2) News Analysis: Australia’s 
Strategy report: Solutions 
without problems

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/07/07/australian-pm-s-offer-papua-raises-suspicion.html 

1) Australian PM’s offer for 
Papua raises suspicion

“Western” past.

With over US$450 million in developmental aid to Indonesia, Canberra is putting its money where its mouth is.

The launch of the Indonesia Country Strategy Report during the visit of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd here on Friday shows just how serious Canberra is in upping the quality of the relationship.

The broad-stroke document outlines where Australia wants to be with Indonesia in 2025. Indonesia was identified as one of the five – with China, India, Japan and Korea — initial priority countries for similar reports.

It is a well laid-out, readable text, just over 25 pages long: digestible in its advocacy and practical in its recommendations with regard to communities, business and government. 

So accessible is the content that one would have thought it was authored by a production house, or a McKinsey-style consultant rather than bureaucrats.

The recommendations were partly taken from various consultations. Kudos to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the kind of public input heralded in the report. For participants of Track Two and Three dialogues, many of these recommendations will sound familiar.

Unfortunately, the report often feels like a quick list of remedies that do little to address fundamental problems that will color the relationship. 

In other words even if each of the report’s recommendations are carried out, the vulnerabilities would not diminish given the corrosive elements wedged in the fundamentals of the bilateral ties.

By nature Indonesians are not suspicious of Australia the way Australians are toward Indonesia. Any reservations that presently prevail here are a recent phenomenon instigated by events in Papua and East Timor (Timor Leste).

Even a Lowy Institute poll published last year shows that Indonesians have dramatically warmed toward Australia, with 61 percent of Indonesians in favor of a company, bank or investment fund controlled by the Australian government buying a controlling stake in a major Indonesian company.

But as long as Australia retains a security posture which remains “American” in its strategic outlook there will only be amity with reservation between the two 
nations.

Indonesian fears of being an arena of superpower strife are well founded. Australia’s battles will be fought on Indonesian territory. 

Australia’s Defense White Paper published two months ago promotes strategic cooperation with Asian powers, but hints at the expansive archipelago as a trench line to block any threat. 

“Denying an adversary our air and sea approaches in the archipelago is vitally important for deterring and defeating attacks on Australian territory,” it said.

Results of another Lowy poll which says 55 percent of Australians are comfortable with US bases in their country, does not bode well in how Indonesians think of Australia.

Canberra has been the driving force in dialogue and cooperative engagements. The Country 
Strategy Report is stuffed with numerous photos and testimonies of such initiatives. 

Yet these ceremonial exchanges have proved pro forma in the crunch of policy crisis. 

The stationing of US troops in Darwin and suspension of live-
cattle exports are just two examples where a breakdown of communication created an unnecessary, albeit brief, impasse. 

The Australian habit of hinging the relationship on one issue of the day, continues to highlight the vulnerability of the network of 
relationships.

If it were not for the ingratiating statesmanship of the two leaders, the people-smuggling issue last week could have become another tripwire. 

The temperature of the relationship remains susceptible to the chemistry of the leaders.

Therein lies the paradox of the report. Perhaps it is setting the bar too high, as if relations with Jakarta would one day be as cozy as Canberra’s bonds with Washington and London.

Proximity and democracy can be a glue, but they also expose the worst fears of each other as Indonesia’s own experience with Malaysia and Singapore (countries with which Indonesia has more in common than Australia) shows.

One of Australia’s preeminent strategists, Hugh White, put it best: “In almost every dimension of national life — geography, history, economics, religion, language and culture — Australia is as different from Indonesia as two countries 
can be.” 

Hence the two may surely become friends, but even more assured is that the two will never become 
allies.

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http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=239142

1) Papuan rebel leader Danny Kogoya vows to keep fighting Indonesia despite amputated leg

2) Fugitive rebel leader vows to continue Papua independence fight

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-10/wounded-papuan-rebel-commander-speaks-from-jungle-hideout/4811188

1) Papuan rebel leader Danny Kogoya vows to keep fighting Indonesia despite amputated leg

Allegations of atrocities hard to verify

PNG signs extradition deal with Indonesia

2) Fugitive rebel leader vows to continue Papua independence fight

2) New administrationin will not improve the human rights sitation in Papus

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/07/10/komnas-ham-decries-ri-s-efforts-resolve-past-abuses.html

1) Komnas HAM decries RI’s 
efforts to resolve past 
abuses

Yohanna Ririhena, The Jakarta Post, GENEVA | World | Wed, July 10 2013, 10:21 AM

Paper Edition | Page: 12

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and representatives of Indonesia’s NGOs are gathering in Geneva this week to assess the country’s seriousness in resolving issues related to alleged human rights violations, particularly those allegedly committed by prominent figures. 

