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1) French journalists in Papua convicted, but will be freed on Monday

October 24, 2014, 12:55 pm
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2) 39 Foreign Journalists Have Covered Papua and West Papua This Year: Ministry Official
3) Women and oil palm in an investment region


4) Surf movie uncovers 'the truth' about West Papua

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1) French journalists in Papua convicted, but will be freed on Monday

Updated at 8:27 pm on 24 October 2014


Reports from Indonesia say the two French journalists have been convicted for misusing their tourist visas to work in Papua but will be freed on Monday.
Thomas Dandois and Valentine Bourrat were arrested in August for working as journalists in Papua illegally and put on trial this week.
The prosecution asked for the two to be jailed for four months for the visa breach which can be punished with up to five years imprisonment.
French media reports say the court in Jayapura sentenced them to two and a half in prison - a term, which will see them free on Monday.
The two were working for the German-French television station, Arte.
Their arrest was denounced by media organisation and human rights groups, with Human Rights Watch saying the Indonesia's chokehold on Papua media coverage has effectively turned foreign journalism in the province into a criminal activity.
A foreign ministry official has said foreign journalists who intended to report from across Indonesia must apply for a permit to the Indonesian representative in the countries where they come from.
The official says 18 ministries and related institutions are involved in the process of issuing a permit.



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2) 39 Foreign Journalists Have Covered Papua and West Papua This Year: Ministry Official


Jayapura, Jubi – The Indonesian government has issued permit for 39 foreign journalists to undertake journalistic activities in Papua and West Papua provinces since last year, said a Foreign Ministry official.
Only nine foreign journalists were refused permission to cover Papua since  2013, said Siti Sofia Sudarma, the ministry’s Director of Information and Media from the Directorate of Information and Public Diplomacy, who testified in the trial of two French journalists in the Jayapura District Court on Wednesday (22/10).
“They were allowed to cover all issues in Papua and West Papua including political issues,” she said, showing the data to reporters.
The French journalists, Thomas Charles Dandois and Marie Valentine Bourrat, are on trial charged with violating Article 122 on immigration. They could face 5 years in prison.
Meanwhile, the witness Doni Alfisyahrin, the Head of Visitor Visa Division of the Directorate General of Immigration explained the difference between visitor visa and tourism visas.
“A visitor visa allow the person to carry out journalistic activities. It is possible to extend it  four times up to 30 days at the local Immigration Office. A tourist visa doesn’t,” said Alfisyahrin.
He said only certain foreigners could freely use visitor visas, depending on diplomatic relations with Indonesia. “Many European countries have diplomatic relations with Indonesia and France is included,” he said.
However, Victor Mambor, Chairman of AJI Kota Jayapura said detail clarification is needed. “Is it true 39 foreign journalists were allowed cover the issues in Papua? It is true that some of them got permission to cover political issues, such as Mark Davit. But I have to say he was strictly watched while doing his reporting,” said Mambor.
Additionally, he said most foreign journalists who came to Papua only got permission to report on tourism issues such as events in Raja Ampat Island, or Lembah Baliem Festival or about the handover of Japanese soldiers’ skeleton. “But, it’s not only about getting permits or not, but the process is too long and complicated. It may be called clearing house. The government must be aware, if the permit takes too  long, they will lose their momentum,” said Mambor. (Indrayadi TH/rom)


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3) Women and oil palm in an investment region

DTE 99-100, October 2014
A view from Suskun Village, Papua.
By Yuliana Langowuyo, director of SKPKC Fransiskan Papua, who has been visiting the community in Susun Village at least once a month since 2011 to carry out research and provide assistance.


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4) Surf movie uncovers 'the truth' about West Papua

Updated 24 October 2014, 17:43 AEST
The central theme of many surf movies is the search for an undiscovered wave in an exotic location.
Surf movie uncovers 'the truth' about West Papua (Credit: ABC) 
That was supposed to be the idea when a group of surfers landed in Indonesia's resitve province of Papua to shoot the film "Isolated".
But after spending time with villagers along remote stretches of coastline it turned into a human rights documentary.
Presenter: Liam Fox
Speaker: Justin LePera, the director of Isolated


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1) Ex-Dolly sex workers face Papua witch hunt

October 25, 2014, 3:00 pm
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2) French Journalists' Papua Jail Terms Spark Calls for Reform
3) Citilink to Fly to Papua From First Half of 2015

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1) Ex-Dolly sex workers face Papua witch huntBy  Oct 16, 2014 12:03PM UTC

http://asiancorrespondent.com/127433/ex-dolly-sex-workers-face-papua-witch-hunt/

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2) French Journalists' Papua Jail Terms Spark Calls for Reform

World | Agence France-Presse | Updated: October 24, 2014 13:51 IST
JAYAPURA, INDONESIA:  Two French journalists were on Friday handed short jail terms for illegally reporting in Papua, sparking calls for the new Indonesian government to lift long-standing restrictions on foreigners covering the restive province.

Thomas Dandois, 40, and Valentine Bourrat, 29, were each given a two and a half month jail term, but will walk free on Monday after having already served the time in custody awaiting trial.

They expressed relief, with Dandois telling reporters: "I want to return to Paris as soon as possible in see my family."

The pair were detained at the start of August while making a documentary for Franco-German television channel Arte about the separatist movement in eastern Papua.

Indonesia is deeply sensitive about journalists covering Papua, where a low-level insurgency against the central government has simmered for decades, and rarely grants visas for foreigners to report independently in the region.

Indonesia's Independent Alliance of Journalists said it was the first time that foreign journalists have been tried for immigration violations in Papua, while rights groups called for new Indonesian President Joko Widodo to drop curbs on reporting there.

"The Jokowi administration should... lift restrictions for independent journalists to visit Papua," said Andreas Harsono, a Jakarta-based researcher for Human Rights Watch, using the new president's nickname.

Widodo, the country's first leader from outside the political and military elite, was sworn in Monday, with many hoping for a fresh new style of government in the world's third-biggest democracy.

Dandois's brother Marc echoed the sentiment, telling reporters at the court it was important "for journalists all over the world to be able to do their jobs freely without any obstacles".

"I am proud of Thomas."

'Criminalising journalism'

In the past, foreign journalists caught reporting illegally from Papua have been quickly deported.

But Dandois and Bourrat's case went to trial, and the pair were charged with breaking immigration laws since they had tourist, not journalist visas.

The pair could have faced up to five years in jail but in the end prosecutors recommended a much shorter sentence, saying they had admitted their mistake.

Handing down the verdict Friday, chief judge Martinus Bala told the court in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, that the journalists had "been proven legitimately and convincingly guilty of the crime of conducting activities that are not in line with the permit given to them".

He also ordered them to pay a two million rupiah ($170) fine each or spend an extra month in jail. Their lawyer Aristo Pangaribuan said the pair did not plan to appeal.

While welcoming the short sentence, he warned: "From a legal perspective, this is not very good because it opens the door for the criminalisation of journalistic activities."

Foreign journalists can apply for visas to report from Papua, but in reality they are rarely granted. Under the current system, 18 different government agencies have to give their approval, Harsono said.

Dandois was detained at a hotel in the city of Wamena with members of separatist group the Free Papua Movement (OPM), and Bourrat was detained shortly afterwards, according to authorities.

The OPM has been at the forefront of the fight against the central government in the resource-rich but poor and ethnically Melanesian region.
Story First Published: October 24, 2014 13:40 IST

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http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/business/citilink-fly-papua-first-half-2015/

3) Citilink to Fly to Papua From First Half of 2015

By Investor Daily on 01:38 pm Oct 24, 2014
Jakarta. Citilink Indonesia, which is Garuda Indonesia’s low-cost subsidiary, will serve flights to Papua starting in the first half of next year as part of the company’s route expansion.
The airline had acquired the permit to serve the Jakarta-Jayapura route in line with its aircraft expansion, said Benny S. Butarbutar, vice president for corporate communications at Citilink.
“The eastern part of Indonesia is one of our business expansion goals in the future. Our targeted cities include Palu, Manado and Jayapura,” Benny said on Thursday.
Citilink will have 32 Airbus A320 aircraft by the end of this year. The airline competes with privately run Lion Air at home and abroad, against Southeast Asian low-cost airlines such as Malaysia’s AirAsia.
Investor Daily
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1) Papua police arrest Rambo Wonda of outlawed armed group

October 26, 2014, 12:53 pm
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2) Papua Police Arrest Timsus Rambo Wenda 
3) Calls for Jokowi to open up Papua


4) Indonesia’s New Ministers: Who Are They?

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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/96253/papua-police-arrest-rambo-wonda-of-outlawed-armed-group

1) Papua police arrest Rambo Wonda of outlawed armed group

Minggu, 26 Oktober 2014 17:10 WIB | 426 Views
Jayapura (ANTARA News) - Papuan Regional Police arrested members of an outlawed armed group including Enggangrangkok Wonda or Rambo Wonda and Darius Wonimbo or Rambo Puncak Jaya as well as Tolikara in Wamena, Jayawijaya District, Papua Province on Thursday (Oct 23).

The Chief of Papuan Regional Police Inspector General Yotje Mende said Enggangrangkok had an arsenal gun and ammunition that he had taken by force from Brigadier Mobile (Brimob) officer.

"Enggangrangkok Wonda, initially Rambo Wonda, is a nephew of Puron Wonda who is in polices wanted list," Mende said here on Saturday.

Police also said Enggangrangkok was allegedly involved in deadly shootings that killed eight police officers.

The Jayawijaya Resort Police are still investigating the seven armed separatists who had operated in central Papuan mountainous area.

Mende said Police planned to transfer the seven armed separatists to Jayapura to conduct further investigation.
(Uu.B019/F001)


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


2) Papua Police Arrest Timsus Rambo Wenda 

Author: Arjuna Pademme on October 26, 2014 at 23:55:56 WP 

Editor: CUNDING LEVI 

Papua Police chief Inspector General Yotje Mende - Jubi / Arjuna 


Jayapura, Jubi - Special Teams (Timsus) Regional Police (Police) Papua reportedly caught Rambo Wenda. Rambo is one of the prominent armed groups in Jaya Lanni led Puron Wenda, who had been included in the List People Search (DPO) local police. 


From the data obtained Jubi, Rambo Wenda was arrested along with five others whose identity is unknown. The arrest occurred in Wamena, Sunday (26/10) at around 13:00 CEST. Police reportedly had to shoot the calf right of Rambo because intend to escape when it will be rounded up. 


Police Chief (Chief of Police) Inspector General of Papua Yotje Mende via text message to a number of journalists to justify the arrest. 


"Yes there are members of an armed group in Papua Police arrested Timsus Wemena, this afternoon. They are currently under examination in Jayawijaya. They been scheduled they will be brought to the Papua Police Mobile Brigade Meets with the leaders of Papua Police, "said Police Chief Yotje in the short message on Sunday (26/10). 


According to him, the police did not just target the Rambo Wenda, however Timsus Papua Police are also now trying to track down members of other armed groups believed to be around the town of Wamena. 


"The last time was in Rambo termitor Lanni Jaya Mountains. It was a month ago. At that time he was holding a gun Arsenal. Rambo is also involved in the shooting of eight members Lanni Jaya Police while on patrol in Pirime, July 28, "he said. 


While the Head of Public Relations (Head of Public Relations) Papua Police Comr Sulistyo Pudjo Hartono said, besides Rambo Wenda, two of the five others were arrested initials RW and RT. 


"RW is a leader of an armed group in the region Balingga to Lani Jaya while the RT is a leader in the area until Tolikara Balingga. They are a team that captured the Joint Timsus Papua police and the military, "said Sr. Pudjo. 


Since May, 2013 then, the police have set up Rambo Papua strip Wenda included in the List People Search (DPO). Concerned allegedly involved a series of shootings in Puncak Jaya since 2011 and. 


Commissioner Pol I Gede Sumerta Jaya who was then serving as the Head of the Papua Police spokesman said, Rambo is the brains behind the shooting that left two Brimob officers died in the village of Wandegobak, Puncak Jaya, December 2011. 


"They were shot while on his way to the summit of Smiles to pick up their colleagues who are sick. From the data we have, the shooting and the assailant BriMobs on orders Rambo Wenda, "said Sr. (Pol) I Gede at the time. (Arjuna Pademme) 


arjuna 

About Arjuna Pademme

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/257837/calls-for-jokowi-to-open-up-papua

3) Calls for Jokowi to open up Papua

Updated at 6:29 am today



Human Rights Watch is calling on Indonesia's newly-appointed president, Joko Widodo, to carry out his campaign promise to lift restrictions on foreign journalists visiting Papua.
On Friday, two French journalists were convicted for misusing their tourist visa to work in the region.
They are expected to be released today.
Human Rights Watch's Indonesia spokesperson, Andreas Harsono, says outside access to Papua and West Papua has been restricted to foreign journalists and NGOs since the provinces were annexed in the 1960s.
Mr Harsono says journalists hoping to enter the region must apply for a permit that has the signatures of 18 ministries.
"Any beaureaucracy that requires 18 signatures to get a permit means there must be something terribly wrong in the area they want to enter. Even Jesus Christ, if he wants to visit Papua, I don't think he would get a permit."
Andreas Harsono says Joko Widodo must make good on his June promise to open access to West Papua.
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4) Indonesia’s New Ministers: Who Are They?

