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1) PNG MP plays down Indonesia-PNG extradition treaty

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1) PNG MP plays down Indonesia-PNG extradition treaty
2) German Ambassador Unsatisfied with Papua Government’s Answers on Investment
3) British Ambassador to Promote Cooperation with Papua Province
4) McCain: US Should Fund Indonesian Military to Face China Challenges

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http://www.fbc.com.fj/world/29876/png-mp-plays-down-indonesia-png-extradition-treaty
1) PNG MP plays down Indonesia-PNG extradition treaty
06:00 Yesterday


The MP for Sinesine-Yongomul, Kerenga Kua.
Taken from/By: BBC News
Report by: BBC News
A Papua New Guinea MP says there’s no reason for West Papuan refugees to fear for their safety after the country ratified an extradition treaty with Indonesia.
The attorney general, Ano Pala, says the treaty is important as criminals have been using the porous border between the two countries for smuggling and other illegal activities.
However, some MPs warned that Indonesia might use the treaty to target some of the thousands of refugees from West Papua.
One of those MPs is former attorney general Kerenga Kua, but he says parliament agreed to add a mechanism to protect them.
“Those provisions have been written into the treaty to exclude the application of the treaty to people who are seeking political asylum in Papua New Guinea and to make it clear that the treaty only applies to criminals who have broken the laws of one country and are escaping into the other.”

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/05/28/german-ambassador-unsatisfied-with-papua-governments-answers-on-investment/

2) German Ambassador Unsatisfied with Papua Government’s Answers on Investment

Jayapura, Jubi – Visiting German ambassador Georg Witschel said he was not satisfied with the Papua government’s response to questions about investment and land.

Witschel held talks with assistant III of Papua, Rosina Upessy during the visit to Jayapura this week.

He was accompanied by a number of investors, business people and officials from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Germany.
“We asked several questions, but they weren’t answered well. We understood that she herself who received us while governor, governor deputy and regional secretary were not here. So many of our questions were not answered,” Witschel told reporters.
He said the visit was aimed at looking at the possibility of cooperation to invest in energy, forest protection, conservation and environmental issues.
“There is an investor from Germany that invested about more than 10 million euros in West Papua. Yet when we are looking for information to attract investors for Germany here, we did not get enough information. So it is hard to get prospective investors to come to Papua, “he said.
He then hoped when visiting the Jayapura city government and Jayapura regency government, it can get more accurate information.
“It’s the first time to visit Papua. Unfortunately there was lack preparation. Though we have sent a letter one month ago. Regrettably, all questions were not answered satisfactorily, “he explained.
Meanwhile, Assistant III of Public Affairs Rosina Upessy said the land often becomes a bottleneck.
“All of the land in Papua is the property of the State and if the investor used Hak Guna Usaha (HGU) and when the contract is nearly complete, it must return to the State,” Rosina Upessy added.
German delegation also asked about licensing that often becomes a hinderence. However, the Government of Papua Province guarantee that there is one- door service to get permission.
“One-door service is one of effective ways to get permission to invest in Papua,” he said. (Alexander Loen/ Tina)

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/05/28/british-ambassador-to-promote-cooperation-with-papua-province/
3) British Ambassador to Promote Cooperation with Papua Province

Jayapura, Jubi – British ambassador to Indonesia Moazzam Malik visited Papua to promote various programs in the field of environment, education and development.

Malik was welcomed by assistant I of provincial government Doren Wakerkwa and the head of the Planning Agency Muhammad Musa’ad, and head of Public Relations and Protocol FX Mote, in Jayapura this week.
“This is my first visit to Papua. My country has been cooperating with the Indonesian government, including the government of Papua since 2012. The cooperation is in environmental field because Papua’s forests are the lungs of the world, ” Malik said.
He added the meeting was about how to establish cooperation with the Papua government, report the results and evaluation of the progress of the three year – program as well as the tools on how to protect forests and the environment in Papua.

Since 2012, British government has been providing a tool to protect forests and oversee the layout in Papua, called SIMATARU.
“We have created a tool to oversee Papua spatial called SIMTARU. This tool is a map of the entire region of Papua that can be accessed by government and general public. Through the tool we will know which area can be allowed for development and which areas are protected or can not be used for development, “he explained.
He added that this tool is very important to implement for the future spatial development of Papua. The tool can reduce poverty, and can prevent environmental damage.

“This tool has been used for three years and in the meeting I have explained some of the results that have been achieved, and what steps will be taken in the future,” he said. (Alexander Loen/ Tina)

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http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/mccain-us-fund-indonesian-military-face-china-challenges/

4) McCain: US Should Fund Indonesian Military to Face China Challenges
By David Brunnstrom on 10:39 am May 30, 2015
Category Featured, Front Page, News
Tags: Indonesian Military TNI, military, south china sea dispute, US foreign policy

Washington. A leading US senator has proposed that the United States provide hundreds of millions of dollars to help train and equip the armed forces of Southeast Asian countries faced with Chinese territorial challenges, including Indonesia.

Republican Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the proposal in an amendment to the 2016 US Defense Authorization Act expected to be passed later this year, titled the South China Sea Initiative.

It allows for the provision of up to $425 million over five years to countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam for “equipment, supplies, training and small-scale military construction.”

The amendment was approved by the Armed Services Committee on May 14 by a vote of 22 to four — indicating strong bipartisan support. It still needs to be approved by the full Senate and the House of Representatives, which will vote on the overall bill later in the year.

McCain’s proposal comes at a time of heightened tension in the South China Sea, where China has been increasingly assertive in pushing its claims to territory contested with several Southeast Asia states.

On Friday, the United States said China had placed mobile artillery systems on a reclaimed island in the South China Sea, a development that McCain called “disturbing and escalatory.”

McCain, who was taken prisoner during the Vietnam War and held for five and a half year, told a news conference in Ho Chi Minh City the United States needed to “take certain measures which will be a disincentive to China to continue these kinds of activities.”

Washington has expressed concern about the scale and scope of Chinese land reclamation in the South China Sea. It says Chinese dredging work has added some 2,000 acres to five outposts in the resource-rich Spratly islands, including 1,500 acres this year alone.

The United States has deployed more military resources to the Asia-Pacific as part of a strategic rebalance to the region and has been working to strengthen the defense capabilities of countries there and to encourage a more unified approach to dealing with China.

Some members of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including US ally the Philippines and fellow claimant Vietnam, have been vocal critics of Chinese actions in the South China Sea, but the group as a whole has been divided on the issue and reluctant to intervene.

Reuters

1) Report of Severe Beatings and Arrests in West Papua

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2) Brimob delivery to Noble and Enarotali Extend Conflict in Papua
3) Lake Sentani Festival Kicks Off Soon
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1) Report of Severe Beatings and Arrests in West Papua
Press Release by Paniai Traditional Council Chairman

  Four schoolboys were subjected to severe beatings, shootings and torture in West Papua, according to a report by the chairman of the
Paniai Traditional Council. The names of the four are Yulianus Yeimo (17 years old), Apinus Gobal (16), Simon Degia (17) and Apinus You
(18), along with another person whose name is Sadai Yeiumo. These incidents which occurred on  8 December 2014 are quite clearly gross
violations of Basic Human Rights.

  At the same time, another eighteen persons were severely injured: Yulianos Tobai (33),  Andarias Dogopia (34) Jermias Kayama (48),
Marice Yogi (52), Yulianus Mote (25), Agust Degei (28), as well others who were slightly injured: Oni Yeimo, Yulian Mote, Octavianus Gobay,
Noak Gobai, Akulian Gegwei, Bernadus Bunai, Neles Gobai, Jerry Gobai, Oktavianus Gobai, Selpi Dogopia and Yuniana Edoway.

  All these acts of violence  perpetrated against Papuan people are in clear violation of Law 39/1999 on Basic Human Rights and there
should be a follow-up in accordance with the stipulations in Law 20/2000 on Human Rights Courts.

  According to investigations carried out by  the Solidarity Team as well as by the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of
Indonesia in Jakarta, it is clear that the shootings were perpetrated by members of the TNI (Indonesian Army) and Polri (Indonesian Police
Force).

  The army units involved included the following: Koramil (Regional Military Command) East Paniai, Tim Khusus (Special Team) of the
Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 753/Arga ViraTama Nabire, the Special Forces Nabire, the Special Forces of the Air Forces, and Brimob
(Special Police Force), as well as Kopassus and personnel of the
Police force  in Paniai.

  All these actions comply with the provisions  in that they were grave violations of human rights as specified in  Law 39/1999 on Human
Rights. These are: Firstly, the Right to Life which are non-derogable rights as guaranteed in Article 28 A and Article 28 of the 1945
Constitution, as well as Law 39/1999 on Human Rights and Article 6 para (1) No 12, 2005 on the Indonesia's Ratification of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.   Secondly, the Right not to be Subjected to acts of brutality,
inhumanity, and the undermining of human dignity.   Based on all the information above, the fact is that  acts of
brutality, inhumanity, and the undermining of human dignity  have been committed by the security forces. as provided for in Article 28 G para
(2) of the Indonesian Constitution, as well as Law 5/1998 on the Ratification of The Convention Against Torture, Law 39/1999 on Human
rights, Article 7,, Law 12/2005 on the Ratification of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights.

  Thirdly, the Rights to Feel Secure.
 Generally speaking, these events have spread fear anxiety within he community because of what people have been experiencing.

   Fourthly, Children's Rights. According to our investigations there have been violations of children's rights  as guaranteed in Article 28
B of the Constitution of Indonesia and Law 23/2002 on the Protection of Children, article 10 jo Article 37 of Presidential Decree 36/1999.
on the Convention on the Rights of Children.

  On the basis of all this that is stated above, during a plenary session of the National Human Rights Commission held on 6-8 May 2015,
the Commission set up an Ad Hoc  Team for Paniai consisting of members of the National Human Rights Commission and civilians  as provided for
in Article 18, para 2  of Law 28/2000 on Human Rights Courts, in order to carry out a thorough and comprehensive investigation.

  Last week, in accordance with an instruction  of the Ministry of Law, the Commander of the National Police Force and the Papua Police
there was a meeting in Enarotali to hear evidence from those who witnessed  the events on 7-8 December 2014, but without the presence
of the Institute  for the Protection of Witnesses and Victims (LPSK) and the National  Human Rights Commission (KomnasHam RI), despite the
fact that many witnesses had submitted a request to the LPSK.

  We therefore  call upon:

1. The Chief of Police and the Military Commander,as well as the head of the Regional Police to halt the investigations  so as to act
co-operatively with regard to the incidents of beatings that occurred in Paniai, with the presence of witnesses and members of the security
forces to be questioned by an ad hoc team on the Paniai Incident.

2. Urge the LSM Kontras,  LBH, GKI-Papua, the  international human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights
Watch as well as the United Nations, to immediately call upon the Chief of Police  and the Military Commander to halt the investigations
currently being undertaken  without the presence of the LPSK and furthermore to write to President Jokowi urging that there be an end
to such bloody incidents such  as occurred in Paniai.

Respectfully.
Hollandia, 30 May 2015.
John Nr Gobai
[Translated by Carmel Budiardjo]


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

2) Brimob delivery to Noble and Enarotali Extend Conflict in Papua
 Author: Hendrikus Yeimo | Saturday, May 30, 2015 17:35 Reads: 345 Comments: 1
Share:

Brimob / Ist

Jayapura, STEP MAGAZINE - A Commission Member Provincial People's Representative Council (DPRP) Papua, Laurenzus Kadepa delivery rate Brimob troops to Noble and Enarotali will only prolong the Papua conflict that has lasted 50 years.

"Send this Brimob no matter what? To me this is strange. If only because of the issue of the hostages were just empty talk, I ask Papua Police immediately pull back the army forces. This will only add to and prolong the conflict in Papua," said Kadepa to majalahselangkah. com, on Friday (29.05.15) in Jayapura, Papua.

Separately, Chairman of the Regional Indigenous Council (DAD) Paniai, John Gobay said, "What does it mean to send a platoon of Brimob to Paniai? Because hostage yesterday? Do not do something that no-no. TNI commander alone was admitted there is no hostage. To what shipping Brimob? "

Yesterday, Friday (05/25/2015), Papua Police Chief Inspector General of Police Yotje Mende admitted it was sending troops to Noble and Enarotali Brimob as demand chief of both regions.

"Puncak Jaya police chief and police chief Enarotali requested additional personnel after the shooting case of armed groups in both regions," said Papua Police Chief Inspector General of Police Mende. (Hendrikus Yeimo / MS)

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SUNDAY, 31 MAY, 2015 | 09:32 WIB
3) Lake Sentani Festival Kicks Off Soon
TEMPO.COJayapura - Let’s not make a long travel-distance be a hitch when it comes to get drown in a vibrant festival such as Lake Sentani Festival, which will be held starting June 19 until June 23. Lake Sentani is 20 kilometer west of Papua province’s capital city, Jayapura.
The lake is accessible with many kinds of transporation means only in 20 minutes from Jayapura. Public transportation that serves Abepura-Sentani route can be a choice to hop on.
For those coming from outside Jayapura, Sentani Airport serves both national and international flights. Available airlines include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, Batik Air and Express Air. Sentani Airport is only 15 to 30 minutes away from Lake Sentani.
After enjoying the cultural event or the stroll around the lake, you can stay over at nearby hotels or at residents’ guest houses. At least 26 hotels and guesthouses are available around the lake. Besides, guesthouses that are located in surrounding islands and villages often selling traditional crafts and culinary.
Overall, the annual Lake Sentani Festival that is held in the east Indonesia is worth visiting. Let’s go to Sentani, everyone!

1) Papuans and Jokowi are hostage to Indonesian politics

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2) Police investigate Enarotali  shooting
3) Islands in focus: Jayapura  cooperates with PNG’s  Vanimo 
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1 June 2015, 2.26pm AEST

1) Papuans and Jokowi are hostage to Indonesian politics
Indonesian President Joko Widodo recently announced the end of the decades-long restriction on foreign journalists in the provinces of Papua and West Papua, Indonesia’s territories in the island of New Guinea. While the president, popularly called Jokowi, says he is committed to human rights in the Papua provinces, the military and police continue to murder Papuans with virtual impunity.

Military and police violence

For the military, Papua is central to promotion advantages and their income – the government covers only 25% of the military budget. Corruption and human rights abuses go hand-in-hand with this.
In September 2014, West Papua Media reported mobile brigade (Brimob) police had shot three men for refusing to shave during raids targeting men with long hair, long beards and dreadlocks. These are seen as symbols of pro-independence supporters who operate in Papua’s jungles.
In December 2014, Indonesian military and police fired into a crowd in the highlands town of Paniai on the western side of Papua. Five teenagers, some in their school uniforms, were killed. Twelve people were injured.
The Paniai region has been the target of escalating brutal crackdowns by the military following the launch of “Operation Matoa” in December 2011. The operation intended to break a local armed resistance movement. It displaced an estimated 14,000 indigenous Papuans along the way.
In March this year, police opened fire on a crowd in Yahukimo, West Papua, killing one person and injuring four. This was a peaceful gathering to raise funds for humanitarian aid to victims of Cyclone Pam, which had struck Vanuatu a couple of days earlier.
Though exact figures are in dispute, some sources estimatethat up to 500,000 indigenous Melanesians have been killed under Indonesia’s occupation.

Jokowi’s commitment to human rights in Papua

Jokowi visited Papua twice during his election campaign. In comparison, the former president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, made only three visits during his entire ten years in office.
In August 2014, Jokowi met with 30 Papuan politicians and religious leaders. He planned to have a dialogue with Papuan leaders every three months, either personally or involving key staffers. He promised to follow up the December 2014 killing in Paniai.
Natalius Pigai, a member of the Indonesian Human Rights Commission, Komnas HAM, met Jokowi shortly after the killings and said Jokowi knew of the case and would act. However, nothing has happened so far.
Jokowi has also announced a plan to build a presidential palace on the shores of Lake Sentani near Papua’s capital, Jayapura, a signal of new presidential attention to the Papuan provinces.
When he visited Papua in early May, Jokowi announced the lifting of the ban on foreign media and released five political prisoners who he then met personally. However, between 20 and 30 people remain incarcerated and local journalists are sceptical about the lifting of the media ban, which they regard as window dressing that will still exclude reports of human rights abuse. On this visit, Jokowi also announced a slate of new infrastructure investments in energy, tourism, manufacturing and communications.
Jokowi’s trip to Papua directly presaged his trip to Papua New Guinea, the overt purpose of which was to strengthen economic ties. As with Wayang puppetry, the shadow behind this light was to undermine PNG support for Papuans in West Papua. PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill announced his support for Papuans in February.
Jokowi’s activities in Papua are promising signs. But they remain ambiguous as internal politics continue to intervene.