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) launched a formal session with the NGOs to receive more input on the implementation of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Indonesia.

Before the committee, Komnas HAM questioned the government’s seriousness in proceeding with the investigation on cases that could be categorized as gross human rights violations.

“Despite preliminary findings from Komnas HAM, the Attorney General’s Office [AGO] has refused to further investigate the cases,” said Komnas HAM commissioner Roichatul Aswidah before members of the UNHRC on Monday.

In response to the critics, the government stated that a special team from the AGO was established in 2006 to follow up on the findings, which were deemed insufficient.

The team has requested Komnas HAM submit additional evidence in accordance with Indonesia’s Criminal Code (KUHP) for further prosecution. 

However, Roichatul claimed the issue was not the standard of evidence, but more the willingness to follow up the recommendations issued by Komnas HAM and legislators. 

Roichatul said there was already a precedent in using the Komnas HAM standard of evidence, which had been thoroughly followed up by the AGO in cases relating to alleged human rights violations in East Timor, the Tanjung Priok incident in North Jakarta, and the Abepura torture case in Papua.

“Why couldn’t the same standard of evidence be used for other cases, including the enforced disappearances during the reform movement [in 1997 and 1998]?” she said. 

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in its alternative report to the UNHRC also questioned the lengthy process taken to establish an ad-hoc human rights court to prosecute cases of enforced disappearances.

The ICJ, comprised of 60 eminent judges and lawyers across the globe, hinted that the delay was related to the existence of prominent figures on the political stage.

“The ICJ believes the delay in the establishment of an ad hoc court is due to the fact that further investigations into alleged enforced disappearances from 1997 to 1998 may involve allegations concerning several prominent members of the Indonesian government who continue to be influential in the country to this day, including Prabowo Subianto and former General Wiranto,” the ICJ said.

Prabowo, commander of the Army’s Special Forces (Kopassus) at the time, is currently the chief patron of the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party, while Gen. (ret.) Wiranto, then chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI), is now the chair of the People’s Conscience Party (Hanura).

Both are presidential candidates who will likely contest the 2014 election.

National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) spokesperson Andy Yentriyani underlined the need for effective remedies in responding to the past violations of human rights, particularly concerning women.

The May riot in 1998 saw hundreds of Chinese women brutally harassed, with many traumatized. 

The hearings at the UNHRC on Indonesia’s progress in upholding human rights will last until Thursday. 

List of rights violations that have not been solved:

1. Trisakti 1998, Semanggi I 1998 and Semanggi II 1999;   
2. May Riot 1998
3. The Wasior incident in 2001-2002 and Wamena incident in 2003
4. Enforced disappearance 1997-1998
5. Talangsari 1989
6. Summary execution-style killings (mysterious shooting) 1982-1985
7. The tragedy of 1965-1966   

Source: Komnas HAM

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http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/pramono-emerges-for-2014-as-the-militarys-president/

2) Pramono Emerges for 2014 as the ‘Military’s President’

3) Free Papua Movement Leader Danny Kogoya Vows to Fight On

By  Luke Hunt

July 11, 2013

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http://theconversation.com/refugees-and-rebels-set-to-dominate-rudds-png-visit-1606014 July 2013, 8.14am EST

1) Refugees and rebels set to dominate Rudd’s PNG visit

http://www.islandsbusiness.com/2013/7/politics/msg-aims-to-restructure-the-pacific-landscape/

2) MSG aims ‘to restructure the Pacific landscape’

Summit supports Kanak and West Papuan self-determination

---

THE MELANESIAN DREAM

4) PNG Extradition Treaty forces political activists to flee

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/89843/moderate-quake-hits-papua

5) Moderate quake hits Papua

Ati Nurbaiti, Jakarta | Opinion | Sun, July 14 2013, 11:31 AM

This week the UN scrutinized Indonesia for the first time regarding its reports on civil and political rights, eight years after we ratified the international covenant on the issue. Well before the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, our constitutional amendments progressed dramatically with clear state guarantees on non-derogable rights including the freedom of expression, of association and assembly.