By Jakarta Globe on 12:29 am Oct 27, 2014
Category Featured, News, Politics
President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Sunday presented Indonesia’s next cabinet.
Here are 34 profiles of the men and women who will be inaugurated on Monday.

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Media release-New Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, a cause for concern

October 26, 2014, 9:34 pm
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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

Media release 27 October 2014

New Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, a cause for concern

There is cause for concern at the appointment of   Ryamizard Ryacudu as Defense Minister in the Jokowi Cabinet.  He has held a hardline view on what are termed separatists in Indonesian. 
He was Army chief of staff between 2002 and 2005 and chief of the Army’s strategic command (Kostrad) between 2000 and 2002.
He was involved in operations against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Free Papuan Movement (OPM).
Chief Theys Eluay was the chairperson of the Papuan Presidium Council and was killed by Kopassus soldiers on 10 November 2001, shortly after attending an event at the Kopassus base near Jayapura. His body was found the following day showing signs of strangulation. Although at first the military denied its involvement in the killing eventually members of the army's special Kopassus forces were put on trial. A military court on Monday the 21 April 2003, found seven Kopassus special forces soldiers guilty of involvement in the death of Chief Theys Eluay.  However, the soldiers received light sentences of imprisonment ranging from two to three-and-a-half years. 
General Ryamizard Ryacudu who was chief of staff at the time is quoted as saying,
 'I don't know, people say they did wrong, they broke the law. What law? Okay, we are a state based on the rule of law, so they have been punished. But for me, they are heroes because the person they killed was a rebel leader.'
Joe Collins of AWPA said, "The people of West Papua live in fear of security operations in the territory and the appointment of Ryamizard Ryacudu as Defense Minister can only add to this fear. There was some hope that the election of Jokiwi would bring an easing of tension in West Papua but with Ryamizard Ryacudu's appointment it looks like there could be a  continuation of solving issues of concern in West Papua by the security approach, not by dialogue. Business as usual?"
Ends 

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Media release-AWPA welcomes the release of the two French journalists

October 26, 2014, 9:37 pm
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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

Media release 27 October 2014

AWPA  welcomes the release of the two French journalists


The Australia West Papua Association  (AWPA ) welcomes the release of the two French journalists Valentine Bourrat and Thomas Dandois who were arrested on the 6th of August in Wamena. They are to be released today, the 27 October.  


A lot of attention was focused on their case during their time in detention, by the media and local and international NGOs. Numerous rallies were held by solidarity groups calling for their release, in West Papua and internationally.  The media organisation Reporters Without Borders also launched a petition calling for their release.


Joe Collins of AWPA said, "it is hoped that the media will continue to focus on the issue of West Papua.  For all the talk about Indonesian being a democracy, West Papuans are still arrested for taking part in peaceful rallies and there are least 74 political prisoners in Papuan jails".
The Indonesian President, Jokowi who visited West Papua twice in the lead up to the election promised to open West Papua to foreign journalists and non-government organisations if he won the election. "Why not? It's safe here in Papua," he was quoted as saying. "There's nothing to hide."  Hopefully he will keep his promise.

Ends 

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1) Kontras: Ryamizard Appointment Shows Jokowi ‘Negligent’ on Human Rights

October 27, 2014, 1:53 pm
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2) Notes for Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu

3) New Indonesian defence minister a 'blow to human rights

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http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/kontras-ryamizard-appointment-shows-jokowi-negligent-human-rights/

1) Kontras: Ryamizard Appointment Shows Jokowi ‘Negligent’ on Human Rights

By Farouk Arnaz & Ezra Sihite on 04:07 pm Oct 27, 2014

Jakarta. The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) says the appointment of a controversial former general to the new cabinet shows President Joko Widodo is “negligent” towards human rights issues.
The prominent human rights group has struck out at Joko’s decision to name Gen. (ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu the country’s defense minister, saying his involvement in operations against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Free Papua Organization (OPM) made him unsuitable for the role.
“Ryamizard’s appointment shows that our president is negligent towards human rights and the defense sector,” Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar said on Sunday evening.
The retired general was one of 34 ministers announced in Indonesia’s new cabinet at the State Palace on Sunday.
Ryamizard was Army chief of staff between 2002 and 2005 and chief of the Army’s strategic command (Kostrad) between 2000 and 2002. He has been singled out by Kontras for his role overseeing operations in Aceh and Papua.
Haris said that Ryamizard’s “sins” included his leadership role during the implementation of martial law by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in Aceh following the collapse of peace talks in 2003. A report by Human Rights Watch published in 2003 voiced concern about serious abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law committed by both the TNI and GAM forces during the period.
Haris also raised concerns about Ryamizard’s attitude towards leading Papuan independence figure, Theys Hiyo Eluay, the late chief of the Papua Presidium Council.
“In Papua, he once said that whoever killed Theys was a hero,” Haris said.
Theys was murdered by seven soldiers from the Army’s Special Forces unit Kopassus in 2001.
Ryamizard, meanwhile, rejected that he had ever been involved in alleged human rights abuses when confronted by reporters at the State Palace on Sunday.
“Go ask the journalists who went to Papua, Aceh, ask about it,” Ryamizard said. He said human rights activists and journalists should know he was always “clean” during his 35 years serving in the TNI.
Another cabinet appointment with a military background, Tedjo Edhy Purdjianto — a former Navy chief of staff who is now coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs — has been given the green light by Kontras.
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MONDAY, 27 OCTOBER, 2014 | 20:02 WIB
2) Notes for Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu
Zoom Out Zoom In Normal
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, political observer from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), said President Joko Widodo made a rather poor decision by appointing Ryamizard Ryacudu as the Defense Minister as the former Army Chief of Staff has some negative points.
Ikrar said Ryamizard’s integrity towards maritime science is questionable. He said maritime science is extremely needed to support Jokowi’s maritime spirit.
Ikrar then accused Ryamizard as a very anti-foreign person. “He claims all NGOs are foreign accomplices,” said Ikrar on Sunday, adding that Ryamizard’s stance will harm Indonesia’s sovereignty in foreign relations.
Ikrar continued that Ryamizard is a person who emphasizes field experiences. He said Ryamizard had reportedly repatriated a military officer for learning too many formal sciences outside military. “Soldiers who have great knowledge in science can actually be useful for the military,” he said.
 
ANDI RUSLI
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3) New Indonesian defence minister a 'blow to human rights

Updated at 7:29 am today


A human rights group has condemned the appointment of the new Indonesian Minister of Defence, saying his record spells bad news for West Papua.
The East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) says the appointment of retired General, Ryamizard Ryacudu, proves that the newly-inaugurated President Joko Widodo is not serious about promoting human rights.
The ETAN coordinator John Miller, says General Ryacudu is a relic of the past with a history of excusing rights violations by soldiers, threatening human rights critics, and asserting the military's right to meddle in civilian affairs.
Mr Miller says Indonesia's anti-corruption agencies vetted cabinet nominees at President Widodo's request, and he rejected several based on their recommendations.
While campaigning, the President said he would open a new dialogue with West Papua.
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1) Yohana is first female Papuan minister

October 28, 2014, 12:58 am
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1) Yohana is first female  Papuan minister

2) Freeport Union says it  plans Grasberg strike 

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1) Yohana is first female  Papuan minister
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Headlines | Tue, October 28 2014, 9:56 AM

Yohana Susana Yembise might have had a bitter pill to swallow when she was defeated as a candidate to become the 2014-2019 Biak Numfor regent in Papua, but she was headed for a better future after being appointed as the minister for women’s empowerment and child protection in the administration of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. She replaced Linda Amalia Sari.

Yohana, fondly called Yo, ran to become Biak Numfor regent with her running mate Friets G. Sanadi, but lost to the pair of Yesaya Sombuk and Thomas AE Ondi, who were sworn in on March 23.

Yo, who was installed as Papua’s first female professor in November 2012, had no other wish than to write books. 

“I’ve achieved the highest title in the academic field and it’s time for me to write books,” she told The Jakarta Post two weeks before her appointment as minister. 

She said she saw the regency election as a hands-on experience and a political learning process. She even conducted her own survey to find out why she lost the election. 

“I approached the residents one by one and they said they liked me but they could not elect me because earlier they had made commitments to another candidate who had provided them cash aid to build a house of worship and for other needs. So I was failed by money,” she said.

Yo said she remained positive by working on a book about gender and political issues in Papua. 

Born in Manokwari, West Papua, on Oct. 1, 1958, Yo has lectured at the school of pedagogy and teacher training at Cenderawasih University since 1987. 

After earning an applied linguistics diploma from the Regional Language Center (RELC), SEAMEO Singapore in 1992, she completed a Master’s degree program at the education department of Simon Fraser University in Canada in 1994. 

She earned her doctorate in 2007 from the University of Newcastle in Australia. In 2011, she was a member of the joint selection team of the Australian Development Scholarship (now Australia Awards) in Indonesia.

The mother of three was enthusiastic in encouraging Papuan women to pursue higher education overseas. 

“My team from Cenderawasih University is currently mapping out the number of highly educated women in Papua and designing positions for them. The program enables me to prepare intellectual women in Papua to become professors in the future,” she said.

Pastor Neles Tebay, head of the Fajar Timur Theological Academy in Abepura, Jayapura, believed that Yohana’s selection as a minister could inspire other women in Papua.

“Jokowi has raised the hopes of women in Papua that they could become ministers in the country,” he said.

Neles said he considered that naming a woman from Papua as minister was part of Jokowi’s “mental revolution” because people are accustomed to imagining men when they speak about ministers from Papua.

Back at home, Yo has secured a special place in the hearts of her three children. “One of mum’s gifts is cooking. For me, there is no other food that is as delicious as mum’s,” Marcia, 27, Yohana’s eldest daughter, wrote in an e-mail to the Post.

Marcia, a Fullbright scholar, has finished her graduate study at Loyola University in Chicago, the US. The second daughter, Dina Maria, 18, is currently studying climatology in London, the UK. Yo’s youngest is Bernie, 16, a senior high school student in Timika.
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2) Freeport Union says it  plans Grasberg strike 

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Business | Tue, October 28 2014, 8:59 AM
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. faces a strike at its Grasberg copper mine in Indonesia, the world’s third- largest, over concerns about worker safety, according to a union spokesman.
The union gave notice to the company that it plans to strike, Juli Parorrongan said by phone on Monday. About 11,000 to 12,000 employees will join the protest, he said.
Daisy Primayanti, a spokeswoman for Freeport’s Indonesian unit, wasn’t immediately available for comment. Eric Kinneberg, a Freeport spokesman in Phoenix, where the company is based, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment outside of regular office hours.
Freeport, the world’s largest publicly traded copper producer, temporarily halted open-pit mining at Grasberg after a Sept. 27 collision between a light vehicle and a truck left four workers dead. A Sept. 12 rockfall killed another worker. In May 2013, 28 people died after a tunnel collapsed.
Grasberg’s sales in 2013 were 885 million pounds of copper and 1.1 million ounces of gold, Freeport said in its annual report. It was the third-largest copper mine by capacity as of 2012, according to Bloomberg Intelligence data. BHP Billiton Ltd.’s Escondida and Codelco’s Codelco Norte operation, both in Chile, were the largest.
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1) Police, Soldiers Suspected of Arming Papua Separatists

October 29, 2014, 1:08 am
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1) Police, Soldiers Suspected of Arming Papua Separatists

2) Police officer sells ammo  to armed group

3) Brutal new Defence Minister undermines Jokowi’s overtures to West Papua
4) HIV/AIDS is spreading rapidly because of the profound inequalities that afflict Papua


5) Media freedom in West Papua: Protest at Indonesian embassy

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http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/police-soldiers-suspected-arming-papua-separatists/

