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AI Urgent Action: 4 Papuan Students in Danger after Police Torture

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https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/ASA21/1312/2015/en/
UA: 72/15 Index: ASA 21/1312/2015 Indonesia 

Date: 26 March 2015 

URGENT ACTION FOUR STUDENTS IN DANGER AFTER POLICE TORTURE 

Four students have been tortured or otherwise ill-treated by police in Indonesia’s Papua province. There are concerns for their safety.
Four students, three of them children, were arbitrarily detained and tortured or otherwise ill-treated by police on 18 March 2015, according to their lawyer. 

Eldi Kogoya, aged 17, Timotius Tabuni, aged 17 and Lesman Jigibalom, aged 23, were going home, on their motorcycles, on the night of 18 March, when they were followed and stopped by plainclothes armed members of a special police unit, the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), near the Cigombong market in Jayapura city, Papua province. When they asked why they were being detained the police accused them of committing a crime and at least 11 Brimob officers stabbed, beat, punched and kicked them. A fourth student, Mies Tabo, aged 14, who was nearby and witnessed the attack, called out for help but was kicked, slapped and threatened by the police to stay silent. All four were then dragged along the road to the nearby Brimob headquarters. They were detained there briefly before being sent to hospital. All four have been released without charge. 

All four are suffering from wounds and bruises all over their faces and bodies. One of them, Lesman Jigibalom, is in a critical condition in hospital with a stab wound to his right shoulder which pierced his lung. Eldi Kogoya has a broken rib while Timotius Tabuni has a gash cut to his head. All of them have cuts and bruises on their knees from being dragged along the road. They and their families have been traumatised. 

Please write immediately in English or your own language:
* Urging the authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety of Eldi Kogoya, Timotius Tabuni, Lesman Jigibalom and Mies Tabo in accordance with their wishes; 

* Urging them to ensure that the four students have access to any medical attention they may require, including psychological treatment; 

* Calling on them to order, immediately, an effective and independent investigation into the allegations of torture and other ill-treatment, and bring all those responsible for torture and other ill-treatment to justice, including those with command responsibility. 

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 7 MAY 2015 TO:
Head of the Division on Professionalism & Security (Propam) Inspector General Irjen Syafruddin 
Kadiv Propam Mabes Polri 
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3 
Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia 
Fax: +62 21 7280 0947 
Twitter: @DivHumasPolri Salutation: 
Dear Inspector General Irjen Syafruddin
Director General for Human Rights Aidir Amin Daud 
Ministry of Law and Human Rights 
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav No. 4-5 
Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12950, 
Indonesia 
Fax: +62 215 253095 
Twitter: @Humas_Kumham 
Salutation: Dear Aidir Amin Daud
And copies to: 

Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) 
Nur Kholis 
Jl Latuharhary 
No.4 Menteng Jakarta Pusat 
10310, Indonesia 
Fax: +62 213 912026 
Email: pengaduan@komnasham.go.id 

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Please insert local diplomatic addresses below: 
Name 
Address 1 
Address 2 Address 3 Fax Fax number Email Email address Salutation Salutation 

Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Indonesian security forces have a track record of committing human rights violations in the Papua region with near impunity. Amnesty International has received credible reports of unlawful killings and unnecessary and excessive use of force and firearms as well as torture and other ill-treatment by both police and military personnel. 

Although the authorities have made some attempts to hold the perpetrators to account using internal disciplinary mechanisms, criminal investigations into human rights violations by the security forces are all too rare, leaving many victims without access to justice and reparation and perpetrators with little or nothing to deter them from committing further violations. 

Indonesia has yet to amend its Criminal Code to fully incorporate a definition of torture. The lack of sufficient legal provisions on “acts of torture” creates a loophole which has devastating consequences. It provides no legal deterrent to state agents who commit these acts and does not provide a sufficient legal basis on which state agents who have committed torture can be brought to justice. 

International human rights observers, non-governmental organizations and journalists are severely restricted in their work in the Papua region. The denial of free and unimpeded access to these provinces limits independent monitoring and reporting of the human rights situation there. During his presidential campaign in 2014, President Joko Widodo promised to open up access to Papua to international observers but has so far done nothing about this since coming to office. 

Name: Eldi Kogoya, Timotius Tabuni, Lesman Jigibalom, Mies Tabo 

Gender m/f: m 

UA: 72/15 Index: ASA 21/1312/2015 Issue Date: 26 March 2015 

1) Only 385 Health Centers recorded in Papua Health Department

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/03/29/only-385-health-centers-recorded-in-papua-health-department/


1) Only 385 Health Centers recorded in Papua Health Department

Jayapura, Jubi – A total of 385 Community Health Centers in Papua are known to be the recipients of support from the Ministry of Health, said the Secretary of the Department of Health Papua Dr. Silvanus Sumule in Jayapura on Tuesday (24/03/2015).
“Health Centers which already have recorded significant and meaningful consent funded health source operational assistance from Ministry of Health,”Sumule said
According to him, there are other community health centers that receive support but are unknown by the Department of Health Papua because it has not been recorded and has not received permission.
He explained all registered health center have received operational permit which are issued by the Ministry of Health.
“If there is a health center that has not received the attention but not known by the Department of Health Papua because it has not been reported to the Health department,” he said.
“Primary health care at the health center must be registered and licensed,” Sumule added. (*/Tina)
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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/03/29/garuda-indonesia-to-open-flights-serving-papua/

2) Garuda Indonesia to Open Flights Serving Papua

Jayapura, Jubi/Antara – Garuda Indonesia will open new flight routes serving small cities in Papua.
Garuda sales and marketing manager in Jayapura Agunga Anugrah said the new routes would allow businessmen and government officials to travel more easily.
The communication between Garuda and the government continues intensely including with one of the regent in the mountainous region.
“So far the communication with the government is still going on, even recently there is a discussion with Yakuhimo regent for opening the route to Dekai, Yakuhimo, but it is merely a plan,” he said when met in Jayapura on Wednesday (03/25/2015).
He further said, Garuda Indonesia in choosing a flight route does not put the economic aspect first.
“Our decision to open flights are not solely based on market demand, the first thing to consider is the safety factor, then after the security aspect, and the last is a potential market. The third aspect that it is okay, then we can fly, “he said.
Garuda Indonesia is interested to open a flight route from Jayapura-Wamena, only because of technical factors such as the safety that makes it still can not be realized. (*)
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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/03/29/extra-pilot-regencies-to-be-introduced-in-different-regencies/

3) Extra Pilot Regencies to be Introduced in Different Regencies

Jayapura, Jubi – Additional pilot regencies will be created from existing five regencies and this will be done after the results of Society Building Movement Evaluation have been submitted to the governor, the head of Papua’s Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) Muh Musa’ad said t.
Currently, the five districts which represent the five cultural regions of Papua are Keerom, Lanny Jaya, Mappi, Deyai and Supiori.
“I will report the results to the governor to ensure where we should improve in the future. It is clear there will be additional regencies from the previous five regencies,” Muh Musa’ad told reporters in Jayapura, Papua on Wednesday ( 25.03.2015).
The pilot programs of additional regencies would be funded by the five regencies that has not been used 100 percent.
“So the funds will be budgeted based on the performance. If its performance is only 20 percent, means that next year we should give 20 percent. If its performance is 50 percent, means next year we will budget 50 percent. The rest of funds will be given to the new district, “he said.
Currently there are 15 districts in five indigenous Papuan regions which are two regencies in Central Memberamo, two regencies in Saireri, two regencies in Animha, six regencies Lapago and three regencies in Mepago.
“It has been planned. Gradually we will implement for five regencies first. We evaluate these five regencies to see how much budget that they use. If the use of funds is 50 perecent then next year we will only budget them 50 percent of it, “he said.
Previously, governor deputy of Papua, Klemen Tinal said the program is aimed to accelerate development in Papua. (Alexander Loen/ Tina)

Media release-West Papuan Leaders join forces with International Solidarity Groups in Brisbane

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WEST PAPUA SOLIDARITY GROUPS of AUSTRALIA & AOTEAROA

Media Release

Monday 30th March 2015


West Papuan Leaders join forces with International Solidarity Groups in Brisbane


West Papuan leaders of the newly formed United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) including Benny Wenda, Octovianus Mote and Rex Rumakiek met in Brisbane over the weekend with Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand solidarity groups. 


As their campaign for full membership for West Papua to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) gains momentum, the ULMWP met to strengthen campaign support for the July MSG meeting in Honiara, where the application for West Papuan membership will be considered.


The newly formed ULMWP, is the coordinating body representing all organisations in the struggle for West Papuan self determination as a unified front.


Over 40 delegates representing 13 West Papuan solidarity groups from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, met in Woollangabba, Brisbane with theULMWP to network, hear stories and develop resources for the campaign to gain full membership of the MSG for West Papua.


Solidarity groups in attendance included Australian West Papua Association (South Australian Branch), Australia West Papua Association (Sydney), West Papua Solidarity Group Brisbane, Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of Brisbane, Catholic Worker, Freedom Flotilla to West Papua, Free West Papua Campaign (Perth), Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights, Oceania Interrupted, Rize for West Papua Brisbane, Surfers for West Papua and West Papua Action Auckland.


Spokesperson for the ULMWP Benny Wenda, said“This gathering is very significant because this is where the people who have been behind us from the beginning of the campaign until today contribute their ideas. We cannot do this on our own we need everyone to come together to bring West Papua back to the family of Melanesian countries in the Pacific”.


The solidarity groups meeting agreed on pursuing a coordinated strategy of activism with Pacific Island communities, Indigenous and church communities in the lead up to the July MSG meeting.


Mary Joku-PonifasioWest Papuan member of Aotearoa New Zealand based group Oceania Interrupted, said “I encourage Pacific Island women to speak out for the women who are suffering in West Papua and be their voice. We Melanesian women are one family”


“Australian’s and New Zealander’s can play a vital role in supporting the Melanesian Nations in standing up to the regional powers and moving to end the illegal occupation of West Papua.”


“There is growing support for West Papua in our region, and it is vital for all the solidarity groups to work together to support the ULMWP’s efforts to achieve this important step towards freedom for West Papua”, said Peter Arndt, meeting co-organiser and representative of West Papua Solidarity Group Brisbane.


“There is now an opportunity to turn this support in to concrete, effective action, by getting the MSG leaders to grant West Papua a voice at the table.”

[ENDS]


For further information please contact:

Peter Arndt

West Papuan Solidarity Group Meeting organiser

+61 409 265 476


Mathew Jamiesen

West Papuan Solidarity Group Meeting organiser -
matthew@hr.minihub.org

+61 418 291 998



Interviews with the ULMWP leaders may also be arranged by directly contacting  Benny Wenda +44 7411 053 953 and Octo Mote +61 404 368 265

Photos-West Papuan leaders and solidarity groups join in Palm Sunday rally in Brisbane

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http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/photos-west-papuan-leaders-and.html

West Papuan leaders and solidarity groups  join the  Palm Sunday rally in Brisbane



West Papuan leaders and solidarity groups from Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand)  joined in the Palm Sunday rally on Sunday the 29 March in Brisbane which had a peace and a refugee theme. Benny Wenda was one of the many speakers at the rally.

