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Summary of events in West Papua for June 2015

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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)
PO Box 28, Spit Junction, NSW 2088

Summary of events in West Papua for June (to July 7) 2015
 
West Papua is at the MSG table
The ULMWP, representing the West Papuan people have been granted observer status at the MSG described as  “an observer member under the regional and international category representing West Papuans living abroad,” Although the ULMWP and the West Papuan people must be disappointed that they did not receive full membership, is it as David Robie said in his article “In the end, the MSG failed the test with a betrayal of the people of West Papua by the two largest members. Although ultimately it is a decision by consensus.” http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/articles/caf-pacific-fiji-png-lead-betrayal-still-west-papuans-triumph  or as Dan McGarry from the Pacific Institute of Public Policy Policy suggests in his article  “Anything less than defeat is a victory” (29/6/15).

However, the bottom line is that ULMWP is at the MSG table and recognised by an important regional organisation. There is no reason that at future meetings the ULMWP’s status could not also be changed to associate or full membership. The ULMWP fought a hard campaign supported by the West Papuan people to try and achieve full membership with continuing lobbying of the MSG leaders. They achieved great media coverage throughout their campaign which will ensure that West Papua is firmly on the agenda in the Pacific Region. Their achievement will certainly be noted by the PIF countries and the ULMWP could also eventually achieve status at the PIF. The support given by civil society organisations, church groups and individual politicians in the various MSG countries will ensure the issue of West Papua is not going away. Indonesia also did what it could to stop the ULMWP achieving their aim by offering aid to the MSG countries. The decision to give the ULMWP observer status was critised by Indonesia.

From the Jakarta Post (“RI denies monitoring Papua through MSG”.,3/7/15) 
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has denied any connection between Jakarta’s recent diplomatic push and the bid of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to become a full MSG member. The ministry have claimed that Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her counterparts had only discussed “Indonesia’s commitment to the US$20 million capacity-building program for MSG countries”. “I believe that this is a strategy by Indonesia to be able to more closely detect any separatist movements through the MSG. They are concerned that the MSG could support separatist movements or include the agenda of Papua in its discussion,” Indonesia Defense University’s international relations expert Bantarto Bandoro told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. During the campaign many rallies were held in West Papua in support of the ULM’s application with they security forces cracking down on the peaceful demonstrators, arresting and beating many. They West Papuan people also gathered more than 55,000 signatures in support of the ULM’s application.
Indonesian also criticised the speech by ULM’s Secretary General Octo Mote.

From Jubi (27’6’15) Indonesian delegation reacted strongly to a speech by the General Secretary of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) at a meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Oktovianus Mote said ULMWP stood before MSG to affirm that the group have fulfilled the requirements demanded by MSG at a meeting in Noumea, New Caledonia in 2013. “The people of West Papua are united under the leadership of ULMWP. And our unity is supported by the Melanesian people. Our leadership has been legitimized by more than 55,000 people who signed the petition supporting ULMWP application for full membership. Many of the applicants had been arrested, imprisoned and tortured, “Mote said in his speech. He said for 53 years Papua nation has been struggling against the colonial rulers of Indonesia and suffered human rights abuses. He claimed that at least 500,000 have been killed. He also claimed the Indonesian crimes against Melanesians in West Papua has been widely recognized in various international and regional levels such as the European Union, the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum, and MSG). Mandy Setyawati, who led the Indonesian delegation, released a statement denouncing the speech.
 
From Dan McGarry’s article. “Arguably, West Papua is reaching a point in its political history similar to that of Black America in the years leading up to the march in Selma. Increasingly overt and untenable state violence is working against itself now. Indonesia can no longer avoid a painful but necessary confrontation with its own behaviour. It may yet be years before a peaceful and practical resolution is even possible, let alone within our collective grasp. But Doctor King famously claimed that the arc of history bends toward justice. And here is evidence that it does.For the indigenous peoples of West Papua, defeat is now unthinkable. And anything else, no matter how small, can only be victory.” http://pacificpolicy.org/2015/06/anything-less-than-defeat-is-a-victory/
 
 
Biak Massacre 6 July 1998

The West Papuan flag, The Morning Star was raised on the 2 July in 1998 on top of a water tower near the harbour in Biak town.  Up to seventy-five people gathered beneath it singing songs and holding traditional dances.  As the rally continued many more people in the area joined in with numbers reaching up to 500 people. On the 6 July the Indonesian security forces attacked the demonstrators massacring scores of people.  The victims, included women and children who had gathered for a peaceful rally. They were killed at the base of the water tower. Other Papuans were rounded up and later taken out to sea where they were thrown off naval ships and drowned. No security force personal were ever charged over the killings. The Free West Papua Campaign in Sydney held a vigil to commemorate the Biak Massacre on Friday 3 July.  Photos at http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/photos-of-free-west-papua-campaign.html AWPA media release at http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/media-release-17-years-since-biak.html

West Papua freedom forumA West Papua freedom forum was held in Darwin (4-6 July) with aims to establish strategies to intensify the campaign to end the 54 year brutal Indonesian military occupation. group of about 60 people erected a temporary hut embassy outside Parliament House, calling for West Papuan independence from Indonesia. http://freedomflotillawestpapua.org
 
 
Amnesty International Urgent Action. AI released an urgent action that people can respond to concerning “Seven Papuan activists have been detained for their peaceful political activities. They've been charged with ‘incitement’ and could face up to six years’ imprisonment”. http://www.amnesty.org.au/urgent/action/37461/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb-post&utm_campaign=UA655 PDF format  http://www.amnestyusa.org/sites/default/files/uaa13915.pdf
 

News in brief
Punks for West Papua. A series of gigs by Punks for West Papua not only raised funds but brought awareness of the West Papuan issue to a new audience. Congratulations to all the groups involved and their supporters.

(So much for the open policy for journalists. AWPA)
Indonesian military personnel may accompany press in Papua. Senin, 22 Juni 2015
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Military Chief General Moeldoko said his institution was considering implementing a policy of having security personnel accompany foreign journalists in Papua to avoid untoward incidents. "I am considering appointing guards to accompany foreign journalists so we can guide and protect them in case any dangerous situation arises," Moeldoko stated here on Monday. The military chief was attending a hearing with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi and Chief of the State Intelligence Agency Marciano Norman. They discussed the amnesty and abolition policy applied to political prisoners in Papua. Moeldoko added that the effort to provide assistance to foreign journalists was to ensure their safety. The Indonesian Military will support all policies of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for unity in Indonesia, he affirmed. "At the hearing, we will further discuss the potential of the policy," Moeldoko remarked. In addition, a member of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Tantowi Yahya, pointed out that the hearing was a follow-up to the letter the president sent on May 7 regarding granting amnesty and the abolition policy for political prisoners in Papua. Furthermore, the Deliberative Body of the Indonesian parliament decided to refer the case of the Papuan political prisoners to Commission III. (Uu.B019/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)

 
 
Minister Contradicts President; Says Papua Transmigration Will Continue (Jakarta Globe 7/6/15)
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.
 
 
Papuans will continue to suffer - activist
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. There have been mixed messages on the policy from members of Indonesia's government after President Joko Widodo called an end to the controversial policy of relocating hundreds of thousands of Indonesians into Papua and West Papua. 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. (RNZI 10/6/15)
 

Dutch Journalist Reports Undercover From West Papua

UNPO June 10, 2015. 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 Indonesia occupied 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.
 
 
Asia Pacific Greens adopt West Papua resolution
The 3rd Congress of the Asia Pacific Greens Federation has adopted a resolution on the West Papuan self-determination struggle. The congress was held at the weekend in Silverstream, near New Zealand's capital, and featured delegates from a range of countries including Iraq, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The resolution, proposed by Greens delegates from PNG, Solomon Islands, New Zealand and Indonesia recognises and supports the human rights and self determination of the people of West Papua as Melanesians and supports their bid for membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group The Federation requests that the Indonesian government has dialogue with West Papuan leaders. It also supports West Papuans' Pacific identity as Melanesians who should have a voice in Pacific leadership groups. (RNZI  15/6/15).
 
 
West Papua leader still doesn’t know why he’s blocked from US
The West Papuan independence leader, Benny Wenda, says he has still not heard why he was blocked from travelling to the United States a month ago. The West Papuan independence leader, Benny Wenda, says he has still not heard why he was blocked from travelling to the United States a month ago. In May Mr Wenda was checking in at London's Heathrow Airport when he was taken in for questioning by an official from the US Homeland Security Department, who then revoked his 10-year business visa. He says he was told to contact the US Embassy which said he would have to wait five working days to find out what happened, but a month on, he still hasn't heard. "I don't know what reason they took my visa but there's been no explanation at all. Until today, I'm still waiting, so it's very difficult." Benny Wenda says he’s certain he was prevented from travelling to the US because of his West Papua work. (RNZI 22/6/15).
 
 
14 Students arrested
14 members of the Independent Student Forum (FIM) were arrested in Abepura, Papua by the police. The students were fund raising to support the ad hoc team of the National Commission on Human Rights which was formed to look into the tragedy of the killing of civilians in Paniai on the 8 December. According to a report in Step Magazine, the Abepura police dispersed the students early in the morning but the students gathered again in cab perumnas III Waena and continued their fundraising activity. Shortly after the police again broke up the fund raising activities arresting 14. The police said they dispersed the students because they did not have a permit. AWPA release at  http://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/media-release-14-students-arrested-in.html
 
 
Police Re-Arrest Two KNPB Activists in Manokwari 
Yogjakarta, Jubi – The West Papua Police re-arrested two fugitive activists from the National Committee of West Papua (KPNB) in Manokwari region on Friday, July 3rd.The Commission for Diplomacy of West Papua National Committee (KNPB) of Manokwari region, Samuel Mabel, last week, said that Manokwari Police arrested the two KNPB activist on Mansinam island. “The two of them , Narko Muri and Jemi Murib previously fled from police custody in Manokwari. They were arrested on Mansinam island when they wanted to go to Nabire,” he told Jubi by cell phone from Manokwari, West Papua. “They also got beaten by officers when arrested,” he said. Currently, they are with three other KNPB activists in Manokwari police custody. Previously local print media in Manokwari and West Papua published that a peaceful demonstration detainee who is an activist of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB), Narko Murib escape from police custody in Manokwari on Tuesday (06/16/2015). And a team of legal advocacy and human rights for the people of West Papua, coordinated by the Institute for Research, Study and Development of Legal Aid (LP3BH) in Manokwari ignored the news. “Our clients, namely Alexander Nekenem, Narko Murib, Maikel Aso and Yoram Magai are detained in headquarters of Brigade Mobile. They are actually very well guarded by members of the Mobile Brigade on duty at all times,” Yan Christian Warinussy explained. (Arnold Belau)

 

House rebuffs plan to pardon Papuans

Margareth S. Aritonang, The Jakarta Post, June 23 2015,. The House of Representatives has rejected a government proposal to pardon political prisoners in Papua, citing fears that they would go on to inflame separatism in the resource-rich region. The House on Monday met to discuss President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s plan for a second release of Papuan political convicts, summoning Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Moeldoko and National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Lt. Gen. Marciano Norman to a closed-door meeting with House Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs. Despite holding only a preliminary meeting to a discussion expected to bring in more officials, including Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Tedjo Edhi Purdijatno, to meet Commission I and Commission III overseeing law, human rights and security next week, Commission I refused to support the government’s plan to grant amnesty to around 90 political prisoners in Papua and West Papua provinces. “There are, as yet, no comprehensive programs by the government in Papua [to develop the region]. It’s clear that the government institutions dealing with the matter have so far carried out only individual, ad hoc initiatives,” Commission I deputy chairman Tantowi Yahya told the press after the meeting.
“We require the government to first elaborate measures to be taken in Papua in a comprehensive roadmap. We will not give our support unless the government provides a clear and broad roadmap to be implemented in Papua,” the Golkar politician added. According to Tantowi, the House received an official letter from Jokowi on May 7 seeking political support from the House for a plan to free more political prisoners following the release of five political detainees in Jayapura: 
Apotnalogolit Lokobal, who was serving a 20-year sentence, Numbungga Telenggen, serving a life sentence, Kimanus Wenda, serving 19 years, Linus Hiluka, serving 19 years and Jefrai Murib, serving a life sentence. There are currently around 90 political prisoners detained in prisons around the restive region, including prominent political activist and former civil servant Filep Samuel Karma, who is serving a 15-year sentence for raising the banned Bintang Kejora (Morning Star) flag during a political rally in 2004. In the press conference that followed the meeting, the ministers declined to discuss the plan, but did stress that Papua was not off-limits for foreigners, including foreign journalists. “We’ve explained our responsibility in Papua, which is related to access to the land,” Retno said, explaining that her ministry had recorded an increase in permits issued to foreign journalists since 2011. The House’s summary rejection of the plan to free Papuan political prisoners disappointed human rights campaigners, who expressed hope that the legislature would come round. “We recommend that lawmakers politically support the government’s proposal, because the prisoners are not guilty. Set them free, for the sake of humanity,” said Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch. Andreas highlighted Filep’s case as an example of wrongful arrest that contravened international law.  Poengky Indarti of Imparsial said that granting amnesty to political prisoners in Papua would help to regain the trust of the region’s people. “It is part of a solution to solve problems in Papua peacefully,” she said.
 


Opinion pieces/press releases/letters/etc.

 
PNG Ignores West Papua at Its Own Peril


 
JOKOWI’S SECOND PRESIDENTIAL VISIT TO PAPUA  -Reflection and Agenda for dialogue


West Papua, represented by the ULMWP must be at the MSG table

Photos of one of the Free West Papua campaign vigils held in Sydney on the 5 June 

 
Media release-More rallies called in West Papua
 

Kamoro People Resist Freeport Smelter Development on their Ancestral Land

What the Kamoro are opposing: briefing on planned industrial developments for Timika  
 
Video of the  Biak Massacre Commemoration Vigil in Sydney

 

A series of articles on West Papua on the Lowy Institute Interpreter blog by Michael Bachelard, correspondent for Fairfax Media in Indonesia from 2012 to 2014. 

The stories we never hear from Papua
With the missionaries of Papua

How government is failing the people of Papua

Papua's education malaise

In Papua's health centres, a glimpse of dysfunction and corruption

Papua's journalists tell hard truths about local cronyism and violence

For Papua's independence activists, the struggle is about more than human rights

Papuans face ignorance, corruption and racism from Jakarta

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1) Nafuki welcomes PM’s stand on West Papua

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2) West Papua Indigenous People|06 July 1998- Recalling The Biak Massacre
3) 230 Papuans circumcised  to curb HIV/AIDS

4) South Sorong Regency Prepares Two Acres of Land for Military Headquarters

5) MRP Decree Indicates Burden of Conflict
6) Court Rejects Ex-Papua Governor’s Pretrial Motion
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1) Nafuki welcomes PM’s stand on West Papua
Posted: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 12:00 am
By Len Garae
The Prime Minister has assured the Chairman of the West Papua Unification Committee in Port Vila, Presbyterian Church Pastor Allan Nafuki that Vanuatu’s staunch support for the freedom of West Papua from Indonesian rule has not changed and for that reason, it is important for West Papua to start by having one leg inside the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The Chairman says he is happy with the progress gained on West Papua now with its Observer Status to MSG. “This is a positive achievement for West Papua and I am happy with it because it means that the next step is going to be a possibility of full membership to MSG,” the Chairman says.
On the question of whether or not Vanuatu voted in favour of West Papua becoming a full member of MSG, the Chairman says he personally approached Prime Minister Sato Kilman over the dilemma.
“I was happy when the Prime Minister assured me that Vanuatu’s support for West Papua has not changed, that it was important to have Indonesia at arm’s length in order to be able to dialogue with them over the future of West Papua,” he says.
“While there are West Papuans who want their freedom from Indonesia, there are also some West Papuans who support Indonesia so the West Papua Associate Membership represents those Melanesians who support Indonesia.”
But the Chairman says there won’t be any Indonesian faces in the MSG.
“The Prime Minister says there are proper channels along which to approach the Indonesians about the situation of West Papua because the country is under their control. They also have a powerful military force to support what they believe in,” he says.
However the Chairman has reiterated that the majority of the participants that attended the All West Papua Conference in Port Vila last December travelled to Port Vila from within West Papua.
The Chairman says to be exact, about 40 representatives came direct from West Papua while about 10 representatives arrived from other countries.
The West Papuans living abroad could not return to their homeland for fear of being killed by the Indonesian military. Even so, they continue to remain the mouthpiece on the international stage for their people in West Papua.
West Papua Freedom Global Campaigner Benny Wenda who lives in London and Octavianus Mote, ULMWP Secretary General who lives in Washington are two of those people. Both men attended the historic summit in Port Vila last December.
The Chairman says it is important to correct the misinformation from the MSG Summit in Honiara that the West Papua Summit that was held in Port Vila last December represented West Papuan exiles.
“This statement is simply not true because my committee and I screened all the names to know where each one of them came from so it was misleading to say the least, that they came from other countries,” the Chairman says.
From December 1-6 of last year, the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs dared to host the first ever all West Papua Summit, which brought together senior representatives of all the West Papua Freedom Factions operating within West Papua as well as their international representatives.
The Summit began by successfully organising a reconciliation ceremony at Saralana to create a Melanesian environment to convince the different factions to put aside their historical differences and stand united under the United Liberation Movement of West Papua to apply on behalf of their people in West Papua, for full membership of MSG.
The application was made in line with a direction from the MSG Executive that was issued in Port Moresby earlier last year.
The Chairman says, the ULMWP applied for full membership to the MSG and to grant them “observer Status” is already allowing the people of West Papua one leg inside the Melanesian Sub Regional Organisation.
The Chairman says the WPUC has yet to meet to analyse the decision of the MSG Summit in Honiara.
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2) West Papua Indigenous People|06 July 1998- Recalling The Biak Massacre
On 6 July 1998, took place a horrifying incident that I wish to remind us all after 17 years. In Indonesia’s conflict zone, West Papuans were demonstrating for independence on the island of Biak. And they were attacked in a coordinated mechanism by the Indonesian military and police. The Biak Massacre is widely known in anecdotal terms in West Papua as being a really severe event but it’s not acknowledged officially at all – certainly not by the Indonesian government.
“The West Papuans in Biak were asserting their right to self-determination after more than three decades of Indonesian military occupation of West Papua. The slaughter began with a dawn raid on a peaceful encampment by the town’s water tower as many of the protesters slept or prayed. After the shooting stopped, the dead, dying, and wounded were loaded onto trucks and driven to the nearby naval base. Surviving Papuans were tortured and then loaded aboard Indonesian naval vessels and dumped into the ocean. Women were raped aboard the ships. Many of the victims had their hands bound or were stabbed before being thrown into the sea. Bodies of the victims washed up on Biak’s shores during the following weeks.”
ASEAN human rights advocate and Executive Director of North South Initiative, Malaysian based Ngo, Adrian Pereira said, “The Biak Incident represents one of the many gross violation of human rights in West Papua. It is only right that Jokowi allow international NGOs to enter West Papua to conduct fact findings and people’s tribunals on such violation to ensure the state supported perpetrators are taken to task.” 
No government of Indonesia has acknowledged the massacre or held the perpetrators accountable. The government continues to discourage investigation of this and other human rights crimes in West Papua by limiting access to the territory by foreign journalists, independent researchers, as well as UN and other international officials.
Watch the video testimony of Mr.Octavianus Mote, human rights advocate, journalist from the West Papua’s Me tribe. At the time of the incident, he was the bureau chief of Kompas daily in Papua and West Papua. Eyewitness of the facts occurred in Biak, he played a role of mediator between the Indonesian Government and the 100 Papuan leaders.
Fleeing an assassination attempt, he now lives in the United States where he was granted asylum and continues his important work for West Papua independence.
Justice delayed is justice denied, 17 years passed on and there is no real closure on the Biak incident. The Human Lens is actively campaigning with ASEAN lobby for bringing readers the on-ground stories from West Papua. Moreover,  we feel that the chilling silence of the international community on these violations is equally disturbing as without a limelight on West Papua, the violations are bound to continue.