1) Police, Soldiers Suspected of Arming Papua Separatists

By Banjir Ambarita on 02:18 pm Oct 29, 2014
Category Crime, Featured, News

Jayapura. Authorities in Papua have arrested a police officer and are questioning three soldiers suspected of supplying ammunition to an armed separatist cell blamed for attacks that killed at least six police officers in the past three years.
The officer in custody, identified only as A.J., a police brigadier, was arrested on Sunday along with six suspected members of a cell of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) led by Pinus “Rambo” Wenda, who was also netted in the bust.
“We can confirm that one of our men was arrested and is suspected of having supplied ammunition to an armed criminal group,” Insp. Gen. Yotje Mende, the chief of the Papua Police, told the Jakarta Globe on Tuesday.
He said the bust took place in a hotel in Wamena, in Papua’s Jayawijaya district, in which police also found two rifle magazines and dozens of rounds of ammunition.
“We’ve had an eye on [A.J.] for a while now, but it’s only now that we’ve been able to catch him in a position where we can charge him,” Yotje said. “We’re questioning him intensively to determine where he got the ammunition, whether he stole it or some other means.”
Yotje said A.J. had claimed to investigators that his uncle, a retired soldier, was also involved in supplying ammunition to Rambo’s cell.
The provincial military commander said separately that his office was questioning a retired soldier and two serving ones about their alleged role in the case.
The police are handling the investigation into the retired soldier, according to Maj. Gen. Fransen Siahaan, the head of the Cendrawasih Military Command in Jayapura, which oversees military operations for the whole of Papua.
“The two others are still serving in the force and are being investigated by the Military Police,” Fransen told the Globe on Tuesday. “If they’re found to be involved in supplying ammunition to the OPM, I will discharge them. We won’t tolerate any armed forces personnel who does that. We’re going to find out how long they’ve been doing this.”
War drums
Police have not named A.J. or any of the soldiers as a suspect in the case, but they have already designated the six suspected OPM members as such.
Police also shot Rambo in the leg during the hotel raid on Sunday, claiming he tried to resist arrest.
The capture of Rambo, one of the most wanted OPM operatives in recent years, has prompted a threat of an armed backlash from the separatist group.
“We demand that the police immediately release our comrade, Rambo Wenda, or else we and all Papuan people will declare war and will target all non-Papuans in Papua,” Puron Wenda, the commander of the OPM in Lanny Jaya province, the organization’s stronghold, told the Globe by phone on Tuesday.
He added that police had until Thursday to release Rambo and the five others, “otherwise we will beat the drums of war.”
Puron said he had also phoned Yotje, the police chief, to make the demand — a claim that Yotje confirmed.
“But I refused to communicate with them because they’re criminals,” Yotje said.
Rambo is blamed for more than a dozen attacks on police stations and convoys since 2005 in Puncak Jaya and Lanny Jaya districts, and the deaths of at least six police officers since 2011.
The OPM, which is outlawed by the Indonesian government, has waged a low-level armed insurgency against the Indonesian security forces since 1965.:
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2) Police officer sells ammo  to armed group
The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Archipelago | Wed, October 29 2014, 7:54 AM
Police officer First Brig. Tanggam Jikwa, of the Nduga Police station in Nduga regency, Papua, has been arrested and is at risk of being dismissed from his unit for selling ammunition to an armed civilian group in Wamena, Jayawijaya, Papua.
“I will fire him and he will face a legal process,” Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Yotje Mende said in Jayapura on Tuesday.
Tanggam was caught in the company of five armed criminals, among them Rambo Wonda and Rambo Tolikara, at a hotel in Wamena on Oct. 26.
Yotje also dismissed Nduga Police chief Second Insp. Pius Holahasan.
The armed civilian group led by Wonda and Tolikara is believed to be linked to several shootings in 2011 and 2012 that killed a number of police members and an Indonesian Military (TNI) soldier.
Cenderawasih Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Fransen G. Siahaan said that three TNI members with the rank of sergeant were also believed to have sold ammunition to armed civilian groups. Fransen has deployed a team to Wamena to further probe the case.

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3) Brutal new Defence Minister undermines Jokowi’s overtures to West Papua

Indonesia’s new President has talked of hope and reconciliation as regards West Papua, but appointing a hard-line former general sends a different message, writes 

Nic Maclellan, a journalist and researcher in the Pacific islands.
Writing in Crikey yesterday, Indonesia analyst Jim Della-Giacoma said the appointment of retired general Ryamizard Ryacudu as new Indonesian Defence Minister “could have been worse”. But if you’re West Papuan, it’s hard to see how.
During his election campaign, Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo travelled twice to West Papua, promising a new era of dialogue between Jakarta and Jayapura. Last August, Jokowi met with West Papuan political, community and church leaders, outlining new policies for the troubled region. He pledged greater access for foreign journalists, stating: “Why not? It’s safe here in Papua. There’s nothing to hide.”
But the Indonesian President’s appointment of Ryacudu as Defence Minister threatens to undermine these commitments. The choice of a hard-line former military general for this senior cabinet post is likely to undo Jokowi’s cautious steps towards reconciliation in West Papua.
Successive Indonesian presidents have regarded the provinces of Papua and West Papua as an integral part of the Indonesian republic, cracking down on West Papuan nationalists who promote the right to self-determination or call for independence. Since Indonesia’s takeover in the early 1960s and the 1969 Act of Free Choice, Indonesia’s police and military forces have committed extensive human rights abuses. The Indonesian Armed Forces have marginalised the West Papuan guerrilla movement Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) but are struggling to control a new generation of student and community activists who are calling for independence.
In spite of Indonesia’s post-1998 democratic advances, West Papua remains an area with little international monitoring on the ground (the recent arrest, detention and trial of two French journalists for meeting with independence activists is a sign the security forces are still hostile to international scrutiny).
The new Defence Minister is an ally of former Indonesian president Megawati Sukarnoputri, and his appointment reflects her influence with the new Jokowi administration. Ryacudu was chief of the Indonesian army’s strategic command (Kostrad) in 2000-02 and then army chief of staff between 2002 and 2005.
During his time in the Indonesian military, Ryacudu was notorious for his hostility to Indonesian human rights activists, expressed doubts about civilian control of the military and downplayed concerns over human rights violations by the Indonesian military in Aceh and West Papua.
A decade ago, Ryacudu led the implementation of martial law in Aceh, with a crackdown on the Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM), or Free Aceh Movement. In May 2003, he told Time Magazine: “Our job is to destroy GAM’s military capability. Issues of justice, religion, autonomy, social welfare, education? Those are not the Indonesian military’s problems.”
“The Indonesian President can talk of dialogue, but ongoing human rights violations in West Papua by Indonesian police and military will undercut this initiative …”
In response to reports that Indonesian soldiers had executed unarmed children during the martial law crackdown, he stated: “If they are armed and fire, they will be shot, because children — and women — can kill, too.”
Ryacudu also played an important role in the crushing of the “Papuan Spring”, the period between 1998 and 2001 when West Papuans met to propose new options for self-determination. In 1998, as the Suharto regime collapsed, the West Papuan church, NGOs and indigenous leaders formed the Forum for Reconciliation in Irian Jaya (FORERI). In February 2000, the Papuan Mass Consultation (MUBES) was held in Jayapura to discuss democracy and self-determination. Supported by then-Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid, this popular congress was a crucial but short-lived moment of hope for West Papuans.
A key outcome of the congress was the creation of the Papua Presidium Council, led by Chief Theys Eluay, a key indigenous leader who proposed dialogue rather than conflict with Jakarta. But Eluay was murdered by Indonesian soldiers on November 10, 2001, shortly after attending an event at the Kopassus Special Forces base near Jayapura. Indonesian military officials initially denied responsibility for the killing, but after campaigning by human rights activists, seven low-ranking soldiers were eventually brought before a military court. These soldiers were found guilty in 2003 but only served short prison sentences.
At the time, Ryacudu praised Eluay’s murderers as heroes, stating: “I don’t know, people say they did wrong, they broke the law. What law? OK, we are a state based on the rule of law, so they have been punished. But for me, they are heroes because the person they killed was a rebel leader.”
Today, Indonesian human rights activists, academics and solidarity groups have all expressed concern about Jokowi’s new Defence Minister, and the potential for further conflict in West Papua.
Joe Collins of the Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) states: “The people of West Papua live in fear of security operations in the territory and the appointment of Ryamizard Ryacudu as Defence Minister can only add to this fear. There was some hope that the election of Jokowi would bring an easing of tension in West Papua, but with Ryamizard Ryacudu’s appointment it looks like there could be a continuation of solving issues of concern in West Papua by the security approach, not by dialogue.”
The Indonesian President can talk of dialogue, but ongoing human rights violations in West Papua by Indonesian police and military will undercut this initiative and continue to sour regional relations.
For Australia, the issue of self-determination in Melanesia will not go away. The French Pacific dependency of New Caledonia is scheduled to hold a referendum on self-determination before the end of 2018. Bougainville is moving towards a decision on its political status after nearly a decade of autonomous government. Self-determination will remain on the agenda in West Papua, even though governments in Canberra, Jakarta and Port Moresby regard it as a taboo subject.



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Inside Indonesia

4) HIV/AIDS is spreading rapidly because of the profound inequalities that afflict Papua

Carole Reckinger & Antoine Lemaire


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5) 

Media freedom in West Papua: Protest at Indonesian embassy


Wednesday, 29 October 2014, 11:13 am
Press Release: Peace Movement Aotearoa
Media freedom in West Papua: Protest at Indonesian embassy, 29 October
29 October 2014
When: From 1pm to 1.30pm on Wednesday, 29 October 2014
Where: Indonesian embassy, 70 Glen Rd, Kelburn, Wellington
Today, Wednesday 29 October, there will be a peaceful protest at the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington to call on new Indonesian President Joko Widodo to honour his election promise to ensure greater media freedom in West Papua.
Local journalists in West Papua, occupied by Indonesia since 1963, are subjected to violence and intimidation, as highlighted during the visit earlier this year by Victor Mambor, Alliance of Independent Journalists in Papua (www.facebook.com/events/309949635847814). Foreign journalists are seldom permitted to visit West Papua, and the select few that are allowed entry are closely monitored during their time there.
The lack of access for foreign media, and the harsh treatment of West Papuans who meet with those who enter the country under tourist visas, has been highlighted most recently by the Indonesian authorities treatment of French journalists Thomas Dandois and Valentine Bourrat, who were arrested on 6 August while recording footage for a documentary on the human rights situation in West Papua. Rather than being swiftly deported as other foreign journalists have been in the past, they were charged with immigration breaches and imprisoned until this week when they appeared in court - according the Indonesian Independent Alliance of Journalists, the first time that foreign journalists have been tried under immigration laws in Papua. The two journalists were found guilty, and will be freed next week. There have been reports that West Papuans who may have met with Dandois and Bourrat have been targeted and interrogated by Indonesian intelligence officers.

The International Federation of Journalists has raised numerous concerns about media freedom in West Papua over many years, just last week calling on President Joko Widodo to adopt a more open and transparent approach to media - www.ifj.org/nc/news-single-view/browse/1/backpid/50/article/call-on-new-indonesian-president-for-more-open-and-transparent-approach-to-media/Human Rights Watch too has raised this issue repeatedly, describing the conviction of Dandois and Bourrat as "a worrying blow" for media freedom -www.hrw.org/news/2014/10/24/dispatches-indonesia-s-papua-paranoia-jails-foreign-journalists
Further information is available atwww.facebook.com/events/540197002783905
ENDS
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1) French reporters land in Paris after release from Indonesia jail

October 29, 2014, 12:56 pm
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2) Indonesia's democractic credentials questioned
3) Ryamizard Threat to Progress on Human Rights in Papua, Rights Group Says

4) Special Autonomy Plus Draft Agenda ( Otsus Plus) Must be Accounted

5) World Habitat Day in Kali APO, Jayapura City


6) Participatory Mapping with Indigenous Papuans to Protect Land’s Rights



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http://www.france24.com/en/20141029-french-reporters-land-paris-after-release-indonesia-jail-bourrat-dandois-papua/

1) French reporters land in Paris after release from Indonesia jail


© iTélé Twitter account / Thomas Dandois and Valentine Bourrat at their trial in Jayapura on October 20
Text by FRANCE 24
Latest update : 2014-10-29

Two French journalists who were jailed for illegal reporting in Indonesia’s eastern province of Papua landed at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport early on Tuesday.