A media release from Solidarity Group Meeting at



Benny Wenda speaks at the Brisbane Palm Sunday rally.  Rex Rumakiek in front of second banner






Solidarity supporters from Australia and Aotearoa with Benny Wenda on the left and Secretary General 
of ULMWP Octo Mote in the centre





                                            Octovianus Mote General Secretary of ULMWP


1) KNPB Report Yahukimo Case to National Human Rights Commission

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2) Marines Ordered to Guard Mopah Airport by Commander

3) Thousands Cubic of Timbers Smuggled from Timika

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1) KNPB Report Yahukimo Case to National Human Rights Commission


Jayapura, Jubi – The Central West Papua National Committee (KNPB) lodged a report to the National Commission on Human Rights accusing police of human right violations in Yahukimo when they dispersed a fundraising frive for disaster victims in Vanuatu.
The police forcibly dispersed the crowd and raided the secretariat of KNPB in Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo Regency.
During this operation, the officers shot five civilians. Obang Sengenil (48) died at Yahukimo Public Hospital during the treatment while four others are under treatment in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency. Thus, KNPB reported the alleged human right violation by police officers to Indonesian National Human Right Commissioner Natalius Pigai in Jayapura last week.
“We have reported the shooting incident by police officers to the National Human Right Commission for they could reveal the real culprits. So people would know. Because in some medias, both Papua Police Chief and Yahukimo Police Chief said no victims who died or being shot,” Central KNPB Secretary General Ones Suhuniap told Jubi in Jayapura after meet and submit a report to Natalius Pigai.
After receiving the report, Pigai promised he would follow up the case to the Papua Police. “I have received the report from KNPB and I will follow up this case, including asking for clarification from Papua Police. I will also ask the Papua Police Chief to investigate the case because there’s a dead victim,” Pigai told Jubi in Jayapura after the meeting.
He further said KNPB did a positive action. He hoped they could maintain the close coordination with the National Human Right Commission for the future. “Whether I was with the National Human Right Commission or not, I hoped Papuans should always close with the National Human Right Commission. Because it could help raising the humanity issues including in Papua to be heard by the international community,” said Pigai.
Earlier, on 19 March 2015, the police officers shot two civilians Isai Dapla (37) who also Yahukimo KNPB member on the chest and elementary teacher Salomon Pahabol (47) on left foot and arrested another Yahukimo member Elias Kabak (40). Then they also shot a school principal Titus Giban (39) on the rib, the Silikon Village Chief Simson Giban (42) on the left hand and a high school boy Inter Segenil (16) while Obang Segenil (48) died during a treatment at Yahukimo Public Hospital. (Arnold Belau/rom)
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2) Marines Ordered to Guard Mopah Airport by Commander

Merauke, Jubi – Marines have guarded an area at Mopah Airport, Merauke, at the instruction of their commander.
XI Marine Battalion Commander Major Nioko Budi Harun B told reporters Thursday said he was simply following an order to assign the soldiers at Mopah Airport.
“Yes, if needed we will coordinate with the supporting unit, but this keeps running as instructed from high level chief,” he said.
Meanwhile, Merauke XI Marine Spokesperson Major H. Azhari similarly said the marine assignment at the airport area was implemented after the Mopah Airport Director Rajoki Aritonang officially sent a letter to XI Marine Commander Brigadier General Buyung Lelana and copy the letter to Indonesian Military Commander.
Following the instruction of Indonesian Military Commander, Marine Commander assigned his officers to guard the airport area. “Up to now they are still doing their task securing the airport area. While their withdrawal was the chief’s authority,” he said.
When asked about the number of marines who assigned at the airport, Major Azhari said the number is fluctuate and only the Marine Commander who is competent to make a detail explanation on it. But the point is this assignment is solely for the people’s safe.
Earlier, the Merauke Military District Commander Brigadier Supartodi said marine officers have been pulled back and the police will replace them to safeguard the airport’s security. (Frans L Kobun/rom)
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3) Thousands Cubic of Timbers Smuggled from Timika

Timika, Jubi/Antara – Mimika Forestry Office, Syahrial is tracing the alleged smuggling of thousands cubic of timber logs from Paumako Seaport’s estuary by tugboat.
“I am now attending a meeting on the ground with the regent. I just got the information and will follow it up later,” he said from Timika last week.
It is said the authorities arrested the tugboat while trying to smuggle thousands cubic of timber logs from Pronggo, Mimika Barat Jauh Sub-district to outside of Papua.
For further investigation, the authorities detained the tugboat loaded with thousands of high quality and very expensive Papua’s Meranti and Merbau woods at international market off to Paumako Seaport’s estuary.
“The boat was anchored there since few days ago with thousands of timber logs inside. Rumor said the Indonesian Military authorities from Jakarta who detained it,” a ship businessman said at Paumako Seaport, Timika.  The detention was the first time occurred in Papua since 2015.
Papua has a very extended area covering lots of its rivers flowing to remote areas and weak of control of authorities has become an opportunity for people smuggling the timber and other natural products to outside of Papua.
With lots of rivers flowing in remote areas and weak of control by authorities become  lots of rivers flowing in remote areas  and weak control area is very large
Papua region which is very spacious with lots of river flow conditions in remote areas and weak oversight of officers an opportunity for smugglers sailing out the timber and other local commodities to outside of Papua. (*/rom)

1) Paniai Regent Already Transferred Evidences to Police Investigators

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2) WEST PAPUA: Leaders meet solidarity groups in Brisbane

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/03/30/paniai-regent-already-transferred-evidences-to-police-investigators/

1) Paniai Regent Already Transferred Evidences to Police Investigators

Jayapura, Jubi – Paniai Regional Customary Council Chairman said digging up the funeral of people who had buried for whatever reason is not allowed by Mee and almost all Papuan tribes; it is consider as violation of customary law.
“I do not agree if they must dig up the bodies for autopsy because it is against to my tradition,” John Gobay said as a source person in a seminar held by Independent Student Forum (FIM) in Waena, Jayapura (28/3/2015).
He said all evidences are completed. So to find out the perpetrator was actually easy, but the police was just tried to cover it for any reasons. “Do not need to wait so long because the evidence are there. So both the Police and National Human Right Commission should immediately reveal who did it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the human right activist from evangelist church Yones Douw said digging the funeral for autopsy is not the only way to cover the truth because the evidences are sufficient.
“On 12 March 2014, Paniai Regent has gave the bullet founded in the victim’s body and projectile’ shell founded in the scene to the investigators from Indonesian Police Headquarter. So there is no reason for not immediately find the perpetrators,” Douw said. However, he agreed with the autopsy in one condition, the Investigative Commission into Human Right Violation was established.
“If they want digging up the bodies, they should establish the Investigative Commission into Human Right Violation first. They couldn’t do it without it. Paniai case is the issue of State. The National Human Right Commission is responsible to cover it immediately,” Douw firmly said. (Arnold Belau/rom)


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2) WEST PAPUA: Leaders meet solidarity groups in Brisbane

Monday, March 30, 2015

Item: 9187

BRISBANE (Free West Papua Campaign/Pacific Media Watch): West Papuan leaders of the newly formed United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), including Benny Wenda, Octovianus Mote and Rex Rumakiek, met in Brisbane over the weekend with Australian and some Aotearoa/New Zealand solidarity groups........................................................... 



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The Price of Protest in West Papua" , published in the Griffith Journal of Law and Human Dignity

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The Price of Protest in West Papua" ,  published in the Griffith Journal of Law and Human Dignity 

(Vol 3 issue 1)


THE PRICE OF PROTEST IN WEST PAPUA
GEMIMA HARVEY*
West Papua is a region fraught with tension, where the Indigenous population is intimidated and repressed to prevent the voicing of political views. This paper examines the price of protest in West Papua, where the struggle for self-determination has been violently stifled by Indonesian security forces for five decades. It aims to expose endemic injustice and abuse, and also to act as a microphone for those who, through non-violent means, risk life and liberty to express their hopes and dreams for a free West Papua...........

Griffith Journal of Law and Human Dignity

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1) Tony Abbott has an Indonesian problem he doesn’t want to talk about

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2) Benny Wenda sceptical of Indonesian promises on West Papua
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1) Tony Abbott has an Indonesian problem he doesn’t want to talk about



Lober Wainggai flying the West Papua independence Morning Star flag on Anzac Hill on Monday Source: Supplied
IT’S the Indonesian issue Tony Abbott doesn’t want to deal with.
Increasing protests for self-determination in West Papua are gaining traction online as the Free West Papua Campaign has reached over 150,000 Facebook supporters.
Pro freedom demonstrators marched in Brisbane over the weekend, as calls for West Papuan sovereignty grow louder. As for the Australian and Indonesian governments, those calls continue to fall of deaf ears.
West Papua (the western half of the island of New Guinea, bordering PNG) has been a part of Indonesia for over 50 years after an international agreement handed the territory from the Dutch to the Indonesians. Yet West Papuans were never given a genuine chance to affect their political destiny and factions of the population have repeatedly called for secession.
The conflict that has been bubbling under the surface for over five decades, marred by occasional outbreaks of violence. It’s a sticky diplomatic issue and one that Tony Abbott doesn’t want to be drawn into.
Supporters of West Papuan self-determination were buoyed by comments made last week by the PNG Prime Minister, Peter O’Neil. He told ABC Radio that the previous Indonesian president promised he would reduce the number of troops stationed in West Papua and grant greater autonomy to the island. Indonesia has said no such thing publicly and has been historically defiant on the issue.
With the freedom movement embracing social media with fervour and intermittently arranging demonstrations across the world, it is going to become an issue that is increasingly difficult for regional governments to ignore.

Demonstrators marched in Brisbane over the weekend to support the West Papuan Freedom Movement. Source:Facebook
In West Papua, militants involved with the freedom movement has been committing subtle acts of insurgency against the government. However Indonesian rule in West Papua has sought to squash such insurgency and residents can even face 15 years imprisonment for simply displaying the West Papuan flag (pictured above).
Mr. Abbott rarely addresses the issue but the few times he has, he remains steadfast in his support for Indonesia’s position of control. In the wake of West Papuan activists scaling the Australian embassy in Bali in 2013, Mr. Abbott assured Indonesia of Australia’s solidarity on the issue. The Prime Minister promised to “do everything that we possibly can to discourage and prevent” people using Australia “as a platform for grandstanding against Indonesia.”
Australia has typically turned a blind eye to the West Papuan cause and while the current government has ensured it’s an issue that remains at arms length, there has been moments in the past when Australia adopted a softer approach.
Somewhat controversially, the Australian government accepted a group of 43 West Papuan asylum seekers as genuine refugees back in 2006 which put a serious diplomatic strain on the Indonesian relationship. Mr. Abbott’s former boss, John Howard was Prime Minister at the time.
But while the Howard government was instrumental in the liberalisation on East Timor from Indonesian rule, his government and all its predecessors have remained largely silent on the issue of West Papua.

Protests continue to pop up in support of West Papuan freedom. Source: News Limited
Abbott’s time in office has seen Australia’s diplomatic relationship with Indonesia deteriorate somewhat. Given the tension over the Bali 9 executions, the Australian Navy’s incursions into Indonesian territory and the criticism the government has received for its own human rights violations, Abbott is hardly in a position to lecture Indonesia.
However many believe the situation in West Papua is tantamount to modern colonialism and the freedom movement appears to be gaining momentum as it frequently decries human rights violations carried out by the government.
Mr. Abbott’s stance (or lack thereof) on West Papua makes political sense for his government. But whether he likes it or not, he might have to engage the issue sooner rather than later.
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2) Benny Wenda sceptical of Indonesian promises on West Papua
Updated 31 March 2015, 17:25 AEDT
West Papuan independence movement leader Benny Wenda doesn't believe Indonesian promises to PNG prime minister Peter O'Neill of troop withdrawals from the province.
He says undertakings to withdraw some military personnel given to Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O'Neill by the previous Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono are false.
Mr Wenda says that Mr O'Neill's diplomatic approach is unlikely to have much effect in Jakarta.
Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker: Benny Wenda, West Papuan independence movement leader
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1) Member of armed group shot dead in Puncak Jaya

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2) Media restrictions in Papua underscore Indonesia's wider problems
3) Torture Victims Urge Police Officers to Face Justice

4) Papua Autonomy Fund Spent IDR.54 Trillion Since 2001-2014

5) Jayapura Religious Office Sets Up Division to Tackle Radicalism

6) Hundreds of Angkot Drivers Held Protest due to Fuel Price Increase

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1) Member of armed group shot  dead in Puncak Jaya
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Archipelago | Tue, March 31 2015, 9:45 PM - 
Agustinus Tabuni, a 24-year-old local identified as a member of an armed criminal group led by Militer Murib, was shot dead when a number of Indonesian Military and National Police personnel conducted a patrol in Kampung Jenggernok, Gome district, Puncak Jaya, around 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
“A joint team comprising 30 police and military personnel led by Adj. Comr. Syahwal Halim was conducting a patrol in Kampung Gome when they spotted three people carrying Mauser and revolver rifles,” said Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Com. Rudolf Patrick in Jayapura on Tuesday.
“The team then pursued the three armed people. Two people fled while one suspect was shot as he attempted to shoot two police personnel involved in the patrol,” he went on.
Security personnel confiscated one revolver, 12 bullets with a caliber of 7.62 x 51 mm and two bullets with a caliber of 3.8 mm.
Rudolf said the Gome district head who was with the patrol managed to recognize the man that was shot.
“Both Gome district head and village officers joining the patrol confirmed that the dead victim was Agustinus Tabuni, a member of the Militer Murib group,” he said.
After the identification process, Agustinus was cremated in a procession held at the site of the incident, and witnessed by the Gome district head and village officers. (dyl/ebf)(++++)

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CPJ Committee to Protect Journalists

2) Media restrictions in Papua underscore Indonesia's wider problems





A rally in Jakarta for the Free Papua Movement. Restricted media access to the Indonesian region has left the ongoing fight for secession under reported. (Reuters/Pius Erlangga)
With more than 50 years of restricted media access, one of the least covered armed conflicts in the world is the long-simmering struggle between Indonesia's military and the secessionist Free Papua Movement. Under Indonesia's seven successive post-independence governments--the early ones led by autocratic strongmen, the recent ones more or less democratically elected--the world has been deprived of details of the persistent low-intensity battle for autonomy playing out in the Papuan provinces.
Without open media access in the Papua and West Papua provinces, alleged abuses by security forces operating without media scrutiny will hound any bid by President Joko Widodo to bring peace and prosperity to the resource-rich region: apromise he made on assuming office in October.