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3) 230 Papuans circumcised  to curb HIV/AIDS
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Headlines | Tue, July 07 2015, 5:01 PM - 
The Papua AIDS Eradication Commission (KPAD) has overseen the circumcision of 230 Papuans using PrePex devices, a painless procedure provided by the US-based Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), at Dok II Jayapura Hospital.

“Of the 253 people who applied for circumcision, 230 had it done. Of the rest, 20 could not proceed because of previously existing penile inserts while the other three had their rings released early due to discomfort,” Papua KPAD secretary Constant Karma said in Jayapura on Monday.

Karma, who was also among those having the circumcision done, said that the circumcisions were expected to help control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Circumcision, he said, prevented men from contracting many venereal diseases, which were considered a stepping stone in the spread of HIV/AIDS.

“By lowering the amount of venereal disease, it is expected that the spread of HIV/AIDS will also be slowed,” Karma said.

He added that the skin on the tip of the penis was where different germs causing venereal diseases might be nesting.

Earlier, Karma, a former deputy governor of Papua, revealed that the total number of people infected with AIDS in the province had reached around 19,000 since the virus was first detected in Merauke in 1992.

The device, consisting of an elastic ring that gets placed on a male’s genitals for seven days, has been considered practical and easy to use and can provide a non-surgical, medical means to carry out adult male circumcisions.

The modern devices were brought into Papua and West Papua by CHAI and were first used in Indonesia and a number of African countries.

The PrePex method is used for men of 15 years of age and older. Before being circumcised, the patients underwent counseling to avoid shock after having the rings attached to their genitals.

Charles, one of the participants, said that he could still carry out daily functions after having the rings installed. Although, he said, he felt pain each morning.

“The pain came when my penis was erect but it disappeared with the erection also,” said Charles, adding that during erection the rings exerted more pressure, thus causing pain.

Charles also said that two days after the rings were attached, the skin on the tip of his penis began to blacken and on the third day it became septic and odorous.

On the seventh day, he said, the skin had dried and was then cut off and the rings were released.

Meanwhile, HIV/AIDS counselor Siti Soltief of the Dok II Jayapura Hospital said that after the rings were released, the men were not allowed to have sex within the following six weeks, to allow the cut skin to heal completely.

“All the circumcision participants have been informed of this and they have all understood and agreed to abide by it,” Siti said.

After Papua, voluntary circumcision using the PrePex device will also be conducted in Wamena, Jayawijaya, Paniai and Manokwari, in West Papua. In Jayawijaya, 220 are reported to have applied for the procedure, in Paniai 110 people and in Manokwari 220. - 
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4) South Sorong Regency Prepares Two Acres of Land for Military Headquarters
Sorong, Jubi – The government of South Sorong regency has prepared two hectares of land to build the South Sorong District Military Command Headquarters.
After receiving an official response from Military Command Headquarters, two district military commands (Kodim) in Sorong Raya region will have their status upgraded to regional military command in South Sorong and Waisai, Raja Ampat.
Therefore, South Sorong regency has prepared an area of ​​two hectares more in Moswaren region for the construction of South Sorong District Military Command Headquarters. It was submitted by the South Sorong regent, Otto Ihalauw last week.
He explained, this development is to meet the needs of South Sorong society. Two hectares of land were approved by the customary land owners.
While former commander of Kodim 1704 Lieutenant Colonel (Inf) Roby Suryadi hoped that the development plan in order to ease the burden of Kodim Sorong. “I hope this continues to be guarded and monitored,” he concluded. (Niko MB/Tina)

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5) MRP Decree Indicates Burden of Conflict
Jayapura, Jubi – Both academician of Cenderawasih University Ferry Kareth and Secretarly General of Papua Presidium Council Thaha Alhamid shared common view related to Papua People’s Assembly Decree No.11/2015 that it would risk sparking to communal conflicts.
In dialogue to hear the people’s aspirations held by Papua People’s Assembly and customary/intellectual figures and law practitioners in Jayapura City last week, academician Ferry Kareth explained the Decree No.11/2015 about to recommend the candidates of regional head and deputy head must be indigenous Papuan is a recommendation without engaged legal aspect. If it wasn’t good socialized it could trigger a horizontal conflict among the community that could have high cost impact in next election process.
In line with the decree, Kareth asked the Papua People’s Assembly and Regional Government to encourage the amendment of Special Autonomy Law so the Decree No.11/2015 could be adjusted and have binding and engaged legal power. “If not, the decree would be ignore and as executor, the Election Committee would never use it in the election on next December. Because they will refer to the Regulation No.8/2015 about the election of governor, regent and mayor as the legal basis,” said Kareth.
He added the Papua People’s Assembly obliges to socialize the decree to public to avoid the raising of any conflict.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Papua Presidium Council Thaha Al Hamid admitted the decree would be a source of conflict if it’s not set in the proper legal aspect. “I am very concerned that the horizontal conflict would be occurred and I think this decree has enough potential to do so. I also propose the police to immediately review this condition so they could find out the root of many issues that possibly to be raised,” he said.
Papua People’s Assembly member George Awi said he would submitted the result of this meeting to the Chairman of Papua People’s Assembly for making the decree could become a gateway of amendment of the Special Autonomy Law so that indigenous Papuan could be the leader on their own land. “There’s a feedback from the meeting that we would anticipate now is the opinion that we should prevent the occurrence of conflict,” he said. (Sindung Sukoco/rom)


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6) Court Rejects Ex-Papua Governor’s Pretrial Motion
Jakarta. A Jakarta court has rejected the pretrial motion filed by former governor of Papua and graft suspect Barnabas Suebu.
Judge Ganjar Pasaribu told a South Jakarta court on Tuesday that Barnabas could not challenge his status as his case had been investigated by the anti-corruption court.
Barnabas has been named a suspect in a graft case surrounding the 2008 construction of two hydropower plants in Papua. He responded by filing a pretrial motion against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to challenge the move.
Barnabas and Lamusu Didi, president director of Konsultasi Pembangunan Irian Jaya, the government’s private-sector partner in the project, stand accused of being responsible for state losses worth Rp 9 billion ($700,000).
Last August, the anti-graft body charged Barnabas, Lamusi and Papua’s energy agency head Jannes Johan Karubaba for marking up the budget of the Memberamo River hydropower project in 2009-10.
The three allegeldy siphoned Rp 36 billion from the project’s budget of Rp 56 billion for personal use.

1) Press freedom in Papua

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2) West Papua activists evicted from Northern Territory parliament grounds
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SUNDAY 05 JULY 2015 
1) Press freedom in Papua 
By Clea Broadhurst
In Indonesia, the eastern province of Papua has been off-limits to journalists since 1968. It has been the scene of violence between local authorities and separatist movements and both the local and national governments have been trying to hide it from the media, therefore, the international community.

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2) West Papua activists evicted from Northern Territory parliament grounds
Group had erected a hut as an ‘embassy’ and spent two days protesting against Indonesian human rights abuses

A group of West Papua activists has been evicted from the grounds of the Northern Territory Parliament House in Darwin after they erected a hut as an “embassy” and spent two days protesting against Indonesian human rights abuse.
The group of West Papuans and Australians told Guardian Australia they had applied to the parliament for the hut to remain on the site as a cultural embassy, but the application was rejected by the NT speaker, Kezia Purick, on the grounds that it was a protest. Purick has been contacted for comment.
On Tuesday afternoon the group put the structure – a traditional Honai hut – on the back of a ute and parked it outside the nearby Indonesian consulate on Tuesday afternoon, where they continued to protest.
“The Honai is a symbol of the movement we have going in Australia,” said activist Peter Elaby.
“Especially because elders from Larrakia [Darwin’s traditional owners] allow us to build the house, which means they welcome us and [recognise] our struggle in West Papua, which we’ve been fighting for 60 years, is not only West Papuans’ struggle,” he said.
Elaby, who said he came to Australia three years ago, told Guardian Australia the group wanted to draw the attention of the government and taxpayers of Australia to the treatment of West Papua by Indonesia.
“The Indonesian government sends a lot of troops to Australia to be trained and funded, then after that they go back. This military kills West Papuans, which is why we want the Australian government to see this situation.”
More than 100 Indonesian soldiers studied in Australia last year, News Corp reported in March, at a cost of more than $2.5m to Australian taxpayers.
West Papuan nationalist groups, under the banner of the United Liberation Movement, were given observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group at a summit last month, but not full membership.
“The Melanesian Spearhead Group is recognised in the United Nations so it means our voice, our cry, is going to be listened to around the world,” said Elaby.
The Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, has pledged to prioritise West Papua and improve the lives of its people, and in May released five political prisoners. Widodo also said his government would lift the decades-long ban on foreign journalists entering the region.
However, there have been continued reports of abuses, including Indonesian forces targeting West Papuan people and villages with mass arrests and the destruction of houses
In December, five student protesters were killed, allegedly by Indonesian forces, at a protest in Paniai.
On a Pacific island tour by Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi, journalists were reportedly banned from asking any questions about the province.

1) Contesting Melanesia: The summit and dialogue

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2) President Inaugurates New TNI, BIN Chiefs
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1) Contesting Melanesia: The  summit and dialogue

Budi Hernawan, Jakarta | Opinion | Wed, July 08 2015, 6:34 AM - 

The recent 20th Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) summit made a landmark decision. The MSG leaders meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, granted the status of observer and associated memberships to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and five provinces of Indonesia, respectively. 

The MSG leaders describe the former as representing Melanesians living abroad whereas the latter represents the Melanesian population living in Papua, West Papua, Maluku, North Maluku and East Nusa Tenggara. 

The decision constitutes a historic moment as the MSG forum has expanded its outreach into a new area that it previously had never thought of: Indonesian Melanesia. 

The decision will not only lift up the discussion of Papua from activist level to the diplomatic level but also demonstrates the Melanesian wisdom that gives every member a proportionate share of the Melanesian collegiality and brotherhood. Hence the forum has envisioned the roadmap of Papuan peace building in the long run.

What would be the implications of the Melanesian contest on Papuan issues? Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama made it very clear when he addressed the summit. He stated that in dealing with Papua, the forum must engage Indonesia in a “positive and constructive manner” since Papua is under Indonesia’s jurisdiction. 

While the statement definitely confirmed the political status of Papua, it did not preclude any discussion about the humanitarian issues that the Papuans themselves tabled during the last two MSG summits. 

On the contrary, the position reaffirmed continuing dialogue between the MSG and Indonesia and reserved a guaranteed space for Papuans to have a genuine dialogue with Indonesia. 

The space has been guaranteed as both Indonesia and ULMWP as Papuan representatives have been granted official status in the forum. Both may not be entirely satisfied with the MSG decisions as they had been seeking full membership. As we know, Indonesian diplomats have worked hard to ensure that the ULMWP would not get status in the forum. 

On the contrary, they proposed membership for the five provinces of Indonesia framed as Melanesian. Similarly, the ULMWP executives have put much effort into convincing Melanesian leaders to support its bid for full membership, referring to the case of the independent movement of New Caledonia (FLKNS) as a precedent. 

Despite their dissatisfaction, both Indonesia and Papua have been given a chance to talk to each other as equals. This is the first time ever in the MSG and Indonesia’s history that Papua will have a voice for itself at an international diplomatic forum. When the MSG leaders recognized Papua as a new political entity in the forum, they immediately put Papua on the Melanesian political map. Papua is no longer invisible. It does exist.

Indonesia, on the other hand, has also been given a chance to engage more deeply with the Melanesian brotherhood. The direct partnership with the MSG nations will greatly benefit Indonesia in developing its plan to promote Melanesian culture within Indonesian society and polity. 

The government has a plan to build a Melanesian Cultural Center in Kupang. If the plan goes ahead, it would contribute to promoting a stronger spirit of plurality and diversity, which has been undermined by those who promote otherwise. 

The decision would also be beneficial for Indonesian civil society organizations that promote dialogue between Jakarta and Papua, such as the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI), the Papua Peace Network, Jakarta-based NGOs, Papua-based NGOs, Papuan churches, etc. 

They should be able to use the MSG decision to encourage the Indonesian government to explore genuine dialogue with Papuans in a more neutral space within the MSG forum. 

Perhaps some parties in the national political circle would not appreciate the opportunity for dialogue as they have frequently expressed. 

These parties might harden their stance and ensure that the government of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo would not go near the dialogue offer. 

But the chance is there and cannot be ignored. If both Indonesia and Papua retain their status, it is likely that the space for ongoing discussions between Papuan representatives and the Indonesian government is guaranteed. 

For Papuans, the MSG decision remains a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it made space for dialogue with Jakarta but on the other, it posed a new challenge for Papuans. 

The challenge is the two types of Melanesia that the MSG leaders declared. If Papuans are not able to manage it properly, it is not impossible for it to be used for divide et impera (divide and rule) tactics in the future. 

Therefore, Papuan leaders will have to cultivate the decision and translate it into new strategies in incorporating a larger and more vibrant civic movement in Indonesia. 

The movement played an instrumental role, not only to promote awareness of the issue of Papua in Indonesian politics but it has also proved effective, for instance, to campaign for human rights for East Timor in the past. So it is a matter of strategies of engagement.
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The writer is a research fellow at the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM) in Jakarta. - 

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2) President Inaugurates New TNI, BIN Chiefs

By Jakarta Globe on 03:44 pm Jul 08, 2015
Category Front PageNewsPolitics
Jakarta. President Joko Widodo on Wednesday inaugurated Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo as chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces, or TNI, and former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso to lead the State Intelligence Agency, or BIN.
Gatot, a former army chief of staff, was appointed to replace Gen. Moeldoko, while Sutiyoso replaces Marciano Norman at the BIN.
Joko’s picks for the two powerful positions have raised eyebrows among some observers.
Sutiyoso’s installation is seen as the latest in a list of questionable appointments from the president, all seemingly politically motivated.
Sutiyoso, the chairman of the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party, or PKPI, has admitted that his appointment was a political favor, but has claimed there is nothing wrong with it.
Gatot’s ascension to lead the country’s military, meanwhile, has also ruffled feathers by breaking with a longstanding tradition.
Under the rotation system adopted by the TNI in 1999, the role of TNI commander is supposed to be farmed out between the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The current commander, Gen. Moeldoko, who retires on Aug. 1, is from the Army, and under the rotation system it was Air Marshal Agus Supriatna of the Air Force who was due to take over.
The inauguration ceremony was marred by a gaffe from the state secretary, which set off a wave of criticism on social media on Wednesday morning.
In several invitations sent to public officials attending the event, the state secretariat mistakenly referred to the BIN as the National Intelligence Agency instead of the State Intelligence Agency.
Pictures of the invitation showing the obvious error spread quickly on social media and online news outlets, prompting the state secretariat to issue an official correction and apology.
“The State Secretariat apologizes for the matter, we will try our best to make a revision and to improve the quality of administration services within the presidential structure,” said Djarot Sri Sulistyo, spokesman of the presidential secretariat.

1) West Papua leadership within West Papua proposed

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2) UNFPA Launches ‘Men Care Papua’ Initiative in Jayapura
3) 30 Papuans Participate in Construction Foreman Training

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1) West Papua leadership within West Papua proposed
Updated at 5:59 pm today
The West Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma says his personal preference is that the leader for his people’s self-determination movement be based within West Papua.

Jailed West Papua independence leader Filep Karma
Photo: AFP
The nobel peace prize nominee is currently serving a 15-year jail sentence in Abepura prison in Indonesia's Papua province for charges related to raising the Papuan nationalist Morning Star Flag.
Karma has given the Indonesian president Joko Widodo credit for several good initiatives in Papua, but says the republic's military generals are the ones who are holding back a solution in West Papua by pursuing their own agenda.
He spoke to Dutch journalist Rohan Radheya who has been in Papua several times in the past two years to hear Papuan voices often silenced by Indonesian media restrictions.
ROHAN RADHEYA: You have been in prison for several years. Tell us about the conditions in prison. Did you ever get beaten during your time in prison?
FILEP KARMA: Yes…. I remember the first time I was beaten. There was a boy who just came fresh into the prison. Persons who come in fresh are an easy prey for mistreatment by the guards. They have to wait an long time for trials and till then often remain unregistrated. The guards didn't properly register him and his penalty. One guard searched the boy's pocket and found 30 thousand Indonesian rupiah. He took the money. I objected and received my first beating. This happened a couple of times more. At an certain stage the beatings became normal to me. After the beatings I sent testimonial-reports to human rights organisations. The organisations such as Amnesty and Human Rights Watch pressurised the Indonesian Government and this reached the prison.
ROHAN RADHEYA: Does this still happen?
FILEP KARMA: No not to me anymore, because they became afraid of my status. I also learned to deal with it. Like this morning...They usually open the doors to the garden around 6.30. Today they didnt open it. It made me angry. But if i showed my anger, i would gave them an excuse to beat me. I just controlled my anger. Thats how I get by.
ROHAN RADHEYA: What about the others?
FILEP KARMA: This still happens regularly to the new arrivals who are often political activists. They are often not properly registered and their penalty noted. Thus they are an easy prey for mistreatment in the prison. After court its usually becomes better.
ROHAN RADHEYA: The ULMWP [United Liberation Movement for West Papua] received observer status during the recent MSG [Melanesian Spearhead Group] meeting although they applied for full membership. At the same time Indonesia applied and received associate membership at the objection from many International critics, that Indonesia is Asian not Melanesian. Why is Indonesia so eager to be an part of the MSG? What are their tactics behind this?
FILEP KARMA: I believe that Indonesia tried to become an member to block West Papuan independence. An full-member recognition by the MSG could have been a start for other countries to start recognizing West Papuan rights for self governance.
ROHAN RADHEYA: Were you worried about this?
FILEP KARMA: No I was optimistic
ROHAN RADHEYA: There are many internal differences between West Papuan factions. Who is the proper faction and leader to guide West Papua at present?
FILEP KARMA: I believe thats upto the West Papuan people.
ROHAN RADHEYA: You have armed elements in the Free West Papua movements such as the TPN-OPM. Do you believe the West Papuan independence struggle can be solved peacefully or do you believe that an armed struggle will persist in the future?
FILEP KARMA: I think its important for all of us to sit down and talk from the heart without holding anything back. I do believe our independence struggle can be solved peacefully if there is willingness from both sides. Personally i dont believe in an armed uprising but an non violent one.
ROHAN RADHEYA: Is it appropriate to have leadership inside West Papua? Will a leader outside West Papua be tolerated by West Papuans?
FILEP KARMA: I believe that the leader should be based within West Papua among the people.
In this way he can maintain structure and host an dialogue and thus appease all sides. [NB West Papua has over 200 different tribes]
ROHAN RADHEYA: A leader in West Papua would be an easy prey for assassination or imprisonment like They Eluays.
FILEP KARMA: Thats the risk an leader takes upon him. If someone decides to be an leader, it's a part of the job He doesnt run away from that risk.
ROHAN RADHEYA: The new president Joko Widodo has shown several good initiatives the last months. He released 5 political prisoners and announced to lift an ban on foreign media. How do you feel about this?
FILEP KARMA: I dont believe it. I do believe Mr Widodo has an good heart and will to do good to West Papua but i believe its not on him. I've witnessed his predecessor Yudhoyono. He as well passed out some major reforms to West Papua at some stage. But on the ground in Papua they were never executed. The high ranking generals in Papua and parliament refused to cooperate and execute orders. They all had their own agenda's and interests in Papua.
ROHAN RADHEYA: So what you are saying is that their is an division between the army and Jakarta?
FILEP KARMA: Yes several parliamentarians and generals within the TNI feel that the army has an sovereignty over the people and state. They feel that they own Indonesia. They dont care about civil society, they just care about power. All my life I've never heard of a high ranking General being sentenced on corruption charges or power abuse. Never.
ROHAN RADHEYA: So corruption is an big barrier in the independence struggle?
FILEP KARMA: (Laughs) Like the Anti-Corruption Commission for instance. They have authority to monitor anyone in society but not in the army. Thats why I dont believe Mr. Jokowi's orders will be executed on the ground here. At least not at this stage. It will first require intensive internal reforms and Jokowi should be firm and determinated.to bring real change.
ROHAN RADHEYA: You have been in prison for several years. What is your motivation to keep going on in pursuit of the independence struggle?
FILEP KARMA: I feel that as an fellow Papuan I have an duty to speak out when I see or hear about Papuans being killed or locked up for baseless reasons such as by pursuing basic human principles such as democracy and human rights. Today there are some very horrifying an unforgivable things happening in West Papua. To name something - the military has repeatedly used rape as an weapon in Papua to spread fear and intimidation. These things are systematic and they affect us as an people. These kind of things remind me why I'm fighting. It gives me fire to continue. But always through an peaceful way.
ROHAN RADHEYA: What message do you want to send to the international community?
FILEP KARMA: I would like to stress to the international community that many Western governments have investments in West Papua. West Papua is rich in natural resources. Indonesia is not the owner of this land. The owners of this land are the West Papuan people. The 1969 referendum was not held fair. The voters were uneducated and misled and some of their families were even held at gunpoint. I sincerely hope that they will consider this twice. Furthermore I hope that Western people will push their governments to take a tougher stand against Indonesia to end the occupation of West Papua and stealing its resources. If Western governments have interests in Papuas resources, they are welcomed. They should come and sit down with the Papuan people and discuss their interests with them. Not with the Indonesian government. The Indonesian government is not the owner of this land. Indonesia is the invader. West Papua belongs to West Papuans.
ROHAN RADHEYA: Mr. Karma Thank you for your time.
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THURSDAY, 09 JULY, 2015 | 13:54 WIB
2) UNFPA Launches ‘Men Care Papua’ Initiative in Jayapura

