who are based in Indonesian-ruled Papua to be arrested upon their return.

The Movement's Pacific regional diplomat Akouboo Douw has described the minister's call as abusive. He says the Movement has every right to hold its meeting in Vanuatu, where it has official business as part of its role in the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Mr Douw says the West Papuans' meeting was not against the Indonesian constitution or its Pancasila state philosophy. "It is not going to be big disaster for your nation but also Indonesia has to respect the ULMWP as an entity of the MSG," said Mr Douw. He has urged Australia and New Zealand to monitor the Papua-based Liberation Movement's members when they return home lest they be arrested by Indonesia.


While the Movement has observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Indonesia's government is opposed to it representing Papuans internationally, as well as its pro-independence activities. According to Mr Douw, Jakarta should realise that the independent Melanesian member countries in the MSG, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu, support the right to self-determination for all Melanesians. Meanwhile, he thanked Vanuatu's government for donating a building in Port Vila to the Liberation Movement for use as its international headquarters. Mr Douw said that West Papuans have rights to come and go, and that Vanuatu is a free Melanesian country which Papuans consider like a home. Meanwhile, the independent Papua newspaper Tabloid Jubi reported that dozens of Papuans were arrested for publicly marking the anniversary of the first Papuan declaration of independence.


Last Friday was 56 years since the Papua nationalist flag was first officially flown in the former Dutch New Guinea, shortly before Indonesia took control of the territory. The Morning Star flag was subsequently banned.


Each year on 1 December there are demonstrations in cities around the wider Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand, where Morning Star flags are flown to mark the anniversary. The demonstrations in the towns and cities of West Papua and Papua provinces tend not to feature the flag raising, and typically result in arrests by Indonesian police. 

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345504/indonesian-minister-condemned-by-papuan-liberation-movement

---------------------------


Liberation Movement to remain voice of West Papuans - Wenda

RNZI 6 December 2017

The new head of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, says the organisation's agenda will not change. Mr Wenda has replaced Octo Mote, its former secretary-general, at the head of the premier organisation pursuing Papuan independence from Indonesia. The change in leadership came in Vanuatu where the Movement last week held its first major summit since its inception three years ago. Members of the organisation's executive dismissed suggestions that there was a power struggle within the Movement. The move to a chairmanship structure, they said, reflected the co-operative nature of the organisation so that no one group or individual should dominate. "We operate on a power-sharing basis, so that's why it's very important to maintain the unity and agenda. That's what the executive council has given us the mandate to continue," said Mr Wenda.


The chairmanship will be rotational, with Mr Mote to be deputy chairman. Mr Wenda said the Movement's new leadership structure would not affect the self-determination push. "Now we have new leadership so we really need the people - the people back home in West Papua, and in the Pacific - we need you to be our voice, and to maintain the unity to campaign for our right to self-determination. We hope that Pacific leaders will continue to support our right to self-determination."

Listen to more on Dateline Pacific duration 3′ :51″

Benny Wenda has thanked Vanuatu's government for donating a building in Port Vila for the Liberation Movement to use as an international headquarters.

"The government officially handed over the key, and this is a key step for the Movement itself," he said, paying tribute to Vanuatu's ongoing support for Papuan self-determination aspirations.


Meanwhile, Indonesia's Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu has called for members of the Liberation Movement who are based in Indonesian-ruled Papua to be arrested upon their return home. However the Movement's Pacific regional diplomat Akouboo Douw described the minister's call as abusive, saying his organisation had every right to hold its meeting in Vanuatu, where it has official business as part of its role in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

According to Mr Wenda, the United Liberation Movement's goal was not about dismantling the Indonesian republic. Mr Wenda said he was not bothered that he has previously been branded a criminal and a fugitive by Indonesia's government which is opposed to the Movement representing Papuans.

"Indonesia will look at it that way, but we are fighting for our right to self-determination. We are fighting, not destroying the Indonesian unitary state of the republic," he explained. "But West Papua... Indonesia is illegally occupying it. That is the problem, that's the issue."

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/345530/liberation-movement-to-remain-voice-of-west-papuans-wenda



--------------------
 Media release . International Human Rights Day - West Papua


Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) 

8 December 2017


As International Human Rights Day approaches (10 December), The Indonesian Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu called for West Papuan delegates who attended the ULMWP Summit in Port Vila to be arrested on their return to West Papua.


 The theme of this years Human Rights Day is the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, both which were adopted by the UN General Assembly on the 16th of December, 1966. 

Joe Collins of AWPA said “Indonesia claims to be a democracy yet as the world prepares to celebrate human rights day, Indonesia intimidates peaceful West Papuan activists ignoring a number of articles in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” 


Article 19
1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference. 