Given Indonesia's experience in East Timor, it is no wonder successive Indonesian governments have restricted media access to its Papua and West Papua provinces. Unable to completely stifle media coverage of East Timor during a bloody 27-year war for independence that ended in 2002, Indonesia's leaders appear determined not to lose another part of its far-flung archipelago by having troublesome reporters, international or Indonesian, expose what is happening in Papua.
The vast Grasberg copper and gold mine in Papua. Journalists wanting to report on the mine and surrounding area say they have trouble getting visas. (Reuters/M Agung Rajasa/Antara Foto)
And there are discomfiting economic and social angles too: Restricted press coverage has meant little media scrutiny of Freeport-McMoRan Incorporated's Indonesian copper mine at Grasberg, the world's largest gold and second largest copper mine in the world. The American-owned company has long been Indonesia's top tax payer, and its remote operations in Papua have been targetedby insurgents and environmental groups. Journalists--including a BBC team who wanted to visit the mine in 2011 when reporting on strikes--often find access is denied.

Despite the wealth of its natural resources, Papua has historically fallen far behindin development compared to Indonesia's other regions, analysts say. The region's literacy rate is around 74 percent, Indonesia's lowest, and Papuans find themselves under increasing demographic pressure, too. Indonesia's in-country migration is coming close to making Papuans a minority in their traditional homeland. About 50 percent of the population in Papua and West Papua are from other parts of Indonesia, and the in-flow seems most likely to continue, analysts say.

Many things seem deeply amiss in Papua, and they are going unreported.

Because of the media restrictions, it is largely foreign journalists who get the international attention that comes with being detained and eventually shipped back home. An Australian academic, Ross Tapsell, in his book By-Lines, Balibo, Bali Bombings: Australian Journalists in Indonesia, published in January, has a large section on restrictions in Papua dating back to the 1960s. Indonesia continues to require international correspondents to secure special visas before entering the country, a practice CPJ has repeatedly (see herehere, and here for examples) urged the government to abandon after it was used to blacklist reporters under earlier, more authoritarian regimes.

Thomas Dandois, left, and Valentine Bourrat, center, arrive at a court in Indonesia's eastern Papua province in October 2014. The French journalists were expelled for breaching visa regulations. (AFP/STR)
The government seldom, if ever, issues permission to investigative journalists. "Eighteen ministries and related institution are involved in the process to issue a permit," according to the Foreign Ministry's director of information and media, Siti Sofia Sudarma. She was testifying at the October 2014 trial of the French documentary filmmakers Thomas Dandois and Valentine Bourrat, who were convicted of breaking immigration laws by trying to film in Papua. The pair had been detained for almost three months before being expelled from the country after their conviction. Their trial coincided with President Widodo's election campaign, in which he promised to address Papua's problems.

Siti said that, according to the ministry's data, 28 international journalists had submitted permit requests to cover news in Papua and West Papua in 2013. She said 21 had been allowed to enter the two provinces. But Andreas Harsono, a Jakarta-based researcher for Human Rights Watch, told CPJ by email that those getting the permits are tourism writers or Japanese journalists covering the search for remains of soldiers killed during World War II. And such restrictions beg the question of what is so special about Papua and why journalists are allowed to cover other areas of Indonesia with little government interference. The restrictions go against Indonesia's 1999 Press Law, which says there should be no restrictions on journalists in Indonesia.
It is not just outsiders who have complaints about access to Papua. As we have reported over the years, Indonesian journalists are prey to a host of malevolent actors--from politicians and the military to religious hardliners and business owners. And unless they are native Papuans, Indonesia's journalists have an almost impossible time getting in to cover the story. As far back as 1999, CPJ noted that ethnic and communal violence in many parts of the country made local reporters' jobs increasingly dangerous. More recent assessments by groups including Human Rights Watch show the situation has deteriorated further despite pledges from successive governments to address the political confrontation.
President Joko Widodo, pictured second left in Aceh province in March. Before he was elected in 2014, Widodo said he would allow international journalists access to Papua. (AFP/Chaideer Mahyuddin)
There was a sense of optimism following Widodo's election. We called it a Window of opportunity to advance press freedom in Indonesia following a mission there in late 2014. But we noted steady pressure on media across the country. The 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions Law targets Web commentators with up to six years in prison, and up to IDR 1 billion ($80,800) in fines. Criminal defamation cases carry a nine-month jail term. And a worrisome state secrets bill, viewed by critics as a threat to freedom of information, remains under discussion. Nor has there has been movement to address impunity in the cases of 10 journalists confirmed to have been killed for their work since 1992. Eight of them appear to have been murdered, according to CPJ data. In such a context, it is realistic to view the president's pledge to allow international journalists and organizations access to Papua and West Papua with a high degree of skepticism until those restrictions are lifted, a promise that can be quickly and easily fulfilled.

1) Juffa critical of O'Neill's stance on West Papua

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2) Students Urge Papua Parliament to Form Investigation Team on Yahukimo Case
3) Indigenous Land Can Be Certified By National Land Agency

4) Members of Four Clans Occupy Health Office in Merauke

5) No Rice Rations for Civil Servants in Dekai for Nine Months

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http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/juffa-critical-of-oneills-stance-on-west-papua/1432406

1) Juffa critical of O'Neill's stance on West Papua

Updated 1 April 2015, 17:45 AEDT
A prominent Papua New Guinea politician says he'd prefer the country to take a more hardline approach to Indonesia on the issue of West Papua.

Gary Juffa, Governor of Oro Province, is sceptical of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's diplomatic efforts to engage with the government in Jakarta.

Mr O'Neill recently said he'd been promised there would be moves towards greater autonomy in the mainly Melanesian and Christian province of West Papua, which makes up the western half of the island of New Guinea.
Mr Juffa also tells Bruce Hill that in his opinion, West Papua independence leader Benny Wenda should have been allowed to enter PNG when he arrived last week.
Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker: Gary Juffa, Governor, Oro Province, PNG



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2) Students Urge Papua Parliament to Form Investigation Team on Yahukimo Case

Jayapura, Jubi – At least 200 Yahukimo students in Jayapura held a peaceful protest in front of the Papua Parliament Office on Monday (30/3/2015).
The protestors, who called themselves the Yahukimo Student Community, urged the Papua legislative council to form a team to investigate violence that marred the dissolution of Yahukimo West Papua National Committee’s fundraising.
Protest coordinator Olmek Nawa said the students wanted their representatives and NGOs to be involved in such a team.
“The perpetrator must face trial according to the Law. Papua Police Chief must pull out the Mobile Brigade from Yahukimo because it adds traumatic for people. The letter signed by seven tribe chiefs must be retrieved because we are the students and youths had no idea about it,” Nawa reading their statement.
Further according to him, the Papua Legislative Council must urge Yahukimo Police Chief’s dismissal since he couldn’t take control on his officers.
“We want the parliament to immediately follow up our aspiration in particular those who represented Yahukimo Regency. They must not consider this case is over. It is now under UN Human Right Commission’s review,” he said.
Several councilors including Orwan Tolli Wonne, Laurenzus Kadepa, Mathea Maoyau, Gerson Soma, Natan Pahabol, Sunut Busup, Lazarus Siep, Thomas Sondegau and Tan Wie Long met with the crowd. Papua Legislative Council’s Commission I Deputy Chairman Orwan Tolli Wanne said his commission has considered the action would be taken by parliament related to Yahukimo case.
“We will form an investigation team and we will discuss it with Papua Legislative Council Chairman. We will process and follow up this aspiration,” Tolli Wonne said.
Meanwhile Yahukimo Regency elected councilor Natan Pahabol said he and four councilors from Yahukimo would depart to Yahukimo.
“We will conduct an investigation to related parties and publish the report through media and so on. Since 1969, human right violations in Papua had never ended. We are five councilors represented Yahukimo Regency and other parliament members will depart to Yahukimo for investigation. We will discuss the findings in plenary meeting and recommend it to related parties,” said Natan Pahabol. (Arjuna Pademme/rom)

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/04/01/indigenous-land-can-be-certified-by-national-land-agency/


3) Indigenous Land Can Be Certified By National Land Agency


Timika, Jubi – Native Papuans do not have to worry about their customary land as it can be certified by the National Land Agency ( ATR/BPN), an official said.
The head of Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting of Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Rendi Wrihatmolo said last week that communal land plays an important role in development.
“In the future if development continues, eventually lands of indigenous peoples will be purchased by investors. So to overcome this, we allow indigenous peoples in Papua to have a certificate of customary land, “he said.
“Last month the ministry of ATR / BPN issued a regulation on communal land that can be certified. And for the land measurement, it can be carried out by the local government,” he explained.
With the regulation of the Minister, the next incoming investors are no longer able to buy broken off traditional lands, only when they want to invest in Papua. Investors should only borrow or rent land to indigenous communities to build. It also provides benefits for indigenous peoples, a lifetime can enjoy traditional land rents up to its descendants.
“It also give benefits to the investors not to worry of the prices of the land. In addition, the land will be forever belongs to the property of indigenous peoples, “he explained.
Governor deputy of Papua Province, Klemen Tinal said Papua is Special Autonomy Region, so that the regulations issued by the Ministry also must be fit and applicable for Papua.
“So it is clear that the land is not sold as province of Bali did,” Governor deputy stated. (Eveerth Joumilena)
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4) Members of Four Clans Occupy Health Office in Merauke

Merauke, Jubi- The Merauke Health department was blockaded by members of four traditional Papuan clans to protest the government’s delay in settling payments for on an area of approximately 42 hectares.
“We had sent a letter on the settlement of compensation. However, there has not been a follow-up from the government so far, “ chairman of Indigenous Kaya -Kay, Donatus Mahuzse said last week.
The clans taking part in the protest are Mahuze, Gebze, Balagaise and Basik-Basik
He said the land has been ‘controlled’ by the government since 1962 without compensation.
“On behalf of the people of the four clans, we urge government to settle the land compensation. As long as there is no guarantee, we will still occupy this office, “he said.
With the planting of sasi custom, anyone banned retracted, before completion. “Yes, we will revoke sasi custom if the government undertakes to make payment in cash to the people of the four clans,” he said.
Regarding the amount of compensation, he explained, because it has been occupied by the government for decades, governments are required to pay Rp 66 billion. In a letter sent to the regent of Merauke, Romanus Mbaraka some time ago, the amount of compensation was mentioned in detail.
He himself with people from the four clans will occupy the office until there is an explanation from the government regarding the compensation settlement.
Secretary of health department, Kaimudin said, this action has been reported to the head of the local health department, Stef Osok. Basically, the government will continue to complete the payment of compensation. Only, it needed further instructions from the top level. (Frans L Kobun)

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5) No Rice Rations for Civil Servants in Dekai for Nine Months