In Geneva in Switzerland, the UN Human Rights Committee heard both the government’s report and that of NGOs. Both reports lauded Indonesia’s progress since the end of the New Order in 1998, mainly regarding legal reform, although the NGO report was naturally more critical. 

At the end of July, the committee will list its recommendations, and we can expect lots of work to do. Especially as the committee seemed unsatisfied with the answers of the government delegation on all our unresolved rights violations, from the murder of activist Munir to the harassment of the gay community.

For now let us look at how we deal with specific human-rights issues. Three cases come to mind — the Bloody Biak (Biak Berdarah) tragedy of July 6, 1998, when at least eight Papuans were shot dead following the hoisting of the Morning Star flag, a symbol of resistance, in the coastal town of Biak Numfor. Over a 100 were reportedly detained and dozens remain missing from this incident, the 15th anniversary of which was recently commemorated.

Second, Wednesday’s statement by Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali, that Indonesia is a tolerant country. 

And third, the alleged rape of a journalist, whose claims the police suspect are untrue.

Biak Berdarah is one of many such unsolved crimes — so many that not even survivors’ testimonies of being tortured, raped and subjected to appalling sexual abuse, have been enough to lead to further investigations or accountability. A “Citizens’ Tribunal” at the University of Sydney on July 6 may have been the last resort for survivors seeking to gain some recognition.

Yet participants in the mock tribunal (biak-tribunal.org) expect the usual backlash — that the event will be dismissed as just another effort by a few Papuans seeking global attention for their cause for independence, with the help of nosy Australians. It was the Papuans’ own fault for violating the law on subversion or makar, many Indonesians may say.

A similar mindset explains the indifference to the many other violent incidents in Papua, whether there is a flag ceremony or not. Rights to freedom of expression, of opinion and freedom of association and assembly sound alien here when it comes to condemning makar. Of course the racial difference of Papuans to most Indonesians worsens the stigma.

Subversion — for which the penalty is death — is sacriledge to the national sense of harmony; that we are all one happy nation after the sacrifices in gaining independence. Papuan claims that the UN-supervised 1969 referendum was rigged, are considered mere propaganda by activists.

That civil and political rights include the right to express the wish for freedom and separation from the state, is unthinkable to many steeped in one black-and-white version of history. So our security forces have a virtually free hand in Papua, as they did in former East Timor and Aceh. 

Other Indonesians assume they are hunting suspected traitors to the united Republic. Few questions are asked, similar to the 1960s witch-hunt of communists.

The second recent landmark in our human rights’ record is the statement by Suryadharma that we are a “tolerant” nation. He said that between 1977 and 2004 Indonesia saw an increase in mosques of 64 percent, while Christian churches increased by 131 percent, Catholic churches 152 percent, Hindu temples 475 percent and Buddhist temples 368 percent. Thus, he asked, why is everyone ranting about a few Ahmadis and Shiites driven out of their homes? It was the Muslim majority whose beliefs were being disturbed by their deviating principles, he said.

Yet the discrimination and violence against minorities — with perpetrators only getting a slap on the wrist — contradicts the minister’s description of Indonesia as “a country that respects its pluralistic society”. 

Everyone is free to worship yet Jakarta allows local bans on minority faiths, based on the 1965 Blasphemy Law.

Of course the problem is not really legal misunderstandings, but the battle by conservative Islam seeking legal and formal recognition at the national and local level. Anyone needing their votes displays empathy to their aspiration to make their version of Islam the dominant religious code.

The third case further highlights the work we still have to do — the coverage of the reporter who allegedly lied to police that she was raped last month, in order to cover up an affair. The media has largely swallowed the police line of the woman cheating on her “tearful” husband. 

She only sustained light bruises, the police said, possibly from a beating and forceful groping by her lover. Such alarming coverage shows the media has not progressed much in its understanding of the right to safety and freedom from violence.

The coverage is overpowered by the public morality code — that a woman can only be a victim if she is a “good” woman, and it serves her right if she isn’t. This powerful morality code discourages women from reporting violence inflicted by boyfriends and husbands. Not to mention female victims in hotbeds of “treason”.

The deeply ingrained beliefs of makar, “deviant beliefs” and a morality code defined by a male-dominant, conservative culture, are not unchangeable — if we can overhaul the attitude that it is acceptable to dismiss or tread on fellow citizens, torture or kill them, when they “defy” the dominant codes of nationalism, religion and morality.

The author is a staff writer at The Jakarta Post.