Internal political struggle

Jokowi is surrounded by politicians and military generals with agendas that are unlikely to help Papua.
Former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, the leader of Jokowi’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), demands Jokowi bow to her wishes. As president, Megawati’s platform was driven by a strong conviction that Indonesia’s territorial integrity – including West Papua – must be preserved no matter what.
Megawati was a weak president, but she had around her several “strong” but shady political characters, including ex-generals. These strongmen have been forced onto Jokowi in both his election team and cabinet.
The former head of Indonesia’s intelligence agency, A.M. Hendropriyono – the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of human rights defender Munir Said Thalib – was part of Jokowi’s team during the presidential election.
Even more harmful for Papua is Jokowi’s defence minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu. Ryamizard was Megawati’s army chief of staff and was instrumental in a 2003 military operation against the separatist movement in Aceh. The operation involved human rights abuses and wholesale terrorising of the region’s civilian population.
Ryamizard believes that violence against civilians is heroic if it is for the sake of unity of the Republic. In response to the report on the 2001 murder of prominent Papuan leader Theys Eluay by Special Forces soldiers, Ryamizard said:
To my mind they (the soldiers) are heroes.
Late last year, Ryamizard publicly argued for greater involvement of the military in civilian life, a return of greater domestic security powers to the military, and reshuffling of the security forces to bring police under the command of the Home Ministry rather than the president. He is for an authoritarian state with increased power for the military, even over the president. Ryamizard is supported by Megawati and the central PDI-P party authorities – Jokowi’s political base.
Jokowi’s political strength both inside his own party and against the opposition is terribly fragile. He is buckling under the strain.
Jokowi is not motivated by personal image, nor corrupt advantage. But his ability to address human rights abuses in West Papua is compromised. He is deeply embedded in an internal political context that requires he demonstrate the Indonesian value of tegas – firmness.
Behind Jokowi is the shadow of Prabowo Subianto, an ex-general with a questionable human rights record. Voters see Prabowo, Jokowi’s opponent in the presidential election, as a “firm” leader. Prabowo controls the parliament through the Red and White coalition and is seeking to bring Jokowi down.
Jokowi is also caught in required obeisance to his PDI-P party controllers, who command the way he is “firm” in public. At the PDI-P Congress earlier this year, Megawati told Jokowi to do what he was told and not give in to international pressure in the case of Australian drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. Jokowi quietly accepted the haranguing and remained publicly “firm”.
Jokowi also capitulated to interests within the party in undermining the highly respected Corruption Eradication Commission, the KPK. This seriously weakened public faith in his firmness in eliminating corruption, a core election pledge.
Jokowi is in a bind of his own making. He is a man of vision and integrity frozen by the politics of his time.
Papua awaits escape from being held hostage to wider Indonesian politics. But escape for the Papuans first requires Jokowi to escape his political shackles in order to deal with human rights abuses in Papua.
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2) Police investigate Enarotali  shooting
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Mon, June 01 2015, 10:49 AM -The police have examined 16 handguns and rifles belonging to officers deployed in Enarotali in an investigation into a recent incident in which four locals were killed, according to Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Yotje Mende.

The ballistics examinations conducted at the National Police headquarters showed that the weapons used by Enarotali Police officers did not fire the projectiles removed from the victims’ bodies.
Ballistics tests will also be carried out in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on 102 handguns and rifles used by officers in Paniai, he said. An investigation would also be conducted into why local people had attacked the military office in Enarotali.
“The shooting happened when hundreds of locals attacked the military office following the beating of a group of youths on Dec. 7 who turned off their car’s headlights when passing in front of the Natal Hut,” he said on Monday as quoted by Antara news agency.
He said the police were approaching local religious and youth leaders to seek help in investigating the incident. (rms)
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3) Islands in focus: Jayapura  cooperates with PNG’s  Vanimo 
The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Archipelago | Mon, June 01 2015, 8:32 AM -The administrations of Jayapura of Papua and Vanimo of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are to cooperate in the agricultural sector, an official has said.

“We have met twice, discussing the cooperation. The two neighboring cities should build friendship,” Jayapura Mayor Benhur Tommy Mano said on Saturday.

In the cooperation framework, Benhur said Vanimo residents would be sent to Jayapura to learn agriculture and animal husbandry.

“The residents would be placed in East Koya, Muara Tami district for six months. They are expected to return to their hometown and practice their skills,” he said.

Benhur hoped that the cooperation could also overcome problems between the two cities, such as smuggling and trespassing. 

“Hopefully, we will soon sign a memorandum of understanding for the cooperation,” he said. -

1) KNPB Denies Activists Involved in Violence

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2) SOLOMON ISLANDS MUST SUPPORT WEST PAPUA: MOTE
3) Scenario Deliberately Created for Increasing Brimob Troops, Kadepa Saya

4) Two Generals Contradict Each Other Over Hostage Incident in Enarotali

5) Komnas HAM: Freeport Takeover by State Risks Human Right Abuses

6) Coalition Reports Palm Oil Company to Papua Police


7) Puncak Java administration  to help shooting victims 

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1) KNPB Denies Activists Involved in Violence
Jayapura, Jubi – The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has denied media reports that KNPB members engaged in violence after their plans to hold a demonstration in Perumnas III Waena, Jayapura did not materialize on last Thursday (28/5/2015).
“The news in the local media that KNPB protesters acted anarchic due to failing to hold a demonstration is not true at all,” Agust Kosay, first chairman of KNPB said to the Jubi, last week.
He said the anarchic acts were committed by certain actors who intended to spread chaos and shaped public opinion that KNPB was an anarchic organization.
The people who threw rocks at the police were provocateurs, he said.
“The incident occurred before KNPB members arrived. Obviously there are criminalization efforts against KNPB and its activists,” he added.
Kossay asserted, KNPB never planned anarchy. The accusation was merely an attempt by certain parties in order to build public opinion that KNPB is an anarchist organization and worthy criminalized.
“KNPB never invent chaos plan. KNPB just want to convey the extent of peaceful aspirations of the Indonesian state law guarantees freedom to convey the aspirations of people gathered together in public and individuals,” he said.
However, it is far from reality where there is no guarantee of freedom of expression as stipulated in the 1945 Constitution “Freedom is the right of all nations, and far from the ratification of civil and political rights by the Law No. 12 of 2005,” he said.
Earlier, on Thursday (05/28/2015), the Secretary of KNPB, Ones Suniap said 46 members were arrested after the dissolution by members of Jayapura city Police, in Perumnas III Waena. The dissolution was accompanied by shooting. (Mawel Benny/Tina)

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http://www.sibconline.com.sb/solomon-islands-must-support-west-papua-mote/

2) SOLOMON ISLANDS MUST SUPPORT WEST PAPUA: MOTE

May 29
Solomon Islands must support West Papua’s application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) as it will create an avenue for the sub-regional group to seriously address the plight of West Papuans.

The General Secretary of the West Papua United Liberation Movement Mr Octovianus Mote made this comment in an exclusive interview with SIBC News this week.
“Once we become a member of the MSG, the MSG leaders actually creates the venue or place where Indonesia and West Papua can sit together to think about what is the best way to solve the West Papua issue.”
He adds it is crucial that West Papua joins the MSG because it will be the beginning of a lasting peace process in West Papua and also hope for West Papua to gain political Independence.
“We will not get independence right away but this is a starting point and to create peace in West Papua. Once peace is created it will be important for Papua New Guinea and the entire Melanesia.”
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3) Scenario Deliberately Created for Increasing Brimob Troops, Kadepa Saya

Jayapura, Jubi – The chairman of the Special Committee on Human Rights said he suspected secret attempts by Papua police chief Inspector General Yotje Mende to deploy a platoon of Brimob police in Paniai and Puncak Jaya.
Laurenzus Kadepa said an atmosphere of insecurity and instability was being deliberately created so that reinforcements could be sent and warned that the presence of more security personnel could create fear in society.
“I read tabloidjubi.com, police chief sent a platoon of Brimob to Paniai and Mulia, Puncak Jaya. What is this for? What is the problem? I think this is strange,” Kadepa told Jubi by telephone last week.
He questioned the decision to send security personnel to Enarotali, Paniai following rumors that two soldiers were taken hostage. The rumor proved untrue.
“It is nonsense if police were sent because of the hostage issue. I ask police chief to immediately pull back Brimob troops. Please don’t make the people of Papua miserable again, “he said.
Papua Police Chief Inspector General (Pol) Yotje Mende said it has sent Brimob troops to Mulia, Puncak Jaya and Enarotali. Panian as demand of the two chiefs in the regions.
“Puncak Jaya police chief and Paniai police chief requested additional personnel after the shooting case of armed groups in both regions,” Police Chief Mende added. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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4) Two Generals Contradict Each Other Over Hostage Incident in Enarotali

Jakarta, Jubi – Indonesian Military Commander General Moeldoko denied that two Indonesian soldiers were taken hostage by rebel group in Enarotali on last week.
“No soldiers were taken hostage. The fact is they avoided an encounter with an armed group,” General Moeldoko said on the sidelines of a meeting with thousands soldiers, civil servants and Dharma Pertiwi at Udayana Regional Military Command, Denpasar, Bali on last Thursday (28/5/2015), according to Antara.
He said the two soldiers accompanied some local residents who were going shopping by motorboat. But on their way, they met the rebel group who asked them to jump on their boat, but they jumped into the water to escape them.
“Since they had good instinct, they jumped in the water and hided somewhere. After a search, the patrol soldiers saved them. So, there was no hostage situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Cenderawasih Regional Military Commander Major General Fransen Siahaan earlier admitted two Indonesian soldiers were taken hostage in Enarotaly by the armed group since Tuesday night. “ I got the report about two soldiers were taken hostages by the armed group in Enarotali,” he said in Jayapura on Wednesday.
The report said the incident was occurred when both soldiers took the motorboat with local residents. Later, he stated the pair soldiers made to escape from the rebels.
Meanwhile, the Paniai Regional Customary Council Chief, John Gobai to Jubi declined the information about taking hostages of Second Sergeant Lerry and Second Cadet Sholeh. “No hostages in Paniai. Do not exaggerate it to divert attention from the Paniai case,” Gobai said.
Gobai further said the local residents in Enarotali and Komopa said the pair soldiers took a speedboat with them. But between the Eka River and Aga River, they told them the OPM basecamp was at the end of the river. “People told them to save their life. So, they jumped from the boat and overnighted in the swamp instead of being taken hostages,” Gobai told Jubi on Wednesday (27/5/2015) in Jayapura.(Victor Mambor/rom).
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5) Komnas HAM: Freeport Takeover by State Risks Human Right Abuses
Jakarta, Jubi – The National Commission on Human Rights will monitor the government’s plans to take over PT. Freeport to ensure the fulfillment of human right aspects, a commissioner, Natalius Pigai, said.
“This plan is has tremendous risk either from the aspect of business or politics. Papuans, including myself, especially the customary people who live surrounding the exploitation area have their own preference,” Pigai said via short message in Jakarta last week.
He said the commission wanted to ensure that human rights, including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights are respected in the Contract of Work and environmental sustainability is given due consideration.
He also said national private companies often have poor records of respecting laws and regultions compared to foreign companies that are relatively consistent and obeisance. “We are worried when the Indonesian government takes over this company, violations will occur,” he said.
The National Commission on Human Rights has studied the proposal since last year’s presidential election. “I hope the president is sincere towards this nation. I will support his policy for taking over PT Freeport for the sake of this country and its people, including Papuans. But I will criticize it if it wasn’t valuable. (*/rom)


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6) Coalition Reports Palm Oil Company to Papua Police

Jayapura, Jubi – Members of the Coalition for Palm Oil Victims in Nabire has made a complain against palm oil companies to Inspector Regional Supervisor (Irwasda) of Papua Police.
“We would like to convey that today, May 29, 2015 at 09:12 held at Irwasda room that we has submitted documents which consists of monitoring PUSAKA results, the Coalition and the National Human Rights Commission to Irwasda Papua, Police Commissioner Petrus Waine,” said the chairman of the Paniai Indigenous Council (DAD), John Gobay last week.
He said Waine promised to follow up on the report and assign investigators to check the EIA documents from the local environmental conservation agency Bapedalda, and the time of clearing land.
“It means that to prove that the actual process is already running in accordance with procedures that can be seen again as an offense, “he explained.
Earlier, tribal leader of Yerisiam, Daniel Yarawob, when contacted Jubi said, it gave fully mandates to the Coalition to advocate the victims.
“Our people are victims. Because of our broken forest and sacred places has gone because of palm oil, “he added.
To note, the coalition was formed to advocate for issues of oil palm in Nabire. It is comprised of Paniai Tribal Council, Greenpeace, the NGO Heritage, JASOIL, and JPIC GKI. (Arnold Belau/ Tina)


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7) Puncak Java administration  to help shooting victims 
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Mon, June 01 2015, 10:54 AM - 
The Puncak Jaya regency administration will cover the medical costs of five people critically injured in a shooting incident believed to have involved a separatist group in the regency last Tuesday.
Puncak Jaya Regent Hanock Ibo said in Jayapura on Monday that his administration would also pay compensation to the relatives of a man killed in the incident.
“The regency administration will take responsibility for the medical costs of the wounded victims,” he said as quoted by Antara news agency.
He expressed shock at the shooting because the security situation in the regency had been relatively under control in the past year.
He said local authorities were facing difficulties in approaching security disturbance groups in the regency because most of them were young rebels.
He voiced concern that the security disturbance would disrupt development in the regency. (rms)
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Solomons says it is still deciding over West Papua and MSG

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/275197/solomons-says-it-is-still-deciding-over-west-papua-and-msg

Solomons says it is still deciding over West Papua and MSG

Updated at 10:58 am today
The Solomon Islands says it hasn't made a decision yet on the West Papua bid for membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
While the Fiji Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, recently said that any dealings with West Papua needed to go through Indonesia, whose sovereignty over the provinces should be respected, other leaders have been less forthright.
At last year's meeting the MSG knocked back an application from West Papua.
Left to Right: Fiji foreign minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola; Vanuatu foreign minister, Sato Kilman Livtunvanu; MSG Foreign Ministers Meeting Chairlady, Madam Caroline Machoro-Reignier; PNG foreign minister, Rimbink Pato; and Solomon Islands foreign minister, Milner Tozaka.
Photo: SUPPLED

The Solomon Islands Foreign Minister, Milner Tozaka, who will be taking over as chair of the MSG at the July meeting, says the MSG will make a united decision.
"This is a process we have to follow. We can't just make decisions on an ad hoc basis. And Solomon Islands has made a position on the last government, we have not made a statement yet, we are following up that decision that they made. And if there is going to be any variation, we need to talk about it in the coming meeting."
Ahead of the meeting, the Governor of Oro Province in PNG, Gary Juffa, said the MSG's leadership does not act in a way that represents Melanesian voices, but panders too often to external forces.

Secretary General ULMWP: Solomon Islands Must Support West Papua

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A google translate of article in  majalahselangkah.com.  Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at
Secretary General ULMWP: Solomon Islands Must Support West Papua
 Author: Princess Papua | Tuesday, June 2, 2015 10:45 Reads: 596 Comments: 2


General Secretary for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Octovianus Mote with local supporters in Honiara. Photo: SIBC

Honiara, STEP MAGAZINE - Solomon Islands should support West Papua application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) because it will make way for sub-regional group to seriously deal with the fate of the people of West Papua.

Secretary General of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Octovianus Mote made these comments in an exclusive interview along with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) this week.

"After we became a member of the MSG, MSG leaders really created a place or places where Indonesia and West Papua can sit together to think about what the best way to solve the problem of West Papua," said Mote told SIBC.

He added that it was important that West Papua joined MSG because it will be the beginning of a process of lasting peace in West Papua and West Papua's hoping to get political independence.