Wamena Jubi – civil servants in Yahukimo complained that they had not received rice rations for nine months.
One civil servant in Dekai, Amalek Mnsen, said the last time government employees received rice rations was in June 2014.
“Civil servants in Yahukimo have not received rations of rice since July 2014 as PD Irian Bakti Wamena has not delivered them to Dekai. We should have got our rice,” Mnsen said last week.
“We work in Dekai , Yahukimo yet we are told to take the rice in Wamena ,” Mnsen added
Usually PD Irian Bakti in Wamena after receiving from State Logistic Agency Bulog delivered and distribute to any place of duty, including for employees in Dekai as intended, but that during the time they only served in Wamena.
“So the employees had to go to Wamena. That should have been delivered to Dekai, as it is its duty. Do not take the advantage from the shipping costs,” he said.
It is very expensive to buy rice in the market. Even when the violent incident between KNPB and police a few days ago, they were overwhelmed in Dekai, because all markets and stalls closed.
Even the worst, he said the quality of rice is not suitable for consumption. (Islamic)
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1) West Papua: Melanesian Spearhead Group has a tough decision to make

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By Sally Andrews, an intern in the Lowy Institute's Melanesia Program
As the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) prepares to discuss West Papua's latest bid for membership, the 'Papuan problem' poses a significant challenge to Melanesian states, who tread a fine line between responding to regional human rights concerns and managing relations with Indonesia.
Melanesian Spearhead Group Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Port Villa, Vanuatu, 25 March 2015.
Recent outcry surrounding West Papuan activist Benny Wenda's unexpected arrival and removal from PNG demonstrates just how fraught the issue has become. 
When Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill acknowledged human rights concerns in the Papuan provinces in a public speech in February 2015, questions were raised about the implications for PNG's relationship with Indonesia and its position within the Melanesian Spearhead Group
The MSG's instrumental role in raising the profile of New Caledonia's Kanak independence movement has prompted Papuan activists to recognise the significance of MSG membership. Hoping to gain a regional platform from which serious human rights, sovereignty and development concerns in the Papuan provinces can be raised, West Papua submitted an unsuccessful application to the Group in October 2013. 
One of the key issues impeding Papuan representation is the leverage exercised by Indonesia within the MSG. Indonesia submitted a membership application in 2010, and despite strong opposition from Vanuatu, Indonesia won observer status in 2011 with the help of Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, then Chairman of the MSG's Leader Summit, and the support of Sir Michael Somare, then Prime Minister of PNG.
Enabling Indonesian membership has strengthened Fiji's relationship with Indonesia but has alienated Vanuatu and deepened perceptions that Indonesian participation has jeopardised Papuan chances of representation. Before votes were cast on the Papuan application in 2013, the Indonesian foreign minister suggested that the MSG undertake a fact-finding visit to Papua to investigate human rights concerns. Vanuatu boycotted the visit and repudiated the statement released in January 2014 by the remaining MSG foreign ministers, who resolved to uphold respect for Indonesia's territorial sovereignty. 
Maintaining a commitment to non-interference in Indonesian domestic affairs and supporting Papuans''inalienable rights' towards self-determination seems likely to generate problems for the MSG in 2015. Fiji and PNG have vested interests in maintaining good relations with Indonesia, with growing investment, military and trade links providing a tense backdrop to discussions concerning Papua. Indonesian sensitivity about Papuan independence has only increased since Timor Leste's independence in 2002. There are real concerns about the potential for diplomatic and commercial blowback that may face Fiji and PNG as the price of supporting Papuan membership.
Lack of cohesion between the West Papuan National Council for Liberation (WPNCL) and the rest of the independence movement has also impeded the membership bid. Comprised of 28 political parties and NGOs, the WPNCL's claim to represent 2.5 million West Papuans was rejected on grounds that too few of the organisations were based in Papua, raising speculation that the bid was being driven by sympathisers in the West at the expense of grassroots participation. 
A second application has since been submitted by a new, larger and more representative umbrella coalition, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). Led by spokesperson Benny Wenda, the ULMWP application will be discussed at the official 20th Leaders' Summit in Honiara in July 2015.
Having addressed problems in the WPNCL application, reception of ULMWP's bid is still difficult to predict. Vanuatu has a long history of Papuan advocacy, promoting Papuan membership in both the MSG and the Pacific Islands Forum, whilst FLNKS is also a strong supporter. The host of this year's MSG Summit, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, has commented on the need for the MSG to assume leadership on human rights in Papua, but his position on the membership application is unclear. Fiji, significantly, is yet to take a position. As for PNG, Prime Minister O'Neill's statement may yet prove the game changer for the MSG; whilst PNG's Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato 'clarified' O'Neill's February statement by re-asserting that PNG held full support for Indonesia, O'Neill subsequently urged Indonesia to support Papuan membership.
One important factor in the mix is the diplomatic tension between PNG and Fiji. Hints that the PNG leadership is becoming more sympathetic are unlikely to prompt support for Papuan membership from Fiji. Having championed Indonesia's application in 2011, the Fiji leadership may judge that its interests lie in declining to make a decision whilst further strengthening relations with Indonesia.  
PNG may pursue the Papuan cause solely as a human rights issue. As the host of the next Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in September 2015, PNG may seek to avoid any impression of disunity at a sub-regional level. In either case, it is entirely possible that the Papuan application will be left to flounder, trumped by the interests of the two most influential Melanesian states. 
Meanwhile, advocacy from civil society groups across the Pacific Islands is contributing to a perception that there is growing popular support for Papuan representation. Groups such as the Pacific Council of Churches, Free West Papua Campaign, Peace Movement Aotearoa, Pacific Network on Globalisation and We Bleed Black and Red have been mounting public protests, emphasising the public interest in the Papuan cause to political leaders.
Support for West Papua is mounting within Fiji itself, with domestic pressure bearing upon Bainimarama from the Fiji Solidarity Movement, Fiji Council of Churches and even Fiji Rugby Union. This activism may yet prompt the Prime Minister to take the risk of offending Indonesia by supporting Papuan membership, if only as a means to capture popular sentiment. The deepening military ties between the two nations, however, in addition to apparent silence on the Papuan issue at the 1st March meetings between the Indonesian and Fijian Foreign Ministers, has left supporters of the application in doubt. 
Difficult decisions lie ahead for the members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, who must weigh the value of relationships with Indonesia against the opportunity to recognise West Papuans, potentially do something about persistent human rights concerns and also capitalise on the emergence of a strong popular Melanesian regional identity.

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2) Govt embarks on construction , of Papua ring road
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Wed, April 01 2015, 1:59 PM - 
Construction of a ring road in Papua is expected to be completed before the end of the 2013-2018 term of Governor Lukas Enembe.
The ring road will go through Wamena-Tolikara-Mulia, Wamena-Tiom-Ilaga, Wamena-Habema-Batas Batu, Jayapura-Wamena, Mimika-Wagete, Ilaga-Wagete and Oksibil-Waropko.
"The ring road will open access to isolated communities that until now can only be reached with air transportation," Lukas said as quoted by Antara news agency.
The road facility would also contribute greatly to the economic development of isolated communities, he added.
The prices of essential goods in many isolated areas of Papua such as oil-based fuels and cement are high because of distribution difficulties.
The governor said the ring road would contribute to improving social services in the heartland of the province.
The government had set aside Rp 638.75 billion for the construction of the road project, including bridges, starting this year, he said.
The project will include the construction of 89.3 kilometers of new roads, improvements to 28.8 km of existing roads and 272 meters of bridges.
The isolated people not only needed roads and bridges but also decent housing and clean water, he added. (hhr)
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3) In Indonesia, local communities lose out as oil palm expands


BOGOR, Indonesia—Oil palm, billed as a way to improve local economic opportunity and reduce poverty in the tropics, may not live up to that billing, a recent report shows.
In fact, a case study from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) on the effects of oil palm on economy, ecology and society in West Papua paints a stark picture.
On the front lines of oil palm expansion, the indigenous forest-dwelling Arfak people of West Papua Province of Indonesia believe they are not the beneficiaries of the palm’s promise—rather, the real winners seem to be skilled non-Papuan immigrants and other Papuan peoples who hold most of the jobs available at oil palm plantations.
“It is unlikely that oil palm will help the rural poor, because they simply don’t have the skills and the knowledge to effectively engage in oil palm production,” said Krystof Obidzinski, a senior scientist at CIFOR and a the co-author of the study.....................

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Summary of events in West Papua for March 2015

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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

PO Box 28, Spit Junction, NSW 2088



Summary of events in West Papua for March 2015 beginning April

KNPB targeted again.
Throughout the week (11 to 18 March) the Yahukimo Regional Branch of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) held a fundraising campaign in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). On the morning of Thursday 19 March, as preparations were underway for the closing ceremony in Dekai, Yahukimo regency the Yahukimo District Police and a mobile brigade arrived and started tearing down the stage, confiscating   KNPB banners, megaphones, speakers, microphones and cameras. They used   force to disband the crowd. According to the police the organisers did not have a permit to hold the event. The crowd became angry at the heavy -handed approach by the security forces and in the melee that followed Brimob members fired at the crowd resulting in one person killed and 3 wounded. AWPA release at http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/media-release-indonesian-security.html
The Papuan Police Chief, Inspector General (Pol) Yotje Mende said that the KNPB should be banned, as it is not an official organisation, it's an underground organization. The spokesperson for the KNPB Bazooka Logo rejected the claim. http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/03/papuan-police-chief-says-knpb-should-be-banned/ Jubi reported that approximately 200 students from Yahukimo held a peaceful protest in front of the Papua Parliament Office on Monday (30/3/2015). The protestors, who called themselves the Yahukimo Student Community, urged the Papua legislative council to form a team to investigate the violence that occurred in Yahukimo during the KNPB’s fundraising event. Protest coordinator Olmek Nawa said the students wanted their representatives and NGOs to be involved in such a team and that the Papua Legislative Council should urge the Yahukimo Police Chief’s removal as he could not control his officers.

 

Because of the strong connection between the people of Vanuatu and West Papua, the West Papuan people organized fund raising activities for the people of Vanuatu because of the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam. It is tragic that even humanitarian activities are seen as a threat by the security forces who stopped and arrested three people who were coordinating the activity.  KNPB Spokesperson Bazoka Logo told reporters in Abepura that the Papua Mobile Brigade under the command of Yahukimo Police Chief Adjunct Police Commissionaire Ade Djaja Subagja raided the KNPB secretariat in Dekai and during the raid residential houses near the secretariat were also ransacked and damaged and that in the operation the officers also seized people’s money.



Solidarity meeting in Brisbane.
Over 40 delegates representing 13 West Papuan solidarity groups from across Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand met in Brisbane (28-29 March) with three leaders of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). Benny Wenda, Octovianus Mote and Rex Rumakiek were in Brisbane to brief the solidarity groups on the progress of UNLMWP and to network and develop resources for the campaign for ULMPW to gain full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) for West Papua. The meeting was hosted by the solidarity group in Brisbane. Media release at http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/media-release-west-papuan-leaders-join.html
The West Papuan leaders and solidarity groups also joined in the Palm Sunday rally which had a peace and a refugee theme. Benny Wenda was a guest speaker at the rally.  Photos at  http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/photos-west-papuan-leaders-and.html and utube footage at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlKmIG5YO24


Melanesian Anglicans co-launch group advocating West Papua freedom
Support for West Papua by church and civil society groups continues to grow in the pacific region A one day consultation to discuss and highlight issues concerning West Papua’s struggle for freedom and independence from Indonesia on Friday 20th March 2015, led to the formation of the “Solomon Islands Solidarity for West Papua Freedom”. The consultation was jointly organized and hosted by the Pacific Council of Churches (PCC) and the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) and was held at the Melanesia Haus, St. Barnabas Cathedral grounds, in Honiara. http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2015/03/melanesian-anglicans-co-launch-group-advocating-west-papua-freedom.aspx

The Methodist Church in Fiji also supports West Papua.. Approximately 50 Methodist Church heads of divisions signed the solidarity movement for West Papua’s petition at Suva's Centenary Church in support of the call for the freedom of the natives of West Papua. This petition drive headed by the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy would be handed to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the end of April. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=298134

Benny Wenda detained in PNG
Before arriving in Australia Benny Wenda was detained by immigration officials in Port Moresby due to technical issues.  Benny’s intention had been to thank the PNG people and government for their support for the West Papuan issue.  Mr Wenda confirmed that there were technical issues leading to his detention and it had nothing to do with politics. "The government of Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister himself, has already stated that West Papua is their family so based on that we strongly believe that the government level already supports West Papua. Also now the building of the grassroots level to support West Papua bringing into the Melanesian family but my deportation has nothing to do with this movement." (RNZI 27 March) 
The PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in an interview said that the former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had told him he would reduce troop numbers stationed in West Papua. The PNG Prime Minister told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program that Mr Yudhoyono had discussed this intention with him during a bilateral meeting when the PNG prime minister was in Indonesia for a state visit. He said he hoped current president Joko Widodo would keep the former leader's promise. "We will try and hold the Indonesian government to that, to make sure that the current government also has the same view about a reduction of presence of military on the island, and of course more autonomy for the people of West Papua,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O'Neill said.(Note. for all the minor hiccups in the PNG -West Papuan relationship, it should always be remembered that the people and government of PNG have been good friends to the West Papuan people accepting large numbers of West Papuan refugees in their country).