Human Rights Committee considers Initial report of Indonesia

Human Rights Committee

The Human Rights Committee this afternoon concluded its consideration of the initial report of Indonesia on its implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Harkristuti Harkrisnowo, Deputy-Minister for Human Rights at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia, introducing the report, said that a National Human Rights Action Plan had been implemented in order to mainstream human rights issues in all national policies.  Indonesia had started its democratic transition 15 years ago and had undergone dramatic changes in almost all aspects of the nation’s life.  Freedom of religion was guaranteed by the Constitution.  The Government attached great importance to gender equality and provisions had been elaborated in various legislative frameworks, covering areas such as education, employment, housing and health.  The death penalty continued to be part of Indonesia’s law and a judicial review had found that it complied with the Constitution; however, it was only applied to the most serious crimes.  Allegations of acts of torture were thoroughly investigated and duly processed in accordance with the law.  Concrete measures had also been taken to improve the conditions of detention in correctional facilities. 

Committee Experts requested clarification regarding the declaration made by Indonesia upon its signature of the Convention, concerning limitations to the right of self-determination.  The Covenant had to be implemented in all regions, regardless of their autonomy, and the Government was bound to ensure that all provisions of the Covenant were fully implemented, even in regions where by-laws were in contradiction with some provisions of the Covenant. The judiciary had to be trained in order to be made fully aware of the provisions of the Covenant, which had to be interpreted in line with the Committee’s recommendations.  Experts noted that serious violations of human rights had to be investigated and that perpetrators had to be duly prosecuted.  Improving women’s access to justice was of paramount importance, especially in isolated and rural areas.  Concern was also voiced about restrictions on the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Harkrisnowo thanked the Committee Experts for the constructive dialogue, which created a momentum in Indonesia to discuss and enhance the concrete implementation of the provisions of the Covenant.

Nigel Rodley, Chairperson of the Committee, in preliminary concluding remarks, said that the presentation of the initial report of Indonesia was an important moment for the Committee.  He noted that Indonesia was undergoing a process of democratic transition.  It was troubling that the practice of the death penalty had been resumed for drug-related crimes.  Mr. Rodley underlined that the regional autonomy of provinces should not be used to justify practices that did not respect human rights standards.

The delegation of Indonesia included representatives of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics, the Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Presidential Advisory Board, the Attorney General’s Office, the Indonesia National Police, the Indonesian Armed Forces, the Unit of Acceleration of Development for Provinces of Papua and West Papua, and the Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The concluding observations and recommendations of the Committee on the report of Indonesia will be released towards the end of the session, which concludes on Friday, 26 July.

The next public meeting of the Human Rights Committee will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, 12 July when it will consider the sixth periodic report of Finland (CCPR/C/FIN/6).

Report of Indonesia

The second periodic report of Indonesia on its implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights can be read here: (CCPR/C/IDN/1).

Presentation of the report

HARKRISTUTI HARKRISNOWO, Deputy-Minister for Human Rights, Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia, presenting the initial report of Indonesia (CCPR/C/IDN/1) said that the delegation was ready to engage constructively with the Committee and that the present dialogue would contribute to further progress in the promotion and protection of civil and political rights.  The Government was strongly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and a series of in-depth discussions and consultations with a wide array of stakeholders had been conducted across the country in preparation of the report.  A National Human Rights Action Plan had been implemented in order to mainstream human rights issues in all national policies.  Some important developments in the field of civil and political rights had taken place since the submission of the report in 2012.

Indonesia, the largest archipelagic State in the world, had started its democratic transition 15 years ago and had undergone dramatic changes in almost all aspects of the nation’s life.  A legislative and institutional framework had been developed to promote and protect human rights; civil society flourished and played a powerful check-and-balance role.  However, challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights remained.  The Covenant complemented existing laws and regulations, and served as an important foundation for laws which had been subsequently enacted in the field of civil and political rights.

Freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly was guaranteed by the legal system.  Independent mechanisms had been established to ensure that the freedom of the press was exercised in a responsible manner, such as the independent commission on broadcasting and the commission on information.  The important role played by civil society, including the media, in promoting and protecting human rights was fully recognized.  Efforts were made to ensure that the rule of law was upheld.  Freedom of religion was guaranteed by the Constitution and enhancing gender equality was a significant priority.