"We will not get independence right away but this is a starting point and create peace in West Papua. Once peace is made it will be important for Papua New Guinea and throughout Melanesia," he said. (Princess Papua / SIBC / MS)


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Summary of events in West Papua for May 2015

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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

PO Box 28, Spit Junction, NSW 2088

Summary of events in West Papua for May 2015

Release of political prisoners
On the 9 May the Indonesian President visited West Papua and announced clemency for 5 West Papuan prisoners and the lifting of media bans for foreign journalists wanting to visit West Papua. The five men granted clemency were convicted over a 2003 raid on an Indonesian military arms depot. The five prisoners released are Apotnaholik Lokobal, Kimanus Wenda and Linus Hiluka (each were sentenced to 20 years in prison) and Numbungga Telenggen and Yafrai Murib, who were sentenced to life. The prisoners were disappointed because they did not receive an amnesty. “I am disappointed, that we previously knew we would be granted an amnesty. But when we arrived in Abepura, we just found out that we received a pardon. No one informed us,” Lakobal told Jubi after the granting of pardon ceremonial at Abepura Prison on Saturday (9/5/2015). To receive clemency or pardon, prisoners have to admit guilt before it is granted. Political Prisoners such as Filep Karma one of the most well known political prisoner in West Papua has refused clemency (as have the majority of political prisoners) as they refuse to admit any guilt in return for a release. AWPA believes the Indonesia Government should grant an amnesty to all West Papuan political prisoners, releasing them immediately and unconditionally. Only then can we know if Jokiwi is serious in trying to solve the problems in West Papua.   http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/media-release-5-west-papuan-prisoners.html

Lifting of media bans
The lifting of media bans for foreign journalists wanting to visit West Papua seems encouraging at first but it raises the questions

1) is this just an image making exercise or stunt? The Indonesian President has received international condemnation because of his policy on the death penalty for drug offences. 

2) will his decision be actually implemented. Jakarta's or Jokiwis policies aren’t necessarily carried out by relevant officials and security forces in West Papua

3) and if they are allowed in will official minders or BIN agents follow or  control their movements.

Already statements from officials question how free journalists will be to report on issues of concern in West Papua.
The Indonesian Parliament’s Deputy Chairman Taufik Kurniawan earlier asked the President Jokowi to reconsider his policy to open access for foreign press in Papua. “I think it’d be better to reconsider because the issues in Papua which are currently are very sensitive could be easily politicized either its poverty or social aspects if there is no filter,” Kurniawan said at the Parliament Building in Jakarta on Tuesday (12/5). (Jubi)
and
The country’s chief security minister, however, indicated nothing had changed in Jakarta’s stance vis-a-vis allowing the foreign press to report from the region. “We’ll allow it, on condition that they report on what they see, not go around looking for facts that aren’t true from armed groups,” said Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, the coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, effectively ruling out any attempt by foreign journalists to contact OPM members and other separatist sympathizers. He added that journalists would also need permission from the authorities to report from the country’s mountainous hinterland — the heart of the insurgency. (Jakarta Globe10/5/15).
And from the executive director of the Indonesian news agency Antara.
Saiful Hadi, said that Indonesia should penalize journalists, including those from abroad, who broadcast biased and imbalanced news about Papua. "We should subject journalists to a strict penalty if they broadcast news on Papua that is based on fictive information and data," he stated here on Tuesday. Hadi added that the penalty issue is related to the governments policy on providing foreign journalists open access to enter Papua. http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/99071/indonesia-should-penalize-reporters-for-biased-news-on-papua-journalist
A Jubi interview with President Joko Widodo at


Crackdown on peaceful rallies in May

On the 1st, 20th and 28th May, the security forces cracked down on peaceful rallies called by civil society organisations in West Papua.

On the 1 May over 250 activists were arrested on the anniversary of Indonesia's annexation of the province. The crackdown on the rallies of the 1 May were covered in the previous update. http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/update-on-rallies-on-1-may-in-west-papua.html 


On the 20 May over 80 activists were arrested for rallying in support of West Papuan membership at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Many were beaten by members of the security forces.  The rallies were called by three major organizations, the Federal Republic of West Papua (NRFPB), West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL) and the West Papua National Committee (KNPB). http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/05/21/police-arrest-84-activists-in-arbitrary-move-knpb-says/

On the 28 May more rallies were held throughout West Papua. The rallies were again in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and its application to the Melanesian Spearhead Group for membership. Media reports and postings concerning the rallies at
http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/update-on-rallies-in-west-papua-on-28.html The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) denied media reports that KNPB members had engaged in violence after their plans to hold a demonstration in Perumnas III Waena, Jayapura did not materialize on the 28th. “The news in the local media that KNPB protesters acted anarchic due to failing to hold a demonstration is not true at all,” Agust Kosay, first chairman of KNPB said to the Jubi, last week.  He said the anarchic acts were committed by certain actors who intended to spread chaos and shaped public opinion that KNPB was an anarchic organization. The people who threw rocks at the police were provocateurs, he said. 
“The incident occurred before KNPB members arrived. Obviously there are criminalization efforts against KNPB and its activists,” he added. http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/06/01/knpb-denies-activists-involved-in-violence/


Melanesian Spearhead Group

The Indonesian President visited PNG on the 11 May for a two-day visit. During his visit PM Peter O’Neill backed a move for Indonesia to become an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Peter O'Neill said he wanted the elected leaders, the governors of West Papuan provinces, to be represented at the Melanesian Spearhead Group. “This application is now in the hands of our Melanesian nations to decide. If this application is accepted, MSG will welcome a delegation agreed by the Governors of the five Melanesian provinces in Indonesia to attend Melanesian Spearhead Group meetings.” PM O'Neill said his nation had "no visibility of what is happening in West Papua", so the Indonesian application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group was "very important". Mr O’Neill seems to have missed the ongoing rallies in West Papua by the Papuan people who have many times stated that the ULMWP represents them and that the ULMWP’s application to the MSG had their support.  Northern Governor Gary Juffa MP said he has no confidence that the Melanesian Spearhead Group will act in the interests of the region's people over a West Papuan bid for MSG membership. If the MSG is not promoting the interest of Melanesians then it must be disbanded. His statements come after PNG has supported Indonesia’s bid to be an associate member of the MSG. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201754363/msg-has-failed-its-original-purpose,-says-png-mp During Jokowi’s visit seven people were also arrested protesting Indonesia's rule of West Papua. The protest was led by the PNG Union for a Free West Papua. Its general secretary, David Dom Kua, says police broke up the protest just before Mr Widodo touched down, and he and six others were detained for several hours. The group was later released without charge. Mr Kua says their detention was illegal and done in an attempt to hide them from the visiting President. (RNZI 13 May)

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama also said engagement with Indonesia is the best way to handle issues of abuse in the Indonesia region of Papua. The Fiji Sun reported that Mr Bainimarama said there is a lot of concern about what is happening in Papua with talks of assault and human rights abuses. But he says at the end of the day it was an issue of Indonesia's sovereignty. He says the best thing to do is to make Indonesia an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and it did not make sense to bring in Papua separately. Civil Society Groups in Fiji expressed concern at Prime Minister Bainimarama’s statement for Indonesia’s bid to become an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).  In a press release the CSO group urged the Fijian Government to recognize the ULMWP as the legitimate representative of West Papua to MSG. “The West Papuan people through process of consultation have decided who to represent them, and it is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) who has submitted an application to the MSG to be a full member. Reports last week indicate that over 70 people have been arrested in West Papua for supporting ULMWP”. http://pang.org.fj/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/here1.pdf Civil society and church groups in the Melanesian countries continue to lobby their governments to support the ULM’s application to the MSG.


News in brief
Papuans behind bars reported that at the end of April 2015, there were at least 44 political prisoners in Papua. Papuan human rights groups reported two new cases of torture in Pirime and Lanny Jaya in the Central Highlands. In Lanny Jaya, two men were tortured in relation to the possession of a pistol belonging to a deceased relative which they had attempted to hand over to authorities in response to a weapons amnesty. In Pirime, two teenagers were arrested and tortured following a military raid on a village church. Cabang Tabuni, one of the two victims, died after more than six months in police detention suffering from serious gunshot injuries without receiving medical treatment. Full update at http://www.papuansbehindbars.org/?p=3429


5,100 HIV/AIDS cases detected in Wamena

The Jakarta Post,May 19 2015

Wamena, a densely populated town with a population of 48,640 in the central highlands of resource-rich Papua, is known not only for its beauty but also for its high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. According to recent data of the AIDS Prevention Commission (KPA) in Jayawijaya, the number of people with HIV/AIDS in the town has reached 5,100 as a result of rampant prostitution. In cooperation with NGOs, public health centers and integrated healthcare posts, “we are racing against the time to tackle the high prevalence,” Antara news agency quoted KPA chairman Gad Piramid Tabuni as saying in Jayawijaya, Papua, on Tuesday. He said that the KPA cooperated with security authorities and the health agency to campaign against unsafe sex and to rid the streets of prostitution at food and beverage stalls. He called on others, including churches and mass organizations, to work hand in hand with local authorities in the fight against the deadly condition. (rms)(++++)


Jokowi : No More Problems, Papua Needs No Dialogue

Jayapura, Jubi – Jakarta – A dialogue that has been proposed by the Papua Peace Network seems to hit the wall, after Indonesian President Joko Widodo said such a forum is not needed any more. In the interview with Jubi on Saturday (9/5/2015), Jokowi said: “There are no problems in Papua. So, what is a dialogue for? I’ve often come to Papua and had conversations with the customary chiefs, religious leaders, regents, and mayor as well. We are talking and communicating. What does it mean? It’s a dialogue, isn’t it?” Jokowi said. When told that what Papuans wanted was a political dialogue, he said politics in terms of Papua is the politic of welfare. “Well, our politics in Papua is the politics of development, the politics of prosperity,” he said. What about the resolution for the conflicts that occurred in the past? “The case is closed. We must open a new page. We should move forward,” he said. Separately, the member of Papua Legislative Council’s Commission I for Politic, Government, Legal and Human Right, Ruben Magay said during the time Papuans wanted a dialogue between Jakarta and Papua to resolve many issues occurred in the eastern province of Indonesia. “When celebrating Christmas in Papua in December 2014, Jokowi promised about the dialogue. Now the people of Papua are waiting when it would be done,” said Magay. (Victor Mambor/rom)



Benny Wenda refused entry to the US

On the 13 May as Benny Wenda prepared to board a plane to the US, check-in staff found an alert on their passport system. Mr Wenda was then questioned by an official from the US Homeland Securities bureau office at London’s Heathrow Airport. Benny said “I have travelled to the USA several times for meetings with political representatives, groups and churches. I also attended meetings with State Department officials who told me they approved of my lobbying and campaigning work. So you can imagine my surprise when my ten year visa was revoked without notice.”  Benny Wenda, said he was hoping to find out why he refused entry to the United States. He send a request to the US Embassy for reasons and was told it would take five working days for a reply to his request.


Tapol reported that Papuan political detainee Areki Wanimbo was acquitted of conspiracy to commit treason and released from prison, after spending over nine months in detention in West Papua. Mr Wanimbo, an indigenous tribal leader and local teacher was arrested in Wamena in the Central Highlands of West Papua, alongside two French journalists who had travelled to the resource-rich region to investigate one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. Mr Wanimbo was arrested on 6 August 2014 when the journalists he was meeting attracted the attention of intelligence agents.  While the trial of the two French journalists was over in a matter of days, Mr Wanimbo’s trial was subject to lengthy and repeated delays.  “In the history of political trials in Papua, this the first time in 14 years that a treason suspect has been acquitted; the last time was the case of Theys Eluay. This verdict is a real step forward,” said Latifah Anum Siregar of Mr Wanimbo’s defence team.

 

Shootings. One person was shot dead and four others were wounded by an unidentified group of people in Purleme kampung in Mulia district, Puncak Jaya regency, Papua, on Tuesday night 26 May The dead victim was identifed as Pengga Enumbi, while the wounded are Marthen Tandipayung, Yulianus Tandidatu, Alfred Tandipayung and Suryanto Tandipayung, according to Antara news agency. Three of the wounded victims were being treated at Mulia General Hospital. The Puncak Jaya police chief requested additional personnel after the incident. On the 27 May it was areported that two soldiers in Enarotali, Paniai District, were taken as hostages. They later escaped. The military said they suspected an armed separatist group was responsible. The Indonesian military vowed to hunt down the armed group that had kidnapped the two soldiers although the soldiers managed to escape.


Opinion pieces/reports /press releases etc.

Arrests at demo demanding justice from PT Permata Putera Mandiri in Sorong

Jokowi relaunches MIFEE, wants 1.2 million hectares of new ricefields within 3 years! 

Papua Region Under Jokowi: New President, New Strategies Analysis RSIS  

Note. Daily media stories on West Papua can be found at

http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au

1) Date set for MSG summit in Solomon Islands

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2) Funding for MSG academy
3) Solomons MP calls on MSG to accept West Papua

4) Concern over Fiji PM support of Indonesia

5) Five Ex-Political Prisoners Refuse Support from Central Government

6) Papua named province with  worst sanitation in RI
7) Ruben Magay : Foreign Press Restriction to Papua is An Attempt Against the Law
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1) Date set for MSG summit in Solomon Islands
Updated at 3:30 pm on 3 June 2015
The 2015 Melanesian Spearhead Group Summit is set to go ahead in three weeks in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara.
The Solomon Islands organising committee has just finalised the date for the leaders to meet from June 24th to the 26th.
MSG officials and the foreign ministers will meet over the preceding week.
The critical issue before the summit will be the bid by West Papua's Melanesian community to become a member of the MSG, joining Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and the FLNK of New Caledonia.

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2) Funding for MSG academy
Repeka Nasiko Saturday, May 30, 2015
POLICE Commissioner Ben Groenewald says funding has been received from the Indonesian Government for the development of the Melanesian Spearhead Group regional police academy.
While visiting the Western Division earlier this week, Mr Groenewald said regional discussions on the progress of the academy were held recently.
"The regional police academy is part of the MSG and we had a meeting in the Solomon Islands where the chiefs of police from all MSG countries attended," he said.
"We are progressing in the inter-country training through the regional police academy."
He said the Indonesian Government provided funding that would go towards the possible upgrade of the institution.
"I had a discussion with a representative from the Indonesian Government recently, and yes, they have already sponsored us.
"The money will be used in either building or upgrading existing accommodation for the regional police academy."
The funding comes in light of the recent support by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama towards the Asian country's bid to be included in the MSG.
While speaking to the press in Japan, Mr Bainimarama said having Indonesia as an associate member made sense given that a large population of Melanesians lived in Indonesia.
"There is a whole lot of talk about Papua but you know Papua comes under the governance of Indonesia and if you want to do anything in Papua, the best thing to do is to bring in Indonesia, no matter what," he said.
"If we bring in Papua separately, it doesn't make sense."
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3) Solomons MP calls on MSG to accept West Papua
Updated at 8:51 pm on 3 June 2015

A Solomon Islands MP is calling on the Melanesian Spearhead Group to ignore Indonesia and accept the application to join the group by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.
The MP for West Makira says he is disappointed in his own country's lack of conviction on the issue despite what he describes as overwhelming support from the Solomon Islands public for West Papua.
Indonesia's officials have been encouraging MSG member states not to approve of the West Papuan bid.
Indonesia currently has observer status at the MSG and Jakarta argues that there are more Melanesians in other parts of Indonesia who should theoretically be included in the MSG membership bid.
However Solomons MP Derrick Manuari says the precedent for dealing with the situation has been set in the case of the Kanaks in New Caledonia whose representative group, the FLNKS, is a full member at the MSG.
The MP says the Kanaks were given membership rights over France because they represented the Melanesian people of the French territory.
"It is not a sovereignty issue - it is a solidarity issue, of solidarity of Melanesian states, Melanesian territories in Melanesia. So the precedent is already set. That West Papua as a Melanesian state should be admitted as a member of MSG and not Indonesia. It's not Melanesia."
Mr Manuari says he is urging MSG leaders when they meet on the 24th of this month to listen to the outcry from citizens in their own countries and to remember the reason the group was originally founded.
Last month, Fiji's prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, said the best thing to do was to make Indonesia an associate MSG member, adding it made no sense to bring in Papua separately.
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4) Concern over Fiji PM support of Indonesia
Updated 3 minutes ago