Thomas Dandois, 40, and Valentine Bourrat, 29, were detained in August while making a documentary for Franco-German television channel Arte about the separatist movement in eastern Papua.
The pair were tried two months later in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, on charges of breaking immigration laws since they were reporting on tourist, not journalist, visas – a crime punishable by up to five years in jail.
Indonesia is deeply sensitive about journalists covering Papua, where a low-level insurgency against the central government has simmered for decades, and rarely grants visas allowing foreigners to report in the region.
Prosecutors had sought a four-month sentence during the trial, saying the journalists had admitted their mistake and apologised.
However, a panel of judges handed them a sentence of just two months and 15 days, most of which they had already served.
Speaking soon after the verdict last week, the reporters’ lawyer Aristo Pangaribuan had welcomed their imminent release, though adding that "from a legal perspective, this is not very good because it opens the door for the criminalisation of journalistic activities."
Foreign journalists detained in the past for illegally reporting in Papua have been swiftly deported.
Indonesia's Independent Alliance of Journalists has said this is the first time that foreign journalists have been tried for immigration violations in Papua.
Andreas Harsono, a Jakarta-based researcher for Human Rights Watch, urged Indonesia to overhaul the complex system for foreign journalists to apply for visas to report on Papua.
Currently, 18 different government agencies have to approve a foreign journalist visa for Papua, he said.
"Reporters won't use tourist visas if it is fair to apply for journalist ones," he said.
Dandois was detained at a hotel in the city of Wamena with members of separatist group the Free Papua Movement and Bourrat was detained shortly afterwards, according to authorities.
The Free Papua Movement has been at the forefront of the fight against the central government in the resource-rich region, which is poor and ethnically Melanesian
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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2) Indonesia's democractic credentials questioned

Updated at 7:03 am today


A group of New Zealand protestors have questioned whether Indonesia's new President will support genuine media freedom in West Papua.
The group gathered outside Indonesia's embassy in Wellington yesterday, calling for media freedom in West Papua.
This follow's last week's conviction of two French journalists for misusing their tourist visas to work in Indonesia's Papua province.
The pair, who were arrested and detained in August, were sentenced in Jayapura to two and half months in prison.
One of the protestors, the New Zealand MP Catherine Delahunty, says Indonesia seems unprepared to open up Papua region to journalists because it has something to hide.
"Will the new President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, who claims to want a new approach to West Papua and is in fact visiting West Papua as a first act of his Presidency, will he support genuine media freedom?"
Catherine Delahunty says unlike in West Papua, journalists are still able to report in the most troubled parts of the world such as Syria and Palestine.
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3) Ryamizard Threat to Progress on Human Rights in Papua, Rights Group Says

 Oct 28th, 2014 0 Comment

Jayapura, Jubi – The East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) criticized President Joko Widodo’s decision  to name Ryamizard Ryacudu as Minister of Defense.
“The assignment of such authoritarian person like Ryamizard Ryacudu showed the President Widodo is not serious about promoting  human rights or concerned about Papua,” ETAN Coordinator, John M. Miller said Monday (27/10).
Miller further said Ryacudu is the historical legacy of the human rights violations by the military and his assignment could be a threat to human rights defenders and firmly confirm military intervention in civilian affairs.
“Although eradicating corruption is a priority for his administration, President Widodo clearly has not  considered Ryacudu’s background and track record on human rights issues in Indonesia,” he added.
Prior to the Presidential Election, the Indonesian human rights defenders group urged the new administrative after the election to disconnect with the past. An Indonesian human rights activist said Ryacudu’s assignment is likely inheriting the impunity on the human rights violations in the past.
“It would reveal the lack of accountability in solving the human rights violation in the past, as well as in the present. It also a threat to the expansion of human rights enforcement, especially in Papua,” Papuan young activist Robert Jitmau said.
Ryamizard Ryacudu is known as the military general who often condemned the human rights defenders. He had doubt about the ability of civilian to rule this country.  At the end of 2003, Ryacudu stated those who opposed the military’s policy should be considered as anti-government; therefore they could be removed.  He also offended Papuan people by saying the members of Kopassus (Military Special Force) who killed the Great Papuan Leader Theys Hiyo Eluay as heroes.
“People said they were guilty, they broke the law. What was it? Yes, this is a State of Law. But for me, they are the heroes because they killed the leader of the rebels,” said Ryacudu at that time. (Victor Mambor)
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4) Special Autonomy Plus Draft Agenda ( Otsus Plus) Must be Accounted

 Oct 24th, 2014 0 Comment

Jayapura, Jubi- Special Autonomy Plus Bill ( Otsus Plus) has been shelved after costing Rp.15 billion for drafting and discussions. Even though pros and cons have occurred internally, still, the budget must be accounted for.
“When it comes to the state money, the use must be accounted with details. Since, it was large amount of money,” former director of Elsham Papua, Aloysius Renwarin, said told Jubi on Thursday (23/10).
He added that the process of making a bill must go through a proper mechanism in order to be discussed and approved by the House of Representatives. “Look at how community, academics and bureaucrats involvement in the legislative process of the Papua Special Autonomy Law of 2001. though there were opposing but the process was still running ” Renwarin explained
Based on the working mechanism of the House of Representatives, first there must be a Standing Committee of “ Otsus Plus “, then the Special Committee of Otsus Plus and the last is hearing about how the bill can be passed into Special Autonomy Plus Law.
Separately Dr. Agus Sumule, lecturer at the University of Papua said Rp.15 billion was a large amount of money for draft Autonomy Plus that categorized as undocumented economic and fiscal calculations as well as other academic analysis manuscript that never known to the public.
“Both the content of the draft 14 that submitted to the Minister of Home Affairs was from a team formed by West Papua Governor chaired by Secretary of West Papua. The whole work in the province of West Papua and West Papua financed by the provincial budget, ” Sumele, former team facilitation of Papua Special Autonomy Law in 2001 added.
Sumule also quoted Yunus Wonda ‘s statement that drafting Plus Special Autonomy Law has spent Rp 15 billion. “It needs to be followed up by the attorney and police department because there are several reasons that the funds are used up. It is Contrary when Papua Special Autonomy Law in 2001 made, only Rp. 3 Billion used which included consultation throughout Irian Jaya and Workskhops , “he said.(Dominggus A Mampioper)
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5) World Habitat Day in Kali APO, Jayapura City

 Oct 24th, 2014 0 Comment

Abepura, Jubi – World Habitat Day  was celebrated in Kali APO, Jayapura city, with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for Nature urging communities to care for the environment.
In this event, marked every first Monday in October,  WWF in collaboration with the Development Unit Water Supply Management of Papua Province carried out joint activities with the community in a program called ‘Urban Housing Aspirations’ on October 23, 2014.
WWF urged communityies to improve the drainage, water supply and green space.
WWF is helping the government to establish communication with citizens in managing slums.
Third, WWF was to raise public awareness to preserve and maintain the living environment of the aspect of cleanliness, comfort, safety and health. The last was to increase public involvement and public awareness will be revamping urban settlements.
A series of activities were held such as planting 200 trees in locations vulnerable to landslides, conducting interactive dialogue to accommodate the aspirations of the people and extension urban farming and fire disaster response simulation.
Piter Roki Aloisius, program coordinator of WWF said it aimed at accommodating the aspirations of the community and communicating of information for environmental regulation that can be achieved.
Its success depends on the cooperation of all parties. Cooperation between the government, particularly related agencies for socialization city planning. “We need to work together,” he said.
Bayangkara headman ( Lurah), North Jayapura District, represented by his secretary, Bonefar Bonay welcomed the activities held in the urban village.He also invited members of the community in order to build clean and conforatble settlements particularly in the slum village territory.
“This village is prone to flooding, and there have been victims of flood,” he added.
Meanwhile, Medito Kabuari represented the Head of the Provincial Department of Public Works Papua Michael Kambuaya in the the speech, encouraged all elements to create a good living climate towards community dwellers viable and healthy.(Mawel Benny/Tina)
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6) Participatory Mapping with Indigenous Papuans to Protect Land’s Rights

 Oct 24th, 2014 0 Comment

Jayapura, Jubi -  The village participatory map program is a means of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples to land, the executive director of the Assessment and Empowerment of Indigenous Papuans (pt.PPMA-P), Zadrak Wamebu, said.
He there has been disagreement between indigenous peoples’ policy and the state’s policies. Many indigenous people frequently lose their rights due to state policies, prompting them to rebel.
“Most of indigenous Papuans have been fighting for  their rights. For example, they took the option of armed resistance. So, we try to give an explanation to the public to not fight against the state. Because the state is always equipped with the military, the police, judges and everything, ” Wamebu said told Jubi on Thursday (23/10).
The change can only be done if the community expressed injustice that they experienced. It will promote a change in policy.
“As, we did almost 25 years and now a change has occurred. Only, we must remember that the state is unlikely to change without any encouragement. Besides that the regulation is always too late which is as we know that it regulates everything and we try to bridge it, “he said.
The mapping is a part of protecting the customary rights of indigenous peoples. Only with maps and information, it could be explained the position of Indigenous Peoples. He hopes that it will be interpreted into regulation.
“Our struggle is how to make it into legal recognition. So I used to say, this country belongs to indigenous peoples from Aceh to Papua, “he added
While Walesi Indigenous Foundation Director , Deny Rahadian said Papua is actually a pioneer in mapping participatory and it has been doing  since two years ago.
“In conducting mapping participatory program in Papua, some indigenous peoples are assisted by Samdhana Institute through its partners ,” he stated.
Samdhana facilitated these activities to support indgenous mapping in order to empower them in land and resource. Samdhana also encouraged the Indogenous peoples map indigenous peoples to be recognized legally. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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Two Indonesian soldiers interrogated over sale of ammunition

October 30, 2014, 12:48 pm
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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/96313/two-indonesian-soldiers-interrogated-over-sale-of-ammunition


Two Indonesian soldiers interrogated over sale of ammunition

Kamis, 30 Oktober 2014 17:42 WIB | 584 Views

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - The investigators from the Army Military Police have questioned two personnel from the Indonesian Military for their alleged involvement in selling ammunition to Papuan separatists, stated a military spokesman.

The two suspects are under police detention since Wednesday, but their names have not yet been revealed to the public, Rikas Hidayatullah, the spokesman of the Cendrawasih Regional Military Command Colonel, remarked here on Thursday.

"I do not know their names. I have just heard that two army personnel from Wamena have been detained and questioned by the Army Military Police," he noted.

The two army soldiers and a retired army personnel had allegedly got involved in the sale of ammunition. The truth came to light following the arrest of a suspect named First Police Brigadier Tanggap Jikwa on Sunday (October 26).

Tanggap Jikwa, who was arrested along with five armed separatists, confessed that he had got the ammunition from his uncle, who was an Indonesian Military personnel.

The retired army personnel's case is being handled by the local police
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Indonesian Defense Chief May Smooth Path for Army Novice Jokowi

October 31, 2014, 12:07 am
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http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/indonesian-defense-chief-may-smooth-path-army-novice-jokowi/


Indonesian Defense Chief May Smooth Path for Army Novice Jokowi

By Chris Blake on 08:41 am Oct 31, 2014
Former Suharto-era general Ryamizard Ryacudu, tapped by Indonesian President Joko Widodo for defense minister, could become a conduit to the powerful armed forces for the country’s first leader to rise from outside the aristocracy or the military.
Ryamizard, who spearheaded anti-separatist crackdowns in his time as army chief of staff in the early 2000s, said he’s waiting for instructions from Joko for defending an archipelago that would stretch from New York to Alaska.
“Wait, let me learn first,” Ryamizard told reporters Oct. 26. “I don’t want to speak presumptuously. I’m awaiting the president’s roadmap.”
Joko, known as Jokowi, is a former furniture dealer who entered politics in 2005 and had little experience in security policy in his time as a mid-city mayor and then governor of Jakarta. His selection of Ryamizard, 64, could smooth ties with the armed forces, though it has raised concerns among rights groups and questions about his capacity to modernize a military that for most of Indonesia’s history has been focused on internal threats.
“Ryamizard gives Jokowi a defense minister who is well liked within his own military,” said Ken Conboy, country manager at RMA Indonesia, a Jakarta-based risk management firm. “Ryamizard was a soldier’s soldier, but never really known as a diplomat. So there is perhaps some risk to Jokowi that Ryamizard will be prone to making politically inappropriate statements.”
Ryamizard rose through the ranks during the rule of dictator Suharto in the 1990s and has defended soldiers convicted of killing a Papuan independence leader as “heroes” and said rights groups “contribute nothing to this country.” The son of a regional army commander, he has ties to former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, the daughter of founding President Sukarno and now leader of Jokowi’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, or PDI-P.

‘Highly politicized’
Megawati nominated Ryamizard to be commander of the armed forces in her final days in office in 2004, a move that was blocked by her successor as president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a former general. His appointment to Jokowi’s 34-member cabinet is a political concession to Megawati, said Andreas Harsono, an Indonesia researcher for Human Rights Watch.
“He comes from the Suharto era where military officers were highly politicized,” he said. “His father was loyal to President Sukarno. He is loyal to President Megawati. I think that is the only explanation.”
Ryamizard will oversee a defense budget that Jokowi has said he wants to increase to 1.5 percent as a share of the economy, which is Southeast Asia’s largest. The president has said he wants to modernize the armed forces, particularly the navy, which is responsible for patrolling the more than 17,000 islands that make up the world’s fourth most-populous nation.

Military spending
Military spending has increased over the past decade and reached Rp 81.96 trillion ($6.8 billion) in 2013, or 0.9 percent of gross domestic product, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
“Percentage wise it looks pretty impressive,” said Richard Bitzinger, coordinator of the military transformations program at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. “But that basically means going from a very low level to not much of a higher level.”
If Indonesia wants to modernize its military it must commit the necessary resources over a sustained period of time and focus that money on the navy and air force rather than ground troops, he said.
“It’s not something you can nickel and dime,” he said. “It’s going to take time. If you’re going to add equipment you’ve got to add personnel. So you need more sailors and you need more pilots and things like that and that takes a long time and that costs money too.”