TEMPO.COJakarta - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched a pilot initiative that aims to engage men and boys in Papua on sexual and reproductive health to help reduce the incidence of gender-based violence in Jayapura on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.
The Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Yohana Yembise, along with UNFPA’s representative for Indonesia, Jose Ferraris, launched the event. In his keynote address, Ferraris called on Papuan males to take responsibility for an equal division of labour in their households in order to encourage them to interact with their partners with an attitude of mutual respect, promoting relationships that are equitable, healthy and free from violence.
"Evidence demonstrates that male engagement plays a core role in addressing gender inequality. By involving men in policy and program discussions we can confront the underlying gender norms and values that lead to discriminatory behaviors," explained Mr. Ferraris during his opening address.
"We can challenge the structures that reinforce male advantage, and strengthen those that support gender equality," continued Ferraris.
Under the direction of the Men Care Papua initiative, UNFPA encourages men to play an equal role as caregivers to improve child and maternal health and promote sexual and reproductive health - an important, if not necessary, move considering that Papua's maternal health continues to lag behind other parts of Indonesia.
It is known that the province also suffers from a generalized HIV epidemic, with an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 percent amongst 15-49 year olds. This is triggered mainly by unsafe sexual behavior - worsened by the fact that the use of contraceptive rate in Papua is only 24.5 percent – significantly low compared to the national coverage at 61 percent.
Violence against women and children (VAWC) is also high. According to the National Socio Economic Survey on VAWC in 2006, Papua had the highest prevalence of VAWC in Indonesia.
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3) 30 Papuans Participate in Construction Foreman Training


Jayapura, Jubi – A training program for construction foremen began at the Central Office of Construction Training Region VII in Kotaraja, Jayapura, on Monday (6/7/2015).
The program, organized by the Bureau of Public Welfare and Society, the Department of Education and Culture and Construction Development Center Region VII Jayapura, is intended to improve the skills of native Papuans .
“This training aims to empower native Papuans and as many as 30 people recruited to participate in this training that will take place over the next two weeks, “Naftali Yogi, Head of Public Welfare said in Jayapura, Monday (6/7/2015).
He hoped through this training the participants will have the capacity to compete with human resources from outside Papua, in the face of the Asian Economic Community (AEC) especially in the field of construction.
Meanwhile, Rosina Upessy, Assistant Public Affairs III of Papua Province also hoped that after training, the participants will be the construction foreman reliable and able to compete in the construction field.
“We expect that they are really equipped when working in the construction field,” Upessy said in Jayapura on Monday (6/7/2015). (Munir/Tina)
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1) Three People Political prisoners in prisons Wamena Reject Clemency

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2) WEST PAPUA WINS OBSERVER STATUS IN MELANESIAN SPEARHEAD GROUP
3) Papua’s maternal health  lags behind, says UNFPA

4) UNFPA Program to Engage Men on Papua’s Pressing Reproductive Health Issue
5) Bank Papua Undermines Papua Government, Deputy Governor Says
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A google translate of article in Jubi. Be-aware google translate can b e a bit erratic. Original bahasa link below.
1) Three People Political prisoners in prisons Wamena Reject Clemency
Posted by: Islami Adisubrata on July 9, 2015 at 23:58:23 WP [Editor: Angela flassy]

Meky Elosak, Yusanur Wenda and Wiki Meage when met in prison Class II B Wamena. Jubi / Islami
Wamena, Jubi - Three political prisoners who are now in the Penitentiary (Prison) Class II B Wamena states reject granted clemency or exemption from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo.
Yes, in August next president’s plan to re-grant pardons to prisoners of conscience and political prisoners in Papua, after the last few months five former political prisoners and detainees were released by the state. These three political prisoners who reject the clemency granted that Meky Elosak, Wiki Yusanur Meage and Wenda are all alleged to have committed acts of treason, with the decision of the prison are manifold. Meky Elosak together Wiki Meage reject granted clemency because they consider themselves innocent, so why should be granted clemency by the Indonesian government? Both himself accused of acts of treason in 2009 in the District Yalengga, Jayawijaya at which time it was found to be carrying the Morning Star flag. Yet according to Meky Elosak recognition, he and Wiki Meage carry the flag at the time there was grief and do not do the raising and both sentenced to eight years in prison. "I do not feel guilty, why should be granted clemency by the President? So we refused, “said Meky Elosak when met reporters in Wamena prison on Thursday (09/07/2015). As for Yusanur Wenda involved the burning of one of the government buildings in Tolikara in 2004, was sentenced for 17 years and refused clemency because it did not want to part with his friends at the institute. “I refused because there are friends here (in prison, ed)," said Wenda Yusanur. While the third legal counsel, Anum Siregar, SH when contacted JUBI explained, originally at around dated June 25, 2015 he was contacted by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights Papua province, to inform that the President will again give pardon to political prisoners in Papua. And on June 29, 2015, Anum Siregar to Wamena to submit a plan for the granting of pardon to Meky Elosak and comrades in prison Wamena, but before him, three refused. "This pardon will be given in August, but three refused and we respect their decision. However, they are asked to make a statement that is not willing granted clemency, but was not made, "said Anum Siregar. (Islamic) islami
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2) WEST PAPUA WINS OBSERVER STATUS IN MELANESIAN SPEARHEAD GROUP
by Dina Gilio-Whitaker July 9, 2015
The 53 year old struggle for West Papuan independence achieved a victory on June 26, 2015 with the granting of observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). The MSG is a sub-regional coalition composed of Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia’s Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS).
The vote at the 20th MSG Leaders summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands was a mixed blessing for the West Papuans. While the Leader’s Summit could have opted for full inclusion of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), it also could have opted for complete exclusion, a move that could have proved disastrous for the West Papuan liberation movement. ULMWP Secretary General, Octovianus Mote said that “Despite not getting full membership we welcome the decision of the leaders as it our first step to full political recognition.”
As a member of the MSG with observer status ULMWP sits on the inside of the organization alongside Indonesia, and is seen as an historic step toward addressing the human rights atrocities committed against West Papuans by the Indonesian army.
West Papua has been subjected to a brutal repression by the Indonesians since 1962. Prior to that, the island of New Guinea (the eastern half now known as Papua New Guinea and the western half now known as West Papua) as well as Indonesia had been Dutch colonies until Indonesia’s own war of independence in 1949. Plans were made by the Dutch to prepare for withdrawal in the 1950’s, including plans for West Papua to revert to indigenous rule by 1972.
Despite a West Papuan congress on independence in 1961 and the raising of the national “Morning Star” flag, Indonesia had claimed New Guinea as part of its territory. A United Nations intervention resulted in the New York Agreement in 1962 which placed the territory in UN trusteeship (without consent of the population) and required that West Papuans hold an independence vote under UN supervision.
By the time the vote was conducted in 1969 the Indonesian military had handpicked 1,026 representatives to vote on behalf of the entire population. Having been threatened with the death of their families the vote was unanimous for Indonesian rule. The so-called “Act of Free Choice” is known to this day by indigenous West Papuans as the “act of no choice.”
In 1936 while still under Dutch rule an erstberg (ore mountain) was discovered in the southwest region of New Guinea, and in 1959 alluvial gold was found just off the West Papuan coast. Another massive ore mountain was yet to be discovered deep in the West Papuan forest.
When the West Papuans were making plans for independence in 1961, unbeknownst to either they or the Dutch, then-Indonesian army general Suharto was negotiating a mining deal with the American mining company Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold. Subsequent discoveries resulted in the notorious Grasberg mine—one of the largest reserves of copper and gold in the world—and is today at the center of the conflict between Indonesia and West Papua.
The Free West Papua Movement claims that over 500,000 civilian West Papuans have been killed to date.
The MSG victory precedes by a few days the seventeenth anniversary of the July 6, 1998 Biak Massacre in which independence demonstrators were fired upon by the Indonesian army. About 200 were subsequently forced aboard an Indonesian vessel and dumped into the ocean.
A Biak Massacre Citizens Tribunal held in 2013 alleged a cover-up by the Australian government for the purpose of not offending the Indonesians in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Suharto dictatorship.
West Papua’s bid for entry into the MSG saw a violent crackdown by the Indonesian army. On May 28, 2015 up to 82 West Papuans were jailed and tortured for their public support of MSG membership. More were fired on and beat with gun butts. The week before another 84 were arrested for the same reasons.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group was founded in 1986 to promote and strengthen trade, promote Melanesian cultures, further the economic growth of its members, sustainable development, good governance, and security. The Free West Papua movement believes that joining the MSG “Will have potentially emancipatory consequences for West Papuans, and could threaten Indonesia’s historic claim over the territory.”
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3) Papua’s maternal health  lags behind, says UNFPA
thejakartapost.com, Jakarta | National | Thu, July 09 2015, 5:36 PM - 
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has said that Papua continues to lag behind in maternal health compared to other areas across Indonesia despite significant improvements in the country’s health outcomes over the years.
In Papua, 16 percent of women begin childbearing between the ages of 15 – 19, or twice as high as the national figure.
“Health providers in Papua are not trained to deal with adolescent reproductive health issues, and hospitals and community health centers are generally unable to provide youth-friendly health services,” says UNFPA Indonesia.
On Wednesday, to improve maternal health care delivery, UNFPA launched a pilot initiative entitled Men Care Papua, which aims to engage men and boys in Papua on sexual and reproductive health issues and on the prevention of gender-based violence in Jayapura.
UNFPA says family planning is also not common practice in Papua, with low use of any modern methods of contraception among married couples. The contraceptive prevalence rate in Papua is only 24.5 percent, which is quite low compared to the national coverage of 61 percent.
The province also suffers from a generalized HIV epidemic, with a prevalence rate of 2.4 percent among 15-49 years old. “This is triggered mainly by unsafe sexual behavior,” says UNFPA.
Furthermore, UNFPA says that violence against women and children in Papua is also high. According to the National Socio Economic Survey on Violence against Women and Children in 2006, Papua had the highest prevalence of violence against women and children in Indonesia.
“It is statistics like these, indicating pervasive gender inequality, which led to Papua being selected as the pilot location for the new male engagement initiative,” UNFPA Indonesia representative Jose Ferraris said during the launch of the initiative.
“A second reason was because the government and civil society organizations in Papua are truly committed to working to address these challenges,” he went on.
During the launch, Rutgers World Population Fund (WPF) director Monique Soesman and Men Care Papua program manager Siska Noya shared success stories and progress the program had achieved in East Java, Jakarta, Lampung, and Yogyakarta. (ebf)(+++)
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4) UNFPA Program to Engage Men on Papua’s Pressing Reproductive Health Issues
Jakarta. A new initiative by a United Nations agency is set to engage men in addressing reproductive health and gender problems in Papua, which has recorded low contraceptive use and a high rate of HIV infections, as well as a high prevalence of women and child abuse.
The initiative, called “Men Care Papua,” was launched in Jayapura on Wednesday by the Indonesian office of the United Nations Population Fund, or UNFPA.
“By involving men in policy and program discussions we can confront the underlying gender norms and values that lead to discriminatory behaviors,” UNFPA Indonesia representative Jose Ferraris said in his speech during the launching ceremony.
“We can challenge the structures that reinforce male advantage, and strengthen those that support gender equality. By engaging men we learn that when it comes to encouraging family planning, the reproductive health of women, decreasing the rates of violence against women and changing old conceptions about masculinity — men matter,” he added.
Under the new initiative, men in Papua will be encouraged to play an equal role with women in order to improve child and maternal health, as well as to promote sexual and reproductive health.
The program also seeks to encourage men to take responsibility for an equal division of labor in their households, urging them to interact with their partners “with an attitude of mutual respect, promoting relationships that are equitable, healthy and free from violence,” Ferraris said.
Local administrations and civil society groups will be involved to support the implementation of the program.
“We see that local stakeholders in Papua are truly committed to working to address these challenges,” Ferraris said.
Despite significant improvements in national health outcomes over the years, maternal health in Papua continues to lag behind other parts of Indonesia.
In the easternmost province, 16 percent of women begin bearing between the ages of 15-19 years — a figure that is twice as high as the national figure, UNFPA says, citing local data.
Unfortunately, health providers in Papua are not trained to deal with adolescent reproductive health issues, and hospitals and community health centers are generally unable to provide youth-friendly health services, the UN agency says.
Family planning is also not a common practice in Papua, with a very low use of any modern methods of contraceptives among married couples. The contraceptive prevalence rate in Papua is only 24.5 percent — which is quite low compared to the national number of 61 percent.
The province also suffers from a generalized HIV epidemic, with a prevalence rate of 2.4 percent among 15-49-year-olds, largely due to unprotected sexual intercourse.
Violence against women and children (VAWC) also remains high. According to the National Socio-Economic Survey on VAWC in 2006, Papua had the highest prevalence of violence against women and children in Indonesia.
“It is statistics like these, indicating pervasive gender inequality, which led to Papua being selected as the pilot location for the new male engagement initiative,” Ferraris said.
UNFPA is partnering with the non-profit organization Rutgers World Population Foundation (WPF) in developing the pilot project.
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5) Bank Papua Undermines Papua Government, Deputy Governor Says
Jayapura, Jubi – Governor deputy of Papua Klemen Tinal said Bank Papua has been detrimental to the provincial, regency and city government due to case sof bad debts amounting to approximately Rp 430 billion and Rp200 billion in tax arrears.
“The government has put money in the Bank of Papua, then in case of bad debts or arrears of the provincial governments, regencies and cities are disadvantaged. If the government is harmed, the public must also feel the effects, ” Klemen Tinal said in Jayapura, Papua on Tuesday (7/7/2015).
He said, as the majority shareholder of Bank of Papua, it is responsible for fixing the problems in the regional bank.
“As the majority shareholder, we have the responsibility to resolve this matter,” he said.
Tinal said the Papua provincial government will examine together with the regency/ city as a shareholder in the Bank of Papua to find a solution for settlement of bad debts and tax arrears.
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He further stated that the government will apply the proposal of Papua Legislative Council on the governance of the Bank’s management Papua.
“We will look at the governance of Papua Bank management so that management can work more optimally,” he said.
Earlier, the governor of Papua Lukas Enembe said unequivocally, communities and local governments do not be too proud of the existence of the Bank of Papua because this bank is still rely on local governments.
According to him, Bank of Papua do not have the ability to raise funds and make money, yet only waiting for the Regional Budget(APBD). (Alexander Loen/ Tina)

1) Jakarta emerges as the US’s go-to friend

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2) Extreme Temperature Change in Wamena Until Minus 11 Degrees 
3) Current Parliament Can Not Be Named Papua Legislative Council

4) Jokowi Urged to Rationale Number of Soldier in West Papua

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1) Jakarta emerges as the US’s go-to friend
Brendan Nicholson  Defence Editor Canberra
An increasingly powerful Indon­esia may supplant Australia in the future as the go-to ally for the US in the Asia-Pacific region, the new report on ANZUS says.
It calls for the creation of a trilateral security process to milit­ate against potential rifts between Jakarta, Canberra and Washington. The report, by the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre and the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, says a stronger Indonesia is likely to attract far greater interest from Washington — to the extent that Jakarta would, over time, become­ a competitor with Canberra for US attention. “Under such a scenario, US expect­ations of Australia might actually diminish,” the report says.
It also cites the concern — raised by influential foreign policy analyst Michael Wesley — that if the US seeks to build Indonesian military capabilities as a bulwark against Chinese power, Australia may feel less enamoured of the US.
“Conversely, history suggests that there is no guarantee that Washington will side with Canberra in times of crisis involving Indonesia — particularly an Indonesia whose geostrategic importance is perceived to be on the rise,” it says.
As an example, during the late 1960s the US refused to back Australian opposition to Indonesia’s annexation of West Papua for fear of driving Jakarta straight into the arms of Beijing.
In 1999, calls from Canberra for the provision of US “boots on the ground’’ during the crisis in East Timor went unheeded.
The strategic shifts raised in the report would fundamentally alter the ANZUS alliance and, as it says, may well require a new trilateral security arrangement to try to serve each nation’s interests.
“For Washington, it would be consistent with its larger goal of broadening and deepening its strat­egic partnerships in the Asia-Pacific while also providing a mechanism for more directly stab­ilising the sometimes-shaky Australia-Indonesia bilateral relation­ship,’’ the report says.
“For Jakarta, it would afford the possibility of playing a more prominent role on the internat­ional stage consistent with its growing economic weight, while also remain­ing true to its traditionally non-aligned posture given that the grouping would not constitute a formal alliance relationship. For Canberra, the grouping would serve as an additional means of supporting its longstanding objective of ensuring close and consistent US engagement in the Asia-Pacific, while also providing an additional avenue for deepening security co-operation with Indon­esia.
“As Indonesia’s economic and strategic importance continues to grow over … decades, such a deepening in co-operation seems likely to become increasingly desirable for Canberra as an alternative to a more difficult and competitive relation­ship with Jakarta.”
The report says Australia, Indon­esia and the US confront complex bilateral relationships with a rising China, which could be discussed within this grouping.
It says Australia’s ability to police the maritime approaches to its northern shores will also be increas­ingly important.
“Chinese projection of power through the Indian Ocean along the Maritime Silk Road must necessarily pass through the Indon­esian archipelago,’’ the report­ says. “As a result, close co-operati­on with Indonesia, Singapore and others may be required to monitor the movements of region­al militaries.”
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2) Extreme Temperature Change in Wamena Until Minus 11 Degrees 