Civil Society Groups in Fiji say Frank Bainimarama's support for Indonesia's bid to become an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group is a concern.
In a public statement, Fiji Civil Society Groups, say the statement by the Fiji prime minister that alleged human rights violations would be best dealt with by Indonesia, if it was allowed into the MSG bloc, indicates how much Fiji has allowed its foreign policy to be dictated by the Indonesian government.
The Director of the Fiji's Women's Crisis Center Shamima Ali says the announcement places serious leadership questions over Fiji's credential as a regional leader.
She also says it comes at odds with previous decisions by the Bainimarama led government which fully supports the inalienable rights of people of West Papua towards self-determination as provided for under the preamble of the MSG constitution.
Ms Ali, who was also Fiji's former Human Rights Commissioner, says what's more concerning is the wording of the statement by the Prime Minister which seeks to down play the last 50 years of a violent occupation by the Indonesian state that has seen thousands of people in West Papua killed for a simple dream to be free.
She says the government of Indonesia remains unable to address serious human rights violations in terms of civil, political, cultural, economic and environmental rights.
She also adds adding that these violations have been well documented by both domestic and international human rights monitoring bodies including UN High Commission for Human Rights.
Fiji CSO groups call on the Fiji government to exercise real leadership on this issue by respecting the decisions and wishes of the people of West Papua about who represents them, and that it's clear Indonesia should not represent them at the MSG.
Shamima Ali says the recognition of the gross human rights violations in West Papua has been one of the key reasons why the MSG bloc considered the issue of West Papuan membership, and at the 2014 MSG Special Leaders meeting, Melanesian leaders including Fiji government, supported the West Papuan's right to determine who represents them at the MSG block.
She says it was clearly stated that the conditions were that the West Papuan groups must be a united umbrella group before submitting a fresh application to the MSG.
The West Papuan people through process of consultation have decided who to represent them, and it is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) who has submitted an application to the MSG to be a full member.
Reports last week indicate that over 70 people have been arrested in West Papua for supporting ULMWP.
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5) Five Ex-Political Prisoners Refuse Support from Central Government
Wamena, Jubi – Five former political prisoners who were granted pardon by President Joko Widodo refused to receive any kind of support from the central government .
Linus Hiluka made the statement on behalf of his four former fellow inmates: Apotnalogolik Lokobal, Numbungga Telenggen, Kimanus Wenda and Jefrai Murib during a ceremony to celebrate their release at Ibelle, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua last week.
However, Hiluka said they would consider if it comes from the governor or regent because the Papuan regional heads are family leaders of Papuans.
“We refuse any support from the Central Government since we don’t know what their intention is, but it’s different with the governor or regents. As Papuan family leaders, it’s up to them whether they want to help us or not, but we said no to the Central Government,” Hiluka said.
He admitted after returning into society and family, five of them are struggling to adapt in doing normal activities among the society such as farming and so on. “We feel not fully free. We just came out from small prison to the big one. Big prison is worse. In small prison, we were guarded day and night, but we must be fully alert since in this big prison, the Indonesian Government is still discriminating Papuans,” said Linus Hiluka.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Advocacy Network of the Law and Human Right Enforcement of Papua’s Central Highland, Theo Hesegem said the five ex-political prisoners are currently under supervision of NGOs and human right activists in the Central Highland area.
Thus, only families are allowed to meet them because external distraction could further influence their psychological condition for nearly twelve years in the prison.
“Anyone are not allowed to find out their activities during this week, because they are still need a recovery,” said Hesegem. (Islami/rom)
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6) Papua named province with  worst sanitation in RI
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Wed, June 03 2015, 6:37 PM 
Papua has been named as the province with the poorest sanitation in Indonesia after a recent survey scored it 45 on a scale of zero to 100, far lower than the national standard of 75, a local official has said.
“I want to say frankly that the environmental sanitation program in Papua is the worst in Indonesia. I’ve just got a red flag report in Jakarta, in which the province’s Clean and Healthy Living Behavior [PHBS] level is considered very low,” the Papua administration’s Health Agency head Aloisyus Giayi said in Jayapura on Tuesday.
He said poor hygiene practices among Papua’s residents had led the province to lag behind other countries in sanitation. This included not washing hands before eating or preparing food, open defecation and throwing away garbage anywhere.
Aloisyus said Papua’s poor sanitation program was not the sole responsibility of the Health Agency but also agencies in other sectors, such as environment and public works.
According to official data, only 35 of 3,000 kampungs in Papua had participated in the Community-Based Total Sanitation (STBM) program. Meanwhile, only 46 percent of residents in the 35 kampungs have access to clean drinkable water and only 42 percent of them have access to hygienic toilets.
“Based on the Millennium Development Goals [MDG] 2015 targets, Indonesia has reached its MDG drinking water target of 68 percent and sanitation access of 70 percent,” Aloisyus said.
“Concerning the situation, we, in Papua, must catch up with the fact of having fallen behind. Synergy among sanitation players, as well as cooperation across sectors, must be pushed forward,” he went on. (ebf)(+++)
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7) Ruben Magay : Foreign Press Restriction to Papua is An Attempt Against the Law

Jayapura, Jubi – Chief Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Tedjo Edhy Purdijitno last week said the team tasked with monitoring foreign journalists in Indonesia has been renamed from ‘Clearing House’ the Foreign Affairs Monitoring Team.
“The term clearing house was renamed the foreign affairs monitoring team which has the same tasks and responsibilities to monitor the foreign journalists in Indonesia,” the Chief Minister said.
The Papua Legislative Council’s Commission I member, Ruben Magay, said Saturday that the change of term actually indicates the government is not prepared to deal with the information and communication era. “Today the information can no longer be limited either by the state or groups,” said Magay, last week.
He further said what have been done by the Central Government has no connection with the substance of Press Law No.40/1999 regulating the foreign press in Indonesia.
“Press Law No.40/1999 clearly consisted of articles regulating the foreign press in Indonesia that are the Article 1 Paragraph 7 and Article 16 about the circulation of foreign press and the establishment of media company representative offices referring to the applied regulations. Besides to these two articles, the article 11 of the Press Law also regulates about the foreign investment into Press Company,” Magay said.
But the fact is until now the government is still attempting to strict the foreign press coming to Papua in many ways. “The government’s attempt to strict the foreign press to Papua is the attempt against the law,” he said. In addition, it is comparable with the attempt of a thief who frightens to be caught. A thief, further Magay, always suspects the others. This is the real situation happened in Jakarta, huge suspicion towards Papuans.
Magay emphasized about the important of foreign press to come to Papua in order to clarify the recent situation in Papua. “The international community wants a clear and balance information about Papua,” he said.
Further he said the Article 2 of Press Law No.40/1999 clearly mentions the freedom of press is a manifestation of people power in accordance with the principles of democracy, justice and law supreme. Therefore the attempt to make restriction on press; either it was local, national or international is against the principle of the freedom of press itself. (Victor Mambor/rom)

Media release-More rallies called in West Papua

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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

PO Box 28, Spit Junction, NSW 2088

Media release 4 June 2015 

More rallies called in West Papua

To support the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) application to the  (MSG), the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has  again called for peaceful rallies in all regions of West Papua on the 4-5 June.
The spokesman for the KNPB Bazookas Logo urged the people of West Papua to remain focused in  support  of the ULMWP.

Joe Collins of AWPA said, "in the past month on the 1st, 20th and 28th May, the security forces cracked down on peaceful rallies called by civil society organisations in West Papua with over 400 peaceful demonstrators arrested and  many were beaten. Hopefully this time the security forces will allow the peaceful rallies to go ahead and not use a heavy handed approach to the peaceful protestors as they did in the past month".

The KNPB reported that  yesterday, 3 June  the police detained 24 activists in Wamena who were at  a meeting in  the Office of Sinapuk Traditional Council, while  preparing and organising a rally in support ULMWP.  


In Timika the activity will take the form of prayers and fasting in support of the MSG application.



ends.

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1) People movement needed for West Papua change - NGOs

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2) Paniai Investigation Just to Please Jokowi
3) Give Freedom To the People of Papua to Express their Aspirations, Mathea Says
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1) People movement needed for West Papua change - NGOs
Updated at 3:18 pm today

A Fiji civil society leader says regional efforts to help bring about change in West Papua must be driven by the people, not governments.
MSG countries are considering a membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.
The Fiji's Women's Crisis Centre's Shamima Ali says there's a groundswell of public support for West Papua but that Frank Bainimarama and other regional leaders tend not to advocate for these interests.
"The MSG is one thing, which is very important, but I think there needs to be an ongoing movement throughout the Pacific, including Fiji in particular, given Fiji's influence and how much it is influenced by Indonesia, that this is a movement that should continue and seen right through to the end."
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2) Paniai Investigation Just to Please Jokowi
Jayapura, Jubi – A government team will go to Enarotali, Paniai to investigate the shootings that killed four students there at the end of 2014.

However, the chairman of Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council on human rights Laurenzus Kadepa said the team, consisting of officials from the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security as well as the police was only established to please President Jokowi, who has ordered the Papua Police to immediately report progress in the case.
“The team will look for the data again, and want to socialize but oddly, this team do not involve National Commission on Human Rights and the Witness Protection Agency (Agency) so that the results are more independent. I assume it is merely to carrying out orders and pleasing President Jokowi, “Kadepa said this week.
According to him, he heard that there is an element of coercion that will be done to the affected families, victims, chiefs and other stakeholders in Paniai.
“This is in order to realize their desire to dig the bodies of victims of the shooting for autopsy. TNI / Polri, do not force the victim to fulfill his wish. I do not judge their seriousness to solve the problem. The investigation will be merely a symbol,” he said.
Paniai shooting case that killed four high school students and injuring dozens of civilians occurred on December 8, 2014 . Yet until now the perpetrators behind the action had not yet been revealed. Some parties have formed a team and conduct an investigation, but the result is still zero.
Some time ago, Papua police chief, Inspector General (Pol) Yotje Mende said he phoned President Jokowi and ordered the Papua Police re-open the case and immediately report Paniai development. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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3) Give Freedom To the People of Papua to Express their Aspirations, Mathea Says
Jayapura, Jubi – Mathea Mameyau, a member of Commission I of the Papua Legislative Council said the government and police must give space to the people of Papua to convey their aspirations.
“I think the government and police should be professional. If a demo is violent the protesters may be arrested. Why should be arrested if they do not act violently? They speak to the truth and do not act anarchist,” Mathea told Jubi in response to the arrest of dozens of KNPB activists and people of Papua in Waena last week.
He said, it is not right to arrest when they held a peaceful demonstration to express their aspirations.
“Give them freedom to speak the truth and their self-esteem,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ones Suhuniap, General Secretary of KNPB to Jubi said, police from Jayapura city had to disperse and capture mass by issuing shot. This action led to the dissolution of five people were injured and dozens arrested.
“This arrest was caused byUNCEN student who became a provocateur by throwing stones at police from the direction of the secretariat BEM Uncen and from the campus on the way up,” he said on Thursday (28/05/2015).
Peaceful demonstration coordinated by KNPB was to support the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).
“Members KNPB arrested at the gate of Uncen in Perumnas III Waena. The arrest occurred at 09:15 am. In this arrest, KNPB activists were injured as police beating during an arrest, “added Suhuniap. (Arnold Belau/ Tina)

1) President Jokowi Stops Transmigration Program to Papua

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2) Smelter Development Plan in Papua Faces Strong Resistance
3) Freedom of Expression under Constant Threat in West Papua
4) Member Support Command Post ULMWP So MSG Held in Jayapura
5) Again, 3 KNPB activists and PRD Kaimana Arrested
6) Thousands of people of Papua in Timika Back Declare Support ULMWP Sign MSG
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THURSDAY, 04 JUNE, 2015 | 21:46 WIB
1) President Jokowi Stops Transmigration Program to Papua

TEMPO.COJakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has decided to stop the transmigration program to Papua. Jokowi asserted that the program will lead to social and economy dispute among the people of Papua.
"I have asked the governor of Papua to stop the transmigration [program] because it will cause problems," said Jokowi, as cited by member of the Presidential Communication Team, Teten Masduki.
In addition to Jokowi's plan, Salim Said, a professor of Universitas Pertahanan, said that Jokowi has had a clear concept on how to solve things in Papua, which is by involving the people of Papua.
TIKA PRIMANDARI
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THURSDAY, 04 JUNE, 2015 | 15:50 WIB
2) Smelter Development Plan in Papua Faces Strong Resistance
TEMPO.COPapua - The Papua regional government's plan to build a copper smelter faced strong resistance from the Kamoro tribe inhabiting the Paumako sub-district. The villagers believed that the construction of the smelter destroy the tribe's indigenous forest located in the area.
"The forest is our [source of food]," Head of the Kamoro Tribe Assembly Robertus Waraopea toldTempo on Thursday, June 4, 2015.
Robertus argued that both the Papua administration and the central government have never coordinated the smelter construction plan with the people of Kamoro.
Kamoro tribe's land spans 300 kilometers-square wide. The tribe's territory shared its borders with the Kalimana, Asmat, Dogiyai, Deiyai and Paniai districts. On the southern part, the tribe’s land directly borders with the Arafura Sea.
The area planned to be the location of the smelter was said to be located close to the local settlement. "We live five to ten meters away from [the designated area].  It certainly worries us," said Robertus.
People of the Kamoro tribe urged the government to relocate the smelter  to the border of Kaimana District and Mimika District. "Smelter development in the [border of Kaimana District and Mimika District] will open isolated areas and there are roads to get there," Robertus said.
ROBBY IRFANY
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3) Freedom of Expression under Constant Threat in West Papua
Statement received from the Executive-Director of the LP3BH on 3 June 2015

  The LP3BH-Manokwari, a non-governmental organisation that focuses its attention on whether the rule of law prevails in the Land of
Papua, has received a report from the leadership of the KNPB-Sorong (National Committee of West Papua) that they have reason to fear that
some of their activists in Sorong, including the chairman Kantius Heselo and their spokesperson, Agustinus Aud may soon be kidnapped.  They say that a closed meeting was held  between members of BIN, the intelligence agency, BAIS, the strategic agency, and the tribal heads in West Papua on 30 May at 9pm in the Kokosa Complex , Sorong. If their information is correct, efforts are being made to restrict the possibility of ordinary Papuan people  to give expression to their
aspirations that may be in contradiction with the  views of the state apparatus and the Indonesian Government.

  As is widely known, freedom of expression and freedom of opinion are clearly guaranteed  in Law 12/2005 on the Ratification of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Moreover, this Covenant has been incorporated into Indonesian law by virtue of Law 30/1999 on Basic Human Rights.

  The LP3BH calls on the Government of the Republic of Indonesia under the leadership of President Ir. H.Joko Widodo, to safeguard
unrestricted access for the people of West Papua to give expression to their political aspirations, whether or not they differ from those in
power, in accordance with the principles of human rights that are recognised across the world.

   Such expression of aspirations can be channelled  via the intermediary of formal channels such as through local parliaments or
through the MRP (Council of the Papuan People) or various relevant governing agencies.

  The systematic efforts  being made by the government by means of the security forces such as the TNI (Indonesian Army), Polri
(Indonesian Police Force) or such agencies as BAIS to intimidate Papuan people and prohibit them from engaging in political activities
which has been going on for decades and up to the present day, can only worsen Indonesia's reputation in the international community if it continues to restrict freedom of expression which is guaranteed by countries across the world and have moreover been officially adopted here in Indonesia.
Peace!
Yan Christian Warinussy, Executive-Director of the LP3BH - the
Institution of Research, Analyzing and Development for Legal
Aid-Manokwari.
Translated by Carmel Budiardjo
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A google translate of article in majalahselangkah.com. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link above article.
4) Member Support Command Post ULMWP So MSG Held in Jayapura
 Author: Theresia Francisca Tekege | Thursday, June 4, 2015 21:48 


Students Papua front post support. Photo: Theres / MS.

Jayapura, STEP MAGAZINE - People's Youth and Student Movement (Uproar) Papua, the Independent Student Forum (FIM) and President of the Students of the University of Science and Technology Jayapura (Presma USTJ) mediates the Papuan students from various campuses in Jayapura, founded the support posts, supports the United Wet Papua Movement for Liberation (ULMWP) became a permanent member in the forum Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

ULMWP itself was born in Vanuatu, at a symposium leaders of the struggle for independence of West Papua last 1-6 December 2014, and gave birth to the Declaration as a result Saralana (Read: This manuscript Declaration of Unity West Papua in Vanuatu).

Form of support with his signature. The focus of the mass base is Papuan students in all universities in Jayapura and the surrounding areas. The support posts held in the Auditorium at Uncen, began yesterday, Wednesday (06/03/2015).

Samuel Womsiwor, secretary general of the uproar said, students are required to support ULMWP as representatives of the people of West Papua to re-gather together the countries of Melanesia.