The Government had made efforts to translate its commitment to human rights into action.  The provisions of the Covenant had been included in the National Human Rights Action Plan.  The third plan, currently being implemented, incorporated all international human rights instruments that Indonesia had ratified.  The plan introduced an additional complaints mechanism, which provided more room for the public to channel grievances on issues concerning human rights.  In 2012, 889 communications had been received by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, out of which 116 had been processed and resolved. 

The Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure were being modernised.  Draft laws, including a definition of torture in accordance with the Convention against Torture, had been submitted to the Parliament in 2012 and covered issues that were not regulated by the current Criminal Code.

Ensuring access to justice for all was part of the Government’s agenda.  One concrete measure to this end was the provision of free legal services to those who needed them, to be effective in 2013.  The Ministry of Law and Human Rights had completed the verification and accreditation of about 500 legal aid organizations throughout Indonesia.  Steps had also been taken in the area of protection for witnesses and victims.

A new law on the juvenile criminal justice system enacted in 2012 introduced a restorative justice approach towards children in conflict with the law.  That law would enter into force in 2014 and efforts were being taken to prepare for its full implementation.  A Coordinating Forum on Acceleration of the Issuance of Birth Certificates had been established in 2011 in order to ensure that all children would be duly registered and have birth certificates by 2015.  In 2009, 42 per cent of Indonesian children had birth certificates and the proportion had increased to 64 per cent by 2011.  However, a wide gap remained and the Government continued its effort to improve the situation.

The provisions of the Covenant were directly applicable in domestic courts, particularly in relation to the rights of individuals involved in criminal proceedings.  All international human rights instruments ratified by Indonesia were part of its domestic legislation, and the Covenant could be directly invoked or referred to by judges.  However, the direct use of the provisions of the Covenant was not yet common practice.

The Government attached great importance to gender equality and provisions had been elaborated in various legislative frameworks, covering areas such as education, employment, housing and health.  Legislation on general elections and on political parties established a 30 per cent quota for female candidates from each political party.  A bill on gender equality was under consideration and awareness raising programmes promoting gender equality were carried out.

The death penalty continued to be part of Indonesia’s legislation and a judicial review found that the practice of death penalty was in compliance with the Constitution; however, it was only applied to the most serious crimes.  Executions could only be carried out after the final decision had been taken and all other measures had been exhausted. 

Allegations of acts of torture were thoroughly investigated and duly processed in accordance with the law.  Preventive measures were in place, such as monitoring mechanisms, and in this context 176 correctional officers had received minor to severe disciplinary punishments.  Steps had been taken to prevent instances of ill-treatment of detainees, specifically during the pre-trial detention.  Suspects had the right to be accompanied by a lawyer during interrogations, which were filmed most of the time.  The reform of correctional facilities continued, including through capacity building measures for wardens and prison officials, and respect for human rights was an integral part of their standard operational procedures.

Concrete measures had also been taken to improve prisons and the living standards of inmates.  Particular attention was paid to the segregation of detainees and convicts, male and female convicts, and between adults and juveniles, within correctional facilities.  New facilities were currently being built and two supervisory mechanisms received and investigated complaints regarding cases of misconduct by police officers.  Recent data from the National Police showed that more than 36,000 cases of alleged misconduct involving police officers had been duly processed.

In 2006, the Government had issued a ban on female genital mutilation but this had led to an increase in the number of female circumcisions conducted by non-medical practitioners.  The Government had therefore issued regulations to protect women and girls from unsafe procedures, with the end goal of eliminating such practices throughout the country.

Concerning freedom of religion and belief, the delegation noted that the law on defamation of religion had been reviewed by the Constitutional Court.  The Constitutional Court had stated that the State was obliged to protect all religions and suggested that the law should be revised.   The Government was currently in the process of formulating a bill to provide a legal framework to guarantee and enhance religious tolerance. 

Questions by Experts

Experts asked whether the provisions of the Covenant were directly applicable by domestic courts and to what extent they were invoked and applied.  Did Indonesia intend to accede to the Optional Protocol to the Covenant?  Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) had raised issues related to access to remedies for victims of human rights violations.  Were ordinary crimes committed by members of the armed forces judged by military courts?  The Committee had been told that military courts lacked independence and transparency.  What measures had been taken to implement the National Strategy on Access to Justice launched in 2009?