                                                       The comunity activities in Wamena – sumitpost.org

Wamena, Jubi – It has been nearly two weeks, local residents of Wamena City and surrounding area experienced the extreme climate change. It’s extremely hot during the day but very cold at night.
Data issued by Wamena Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) indicates the extreme climate change during dry season in Wamena. Lower rain intensity influenced the daylight weather that can reach to 25.3 C and turn to -11 C at night.
The head of BMKG Wamena Diedrech Marlissa told Jubi at his office last week it was happening due to the position of the sun that is currently in the North. When it rotates to the northern it will cause the hot weather, on contrarily when the atmosphere mass move to the southern it takes the cold air from Australia. Thus, the weather in the Papua Central Highland area in particular Wamena is also influenced by the cold atmosphere mass, which is flowing from Australia to Papua Island.
“Therefore people also can feel this experience like this moment, such as less rainfall and even the weather is very sunny and no clouds at daylight so the heating is quite high where the temperature is now reaching 25.8 C but the it changes at night that the temperature could reach – 11 C like last Sunday,” he said.
He explained normally the temperature like that wasn’t so hot for Wamena residents if compared with the temperature at the coastal area that could reach up to 30 degrees. But now it is because the humidity could reach less than 40 degrees while at the coastal area it could reach 60 degrees.
Even in the last ten years, the coldest temperature in Wamena and surrounding area could be less than 10 degrees but now along with the city development and the increase of number of population the temperature is continuing to increase. “Normally the temperature in Wamena is around 15 degrees. So when it reached 11 degrees it could be extremely cold,” said Marlissa.
Additionally, the wind could reach 30 knots with this current condition while in normal condition it only reaches 8 – 10 knots. Windstorm was normally happening at midnight Papua time.
“This current condition is estimated to last until the end of August 2015. It is also related to the global climate change which is el nino phenomenon causing the extreme dried air. However, it is good for flight because no clouds. But usually in the morning the cloud so called frakto cumulus would be at around 200 meters from the ground, and if it was bright in the evening, usually it would be a mist in the morning,” he explained.
The similar extreme climate change was reportedly happened in Australia. As cited from Cnet on Tuesday, 7 July 2015, the Australian scientists found that the extreme temperature between 24 to 37 degrees Celsius could change the male embryo into female. “Earlier, we have been able to show the laboratory research that in the extreme temperature the male wizard genetically will change into female,” said Clare Holleley, postdoctoral researcher from Institute for Applied Ecology University of Canberra, Australia who also led this study. (Islami/Victor Mambor/rom)

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3) Current Parliament Can Not Be Named Papua Legislative Council
Jayapura, Jubi – The uncertain situation on 14 seats for indigenous Papuans as part of Special Automy Law’s mandate has become a concern of Ferry Kareth, the lecturer of Cenderawasih University.
“People should know that 14 additional seats in Papua Legislative Council has not yet executed. The recent parliament with 55 legislators has no right being considered as the members of Papua Legislative Council, because there are fourteen members that have not been appointed yet. It’s Special Autonomy Law’s mandate,” Ferry Kareth said during the dialogue break with the members of Papua People’s Assembly at Tanah Hitam, last week.
To solve this problem, Kareth further said people and certain elites should stop the conflict among them. “It’s Special Autonomy Law’s mandate and it should immediately recruited. I am sure it needs times to recruit 14 representatives. It’s important,” Kareth said.
He predicted the number of autonomy seats would be increase over the rising number of population because its accretion is the ratio of the population of voters. “It might become 16 or more in 2015 because of the increase number of population,” he said.
In addition, it’s important that indigenous Papuans must speak through local political party. Though he admitted about a local political party “Partai Papua Bersatu’ but it can not be said as local political party. “Decree from the Ministry of Legal and Human Right Affairs doesn’t mean it could directly participate in General Election because there’s specific rule to participate in the election. Partai Papua Bersatu only got acknowledgement as political party instead of local political parties in Aceh. This situation should be understood,” he said.
Therefore, Kareth added Special Regional Regulation should be established to accommodate Papua Legislative Council to voice this issue. Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Papua Presidium Council Thaha Al Hamid also highlighted on this issue. He had two opinions about 14 seats issue, namely the efforts to enforce and ignore the mandate of Special Autonomy Law. “14 seats must be existed. It’s already executed in Manokwari (West Papua Province). I thought it’s between like and dislike judgment to not let certain people being recruited and so on,” he said.
For that reason, he believed the governor and all stakeholders would provide some sort of decision to accelerate it. “Related to the mandate is must be consistent. If we want to execute, just do it. Do not be hesitated,” he said. (Sindung Sukoco/rom)
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4) Jokowi Urged to Rationale Number of Soldier in West Papua



Jayapura, Jubi – Indonesian President Joko Widodo was asked to send official letter to Papua Police Chief and Cenderawasih XVII Military Regional Commander to reduce the excessive number of organic and non-organic military troop in Papua.
“The excessive military placement is not related with the conditions of people, it have impact towards civilians,” Peneas Lokbere, the Coordinator of United for Truth (BUK) stated in the press conference in commemorating 16th years of Bloody Biak Incident, 6 July 1998 at KontraS Papua Office on Monday (6/7/2015).
He cited a number of military posts that spread throughout Meepago region. For example, there is a number of military posts in one regency, such as at Enarotali, the capital of Paniai Regency. “At Enarotali only there are 8 military posts of each unit,” he said without elaborating which unit.
The shooting against 4 students in Paniai on 8 December 2014 was occurred due to the excessive number of soldiers who have nothing to overcome their burden and embrace the people so they see people from different view.
“There are so many soldiers at the post but have nothing to do so they shot people for killing time. There is a troop with unclear intention. They shot people with the weapons that were bought with people’s money,” Lokbere said.
Youth activist Resco Yesnat from Garda Papua said until now the shooting continues to be happened among the Papuan people without resolution. According to him, the unsolved human right violation cases indicate the State’s point of view towards the people of Papua. “The shooting was happened because this country never consider Papuans as part of Indonesia,” he said. (Mawel Benny/rom)
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1) More than 6,000 Residents At Risk of Starvation in Papua

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2) The Construction of Brimob Headquarters and Military Command is Scenario ‘ to Protect’ Investors
3) Paniai Case Resolution Litmus Test for Jokowi
4) Tribes Refunded IDR 21 Million to Palm Oil Company
5) PapuaItuKita Gives Charity Coins to National Human Right Committee
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MONDAY, 13 JULY, 2015 | 17:00 WIB
1) More than 6,000 Residents At Risk of Starvation in Papua
TEMPO.COJayapura - Papua Governor Lukas Enembe downplayed the fact that more than 6,000 residents of Agandugume District in Puncak, Papua Province are seriously facing starvation after their crops were destroyed by continuous hail that began on July 5, 2015. 
"Such natural phenomenon is common. I've coordinated with the Regent and Vice Regent of Puncak Regency, who have agreed to assume responsibility over the consequences of the phenomenon, including the responsibility to distribute food aid and medication," said Enembe to the press at his office in Jayapura on Monday, July 13, 2015. Distribution of aid have been hampered by the continuous bad weather. Worse still, the area affected could only be reached by air using light-bodied aircraft. The Head of Papua's Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Didi Agus Prihatno, said that residents of Agamdugume, Tuput, and Jiwot are facing an immediate threat of starvation and exposure to cold. "According to our data, there are 6,150 people residing in those villages - which could only be reached by light aircrafts," said Didi in Jayapura. Efforts to distribute aid have been further hampered by the fact that authorities are still waiting for an available aircrafts to be used to airdrop basic necessities needed by affected residents. "We will keep on trying to ensure that their needs are met by air dropping these aids," said Didi. Didi said that the continuous hail - which often occurs between June and July - has destroyed food crops planted by residents who rely on these for sustenance. "That said, if the hail keeps on happening, crop failure could happen. The crops they rely on could turn poisonous if exposed to continuous cold - and those who consume it could suffer from diarrhea," he said. Currently, residents are surviving by eating ferns and pumpkins - which are increasingly becoming more scarce.  CUNDING LEVI
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2) The Construction of Brimob Headquarters and Military Command is Scenario ‘ to Protect’ Investors
Jayapura, Jubi – The plan to build Brigade Mobile (Brimob) headquarters in Wamena, Jayawijaya, and establish the West Papua military command are part of efforts to protect the interests of investors, said chairman of the Papua Legislative Council on human rights, Laurenzus Kadepa.
“I suspect it is a scenario that will lead to additional troops, for the benefit of investors in Papua,” Kadepa said.
“The latest information I heard, PT. Freeport will the largest under ground open mining and will open up new land in Wabu Blog spreading out in Intan Jaya, Deiyai, Dogiyai and Paniai. It is a cheap scenario that will only Jaya, Deiyai, Dogiyai, and Paniai. It was the only cheap skanario harm people or native Papuans, ” he told Jubi on last week.
The plans could lead to human rights violations including the killings of more Papuans, he said.
“This is Indonesia way to weaken the strength of indigenous Papuans, until they are helpless. The state only fight for the interests of investors and does not see the indigenous peoples as owners of the land, “he said.
State is creating it as if Papua is unsafe. So there will be mining military and military posts for the benefit of investors.
“Now native Papuans are increasingly helpless. They are suffering on their own land. State seems no longer consider them, “he said.
Therefore, Papua Legislative Council (DPRP) declared its refusal of development plans of Brigade Mobile headquarters in Wamena.
Meanwhile, the chairman of DPRP, Yunus Wonda said he is concerned that the existence of command headquarters will add Papuans’ trauma. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)
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3) Paniai Case Resolution Litmus Test for Jokowi
Jayapura, Jubi – A Papuan councilor, Decky Nawipa, urged President Joko Widodo to keep his promise to resolve human right violations in Papua.
The chairman deputy of Special Committee of the Papua Legislative Council on Human Rights said one of the measures of Jokowi to meet his promise is to resolve the shooting case that killed four students and injured dozens of civilians in Paniai, December 8, 2014.
“Jokowi got the most votes in the presidential election last year because in his campaign he addressed the issues about human rights violations, so that the people of Papua voted him. At that time
Prabowo had a chance to win in Papua, only because he was rumored to commit human rights violations in the past. If not because of a human rights issue, Prabowo may be able to win majority voting in Papua. Now, it’s time to fulfill his promise through the completion of cases Paniai, “Decky Nawipa said to Jubi said on last week.
According to him, due to the rights issue, Papuans believe Jokowi, so that Jokowi must maintain the Papuans’ trust.
“Up to now there is no seriouness to resolve Paniai case . Whereas the people of Papua, victims and victims’ families are now awaiting confirmation on completion of it. Jokowi should be able to uncover who is behind the shooting action, ” he said.
He said, Jokowi should not be silent. He must look constraints that are now faced by ad hoc team of National Human Rights Commission to resolve the case.
He further stated it is fine for him to command the Police Headquarters to investigate Paniai case. However it should be taken into consideration which team is credible whether team of police headquarters or ad hoc team of National Human Rights.
“The public, victims and their families want and trust adhoc team to resolve the case. So, let ad hoc team to complete it and do not establish other team without any settlement. Jokowi must fulfill their demand, “he said.
Earlier, acting chairman of Komnas HAM Papua, Frits Ramandey said adhoc team is unable to go to Paniai do investigation because there is a tug with a team formed by police headquarters. “People are worried that, if the case is handled by a team of Police Headquarters, perpetrators will not be brought to the Human Rights court, ” Ramandey said at that time. (Arjuna Pademme/Tina)
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4) Tribes Refunded IDR 21 Million to Palm Oil Company
Sorong, Jubi – Gue clan and Iwaro Customary People who live in Puragi Village, Metemani Sub-district, Sorong Selatan Regency refunded the compensation penalty amounted 21.950 million to palm oil company PT. Pratama Putra Mandiri (PPM) in South Sorong.
The Secretary of Iwaro Tribe Customary Council Stevanus Koridama said the clan family decided returning the money because the company wasn’t involved any relevant parties such as the local police, regional government and customary people in paying the compensation.
“We have reported to the police. We enclosed the money with the letter of rejection mentioned that the payment should be witnessed by all parties,” he said.
Meanwhile Gue Tribe Chief as tenure landowner, Epson Gue said this refund was made because the company paid to his family without his acknowledgement.
“This refund is aimed to avoid conflict among family. Actually it’s referred to the agreement decided in the customary law forum that all parties should be noticed, so the company don’t just take the action by chance,” he said.
Meanwhile the Iwaro Student Association Coordinator Simon Soren questioned about the amount of money to compensate more than 300 hectares of land. “The refund is to acknowledge that the compensation is not suitable with the agreement in the Customary Law Forum and it’s the expression of disappointment. We ask the police to respond it immediately to solve this case,” he said.
This case had also reported to Sorong Selatan Police, West Papua People’s Assembly and Imeko Tribe Customary Council in Manokwari. (Niko MB/rom)
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5) PapuaItuKita Gives Charity Coins to National Human Right Committee
Yogyakarta, Jubi – In commemorating six months of Paniai Case on 8 December 2014, PapuaItuKita staged a charity coin delivery to Indonesian National Human Right Commission (KOMNAS HAM) on last week.
“KOMNAS HAM said they had no budget to continue the investigation without telling the public to clarify the bureaucratic problem at KOMNAS HAM. The coin is to symbolize the public criticism over the ignorance and neglected of human right against the victims of human right violations before the government bureaucracy,” Coordinator PapuaItuKita Zely Ariane told Jubi by email from Jakarta on Wednesday (8/7/2015).
She explained the Paniai Case is the shooting incident by Indonesian Security Forces against Alpius Youw (17), Yulian Yeimo (17), Simon Degei (18), Alpius Gobai (17) at Lapangan Karel Gobay on 8 December 2014 where surrounded by Military Regional Dormitory, Air Force Headquarter and the airfield. The victims were buried at Lapangan Karel Gobay where located in front of Military Regional Command 1705 Paniai Timur and Paniai Timur Police Office.
Until now, the victims’ families are still waiting the resolution in disappointment. Meanwhile the Military’s pressure that also insisted conducting separate investigation keeps going. Currently the Military Regional Command 1705 station has removed. Initially it located in front of the graves now it moved on location behind the graves. Meanwhile those graves are still waiting for justice.
“Since the beginning PapuaItuKita demanded the National Human Right Commission for leading the investigation based on the Law No. 26/2000 on Human Right Trial through petition on www.change.org/papuaitukita that currently has about 14.000 supporters,” said Zely.
Through series of rallies, PapuaItuKita also keep remind the commission to
conduct immediate and serious work. Not only the protest, PapuaItuKita also help the Paniai investigation team of National Human Right Committee to prepare the Paniai Case Matrix which indicate that the shooting incident over four teenagers in Paniai has met with the categories of severe human right violation.
According to Zely, at this level the Human Right Commission was very slow in working, and it’s proven through the working process such as initial investigation based on the Law No.39/1999 has taken time at least 3 months since December 2014 to March 2015 which resulted an executive summary that according to PapuaItuKita was not proper comparing with the evidences that could be accessed and analyzed.
Then, the unqualified executive summary on the investigation was proven in the KOMNAS HAM Plenary in last April. The forum decided to raise the status of investigation based on the Law 26/2000, but the team was still need to complete the Case Matrix in one month because it was considered incomplete. In this process, PapuaItuKita has provided feedback on the matrix case in the late April for taking to the plenary in May.
In May, the plenary meeting of National Human Right Commission reportedly has taken decision to form the Paniai Ad Hoc team. Up to July, public still do not know who’s the members and their working progress. At mid of June, the Ad Hoc team made announcement for lacking of budget to conduct the advance investigation.
It’s very disappointed. The Human Right Commission that expected leading the investigation because it involved the security forces members and met the categories of severe human right violation. The Human Right Commission is seemed powerless.
Meanwhile at the same time, the Military-Police continue to pressure the victims’ families to settle the case on Military Tribune instead of Human Right Trial.
PapuaItuKita refused the case settlement through military tribune because it was systematically involved the security forces. So they must be sentenced in the Human Right Trial.
For that reason, PapuaItuKita asked the clarification on the status of Paniai Ad hoc Team, its members and their jobs. It also asked for non-budget policy for the Ad hoc Team in solving the case as well as to give the charity coins to the commission to accelerate their performance.
The cases of shooting and other violence cases in Papua are growing since December last year. From day by day it grows larger and takes so many casualties from young people. We cannot let it happen. When public couldn’t provide the real fact about why this case was left behind and why the National Human Right Commission didn’t speed up the investigation though they have the mandate, we cannot let it go because the loss of life was never happened through bureaucracy and never asked for a lot of money.
As earlier reported by Jubi in Jayapura, Student Independent Forum (FIM) has handed over Rp 608 thousand rupiahs to National Human Right Commission Papua at KOMNAS HAM Papua Office. “We hope the money was delivered directly to the Ad Hoc team. The team led by Manajer Nasution would immediately return to Paniai, it’s appropriate with the statement of Indonesian Human Right Commission. So better it gave directly to the Ad Hoc team,” the Acting Chairman of KOMNAS HAM Papua Fritz Ramandey said when meeting with FIM activists. (Arnold Belau/rom)
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1) Diocesan priests voice concern over injustices in Papua

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1) Diocesan priests voice concern over injustices in Papua
Government ignores the needs of the Papuan people leading to conflict, violence, they say




Papuan Fr. Neles Tebay says the lack of development in the resource-rich region of Papua has perpetuated an ongoing conflict in the region. (ucanews.com photo by Ryan Dagur)
  • Ryan Dagur, Jakarta
  • International
  • July 14, 2015

    At least 75 diocesan priests from five dioceses in the West Papua region have voiced concern over the treatment of the Papuan people that has spurred various acts of violence in Indonesia’s easternmost provinces.
    “We see injustices in the fields of economy, social, culture and politics in the land of Papua. We are concerned about various acts of violence happening in the Bird of Paradise Land. Violence is faced by violence. All these violent acts hamper the development, harm the peace, and hurt the feeling of so many people,” the priests said in a statement released following their recent meeting in Jayapura, Papua province.
    Among those diocesan priests attending the June 30-July 5 meeting was Father Neles Kebadabi Tebay from  Jayapura diocese. Other dioceses included Agats-Asmat, Manokwari-Sorong and Timika as well as the Merauke archdiocese.
    While Papua is Indonesia's richest province in terms of natural resources, it lags behind others in terms of development, and the little development that occurs rarely benefits the Papuan people, the priests said.
    Speaking with ucanews.com over the phone on July 13, Father Tebay said that such injustices could be seen in the development programs that focused only on district towns, where migrants mostly from Java now stay.
    “It's based on what we see in our parishes located in remote areas,” he said.
    Fr. Tebay said that migrants comprise about 70 percent of the total population in district towns such as Jayapura, Keerom, Manokwari, Merauke, Mimika, Nabire and Sorong.  
    According to data from the General Election Commission, both Papua and West Papua provinces had an estimated population of 5.3 million in 2014.
    “We see that school buildings in remote areas look good but there are no teachers. In the healthcare field, the number of doctors and nurses is very limited,” Fr. Tebay said.
    This dissatisfaction, he said, has led to a series of violent conflicts with the state.
    Lambert Pekikir, a Papuan and a pro-independence activist, urged the Indonesian government to respect the rights of the Papuan people.
    “Such inequality will grow a deeper dissatisfaction. The government have so far said only words, but the problems remain,” he told ucanews.com.
    Meanwhile, Lamadi de Lamato, spokesperson for Papua’s governor’s office, acknowledged that there were gaps in the government services offered to largely Papuan communities. But he asserted that the local government has taken strategic efforts to prioritize development programs.
    “Since last year, the local government has allocated 80 percent of its budget to the districts. The province receives only 20 percent,” he told ucanews.com.  “For sure, there are four agenda priorities: education, health care, economic growth, and development of infrastructures,” he said.
    Papua has been beset by a decades-long conflict over Indonesia’s takeover of the region following the withdrawal of the Dutch colonial administration in 1962. The guerilla Free Papua Movement has led a low-level insurgency against the state, marked by sporadic clashes and crackdowns on the Papuan people.
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    2) Indonesians cite MIFEE project at UN meeting on corporate abuses

    Sapariah Saturi and Agapitus Batbual 
    July 10, 2015

    A sign in the Indonesian village of Wambi in Papua province's Merauke district says locals reject the presence of any company. Merauke is the site of a planned food and energy megaproject that was shelved during the Yudhoyono presidency but has been revived by the Jokowi administration. Photo: Agapitus Batbual 

    A coalition of Indonesian civil society groups that attended the first intergovernmental working group on a proposed UN binding treaty on business and human rights raised concerns about alleged abuses surrounding a controversial food and energy megaproject planned for the Papuan district of Merauke. 