Launch the PNG Union for Free West Papua (PNGUFWP)

The Hon Gary Juffa, Governor of Oro Province launched the PNG Union for Free West Papua (PNGUFWP) on the 3 April Port Moresby.

Extract from the Hon Gary Juffa’s statement on the launch. “The event is that of the actual launching of our small but powerful organization PNG Union for Free West Papua. Our effort does not counter any of the other movements created in existence and also working for the Freedom of our people of West Papua, our organization is focused on the fundamental belief that the people of West Papua, are a free people living imprisoned on their own land...and MUST be FREE...we are supported by Partners with Melanesia and Protection of Human Rights West Papua Movement”. http://www.emtv.com.pg/article.aspx?slug=-West-Papua-Campaign-Launched&subcategory=Pacific-News

As mentioned before this growing support for West Papua in the region is causing concern in Jakarta. At the end of February the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi visited three Pacific countries, PNG, Solomon Islands, and Fiji, to strengthen relations between Indonesia and the Pacific nations. Antara News reported that in 2013, Indonesia committed to donate US$20 million to the Pacific countries to be used in various fields. RNZI  (13 March) reported that the Foreign Ministers from Fiji and Indonesia recently agreed to have greater cooperation in relation to United Nations peacekeeping forces of both countries. As part of this, Fiji peacekeepers are to undergo training at a centre in Indonesia. Mr Baledrokadroka says Indonesia's military has extensive peacekeeping experience and that training with them is a natural progression.

 

 

News in brief

Amnesty International (AI) released an urgent action (26 March) concerning four students, three of them children who were arbitrarily detained and tortured or otherwise ill-treated by police on 18 March 2015, according to their lawyer.  
We urge people to respond to Amnesty’s recommendations writing letters of concern.  Indonesia: Four students in danger after police torture
According to Amnesty Eldi Kogoya, aged 17, Timotius Tabuni, aged 17 and Lesman Jigibalom, aged 23, were going home, on their motorcycles, on the night of 18 March, when they were followed and stopped by plainclothes armed members of a special police unit, the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob), near the Cigombong market in Jayapura city, Papua province. When they asked why they were being detained the police accused them of committing a crime and at least 11 Brimob officers stabbed, beat, punched and kicked them. A fourth student, Mies Tabo, aged 14, who was nearby and witnessed the attack, called out for help but was kicked, slapped and threatened by the police to stay silent. All four were then dragged along the road to the nearby Brimob headquarters. They were detained there briefly before being sent to hospital. All four have been released without charge.

 

 


Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu renews call for UN review of West Papuan self-determination
On 27th February 2015 Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu met with West Papuan independence leader and founder of the Free West Papua Campaign, Benny Wenda, in Cape Town, South Africa. He has released the following statement renewing his call for the UN to instigate an investigation into the so-called Act of ‘Free’ Choice in which Indonesia unlawfully annexed West Papua in 1969. “I’m shocked to learn that West Papua is still not free. I didn’t think that things like this still happened. I call on the United Nations and all the relevant bodies, please, do what is right, as they know, for West Papua.” “We can’t have some people in the world free and others not free. As long as there is one person not free, we are all not free.” “I am very, very distressed and pray that Indonesia and other countries will do what is right, because it is not their (West Papua’s) gift, it is their right as the children of god.” Full release at http://freewestpapua.org/2015/03/16/archbishop-emeritus-desmond-tutu-renews-call-for-un-review-of-west-papuan-self-determination/


Papuans behind bars

At the end of February 2015, there were at least 38 political prisoners in Papuan jails. The latest update raises concerns about the legal process for Areki Wanimbo and the case of the Pisugi Election Boycott detainees which were fraught with irregularities. The Pisugi detainees were forced to confess and sign fabricated police investigation reports.  Full report at http://www.papuansbehindbars.org/?p=3408

Media restrictions in Papua underscore Indonesia's wider problems 
In a media statement the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) pointed out that  with more than 50 years of restricted media access, West Papua is one of the least covered armed conflicts in the world and  “Without open media access in the Papua and West Papua provinces, alleged abuses by security forces operating without media scrutiny will hound any bid by President Joko Widodo to bring peace and prosperity to the resource-rich region: a promise he made on assuming office in October”.  http://www.cpj.org/blog/2015/03/media-restrictions-in-papua-underscore-indonesias-.php


Editorial: Sunshine Needed on Sweetheart Deals

By Jakarta Globe Mar 04, 2015

The government needs to explain clearly and honestly why it wants to allow miners to renew contracts more than two years before they expire. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said’s recent suggestion that contracts ought to be extended up to 10 years before their expiry makes little sense. Such a move seems to only satisfy demands from Freeport-McMoRan, which has announced that it would proceed with its plan to invest a total of $17 billion to turn its Grasberg copper and gold mining complex into the world’s biggest underground mine after 2016, while also building a copper smelter in Gresik, East Java. Freeport’s current deal is due to expire in 2021. The government should not be under pressure to quickly extend Freeport’s contract just because it has announced to invest big and build a smelter. While we should welcome foreign investment, especially as huge as Freeport’s, and we agree that every company needs certainty on its investment, it’s the government’s duty to review carefully and comprehensively whether the investment really benefits the country and its people as a whole — in this case because it’s in Papua, the native Papuans. Contract extensions as big as Freeport’s have always been a controversial issue among the public. We are not demanding the contract not be extended; we simply want transparency. Despite Freeport’s claims that it has contributed trillions of rupiah directly and indirectly — on top of the government’s disbursement of trillions in special autonomy funds over the years — the big question remains: Why are Papuans still among Indonesia’s poorest, despite these huge investments? Where has the money gone? Only honesty and transparency will quash suspicion surrounding Freeport’s renewed contract.



Legislators urge Papua Police to Complete Paniai Case

tabloidjubi.com Mar 24th, 2015 
Timika, Jubi / Antara- A legislator urged the Papua Police to thoroughly investigate the shooting case of a number of civilians in Paniai on December 8, 2014. The deputy chairman of House of Representatives’ Commission III, Benny K Harman, made the statement during a working visit to Jayapura to the Papua police chief, Inspector General of Police Yotje Mende. 
“We urge the police chief to fully investigate it. Anyone who is allegedly involved must be prosecuted legally and imposed severe penalties, ” he said in Timika on Sunday (22/03/2015)
Mende said the police would continue to investigate the case even though the perpetrators have not been caught. Previously, the Forum of the Papua Ecumenical Churches urged President Joko Widodo to immediately establish a Commission of Inquiry and Investigation (KPP HAM). 
“It is been the fourth month since the shooter has not been revealed and seems like the investigation has not shown any progress, “chairman of the Synod Fellowship Baptist Churches in Papua Socrates Soyan Nyoman added. Therefore, churches in Papua urged Jokowi to immediately form KPP HAM, because the incident is serious human rights violations. “We ask the President to seriously uncover Paniai case, by forming KPP HAM with a mandate to examine all the parties involved, and it must be carried out before the President visit Papua again, “Nyoman said. He also pointed out that there was an indication of officers to intentionally protect its members and even seemed like in internal security forces did not the identity of two people who were on duty in the top of Enarotali Airport tower. Chairman of the Synod Kingmi, Benny Giay, also urged President Jokowi to appoint a person to act as a mediator in order to create dialogue Papua-Jakarta.



Indonesia criticised by UN over Papua torture

The United Nations special rapporteur on torture has criticised the Indonesian government's breakup of demonstrations in West Papua last year, saying it breached international conventions on torture. In a report tabled in Geneva overnight, the rapporteur, Juan Mendez, says two student demonstrators, Alfares Kapisa and Yali Wenda were arrested and tortured in Jayapura in April during the violent breakup of a protest. Jakarta did not respond to communication from the office. The report says there is substance to the pair's allegations and the Government of Indonesia has failed to protect Mr Kapisa and Mr Wenda from torture and inhuman treatment. (RNZI 10 March)


JDP To Facilitate Papua Internal Dialogue

tabloidjubi.com Mar 23rd, 2015 

Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Peace Network (JDP) coordinator Dr. Neles Tebay said as a mediator JDP will facilitate internal dialogue among Papuans to prepare for talks with Jakarta proposed by President Joko Widodo. “Based on schedule, the Papuan internal dialogue will be held in Papua in August 2015,” Tebay told reporters at Fajar Timur Theologian College, Padang Bulan Abepura last week. According to him, the president’s commitment to promote Papua as Peaceful Land and to resolve conflicts through a dialogue showed the government has changed its stance on Papua. “So, Jakarta-Papua Dialogue will lead to the establishment of peace in Papua. It means its agenda is to grow peace in Tanah Papua,” he said. He further said Papuan residents in Papua should welcome the government’s openness with joy. The government’s commitment is a golden opportunity provided by government to discuss a peace development in Papua through a process of dialogue. “To welcome this opportunity, JDP took the initiative to facilitate the Papuan internal dialogue as a preparation ahead to Jakarta-Papua dialogue because we believed it’s very important to be held in order answering the Papuans’ aspiration,” Tebay told reporters. “Papuan internal dialogue would be held to involve the entire elements of Papuans to discuss about the concept of Peace Papua and to define a purpose of dialogue between Jakarta and Papua according to Papuans. Within this dialogue, people’s aspiration will be asked and consulted, therefore they would feel to be involved in the effort to develop Peace Papua through dialogue,” Tebay said. Meanwhile, the Indonesian President Joko Widodo in his visit to Papua in December 2014, he confirm his commitment to develop Papua as Peaceful land and resolve many conflicts in Papua through a dialogue. (Arnold Belau/rom)



Member of armed group shot dead in Puncak Jaya

Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Tue, March 31 2015 Agustinus Tabuni, a 24-year-old local identified as a member of an armed criminal group led by Militer Murib, was shot dead when a number of Indonesian Military and National Police personnel conducted a patrol in Kampung Jenggernok, Gome district, Puncak Jaya, around 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday. “A joint team comprising 30 police and military personnel led by Adj. Comr. Syahwal Halim was conducting a patrol in Kampung Gome when they spotted three people carrying Mauser and revolver rifles,” said Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Com. Rudolf Patrick in Jayapura on Tuesday. “The team then pursued the three armed people. Two people fled while one suspect was shot as he attempted to shoot two police personnel involved in the patrol,” he went on. Security personnel confiscated one revolver, 12 bullets with a caliber of 7.62 x 51 mm and two bullets with a caliber of 3.8 mm. Rudolf said the Gome district head who was with the patrol managed to recognize the man that was shot. “Both Gome district head and village officers joining the patrol confirmed that the dead victim was Agustinus Tabuni, a member of the Militer Murib group,” he said. After the identification process, Agustinus was cremated in a procession held at the site of the incident, and witnessed by the Gome district head and village officers. (dyl/ebf)(++++)


Member of armed civilian group in Puncak Jaya arrested 

(Extract from The Jakarta Post, Jayapura March 25 2015)

Officers of the Puncak Jaya Police arrested Lanus Murib, 24, an alleged member of the armed civilian group Militer Murib from Gome, in a kiosk in Ilaga district, Puncak Jaya, on Tuesday. “At around 7:10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the police arrested an alleged member of the Gome armed criminal group led by Militer Murib on the terrace of the HH Kiosk in Kampung Kago, Ilaga district, Puncak Jaya regency,” Puncak Jaya Police chief Adj.Sr.Comr.Marselis told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. He said a Papua Police special team led by Adj.Sr.Comr Budi Basra had been closely watching the suspect before the arrest. “Earlier, the special police team had received reports about the suspect and his weapons. They later conducted an espionage operation and arrested him in a raid,” he said.