"As of Wednesday, 03 until June 5, 2015, we set up this post to give full support to ULMWPyang 18th to June 26th, 2015 will be fighting for West Papua membership in MSG," said Womsiwor.

Womsiwor asked for the involvement of all students Papua in Jayapura and sektiarnya together to stand with the people's support representatives, ULMWP MSG forum.

"This post was also established to ask for the involvement of all students Papuan student in the city of Jayapura study to come to this post to provide support," said Womsiwor. "Let's come to the post and the signature of our support for Papua enter MSG in our family because it was time to be united in a single Papua Melanesian family," he continued.

To this day, Thursday, June 4, 2015, already 400 Papuan students who signed the petition in support ULMWP as representase people of West Papua in order to become a permanent member in the forum Melanesian countries, namely MSG. (Theresia Francisca Tekege / MS)
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5) Again, 3 KNPB activists and PRD Kaimana Arrested
 Author: Admin MS | Thursday, June 4, 2015 20:51 Reads: 199 Comments: 0
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Photo illustration of activities KNPB / PRD Kaimana. Photo: Ist.

Kaimana, SELNAGKAH MAGAZINE - Again arrest. Kaimana, Indonesia police re-arrested three Papuan independence activists. They are John Puray secretary of the Regional Parliament (PRD) region Kaimana, Ruben Furay Chairman of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) Kaimana region and Yoner Uaga, KNPB members Kaimana region.

Earlier, during the month of May 2015, majalahselangkah.com record, there were 474 civilian Papuan activists were arrested by Indonesian security forces (Read: During May 2015, 474 people in Papua Arrested).

"The three activists are still Hold Police Kaimana to date. They were detained while trying to conduct a peaceful protest at the Parliament office Kaiman in terms of support for the Papuan People in West Papua ULMWP bring applications to MSG. On Thursday, June 4th, 2015," the release KNPB and the PRD region Kaimana received majalahselangkah.com.

Chronological, detentions occurred around 10:00 Kaimana time.

Future actions of the secretariat KNPB Kaimana Kaimana headed to Parliament's office. Mid-way, TNI / Polri block KNPB period and PRD Kaimana. Visible, TNI / police ordered period KNPB / PRD returned to the secretariat.

After negotiations and a joint army / police insisted urgent action behind the mass, the mass action back to the secretariat KNPB / PRD. It turns out the combined forces stood guard at the secretariat KNPB / PRD region Kaimana.

From the front of the secretariat KNPB / PRD region Kaimana, ditangkaplah 3 activists earlier.

"After these three were arrested. Secretariat KNPB / PRD Kaimana damaged by TNI / Police and subsequently all three members are still in custody. PLEASE ADVOCACY," wrote admin KNPB / PRD region in releasenya Biak. (SAL / 014 / MS)
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6) Thousands of people of Papua in Timika Back Declare Support ULMWP Sign MSG
 Author: Princess Papua | Thursday, June 4, 2015 18:41 Reads: 249 Comments: 0
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Timika Papua people in worship while supporting ULMWP become a permanent member in MSG. Photo: KNPB and PRD Mimika

Timika, STEP MAGAZINE - Thousands of Papua in Timika mediated West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and the Regional People's Parliament (PRD) held worship favor of the United Liberation Movement for Wet Papua (ULMWP) become a permanent member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Thursday (06.04.15).

"Our continued support will continue with all of the way. Last time we were demonstrations, we currently worship at the secretariat. Support our citizens more and more. This is evidence of how the people of Papua want ULMWP accepted as a permanent member of the MSG," said the source majalahselangkah.com this afternoon.

"We pray for the states of the member states of MSG for the Spirit of God to help to clump melanesia. We believe, receive God's help ULMWP become an official member of MSG," the source said. (Princess Papua / MS)

1) West Papua on new Vanuatu foreign minister's agenda

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2) PROMPTS ACTION TO SUPPORT AND PRAYERS NATIONAL ULMWP MSG TO BRING WEST PAPUA
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1) West Papua on new Vanuatu foreign minister's agenda
Updated at 4:43 pm on 5 June 2015

Vanuatu's new foreign minister, Kalvau Moli, says one of his main focuses in government will be the issue of West Papua.
He replaced Sato Kilman, who was sacked yesterday amid opposition plans to lodge a motion of no confidence against the prime minister Joe Natuman.

Mr Moli says he expected a more senior member of parliament would get the position, but he is confident he can do the job.
He says he has been following very closely what has been happening in West Papua.
"I have seen the issue with West Papua and other foreign policies, and the integration of the regional communities, which requires probably new thinking. And I think I have some capabilities to assist the prime minister in that regard."
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic. Original bahasa link at
2) PROMPTS ACTION TO SUPPORT AND PRAYERS NATIONAL ULMWP MSG TO BRING WEST PAPUA
Written By SWP-NEWS PAPUA on Friday, June 5th, 2015 | Friday, June 5th, 2015
West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Held: The National Prayer Support the United Liberation Movement for West Papua ULMWP Representing the people of West Papua, Becoming a Full Member in the Melanesian Spearhead Group MSG
Jayapura. KNPBNews - (05/06/15), Friday in accordance with the general regulations submitted by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) generally to carry out the action at the National Prayer Center KNPB Secretariat to support the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) as container coordinative West Papua nation can enter into a full member in the group or cluster of Melanesian Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) which will carry out the trial in Honiara, Solomon Islands is planned to be implemented on schedule MSG agenda, namely 1.) on 18-19 June 2015 Opening MSG meeting, 2.) on 22-24 Forum Foreign Ministry Countries MSG and 3.) on 25-26 Leader Meeting.
National Prayer nation of West Papua with the theme: "ULMWP IS OUR LEGAL AND REPRESENTATIVE BODY FOR MSG and WE FULLY SUPPORT THE WEST PAPUA WEST PAPUA presenting any ULMWP TO MSG" in starting at 11:48 WPB, in khotba hosted by Pdt. Leo Nimin, drawn from the Book of Proverbs 14: 34 "Truth meningikan degree of Nations, but sin is Stains the Nation" and Pastor also asserts that "Talk Talk Free Papua is the Truth" and a nation of Papua Independence is guaranteed by God's Law, International Law and National Law , At the end of the Pastor prayed khotbanya Countries in MSG, ULMWP and the International Community in the World that supports campaign in the International Community of West Papua.
National Prayer led by Sampari Warpo Wetipo by praying specifically for ULMWP, MSG and West Papua fighters anywhere are a way to pray using the local language of each tribes in West Papua. Followed by Oration Political brought by KNPB Regional Port Numbay, Region KNPB Sentani, Student Executive Board and the University of Cendrawasih Papua Women who support ULMWP into the MSG.
The reading of the Political Statement by the Spokesperson of the National bazookas Logo, "Support Representative ULMWP containers representing PNWP, WPNCL and NRFPB for admission as a full member in MSG" and simultaneously submit the results to the National Parliament ULMWP socialization West Papua to in the jumble to ULMWP. Also Political statement conveyed by Deputy Parliament Haris Rosumbre West Papua, "The spirit of struggle must be improved as it went into MSG is not as young as membaliakan palms but MSG is the key to unity and there are two fundamental reasons that are not biased digangugugat to ULMWP enter MSG, the first West Papua is located in the South Pacific region of Melanesia, Papua Barat second one clump with other States, namely Clumps Melanesia Melanesia ".
Working Team ULMWP Affairs Committee in West Papua or the Board Committee ULMWP delivered by Simeon Alua committed to follow up Staitmen and Petition submitted by KNPB and PNWP. National Prayer Papuans end with Closing Prayer. (Ones Suhuniap, General Secretary of the Central KNPB)
The following photos ULMWP Joint Support comes in at MSG


Photos of the Free West Papua campaign vigil held in Sydney

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Photos of the Free West Papua campaign vigil held at Wynyard Park in Sydney on the 5 June 












1) Protests, arrests escalate in West Papua as regional summit draws closer

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2) PNG and Fiji’s Betrayal of West Papua

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1) Protests, arrests escalate in West Papua as regional summit draws closer
More than 500 activists have been arrested over the past month across West Papua as protests, demonstrations and meetings build in the lead up to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Summit in Honiara, the Solomon Islands.
Ronny Kareni, a Melbourne-based spokesperson for the Free West Papua Movement, told Red Flag that the crackdown by Indonesian police has been widespread – from the highlands to the cities.
“There is a growing fear that more Papuans will be detained and arrested just for coming out in support of the application … A lot of the prominent, key organisers and leaders in the movement are still being detained unlawfully.
“They are being mistreated – no access to any medical treatment. As far as I know, two weeks ago there was a mass arrest in Manokwari [capital of the province of West Papua], where up to 70 people were detained and the key KNPB [National Committee for West Papua, an advocacy and media organisation] leader, for up to 48 hours was not able to talk – he couldn’t even eat … A large number are still detained.”
The MSG summit will consider an application by the United Liberation Movement of West Papua for membership of group, which consists of Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, along with the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia.
West Papua has been occupied by Indonesia since the 1960s, but there is an ongoing campaign for self-determination and for international recognition of West Papuan claims for independence.
“The message from us to the Melanesian Spearhead Group leadership is that this is an important moment”, Kareni said. In recent months there have been protests and solidarity actions in a number of countries in the Pacific. “There is growing support from the grassroots … We know that there is an upward pressure on the various governments. A lot of the NGOs have come on board, the church groups have come on board and opposition political leaders have come on board [in support of the membership application].”
The MSG leaders have to this point been divided over the issue. PNG prime minister Peter O’Neill in particular has supported Indonesia and opposed West Papuan claims for self-determination. Fijian leader Frank Bainimarama has not declared a position on the issue.
“There are bigger interests at play”, Kareni said. “A couple of months ago the foreign minister of Indonesia went around with a briefcase of US$20 million, promising [MSG members] that if they support Indonesia’s bid to become an associate member, then the $20 million will be used for capacity development projects for the MSG … Fiji has been funded and supported by the Indonesian military … and Indonesia is bidding for PNG to become an ASEAN member.”
Regardless of the outcome in Honiara, activists have pledged to continue to campaign until freedom is won.
[Tune in to Voice of West Papua at 3cr.org.au/streaming every Monday 6:30pm to 7:00pm. Listen online from anywhere in Australia. The radio show is presented by West Papuan activists and community members Melkias Okoka, Ronny Kareni, Sixta Mambor and Joe Wally.]
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http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1506/S00050/png-and-fijis-betrayal-of-west-papua.htm

2) PNG and Fiji’s Betrayal of West Papua

Melbourne Women Sickened by PNG and Fiji’s Betrayal of West Papua
5 June 2015
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
City Square, Melbourne (Cnr Swanston and Collins St)
FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2015: 5.30-7.30pm
“It will be cold in Melbourne tonight, but the PNG Prime Minister’s betrayal of West Papua deserves a response” said Natalie Adadikam from the FRWP Women’s Office in Docklands. “We are praying, singing, lighting candles, hoping for a miracle, because PNG should be welcoming West Papuans into the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), not rejecting them”.
PNG Prime Minister O’Neill and Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama have both declared that they are not supporting West Papua’s application to join the MSG, Peter O’Neill from the Lowy Institute of International Policy in Sydney on 14 May 2015. Instead the two men are supporting an Indonesian-government endeavour for five of its governors, including its two Papuan governors, to join the MSG as an Associate Member.
Matt Gale, from the Solomon Islands, which is hosting this year’s MSG Summit, said ‘West Papuans are our kin, estranged through no fault of their own in 1962, and we want them to return to the Melanesian family. When we talk about indigenous cosmologies, ontologies and epistemologies, this is what it’s all about. It begs our humanity to support their application to join our unique organization.”
The MSG is a modern international organization of the Melanesian nation-states (Vanuatu, Solomons Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea) and the Kanaky independence movement. In December 2014, Vanuatu and Kanaky declared they would vote for West Papua’s application at the MSG Summit in Honiara (18-26 June 2015) because it is an expression of their Melanesian kins’ inalienable right to determine their own future.
Two weeks ago, the Australian trade union movement signed a Memorandum of Understanding which supports West Papua’s application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group, and which recognizes West Papua’s right to self-determination in line with United Nations Principles.
A favorable vote by the MSG will be the first concrete step by an international organization to implement the
restorative justice principles of remorse, reform, and transformation for West Papuans, and a living monument to the 500,000 who have died fighting to overturn the New York Agreement (by which Indonesia, The Netherlands, and the United Nations rendered Melanesian West Papuans an Indonesia colony in 1962).
Jacob Rumbiak, Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Federal Republic of West Papua, believes the Melanesian Leadership will accept West Papua’s application for full membership of the MSG in June 2015. “Melanesian politicians understand indigenous people’s relationship with their land. When they open their arms and formally acknowledge West Papuans as a long-lost family and political kin, they will be demonstrating their leadership, their dignity, and their sovereignty.”
ENDS

1) Minister Contradicts President; Says Papua Transmigration Will Continu

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2) Secretary General of the uproar: Papua Students Must Immediately Aware, Kita This Melanesia


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http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/minister-contradicts-president-says-papua-transmigration-will-continue/

1) Minister Contradicts President; Says Papua Transmigration Will Continue

By Jakarta Globe on 05:18 pm Jun 07, 2015


A Kamoro child in Timika, Papua. Indigenous Papuans now constitute a minority in their own land, with the imbalance set to grow as a result of the transmigration program. (JG Photo/Jurnasyanto Sukarno)

Jakarta. An Indonesian minister has countered President Joko Widodo’s declaration that the controversial transmigration program to Papua province will be stopped, saying instead that, if anything, it will be expanded.
Marwan Jafar, the minister for transmigration, said on Sunday that the program – in which often impoverished families are given land and money to relocate from densely populated areas, primarily Java but also Bali, to other islands – had proved “a success” in Merauke, a city near Indonesia’s border with Papua New Guinea.
“Merauke can be considered a border region that has been successful in implementing the transmigration program and developing agricultural land in eastern Indonesia,” Marwan told reporters in Jakarta, as quoted by Republika.
He declared Merauke “heaven for transmigrants,” with an estimated 275,000 people having moved there since Indonesia’s annexation of West Papua in 1969 – often to the detriment of the indigenous population, who accuse the newcomers of a callous disregard for their customs and traditions, destroying the environment, and keeping the locals economically and socially subjugated.
Joko, at a gathering with prominent community leaders in Jakarta on Thursday, announced that his administration would end the transmigration program to Papua, in recognition of the local population’s long-held grievances.
“The government will stop transmigration to Papua because it has caused too much social envy,” he said in a statement issued by a spokesman, Teten Masduki.
Joko “has already asked the governor of Papua to halt the program,” Teten added.
Marwan, apparently, did not get the message, saying that the program would be ramped up in support of the government’s plan to develop 1.2 million hectares of rice fields in the region, under the Merauke Integrated Rice Estate project.
“If this program succeeds, there will be a lot of development that will change the face of this region of eastern Indonesia,” he said.
It was not clear if he was speaking literally; indigenous Papuans, who are vastly outnumbered by transmigrants, have long alleged that the transmigration program is an attempt to wipe out their numbers, in what human rights activists call a slow-motion genocide.
To support the anticipated surge in newcomers, Marwan said his ministry planned to build more transmigrant settlements. These townships are often carved out of indigenous land, giving rise to conflicts, sometimes deadly, between the indigenous and transmigrant communities.
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A google translate of article in majalahselangkah.com. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Originsal bahasa link at
2) Secretary General of the uproar: Papua Students Must Immediately Aware, Kita This Melanesia
 Author: Princess Papua | Sunday, June 7, 2015 23:55 Reads: 292 Comments: 0
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Secretary General (Secretary) Youth Student Movement and the Papuan People (Uproar), Samuel Womsiwor. Photo: Ist

Jayapura, STEP MAGAZINE - Secretary General (Secretary) Youth Student Movement and the People of Papua (Uproar), Samuel Womsiwor Papua appealed to students wherever located around the world to immediately realize that we are Melanesian people of Papua, not Malay.

In a written statement received majalahselangkah.com say, uproar opened a post "PAPUA for MSG" at the University of Cendrawasih to raise awareness and concern about the students and all parties kemelanesiaan Papuans. However, the post has been dismantled by the police (read: Demolition Post "Papua for MSG" on page Uncen Assessed Not Professional).