    The coalition, Indonesia Focal Point, is among those pushing for a legally binding instrument to address human rights violations arising from the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises. The treaty would hold accountable for abuses not just the businesses themselves but also the countries where the businesses are based or operate. 


    Civil society groups assemble in Geneva during the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights' five-day session thsi week. Photo: Walhi 

    Wensislaus Fatubun, one of the civil society representatives from Papua, said the Indonesian government must take responsibility for what happens in the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE), which was shelved during the administration of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono but which current President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration intends to resurrect. 

    "The Indonesian government must protect the rights of indigenous Papuans who have been victimized by the corporate food estate project," Wensislaus said in a statement earlier this week. 

    In Merauke, he explained, there had been many cases of human rights abuses involving corporations linked to MIFEE, such as forced evictions of local communities, destruction of sites important to indigenous peoples, torture and other forms of violence, environmental destruction and labor discrimination. 

    "Since April there has been an increase in arrests and intimidation by the security forces, directly affecting at least 531 people," said Wensislaus, who criticized the government for helping corporate interests appropriate indigenous lands. 

    The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights' five-day meeting in Geneva ends today. 

    Indonesia was one of the 20 member states on the 47-member UN Human Rights Council to support the resolution mandating the working group. The others were Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, China, Congo, Ivory Coast, Namibia, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Venezuela and Vietnam. 

    Fourteen countries voted against the resolution; they were Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Montenegro, South Korea, Romania, Macedonia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Thirteen countries abstained: Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Gabon, Kuwait, Maldives, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone and the United Arab Emirates. 

    Produced in English by Philip Jacobson. 

    Citations: Read more:  http://news.mongabay.com/2015/0710-jacobson-un-treaty-business-human-rights-mifee.html#ixzz3fqp88tDQ

    1) Papuans behind bars- June update

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    2) Three Districts in Paniai Face Shortage of Clean Water

    3) Health Centers in Yahukimo Lack Facilities

    4) MIMIKA GOVERNMENT HAS NO RIGHTS TO MANAGE FREEPORT’S PARTNERSHIP FUNDS

    5) Hailstorm in Papua Kills 11 People


    6) Coordination is Important to Handle Border Region

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    1) Papuans behind bars- June update

    In brief

    At the end of June 2015, there were at least 45 political prisoners in Papua.
    Information received from defence lawyers in Manokwari reported that three detainees who were arrested last month for their involvement in a peaceful demonstration were severely beaten in detention by police Mobile Brigade (Brigade Mobil, Brimob) officers. At least one of the three, KNPB member Alexander Nekenem, was tortured by Brimob officers who stubbed cigarettes out on him. Under instructions from the Head of the Manokwari Regional Police, AKP Tommy H. Pontororing, lawyers were denied access to their three clients following the escape of Narko Murib, a fourth detainee in the same case. Due to barriers to access, lawyers only found out about the torture and ill-treatment endured by the detainees several days after.
    A second case involving arbitrary violence perpetrated by Brimob officers was that of the fatal shooting of Yoteni Agapa, a 19-year-old Papuan in Ugapuga village in Dogiyai Regency. Brimob officers shot Agapa when he started arguing with them regarding a confrontation that had occurred earlier in the day. This tendency for Brimob officers to respond in such a trigger-happy manner is not uncommon. Since the start of 2015, at least two people have died and seven have been injured as a result of excessive use of force and misuse of firearms by police in Papua. So far, there have been no independent investigations into these incidents and thus the perpetrators continue to enjoy total impunity.
    Ongoing investigations by the National Human Rights Commission (Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia, Komnas HAM) into the ‘Bloody Paniai’ incident of December 2014 seem to have stalled, reportedly due to a lack of funding. Additionally, separate investigations conducted by the Ministry of Politics, Law and Security alongside the Papuan National Police, criticized by human rights observers as lacking credibility, seem to be complicating matters still further.

    14 students were arrested in Abepura and Waena for fundraising in support of the Komnas HAM investigations into Bloody Paniai. This case echoes the Yahukimo arrests in March 2015, where more than a hundred people were arrested in relation to a week-long fundraising event for Cyclone Pam victims in Vanuatu. The arrests show that public rallies of any kind in Papua continue to be suppressed, even those for humanitarian purposes.
    You can read the full update here:
    http://www.papuansbehindbars.org/?p=3540

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    2) Three Districts in Paniai Face Shortage of Clean Water
    Jayapura, Jubi – Residents in three districts in Paniai, Papua, are facing a shortage of clean water, said Decky Nawipa, member of Commission IV of the Papua Legislative Council.
    “After my visit to three districts – Ekadide, Agadide, and Bogobaida in Paniai, I found that residens need clean water, ” Nawipa told Jubi on last week.
    He also said that several road construction projects have not been completed
    “We hope that, before entering the meeting of budget changes, it should be reported first for example road of Enarotali, Paniai to Intan Jaya as well as lighting project to the people in Ekadide and Bokobaida districts, “he said.
    He said, although there is Hydroelectric Power in Paniai, but the electricity could not reach the two districts due to the need of power supply.
    There is also problem of infrastructure development such as the need of land transportation access from Intan Jaya to Pania in order to suppress the high price, said one of the members of DPRP, Thomas Sondegau.
    “During this time, goods from Nabire can only be transported by small-bodied aircraft to Paniai. The cost of transportation is expensive and it will be cheaper by using land tranpotaton, “ he said at the time. (Arjuna Pademme)

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    3) Health Centers in Yahukimo Lack Facilities
    Jayapura, Jubi – Health centers in Effata Angguruk, Angguruk district, Yahukimo lack proper facilities, Papua health chief drg Aloysius Giyai said.
    “When I was a kid, I was in Paniai, which is now Deiyai district. This region was famous because Anggruk hospital was established by GKI Effata Angguruk mission,” Giyai said in Jayapura on last week.
    He visited the hospital along with Yakuhimo Secretary of the Department of Health, Wiklif Balingga and member of Commission V Papua, Nathan Pahabol on last Tuesday.
    “There have been no improvements If we see the past and today in the era of special autonomy. The road is still very poor and facilities built by the mission are not maintained by the government as well,” he added
    According to him, the room and service facilities are severely damaged. “I have seen all. Inpatient rooms and one doctor housing projects built by Yahukimo health department are incomplete and inappropriate to use, “he said.
    He then expressed his appreciation to head of hospital, Ruben and fellow medical staff who are still serving the society with its limitations.
    “I have to thank my staff. Hospitals that pioneered by missionaries should be continued and paid attention by the Government of Indonesia, “he said.
    He added that in 2014 the Provincial Health Department has issued a Governor Regulation No. 8 on the allocation of at least 15 percent of funds for health care.
    If each regencyt does not budget at least 15 percent, certainly it will be difficult in distributing special autonomy fund for the needs of public health services, he said. (*)


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    4) MIMIKA GOVERNMENT HAS NO RIGHTS TO MANAGE FREEPORT’S PARTNERSHIP FUNDS
    Timika, Jubi – The Amungme Community leader in Mimika, Papua Andreas Anggaibak, insisted that local authorities do not have any right to manage the partnership funds of PT Freeport Indonesia aimed at empowering indigenous Amungme and Kamoro.
    “Mimika regent Eltinus Omaleng planned to take over the management of one percent of funding partnership of PT Freeport. I reiterate, the fund will not be taken over by other parties, including the government of Mimika,” Anggaibak said in Timika on last week.
    Former chairman of Mimika Legislative Council (DPRD) 2000-2004 period, said the partnership fund of PT Freeport which used to be called as one percent of funds is the right of society. The fund, he said, should fully managed by the community itself, not by the government.
    “The fund is the result of the struggle of the community since 14 years ago. I reiterate that whoever does not have the right to take over percent of funds, “said Anggaibak.
    He then questioned the intention of Mimika regency who want to take over the management of the partnership fund of PT Freeport which has been administered by the Community Development Institute Amungme and Kamoro (LPMAK).
    According to him, Mimika regency already have a very large budget allocation which is Rp2.2 trillion in fiscal year 2015. he continued with a huge budget allocations, it should have been able to push the Mimika regency motion pace of development of society up to the villages.
    “If a very large fund is managed well, it will certainly be able to improve the welfare of the people of Mimika,” said Anggaibak.
    Ironically, even though Mimika has the largest budget allocation in Papua, until now people have not fully prosper.
    “In fact the people can see the development because there is support from LPMAK programs,” he explained.
    He further explained the struggle to obtain one percent of funds from the gross revenue of PT Freeport in the 1990s took times and sacrificing, even it had to go through the courts in the United States.
    Among the people, especially the Amungme tribe, also split into two groups when talking about the fund. There was one group that wanted to receive funds amounting to 10 percent of the gross revenue of PT Freeport. Meanwhile, other group led by Andreas Anggaibak itself through Amungkal Foundation agreed to accept the allocation of one percent of the gross revenue of PT Freeport.
    “I served as the first director of Amungkal foundation won one percent funding dispute through the courts in the United States. Since it was a court ruling, I reiterated one percent of funds can not be transferred. I do not want just because because of funding one percent of the Amungme people split up, “he said.
    Since 1996, the institution that manages funds one percent of PT Freeport has been repositioned and restructured several times.
    Initially it was called the Integrated Regional Development Timika (PWT2), then in 1999 called Irian Jaya Community Development Organization (LPM-Irja) and in October 2002 again changed its name becoming LPMAK.
    “LPMAK continue its programs that have been initiated since PWT2 and LPM-Irja. LPMAK implement health, education and development of the people’s economy, as well as providing financial support for the traditional institutions. The development that we can see today, because of LPMAK programs, while the government is not visible, “Anggaibak stated with a critical tone. (*)


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    TUESDAY, 14 JULY, 2015 | 20:30 WIB
    5) Hailstorm in Papua Kills 11 People
    TEMPO.COPapua - An uncommon occurrence of hailstorm in Wano Barat, Lanny Jaya, Papua, which occurred from July 3 to July 5, 2015, was reported to kill 11 people from 11 villages. "They freeze to death as the temperature reaches minus two degrees Celsius," said Regional Secretary of Lanny Jaya Regency Christian Siholait, on Tuesday, July 14, 2015.
    Christian also said that the blizzard has devastated plantations and farm animals. Even worse, he added that some people now suffer from diarrhea.
    The Lanny Jaya Regency recently recorded three hailstorm events in three different areas, including Kuyawage and Baliem village. "In total, there are 26 villages in three districts that are cut off and in need of immediate aid," Christian said.
    Christian added that he plans to send three teams to distribute food, medicine, and medical supplies to the three districts. "We will rent a plane […] because the three districts can only be reached by 10 days of walking. We need central government response on this matter," Christian said.
    CUNDING LEVI
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    6) Coordination is Important to Handle Border Region
    Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Goveror Lukas Enembe said tackling problems in the management of border areas and the strategy required coordination among technical institutions, both at national and local levels.
    “All the technical agencies play a very important role,” Enembe said in Jayapura, Papua on last week.
    In addition, he said the handling of the border area between countries also need to take into account the problems associated with the authority of the relevant agencies to manage it, whether it is the responsibility of the central government, provincial government or the regency/city.
    “Coordination is essential in order to avoid overlapping. Papua is one of the 33 provinces in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, which has a direct border with other countries both land and sea border, which is bordered by the State of Papua New Guinea, Australia and the Republic of Palau, “he said.
    Other challenges such as border management, border management officials are becoming very complex issues including the geographical nature so that until now government services to the public could not be maximized.
    “It is obviously an impact on social welfare and public services such as accessibility to transport services, communications, information, education, health, electricity, water and nine staples that are still very low,” said Enembe.
    Meanwhile, head of the Border and Foreign Cooperation of Papua province, Suzana Wanggai said as many as seven National Postal Transboundary (PLBN) will be built by central government including one post in Skouw area.
    “For Indonesia, there are seven PLBN in this year that must be built,” Suzana Wanggai said on Sunday (5/7 / 2015).
    According to her, the border area is the authority of the Central and Provincial Government of Papua and they have committed to realize the border as part of Indonesia. (Alexander Loen/ Tina)
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    ‘Forgotten guardians’: Local communities in natural resource management

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    ‘Forgotten guardians’: Local communities in natural resource management


    A CIFOR study has found that in the Mamberamo-Foja Wildlife Reserve, communities maintain their own claims, customs and rules governance. These largely invisible customs play a vital role in the way communities both perceive and respond to threats in their territories. Mamberamo Raya Papua man. Photo:Michael Padmanaba/CIFOR.

    Late last year, there was publicity about the plight of the San (bushmen) of the Kalahari in Botswana – part of a growing number of ‘conservation refugees’ from across the world who have been forcibly evicted from large areas of land set aside for national parks and protected areas.
    As was the case with the San, the decision to relocate communities is generally poorly informed. It is based on the assumption that indigenous communities invariably overuse, damage and threaten natural resources.
    It also ignores a growing body of research, including our recent study, which shows that the protection and management of natural resources by local communities, although often unrecognized, can often be more cost efficient and effective than government-sanctioned protected areas.
    Why, then, given the potential wins for both conservation and livelihoods, are opportunities for collaboration between indigenous groups and conservationists not being realized? As researchers, are we doing enough to demonstrate that local communities can and do protect and manage natural resources effectively?
    The monitoring of resources – a process whereby threats are identified and assessed – is a fundamental aspect of natural resource management.
    All indigenous communities to some extent manage their resources, and all respond to threats in some manner.
    While researchers acknowledge the former, it remains little studied – and even less is known about the latter.  In particular, how do communities perceive and respond to threats in their territories? What specific tools and systems do they use to adapt? And, more importantly for conservation, are these practices actually effective in preventing resource exploitation?
    LOCAL MONITORING, EFFECTIVE PROTECTION
    Our recent study in Mamberamo Raya regency in Papua, Indonesia, provides some interesting answers.
    Spanning over two million hectares, the Mamberamo-Foja Wildlife Reserve is one of the most biologically diverse in Indonesia – but it is not managed by the region’s overstretched reserve authorities.
    The park faces numerous outside threats from logging, oil palm development and mining, and it overlaps the territories of many communities including Kay, Metaweja and Yoke, where we conducted our studies.
    Despite being aware of the reserve’s protected status, all three communities maintain their own claims, customs and rules governing these areas. They also hunt crocodiles and pigs, fish, and collect forest resources.
    The study revealed that, rather than leaving a trail of destruction, these largely invisible customs and practices play a vital role in the way communities both perceive and respond to threats in their territories.
    For example, rather than leaving areas vulnerable to exploitation, respected individuals or groups have a recognized responsibility for protecting key resource-rich areas.
    In Kay, hereditary guardians or ‘ljabait’ live at a number of locations along the Tariku River, while in Yoke, one family oversees access to the most prized fishing area, Lake Tabaresia. In Metaweja, territorial protection was a shared responsibility.
    The village men regularly patrolled areas where resources were deemed to be vulnerable or where there were high levels of distrust with neighboring communities.
    Although all three villages reported encroachment and illegal hunting, incidences were rare and fines and punishments rarely used. The study showed that, rather than leading to unrestrained exploitation, the presence of specific individuals or groups at strategic sites acted as a powerful deterrent for outsiders wishing to exploit resources.
    ADAPTING NOT EXPLOITING
    As well as adapting to threats from ‘outsiders,’ the communities were skilled in assessing and interpreting vulnerable resources in their own environments.
    Many looked for signs of resource scarcity, and rather than exploit those resources further, they adapted their hunting and harvesting patterns to allow recovery. For example, in Kay, crocodiles are prized for their skin and meat. When flashlight observations by local community members revealed population numbers were low, hunting was stopped or reduced.
    Likewise, wild-pig hunters in Metaweja often discussed details of the kill, including the location, prints, nests and ease of the hunt to other community members. This enabled them to identify which areas would be allowed to recover, thereby improving pig hunting in the future.
    With the livelihoods of local communities so dependent on forest resources, the concept of ‘trust’ was an underlying factor in preventing resource exploitation.  As noted by communities in Yoke, even if individuals did take something they should not, the ability to ‘track’ human activities, such as boat marks and footprints, meant inappropriate behavior was hard to conceal. Sanctions or punishments could be imposed, but these were rarely used.
    In Metaweja, hunters from a neighboring community were intercepted while collecting birds of paradise and ordered to pay a $550 fine. The hunters left but the fine was never collected. It seems that public shaming and informal rules are enough to deter potential exploiters.
    However, community monitoring did have its limitations. Informal controls weren’t always effective.
    Community members in Metaweja noted that, despite a ban on the use of nylon fishing nets and poison in local rivers, some community members continued to use these methods, with some calling for much stronger controls to be applied. The lack of enforcement at the time of our study suggests that the depletion of fish stocks was not viewed as a significant threat because fish are not considered a vital resource. Resources are therefore not always deliberately misused. Communities value different resources differently, which is likely to affect the extent to which they are monitored and protected effectively.
    RECOGNIZING COMMUNITY MONITORING
    Monitoring has become a major theme in natural resource management, with more research exploring the opportunities for community participation. Our Papua study provides some much-needed evidence that local monitoring does contribute to the effective protection of resources and deters unregulated exploitation.
    For conservationists pushing for the expansion of protected areas, the study highlights the potential dangers of alienating people from their environment. Although monitoring practices are not always perfect, and are often motivated by distrust of local communities rather than by environmental concerns, their existence demonstrates that, as long as people are connected to their land, they are much more likely to protect resources.
    Furthermore, rather than being hostile to change (often a justification for excluding communities from decisions regarding the management of national park resources), communities showed themselves to be extremely flexible, adapting their behaviors to new challenges and opportunities.
    With many national parks underfunded and overstretched, recognizing local monitoring processes inside and outside these parks is vital to helping us understand the ways in which indigenous communities can be most effective in ‘filling the gaps’.
    This would allow park authorities to improve protection, whilst channeling scarce funds to where they are needed.  Therefore rather than replacing local management systems – which could prove costly for both people and wildlife – we must find ways to strengthen them. We must also identify local concerns and practices to better align conservation and livelihood objectives.
    As researchers, our challenge is to help describe and characterize these often informal and forgotten systems, and provide evidence of their effectiveness.
    The case of the Kalahari bushmen in Botswana is just one example of indigenous communities across the world who are struggling to live with the rules imposed on them in the name of ‘conservation’.
    However, we are the ones who benefit from the food, clean water and pure air that their landscapes provide. We must work together and seek their consent to provide an ethical foundation on which to meet long-term conservation goals.
    After all, they are the last guardians of our natural world. Without their support, there would be little left to protect.
    Douglas Sheil is a senior associate at CIFOR and a scientist based at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences Douglas can be contacted at Douglas.Sheil@nmbu.no.
    Manuel Boissière is a scientist at CIRAD, seconded to CIFOR and based in Bogor, Indonesia. Manuel can be contacted at m.boissiere@cgiar.org.
    Guillaume Beaudoin is a scientist based at CIFOR in Bogor, Indonesia. Guillaume can be contacted at g.beaudoin@cgiar.org
    Research cited in this article was undertaken in partnership with Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement and Conservation International.