Number of Native Papuans Drop to 40 Percent in Merauke

tabloidjubi.com Mar 25th, 2015 

Merauke, Jubi – Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka said non-native Papuans now account for 60 percent of the regency’s population, while indigenous people make up the rest. The majority of native Papuans live in the villages and some of them are on the Kimaam island, he said.
“We must not allow Papuans to live as it is. We need to motivate and encourage them continuously,” Merauke regent said on Saturday (03/21/2015). Therefore, One of the programs to improve Papuans’ live is by distributing hundreds of millions rupiah to the villages.
“I also want to thank the people of Tanimbar who have entered in this area and have provide guidance and ongoing motivation to Papuans, “he said. Chairman of Tanimbar fellowship, Soleman Jambormias added, in any event, it has always built good communication with all the Tanimbar here in order to motivate Papuans to work and to encourage their children to pursue education to a higher level. (Frans L Kobun/ Tina)

Jubi (25 March) also reported that the number of villages in Papua had increased significantly according to the new Home Affairs Ministry data.  There are 524 districts, 107 sub-districts and 5,118 villages in Papua. The Earlier data from the ministry indicated there were 467 districts, 90 sub-districts and 4,766 villages.
“Some of new villages are in Lanny Jaya and in Keerom,” the head of Governance of Papua province, Sendius Wonda told reporters in Jayapura, Papua on Monday (03/23/2015).




Freeport’s Indonesia Grasberg Copper Mine Opens After 5-Day Blockade

Jakarta Globe. By Andrew Janes  Mar 23, 2015

Freeport McMoRan’s Grasberg copper mine in Indonesia, the world’s second-largest for the metal by capacity, reopened Saturday after a worker roadblock stopped production for five days and helped push the metal’s price to a two-month high. Access to the site, located in the mountains in Papua province in eastern Indonesia, was restored this morning and normal operations are resuming, Daisy Primayanti, a spokeswoman at Freeport Indonesia, said in a phone interview. The roadblock has been cleared, said Juli Parorrongan, a spokesman for the Freeport Indonesia workers’ union. “The union has said to the workers that they should go back to work,” she confirmed on Saturday. Grasberg has been plagued by labor strife in recent years. Workers seeking higher wages held a strike in 2011 and the mine was closed for months following a tunnel collapse in 2013. The protesters, who the union said numbered around 100 on Friday, had been demanding bonuses as an incentive for not taking part in a work stoppage last year. Shipments of concentrates from stockpiles continued during the closure. Copper for delivery in three months rose 3.3 percent to $6,045 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange on Friday, following a 3.3 percent advance the day before. The metal touched $6,082.5 on Friday, the highest since Jan. 12. Freeport Indonesia didn’t reach any agreement with the workers on their demands and dialog is continuing, spokeswoman Primayanti said. Shares of Phoenix-based Freeport, the largest US miner, rebounded 6.7 percent in New York on Friday to close at $18.41, recouping a 5.3 percent loss on Thursday. Bloomberg

     
Opinion pieces/reports/press releases etc.


Tony Abbott has an Indonesian problem he doesn’t want to talk about



The Price of Protest in West Papua
published in the Griffith Journal of Law and Human Dignity  (Vol 3 issue 1)

Griffith Journal of Law and Human Dignity http://www.griffithlawjournal.org/#!volume-3-issue-1/c1z2j


West Papua: Melanesian Spearhead Group has a tough decision to make


New book.  Merdeka: Hostages, Freedom and Flying Pigs in West Papua 


Addressing the Papua issue in the Pacific


Kamoro people take a stand against Freeport smelter plans

 

 

Pacific Institute of Public Policylaunch of new look website


West Papua Return.


Australian taxpayers are paying millions for Indonesian military officers to study Down Under



Photos. Benny Wenda being interviewed by members of the Australian Rock and Roll Party and "Punks for West Papua"

Photos-Benny Wenda speaks to audience at the home of Sen Bruce Childs (retired) as his wife Yola.

Johannes Nugroho: Domestic Solution Key to Keeping Papua, Not a Pacific One

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http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/opinion/johannes-nugroho-domestic-solution-key-keeping-papua-not-pacific-one/

 

Johannes Nugroho: Domestic Solution Key to Keeping Papua, Not a Pacific One

Jakarta must consider the possible domestic pressure under which the MSG governments could find themselves, if the cause of Melanesian solidarity gains momentum in the Pacific region.



Last month, the Free West Papua Campaign alleged that Indonesian police had opened fire on a crowd of Papuans attending a fundraising event held in Yahukimo for Vanuatu and other Pacific nations affected by Cyclone Pam. The shooting left one dead and three injured. Wenda, spokesman for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), wrote that there was no reason for the police to shoot as the event had been “peaceful.” The police, on the other hand, claimed that the event had no permit and that one of the attendees had attacked an officer and stolen his firearm.

If the Yahukimo shooting did indeed take place, it was the third state-sponsored act of violence against the Papuans after the December Paniai incident in which five were shot dead in a military rampage. The frequency of the attacks on Papuan and West Papuan civilians calls into doubt President Joko Widodo’s much-vaunted campaign promise to improve the lot of Indonesia’s two easternmost provinces.
In an interview with Australia’s Green Left Weekly, Jacob Rumbiak, the minister of foreign affairs of the self-proclaimed Federal Republic of West Papua in exile, said: “Before the election of Widodo, he got most of Papuan support, believing that Widodo would hear their voice and help them. But the reality is the opposite.”
Reality increasingly reflects the common theme that runs through Jokowi’s government: nationalism. In a symbolic gesture during a recent televised interview with Al Jazeera, the president proudly asked his interviewer to look at an enormous map of Indonesia in the background, while declaring that Indonesia “spans from Sabang [in Aceh] to Merauke [in Papua].” The length and breadth of the country are therefore implicitly non-negotiable for Jokowi.
The current administration’s predilection for expressing such nationalist sentiment alone will probably preclude any more concessions of autonomy for both Papua and West Papua in the foreseeable future, as the possible independence of both is seen as a direct attack on Indonesia’s territorial integrity. Jakarta will go to great lengths to ensure that the Papuan independence agenda is seen to be defeated.

In late February, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi visited three countries in the Pacific in a bid to lobby against the application by the ULMWP to register the West Papuan state-in-exile as a full member in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Minister Retno offered as a bargaining chip the promise of $20 million in assistance to support capacity building for MSG nations.
Indonesia made the pledge of assistance to MSG nations last year during the first ever visit to Fiji by a sitting Indonesian president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. At the time of the visit, Jenny Hayward-Jones, an Australian observer, said: “Indonesia is concerned about an increasingly assertive Melanesian Spearhead Group [MSG], which promotes the West Papua cause, and therefore wants to be influencing the members of the MSG.”
However, if Jakarta wants better relations with Pacific Island nations, it is baffling that the government has not sent any aid to Vanuatu and other Pacific regions ravaged by Cyclone Pam as a gesture of goodwill. In contrast, when the threat of ULMWP being granted full membership in MSG loomed, our foreign minister wasted no time in visiting the region. The inconsistency suggests that the main concern of the Indonesian government in relation to the Pacific island nations is indeed their support for Papuan independence.

Given the muted representations by the Papua New Guinean and Fijian governments on the issue of the continuing human rights abuse in both Papua and West Papua during the ministerial visit, Retno’s shuttle diplomacy may have been successful, for the time being.
Nonetheless, the Indonesian government would be foolish to believe that, should it fail to improve its human rights record in Papua and West Papua, the MSG nations could refrain from voicing their protests indefinitely. Jakarta must consider the possible domestic pressure under which the MSG governments could find themselves, if the cause of Melanesian solidarity gains momentum in the Pacific region.
As the loss of the Papuan provinces would be too great a blow to Indonesia’s national pride, it may be political suicide for any Indonesian government to be seen dithering on the issue. Jakarta will do its utmost to keep them, but how? A wise administration would go about it by reducing the visible symbols of oppression Papuans have to encounter on a regular basis; a foolhardy one would insist on continuing the reign of terror.


1) Governor angry at West Papua ‘genocide’

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2) Indonesia sends aid to  Vanuatu

3) Govt aims for 4 million  transmigrants in five years 

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1) Governor angry at West Papua ‘genocide’


Shouting ‘Papua Merdeka’  after merging their groups: (from left) Governor Juffa, Kenn Mondiai ( Partners with Melanesia ), Jeff Bomay of Free West Papua Protection of Human Rights, ex-governor of Sandaun Province John Tekwie and David Dom of PNG Union of Free West Papua.
Oro Governor Garyi Juffa says recent killings in West Papua were more signs of the “ongoing genocide’’ occurring under Indonesian command.


He told a crowd of 500 to 600 supporters at a rally in Port Moresby yesterday that the reported killings were not of foreigners but of “our sisters and brothers’’.
Let us not talk of this “imaginary border’’ drawn up by colonial powers, he said, the people of West Papua were from the same piece of land and same origins as the people of PNG.
He cited news of recent killings by Indonesian soldiers of a West Papuan man who was raising funds for storm stricken Vanuatu, and three boys under the age of 18 who were jailed for protesting against the killing of another boy.
Mr Juffa  described the killings as “inhumane’’, and being like the Nazi holocaust.
He says the PNG government should take a bold stand in mapping out this issue and bringing it to international attention.
He encouraged fellow Papua New Guineans to rise up and demand freedom for their fellow Melanesian brothers and sisters who have suffered brutal killings and harassment at the hands of the Indonesian military.
He pointed to the fuss over a visa for West Papuan leader Benny Wenda, who was detained and then made to leave PNG for failing to have proper travel documents.
Mr Juffa says he believes the government should be lenient towards West Papuans and grant them exclusive travelling rights to and from PNG, considering that PNG and Indonesia share one land mass.
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2) Indonesia sends aid to  Vanuatu
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | World | Sat, April 04 2015, 7:01 PM -Indonesia has sent US$2 million worth of humanitarian aid to Vanuatu, which was devastated and economically crippled by a massive tropical cyclone that hit the Pacific island nation in March.