Another reason, he said, the post was built in the neighborhood Uncen because Uncen standing with a strong political background and also have an influence on civilization Papuans struggle today, so precisely built in Uncen and also become a benchmark as well as an invitation to join the Universities / private sector in the city of Jayapura.

"Papua is a nation with a clump of Melanesia if not the Indonesian military expansion in 1963 to manipulation Act of 1969 then we have been united with other Melanesian nation," he said in the statement on Sunday (06.07.15).

"We will live safely and comfortably in our own community, with our nation who understand the habits and customs. Papua can not be forced into Javanese as today. Stretegi government in Jakarta for the people in Indonesia are menjawanisasi suluruh us, we see Java transmigration project since Jokowi Sukarno government until now, it was becoming conflicts throughout Indonesia including Papua us, "said Samuel Womsiwor.

"The need for the development of Papua sejatihnya is the awareness of our people of Papua, Papuan students more specifically as a motor of change," she said. (Princess Papua / MS)

1) Geopolitical storm looms over MSG decision

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2) Mimika’s way of combating  malaria
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1) Geopolitical storm looms over MSG decision
Updated at 5:55 pm today
Johnny Blades, Radio New Zealand International - johnny.blades@radionz.co.nz
A geopolitical storm is coming to a head in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The Pacific islands sub-regional organisation is considering a membership bid by West Papuans of Indonesia.
MSG member governments are struggling to balance their growing ties to Jakarta with regional grassroots support for the indigenous people of West Papua where a separatist conflict has simmered for decades.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua was formed last year when Vanuatu hosted a reunification summit for West Papuan representative groups. This includes groups is aiming for independence from Indonesia. The groups came together to launch a new bid to join the MSG after an earlier application by a West Papuan group was deemed by MSG leaders, including Papua New Guinea's Peter O'Neill, not to be representative enough of West Papuans.
"We feel that it must be representative of all Melanesians living in Indonesia," said O'Neill, "and that the application be made in consultation with the Indonesian government."
Now, MSG leaders are grappling with whether to admit the West Papuans or to defer to an arrangement for membership of all five Indonesian provinces with traces of Melanesian ethnicity. Indonesia, which says it has eleven million Melanesians, already has observer status at the MSG and is opposed to the Papuans' bid.
Last month, Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama said the best thing to do was to make Indonesia an associate MSG member, adding it made no sense to bring in Papua separately. This has drawn criticism from Fiji civil society leaders like Shamima Ali of the Fiji's Women's Crisis Centre.
"It's a big shame on Melanesian leaders, particularly Fiji and the others who are pussy-footing around the issue, and they are not very clear - apart from Vanuatu of course," she said.
"So I think they have really gone back on their word from supporting the West Papuan Liberation Movement to what it is now saying about Indonesia being in a position to decide what is happening and to address the human rights abuses and so on."

Jakarta places fresh emphasis on solving Papua matters

With four trips to Papua region in the past year, Indonesia's new president Joko Widodo has placed new emphasis on resolving social and development problems in Papua. Jokowi, as he is called, made headlines in his most recent trip there last month when he freed five Papuan political prisoners and declared that the effective ban on foreign journalists in Papua was lifted. Subsequent comments by Indonesian government figures indicate that the restrictions were not being relaxed at all. Just this week, he has also been contradicted by a government minister on his signal that there would be an end to the transmigration programme, which has seen hundreds of thousands of Javanese relocated to Papua over the past few dacades.
The president's aims to solve Papua issues face significant obstacles because he is relatively weak and beholden to other interests both within his own party and the national legislature. However Jokowi's administration is placing increasing value on the MSG membership. His last Papua jaunt was followed by a visit to Port Moresby where PNG's Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato insisted that any West Papuan bid to join the MSG should be endorsed by Indonesia.
"It's not for us to force Indonesia on how to run their affairs," said Pato.

Pato said that if there was an application, the MSG wanted to ensure that it was representative of the Melanesian that they claimed to represent.
"So we don't want a group that is factionalised fully supported by one group of Melanesians living in the US or somewhere in Europe or Australia and then cause more problems than fix."
Indonesia has been taking steps to integrate more with Melanesian countries in areas of culture, trade and investment. Jakarta's new outreach included a recent tour to PNG, Solomon Islands and Fiji by Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. On offer for the Melanesian countries was twenty million US dollars for capacity development projects within the MSG.
Ms Marsudi also had talks with Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Sato Kilman. Mr Kilman's indication that his country could open an embassy in Jakarta appeared at odds with Vanuatu's long-held support for West Papua independence. Little surprise then that this week, Vanuatu's prime minister Joe Natuman sacked Mr Kilman. A spokesman for the prime minister, Kiery Manassah, said the foreign minister's representations on West Papua did not reflect the government's position.
"Indonesia has lobbied very hard to get Fiji and Papua New Guinea on side," explained Manassah. "Recently when we went to Japan for the PALM meeting, Prime Minister O'Neill also proposed to the prime minister (Natuman) that they're thinking of supporting Indonesia to become an associate member."
Kiery Manassah signalled that Vanuatu is weary of a shifting of the goalposts on the MSG issue.
"In line with the agreements from Noumea and Papua New Guinea, the MSG must discuss the West Papua application," he said. "If the Indonesians want to become an associate member, they have to follow the same process, by applying."

Solomon Islands position in the balance

Of the five full MSG members, Vanuatu and New Caledonia's indigenous Kanak movement, the FLNKS, have voiced support for the West Papuan bid. PNG and Fiji appear to be leaning against it. Solomon Islands is somewhere in the middle.
Its foreign minister, Milner Tozaka, said the government hasn't made a decision yet.
"This is a process we have to follow. We can't just make decisions on an ad hoc basis," said the minister. "And Solomon Islands has made a position in the last government, we have not made a statement yet, we are following up that decision that they made. And if there is going to be any variation, we need to talk about it in the coming meeting."

A Solomons MP Derrick Manuari expressed disappointment in his country's lack of conviction on the issue despite what he described as overwhelming support from Melanesia's public for West Papua.
"I think it is very sad to see Melanesian leaders singing a distorted tune. The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea initially supported the cause for West Papua to be a member of MSG however he is singing now a different tune and Bainimarama is also saying the same thing. But we don't see that as an appropriate approach of addressing the issues of MSG. "
The West Makira MP said the precedent had been set in the case of the Kanaks who were given MSG membership rights over France.
"It is not a sovereignty issue - it is a solidarity issue, of solidarity of Melanesian states, Melanesian territories in Melanesia. So the precedent is already set. That West Papua as a Melanesian state should be admitted as a member of MSG and not Indonesia. It's not Melanesia."
Mr Manuari urged MSG leaders when they meet for their annual summit in Honiara later this month to remember the reason the group was originally founded - to help the decolonisation of Melanesian peoples.

Indonesia position respected

Vanuatu's new foreign minister, Kalfau Moli said Vanuatu's support for West Papua remained firm, even though the government respects Indonesia's intentions with the MSG.
"Vanuatu's position as a sovereign state is that we want to address the human rights issue and then consider the supposed political independence. However having said that, it is very important that a clear forum be put in place before we can look at the issues. But I am very much for a human rights drive."
With Indonesia asserting its own Melanesian traces and growing links with governments of other Melanesian countries, the MSG leaders may look for some sort of compromise arrangement on the matter of the West Papuan membership bid. Alternately, a decision on the bid could also be deferred, as it was at the last leaders summit in Noumea. The Honiara summit may not neccessarily be the end of the matter, and the storm may pass by for the time being. But sooner or later, the MSG may have to make an emphatic move on this most divisive of issues.
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2) Mimika’s way of combating  malaria
Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post | Supplement | Mon, June 08 2015, 9:44 AM -
All-out efforts are underway to turn Mimika in Papua into a malaria-free regency by 2026 through intensive collaboration.

Within the framework of national development, in which health issues are a completely integral part, continuous endeavors to enhance the level of people’s health are on the government agenda.

Success in handling health issues plays an essential role in boosting the quality and competitiveness of Indonesian human resources.

Malaria remains one of the contagious diseases affecting people’s welfare levels and that is why the government issued Health Ministerial Decree No. 293/2009 on malaria elimination programs in Indonesia. It aims to realize a vision to enable people to livehealthily, free of malaria.

Under the government’s big plan, the programs are being conducted in stages, with Papua and West Papua province, along with Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and North Maluku, targeted to be malaria-free regions in 2030.

Several provinces, especially in Java, have been relatively free of malaria as they received the program much earlier. Conversely, Papua is still witnessing a high incidence of malaria.

In Mimika regency, for instance, malaria is considered the number-one disease in all health facilities,creating burdensome problems as it leads to a decline in working productivity and also an increase in the risk of anemia for pregnant women and children.

Data at Mimika’s Malaria Control Center, known as the Malaria Center, shows that more than 80,000 malaria-related cases are diagnosed in Mimika regency each year, resulting in soaring health costs that the government, private sector and public have to bear.

“Sixty six percent of malaria patients in Mimika are of working age. It is predicted that more than 150,000 working days are lost due to malaria each year,” the data says.

Jointall-outefforts

Well aware that malaria has become a real menace having an adverse impact on the people, the Mimika Health Office, Amungme-Kamoro Community Development Institute (LPMAK), PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) and other stakeholders have been making joint all-out efforts to combat malaria. They have even an ambition to turn Mimika into a malaria-free region by 2026, four years earlier than the government’s target of 2030.

“We have adequate resources and hopefully, with the supportof people and all parties, we can achieve our ambition,” said SaifulTaqin, Secretary of the Mimika Health Office.

Mimika regency’s commitment to malaria eradication has been indicated through the presence of the Malaria Center. It was established under Mimika Regent Decision Letter No. 226/2013, an implementation of the Mimika Regency Regulation No. 3/2013 on the guidelinesfor malaria eradication in Mimika regency.

Highlighting the significant presence of the Malaria Center, Saiful said that the center had allowed involved parties to boost their collaboration in jointly combating malaria instead of “working individually and separately in this regard as several parties did in the past”.

“We want to have the same perception that malaria is our common problem, our enemy that we have to face together. The Malaria Center can accommodate all potentials from different components in Mimika regency, which supports the malaria-elimination program,” he said.

Unlike malaria centers in other regencies that function as a mere place for coordination, the one in Mimika serves both as a coordinator and executor. The center plays a role in advocating, coordinating and facilitating the implementation of malaria control programs in Mimika.

With adequate resources and facilities, Mimika can portray the latest situation regarding malaria so that if there are malaria-related cases, they can be detected at the earliest possible opportunity and handled immediately.

The center is a blend of partners’ contributions, with each having its own complementary role to play.

LPMAK provides operational funds used for paying the salaries of 48 employees at the center. LPMAK is an NGO created by PTFI, with the task of managing its Partnership Fund for Community Development in and around the area of operation of PTFI.

PTFI donates vehicles, long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, work equipment, medical materials and supervision. The Mimika Health Office provides bed nets and a secretariat, while the Health Ministry provides insecticide and bed nets. Bank Papua has donated two operational vehicles.

Integrated activities

Through the center, integrated activities are conducted to protect individuals from possible malaria infection through the installment of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets; control of the spread of mosquito vectors through indoor residual spraying and drainage cleanliness; active detection and treatment through door-to-door blood checks; and education on health.

Targeted areas include Jalan Baru, Kwamki Baru, Jalan Ahmad Yani, Kompleks Social, Kebon Sirih, Gorong-Gorong, Koperapoka, Sempan, Inauga and Nawaripi.

When it comes to malaria-elimination efforts, PTFI has a success story to share, which may serve as a model of how to create malaria-free areas, as it initiated a malaria-eradication drive several decades ago when several employees were infected by malaria, leaving them dead.

The malaria-eradication campaign kicked off in 1992 in what was once a thick and tranquil forest, Kuala Kencana in Timika. Environmentally well-managed Kuala Kencana is currently home to almost 60 percent of PTFI employees.

“We want all employees to be healthy because healthy employees can stay productive, which is good for our company and community,” said Kerry Yarangga, Community Health Development Manager of PTFI.

The handling of malaria was conducted comprehensively, from early detection to treatment, monitoring and preventive measures, by building the right drainage, sanitation and conducting environmental management to avert the possible multiplication of larvae.

“There should not be water inundation that allows larvae to multiply,” he said.

The right drainage which allows water to flow freely can effectively prevent larvaefrom multiplying and thus, it can reduce malaria cases.

Kota KualaKencana, with a population of about 5,000, was declared free of malaria in 1996 and “since then we do not have to install bed nets and we no longer have to conduct indoor residual spraying”.

Despite Kota KualaKencana being a malaria-free area, PTFI did not look down upon the disease, which may someday return, but shared the best practices with neighboring areas. Therefore, the company decided to be an active partner in combating malaria in Mimika through the Malaria Center.

“Areas where Freeport operates have changed a lot and become more complex and so only through partnerships can we jointly cope with malaria,” he said.

Laying a good foundation


Since the Mimika malaria-eradication drive started in 2013, malaria-related cases have dropped significantly in Kota Timika, Mimika. In the first quarter of 2015, the number of cases at Puskesmas (community health centers) was recorded at 523, compared to 2,955, or an 82 percent decrease. This means reducing the workload at the Puskesmas.

Meanwhile in Mimika, malaria cases were reported at 50,029 in 2014, compared to 93,068 in 2013 and 112,792 in 2012. The significant drop was attributable to the integrated program that included indoor residual spraying that reached more than 24,000 houses, distribution of more than 64,000 bed nets, and treatment of positive 446 cases, according to data at the Mimika Regency’s Health Office in 2014.

The significant drop in malaria cases resulting from the malaria-elimination drive is encouraging news for the parties involved but program sustainability is what they are starting to ponder.

Through partnership, cases ofdeath caused by malaria have shown a downward trend, which means favoring the people economically because “if they are sick they have to spend money for treatment at a hospital or a clinic and besides, they cannot go to work, which will reduce their income,” said Yusuf Nugroho, Health Bureau Chief of LPMAK.

LPMAK, which positions itself with the people, has a dream of making the Malaria Center increasingly autonomous and sustainable. “As a self-supporting institution, we may, for one thing or another, stop our activity, but the control of diseases, especially malaria, should continue,” Yusuf Nugroho added.

“Apart from making a direct intervention, we have also laid a good foundation for coping with malaria in a well-structured and organized manner and in this way, other agencies or organizations may be interested in becoming donors. By laying a good foundation, we hope that sustainable programs can be ensured,” he said.

“Even though PTFI is strongly committed to allocating funds for the program, it would be better if we could also generate funds from other sources for the program to ensure sustainability,” he said.