Malacca Strait
Jokowi has said he wants to stop smuggling of Indonesia’s natural resources and has suggested building a network of drones to patrol the country. The Malacca Strait, a shipping lane that links the economies of countries such as India, China and Japan, also runs through Indonesia.
At his inauguration on Oct. 20, Jokowi likened himself to a “captain trusted by the people” and said it was time for Indonesia to return to “Jalesveva Jayamahe,” the Indonesian navy motto meaning “in the seas we will triumph.”
“I would think that Ryamizard would be pressed to reflect Jokowi’s maritime emphasis in his defense planning,” Conboy said. “I suppose there could be some concern that he will favor the army when it comes to purchases, rather than the maritime emphasis voiced by Jokowi.”

China’s rise
Indonesia also faces an increasingly assertive China, which has been pushing its territorial claims to most of the nearby South China Sea. While Indonesia is not an official claimant to areas in dispute and has sought to stay out of the spat, officials have said that China’s interpretation of its nine dash-line map — the basis for its claims — is seeping into Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone.
China must not create regional instability, Indonesian military chief Gen. Moeldoko told reporters Oct. 29 in Singapore. The defense force has “hundreds of ships” to secure the country’s maritime lanes within its borders, he said.
“China is a great economic superpower, however we don’t want this great force to create instability in the region,” Moeldoko said. “Just a small disturbance within this maritime zone will give a big impact” and create turbulence in the region.

‘Conservative instincts’
Still, Ryamizard’s background suggests that he will focus internally, perhaps overlooking potential military threats from outside, said Marcus Mietzner, an associate professor at the Australian National University in Canberra.
“He’s not a strategic thinker,” said Mietzner, author of “Money, Power and Ideology: Political Parties in Post- Authoritarian Indonesia.” “He has deeply conservative instincts, and these are likely to guide him. This means preserving military privileges, less emphasis on transparency in the name of guarding ‘state secrets,’ and no genuine  attempts at improving civilian oversight of the armed forces.”
While he may take a tough stance on separatist ambitions in Papua, Ryamizard won’t be responsible for countering the threat from militants, including the potential return of Indonesians who left to fight with Islamic State in the Middle East. That responsibility lies with the police and intelligence agencies.
Gen. Moeldoko said he believed Ryamizard was the right man for the post.

‘Proper figure’
“Based on his huge experience as well as vast academic background, I’m quite sure that General Ryamizard Ryacudu is indeed a proper figure,” he said. “I’m also quite sure that later he’s going to produce some kind of political policies that are indeed quite proper for the military and the state.”
Ryamizard has in the past made comments about meddling by “foreign imperial powers” and his appointment could complicate military cooperation with allies such as Australia and the US, said Kevin O’Rourke, a political analyst and author of “Reformasi: The Struggle for Power in Post-Soeharto Indonesia.”
“A question is whether Ryacudu will involve himself in foreign policy issues, perhaps taking stances that conflict with those of the new foreign minister,” O’Rourke said.

Democratic transition
When asked about Ryamizard, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the US was aware of “allegations of human rights violations committed by the Indonesian army while the general served as army chief of staff.”
“We are not, however, aware of any allegation that ties the defense minister explicitly to a specific human rights violation,” she told reporters on Oct. 28 in Washington. “Indonesia’s military, like the country as a whole, has reformed in significant ways over the past 16 years in line with Indonesia’s democratic transition.”
Bloomberg
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Summary of events in West Papua for October 2014

November 2, 2014, 12:36 pm
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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
PO Box 28, Spit Junction, NSW 2088

Summary of events in West Papua for October 2014
AWPA uses the name “West Papua” to refer to the whole of the western half of the Island of New Guinea.  However, “West Papua” at this time is divided into two provinces, Papua and West Papua. 



French Journalists released
The two French Journalists, Valentine Bourrat and Thomas Dandois who were arrested on the 6th of August in Wamena were sentenced to two and half months in prison. However, they were released as they had already served that time in custody and are back in France.  Numerous rallies were held by solidarity groups around the world calling for their release during their time in detention.    In West Papua,  rallies called by civil society organisations to demand their release were banned by the security forces. The rallies went ahead on the 13 October and 29 West Papua National Committee (KNPB) members were arrested in Merauke and 17 in Jayapura. They  demonstrators were eventually released. http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/west-papua-indonesia-bans-rallies-imprisoned-journalists-arrests-29-9013 A lot of media attention was focused on their case during their time in detention and it is hoped that the media will continue to focus on the issue of West Papua.  For all the talk about Indonesian being a democracy, West Papuans are still arrested for taking part in peaceful rallies and there are least 74 political prisoners in Papuan jails". The Indonesian President, Jokowi who visited West Papua twice in the lead up to the election promised to open West Papua to foreign journalists and non-government organisations if he won the election. "Why not? It's safe here in Papua," he was quoted as saying. "There's nothing to hide."  Hopefully he will keep his promise.  

One of journalists sources, Areki Wanimbo, who was with the journalists when they were arrested is still in prison. A report in Jubi said that The Indonesian government had issued permits for 39 foreign journalists to undertake activities in Papua and West Papua since last year and only nine foreign journalists were refused permission to cover Papua since 2013. Victor Mambor, Chairman of AJI Kota Jayapura said detail clarification is needed. “Is it true 39 foreign journalists were allowed cover the issues in Papua? It is true that some of them got permission to cover political issues, such as Mark Davis. But I have to say he was strictly watched while doing his reporting,” said Mambor. Additionally, he said most foreign journalists who came to Papua only got permission to report on tourism issues such as events in Raja Ampat Island, or Lembah Baliem Festival or about the handover of Japanese soldiers’ skeleton. “But, it’s not only about getting permits or not, but the process is too long and complicated. It may be called clearing house. The government must be aware, if the permit takes too long, they will lose their momentum,” said Mambor.


Ryamizard Ryacudu's appointed as Defense Minister

There was some hope that the election of Jokiwi would bring an easing of tension in West Papua but with Ryamizard Ryacudu's appointment as Defense Minister it looks like there could be a continuation of solving issues of concern in West Papua by the security approach, not by dialogue.  Ryamizard Ryacudu was Army chief of staff between 2002 and 2005 and chief of the Army’s strategic command (Kostrad) between 2000 and 2002. He was involved in operations against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Free Papuan Movement (OPM). He has held a hardline view on what are termed separatists in Indonesian. 

When Chief Theys Eluay (chairperson of the Papuan Presidium Council) was killed by Kopassus soldiers on 10 November 2001, shortly after attending an event at the Kopassus base near Jayapura, General Ryamizard Ryacudu who was chief of staff at the time is quoted as saying,  'I don't know, people say they did wrong, they broke the law. What law? Okay, we are a state based on the rule of law, so they have been punished. But for me, they are heroes because the person they killed was a rebel leader.'The Jakarta Globe has a profile of new ministers at http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/indonesias-new-ministers/

 

 
Threat of division and more transmigration

Suara papua.com has reported that the Minister for Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo  said that Papua will be a priority for the government  and could be divided into one or two provinces. Tjahjo said the reason for choosing Papua as a priority because of the need for a good control of the region. Moreover, the reach of the people to the government is getting closer to be able to ensure better service.  "I think this region is essential for equitable development. I will try to consult with all parties. Adding at least one or two provinces in Papua," he said. It was also reported that the Minister of Rural Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, Marwan Jafar is considering encouraging more migration to West Papua. Marwan believes that people are not interested in going to West Papua because of tribal conflict and with the help of the security forces a stable atmosphere could be created. "The atmosphere is safe to make people from the densely populated island is not afraid to live in the area homesteader. The Javanese transmigration in Papua feel comfortable. This is one example, "said Marwan. 

Suarapapua.com reported (2 Nov.) that a number of activists in Papua, reject the policy of the  Minister as it could spark a new conflict in Papua.  "All sectors of the economy, including the bureaucracy currently dominated by non-Papuans, the presence of the migrants from Java would further add a new conflict," said Thobias Bagubau, activists in Jayapura, Papua, to suarapapua.com, afternoon. Failure of development in Papua, continued Thobias, because during this time indigenous people continue to be marginalized, while the non-Papuans be given space and access to develop themselves.  "I also see the potential to seize the transmigration current customary lands of indigenous peoples, because later many areas of land used for the migrants, we ask that this policy stopped," he said. 

Jubi also reported (2 Nov.) that the Governor of Papua Province, Luke Enembe also rejected the proposed transmigration program plan. This is because, the transmigration program from outside Papua are a big enough impact to communities, especially indigenous Papuans. Where they will be marginalized and become a minority in their own land. As a result, there was jealousy that led to the conflict between indigenous Papuans and non-Papuans.  "Government Jokowi do not make new problems in Papua. When it comes transmigration, immigrants coming from various islands. Papuan people will be marginalized and minorities in farming and became poor in their own land, "said Enembe told reporters in Jayapura, Papua, on Sunday (2/11).

News in brief

Papua Police Raid Separatist Group’s Headquarters

On the 11 October the security forces attacked the headquarters of the OPM in Papua’s Pantura Yapen district. Papua ‘s Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Sulistyo Pudjo Hartono said “A special team from the Yapen Islands district police, lead by the local police chief and assisted by a team from the military, launched a raid at the Free Papua Movement’s headquarter.” Members of the movement, however, managed to escape the raid and reportedly fled into the forest. The police found some 20 rounds of ammunition, five firearms, a Vixon motorbike and a camouflage uniform on the premises.


Clash between military and police

A clash occurred between members of the military and Brimob    on Monday the 13 October in Pirime, Lanny Jaya regency.  The Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Yotje Mende deployed a team of investigators to investigate the incident in which a soldier was injured. The incident occurred when Brimob personnel conducted routine road checks for illegal arms in Pirime and stopped a truck carrying passengers. During the check, a uniformed soldier refused to be examined. He instead went to a nearby military post. “All of the sudden, the sound of gunfire came from the direction of the post. Brimob personnel then became involved in an exchange of fire with the soldiers, during which Lt. Ali was injured. For that, I sincerely apology to Lt. Ali,” Yotje said on Tuesday. A different statement was issued separately by Cendrawasih Military Commander Maj. Gen. Fransen G Siahaan, who said it was the Brimob personnel who fired first. Commenting on this, Yotje said that he did not want speculate and had therefore formed the team to find out what had really caused the incident. The National Police withdrew 60 Brimob members from Pirime and moved them to Jayapura following the clash.  The Brimob personnel were replaced with colleagues from another Papua Police Brimob division.


Papua police arrest Rambo Wonda of outlawed armed group
Minggu, 26 Oktober 2014. Jayapura (ANTARA News) - Papuan Regional Police arrested members of an outlawed armed group including Enggangrangkok Wonda or Rambo Wonda and Darius Wonimbo or Rambo Puncak Jaya as well as Tolikara in Wamena, Jayawijaya District, Papua Province on Thursday (Oct 23). The Chief of Papuan Regional Police Inspector General Yotje Mende said Enggangrangkok had an arsenal gun and ammunition that he had taken by force from Brigadier Mobile (Brimob) officer. "Enggangrangkok Wonda, initially Rambo Wonda, is a nephew of Puron Wonda who is in polices wanted list," Mende said here on Saturday. Police also said Enggangrangkok was allegedly involved in deadly shootings that killed eight police officers. The Jayawijaya Resort Police are still investigating the seven armed separatists who had operated in central Papuan mountainous area. Mende said Police planned to transfer the seven armed separatists to Jayapura to conduct further investigation. (Uu.B019/F001)

Two Indonesian soldiers interrogated over sale of ammunition
ANTARA News reported (30 October) that investigators from the Army Military Police questioned two personnel from the Indonesian Military for their alleged involvement in selling ammunition to the OPM. The two suspects are under police detention

Special Autonomy Plus Draft Agenda ( Otsus Plus) Must be Accounted
tabloidjubi.com Oct 24th. Jayapura, Jubi- Special Autonomy Plus Bill ( Otsus Plus) has been shelved after costing Rp.15 billion for drafting and discussions. Even though pros and cons have occurred internally, still, the budget must be accounted for. “When it comes to the state money, the use must be accounted with details. Since, it was large amount of money,” former director of Elsham Papua, Aloysius Renwarin, said told Jubi on Thursday (23/10). He added that the process of making a bill must go through a proper mechanism in order to be discussed and approved by the House of Representatives. “Look at how community, academics and bureaucrats involvement in the legislative process of the Papua Special Autonomy Law of 2001. though there were opposing but the process was still running ” Renwarin explained Based on the working mechanism of the House of Representatives, first there must be a Standing Committee of “ Otsus Plus “, then the Special Committee of Otsus Plus and the last is hearing about how the bill can be passed into Special Autonomy Plus Law. Separately Dr. Agus Sumule, lecturer at the University of Papua said Rp.15 billion was a large amount of money for draft Autonomy Plus that categorized as undocumented economic and fiscal calculations as well as other academic analysis manuscript that never known to the public. 
“Both the content of the draft 14 that submitted to the Minister of Home Affairs was from a team formed by West Papua Governor chaired by Secretary of West Papua. The whole work in the province of West Papua and West Papua financed by the provincial budget, ” Sumele, former team facilitation of Papua Special Autonomy Law in 2001 added. Sumule also quoted Yunus Wonda ‘s statement that drafting Plus Special Autonomy Law has spent Rp 15 billion. “It needs to be followed up by the attorney and police department because there are several reasons that the funds are used up. It is Contrary when Papua Special Autonomy Law in 2001 made, only Rp. 3 Billion used which included consultation throughout Irian Jaya and Workskhops , “he said.(Dominggus A Mampioper)


Freeport Indonesia union cancels planned one-month strike

JAKARTA Fri Oct 31, 2014

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Workers at Freeport-McMoRan Inc's Indonesian copper mine have cancelled a planned one-month strike due to start next week, a union official said on Friday, after reaching an agreement with the company's management following two days of talks. Three Freeport unions representing almost 11,000 workers had agreed to take strike action from Nov.6 until Dec. 6, demanding changes to the local management following the death of four workers in a Sept. 27 accident. "Strike cancelled," a union spokesman Juli Parorrongan told Reuters. "Through intensive, informative and constructive dialogue, we successfully reached a win-win solution for everyone," senior union official Sudiro said in a statement. "Our goal is to create a safe and productive work place at Freeport Indonesia for all workers." Freeport Indonesia, which employs around 24,000 workers, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Michael Taylor and Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by Jane Merriman)


Opinion pieces/ reports/ press releases etc.