According to Indonesia’s report, most laws at the regional level were incompatible with national laws; what measures had been taken to ensure that national and regional laws were compatible with the Covenant?  Had the law-making process at the regional level been improved? Was the Government preventing the implementation of laws that were incompatible with Indonesia’s international obligations?  NGOs and the National Commission on Human Rights itself had identified problems in the functioning of the Commission, what was the relationship between the Commission and the State and why had there been a conflict between the Commission and the Attorney General’s Office?

Article 25 of the law on combating acts of terrorism allowed for the detention of suspects of acts of terrorism for a maximum period of six months, whereas the Criminal Code provided for a much shorter period of pre-trial detention.  Experts requested information about steps taken to grant access to prisons and detention facilities to independent monitoring bodies.  Had an independent monitoring mechanism been designated to monitor the conditions of detention, with powers to conduct unannounced visits?  What measures had been taken to respond to allegations about the widespread practice of torture and ill-treatment of detainees and poor conditions in prisons?  Experts requested data on compensation offered to victims of acts of torture and wondered if perpetrators of torture were systematically tried?

One of the Experts raised questions about the issue of non-discrimination.  It appeared that an increasing number of regional by-laws on discrimination did not respect the provisions of the Covenant, what was the Government doing in this regard? What measures had been taken to amend the 2008 pornography law, which prohibited and criminalized consensual same-sex sexual activity?  What measures had been taken to improve women’s status in the political, economic and social life of the country and what percentage of executive positions, both in the public and private sectors, were occupied by women?  Much remained to be done to reform patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotypes in society, which undervalued jobs associated with women.

What measures had been taken to investigate the excessive use of force during protests in Papua in 2011, during which several protesters were killed by the police?  What recommendations had the National Commission on Human Rights made in this regard?  Seventy extrajudicial killings had recently taken place in Papua but no perpetrators had been prosecuted.  Impunity had become a structural problem in Indonesia.  Criminal prosecutions and sanctions were appropriate measures to combat police violence and had to be implemented.  What had been the impact of the Code of Conduct for officers of correctional facilities so far and what was the mandate of the Ombudsman with regards to correction facilities?

A controversial draft bill on national security had been presented by the Government to the Parliament, would this law include an explicit reference to the relevant provisions of the Covenant?  Experts also asked for clarification concerning the availability of medical treatment in prison, what measures were being taken to prevent deaths in prison? 

Experts requested clarification regarding the declaration made by Indonesia upon its signature of the Convention concerning limitations to the right of self-determination.  What was the exact scope of the reservations?  The Covenant had to be implemented in all regions, regardless of their autonomy, and the Government was bound to ensure that all provisions of the Covenant were fully implemented, even in regions where by-laws were in contradiction with some provisions of the Covenant.

The judiciary had to be trained in order to be made fully aware of the provisions of the Covenant, which had to be interpreted in line with the Committee’s recommendations.  Did the Covenant enjoy precedence over subsequent incompatible national laws?  The National Commission on Human Rights had received a provisional “A status” because of several problems, including those related to the appointment of its members and questions regarding its budget.  What measures had been taken to ensure that the National Commission would operate according to the Paris Principles?  Experts noted that serious violations of human rights had to be investigated and that perpetrators had to be duly prosecuted.  Improving women’s access to justice was of paramount importance, especially in isolated and rural areas.

Response by the Delegation

The delegation indicated that judges did not usually use international instruments in their rulings; however, case-law showed that international instruments were at the same level as national laws.  The implementation of the Covenant at the national level was in line with recommendations made by human rights treaty bodies.  Due process was guaranteed to all victims of gross violations of human rights perpetrated by military officers in the past.  The question concerning the trial of military officers by military courts was under discussion before the Parliament and laws on military courts were presently under discussion.  All decisions made by military courts could be examined by the Supreme Court and, in addition, the proceedings of military courts were carried out in public, which enhanced their transparency. 

The province of Aceh enjoyed a special autonomy status since 2009, regulated by a special law, and in accordance with relevant national laws the promulgation of local by-laws was carried out by Aceh’s House of Representatives.  The adoption of the Islamic Criminal Law (Qanun Jinayah) in Aceh had provoked protests and concerns throughout the country, and this by-law could undergo judicial review by the Supreme Court.  The law on the special status of Aceh explicitly called on the local authorities to increase women’s participation in public life.  Women and children were protected by regional by-laws on women empowerment and child protection.  According to national laws, regional authorities had to mainstream a gender perspective in various aspects of public life.