Foreign Minister Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi dispatched on Saturday two cargo aircraft from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. Marsudi was accompanied by National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) chief Syamsul Maarif and a number of members of House of Representatives' Commission VIII overseeing social affairs.
The two aircraft - a Garuda Indonesia Airbus A330-300 with a capacity of 35 tons and a Cardig Air Boeing 737 with a capacity of 15 tons -- would fly to the Vanuatuan capital of Port Villa, a statement from the Foreign Ministry said.
BNPB deputy for emergency response, Tri Budiarto, said that the $2 million aid consisted of $450,000 in cash and a variety of aid packages: 1,000 packages of food supplies, 6,000 packages of nutrition supplements and food, 6,000 packages of ready-to-eat food, 2,000 packages of biscuits, 149 carts of baby food, 333 carts of pregnancy food, 500 packages of children’s clothing, 7,500 blankets, 26 carts of solar cells and 200 family tents.
The aid will be handed over to Vanuatu climate change minister James Bule by Najib Riphat Kesoema, the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, who is also accredited to Vanuatu.
A special team of 19 experts will also be sent to the nation of fewer than 300,000 residents to help the reconstruction and survivor-rehabilitation processes.
The team consists of personnel from the Office of the Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Health Ministry, the Social Affairs Ministry, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), the Papua Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the West Papua BPBD and Disaster Management Rapid Response Unit.
The Foreign Ministry added that Indonesia’s experience in handling natural disasters, such as the reconstruction and rehabilitation processes in Aceh after the 2004 tsunami, would be of great assistance for Vanuatu.
“The aid will also be a symbol of Indonesian commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Vanuatu in terms of disaster mitigation,” the ministry said in the statement.
Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu in March, causing 11 deaths and extensive damage to the country’s infrastructure, including the severance of communication between the archipelago’s islands. (dyl/nvn)(+++)

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3) Govt aims for 4 million  transmigrants in five years 
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | National | Sat, April 04 2015, 10:52 PM -
Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Minister Marwan Jafar is targeting the placement of four million transmigrants in five years to bolster employment opportunities and create new villages in Indonesia.
Marwan said that the target was feasible as it had helped the establishment of two new autonomous areas in North Kalimantan and West Sulawesi provinces.
“The government hopes governors and regents of areas that have the potential for absorbing transmigrants take proactive steps to encourage people to move there,” Marwan said on Saturday as quoted by Antara news agency.
He added that any promotional efforts made by regional administrations would be strategic as the transmigration program had been on a downward trend since the end of the Soeharto dictatorship.
Despite this, Marwan said that public interest in transmigration was still high, in line with the increasing difficulty of obtaining access to farmland. Regional administrations, he went on, must also give support to transmigrants by preparing suitable land.
“The transmigration program in several disadvantaged regions and border areas can help improve the health and electricity infrastructure as well as improve education and access to clean water,” he added.(dyl/nvn)(+++)

1) Dissolving KNPB Not Solution in Papua

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2) Passionate words for Papuan freedom
3) Local Elections Could Spark Conflicts

4) Maternal and Child Mortality Rates Down, Health Department Says


5) Jayapura Archaeologists Discover Megalithic Worship Center

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/04/05/dissolving-knpb-not-solution-in-papua/

1) Dissolving KNPB Not Solution in Papua


Sorong, Jubi – Disbanding the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) will not solve problems in Papua, said a member of West Papua Legislative Council, Dominggus Sani.
“You can disband KNPB, but will it solve the problems in this land? Such action will motivate Papuans to create new organizations who continue to fight for their rights,” Sani told Jubi last week.
He said the army and police should refrain from making statements about disbanding the organization but instead find out the root cause of the problems in Papua.
To save Papuans from poverty, underdevelopment is not about to build a shop, road, hotel, division, or provide wide access for the immigrants to come and stay in this land but how Papuans are recognized, respected and rewarded on their land.
He urged the government of Indonesia to resolve the Papua issue and not just get rid of the smoke but did not extinguish the fire. “One of them is the history of Papua should be clarified in order to provide a good place to the public about the history,” he said.
He hoped the Indonesian government to seriously look at this issue in Papua, and do not accuse and suspect Papuans excessively. (Nees Makuba/Tina)
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http://www.pngloop.com/2015/04/05/passionate-words-papuan-freedom/

2) Passionate words for Papuan freedom



               Young poet Silu’wa Corrinah Dom after reading her Free Papua poem.
By Silu’wa  Corrinah Dom
Dressed in traditional feathers and colourings, the young woman stood at a pro-West Papua meeting and spoke in poetic terms of her yearning for the freedom of Melanesians sharing the giant island of New Guinea.
It was university student Silu’wa  Corrinah Dom, who penned her poem and read it to the audience of an estimated 500 at the meeting at Granville Motel on Friday.
The meeting was to signify the signing of a merger between three pro-West Papua groups.
Her words are:
MY CRY FOR FREEDOM OF WEST PAPUA
West Papua and East Papua.
From the length and breadth of this country.
It is our land, the home of bird of paradise.
Let me voice our silent cry freedom for the world to hear.
My cry for freedom, nothing  but my cry for freedom for  the world to hear.
I am an eagle of the forest. I shall spread my wings and fly high to meet the rising morning star in the East.
I shall fly high with my father’s dream on the day of 01st July 1971.
, Oh god ! Help me to tell my children of tomorrow.
Oh yes! My father’s dream shall not fade away until thy kingdom come.
Papua! look to the East,
Merderka! I can see three eagles soaring in  the sky flying to the West,
To see the birth of the saviour from the far East, just as Christ was born in the manger to save his souls,
Papua! We shall see the re-incarnation of the morning star in the East.
Our “PARTNERS WITH MELANESIANS” are crying for “HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION FOR WEST PAPUA PEOPLE ” and calling for  “PNG UNION FOR FREE WEST PAPUA”
I call for Melanesian Solidarity to stand UNITED and DIVIDED WE FALL!
The trinity is born today for the sufferings of West Papua,
Oh yes! They are born today on a good Easter Friday. The three Eagles of the forest shall return to the west, and shall tell the world that Papua and New Guinea are uniting for Free West Papua.
Remember! On the fateful night before Christ died on the cross of Calvary to set his people from bondage of evil,
He suffered great emotional stress, he had been abandoned by his friends and  brothers.
But in the East, we  are Melanesians and so we shall not turn our back to our brothers in pain.
He suffered physical atrocious pain, and was tortured in the most horrendous ways. He carried his own cross adding to the unbearable agony.
Oh lord! my God of mercy!
Let Papua New Guineans, help carry the cross to freedom, lifting the weight so we can walk away from the pain to freedom.
We are Melanesians to the marrow of our bones.
Sultan ! Rulers ! Politicians and traitors cannot do anything for us,
How long shall they kill our brothers while we stand aside and look.
Oh my Lord! It’s been 57 years since.
They kill us mercilessly,
They burn our houses and chase us,
They make us refugee in our dense forest.
They rape our mothers and sisters and cut open unborn babies in our mama’s womb.
I cry for the people of Melanesia to help carry the cross with our brothers and sisters of West Papua to freedom,
Freedom of West Papua,
I am not Javanese but pure Melanesian,
I want to be free from Indonesia,
Free in my land from Sorong to Samarai.
For I am a daughter of the rising Morning Star that shines in the East and shall not set down in the west now and forever,
One People! One Soul! One land.
Papua Merderka
Written and presented by Silu’wa  Corrinah Dom.
03/04/2015, Granville Motel.Papua New Guinea.
BY CORRINAH SILUWA DOM

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3) Local Elections Could Spark Conflicts

Jayapura, Jubi – A member of the Papua Legislative Council said he was concerned that the 2015 local elections that will be conducted at the same time in several regencies in Papua could spark conflicts in society.
The deputy chairman of Commission I on governnance, politics, law and human rights, Orwan Tolli Wonne, said Papua was vulnerable to conflicts because democracy is not mature.
“I’m worried there will be friction between communities, and the public will become victims,” Tolli Wonne said via phone to the Jubi last week.
“So I think the direct elections potentially create friction at the grassroots. In addition, the security forces will surely be overwhelmed, “he said.
While the head of Public Relations of Papua Police Commissioner (Pol) Patrige Renawarin said, elections will also make it difficult for the police to do security.
“We definitely will find difficulties yet I am sure the police will adjust with the mechanism of election, “he added. (Arjuna Pademme)
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4) Maternal and Child Mortality Rates Down, Health Department Says



Maternal and child mortality rates in Papua have fallen in recent years – Jubi/Victor Mambor

Jayapura, Jubi / Antara – Maternal and child mortality rates in Papua have fallen in recent years, Papua provincial health officer stated.
Secretary of the department of health Dr. Silvana Sumule said that based on data from the Ministry of Health in 2010 maternal and child mortality in Papua were approximately 587 per 100,000 live births.
In 2014, the number went down to 448 cases per 100,000 live births, but it did not meet the target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which is 102 cases.
“Lately, Papua health department continues to finalize the data of maternal and child mortality,” she said last week.
She further said when compared with 2010 data, there was a decrease, only it was slow. “Government target the rate of decline of maternal and child deaths should be at position 228 per 100 thousand live births in 2018 ,” she added.

We hoped all elements of society together and join hands in order to attempt to maternal mortality and child down.
“We continue to work together so that the mortality rate of mothers and children in Papua continued to decline every year,” he said. (*)
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5) Jayapura Archaeologists Discover Megalithic Worship Center

Jayapura, Jubi / Antara – Archaeologists from the Archaeological Institute of Jayapura found two settlements and cult center dating back to the megalithic age around Srobu Hill area in Jayapura city, Papua.
Chairman of research team of the Institute for Archeology Erlin NJ Djami said the team has conducted an intensive survey in the area between Mount Srobu and Tiarnum.
“From the intensive survey, we found a relic of megalithic in the form of worship center as often called by the local people as shells hill,” he said last week.
Erlin said it assumed there are two large settlements and two centers of worship in Srobu hill.
“The findings that indicate megalithic age period are menhirs, stone table, stone porch stairs and former settlement,” he said.
He said the findings are not far from the sea level, is quite complete, and complex because there are some former houses.
“It is also found dakon stone and human bones that until now could not be ascertained whether the bones of local residents or former Japanese army,” she said again.
She added that based on the description of the locals, the area once used as a hiding area of ​​former Japanese soldiers during World War II. (*)

1) 12 Years after Bloody Wamena Tragedy, KontraS Urges Government to Solve Rights Cases

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2) Merauke Indigenous Clans to Report Oil Palm Company to Rights Commission over Deforestation
3) KNPB Yahukimo : Five Accused Persons Are Not KNPB members

4) Bylaw being drafted to  designate West Papua a  conservation province 

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1) 12 Years after Bloody Wamena Tragedy, KontraS Urges Government to Solve Rights Cases

Jayapura, Jubi – In commemorating the 12 anniversary of the Bloody Wamena Tragedy, the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence on Saturday (4/4/2015) urged the government to resolve cases of human rights abuses.
“KontraS is disappointed with impunity on human right violations in the past and the militaristic approach in Papua,” KontraS Jakarta Coordinator Aris Azhar said in a statement received by Jubi.
The Joko Widodo administration has not included Wasior-Wamena cases on the list of severe human right violations that should be resolved in line with his campaign promises.
“It is very disappointing because the National Human Rights Commission had issued a recommendation for a judicial investigation into the cases,” he said.
The Indonesian Government has failed to fulfill its obligation in enforcing the human right violation in Papua. Wamena and Jayawijaya Regency has been the scene of human rights violations.
At least three major incidents occurred within this area that have caused injuries and trauma to its people from generation to generation.
These are the Incident 1977 and the Wamena Incidents on 06 October 2000 and 4 April 2003.
In addition to the Bloody Wamena tragedy, there are several cases of severe human right violations, including Biak Tragedy, 6 July 1998; Abepura Incident, 7 December 2000; Bloody Wasior Tragedy, 13 June 2001; the murder of Theys Hiyo Eluay and disappearance of Aristoteles Masoka, 10 November 2001; Abepura Case, 16 March 2006; the shooting of Opinus Tabuni, 9 August 2008; the shooting of Yawan Yaweni in Serui, 2009; the shooting of Mako Tabuni, 14 June 2012, and the last the shooting of four students in Paniai, 8 December 2014.
Of all the cases, the government only took the Abepura Case to Human Right Trial in Makassar in 2005 where the Judge released the perpetrators without giving the reparations right (compensation, restitution and rehabilitation) to the victims.
And the violence is continuing to be happened in Papua by: (1) the closure of democratic room by the apparatus; (2) the placement of excessive security force and the grow of Military/Police Command Office at every location; and (3) lack of State’s recognition and the release of Papuan political prisoners.
Those mentioned facts are the evidence of violence that occurred in the past and did not solved by the State, which bring impact to repeatedly happened in the future. For that reason, KontraS urged : First, the State Attorney and National Human Right Commission to synergy in enforcing the legal process to immediately follow up the inquiry findings on the Wamena-Wasior case to the investigation stage; second, the President Joko Widodo to immediately implement the Law 21/2001 on Papua Special Autonomy (Article 25 Paragraph 2) about the establishment of Human Right Court and the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation of Papua. The completion of severe human right violation both in the past and recently must be comprehensively completed, which could be reflected by designing the visit of President Widodo become more strategic instead of only promoting the development plan but included the law and human right enforcement; (3) to stop the military approach or security approach to ensure the democratic atmosphere in Papua.  (Dominggus Mampioper/rom)
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2) Merauke Indigenous Clans to Report Oil Palm Company to Rights Commission over Deforestation