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    1) Photos of Freedom Flotilla

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    2) Extreme weather hits Papua,  11 dead
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    1) Photos of Freedom Flotilla at  http://freedomflotillawestpapua.org




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    2) Extreme weather hits Papua,  11 dead
    Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura | Headlines | Wed, July 15 2015, 4:58 PM 

    At least 11 people from three districts in Lanny Jaya regency, Papua, have died after extreme cold weather hit the area earlier this month, a local official said.

    Speaking to The Jakarta Post in a phone interview on Tuesday, Lanny Jaya regional administration secretary Christian Siholait said extremely cold temperatures along with hail had occurred in Ku-
    yawage, Goa Baliem and West Wano districts from July 3 to 5.

    “During the three days, hail continuously fell from morning until evening. At the same time, local residents experienced extreme cold weather as the air temperature dropped to minus 2 degrees Celsius,” he said.

    Christian said similar hailstorms had not occurred since 1989, when Lanny Jaya was still a part of the Jayawijaya regency.

    Most local residents, he said, were not prepared for such extreme weather. 

    “It was the first time many locals had experienced such low temperatures in their whole lives,” he said.

    “In West Wano district, 11 residents died because they could not stand the extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, many other residents have been suffering from diarrhea after the hail.”

    At least 1,200 families live in the three isolated districts, which can only be reached by small aircraft or by walking for two days from the regency’s capital city of Tiom.

    The local administration, according to Christian, is planning to send medical assistance and food supplies to the three districts in a chartered aircraft on Wednesday, as the hail had also severely damaged residents’ farmland and killed a large number of livestock. 

    “The local residents are not only facing a food crisis but are also vulnerable to diseases,” he said.

    Meanwhile, in the neighboring Puncak regency, thousands of people in the Agandugume district have also been struggling with a food crisis with a number of hailstorms having hit the area beginning earlier this month.

    “We are currently facing the dry season, the rain has not come for quite a long time. At nights, however, hail falls. Frost has covered residents’ plants, like potatoes, tubers and vegetables, leaving them damaged,” Puncak Deputy Regent Repinus Telenggen said on Monday, adding that the food scarcity had forced residents to eat wild ferns in order to survive. 

    Puncak regional administration, according to Repinus, is planning to send rice stocks to the district but has so far faced difficulties in transporting them due to bad weather and technical constraints.

    “We have recently managed to drop only eight sacks of rice to Agandugume as the flight can be only taken once a day due to bad weather,” he said.

    Like the three isolated districts in Lanny Jaya, the Agandugume district is located between 2,300 and 2,500 meters above sea level and can only be accessed with small aircraft. The district is situated just below the 4,884-meter Puncak Jaya mountain, one of the world’s seven tallest summits. 

    At noon, the air temperature in the area has been ranging from 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, while at night the temperature can drop to 3 degrees.

    The Papua Natural Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) head, Didi Agus Prihatno, said he had received reports from the Puncak BPBD about food shortages in Agandugume.

    “The latest report confirmed that there are 6,150 people living in three villages that have been recently hit by hail. We have prepared rice and clothes to be sent to the affected areas. However, we are still unable to send them due to bad weather,” he said. -
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    1) Natural Cycle at Papua Central Highlands Causes Failed Harvests

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    2) Releasing 5 Political Prisoners Is Won’t Solve Papua Problems
    3) 2,400 Cubic Meters of Illegal Logs Still Impounded
    4) PT. Freeport Should Not only Accommodate Interests of Central Government, Councilor Says
    5) Merauke to Export Rice to PNG
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    1) Natural Cycle at Papua Central Highlands Causes Failed Harvests

    Jayapura, Jubi – “During April to November we would be like this. Kwaning Kume! Rain is falling to flood our entirely farms. It was happening every year but this current ‘fall season’ is more serious than ever. Many people were died of lacking of foods,” Langda resident Ayub Balyo of Yahukimo Resident said six years ago.
    Other local residents confirmed the statement of the priest who served for the local community at Langda Sub-district since 1991. According to residents met by Jubi in August 2009, during April to October, the rain is always falling every year in Langda. During this time, Langda’s soil would be terribly wet that caused the plants would not grow its roots such as in December to May. Moreover, the high intensity of rainfall also threatened many farms located at the mountain’s slope or steepness. If it was very wet, those farms could be eluded due to landslide. Langda residents usually call the period of April to October as the ‘fall season’.
    In the ‘fall season’ like this, the residents would only consume some vegetables collected from the forest such as daun paku, tunas kelapa hutan, sayur lilin, labu siam, daun gedi or sweet potato leaves. No sweet potatoes or taros to be consumed since its roots are rotten or empty. At least they only eat baked young banana fruit.
    The similar situation was reportedly happened in Puncak Regency. Three villages in Agandugume, namely Agamdugume, Tuput and Jiwot was threated to hunger due to hail falls for three days from 9 to 12 July.
    The Puncak Regent Willem Wandik admitted the hail falls is almost happening every year, especially at long dry season. “It’s natural phenomenon. The hail falls usually happens in June to July,” Wandik said on Monday (13/7/2015), Antara News reported.
    As earlier happened in Langda, Bomela and Seradala sub-districts six years ago, the hail falls in Puncak Regency, further said Wandik, destroyed the plants that can not be harvested. If it was prolonged dry season, the local residents usually move to Sinak or its surrounding areas that has not hail falls.
    Meanwhile the Papua Governor Lukas Enembe admitted he has not yet received the report from the Puncak Regent related to the hunger endanger due to the fail sweet potato harvesting at Agamdugema Sub-district.
    “This case is the responsible of local government, because this problem is often happened due to the natural phenomenon in Papua Central Highland area,” the Governor Enembe said in Jayapura on Monday (13/7/2015). He further explained he has not yet received the official report from the local regent.
    Antara News reported about 10 thousand people at Puncak Regency are face the hunger due to fail sweet potato harvesting.
    Currently the local residents in Agamdugema Sub-district only eat daun paku and labu cina. The extreme temperature between the day and night is not only happened in Puncak but also it happens in Wamena. The temperature at daylight could reach 25.3 Celsius degree while it reaches minus 11-Celsius degree at night. This natural phenomenon was happening until two weeks at the beginning of July in this year. (Victor Mambor/rom)
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    2) Releasing 5 Political Prisoners Is Won’t Solve Papua Problems
    Jayapura, Jubi – The chairman said the Papua Legislative Council said President Joko Widodo’s decision to release five Papuan political prisoners during his visit in Papua earlier this year was not a solution to the the Papua issue.
    Council Chairman Yunus Wonda said the release of the five political prisoners should be a start to a more lasting solution.
    “The issue in Papua is more about a political issue. The release of political prisoners would not solve the Papua’s issue. The central government shouldn’t hesitate open up to conduct peace dialogue with Papua. The Papua issue would not be solved as long as the dialogue is not yet materialized,” Wonda said on Tuesday (14/7/2015).
    According to him, the President Joko Widodo must obey his promise by doing a dialogue, which is already designed by Papua Peace Network (JDP). He further said the dialogue would not involve the Papua’s officials but the opposite party that has opposite ideology, whether those who are currently living in the forest or abroad.
    “The dialogue would not involve the governor, Papua Legislative Council or Papua People’s Assembely. When SBY was president, I ever said whoever the president was; he could not solve the Papua’s issue if he didn’t start with the root of problems. If Aceh could have the Helsinki Pact, why couldn’t Papua?” he said.
    He further said Papua has a value that the Central Government should be considered. Furthermore, the supports from Pacific countries over Papua is getting stronger although its status in MSG is only as observer. Now it’s the time for the Central Government to talk with Papuans and the opposite party.
    “The Central Government shouldn’t talk with us, Papua officials, but people. About the place of dialogue, it would be up to Papuan people. They have a right but they have no courage to start and are living under the shadow of fear. Papua would remain the same if no one dare to start,” he said. (Arjuna Pademme/rom)

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    3) 2,400 Cubic Meters of Illegal Logs Still Impounded
    Jayapura, Jubi – Four trucks loads of illegal Merbau (Intsia Bijuga) seized from trader Basman Gultom are still being kept at Impounding Warehouse (Rupbasan) in Jayapura.
    The Jayapura District Court is currently hearing the case.
    “The Forestry Police have found the logs were transported from Arso without legal documents. The permit expired and the trader used a permit for another company. They are currently attending the trial, therefore they entrusted their goods to us here,” the Head of Administration and Maintanance of Rupbasan Demianus Merahabia told Jubi at his office on Tuesday (14/7/2015).
    Merahabia said each truck with Makassar police number namely DD 9222 AS, 9961 EB, 8754 LC, 8563 LC loaded 600 cubic of Merbau logs. It means the four trucks loaded 2,400 cubic of logs with measurement of 20 x 10 cm and 2 meters length. Its price could reach five million per cubic.
    The 5 x 10 cm log is sold for five million rupiah per log. By multiplying it, the 24 thousand cubic would value more than 12 billion. But we don’t know how much they bought it from the local people and when would they sell it,” said the Acting Head of Rupbasan Jayapura Yohanes Sabami at his office.
    Sabami said the logs would be returned to the owners or seized for the State. It’s up to the court’s decision. If it said the logs should return to the owner, we will give it. But if it goes to the State, it means those logs would be rotten like the rest,” he said.
    A year ago, Jubi reported the logs from any kind and size that seized by the police and Prosecutor Office since 2006 to 2013 have get rotten in the yard of Rupbasan Office.
    “The process is on going but it has not completed yet. It’s finally stuck. After the Court’s decision, the seized logs would be immediately executed whether it would be sold or destroyed. But the Prosecutor Office has not executed those logs for years. We can understand it if it just for months,” Sanang said in the interview with Jubi at his office at Expo Waena, Jayapura on Thursday (9/10/2014).
    He admitted he often held communication with Prosecutor Office who authorized to do the final execution over the logs, but up to now it’s never been done.
    “We keep communicate with them and they always said yes without realization,” he said by giving the examples of oral and written communications he’s done in order to save dozens of logs.
    Meanwhile, the Section Head of Maintenance and Storing of Rupbasan said the logs were kept outside under the rain and the sun. Some are getting rotten and some even already got rotten. Its economic value is decrease. The State will loose hundreds of million rupiahs. “The logs were damage for nothing. It’s big loss for the stage,” Sabami told Jubi at his office.
    Based on data issued by Rubbasan on September 2014, there are 6,983 logs of any kind and size or equal with 139,66 cubic. If it was converted in rupiah; the second quality log would reach two million rupiah per log. The State lost more than 278 million rupiah. While the first quality of Merbau log reaches 4 million rupiah per cubic, and the State loss 556 million rupiah. (Mawel Beny/rom)
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    4) PT. Freeport Should Not only Accommodate Interests of Central Government, Councilor Says
    Jayapura, Jubi – A member of the Papua Legislative Council, Wilhelmus Pigai, warned PT. Freeport not to singularly accommodate the interests of the central government.
    Freeport must also explicitly attend to the interests of Papua province, Mimika government and the owners in the work contract extension, he said.
    He further said in the work extension contract of PT. Freeport, it should involve Papua province, Mimika government and customary rights owners.
    “Not only the central government’s interests are accommodated but also the people of Papua so that the economic benefits delivered by President Jokowi can be felt by them,” Welhilmus said via text message to Jubi, Tuesday (14/7/2015).
    According to him, PT. Freeport Indonesia must provide significant economic benefits that will not be considered to trigger social conflict and human rights violations against the people of Papua including the Amungsa and Komoro people.
    Furthermore he added, the legal basis must be considered is the Papua Special Autonomy Law, in which also regulate the mining sector.
    Meanwhile in the last presidential election, President Jokowi got most votes in Papua. Therefore, he must keep peoples’ trust by consistently implementing Special Autonomy Law. All regulations that are contrary to the Special Autonomy Law, to be canceled and make adjustments to the Papua Special Autonomy Law.
    Separately, spokesperson of DPRP Yunus Wonda said, central government must involve all stakeholders such as provincial government, Mimika regency and indigenous peoples in the discussion of the work contract. (Arjuna Pademme/ Tina)


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    5) Merauke to Export Rice to PNG
    Jayapura, Jubi / Antara – Merauke regent said he wanted Papua province to be an exporter of rice to foreign countries including Papua New Guinea.
    “We are currently trying to export rice to Papua New Guinea. When President Joko Widodo visited Merauke, he was informed that there are gas sources that have not been used yet, which if taken into account the fertilizer plant can be built,” he said in Jayapura on Tuesday (14/07/2015).
    Based on communication between Jokowi and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, there was a deal in which the Merauke regent will deliver rice and Papua New Guinea will build a fertilizer plant in Merauke.
    “Since rice per kilogram in Papua New Guinea reached Rp 26 thousand, Joko Widodo then offered a deal Rp 5,000 per kilogram if the source of the gas can be used to build a fertilizer plant,” he added.
    He said that as the people of Papua, we should not be proud of the taking out from the ground or plucked from the ground.
    “We should be proud when the soil can be cultivated productively, such as rice production is predicted to be able to meet the needs throughout Papua,” he said.
    He then added by meeting demand for rice in Papua, the Papuan people are able to feed their own people. (*)
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    1) TalkAboutIt: Five key things to know about West Papua (includes video footage)

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    2) The ULMWP’position and the Melanesian Spearhead Group

    3) Lake Sentani Included on LIPI List for Lake Management Study

    4) Export Levy of Freeport Indonesia Down 5%

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    The article includes video footage and photos
    ————

    1) TalkAboutIt: Five key things to know about West Papua


    Posted about 6 hours ago

    Video footage
    West Papua is the collective name used by pro-independence supporters to refer to two Indonesian provinces located in the western half of New Guinea island.
    The mountainous region, comprising the provinces of Papua and West Papua, is home to more than 250 Melanesian ethnic groups.
    The long-running separatist movement in West Papua remains a sensitive issue for Indonesia, with pro-independence rebels continuing to resist Jakarta's authority.
    Here are five things you should know about the region.

    1. What is West Papua's history?

    The former Dutch colony, previously called Irian Jaya, had been preparing for independence before Indonesia asserted its claim in 1962.


    The West Papua region officially became part of Indonesia after the Act of Free Choice in 1969, a referendum that was overseen by the United Nations.
    Only a fraction of the population — 1,026 Papuans — were selected to vote on whether or not to remain within the Republic of Indonesia. 
    Since the decision was made to join Indonesia, a near-constant friction has continued with reports of violent crackdowns and human rights abuses committed by Indonesian authorities against pro-independence supporters.
    West Papua is one of the poorest provinces of Indonesia despite being one of the most mineral-rich regions in the world.
    The poverty rate in West Papua is almost three times higher than Indonesia's national average, according to the Australian Institute of International Affairs.

    2. Why have I been hearing about it recently?





    In June, a coalition of West Papuan organisations was made an observer of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), a regional bloc that includes Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands.
    The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) had applied for full membership, hoping it would give their movement greater political recognition.

    ULMWP members who attended the summit in Honiara welcomed the MSG decision, describing it as a historic step for West Papua.
    Paula Makabory is from the West Papua National Coalition of Liberation, one of the resistance organisations working alongside the ULMWP.
    She told the ABC that West Papuans will continue to seek MSG membership because "we are part of the Melanesian family".
    "We are not Asian. Geographically, culturally - we are Melanesian," Ms Makabory said.
    "For me being in the MSG, even though it's as an observer, that is an opportunity ... to be there and also talk to Indonesia because we have been clinging to Indonesia for peaceful negotiations."

    3. What about Indonesia?








    The leaders of the MSG voted to make Indonesia an associate member, paving the way for stronger cooperation between Jakarta and Melanesian countries.
    Fijian prime minister Frank Bainimarama said Indonesia's sovereignty over West Papua "cannot be questioned".
    "The province is an integral part of Indonesia, so when we deal with West Papua and its people, MSG has no choice but to deal with Indonesia, and in a positive and constructive manner," he said.
    Sade Bimantara, spokesperson for the Indonesian embassy in Canberra, said there were about 11 million Indonesians of Melanesian descent concentrated in five provinces in the eastern part of Indonesia.
    "Indonesia's membership in the MSG will further open and strengthen connections between peoples in Indonesia and their Melanesian brothers in the South Pacific," he said.
    Since 1998, Mr Bimantara said genuine efforts have been made by the Indonesia government to improve human rights situation across Indonesia, particularly in Papua. 
    Human Rights Watch has said the conduct of Indonesian security forces in Papua has bred a deepening antipathy between native Papuans and Indonesian authorities. 
    The group takes no position on the right to self-determination, however, opposes imprisonment of people who peacefully express support for self-determination.

    4. What's changed recently?





    Observers in Jakarta say Indonesian president Joko Widodo, unlike his predecessors, may represent a change in policy towards West Papua.
    "The Jokowi administration has been trying to improve the human rights, economic, and security conditions in Papua," said Dr Ikrar Nusa Bhakti, a research professor at the Research Centre for Politics.

    Mr Jokowi has visited Papua four times and become the first Indonesian president (to) spend his time and attentions on Papua."
    During his visit in May, Mr Widodo said he had granted pardons to five Papuan prisoners as part of the "government sincere efforts to rid the stigma of Papua as a conflict region".
    He also announced that foreign media restrictions had been lifted in the region.
    On the security situation, Indonesian embassy spokesman Sade Bimantara said "regrettably challenges remain".
    "Violence is committed both against civilians, armed separatists individuals and groups as well as against security forces," he said.
    "When laws are broken, the police act to control and if needed, to disperse the crowd, consistent with the police's strict standard procedure for crowd control.
    "Allegations of abuse by security forces are taken seriously by the government of Indonesia."