The Attorney General’s Office had addressed three cases of gross violations of human rights; and all perpetrators had been freed by the judges given that these violations were not part of a widespread attack against civilians.  Without blaming the decisions of the court, the delegation noted that different institutions had different views on security issues.  It had been agreed that the National Commission on Human Rights would meet with the Attorney General’s Office to reconcile their views on these sensitive cases. 

Responding to a question concerning the case of an inmate who did not receive appropriate health services, the delegation said that in accordance with the law all detention facilities had to provide prisoners with the appropriate medical treatment. 

The Government was aware that the national human rights institutions had to comply with the Paris Principles and, despite the increase of its budget, the National Commission on Human Rights still faced constraints.  A number of steps had been taken to strengthen the cooperation between the National Commission and the State.  Memorandums of Understanding had been signed with the Indonesian National Police, the Armed Forces and some provincial governments, including South Sumatera, Bali, Jambi and Lampung.  Indonesia had engaged the National Commission in the process of formulating the National Human Rights Action Plan and its implementation.

Investigations, prosecutions and court hearings concerning acts of terrorism had to refer to the general procedures governed by the Criminal Procedure Code.  The law on combating acts of terrorism contained rules that protected the rights of suspects.  Preventive actions were taken to counter terrorism but police officers only used force when it was necessary.  Sanctions, including dismissal, were imposed on police officers found guilty of misconduct.  The National Police was supervised by an external body and specific regulations ensured the safety of individuals in detention facilities.  The Ombudsman could conduct unannounced visits to correctional facilities and published an annual report on the conditions of detention. 

Positive developments had been noted in relation to women’s empowerment and the political representation of women had constantly increased.  A greater number of women held senior political positions and 46 per cent of civil servants were women.  The Government worked with all relevant stakeholders to increase the participation of women in public life. 

The interpretative declaration made by Indonesia regarding Article 1 of the Covenant referred to principles of international law related to territorial integrity and the political unity of sovereign States.  Sub-national legislation that did not comply with Indonesia’s national law or international human rights obligations was a consequence of the autonomy enjoyed by local authorities.  It was stipulated that regional by-laws should not be in conflict with national legislation and had to be in line with international human rights standards.  All rulings by national courts recalled that those fundamental principles and mechanisms were in place to ensure that by-laws were in line with human rights standards.  The Government was committed to improving the compliance of regional by-laws with human rights standards, and the mainstreaming of the provisions of the Covenant in the national legislation was on-going. 

Questions by Experts

The Committee recalled that the death penalty was imposed on persons convicted of crimes related to drugs and terrorism.  While the Government had in some instances commuted death penalties into life sentences, the death penalty was systematically imposed on drug-related offenders despite the fact that these offences did not constitute serious crimes.  The death penalty was an extreme form of punishment that only had to be used for the most serious crimes, and it was therefore discriminatory to impose the death penalty on persons convicted for drug-related crimes.  The lack of transparency in the clemency process had also been noted.  Would Indonesia reconsider its clemency process to ensure that it met international human rights standards?

What concrete measures had been designed to ensure that children were not detained along with adults in correctional facilities which were overcrowded?  Did police officers receive appropriate training regarding children in conflict with the law? 

An Expert inquired about actions taken to prohibit the widespread use of corporal punishment.  What measures were being taken to repeal local legislation, such as the Aceh Criminal Code, that introduced corporal punishment for certain offences?  Was it true that legal aid was not available in Aceh?   Experts inquired about the duration of preventive detention.  Some reports indicated that accused persons could be detained for an initial period of 20 days, which could be extended to 60 days.  For how long could an individual be held in police custody?  Why had the Judicial Mafia Eradication Task Force been removed two years after its establishment?  What happened to the seven judges prosecuted for bribery and what had been the concrete results of measures taken by the Government to combat corruption within the judiciary?

Although rape was criminalised, the incidence was high and courts imposed minimum sentences on persons convicted of rape.  What specific measures were being taken to ensure that sentences for rape deterred others?  What did awareness raising on this issue consist of?

Respect for freedom of religion was a fundamental test for democratic regimes.  The law on defamation of religion prohibited the expression of hostility or hatred towards religions in public; had the law been applied and what penalties had been imposed on individuals charged under this law?  The Constitutional Court did not repeal this law but recommended that it was revised, had the Government started the review process?  How was the law compatible with the provisions of the Covenant, in particular in light of the Committee’s general comment no. 34 on article 19 of the Covenant, relating to freedom of opinion and expression?  Several cases of persecution against religious minorities or non-believers had been reported to the Committee, as well as allegations of forced conversion to Islam.  What was the Government’s attitude regarding acts of intimidation against religious minorities and was the Government planning to take measures to protect religious minorities?