Merauke, Jubi – About 17 Merauke indigenous clans will report palm oil company PT Dongin Prabawa to the National Human Rights Commission over deforestation related to its oil palm plantation.
Approximately 42,000 hectares of community forest area including sacred places and sago forest have been cleared since 2009, they said.
A Merauke indigenous woman, Elizabeth Ndiwaen-Mahuze, told Jubi on Saturday (4/4/2015) the company has also reneged on its promises to build public housing, and provide cars and scholarships for their children.
She revealed 17 indigenous clans of several villages in Ngguti Sub-district agreed to appoint her representing them to bring some documents and report the deforestation case to the National Human Right Commission. “But I will consult to some NGOs in Jakarta first before meeting with the commission,” she said.
According to her, the deforestation of thousands hectares of community forest is a severe human right violation. “I hope the commissioners will immediately response my report. We want and expect them to come to Merauke and see the condition of community forest that already cleared and planted with the oil palm,” she said.
When asked about compensation claim, she admitted according to the agreement, the company should pay Rp 30 billion for compensation. But they only paid Rp 5 billion in the early year and Rp 1.7 billion in 2014 and they have not paid the rest amount yet meanwhile they still continue their activity and begin harvesting the oil palm and bring it out of plantation area.
She further said the representative of 17 clans has come to the town and directly addressed their demand but had no response from the company. So they decided to report PT Dongin Prabawa to the National Human Right Commission in Jakarta.
“We are the landowner and ask for what they have been exploited from our forest including the sacred places for the sake of oil palm plantation. Frankly, the community have come to meet with the company for several times but they didn’t give a good response,” he said.
On every occasion the Merauke Regent when he met with the community, he always said the government would not too intervene the company related to their investment if community supported it. “I always told the investors to pay attention and protect the community sacred places and sago forest. In addition they also must allocate a special area to the landowners to develop their farming,” the regent said. (Frans L Kobun/rom)


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3) KNPB Yahukimo : Five Accused Persons Are Not KNPB members

Jayapura, Jubi – The Yahukimo West Papua National Committee (KNPB) denied that five people who were arrested on 19 March during a police raid were its members.
“We must clarify they are not KNPB members. We knew because we had their identities. They are civilians, not registered as KNBP members or involved as KNPB Yahukimo officials. Therefore we ask the police to stop this lie,” First Chairman of KNPB Yahukimo Marthen Suhuniap told Jubi on Sunday (5/4/2015) by phone.
According to him, those who should be punished and jailed are Mobile Brimob officers and Yahukimo Police officers because they are who actually stirred up.
“The Police must be notice that themselves caused the riot in Yahukimo. Because it’s already clear the fundraising was running very well, smooth and safely. The question is why it was forcedly dispersed in the last day. Because of the Police the dispute was occurred. Thus, the Papua Police Chief, Yahukimo Police Chief and Papua Mobile Brigade Chief are the most responsible for this case,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Yahukimo Regional Council Chairman Aminus Balingga said the Police should be professional. He asked the Police and Mobile Brigade to take more lessons because it was obvious the police who triggered the dispute between the crowd and the police. According to him those who should be accused is the Police.
“We firmly said those who must stand the trial are Yahukimo Police Chief and Papua Mobile Brigade Chief for the act of brutal shooting, chasing as well as robbing conducted by the Police,” he said.
He further said if the Police is now accusing five persons as suspects, when will the house destroyers and robbers as well as the shooters would take to the court for trial.
“The Police and Mobile Brigade must not have law immunity. At that time, the officers have robbed people’s money, destroyed their houses and shot dead a person and injured others. The actors should also be punished,” Balingga said.
Earlier, the Papua Police Spokesperson Patriage Renwarin told a local newspaper in Jayapura that the Police have determined five suspects. They were accused to do vandalism and trigger a dispute between the Police officers and crowd in Yahukimo on 19 March. (Arnold Belau/rom)


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4) Bylaw being drafted to  designate West Papua a  conservation province 
he Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Mon, April 06 2015, 2:16 PM - See more at: 
The West Papuan provincial administration is preparing a regional bylaw to designate West Papua a conservation province, an official said Monday.
“The bylaw is being worked out before being submitted to the West Papua Legislative Council for deliberation,” West Papua administration secretary Nataniel Mandacan said as quoted by Antara news agency.
Nathanie said the preparation for the bylaw was made in response to the declaration of West Papua Governor Abraham Atururi to designate West Papua a conservation province to protect forests and other natural resources in the province.
With the planned enactment of the bylaw, there will be legal protection for the province to carry out conservation efforts.
He said there were three international NGOs, namely Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund, which have been actively assisting the West Papuan province carry out conservation activities in the region.
The conservation efforts, especially in the regencies of Raja Ampat, Kaimana and Tambraw, have been financed by the three international NGOs through 2017, he said.
“We have to say thank you to the international NGOs, which have sponsored the conservation of existing natural resources in the province,” he added. (hhr)
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Benny Wenda interview

1) West Papua to get new Kodam

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1) West Papua to get new Kodam

2) Papuan Culture Must Be Protected, says Education Chief

3) Energy and Mineral Resources Minister to Revise Budget to Papua

4) Isolated Tribe Found in Benggwin Progo Village, Jayapura Regency5) Papua Get 42% of Government’s Subsidies on Pioneering Aircraft Services
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1) West Papua to get new Kodam
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Tue, April 07 2015, 8:28 PM - The construction of the headquarters of a new military command (Kodam) in West Papua is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih chief Maj. Gen. Fransen G. Siahaan said on Tuesday.
The new Kodam headquarters is located in Manokwari, the provincial capital of West Papua.
Currently Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih oversees both West Papua and Papua provinces.
Fransen said the new Kodam would be named Kodam XVIII/Kasuari, adding that a native Papuan was expected to become the first Kodam commander.
"Currently there are two Papuans who hold the rank of general and one colonel," he said as quoted by Antara news agency.
According to Fransen, Brig. Gen. Ones Wayangkau is currently the chief of staff of Kodam V/Brawijaya in Surabaya, East Java; Brig. Gen. Herman Asaribab is deputy commander of the Army's Infantry Warfare Center (Pussenif) in Bandung, West Jakarta; and Col. Hamdan Ali Bogra is still studying at the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) in Jakarta.
Fransen added that he had not only prepared the physical infrastructure but also the personnel who would be posted at the new Kodam.
He said the Kodam XVIII/Kasuari would oversee two military regional commands(Korem): Korem 171/Praja Vira Tama headquartered in Sorong and Korem 173/Praja Vira Braja headquartered in Biak, Papua.
The new headquarters is being built on an area of 60 hectares, which houses Rifle companies C and D of the 752nd Vira Yudha Sakti Infantry Battalion. The companies will be relocated to Warmare district, Manokwari regency, West Papua. (nvn)(++++)
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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/04/07/papuan-culture-must-be-protected-says-education-chief/
2) Papuan Culture Must Be Protected, says Education Chief
Jayapura, Jubi – Papuan culture, in particular native languages, must be protected, said Elias Wonda, the Head of Papua Education and Cultural Office.
“Both provincial, regional and municipal governments should work together with the Tourism Office, cultural development centers and museums to protect the heritage culture in Papua,” Wonda told to reporters in Jayapura on Monday (6/4/2014).
He said some Papuan native languages could vanish unless action is taken to preserve them. Currently some local languages in certain regions have become extinct.
“Now we have approximately 275 native languages, but it’s only partially used by its users. Thus, we have to protect it from extinction for the future,” he said.
As part of the cultural preservation efforts, Wonda said the Papua Provincial Government would hold a national cultural exhibition at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol Jakarta. “It has been discussed. The Papua Cultural Development Center and Cultural Department will prepare the exhibition materials,” he explained.
Additionally, he said, currently the provincial, regional and municipal governments have agreed that people are wearing Batik Papua and using Noken (Papuan traditional bag) on Thursday. “It is part of government concern on the cultural preservation,” he said.
Earlier, the Provincial Second Assistant on Papua Economic and Welfare, Elia Loupatty said the richness of Papuan art and culture is the valuable regional and national asset in tourism development.
‘The richness of existing culture must be improved and preserved to strengthen the heterogeneity of Papuan ethnic existence which express the affection towards humanity through the strengthening of cultural character as part of life. It is becoming a moral with full of kindness, peace and harmony in every aspect of life,” Loupatty said. (Alexander Loen/rom)
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3) Energy and Mineral Resources Minister to Revise Budget to Papua

Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Governor Lukas Enembe said the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Sudirman Said will revise its funding assistance to Papua to have a broiler engine of 10.000 mega watt capacity.
“The minister will revise the budget to help us considering Papua has wood raw materials to be proceed as energy resources,” Enembe told reporters in Jayapura on Monday (6/4/2015).
He admitted he learned so many things related to red bell fruit wood processing during his visit with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Minister of Forestry to the industrial forest area at Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan. He learned that PT. Korindo could produce the 7.3 mega watt electrical energy from wood waste processing and sell some of their product to PT. Pertamina (Mineral and Energy State Company). “So, PT. Pertamina must pay Rp 100 million to PT. Korindo everyday,” he said.
Based on this experience, Enembe said he gave instruction to the Head of Papua Forestry Office to observe the 13 – 15 hectares of production forest located in Keerom to grow the red bell fruit trees as applied by PT. Korindo at Pangkalan Bun.
“We do a trial first, as currently we need the power supplies; especially when we are becoming a host for the National Sport Week in 2010. Moreover, the three kind of tress they have planted are from Merauke, Papua,” he said.
Further, he said if this plan is working, the government would offer the private sector to manage and produce it, and the product could be sell to the PLN (Electricity State Company) considering Papua is currently requiring a huge supplies of electrical energy.
“The government might be involved in the Regional State Company as the share owner,” he said. (Alexander Loen/rom)
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4) Isolated Tribe Found in Benggwin Progo Village, Jayapura Regency

Sentani, Jubi – Benggwin Progo village is considered an isolated area in Jayapura even though there are some facilities such as churches and schools and the village itself is administratively part of Kemtuk district, said a member of Jayapura Legislative Council, Oktovianus Samon, last week.
He said he had asked the head of Kemtuk district to pay serious attention to development in the area.
He also said the results of the visit will be reported to the executive and will be conveyed to the relevant authorities.
“The executive is also expected to be more frequently go down to the field in order to ensure that all planned programs through its agencies are realized,” he said.
Separately, head of Kemtuk district Lenora Bemey said that DPRP’s visit was conducted without notification, so that she did not know anything about it. While, related to the service system that did not run well in the village, she refused to comment it.
“Benggwin Proggo village is still part of a collection of tribes. The village has become an autonomous region that is no longer managed by the district, “said Lenora journalists rushed to leave. (Engelberth Wally/tina)
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5) Papua Get 42% of Government’s Subsidies on Pioneering Aircraft Services

Jayapura, Jubi – The Indonesian Transportation Ministry provides subsidies of Rp 466 billion for 217 pioneering aircraft services which passed the tendering process within three years period until the end of 2015.
The Transportation Ministry Expert for Public Information Transparency, Hadi Mustofa Djuraid said the funds would be distributed to the eastern region such as Papua, which accounts for 42% of the total grants. The rest goes to Sumatera (20%), Kalimantan (16%), Sulawesi (12%), Maluku (6%), Nusa Tenggara (3%) and Java (1%). Djuraid said of 217, there are 65 new services which are in the tendering process.
In 2014, the Transportation Ministry removed eighteen pioneering aircraft services from the list for some reasons of being commercial and lack of passengers. The Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan further said after reducing 18 commercial aircraft services, the aircraft pioneering services have increased from 170 in 2014 to 217 services in 2015.
The Director General of Air Transportation, Suprasetyo said the core requirement to the airlines for winning the tender is at least to have five aircrafts and those aircrafts must pass the Law No.1/2009 on Aviation.
Meanwhile, the Lion Group is now considering the government’s offer related to pioneering aircraft services. The Director in Chief Edward Sirait told reporters in Jakarta on Monday (6/4/2015) that his office would review the opportunity by examining the location and infrastructure provided by the Transportation Ministry for the remote flight routes.
“It will depend on the condition of airport. We will review it. If it was safe for Wings Air (to be landed), we will examine whether we could deal with it,” he said.
Further, Edward said as long as the ATR aircraft could be landed safely, his office could participate in the offer. (*/rom)
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