AWPA media releases


AWPA welcomes the release of the two French journalists

http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/media-release-awpa-welcomes-release-of.html

New Indonesian Defense Minister a cause for concern
http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/media-release-new-indonesian-defense.html


Australian help for West Papua

http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2014/10/australian-help-for-west-papua/


AWPA letter to foreign minister.
http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/media-release-rallies-in-west-papua.html

 
Women and oil palm in an investment region

http://www.downtoearth-indonesia.org/story/women-and-oil-palm-investment-region


Ex-Dolly sex workers face Papua witch hunt

http://asiancorrespondent.com/127433/ex-dolly-sex-workers-face-papua-witch-hunt/

Why dialogue matters for Papua

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/10/07/why-dialogue-matters-papua.html


Brutal new Defence Minister undermines Jokowi’s overtures to West Papua

http://www.crikey.com.au/2014/10/29/brutal-new-defence-minister-undermines-jokowis-overtures-to-west-papua/?wpmp_switcher=mobile


HIV/AIDS is spreading rapidly because of the profound inequalities that afflict Papua


http://www.insideindonesia.org/current-edition/faultlines-and-fractures


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Media release -More migrants and division of West Papua will only increase tension

November 2, 2014, 4:29 pm
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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
Media release 3 November 2014

More migrants and division of West Papua will only increase tension
The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (better known as Jokowi) promised to make Papua one of his priorities if elected as president. However, it is unfortunate that ministers in his government are making statements that are raising alarm amongst the West Papuan people.

Joe Collins of AWPA said, "first there was the appointment of Ryamizard Ryacudu as Defense Minister who was chief of staff at the time Chief Theys Eluay was killed by Kopassus soldiers. He praised the soldiers as heroes because the person they killed was a rebel leader.  Next local media has reported that the Minister for Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo as   saying that Papua could be divided into one or two provinces and the Minister of Rural Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, Marwan Jafar is considering encouraging more migration to West Papua".
There had been some hope that the election of Jokowi would bring an easing of tension in West Papua but encouraging more migrants to West Papua would only increase the tension already in the territory. The Minister of Rural Development seems to believe that potential migrants don't go to West Papua because of security fears, because it's not a safe place.  "To create a conducive atmosphere in the Earth of Paradise, Marwan said it could work with the military and police". 

Activists in West Papua and the Governor of Papua Province, Luke Enembe have rejected the proposed transmigration program plan as more migrants from outside Papua would have a big impact on communities, especially indigenous Papuans.  They are already marginalized and becoming a minority in their own land.

The division of West Papua would also increase tension in the territory, adding more security forces and more bureaucrats in any knew provinces that were created.
Joe Collins of AWPA said, "hopefully Jokowi will will listen to the people of West Papuan and empower them to make the decisions that affect their own future.

ends

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Note. AWPA uses the name “West Papua” to refer to the whole of the western half of the Island of New Guinea.  However, “West Papua” at this time is divided into two provinces, Papua and West Papua. 

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1) New minister to meet with thousands of Papuan women

November 3, 2014, 11:50 am
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2) Governor of Papua: Stop Send the Poor from Java to Papua 
3) Komnas HAM Summons US Journalist Allan Nairn

4) Fuel Price in Timika Reaches Rp. 20,000



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1) New minister to meet with  thousands of Papuan women 

Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Archipelago | Mon, November 03 2014, 10:30 PM
Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Susana Yembise is scheduled to host a dialogue with thousands of Papuan women in Biak Numfor regency, Papua, on Wednesday.
“The minister will visit Biak and host a meeting with around 2,000 women to discuss government programs for women and children,” Biak Numfor administration spokesperson Esti Kawer told The Jakarta Post in Biak on Monday.
Wednesday’s visit will be Yohana’s first official visit after the University of Cendrawasih lecturer was inaugurated as women’s empowerment and child protection minister at the State Palace on Oct. 27.
Esti revealed that a string of traditional ceremonies was being prepared to welcome Yohana to her hometown, Biak.
Speaking to the Post, Yohana expressed her gratitude at being allowed to visit Biak as her first ministerial visit.
“I will fly to Biak on Tuesday evening. The local administration has prepared traditional ceremonies to give thanks to God for my inauguration as minister,” she said over the phone.
Esti said that one of the traditional ceremonies prepared to welcome Yohana was Marangga. “We are preparing a traditional welcoming ceremony called Marangga, in which Minister Yohana must step on a stone plate as she gets off the aeroplane,” she said, adding that a mass prayer event would also be held to give thanks to God for the appointment of Yohana as minister.
From Papua, Yambise is scheduled to visit Nias in North Sumatra to meet with local women leaders. Yohana is the first Papuan woman to be appointed minister. She is also the first Papuan woman to be awarded a professorship. (ebf)(++++)
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A google translate of article in suarapapua.com. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at

 Policies Jokowi-JK For Papua 
2) Governor of Papua: Stop Send the Poor from Java to Papua 
By: Oktovianus Pogau | Monday, November 3, 2014 - 21:37 pm | Viewed: 521 times 

Jayapura, Papua Province Governor SUARAPAPUA.com ---, Luke Enembe, asked the central government through Kementeriaan Village, and the Transmigration of Rural Development (PDT), to not send the poor from Java to Papua transmigration. 

"Papuans can not accept transmigration, obviously I reject it. Papuans were not ready, still backward, still poor, so the poor people do not anymore added from Java to Papua, "said Enembe, while giving a press conference to reporters on Sunday (11/03/2014), in Jayapura, Papua. 
According Enembe, with many poor people sent to Papua, certainly can cause new problems, therefore he explicitly rejected the proposal of the Minister Marwan Jafar, who delivered some time ago in Jakarta. (Read: Open Land in Papua Transmigration, Minister Marwan Cooperate with military-police). 
According to the Governor, the number of poor people in Papua is still very high. Most have not been good enough to get attention, if the number of poor people continues to grow with the transmigration program, it will increase the burden on local governments. (Read: Transmigration policy and Expansion To Papua: Milk Replied Air Tuba?). 
"The influx of transmigrants would obviously make Papuans increasingly marginalized, and the foreign made ​​from their own land. Moreover, the ownership of communal land in Papua, so I'm not used to be no transmigration program during the next four years, "said Enembe. 
Governor actually asked for support from the central government to local transmigration in Papua, Papuan people so that life better. (Read: Reject Redistricting, Governor of Papua: Do not Talk Gratuitous Home Minister!). 
"Through local transmigration, the central government tried to back them home, put them in place nice, love honor, and bring them up properly, so that Papuans can grow, not by poor people brought from outside into the land of Papua," says the numbers this one in Papua. 
Earlier, the Minister Marwan Jafar, to the media said, would turn back the national transmigration program, and Papua, the main target. (Read: Minister Marwan Want to Make People Interested Transmigration Java to Papua). 
Oktovianus POGAU
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http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2014/11/03/055619238/Komnas-HAM-Summons-US-Journalist-Allan-Nairn
MONDAY, 03 NOVEMBER, 2014 | 18:04 WIB
3) Komnas HAM Summons US Journalist Allan Nairn
Zoom Out Zoom In Normal
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – American investigative journalist Allan Nairn on Monday was summoned by the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to talk about his recent interview with former National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Hendropriyono.
“I was invited to come to Komnas HAM on Monday,” he said on Sunday, adding that he would speak bluntly if asked to tell about Hendropriyono.
Allan seized the spotlight after releasing his interview with Prabowo Subianto. Lately in his personal blog, he also posted his interview with Hendropriyono about the death of human rights activist Munir, Talangsari Massacre, mass riots during the East Timor referendum in 1999 and his closeness with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
In Allan’s interview with Hendropriyono last week, Hendropriyono admitted “command responsibility” in the assassination of Munir.
According to Allan, Hendropriyono is ready to bear the consequences of his action and willing to give information to Komnas HAM and the Attorney General on conditions that Komnas HAM and the Attorney General meet him in his house.
SYAILENDRA| MARIA RITA 
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MONDAY, 03 NOVEMBER, 2014 | 19:38 WIB
4) Fuel Price in Timika Reaches Rp. 20,000
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The price of Premium - a type of subsidised fuel marketed by the state-owned oil and gas company, Pertamina - in Timika, Papua has breached Rp 20,000 for one bottle of 1.5 liters sold on the side of the road, in the past few days.
Junaidi, a roadside Premium retailer in the city, said on Monday, November 3, 2014, that the price increases can be observed in the past three days. Previously, Premium was sold around Rp 10,000 to 12,000 per bottle.
Meanwhile, long queues of motorcycles and cars could be observed at three gas stations across the city, namely at the Mimika Timur gas station in Nawaripi, the Timika Jaya gas station at SP2, and at Buana gas station on Jl. Hasanuddin.
Although Premium and Solar (Pertamina's subsidized diesel fuel) supplies into Timika are normal, reserves are flying off the shelves much faster than usual.
Sayfuddin, a manager for the Mimika Timur and Timika Jaya gas station, said that supplies from Paumako Harbour are normal, and each station receives 24 kiloliters of Premium and between five to 10 kiloliters of Solar everyday.
However, higher-than-usual demands for Premium have caused both stations to run out of Premium to sell at around midday, Eastern Indonesia Time. Usually, both stations are open until 20.00, and by closing time both usually have some Premium leftovers that could be sold on the following day.
"Premium supplies into Timika have not been interrupted, and we are selling in accordance to the regulations. We believe that the shortage is caused by people stockpiling Premium, en masse," said Sayfuddin.
ANTARANEWS
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1) Jokowi's 'Business As Usual' Cabinet Is Bad News For West Papua

November 4, 2014, 12:21 am
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2) Papua Governor Renounces Transmigration Program
3) Central Government Urged Not to Have Final Say over Regional Divisions

4) Kondo Village Remains Isolated

5) Illiteracy Rates in Mappi and Asmat at 60 Percent

6) Freeport Trade Union: Mass Strike is Legal

7) Population of Indigenous Papuans in Merauke Drops to 40 Percent


8) Media Working Group Supports KPA Mimika in HIV/ Aids Prevention

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https://newmatilda.com//2014/11/04/jokowis-business-usual-cabinet-bad-news-west-papua
4 Nov 2014