 2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice. 

Collins of AWPA said," Indonesia is obviously becoming greatly concerned at the internationalization of the issue of West Papua and is trying to intimidate West Papuan activists to not attend or hold meetings where the issue of West Papua could be raised at international fora.






                                                                             March in Port Vila 1st December

There were also a number arrests in West Papua in Merauke, Nabire and in Salatiga as activists prepared to celebrate West Papuan national flag day.

Local media Jubi reported that dozens of KNPB members and sympathizers were arrested by Merauke, 3 KNPB members arrested in Nabire   and up to 30 Papua Student Alliance (AMP) activists were arrested in Salatiga City, Central Java by the police, just before dawn on the 1st December 







                   Dozens of KNPB members and sympathizers arrested and taken to Merauke Police – Jubi / Frans L Kobun
                    Jubi 4 Dec 2017





Collins of AWPA said “ as Australia prepares to take up its position on the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year term, its time the Government stopped ignoring the human rights abuses in West Papua and starting raising concerns about the arrest and intimidation of peaceful West Papuan activists with the Indonesian government. 


Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop   should reflect on what Eleanor Roosevelt said in relation to human rights.

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home -- so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. [...] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world." -- Eleanor Roosevelt 



                                                Rally outside Indonesian Consulate Sydney on the 1st December



---------------------------------------



A very brief summary of West Papuan progress since the formation of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua in December 2014   (Presented by Anne Noon an for MAPW AGM 2017).


West Papua Leaders ‘Summit on Reconciliation and Unification in Vanuatu

At a historic meeting of West Papuan leaders in Port Vila in December 2014, a new organisation called the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) was formed. The three main groups who united included the Federal Republic of West Papua (NRFPB), the National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) and the National Parliament of West Papua (NPWP). An external secretariat consisting of five elected members from the various groups co-ordinate the ULMWP activities.


 Melanesian Spearhead Group 

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) is one of the two main regional organisations in the Pacific and is composed of the four Melanesian countries of   Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu as well as the Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) of Kanaky (New Caledonia). The organisation celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013.

A number of West Papuan organisations had applied for membership at the MSG but the MSG leaders said that the West Papuans should put in a united application.  After the formation of the ULMWP, the ULMWP submitted a new application and The MSG granted observer status to West Papua in 2015.  A great victory for the West Papuan people.




Pacific Islands Forum

West Papua was put back on the agenda at the other regional organization, the Pacific Islands Forum (after a number of years absent). Concern about the human rights situation in West Papua was raised in the Forum’s official communiqué at the last three PIF Summits. The PIF Leaders have asked Jakarta to allow a PIF fact-finding mission West Papua but so far there has been no response from Jakarta.The Indonesian President has said that West Papua is now open and the authorities are saying that the human rights situation is improving. If this is the case why not allow a PIF fact-finding mission to the territory?


71st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2016

Seven Pacific leaders raised the issue of West Papua at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2016. The Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu all raised concerns about the human rights situation in West Papua.  The Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu all raised concerns about the human rights situation in West Papua.


72nd Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sept. 2017

The Pacific leaders again raised the issue of West Papua at the 72"d Session of the United Nations General Assembly General Debate in New York.  Vanuatu, The Solomon Islands, Tuvulu and from the Caribbean region, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines all raised concerns about the human rights situation in West Papua.

The VanuatuPrime Minister, Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas in his summary said,

“The Human Rights Council should meanwhile address the situation in West Papua, he said, calling for decolonization to be put back on the United Nations radar”,

and In a RNZI report (23 Sept.). He also accused world leaders at the UN of turning a deaf ear to more than half a century of atrocities committed by Indonesia on the people of West Papua, and "We also call on our counterparts throughout the world to support the legal right of West Papua to self-determination and to jointly with Indonesia put an end to all kinds of violence and find common ground to facilitate a process to make their own choice. "


This support for West Papua internationally (particularly in the Pacific region) by Governments, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and Churches will continue to increase. This support has raised concerns in Jakarta and one of the reasons Jakarta has cracked down on peaceful rallies in West Papua (over 5000 arrested in 2016), to try and stop awareness raising by civil society of the human rights situation in West Papua



The Future

The West Papuan people will eventually achieve their own self-determination. It is now 54 years since Indonesia took over the administration of West Papua and the courageous West Papuan people   are still marching in the streets risking arrest and torture and calling for their right to self-determination. As long as the West Papuan People continue to protest the injustices they suffer under Indonesian rule and their supporters continue to help in raising awareness of the issue, they will be successful.  The West Papuan people and their representatives have achieved great victories in the past few years and the international community is beginning to realise that West Papua is truly back on the agenda and won’t be going away. 


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