Saiful highlighted elements engaged in the Malaria Center as a way of ensuring sustainable programs. “The Malaria Center should involve as many elements as possible, be it government, companies and non-governmental organizations, and each make its own contribution and play its own role. That way, the malaria-elimination program can continue to run,” he said.
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Partners for Change

This page is produced by The Jakarta Post in cooperation with Company-Community Partnerships for Health in Indonesia (CCPHI). It promotes best practices in community partnerships. For more information, contact the Supplements & Supplemental Products section at supplement@thejakartapost.com.
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1) Vanuatu to maintain Papua rights drive, says Moli

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‪2) Authorities Demolish Papua for MSG Post

‪3) Papua Students Support ULMWP to Become MSG Member‪4) Police Have Arrested 479 Papuan Activists Since Late April

‪5) Leaflets Urging Papuans to Support Indonesia Circulated in Merauke and Jayapura

6) Random Arrests Against KNPB Activists Disconcerting, says Human Right Observer


7) Free West Papua Music by: Papa Yanni - MORNING STAR

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/275747/vanuatu-to-maintain-papua-rights-drive,-says-moli








1) Vanuatu to maintain Papua rights drive, says Moli

Updated at 6:25 am today
Vanuatu's new foreign minister says the government will continue to fight for the rights of West Papuans in international fora.
Kalfau Moli was appointed last week after the prime minister Joe Natuman sacked Sato Kilman from the foreign minister's role.
Mr Kilman had been accused of misrepresenting Vanuatu's long-running support for West Papuan rights in his dealings with Indonesia.
With a Melanesian Spearhead Group decision on a West Papuan membership bid looming, Mr Moli says Vanuatu's support remains strong.
"Vanuatu's position as a sovereign state is that we want to address the human rights issue and then consider the supposed political independence. However having said that, it is very important that a clear forum be put in place before we can look at the issues. but I am very much for a human rights drive."
Mr Moli suggests Vanuatu's good relationship with Indonesia can be instrumental in leveraging positive change in Papua.
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2) Authorities Demolish Papua for MSG Post

Jayapura, Jubi – Police in Abepura dismantled a student post supporting Papua’s membership in the Melanesian Support Group (MSG).
“We did it under the instruction of Papua Police through Jayapura Sector Police. It came based on the request of Third Assistant Rector for student affairs representing the campus authority,” Abepura Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commisionaire M.W. Asmuruf, who led the disbanding of the post, told reporters.
The post was set up by activists from Youth and Student Movement (GempaR), Independent Student Forum (FIM), Student Executive Body of Jayapura Technology and Science University (USTJ) and Student Executive Body of Umel Mandiri on 6 June 2015 at 18:30 Papua time.
He said the police’s action was in accordance with procedures.
His office received the request from the campus authority to Papua Police to remove the post since it was considered disturbing the academic activities.
Before the post was demolished, police verbally warned the students to disperse.
“We gave them some time until 5pm. But they kept staying there. So we came to dismantle the post. We passed them our letter of command,” he said.
Meanwhile, Third Assistant Rector of Cenderawasih University, Fredrik Sokoy admitted that campus authority asked the demolition of the post to the police. There are three reasons underlying this request. First, it disturbed the campus comfort; second, the students’ activities were excluded of the academic study; and third, it wasn’t internal campus organization that established the post. “I have told them through Student Executive Body to express their aspiration through academic studies,” Sokoy said.
However, the man who is very close to the students said the campus authority was forced taking this decision. The security authorities pressed the campus authority to immediately address the student movement.
“I am also under pressure. Let’s say it is connected with security issue. They constantly push me, why I couldn’t deal with this campus. How could I just leave it?” Sokoy explained about his situation since the students decided to set up a post in the campus.
Meanwhile, GempaR activist Samuel Womsiwor stated the post dismantling would not sweep away the ideology that they fight for with dignified ways, away from what was accused by campus authority. “This demolition would not disperse us. We will stick together and exist for sovereign Papua. We believe for whatever has been done right now, one day Papua would become MSG member and free,” said Womsiwor. (Jubi/Mawel/rom)
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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/06/08/papua-students-support-ulmwp-to-become-msg-member/
3) Papua Students Support ULMWP to Become MSG Member

Jayapura, Jubi – Students from several universities in Papua have expressed support for a pro-independence coalition to become a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
Through his email to Jubi, student representative Samuel Womsiwor said to help the struggle of the Papua nation to become an MSG member, three major Papuan factions consisting of NRFPB, WPNCL and PNWP have established the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) as a requirement of Papuan membership in THE MSG.
“Therefore, we are the students from Papuan People, Students and Youth Movement (GempaR), Student Independent Forum (FIM), Department of Anthropology, Social Health Faculty, Department of Administration Science state our support to ULMWP,” he said last week.
He urged students, youths and Papuan people to unite and support ULMWP’s efforts and called on the Indonesian government to recognize the fate and identity of Papuan nation.
“The Government of Indonesia to immediately recognize the membership of West Papua in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Papuan people should forget and fight all Indonesian policies that actually inhibited the struggle of Papuan nation today, such as Special Autonomy 2001, UP4B (Papua Development Acceleration Program) and so on that only continue raising the horizontal conflict among Papuans,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the last two months, the Alliance of Papuan Students in Java, Solidarity for West Papua from abroad and West Papua National Committee gave their support to ULMWP to be accepted and recognized as MSG member.
While in domestic level, KNPB conducted three times of protest in the entire regions of Papua to obtain support from West Papua people towards ULMWP to become MSG member. And KNPB recorded 479 activists were arrested during the period of 30 April to 01 June 2013 in peace demonstration to support ULMWP. (Arnold Belau/rom)

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/06/08/police-have-arrested-479-papuan-activists-since-late-april/
4) Police Have Arrested 479 Papuan Activists Since Late April

From 30 April to 01 June, police have arrested protesters expressing support for ULMWP and West Papua campaign of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), KNPB said in a statement to Jubi, Monday (8/6/2015).
Police arrested 12 people in Manokwari on 30 April and 205 people on 1 May. Around the same time 15 people were arrested in Merauke, 30 in Jayapura and 2 pin Kaimana. On 20 May, the police arrested 75 people in Manokwari, 3 people in Biak and 6 people in Sentani. On the following day, they arrest 27 people in Biak and 1 people in Manado. Thus, during the time, they have arrested 129 activists.
On 28 May, the Police continued to arrest 52 people in Jayapura, 6 people in Nabire, 25 people in Wamena and 2 people in Yahukimo. Total activists arrested in that day were 85 people. And the last, on 1 June 2015, the Police arrested 1 activist.
Of 479 people arrested, 4 activists in Manokwari and 3 activists in Biak have been detained and charged with incitement.
The KNPB report was issued on 3 June 2015 in Jayapura.
Meanwhile, the Papuaitukita Movement in Jakarta issued the release on the arrests of 444 Papuans in May 2015 during the protest. They reported during 1 – 10 May 2015, 269 people were arrested in Manokwari in peace demonstration while 30 were arrested in Jayapura, 15 were arrested during the preparation of protest and 2 were arrested in the demonstration in Merauke, while 3 Papuan students were arrested during the protest in Surabaya.
During the period of 11 – 20 May 2015, 12 people were arrested in peace demonstration to reject PT PPM on 16 May 2015, and 75 people were arrested before the demonstration and 2 were arrested in Biak when intended to send a letter of announcement to the Police Office while 6 were arrested in Sentani while distributing leaflets.
Between 21 – 31 May 2015, 17 people were arrested in Biak when being assembled to prepare peace demonstration. 27 people were arrested in Jayapura before peace demonstration and 1 was arrested in Manado.
Earlier, the Papua Police said the police would not compromise with any kind of KNPB activities. “The Police would not comprise any kind of KNPB activities, especially in Jayawijaya Regency and its surrounding areas. The readiness indicates our concern in personnel assignment to follow up their plan of demonstration on 28 May 2015. Jayawijaya Police would not compromise any kind of their activities including the advanced demonstration,” Jayawijaya Police Chief Semmy Ronny TH Abaa said at that time.
Meanwhile the Papua Police Chief Inspector General Jotje Mende earlier proposed KNPB dissolution, and relayed to the Commission III of Indonesian Representative House some time ago. (Arnold Belau/Dominggus Mampioper/rom)

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http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/06/08/leaflets-urging-papuans-to-support-indonesia-circulated-in-merauke-and-jayapura/
5) Leaflets Urging Papuans to Support Indonesia Circulated in Merauke and Jayapura


Leaflets calling on Papuans to support Indonesia were circulated in Merauke and Jayapura on 4 June 2015 – Jubi
Jayapura, Jubi – Leaflets calling on Papuans to support Indonesia were circulated in Merauke and Jayapura on 4 June 2015.
There were rumours that the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) was responsible for those leaflets in Merauke while GempaR was responsible for the calling in Jayapura.
KNPB spokesperson Bazoko Logo denied the rumours, saying that they were spread by “irresponsible people”.
“It indicated the fear of Indonesia towards the struggle of Papuan people. It was obviously propaganda. But today Papuan people are educated; therefore they just wasted their energy in doing any attempts against Papuans,” he told Jubi last week in Waena, Jayapura.
Logo said Papuan in regards to this propaganda, Papuan people must be aware and considered those who distribute the black leaflets were crazy people. “KNPB firmly said to the invader Indonesia for not using this out of date method. We are not living in the Stone Age anymore. However, KNPB also feel grateful due to those leaflets, it convince the Papuan people that what was fought by KNPB is truly true,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Merauke Regional People Parliament (PRD), Pankrasia Yem when contacted by Juby confirmed that around 6 o’clock in the morning, Merauke residents stunned to find the leaflets distributed by unknown people. “This morning, a guy told me so. He said he got it in front of Catholic Church at Kelapa Lima while jogging. For that reason, Merauke KNPB and Merauke PRD announced that it was not true because they never issued it,” he explained.
Based on the latest information received by Jubi, those black leaflets were distributed by unknown people in Jayapura using the name of GempaR Papua. It said “Support Jokowi’s Program Development in Papua. We are not Melanesians but we are Indonesians. Wear your alma mater jacket. Refuse the politicized KNPB, no more demonstration. Get ready with your pens. Let’s carve our better future for us, Papua Indonesia.”
Meanwhile leaflet in Merauke said “Prayer invitation on 4 – 5 June 2015 to support Papua development. MSG countries admit the progress on Papua development. Praise Lord for the blessings. Let’s keep our heart to create a prosperous Papua apart from the chains of poverty, ignorance and politicking. Let’s pray on 4 – 5 June 2015 for all the best for Papua in the future for us and our children. We are not Melanesians, we are Papua Indonesia,” (Arnold Belau/rom)
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6) Random Arrests Against KNPB Activists Disconcerting, says Human Right Observer
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7) Free West Papua Music by: Papa Yanni - MORNING STAR

New Free West Papua song from the Solomon Islands! 
"I turned my eyes to the Morning Star, I thought I heard the sounds of mothers crying" 
"Free West Papua! Free West Papua! Freedom to the children of the land." 
Please listen to the new song-Morning Star by our Melanesian brother Papa Yanni. Thanks very much for all the support brother! Soldiarity from the Solomon Islands and all Melanesia is only growing faster every day! 
#WP4MSG 
#FreeWestPapua 
#MelanesiaRiseUp 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq2_7iip73w&app=desktop

1) Is oil palm the answer for rural poverty in Papua?

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2) In Indonesia, promising steps on Papua access but more work needed
3) Papuan activist doubts President's promise on migration
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1) Is oil palm the answer  for rural poverty in Papua?
Agustina YS Arobaya and Freddy Pattiselanno, Manokwari | Opinion | Tue, June 09 2015, 6:25 AM - 
Indonesian oil palm plantations have now reached more than 10 million hectares, making the country the world’s largest palm oil producer with an annual output of around 23 million tons.

In Papua, the oil palm industry started in the 1980s — when state-owned PTPN II started an oil palm business in Arso and Prafi.

The oil palm plantation was firstly intended to facilitate the transmigration program from other parts of Indonesia. A large part of the plantation is designed for a smallholder scheme allowing transmigrant families, mostly from Java and West Timor, together with Papuan customary land owners, to be allocated 2 hectares of oil palm per family and to sell their produce to the company.

Presently as space becomes limited in western Indonesia, investors are increasingly looking to the east for new land. Data from the West Papua Oil Palm Atlas show that currently there are 21 companies starting operations in Papua. Twenty other companies are in an advanced stage of the permit process and appear to be almost ready to start land clearing whilst dozens more are still applying for the permits they need.

Despite the negative impact of forest conversion into plantations, there is no doubt that oil palm also brought significant economic benefits to the region and in many cases improved the livelihoods of rural communities.

The oil palm sector, particularly crude palm oil (CPO) production, is an important source of government revenues. In 2008, CPO generated US$12.4 billion in foreign exchange from exports while about $1 billion in export tax was earned by the government at the same time.

The job-generating potential is another issue that fits the role of oil palm for poverty alleviation in Papua. A report by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) said that until March 2013, West Papua was among eight provinces with the highest poverty rate (26.67 percent), second after neighboring Papua (31.13 percent). Oil palm allows poor people to have a job and earn an income for their family.

Referring to the money earned by the government from oil palm, we have an impression that smallholders or farmers can achieve incomes that enable them to improve their livelihoods significantly.

The most recent study by the University of Papua (UNIPA) and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) reveals that in terms of socioeconomic effects, oil palm estate development under the Nucleus smallholders estate (PIR) scheme has not been able to satisfactorily benefit local communities, who hold land rights. PIR schemes that rely on immigrant workers are prone to creating horizontal conflicts, injustice and envy among local communities toward immigrants.

Krystof Obidzinski — a senior scientist from CIFOR and also a researcher of the study — explained that “locals who have a lack of skills and knowledge to effectively engage in modern agriculture productions may not benefit economically from oil palm.”

The production systems — cultivation, harvesting, transportation and marketing — of palm oil products are very challenging. Locals who lack experience on how to maintain the palms, eradicate pests or prune and cut fruit bunches may not be able to compete with migrants to increase production.

A barrier to meeting global palm oil demand through smallholder production systems is that in areas such as Indonesian Papua, and many other areas where industrial producers are now beginning to operate, the potential for smallholders to be active in oil palm production is much lower. In these areas, smallholders can be limited by insufficient expertise, labor, fertilizer and other essential inputs.

Other studies have shown that even though oil palm provides much-needed revenue to rapidly developing countries, its economic benefits are not distributed evenly.

Large oil palm companies exert considerable power in shaping the expansion of the oil palm industry, and their actions may be to the detriment of landowners and smallholders. Native Papuans have lost access to the land that they traditionally used. As land became more commercially valued, migrants began to take control of it, while promised infrastructural improvements failed to arrive.

For the last three years the local media in Papua have blown up the issue of land-agreement violation by the companies. This has not only badly affected local livelihoods but also destroyed the environment and marginalized the customary land owners.

Oil palm has drastically changed the forest landscape.

Forests have long been considered a mother for native Papuans. Thus, the loss of forests will lead to disenfranchisement of ethnic Papuans from their traditional landscapes and lifestyles. The short-term economic gains from this are obvious, but the long-term losses less so.

If oil palm expansion schemes are seen as a way to further alleviate poverty and create economic opportunity, the needs of local communities for land should be taken into account so they can to continue their lives.

A rapid development through oil palm industries has also made it difficult for locals to adjust and learn how to cope with the need for increasing production yields. A more gradual approach has to be considered rather than large-scale investment in a short period of time.

In this difficult start-up period, industrial producers are likely to dominate oil palm production and could set the conditions for smallholder participation, unless there is political intervention and appropriate smallholder incentives.

Last but not least, land acquisition by some companies has been criticized for not recognizing the traditional land rights of local people. As land becomes increasingly scarce, conflicts over land acquisition between companies and smallholders are likely to increase.

Therefore, further expansion needs to be transparent and take into account the demand for compensation by customary land owners and the status of the land once the company’s business-use rights expire.
_____

The writers are lecturers at the Forestry Department and the Animal Production Department of UNIPA, Manokwari.

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2) In Indonesia, promising steps on Papua access but more work needed

Last month Indonesia's President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, announced his intention to allow international journalists access to restive regions including Papua and West Papua--an issue the Committee to Protect Journalists has longadvocated for.
His announcement comes nearly six months after I represented CPJ in Indonesia as part of a joint mission made up of press freedom and freedom of expression groups. Among the mission's recommendations, released after its December visit, was a need for the government to address the limited access journalists have to these regions.
As well as the recommendations, the mission released findings last year based on its meetings in Jakarta and Bali with journalists, media advocates, and the government.
Widodo's announcement is a step we welcome. But as my colleague Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative, wrote last month: "The shift will be welcome, if Widodo's announcement is universally followed by all government agencies, including security forces."
That is a big if.
Already Indonesian security officials have made statements that run contrary to the president's announcement, according to news reports. "It appears to be business as usual this week for Indonesian government officials intent on maintaining the decades-long restrictions on foreign media access to Indonesia's far eastern provinces of Papua and West Papua," wrote Phelim Kine, of Human Rights Watch, last month.
The joint statement released by the mission today strongly encourages the president to back his statements with concrete changes in policy that will ensure journalists can operate freely in all parts of Indonesia. It calls on Widodo to take further steps, in line with recommendations made by the mission, to protect the safety of international and local journalists.
A copy of the statement can be viewed here.
Sumit Galhotra is the research associate for CPJ's Asia program. He served as CPJ's inaugural Steiger Fellow and has worked for CNN International, Amnesty International USA, and Human Rights Watch. He has reported from London, India, and Israel and the Occupied Territories, and specializes in human rights and South Asia.
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3) Papuan activist doubts President's promise on migration
Updated at 5:02 pm today
A pro-independence activist in Papua says he doesn't believe the Indonesian President, who promised to stop the controversial policy of transmigration.
Last week, Widodo signalled an end to the programme, which has seen hundreds of thousands of Javanese relocated to Papua since Indonesia's annexation of the provinces in 1969.
Yoab Syatfle says Papuans are outnumbered in their own region and Indonesia has taken advantage of its natural resources while watering down its culture.
He says Papuans are now only 45 percent of the population.
"This is a big problem to West Papua because it's the impact on our culture and also impact to control of our land and our natural resources. This is a serious serious problem."
The President's pledge was undermined by the transmigration minister, Marwan Jafar, who said the policy has worked well and would be expanded in Merauke.