1) Jokowi's 'Business As Usual' Cabinet Is Bad News For West Papua

By Jarrah Sastrawan

The Indonesian president's new leadership team is not as fresh as hoped. Human rights groups are justifiably concerned, writes Wayan Jarrah Sastrawan.
The final announcement was made an hour behind schedule, and it went down to the wire. Emphasising the importance of having a clean team, Indonesia’s new President Joko Widodo (known as Jokowi) was forced to ditch eight members in line for cabinet positions after negative assessments from anti-corruption watchdogs.
A leaked draft of the cabinet membership published by The Jakarta Globe just hours before the final announcement contained a different Communications Minister to the one announced and the rejected minister turned up wearing the same uniform as the cabinet, suggesting he hadn’t even been given time to change.
Sartorial confusion aside, how well did Jokowi’s cabinet clean up go?
On the upside, the number of women included increased.
But the outcome overall is far from the fresh line-up many voters hoped the new president would deliver. Edward Aspinall, a professor of politics at the Australian National University, argues this cabinet is an unadventurous continuation of ‘business as usual’ politics, with a prevalence of mediocre party politicians over reformist technocrats.
Jokowi exceeded his self-imposed limit of 16 partisan appointments, with a strong bias towards politicians of his own party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), and towards professionals linked to the PDI-P chairwoman and former president Megawati Sukarnoputri.
This partisanship has given the president’s rivals an opportunity to question his authority with respect to his party chief. During the presidential campaign there was anti-Jokowi advertising to the effect that “if Jokowi wins, Mega will be the president”.
In a country where the president once had dictatorial power, the notion of Jokowi taking orders from Megawati is seen as highly improper, and it gives his rivals ammunition.
But the cabinet appointment that best illustrates this uneasy dynamic between president and party leader is that of the new Defence Minister: Ryamizard Ryacudu.
Ryamizard is a very conservative retired general who has been connected to the Indonesian political elite for decades. His father Musanif Ryacudu was also a general, known to be a loyal supporter of President Sukarno, Megawati’s father. When the Army under General Suharto forced Sukarno out of power in the mid-1960s, Musanif quickly switched sides to the new regime, in contrast to many other Sukarnoists who were purged and jailed. His son Ryamizard was able to show loyalty to the Suharto regime, even marrying the vice-president’s daughter, while maintaining links with the Sukarno family.
After Suharto was toppled in 1998 and Megawati herself became president in 2001, she promoted Ryamizard to Army Chief-of-Staff and tried to give him the top Armed Forces job, before the decision was blocked by her successor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
What this tangled family history shows is that Jokowi has not been able or willing to sweep out of his government the nepotistic military ties that made his opponent Prabowo Subianto (Suharto’s ex-son-in-law) so unappealing to reform-minded Indonesians.
What might Ryamizard bring to the policy table? As Chief-of-Staff he took a hardline approach to crush the separatist movement in Aceh and was instrumental in a 2003 military operation that involved wholesale terrorisation and abuse of the region’s civilian population.
He is likely to be an obstacle to prosecuting soldiers who commit abuses, having said of a group of Special Forces soldiers who murdered the prominent Papuan leader Theys Eluay in 2001: “to my mind, they are heroes”.
Ryamizard appears to think that extreme violence against civilians is heroic if it is for the sake of the unity of the Republic, which is a very worrying sign for Papuans.
When Ryamizard was asked about his human rights record after being appointed Defence Minister, he responded by asking “why are people only bringing up this issue now that I’ve been appointed a minister?”
This deflection is bizarre in how obviously false its premise is (people have always talked about Ryamizard’s record), and happens to be worded exactly the same way as Prabowo’s response to similar questions during the election campaign. Human rights organisations are livid that Jokowi, having used Prabowo’s record of abuse and murder to defeat him in the election, would place Ryamizard in a position where he can protect perpetrators and encourage further crimes.
The new president is already weak. Jokowi is outnumbered in the parliament and several senior members of his cabinet are personally loyal to Megawati rather than to him, which gives him little capacity to impose his own authority on the government.
It seems likely that Jokowi will pick his battles by focussing on portfolios such as education and maritime affairs that are managed by professionals of his choosing, and leave areas such as defence and foreign affairs to be run with significant autonomy.
Despite the president’s promises to clean up the government, the stain of dirty military-dynastic politics is extremely hard to get out.


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2) Papua Governor Renounces Transmigration Program

 Nov 3rd, 2014 0 Comment

Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Governor Lukas Enembe has rejected a proposal for a transmigration program submitted by the Ministry of Rural and Isolated Regional Development and Transmigration.
The transmigration program in Papua will have adverse impact on communities , in particular indigenous Papuans, Enembe said.
There are fears that  the indigenous Papuans would become increasingly marginalized and a minority on their own land, resulting in social unrest.
“The Jokowi administration  should not create new problems in Papua. The transmigration program will allow immigrants from many regions come to Papua, therefore the indigenous Papuans would be marginalized and become minorities in farming, and become poor in their own land,” Enembe said on Sunday (2/11).
The population number in Papua is very small comparing the total population of Java Island, but it doesn’t mean the Papua Government could agree with the set-up program by the Central Government because the problems complexity among Papuans. Furthermore, the governor said no spaces are vacant in Papua. Every inch of lands in Papua is belongs to its tribes. It is the communal land.
“If there must be a transmigration program in Papua, it should be made to the local transmigration. It means to concern on the people in the remote areas by building the houses, opening the job opportunities, assisting them in farming, giving them incentives and providing them the farming areas. Not necessary bringing people from Java,” Enembe said.
The renouncement of transmigration program in Papua by the Governor Enembe is not the first time, it was also pursued by the former governor. (Alexander Loen/rom)


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3) Central Government Urged Not to Have Final Say over Regional Divisions

 Nov 3rd, 2014 0 Comment

Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Governor Lukas Enembe asked the Central Government to not approve proposals for regional divisions by those claiming to represent Papuans.
“There’s the Special Autonomy (Otsus) Law in Papua. The Jokowi  administration must understand that the authority is in the hands of the Provincial government and regional institutions such as the Papua’s Council, and Papua People’s Assembly. So, the split must have the approval from such regional institutions,” Enembe told reporters in Jayapura City on Sunday (2/11).
Enembe said regional divisions  would not benefit indigenous Papuans in the long term. “Today, I said the Otsus funds for Papua is for transit only, because it goes to outside Papua. So it will answer any problems in Papua. For that reason, there would be no more regional divisions in Papua. We have the mechanism, do not talk about splitting regions,” he said.
He also said  the provincial government has issued a Governor Regulation on regional administrative divisions. So far, the governor said the Provincial Government has approved 22 new regencies. It was in accordance with the Outsus mechanism and has approved by the Papua’s Parliament and Papua People’s Assembly.
Last week, the Minister of Internal Affairs Thahjo Kumolo announced a Central Government’s plan to divide Papua into four provinces. Besides its extensive territory, the foreign intervention is the main reason for the government to establish two new provinces in Papua. The foreign intervention is not only related to the exploitation of the natural resources, but also its influences into other sectors.
The Director General of Regional Autonomy Djohermansyah Djohan told to Jubi by phone on Saturday the Law No.23/2014 about the Regional Government has been renewed, including the mechanism of the establishment of the New Autonomy Region (DOB).
According to him, the DOB candidate must submit a proposal to the Central Government for the extension. “The door is now only through the Central Government. There are 87 proposals that currently being postponed by the National Parliament. They must propose it towards the Ministry of Internal Affairs if they want the split,” Djohan said.
He added the Law No. 23/2014 about the Regional Government said the proposed DOB is not only submitted through the Provincial Government of the Origin Regency Government, but the Central Government also have the authority to propose the establishment of DOB. (Alexander Loen/Victor Mambor/rom)

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4) Kondo Village Remains Isolated

 Nov 2nd, 2014 0 Comment

Merauke, Jubi – Kondo Village located in the Naukenjerai Sub-district remained isolated, with access to the village still closed  due to a dispute involving  Marind people, who claim the road cuts through a sacred site.
“We respect many sacred places, including those located in the Kondo Village. We also heard their voice to not open the access road to their village,” Merauke Deputy Regent Sunarjo said on Saturday (1/11).
He added people who live in the Kondo Village wanted the government to open the access road from the Tomerauw Village to Kondo Village for assisting the local community to get access of land transportation, food supplies and other recent difficulties.
“I really understand about what they need. But the Merauke Regional Government could not make a decision. It must initiate a dialogue a dialogue with the Marind customary leaders to discuss this issue, since they are the land tenure owners in this village,” he said.
While the Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka in the meeting with the local community in the Kondo Vilalge a few months ago said the government could make a decision yet related to their request. “I can not explain more. It should ask the Marind customary leaders first. Once they agreed, the government must give prompt response ” he said. (Frans L Kobun/rom)
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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/?p=3221

5) Illiteracy Rates in Mappi and Asmat at 60 Percent

 Nov 2nd, 2014 0 Comment

Merauke, Jubi- The head of Monitoring and Controlling Division of Papua Regional Planning Body, Edison Howay said illiteracy rates in two regencies in the southern Papua are at about 60 percent.
It is the responsibility of both regional and provincial governments to address the problem, he said.
Besides the illiteracy rate, other issues found among communities include  high rates of infant and maternal death, interrupted education because teachers were often not at school, and low income in particular among indigenous Papuans.
Papua Governor Lukas Enembe said in his speech delivered by  First Assistant of Merauke Regional Secretary, Agustinus Djoko Guritna, he hoped all related stakeholders could contribute ideas for sustainable development in the villages. “We should admit the development without good planning will  not be optimal,” he said.(Frans L Kobun/Albert Yomo/rom)
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6) Freeport Trade Union: Mass Strike is Legal

 Nov 1st, 2014 0 Comment

Jayapura, Jubi – Freeport’s labor union rejected a company’s statement that a planned mass strike by thousands of mining workers at the Freeport mining area for a month  – from 6 November to 6 December – would be a violation of the Labour Agreement (PKB).
PT Freeport Indonesia’s Vice President for Corporate Communication  Daisy Primayanti has said  such a mass strike would be illegal because it violated the agreement.
“I clarified that it is a mass strike, not illegal. What did they mean by illegal strike? She only referred to the regulation on the failure of negotiation, but we referred  the Labor Law No. 13/2003 which states that a strike is allowed with  a week’s notification before its implementation,” the spokesperson of the union PUK Revolusi Mental, Tri Puspita told Jubi on Thursday (30/10).
He said the PKB actually included the clauses on Workplace Safety and Security for the workers, but that the company’s management was defaulting and failed to apply provisions in the contract.
He said so farthe company has not taken action on the incident at Big Gossan and Grasberg open mining area, which killed 32 workers.
Tri Puspita said the union has met the contract’s clauses, such as to hold an audience with related management’s officials, locally and nationally. However, there has been no progress, she said.
“If the management fails to provide a solution as ofl the deadline, we will carry out the strike,” he said.
Earlier, the Monitoring and Investigation Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee Natalis Pigai said the commission has provided two recommendations to be fulfilled by  Freeport on several incidents that occurred in the mining area.
First, it’s related to the enforcement of internal discipline or Administrative Sanction to responsible manager in accordance to the regulation issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 555/1996. Second, five years sentence for the responsible management due to the default to provide the protection and safety for their workers.
‘Two recommendations have been submitted to the Freeport’s management in the United States and Indonesia. Then we forwarded the crime charges to the police, because they have the authority to conduct the investigation. Currently I am waiting the law enforcement from the police,” Natalis Pigai told Jubi by phone on Monday (27/10). (Yuliana Lantipo/rom)
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7) Population of Indigenous Papuans in Merauke Drops to 40 Percent

 Nov 1st, 2014 0 Comment
Merauke, Jubi- Indigenous Papuans make up only  40 percent of the total population in Merauke, Regent Romanus Mbaraka said.
The rest of the population are migrants from various regions, making Merauke  very heterogeneous and competitive, Mbaraka said.
“I sometimes pray and ask God if there are shortcuts to the people of Papua to from time to time continue to grow as people in transmigration sites,” he said.
To improve the competitiveness of human resources (HR) of indigenous people, various programs havebeen introduced, including sending children to continue their studies in Germany and several other universities in Java in order to take the medical school, but of course it takes a little longer.
“What we need now is how to provide encouragement or motivation to the indigenous people of Papua from time to time to continuously grow, especially in terms of economic income families. The government should be able to develop programs at the same time to learn about the skills outside so it would be applicable when they go home, “he said.
The head of Planning Agency of Merauke, Daswil added the various programs run by the government under the leadership of Romanus Mbaraka-Sunarjo include disbursing hundreds of millions to the villages every year.
He said he hoped people would  be able to manage available funds for various development activities. (Frans L Kobun/Tina)

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8) Media Working Group Supports KPA Mimika in HIV/ Aids Prevention

 Nov 1st, 2014 0 Comment
Timika, Jubi – The chairman of the Media Working Group of Mimika Aids Prevention Commission (KPA), Ida Wahyu said its presence was to support efforts to prevent the danger of the spread of HIV / AIDS.
“For this year, the Media Working Group is entrusted to hold some programs on World AIDS Day in Mimika regency,”  Ida said on Thursday (30/10).
The group is also seeking  to raise sympathy, empathy and concern for the people with AIDS, she said.
“Mapping the printed and electronic media as part of campaign priorities for HIV / AIDS is an urgent matter, so the media is involved in outreach and awareness campaign of this dangerous disease,” she said.
Ida , who is also the head of Mimika Regional Secretariat of Public Relations, said the public needed to work together in creating a clean and health environment to combat HIV and AIDS. She said she hopes all relevant parties to be cooperative and focused in achieving the goals.
“The bottom line is the media working group supports in efforts of fighting HIV/AIDS and we hope to stay healthy and avoid the dangers of this deadly disease,” she said.
Meanwhile, secretary of KPA Mimika, Reynold Ubra, said he fully support the  Media Working Group.
“We expect the media to play an active role, especially related to media and socialization as well as other things, to build public awareness of the dangers of HIV / AIDS,” he said. (Eveerth Joumilena/Tina)
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Public Statement - The Law Society of Upper Canada expresses grave concerns about the investigation and intimidation of Gustaf Kawer in Indonesia

November 5, 2014, 11:39 am
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http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1440259/public-statement-the-law-society-of-upper-canada-expresses-grave-concerns-about-the-investigation-and-intimidation-of-gustaf-kawer-in-indonesia