    5. What next for West Papua?






    Human rights campaigner Paula Makabory said she is doubtful the Indonesian government can keep its promises to resolve West Papua's issues.
    "It was not a surprise for me to see Jokowi ... promising all these things, just like former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and others," she said.
    Ms Makabory said her group would continue to work towards self-determination for West Papua.
    "To get independence - that is the goal," she said.
    "We need a proper referendum to let people choose, its not my decision.
    "I would love to rule my own country, my own land, my ancestral land; it needs to be kept in its beauty - not to be exploited - for my future generations."
    The Indonesian embassy's spokesman said a new vote was unlikely to happen.
    "No referendum is being planned and will be planned on West Papua," Mr Bimantara said.
    "Rooted in history, language, geography and the same plight as former colony of three nations, the West Papuans like the peoples from other regions of Indonesia have always considered themselves as part of Indonesia.
    "In 1969 the governments of Indonesia, the Netherlands, the United Nations and its members and most importantly the people of West Papua ... reaffirmed that West Papua is an irrevocable part of Indonesia."
    Australia says it recognises Indonesia's sovereignty over the Papua provinces, as outlined by the 2006 Lombok Treaty between Australia and Indonesia.
    Indonesian sovereignty of the area is widely recognised by the international community. 

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    2) The ULMWP’position and the Melanesian Spearhead Group
    Comment by the Executive-Director of LP3BH

       A recent statement made by the Prime Minister of Fiji, Frank Bainimarama, who said that the fact that the Melanesian Spearhead
    Group/MSG. made it possible for both the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and Indonesia to attend the recent meeting of
    the MSG means that the MSG is in a position to facilitate the solution of the problems being faced by the Melanesian people living in West
    Papua and elsewhere Indonesia.

      This statement shows that the leaders of the MSG are well aware of the social and political problems and the cultural problems that have
    confronted the Melanesian people who inhabit the Cenderawasih Land for many years.

      This means that the opportunity for including on the agenda the problems that are of crucial importance in resolving the basic human
    rights problems that have confronted the people in the Land of Papua for that past fifty years is more likely now than ever before, and is
    being widely discussed at almost every meeting as well as between the leaders representing the various countries  within  the MSG.

       In this connection, speaking as the recipient of the John Humphrey Freedom Award in 2005, Canada. I urge all human rights organisations
    in the Land of Papua and throughout the world to make a positive contribution by providing all the information that is available about
    the violations of human rights that have been occurring for the past fifty years. Furthermore, I call on the MSG, via the intermediary of
    its Secretariat General, to become a key pillar for the resolution of these problems, from now on.

      Of course it goes without saying that resolving these human rights violations should be done through legitimate channels by using the
    various national and international institutions, in particular with the support of the United Nations  High Commission on Human Rights, based
     in Geneva, Switzerland.
    Peace!
    Yan Christian Warinussy, Executive Director of the LP3BH Manokwari - the Institute for Research and Analyzing and Development for Legal Aid

    Translated by Carmel Budiardjo

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    3) Lake Sentani Included on LIPI List for Lake Management Study


    Sentani, Jubi – Lake Sentani has been included on the list of 15 lakes that are being considered to be subjects of a study on lake managements, but until now there has been no action taken for its development.
    Jayapura regency government conducted a comparative study on management of lakes by visiting one of the largest lakes in Japan. After the trip Jayapura regent advised to coordinate with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) regarding the future management of Sentani lake.
    “We have been coordinating with LIPI, because its experts graduated from Japan. LIPI also has a major role to Lake Sentani, therefore we have asked LIPI to conduct a scientific study on the future development of Sentani lake,” Jayapura regent Matthew Awoitau said on last week.
    He said, the results of research and scientific studies by the LIPI, will be made a great proposal that will be given to the Government of Japan to cooperate in the development of Sentani lake.
    “Later the results would be outlined in a proposal made large then submitted to the Japanese government for how the results of a study conducted by LIPI for making Sentani lake development better,” he said.
    He then added we should give our children a local content how to maintain the environmental conditions of Sentani lake. By learning around Sentani lake, of course, will impact greatly to the development of Sentani lake.
    “When we were in Japan, the Japan government suggested that the management of the lake must start from kids from elementary level in order to gain insight and knowledge. They will be more open when looking at the conditions and what is going on at Sentani lake, so this will be a great movement for joint – both maintain and develop what is above and even in Sentani lake, ” Awoitau said.
    Separately Jerry Okoka one of the residents was happy if there are efforts made for the development of Lake Sentani.
    “So far we only know to stay and live on the lake alone, and this practice has been handed down to us who inhabit the shores of Lake Sentani. Such information we have heard but no changes have been done,” he added. (Engel Wally/ Tina)
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    4) Export Levy of Freeport Indonesia Down 5%
    Jakarta, Jubi – Levies from exports of concentrate by PT Freeport Indonesia will drop to 5 percent following the progress of the construction of mineral processing and refining facilities, or a smelter, which has reached 13.46%.
    Currently PT. Freeport pays 7.5 percent in export duty to the government.
    A Finance Ministry regulation on export duties and tariff stipulates an export of 7.5 percent applies to construction or investment funds absorption for a smelter at between 0 to 7.5 percent.
    Once the project is 7.5 to 30 percent completed, the export tax will be reduced to 5 percent. While the progress of the construction of more than 30 percent is eligible for zero percent tax duty.
    Head of public communication of Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM), Dadan Kusdiana said progress is being studied by smelter Freeport technical team. He could not confirm whether the duties paid Freeport fell to 5 percent due to the progress of the construction of smelter in the category of 7.5% -30%. ” Basically it should be according to the rules. Later we’ll see what the results of the evaluation of technical team, ” Dadan said last week.
    Freeport will build a smelter in Gresik, East Java, with a capacity of raw materials reached 2 million tons of copper concentrate. The investment is US $ 2.3 billion.(*/Tina)
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    Statement on ULMWP in Fakfak being persecuted despite MSG Observer Membership

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    Statement on ULMWP in Fakfak being persecuted despite MSG Observer Membership
     • 09:39





    Dear friends,
    After the success of joining the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), we West Papuans have been celebrating and giving thanks, showing our gratitude to our Melanesian brothers and sisters and all supporters for welcoming us back into the Melanesian family.
    However despite this international recognition for our peaceful movement, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP); we are still being treated like animals by the Indonesian government and are persecuted for our every activity within West Papua.
    On 3rd July, the ULMWP Secretariat in Fakfak, West Papua was raided by the Indonesian military and police just because the people of Fakfak were giving thanks and prayer after West Papua was welcomed back into the Melanesian family. According to recent information nearly 100 people were brought to the police station including the elderly, mothers and children. They were interrogated about the ULMWP and many of their personal belongings were stolen by the police. The 3 local ULMWP leaders, Apnel Hegemur, Roy Marten Mury and Lukas Mardani Hegemur were locked up and are still awaiting trial for ‘unauthorised activities’. They have been told by the Indonesian police not to move and not to do any activities.
    After the raid and arrests of West Papuans just for praying, drinking coffee and giving thanks, the people of Fakfak are still living with the constant threat that they may be the next target of further Indonesian repression.
    We West Papuans are just peacefully giving thanks and expressing our desire to be free and our support for the ULMWP.
    Do we need to be arrested and jailed for this?
    Do we need ‘authorisation’ from the Indonesian police to pray, drink coffee and give thanks?
    The ULMWP has been officially recognised by the Melanesian Spearhead Group and our Melanesian family are now fully aware of what we are doing and why we are struggling for self-determination and independence.

    ULWMP leader in Fakfak, Apnel Hegemur is still on trial just for giving thanks after ULMWP joined the MSG




    They know that we Melanesians are being arrested, tortured and persecuted in West Papua just for supporting the ULMWP like the people arrested and interrogated recently in Fakfak.
    I want ask the MSG and the wider international community to please continue to look and see the ongoing oppression of my people by the Indonesian authorities, including at ULWMP meetings. The Indonesian government knows that the ULMWP has been officially recognised by the Melanesian Spearhead Group and they claim that Indonesia is a democratic country so why do they continue to orchestrate the attacks and brutal suppression of all ULMWP activities in West Papua?
    I would like to ask everyone to please remember these brave West Papuans locked behind bars in Fakfak just a few days ago. They are not in jail for any crime but simply for standing up for their rights to self-determination and freedom, as a colonised people. We will continue to stand up for these fundamental rights and for the full liberation and independence of West Papua at last.
    I send all my strong solidarity and thoughts with the fellow Papuans arrested and interrogated in Fakfak as I and people all over the world call for their immediate and unconditional release.
    I am very grateful for all the increasing support from around the world and send my warm regards to all supporters as well.
    We continue to make great progress in the freedom struggle and I am fully confident that we will only go from strength to strength. Let us remain united, certain in our goal and keep up the struggle for the full liberation of West Papua.
    Benny Wenda
    West Papuan independence leader
    Spokesperson of the United  Liberation Movement for West Papua ULMWP
    The names and ages of some of those known to have been brought to the police station include: Naptali Hegemur 40, Yermias Herietrenggi 34, Yusuf Bahba 61, Isak Sepi Bahba 23, Merkon Bahba 32, Modestus Komber 28, Jimmy Herietrenggi 35, Bernadus Herietrenggi 32, Renol Hegemur 37, Nikodemus Hegemur 23, Ny. Maryana Patiran 38, Ny. Petersina Hegemur 46, Ny. Maria Hegemur 55, Armando Bahba 17, James 3 (infant), Wilem Mury 1, (infant) Simon Mury 52, Morthen Kabes 21,  Yermias Hegemur 46,  Tuda Taswa 36,  Edwin Hindom 29, Flerius Bahba 15,  Baron Tanggarery 27, Lanus Hegemur 43, Antonius Mury 32,  Obet Hegemur 30, Kelly Hegemur 28, Penile Hegemur 63, Kenebon Tigtigweria 21, Bernat Hegemur 20, Epy Hegemur 14, Riki Hegemur 20, Yusuf Hegemur 17, Naptali Iba 36, Imanuel Iba 47, Ny. Herlina Geredenggo 23, Ny. Ana Hegemur 34, Ny. Sara Kabes 24.

    1) Security head pulls knife during protest

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    2) Mosque Attacked, Idul Fitri Prayer Disrupted in Papua
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    1) Security head pulls knife during protest 

    NT Parliament House security officer Michael Caldwell, far left.
    The director of NT Parliament security “lost it” and pulled a knife on West Papua activists in the grass outside Parliament House, the NT News has been told.
    “It’s not only mad inside Parliament, it’s mad outside too,” a witness said.
    The West Papua activists had constructed a traditional Honai hut that they called an “embassy” and spent two days bringing attention to Indonesian treatment of West Papua.
    A group of five or six West Papuans were at the hut singing traditional songs on Tuesday when head security guard Michael Caldwell allegedly began shouting at them.
    Vaughan Williams, a field officer with Larrakia Nation, was at the site checking on his clients when the brouhaha erupted.
    story-fnk0b1zt-1227435776114.gif
    “He (Mr Caldwell) was screaming angrily saying it’s his land, it’s his Parliament,” Mr Williams said. “They were being cheeky and yelled back that it’s Larrakia land. That’s when he lost his temper and went off.” Mr Caldwell then allegedly threatened to slice up a banner the group had placed on a fence. “And he pulled out this knife,” Mr Williams said. “He was walking towards them with the knife in his fist. A woman was screaming ... here’s an angry big man with a knife in his hand.”
    Police, who were nearby, ­intervened and ordered Mr Caldwell to go back inside Parliament House to defuse the situation. “It was a peaceful event,” Mr Williams said. “The West Papuans are very polite and were singing songs beautifully. But someone could have been slashed and injured.”
    Speaker Kezia Purick originally denied the knife incident occurred, calling the claims “rubbish”. But when confronted with the pictures, Ms Purick implied the group had been behaving poorly by ­urinating on things and intimidating people.
    A representative of the ­activists denied any poor behaviour from the group.
    NT Police described the blade as a “pocket knife” and said Mr Caldwell had pulled it out for cutting down the banner, which he was unsuccessful in doing. “Police told him to go back inside Parliament House to stop him from antagonising the situation,” a spokeswoman said. The activists were subsequently evicted from the grounds after their permit application was rejected. The representative said they are considering filing a formal complaint about the incident.
    Police confirmed no charges are pending at this time.

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    2) Mosque Attacked, Idul Fitri Prayer Disrupted in Papua
    By Robert Isidorus on 11:27 am Jul 17, 2015
    Jayapura, Papua. Residents in Papua’s Tolikara district on Friday morning attacked a group of Muslims who were about to perform Idul Fitri prayers, throwing rocks at the congregation and setting fire to their mosque.
    Security forces fired warning shots to disperse the crowd of about 200 after the Muslims had fled the scene, running toward a nearby military post.
    People in the crowd chanted “No [Islamic] worship in Tolikara district” and called for the prayer meeting to be disbanded.
    The Islamic prayer, to celebrate the end of the fasting month Ramadan, was to be held at the office of the Karubaga subdistrict military command at around 7 a.m.
    Sr. Comr. Patrige Renwarin, a spokesman for the Papua Police, confirmed the attack but could not provide additional details.
    Majority-Christian Papua has long been the scene of a low-intensity struggle for independence, with separatists targeting police and military forces they see as representatives of a Javanese-dominated and majority-Muslim state occupying their land.

    1) Komnas HAM Reports Findings over Tolikara Case

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    2) Komnas HAM: 1 Child Dies; 11 Injured In Tolikara Incident
    3) President Jokowi Regrets Tolikara Incident

    4) As Officials React, Papua Mosque Burning Labeled ‘Accident’

    5) Freeport Drops Tons of Food to Mitigate Famine in Papua

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    SATURDAY, 18 JULY, 2015 | 13:12 WIB
    1) Komnas HAM Reports Findings over Tolikara Case
    TEMPO.COJakarta - Natalius Pigai, a commissioner at the National Commission for Human Rights, said that the tension that broke out in Karubuga, the capital of Tolikara Regency, Papua on Friday, July 17, 2015, was not merely caused by a religious conflict between Muslims and Christians of the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI). Natalius said that the conflict was also triggered by police shootings against Christians.
    “It seems to have been a misunderstanding that GIDI is being hostile to Islam. In fact, they were not planning to burn the mosque. People were upset because of the police shootings,” Pigai told Tempo on Saturday, July 18, 2015.
    Earlier on July 11, 2015, Tolikara branch of GIDI chairman Rev. Nayus Wenea and GIDI secretary Rev. Marthe Jingga sent a letter calling for Muslims in Tolikara to celebrate Eid outside of the area since GIDI would hold an international seminar.
    “They asked Muslims to turn down the speaker volume since the location of the Eid celebration was next to the seminar venue,” Pigai said, adding that GIDI also asked female Muslims not to wear hijabs.
    Although it was addressed to Muslim, the letter explains that GIDI also banned other denomination churches to be erected in Tolikara.
    “The Advent Church in Paido District has been closed. [The closures] happened a lot in Tolikara. They closed other churches,” Pigai said.
    The circular letter was also forwarded to the Tolikara Precinct Police and the Tolikara administration several days before the Eid. However, Muslims and Tolikara insisted on holding Eid prayer and used speaker at Karubaga.
    Pigai explained that GIDI mass were upset and launched a protest to police officers guarding around the location.
    “They protested because they have sent a notification earlier, and the officers shot them,” Pigai said.
    As a result, GIDI mass started throwing stones at and burning downs stalls and Baitul Mutaqin Mosque.
    “They released their anger toward the mosque. If police didn’t release fire at them, things could be different,” Pigai said.
    The incident occurred at around 07.30 Eastern Indonesia Time causing Muslims to disperse and sought shelter at a local military command. The Komnas HAM, the Religious Ministry and the Papua Police are still investigating this case.
    PUTRI ADITYOWATI

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    SATURDAY, 18 JULY, 2015 | 15:54 WIB
    2) Komnas HAM: 1 Child Dies; 11 Injured In Tolikara Incident
    TEMPO.COJakarta- The National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) found several facts in an incident that happened in Karubuga, Tolikara Regency, Papua, on Friday, July 17, 2015.
    The commission revealed that the incident did not only involve the burning of a mosque by the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI) congregation but also a shooting incident done by the police.
    The commission’s commissioner overseeing conflicts in Papua Natalius Pigai reported that eleven people were injured and one primary school student was killed in the incident.
    He also said that the victims were injured by the police’ shooting before the GIDI set fire on Baitul Mutaqin mosque.
    "The police who tried to blockade the GIDI protestors directly shot at them. Later on, the congregation vented their anger to the mosque. In fact, they were angry to the police because the police shot at some of the residents,” Pigai said on Saturday (18/7).
    PUTRI ADITYOWATI
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    SATURDAY, 18 JULY, 2015 | 12:34 WIB
    3) President Jokowi Regrets Tolikara Incident
    TEMPO.COJakarta - Presidential Special Staff Lenis Kogoya said that President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo regretted the Tolikara incident and apologized to Moslems who became the victims in the Tolikara incident.
    "On behalf of the President, I would like to convey my apology to the residents affected by the incident, especially Moslems in Tolikara. It is regrettable that this incident happened on a special day for Moslems,” Lenis said during a press conference in State Secretary building on Saturday, July 18, 2015.
    Lenis also asserted that the clash was purely a clash and urged the people not to link it with certain political motives. He also called Papuan residents not to blow the incident out of proportion and make it a bigger-scale incident.
    "This is just an clash. There are no threats. The young generation must not be provoked because of this incident,” he added.
    "Tribe wars are common but interfaith conflicts have never happened. So, this is a just incident and please do not exaggerate it,” he concluded.
    As previously reported, Residents in Papua’s Tolikara district on Friday morning attacked a group of Muslims who were about to perform Idul Fitri prayers, throwing rocks at the congregation and setting fire to their mosque.
    ANANDA TERESIA
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    4) As Officials React, Papua Mosque Burning Labeled ‘Accident’
    [Updated at 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2015, to add info on number of wounded, one person died]
    Jakarta. The burning down of a small mosque in Karubaga, in Papua’s Tolikara district on Friday, just as local Muslims prepared for Idul Fitri prayers, was an accident — with perpetrators merely targeting food stalls nearby, President Joko Widodo’s chief of staff has said.
    Luhut Panjaitan said late on Friday that the mosque that caught fire was not the main target of the attack, by a local Christian group that apparently was offended by the use of loudspeakers near their church.
    “They set fire to stalls owned by [non-Papuan] immigrants,” Luhut said, “and there happened to be a small mosque nearby.”
    The chief of staff added that the Christian group had been holding a conference in a nearby church and had complained about the volume of the sound coming from the mosque’s loudspeakers.
    “All of a sudden people from the church started throwing rocks or stuff like that,” Luhut said, adding that warning shots were fired by security forces and that several people had been hurt and taken to Jayapura for treatment of their injuries.
    ‘Police to blame’
    Local news portal Tempo.co quoted an official from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) as saying that the trouble really started when police opened fire.
    “There is a misunderstanding here, as if the GIDI [Evangelical Church of Indonesia] people are hostile toward Islam,” Tempo quoted commissioner Natalius Pigai as saying. “But in fact they didn’t plan to burn the mosque. The people were angry because they were shot at by police.”
    Media reports said a total of 12 attackers were injured on Friday, and one of them died later. The Jakarta Globe was not able to verify on Saturday the condition of the injured. 
    In a seemingly unrelated incident last month, a GIDI church went up in flames in  Yambi, in Papua’s Puncak Jaya district, with fingers being pointed at the time to a local separatist group. 
    Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, meanwhile, on Saturday warned people in Papua against being provoked to take part in any act of intolerance.
    “The people don’t need to become emotional, caught up in this situation. Be careful of provocateurs,” Tjahjo said.
    Papuan traditions
    Neles Tebay, a Catholic priest and Papuan community leader, called the attack “unacceptable” and said it could not be justified by any religious person.
    Neles, who also coordinates the Papuan Peace Network (JDP), said the attack has no place in Papuan culture.
    “Our cultural traditions teach us that Papuans are not allowed to disturb places seen as sacred,” he said. “When you do disturb a holy place, according to Papuan beliefs, there will be consequences in the lives of those who interfered in that place.”
    “As a Papuan, I ask for forgiveness for this event that violated the norms of our tradition [adat],” Neles said.
    Calling for restraint, the priest also urged police to quickly get to the bottom of the case, finding not only those responsible for the attack, but also establishing what triggered it.
    Freedom of religion
    Maruarar Sirait, from the president’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), stressed that it was the state’s task to guarantee the freedom of religion for every citizen.
    “Indonesia is ruled by the law on the basis of Pancasila,” he said, referring to the five-tier state ideology. “Religious freedom has to be protected, as mandated in the first principle of Pancasila.”
    Maruarar emphasized that all citizens should be able to safely carry out religious activities in their places of worship without being disturbed by others.
    Another young politician, Grace Natalie from the newly founded Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), lamented the apparent lack of dialogue between different religious traditions and ethnic groups in Indonesia today, which she said was at the core of tragic events like that in Tolikara on Friday.
    “The result is that vandalism and violence often become solutions,” Grace said. “This is caused by religious understanding that is increasingly exclusive and intolerant — and that happens in almost every religion.”
    Grace also said the Tolikara incident should not be seen as representative of the situation across the archipelago, however, as people in most places are able to peacefully practice their religion.
    The freedom of religion in Indonesia has in recent years been under pressure from both hard-line groups and even government officials, with minority groups like Shiites, the Ahmadiyah sect and various Christian denominations usually bearing the brunt.
    Top officials, like Vice President Jusuf Kalla, remain adamant however that Indonesia is among the most religiously harmonious countries in the world.
    ‘Tyranny of the majority’
    Nusron Wahid, speaking as the general chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama’s youth wing GP Ansor, argued that the law should prevail.
    “The freedom of religion and the freedom to worship are guaranteed by the constitution of this state. Nobody, in whoever’s name, can disturb others, let alone set fire to a place of worship,” he said.
    GP Ansor has in recent years been playing an active role in protecting churches and minority groups like Ahmadis during times of tension. Nusron also heads the National Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BNP2TKI). 
    “Don’t let this become a religious conflict,” he added. “The law has to be enforced and the state has to protect its citizen when they practice their religion.”
    He also said that a lesson can be learned from the Tolikari incident for all of Indonesia, namely that a tyranny of the majority is not acceptable anywhere.
    “There has to be empathy. In mainly Islamic areas, the Muslim majority cannot just do whatever it wants, and neither can the non-Muslims in their areas,” Nusron said.