1) Papuans will continue to suffer - activist

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2) Vanuatu reaffirms support West Papuan membership of MSG
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1) Papuans will continue to suffer - activist
Updated at 7:55 pm today
An activist in the West Papuan town of Merauke says Indonesia will continue its "plunder" of the province whether or not it the transmigration policy stays.
The Minister of Transmigration, Marwan Jafar, says it has been a success and should go on.
Yaphet Frangky says indigenous landowners have been frightened off their land by the Indonesian military since 1987.
He says palm oil companies will continue to attract workers regardless of Government policy.
"The problem is still not finished, but big big problem. The workers they don't have transmigration project but they are facilitating the people to come with more projects in Papua."
Yaphet Frangky says Papuan customs and the environment suffer, and they don't benefit from the investment.
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2) Vanuatu reaffirms support West Papuan membership of MSG
Updated 10 June 2015, 11:23 AEST

The Vanuatu government says it remains committed to supporting a bid by West Papuan groups for membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The foreign ministers and leaders of the MSG countries will meet in Honiara later this month to consider the membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.
But in recent weeks the prime ministers of both Papua New Guinea and Fiji have indicated they'd rather see Indonesia made an associate member of MSG.
PNG's PM Peter O'Neill has gone a step further and said he'd like to the governors of Indonesia's Papuan provinces sit at the MSG table as they're more representative than West papuan groups outside Indonesia.
Last week Vanuatu's Prime Minister Joe Natuman sacked his Foreign Minister Sato Kilman.
Mr Natuman's spokesman Kiery Manassah says Mr Kilman was dismissed primarily for disloyalty, but also because he undermined the government's support for the West Papuan groups.
Presenter: Liam Fox
Speaker: Kiery Manassah, Vanuatu's government spokesman

1) Dutch Journalist Reports Undercover From West Papua

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2) Paniai Stakeholders Must Support Human Right Special Committee on Paniai Case Settlement
3) Discussion on Customary Governance System

4) Indonesia, Australia conduct joint naval exercise

5) Answers to parliamentary questions in the Dutch Parliament about the violent arrest of two journalists in Papua


6) Continuation of translation of article about ULMPB's application to join the MSG

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June 10, 2015

1) Dutch Journalist Reports Undercover From West Papua

 
In defiance of a 1963 law forbidding foreign journalists entry to West Papua, Dutch journalist Rohan Radheya has over the past years travelled into the region several times, and is one of very few foreign journalists able to do so. Well aware of the risks of being caught Radheya embarked on a new journey to West Papua last month and while he was there, on 10 May 2015, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced that the controversial ban on foreign journalists’ entry to West Papua would be lifted. Radheya shared his experiences and opinions about the lifting of the ban with UNPO.
 
In May 2015, Rohan Radheya travelled to West Papua as an undercover journalist with the aim of meeting with several political prisoners and visiting the headquarters of the Organisasi Papua Merdeka or Free Papua Movement (OPM). According to Simon Sapioper, acting President of the National Government of the Republic of West Papua (NGRWP), journalists like Radheya are facing multiple risks travelling to West Papua as undercover journalists on a tourist visa, including imprisonment if they are caught.
Foreign journalists have been banned from entering West Papua since 1963, the year in which Indonesiaoccupied the region. On 10 May 2015, during his three-day visit to West Papua, however, President Joko Widodo announced a lifting of this ban, stressing that foreign journalists would be able to enter the region from that day onwards. Radheya just happened to be in the region during Jokowi’s announcement.
Despite this seemingly positive step, Radheya remained wary telling UNPO that no one in West Papua believes in Jokowi’s promises to allow press freedom in the region. He further highlighted that a long list of criteria which foreign journalists wishing to enter West Papua have to fulfill was published directly after the ban was lifted. These demands include the prohibition of negative and critical news about the Indonesian government. Besides, foreign journalists would still be subjected to a ‘screening’ and those who report biased or imbalanced news would be penalized.
According to Radheya, one could even argue that the Indonesian government is making it more difficult to report from West Papua: ‘’First they banned foreign journalists and now they even want to control our reporting,’’ he told UNPO. Moreover, he believes that the current media accreditation offered by the Indonesian government will only make it harder for foreign journalists to operate inside West Papua, as it will enable the authorities to easily monitor the movement of foreign journalists in the region.
 
 
During his most recent visit to West Papua, Radheya had the opportunity to interview political prisoners, among them Filep Karma, who currently is imprisoned in the Abepura prison. Karma, who has been declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International and who is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, told Radheya that he remembers the first time he was beaten in prison. Moreover, like many others, he was not granted a free and fair trial.
Following his stay in West Papua, Radheya headed to neighboring Papua New Guinea, where he is currently preparing a documentary about the lives of the thousands of West Papuan refugees living in the Lowara refugee camp. Most of the West Papuans living in the camps fled the political persecution in their home country in the 1970s and 80s.
Photo Courtesy of Rohan Radheya
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2) Paniai Stakeholders Must Support Human Right Special Committee on Paniai Case Settlement
Jayapura, Jubi – Efforts by the Human Right Special Committee of the Papua Legislative Council to resolve the shooting incident that killed four high school students and injured dozens of people in Enarotali, Paniai on 8 December 2014 have won the backing of a young Mee tribesman, Lukas Gobay.
He said all local stakeholders, including religious leaders, customary leaders, community leaders and people, must give their support to the Human Right Special Committee to fight for the victims and their families to get justice.
“I think all stakeholders must give their support to the Human Right Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council and Human Investigation Commission on Human Right Violation (KPP HAM) or currently renamed the Adhoc team to resolve this case and bring it to the human right court,” Gobay told Jubi in Jayapura on Monday (8/6/2015).
According to him this bloody incident that caused dead victims is clearly the severe human right violation. He hope this case could be revealed for not be happened in the future.
“Moreover, the violence often happens in Paniai. Do not let something like this continue to be happened. Until now people in Paniai are feeling anxious. So far the struggle of Human Right Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council to push the settlement of the case was optimal. Now just to let the relevant parties to get involved to resolve this case,” he said.
However, he said he doesn’t agree that the excavation of body victims for autopsy should be done as proposed by the Papua Police.
“If it was me, I do not agree about the excavation. It is against the Mee tribal custom. If they want an autopsy, it should be done before the bodies were buried,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Human Right Special Committee of Papua Legislative Council, Laurenzus Kadepa said the committee would continue their work to enforce the settlement of the shooting case in fulfilling the sense of justice towards the victims and their families. (Arjuna Pademme/rom)
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3) Discussion on Customary Governance System
Sentani, Jubi – The establishment of customary villages should meet some criteria agreed with nine customary law territories within the region, Second Assistant for Economy and Development of Jayapura Regency said.
He made the statement after opening a one-day seminar on the recognition of customary people and customary village pilot model that was held at the Second Floor Hall of Jayapura Regent Office.
“This seminar is a follow up to the previous workshop that recommended nine customary authorities in Jayapura Regency to have one or two customary villages at the level of sub-district administrative,” Second Assistant of Jayapura Regency Frits Rumayomi said after the ceremony on Monday (8/6/2015).
According to him, the customary law has an important role and its own system of administration that governed according to traditional norms in each village, this is the term that we together agreed.
‘The customary community has its own structure that need to be developed in the customary village administration, and the nine customary authorities must implement it, of course each customary area is still be connected because we are still standing in the same land and water, and the most important is the implementation of this administration system should be started in accordance with each regional authorities, thus the Government would promote the establishment of the customary villages,” he said.
Meanwhile, a customary leader of Yobeh Village, Yafet Felle at the separate place said the establishment of Customary Village has been clear and included in the Village Law No. 6/2014, while the customary figure of each village only to prepare the framework and regulation that would be applied in their village in accordance with the local needs.
“We just need to establish and implement the law, the government will give recognition on customary village if our community would implement and agreed on this matter. Although it was clear it is the third year that we are given the opportunity to set up our own administration system in our villages but it seems rigid and difficult to accept it among us, the customary leaders. (Engel Wally/rom)
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4) Indonesia, Australia conduct joint naval exercise

Rabu, 10 Juni 2015 21:59 WIB | 494 Views
Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) are conducting a joint exercise named "Cassoary Exercise" (Cassuex) 2015.

Commander of the Maritime Combat Unit of the Eastern Fleet Command Commodore I.N.G. Ariawan opened the joint exercise at the Naval Base VII Command Station in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday, Spokesman for the Eastern Fleet Command Lt. Col. Maman Sulaeman said in a press statement released on Wednesday.

"The joint exercise is aimed at improving the professionalism of TNI AL soldiers and establishing cooperation between the two sovereign countries on the basis of mutual respect," he added.

The Indonesian delegation to the joint exercise was represented by Indonesian warships KRI Tombak-629 (KRI TOK-629) commanded by Lt. Col. Dikry Rizzany Nurdiansyah and KRI Hiu-634 commanded by Maj. Rafael Dwinatu.

"The two warships are part of a speed ship unit of the Eastern Fleet Command," he stated. 

The RAN sent HMAS Glenelg commanded by CMDR Stephen David Waring and HMAS Wolongong commanded by LCDR Matthew Richardson, which anchored at Naval Base VIIs pier in Kupang on Sunday, June 7, Sulaeman pointed out.

Emphasizing the importance of the joint exercise, Commander of the Maritime Combat Unit of the Eastern Fleet Command Commodore I.N.G. Ariawan noted that there must be good coordination in the field to obtain optimum results. 

(Reported by Edy M. Yakub/Edited by INE/KR-BSR/A014)
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From Propapua
5) Answers to parliamentary questions in the Dutch Parliament about the violent arrest of two journalists in Papua
|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To the President of the Lower House of Dutch Parliament
the Hague, 29-5-2015,
I present you the answers to the written questions raised by the member De Roon about the violent arrest of two journalists in Papua. These questions were sent on May 8, 2015 with characteristic 2015Z08523.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Bert Koenders
Q
Have you taken note of the news that two Papuan journalists were
violently arrested by Indonesian security forces?
A
Yes
Q
-How do you assess the assaulting and arresting of journalists attempting to do their work ?
-Are you prepared to seek clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding this event with the Indonesian authorities?
-What do the ongoing arrests of journalists in Papua mean for the
freedom of press in Indonesia?
A
Freedom of the press in Indonesia is generally high. In Papua and West Papua the handling of local journalists, however, remains an issue of concern, as shown by the arrest of the two journalists. One of the two journalists was allegedly wearing
a T-shirt that read "Free West Papua", and thus possibly taken for a supporter of one of the groups fighting for independence in Papua. Freedom of the press in Indonesia and in Papua in particular, has the continuous attention of the Dutch government.
Q
Can you indicate whether you see improvement in the relationship between the Indonesian authorities and the indigenous Papuan population since the election of President
Joko Widodo?
A
For the second times since taking office in October 2014, president Widodo visited the provinces of Papua and West Papua on the weekend of 9-10 May this year. Doing so, president Widodo has announced some encouraging steps that should contribute to a better understanding. One of which was to give pardons to five political prisoners who previously were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 20 years to life. The president also spoke about the possibility that other political prisoners will be released. He also stated that for foreign journalists visiting Papua
and West Papua nowadays, the same rules apply as for the rest of Indonesia. This is something that has been repeatedly advocated for by the Netherlands towords the Indonesian authorities, most recently during the official consultations with
Indonesia on 17 March. With this, follow up was also given to the motion of the members De Roon and Wilders (II, 34 000 V, no. 24) of equal scope.
Q
Do you agree that human rights training through community policing programs are of little effect in improving the relationship between police and local communities? If not, why not?
A
I do not share that view. Relatively recent (October 2014) a start has been made with the training of 3,700 police officers for whom this program in Papua is developed. The conclusion that the program would be of litlle effect I deem premature. In addition it is positive that police chiefs from Papua and Jakarta talked extensively about opportunities to continue the community policing activities permanently even beyond the end of the current program (May 2016), during the last steering committee meeting of the program.
Q
-What can you do to challenge and counter the structural violent suppression of the Papuan community?
-Are you prepared to make the situation in Papua a spearhead in your human rights policy? If not, why not?
A
The situation in the provinces of Papua and West Papua, including the human rights situation, already forms part of the structured dialogue between the Netherlands and Indonesia as well as the human rights dialogue between Indonesia and
the EU. The Netherlands continue to monitor the human rights situation in both provinces meticulously.
Translation Pro Papua
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6) Continuation of translation of article about ULMPB's application to join the MSG

There is also the case of fifty-three Papuans who were killed on 29 July 1969 at the headquarters of Infantry battalion 753 in Arfay,
Manokwari which is believed to have been perpetrated by members of the TNI security forces.

  Another case is the killing of hundreds of Papuan civilians on board a naval vessel of the Indonesian Navy, which  followed sweeping
operations against activists who were involved in a peaceful
demonstration under the Menara Water Tower, near Pelabuhan Lauk Biak on 6 June 1998.

  Five Papuans were killed in Aimas-Sorong during an incident on 30 April 2013 which is believed to have involved  the use of fire arms
deployed by members of the Indonesian Police Force and the Indonesian Army in Sorong City.

  Another case is the killing of five Papuans on a field  in Karel Gobay Enarotali, district of Paniai which is believed to have been
committed by members of the police and the army when they opened fire on a crowd of people on 8 December 2014.

  None of these cases have been solved nor has there been any show of political will on the part of the Government of Indonesia ever since
the reformation of the government in 1998.

  This means that the government of Indonesia has shown that is has no interest at all in these matters, despite the enactment of Law
21/2001 on Special Autonomy for the Province of West Papua. Nor has there been any developmental activities in the Land of Papua that
would comply with the feelings of justice of the Papuan people, nor has anything been done to improve the welfare of the people in a way
that would show respect for basic human rights in the Land of Papua.

  None of this has been done, as a result of which the majority of Papuan people have lost all hope that they will receive all the right
to which the  people who believe in God Almighty are entitled, if they continue to be remain part of Ibu Pertiwi [a symbol of the Indonesian
state].

  The Papuan people believe that if they continue to be a part of Ibu Pertiwi, there is no hope for the indigenous Papuan people to get
decent  treatment from the state of Indonesia. They even fear that
 hey are facing the danger of genocide which threatens future generations.

 Because of all these factors, the Papuan people are now thinking about what they need to do to win their independence, which would make
it possible for them to handle their own affairs and above all to have an act of self-determination.

  One way of achieving this would be by means of polling as long as the figures are absolutely reliable scientifically.

  These are the aspirations for which they have struggled for many years.  They hope to get the moral, social and political support of
their Melanesian brothers and sisters who have already won their independence, such as the people of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu,
the Solomon Islands, as well as all their brethren in New Caledonia and the people of Kanaky.

   By coming together in a single organisation, the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP), they hope that they will be able to
present all their problems to their friends and colleagues in Melanesia.

  The ULMWP application to become a member of the MSG is not only seen as an 'Ace Card' on the way to a Free Papua. International
solidarity is extremely important as an integral part of the Melanesian People, as well as enjoying their basic human rights and to
be respected throughout the world..

  Many things have been done to win their democratic rights as well as the resolution of the many violations of basic human rights that
have occurred during the past fifty years since becoming part of the Republic of Indonesia. These should be resolved  by the Government of
Indonesia by legal means and in accordance with universally accepted principles.

  This means that all the peaceful activities now being undertaken by members of the KNPB are intended to show that the ULMWP should be
accepted as a member of the MSG, all of which is being undertaken by means that are in accordance with the laws in force.

  All of this can be achieved if the people in the Land of Papua and in Indonesia, including the security forces, recognise the political
dynamic of the Papuan people in accordance with democracy.

  This is why I have now decided to declare that the acceptance of the UNLPB as a member of the MSG is an extremely important step
towards fulfilling the basic rights of the indigenous Papuan people as a part of the Melanesian Race and as an important part of all the
indigenous people throughout the world, enjoying the same rights in accordance with the various mechanisms that should win huge support
around the world.

  Finally, if the ULMWP's application to join the MSG at the forthcoming summit meeting which is due to take place on 26 June this
year is accepted, this will establish a tradition of democracy in the Land of Papua and will bring about a new political trend in the
Pacific that would be acceptable to everyone throughout the world, including the Government of Indonesia.

Peace,

Yan Christian Warinussy Executive-Director of the LP3BH (Institution of Research, Analyzing and Development for Legal Aid.

Translated by Carmel Budiardj
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