Public Statement - The Law Society of Upper Canada expresses grave concerns about the investigation and intimidation of Gustaf Kawer in Indonesia
TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Law Society of Upper Canada is gravely concerned about the investigation and intimidation of lawyer Gustaf Kawer in Indonesia.
Mr. Kawer is a prominent human rights lawyer in the Indonesian province of Papua. He has worked on many cases dealing with workers' rights, land ownership, and socio-political rights. For example, in 2013, he defended five persons facing treason charges in a case involving the issue of freedom to express political opinion, during which he was threatened with prosecution.
It should be noted that Mr. Kawer and his colleague were third on the Jury's shortlist for the international Lawyers for Lawyers Award in 2013. 
Reports indicate that Mr. Kawer was representing a client in a land dispute against the government and had applied to the court to postpone a hearing scheduled for 12 June 2014. The court denied Mr. Kawer's request for a postponement, following which he protested on the basis of partiality, since the judge had previously granted three postponements requested by the government. The court asked Mr. Kawer to leave the courtroom if he disagreed, which he did. The court reportedly proceeded in the absence of Mr. Kawer and his client. 
It is reported that on 22 August 2014, Mr. Kawer received a witness summons relating to a case of coercion and rebelliousness under Articles 211 and 212 of the Indonesian Penal Code. The summons contained no information about the suspect. Several days later, Mr. Kawer learned that he was the suspect of the investigation. This was confirmed through communications with the officer in charge, as well as a second summons, dated 25 August 2014, sent to the Indonesian Bar Association (PERADI). The summons demanded Mr. Kawyer's presence for an interrogation at Papua Regional Police headquarters on 1 Sept 2014. 
On 27 August 2014, the chairperson of PERADI reportedly communicated to authorities that, in accordance with protocol, Mr. Kawer would not appear until PERADI carried out its own investigation of the case. A summons related to the work of a lawyer must be directed to PERADI. The results of PERADI's investigation would be communicated to the authorities. 
On 17 September 2014, a police person attempted to serve a third summons upon Mr. Kawer, even though PERADI had not contacted authorities with results of their investigation into his case.
The officer who attempted to serve the third summons tried to do so upon Mr. Kawer's wife. Mr. Kawer was not present at his address at that time. Reports indicate that he stayed away from home for an undetermined period of time due to the fear of possible arrest. If Mr. Kawer is prosecuted and found guilty, he could face up to four years in prison.
The Law Society is concerned that Papua Regional Police are failing to adhere to established Indonesian law in respect to investigating the conduct of lawyers, and that the charges under which Mr. Kawer is being investigated are unsubstantiated.
The Indonesian Law on Advocates No. 18/2003 establishes that a lawyer shall not be subject to criminal or civil action in relation to the performance in good faith of his or her professional duties in defending a client in court. The Law Society understands that this provision was recently reaffirmed by the Constitutional Court of Indonesia in its Judgement No. 26/PUU-XI/2013.
In addition, Article 12(2) of the United Nations' Declaration on human rights defenders calls upon states to "take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration."
The Law Society asks that you also consider Principles 16, 20 and 28 of the United Nations' Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers. Principle 16 states:
Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (b) are able to travel and to consult with their clients freely both within their own country and abroad; and (c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economics or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics.
Principle 20 states:       
Lawyers shall enjoy civil and penal immunity for relevant statements made in good faith or oral pleadings or in their professional appearances before a court, tribunal or other legal or administrative authority.
Principle 28 states:
Disciplinary proceedings against lawyers shall be brought before an impartial disciplinary committee established by the legal profession, before an independent statutory authority, or before a court, and shall be subject to an independent judicial review.
The Law Society urges the government of Indonesia to:
a.       
cease the unlawful investigation of Gustaf Kawer immediately;


b.        
guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of Gustaf Kawer;


c.        
guarantee all the procedural rights that should be accorded to Gustaf Kawer, and other human rights defenders in Indonesia;


d.         
conduct a fair, impartial and independent investigation into any allegations of misconduct in the investigation of Gustaf Kawer, in order to identify all those responsible, bring them to trial and apply to them civil, penal and/or administrative sanctions provided by law;


e.         
guarantee that adequate reparation would be provided to Gustaf Kawer if he is found to be a victim of abuses;


f.          
put an end to all acts of harassment against Gustaf Kawer, as well as other human rights defenders in Indonesia;


g.       
ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments.
 
*The Law Society of Upper Canada is the governing body for more than 47,000 lawyers and 6,000 paralegals in the province of Ontario, Canada. The Treasurer is the head of the Law Society.
The mandate of the Law Society is to govern the legal profession in the public interest by upholding the independence, integrity and honour of the legal profession for the purpose of advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law.
SOURCE The Law Society of Upper Canada
 For further information: For more information, please contact Lisa Hall at 416-947-7625 or lhall@lsuc.on.ca.; The Law Society of Upper Canada, Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M5H 2N6
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1) PNG to integrate West Papua refugees

November 6, 2014, 12:13 am
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2) Firearms dealers arrested  in Papua
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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/258715/png-to-integrate-west-papua-refugees

1) PNG to integrate West Papua refugees

Updated at 4:09 pm today



Papua New Guinea has committed to integrating Papuans who fled across the border from Indonesia.
The PNG foreign minister, Rimbink Pato, says West Papuan refugees will be issued a PNG passport or certificate of identity.
Mr Pato says the process will happen over the next 12 months and will be assisted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
He says most West Papua refugees have already met the requirements for PNG citizenship and the government will waive the application fees.
Tens of thousands of West Papuans have fled the Indonesian-controlled provinces bordering PNG, with many having lived in makeshift refugee camps for decades.
Mr Pato says those asylum seekers held by Australia in its Manus detention centre who get refugee status will be given training in English, Tok Pisin and PNG culture.
He says non-refugees will be required to leave PNG either voluntarily or through deportation.
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2) Firearms dealers arrested  in Papua
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Archipelago | Wed, November 05 2014, 5:32 AM
The Papua Police have announced the arrest of five civilians in Manokwari, West Papua for allegedly trading in firearms.
“During the arrest we seized several hand guns, 180 rounds of ammunition and Rp 21 million [US$1,734] in cash which was their profit from selling the firearms and ammunition,” Papua Deputy Police chief Brig. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw told The Jakarta Post in Jayapura on Tuesday.
The suspects were identified as Saiful Duia, Stenly Saimau, Amirullah, Leonard Takari and Herry Lawalata.
The arrests took place on Saturday at Manokwari port, after two of the suspects, Herry and Leonard, disembarked from a vessel that came from Maluku, while carrying two short arms and two long-barreled firearms as well as the 180 rounds of ammunition.
Both suspects met with Saiful Duia at the port. Meanwhile, Amirullah and Stenly Saimau were caught as they allegedly tried to purchase the weapons from the three suspects.
The police are continuing to investigate the case and are hunting the masterminds and other customers.
All five suspects were charged under Article 55 of the 1951 Emergency Law on Firearms Usage and could face a minimum of 20 years in prison or a maximum of life imprisonment.
Previously, Papua policehave made arrests relating to firearms and ammunition dealing, with the weapons originating from neighboring countries such as the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.
Meanwhile, West Papuan human-rights lawyer Yan Christian Warinussy urged the police to conclude investigations into the firearms-trading cases in West Papua in order to prevent the distribution of the materials in the region.
“There is a good chance that many firearms have already made their way to the public. It is also possible that the sellers are engaged in active business,” Warinussy said. He added that if the police did not pursue and conclude such cases, the security of the West Papuan region would be at stake.
“People can be volatile enough to use their weapons if they are the slightest bit offended,” he added.
Warinussy also said that a gun involved in a civilian shooting case in Manokwari two months ago, which resulted from a minor confrontation, could have been bought from a black market arms dealer. (dyl)
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DFAT reply to AWPA letter

November 6, 2014, 12:25 am
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West Papuan National Flag Day. 1st December

November 7, 2014, 8:43 pm
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West Papuan National Flag Day.  1st December

Hi All,


We are all aware that the 1st of December is West Papuan National Day or National flag day . Its now fifty three years since the Morning Star flag  was flown officaly for the first time on the 1st of December 1961. The West Papuan people continue to  raise their flag as an act of celebration  but also of protest against the injustices they suffer under Indonesian rule. They can face up to 15 years jail for doing so.


In Sydney there are usually flag raising events in support of the West Papuan people.  More detail of this year events later. However, both Marrickville and Leichhardt council have raised the flag on their Town Halls. It has also been raised outside the Indonesian Consulate in Sydney in the past few years , organised by Anthony Craig (DLP). Marrickville Council is committed to raising it every year but it has to go before Leichhardt Council every year for a council vote. I have written this year and will let people know if approved.


As individuals we can also contribute to raising awareness about West Papuaon the 1st December.


By wearing a West Papuan t-shirt or badge or writing articles/opinion pieces for your church/trade union newsletter. All these simple actions will help raise the issue of West Papuan in the minds of the Australian public. Eko from Indonesian Solidarity has “ Free West Papua political prisoner” T-shirts available for sale. He can be contacted at suroboyo45@hotmail.com
West Papuan flags can be bought from various flag shops in Australia.


Benny Wenda is calling this year for a global day of action for West Papua. On 1st December the Free West Papua Campaign is calling on people all around the world to take pictures of themselves holding or raising the West Papuan Morning Star flag in solidarity with the people of West Papua. Please take part and share the photos on social media to build a truly global picture of the support for a Free West Papua. Details at http://freewestpapua.org/2014/11/04/global-day-of-action-to-raise-the-morning-star/

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Background to 1stDecember



                     

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)




West Papuan National Flag Day.  1st December


The 1st of December is West Papuan National Day or National flag day .  Fifty three years ago on the 1st of December 1961, in the then Dutch colony of West New Guinea, The West Papuan flag, called the Morning Star was flown for the first time officially beside the Dutch Tricolor.  At that ceremony, as the Morning Star flag was raised, Dutch and Papuan military and police saluted and accompanied by a marine band playing the national anthem, “My Land Papua”. The Dutch were finally about to give the West Papuan people their freedom. However it is one of the great tragedies that at their moment of freedom it was cruelly crushed and West Papua was basically handed over to Indonesia in 1963. After 6 years administration of the province, Indonesia held a sham referendum called the “Act of Free Choice” under UN supervision.  Only 1022 handpicked voters, one representative for approximately every 700 West Papuans were allowed vote, and under coercion, voted to "remain with Indonesia. The Papuans call this the  “act of no choice”.



Australian involvement

As to Australia’s involvement - originally we supported the Dutch in trying to hold onto West New Guinea, as we preferred another colonial power to act as a buffer zone between Australia and any potential invader from the north. However, once the US decided to back Indonesia, Australia followed suite.  In fact, Australia  actively supported the Indonesian takeover. At a  request from Indonesia two West Papuan leaders, Clemens Runawery and Willem Zonggonao were removed by Australian officials from a plane just weeks before the UN supervised vote (in Australia’s then colony of PNG). They were on their way to the UN in New York carrying testimonies from many West Papuan leaders calling for independence. Because of Australia’s involvement, they never had a chance to plead their case.



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Past Flag events

                                                       Petersham Town Hall


                                                            Balmain Town Hall


                                                            Indonesian Consulate

                                                           Leichhardt Town Hall



Can make the local paper. 

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1) No Military Embargo for Indonesia, says US Ambassador

November 8, 2014, 11:35 am
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2) Pacific Journalism Review - celebrating 20 years conference
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HTTP://EN.TEMPO.CO/READ/NEWS/2014/11/08/055620552/NO-MILITARY-EMBARGO-FOR-INDONESIA-SAYS-US-AMBASSADOR
SATURDAY, 08 NOVEMBER, 2014 | 12:54 WIB
1) No Military Embargo for Indonesia, says US Ambassador
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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States Ambassador to Indonesia Robert O Blake expected that there will be no military equipment embargo for Indonesia in the future.
"I don't expect there is gonna be embargo or things like that. We expected that our relations continue to expand," Blake said during his visit to Indo Defence Expo and Forum 2014 on Friday as quoted by Antara News.
According to Ambassador, Indonesia and US have entered new phase of defence and military relation.
He added the developing democracy and respect of human rights that positively affect to other countries become the trigger of military relation improvement of both countries.
"Because of the improvement, we are able now to sell the most advanced platform like Apache attack helicopter," Blake said.
Ambassador said there are only 11 countries in the world that are using the helicopter.
"I think 11 countries in the world are able to buy Apache helicopter. So Indonesia is now very elite group of country in that respect," Blake added.
Additionally, there are 19 American weapon system companies who follow the expo that held in JIexpo of Kemayoran, Jakarta since November 5 to 8, 2014.
The American military companies that followed the event including Bell Helicopter Textron Inc, APG USA, FLIR Systems, General Dynamics, Honeywell, Raytheon Asia, Northrop and Lockheed Martin.
"The target is to continue to expand and try to meet the needs the Indonesian military," Blake said.
 
ANTARA NEWS
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2) Pacific Journalism Review - celebrating 20 years conference

POLITICAL JOURNALISM IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/articles/pjr-20th-anniversary-conference
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