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    SATURDAY, 18 JULY, 2015 | 13:38 WIB
    5) Freeport Drops Tons of Food to Mitigate Famine in Papua
    TEMPO.COJakarta - PT Freeport Indonesia sent 3.3 tons of food supplies to Agandugumi district, Puncak Regency, Papua, to mitigate famine resulted in extreme weather that hit the district over the last few weeks.
    Ledy Simarmata, the superintendent of media relations & Engagement at PT Freeport Indonesia, revealed that the food supplies were delivered by two units of Airfast helicopters on Friday, July 17, 2015.
    According to Ledy, PT Freeport coordinated with the Social Ministry to deliver the assistance.
    “The assistance was a part of PT Freeport Indonesia’s corporate social responsibility program for Indonesian people, particularly in Papua,” Ledy said in a press release on Friday, July 2015, as reported by Bisnis.com.
    Ledy hopes that the assistance would help to mitigate the effect of the extreme weather that hit Puncak Regency. In addition to Puncak Regency, Lanny Jaya was also affected by the extreme weather that claimed 11 lives.
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    1) Free West Papua Campaign Newsletter July 2015

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    1) Free West Papua Campaign Newsletter July 2015

    2) Saifuddin Requested Full Investigation in Tolikara case

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    1) Free West Papua Campaign Newsletter July 2015

    This month we are proud and delighted to announce that West Papua has made history by being awarded observer status to the Melanesian Spearhead Group. This ground breaking news comes after months of hard work by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), backed up by thousands of demonstrators across Papua. Subject to hundreds of arrests and in some cases torture, they have been supported by a mass movement across Melanesia and the rest of the world.
    Thank you to all our supporters who helped to make this happen. Please continue to keep this momentum going and spread the word about what is happening in West Papua. Visit our website to find out how you can take action to help West Papua on its road to freedom.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    HTTP://EN.TEMPO.CO/READ/NEWS/2015/07/18/055684732/SAIFUDDIN-REQUESTED-FULL-INVESTIGATION-IN-TOLIKARA-CASE
    SATURDAY, 18 JULY, 2015 | 09:26 WIB
    2) Saifuddin Requested Full Investigation in Tolikara case

    TEMPO.COJakarta - Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin deeply regreted the destruction of Muslim locations of worship during Eid prayers by a number of elements in Karubaga, the capital of Tolikara regency, Papua, on Friday, July 17, 2015, and requested for a thorough investigation.
    "I deeply regret the incident in Tolikara that has ripped the inter-religious harmony fabric,” said Saifuddin on Saturday.
    "I asked the law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the parties who have committed acts of vandalism and abuse, and investigate the parties behind the case," he added in a press release.
    Religious Affairs Minister also appealed to Muslims through religious leaders to refrain and not be provoked, and fully entrust the completion of this matter to the police.
    "In connection with the call for jihad to Papua related to the Tolikara case, I invoke the maturity and wisdom of Muslims through religious leaders not to be provoked and to do acts of retaliation," he said.
    Reports said the tension began when Eid prayers a number of people pelted worshipers and shouted for them to break up. The security forces then issued warning shots to the attackers. The praying congregation decided to dissolve themselves.
    Earlier, the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council Din Syamsuddin made a call to Muslims in Tolikara to refrain themselves from relatiation.
    “There is no need to retaliate and show them that we are tolerant people,” he said in Jakarta on Friday in response to the tension.  
    ANTARA
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    1) No Plans To Burn Mosque: GIDI Tolikara President

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    2) Police Chief to Visit Papua, Following Unrest
    3) Victims of Tolikara Unrest Still Displaced
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    SUNDAY, 19 JULY, 2015 | 08:26 WIB
    1) No Plans To Burn Mosque: GIDI Tolikara President

    TEMPO.COJakarta - President of the Evangelical Church in Inonesia (GIDI), Rev. Dorman Wandikmbo, said the unrest was initially caused by the police shooting indiscriminately at residents who asked Muslims practice Eid prayers without loudspeakers.
    Unhappy with the drastic response, some people vented their anger by burning kiosks, which are located not far from the mosque.
    "There was never any desire to burn the mosque. Some youths who annoyed anger lashed out to nearby stalls, to show resistance against the repressive attitude of the police. No one ever thought that the fire rapidly spread to the houses and mosque," said Dorman when contacted by Tempo on Saturday, July 18, 2015.
    The incident began when GIDI initiated an international meeting near the location of the incident. Earlier, about three weeks before implementing the event, local church officials had issued a notification letter claimed to have been approved and recognized by the local government and local army and police.
    "When the day came, we were surprised that the police and army allowed worship to carried out in the field and using loudspeakers. We have already conveyed (our plans) in the letter," he said.
    Dorman said, the speakers made the seminar uncomfortable. The distance between the loudspeakers at the venue of the seminar is only about 250 meters, he said. Therefore, some youths took the initiative to ask the people to pray inside the mosque. But, he said, police dispersed the youths with gunfire.
    After the shooting, the situation became chaotic and uncontrollable. "People at the seminar became involved and ran helter-skelter, leaving the location," he said. Upset with repressive treatment, they burned kiosks as a form of resistance.
    "So it was not burning of the mosque. People need to know that even homes of non-Muslim Papuans also caught fire. No one thought the fire would quickly spread and burned the mosque," he said.
    According to Dorman, the most responsible party in this incident was the police and military. "When we coordinate with the mosque staff, they said they never got a notice from the police and military that the field that will be used for the seminar," he said.
    He also said that for Muslims in Tolikara are used to worshipping inside the mosque without loudspeakers. "They have understood and never protested. With the efforts of this provocation, we also pity them. However, we are more sorry that Papuans are considered anti-tolerant,” he said.
    DINI PRAMITA


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    SUNDAY, 19 JULY, 2015 | 13:28 WIB
    2) Police Chief to Visit Papua, Following Unrest

    TEMPO.COJakarta - Indonesian Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti along with Papua Police Chief Inspector General Yotje Mende depart for Tolikara, Papua on Sunday, July 19, 2015 following reports of clashes between Muslims and Christians.
    It was reported that eleven people were injured and one primary school student was killed in the incident.
    The tension in Karubaga, the capital of Tolikara regency, Papua, on Friday, July 17, 2015, began when Eid prayers a number of people pelted worshipers and shouted for them to break up.
    Security forces then issued warning shots to the attackers. The praying congregation decided to dissolve themselves.
    The incident occurred at around 07.30 Eastern Indonesia Time causing Muslims to disperse and sought shelter at a local military command.
    The Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo was also scheduled to visit the troubled area and mediate the conflicting parties.  
    ANTARA
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    SUNDAY, 19 JULY, 2015 | 10:52 WIB
    3) Victims of Tolikara Unrest Still Displaced
    TEMPO.COJakarta - A total of 153 victims in Tolikara, Karubaga, currently are still evacuated in a safe place, said Papua Police Chief Inspector General Yotje Mende.
    "The victims were accommodated in a tent around Karubaga military resort command (Koramil)," he said in Jayapura late Saturday, July 18, 2015.
    He said the victims currently are in need of assistance, especially clothes because they only have the clothes on their backs.
    "We are still waiting for the complete data from the Tolikara Police on the victims, especially the gender and age because until now we have none," he said.
    Based on the reports received during a meeting with the Tolikara Regent Wanimbo Usman, GIDI President Dorman Wandikbo, and regional leaders, as well as Papua Military Commander Major General Fransen Siahaan, fire had destroyed 53 kiosks which also used as homes and a mosque.
    Papua Deputy Police Chief Rudollf Roja said two companies of armed forces consisting of police mobile brigade and army personnels have been deployed to Karubaga.
    He said troops were sent to strengthen the limited local security personnel.
    ANTARA
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    1) Food Crisis After Extreme Weather Hits Papua

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    2) GIDI Apologizes to Moslems for Tolikara Incident  
    3) They were shot because they pelt stones at congregation: Police Chief

    4) There must be no more conflict over religions: Nahdlatul Ulama

    5) Hundred victims of Tolikara conflict evacuated


    6) Police Suspect Mastermind Behind Tolikara Case

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    SUNDAY, 19 JULY, 2015 | 17:20 WIB
    1) Food Crisis After Extreme Weather Hits Papua  
    TEMPO.COJakarta - Lani Jaya Regency in Papua was hit by hail and snow for the first ten days of July, said the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). The extreme weather had claimed seven lives – five children and two infants.
    BNPB Head of Public Relations and Information Data Center of Sutopo Purwo Nugroho on Sunday, July 19, said due to the extreme weather, some parts of Papua have been hit by drought after snow hit several areas.
    "Between 1 and 6 July, there was light hail, between 7 and 10 July, there was snowfall," said Sutopo.
    The agency also reported that the snowfall covered potato plants and once the snow melted, potato foliage dried up and the tubers became poisonous and was not edible.
    "Tubers and garden produce could not be consumed. Cold weather has also killed livestock and made several residents ill,” he added.
    Three regencies that were hit by the snow were Nduga regency, Puncak regency, and Lani Jaya regency, covering 21 villages in 6 districts and 20,160 households.
    SUPRIYANTHO KHAFID | NATALIA SANTI
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    SUNDAY, 19 JULY, 2015 | 20:02 WIB
    2) GIDI Apologizes to Moslems for Tolikara Incident  

    TEMPO.COJakarta - President of the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI) Rev Dorman Wandikmbo apologized to all Moslems in Indonesia on Saturday, Julu 19, especially Moslems in Tolikara, Papua, who were affected by an incident .
    He also said that there was a misunderstanding in perceiving the incident.
    "We would like to extend our apology to all Moslems in Indonesia, especially in Tolikara Regency for the burning of kiosks there that also caused a mushalla (small mosque) caught on fire,” Dorman said on Saturday.
    He also said the burning of the mushalla was not a deliberate action.
    "The action as a spontaneous action from Tolikara residents after security officers in Tolikara who brutally shot at the residents there,” he said.
    In the meantime, former Chairman of the Ansor Youth Movement of the Nahdhatul Ulama, Khatibul Umam Wiranu said that both the Ansor member and the civilian security guards (Banser) have been too busy safeguarding churches during religious service there.
    Because of that, he said, they have forgot their main duties: safeguarding mosques and mushallas.
    "I don’t mind at all if the Banser safeguards places of worship of other faiths but they must not forget to safeguard mosques and mushallas,” he said in a press release on Sunday, July 19.
    Wiranu also said that the Tolikara incident Papua has served as an introspection for both the Ansor Youth Movement and the Banser so that they do not forget the main goal of their establishment," he added.
    DINI PRAMITA | CUNDING LEVI | DEWI SUCI RAHAYU

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    http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/99556/they-were-shot-because-they-pelt-stones-at-congregation-police-chief

    3) They were shot because they pelt stones at congregation: Police Chief

    Minggu, 19 Juli 2015 19:50 WIB | 623 Views
    Jayapura (ANTARA News) - National police chief General Badrodin Haiti admitted here on Sunday that the police had opened fire in the incident in Tolikara, Papua, on Friday.

    "The victims were shot because they were pelting stones at Muslims who were just performing Eid prayers," he said after visiting Karubaga, the capital of the Tolikara district.

    General Badrodin Haiti said the police were still investigating the incident with regard to processing the case including the shooting and the torching incidents.

    One was killed and 11 others who were all from among the attackers had been wounded in the incident.

    He reiterated that Indonesia is a lawful country and so every violation of the law would be processed.

    In connection with that he called on all parties including community members, religious figures and administrative officials to help unveil the root cause of the incident.

    He said the police would question the intellectual actors including the signatories of the circular dated on July 11.

    Based on reports that had been received the chief of the Tolikara resort police command had communicated with the district head on July 15 regarding the circular and the district head had later communicated it with the church officials that had produced the letter.

    Because of miss-communication the incident happened while clarification had not yet been done, General Badrodin Haiti said.

    General Badrodin Haiti admitted he had come to Tolikara to personally inspect the situation in Karubaga with regard to law enforcement process of the case.

    He said President Joko Widodo had asked for a report about the circular.

    During the visit General Badrodin Haiti was flanked by operations director Inspector General Unggung Cahyono.

    (Reporting by Evarukdijati/Uu.H-YH)

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    4) There must be no more conflict over religions: Nahdlatul Ulama

    Minggu, 19 Juli 2015 19:20 WIB | 691 Views

    Jakarta (ANTARA News) - An Indonesan Islamic leader has expressed disappointment over and deplored the incident in Tolikara, Papua, that happened on Friday hoping that it would be the last to happen in the country.

    KH Said Aqil Siradj, the general chairman of the executive board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), which is one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, said in a statement received here on Sunday he hoped there would no longer be conflicts between different tribes, religions, races and groups known locally as "SARA" issues in the country. 

    "I hope this will be the last and will not recur in the future," he said.

    A group of people believed to come from the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) came to the Baitul Mustaqin mosque in Tolikara, while Muslims were performing an Eid prayer on Friday to protest the use of a loudspeaker in the prayer they considered disturbing an event being held by GIDI at the same time.

    According to the chairman of the Communion of Evangelical Churches and Institutions in Indonesia (PGLII), Roni Mandang, shots fired by police officers at them had created a chaos leading to torching of kiosks the flame of which later engulfed the Islamic house of prayer after it was known that one of the people was shot to death.

    National Police Public Information Division spokesman Senior Commissioner Suharsono has said that police opened fire to order the people to stay away from the mosque.

    Later it was confirmed one of the people was killed while 11 others were wounded in the incident.

    KH Said Aqil Siradj said no riot should happen again because of religious or tribal differences, adding Indonesia in the current global era needed strong unity.

    He said all people regardless of their religions, tribes, political parties or ideologies must unite so that the nation would not be eroded in the current challenging era.

    "Strong unity and cohesiveness are needed to meet the challenge," he said.

    Regarding possible intellectual actor playing behind the incident Said Aqil Siradj said if it was true whoever he was must be a really very cruel man.

    He reminded that the Indonesian people are civilized people while "religious differences are not new to them."  

    He said before the country declared independence all parties had agreed that the country would be a nation state, a unitary state that would embrace all national components.

    (Reporting by Budi Setiawanto & Sigit Pinardi/Uu.H-YH)

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    5) Hundred victims of Tolikara conflict evacuated

    Minggu, 19 Juli 2015 19:14 WIB | 726 Views

    Jayapura (ANTARA News) - At least 153 victims of conflict that occurred in Karubaga Village, Tolikara District, Papua, were evacuated to several tents set up at the Karubaga Military Headquarter on Saturday (July 18, 2015).

    The people had lost their houses and stores after being burnt by a group of people during an Idul Fitri prayer on Friday (July 17, 2015).

    The Papua Regional Police chief, Inspector General Yotje Mende, said the victims needed assistance, particularly clothes, since their belongings had all been razed by the fire.

    "We are still waiting for complete data from the Tolikara police relating to the gender and age of the victims. The officers are collecting the data," Mende said here.

    According to a report from Tolikara Regent Usman Wanimbo, GIDI (Communion of Evangelical Churches in Indonesia) President Dorman Wandikbo and Papua Military Chief Major General Fransen Siahaan, at least 53 stores which were also used as houses had been burnt and the fire later spread to a mosque near the stores.

    Dorman and Mende stated people did not burn the mosque. However, because the mosque and the stores were located closely the fire later engulfed the mosque.

    Security officers from police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and the Indonesian Army have arrived in the district.

    Mende said the additional troops are needed due to a lack of Tolikara Police personnel stationed in the district who only number 100.
    (Uu.B019/H-YH)
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    SUNDAY, 19 JULY, 2015 | 19:04 WIB
    6) Police Suspect Mastermind Behind Tolikara Case
    TEMPO.COJayapura - National Police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti said that there might be intellectual masterminds behind the conflict that broke out in Tolikara, Papua, involving Muslims celebrating Eid and Christians of the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI), on July 17, 2015.
    “This must be processed under the law,” Badrodin said at Sentani Airport on Sunday, July 19, 2015.
    According to Badrodin, no suspects have been named yet in this case. However, Badridin promised that both arsonists and shooters will be brought before justice. Badrodin added that 11 wounded victims could be involved in the stone throwing against Muslims who were conducting the Eid prayer.
    “We have identified a group of people. We will conduct an investigation into them, and name them suspects if they were involved in the incident,” he said.
    Badrodin revealed that Police would also probe two persons who signed the circular letter banning Muslims from conducting the Eid prayer in Tolikara.
    Badrodin explained that the National Police would work with the Religious Affairs Ministry, the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), and other agencies.
    “We’re making endeavors to address the issue in Tolikara. We will also build permanent stalls to replace those that are burned down [during the incident]. They have also agreed to maintain peace in the future,” Badrodin said.
    CUNDING LEVI
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