NGOs had reported the existence of political prisoners and acts of intimidation against human rights activists and journalists in West-Papua.  What measures had been taken to guarantee freedom of expression in this area?  Had defamation laws regarding State officials been applied in conformity with the Covenant?

Indonesia had recognized that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community was subject to specific laws and decrees that prohibited them from holding national conferences and restricted their right to assembly.  Why were there specific prohibitions imposed on specific religious minorities, in contravention to the provisions of the Covenant?  Legal provisions that targeted specific religious minorities violated the principle of non-discrimination included in article 2 of the Covenant. Some persecutions had led to the displacement of Ahmadiyya people.  What was the Government doing to prevent, reduce and punish attacks against religious minorities?  Did the rule requiring that political candidates in Aceh province read the Quran in Arabic apply to public positions at all levels?

Response by the Delegation

The Government was currently reviewing the law on defamation of religions.  Citizens had to register their religion in order to benefit from appropriate religious services and the Government had never allowed the forced conversion of individuals.  Regarding Ahmadiyya people, the issue was that the dissemination of their beliefs could cause social troubles.  The displacement of the Ahmadiyya people was temporary and as soon as the situation allowed for they would return to their region of origin.  In the meantime, their right to property was fully guaranteed and respected.  According to the National Human Rights Action Plan, regional governments, together with the Religious Harmony Forum and the regional committees for human rights, had to enhance religious harmony.  The Religious Harmony Forum gathered many religious leaders from all religions represented in Indonesia. 

Questions by Experts

Experts stressed that the problem regarding the situation of the Ahmadiyya concerned the adoption of legal texts and decrees that targeted a specific community.  The Government should review its policy towards religious minorities.  Another Expert asked if students were bound to register their religion and if they could register as non-believers.

Response by the Delegation

The Government did not perceive Ahmadiyya followers as a religious community, who defined themselves as Muslims.  As such, they were not allowed to publicly defend positions that were not in line with the commonly accepted principles of Islam.  Discussions were under way on the question of how to provide religious services to those who did not belong to the six religions recognized by the Government.  

The Constitution guaranteed freedom of expression to all citizens.  In the case of Papua, numerous protests had highlighted concerns about the situation in the region.  Freedom of expression could not be used to infringe on the rights of others.  The denial of historical facts and the defamation of State officials were not allowed.  It was crucial to maintain the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Indonesia.  The delegation mentioned several specific cases in which the prevailing laws had been applied to individuals who had participated in seditious activities.

The death penalty was still part of the Indonesian criminal system and the Constitutional Court had found it was in line with the Constitution.  The death penalty was only imposed on the most serious crimes and its implementation was limited by various safeguards: it was imposed as the last resort to the most serious crimes, such as crimes damaging the young, and it was carried out only after the verdict had a permanent legal force and after clemency had been denied by the President.  Recalling the specific case mentioned by the Committee, the delegation underlined that due process was guaranteed in all legal proceedings.  The anti-terrorism law provided for longer proceedings than in ordinary cases and this was meant to ensure that all investigations regarding security issues were carried out in an appropriate manner.  

A draft law on gender equality to strengthen the respect for gender equality principles by all State institutions, both at national and regional levels, was under consideration.  It had been included in the 2013 Legislation Programme and further consultations were needed to find a national consensus on various aspects.

The Judicial Mafia Eradication Task Force had completed its task and efforts continued through the formulation of a National Strategy to Eradicate Corruption, not only in the judiciary but in all law enforcement agencies, and the National Development Agency would coordinate efforts designed to implement the strategy.  In addition, the Attorney General’s Office had undertaken several activities to combat corruption.  Between 2006 and 2013, bribery and corruption cases had resulted in the conviction of 8 judges, 5 prosecutors and 3 lawyers, and the sentences imposed in these cases ranged between 2 and 8 years of imprisonment.

New detention facilities were being built and high priority was given to building new juvenile detention centres.  Children detained in regular correctional facilities were systematically held in other buildings than those housing adult detainees and convicts.  Measures had been taken to reduce the number of detainees.  Around 50,000 convicts should be granted parole this year.  Any suspect could appeal his detention if he believed it was illegal.  A special institution addressed the acts of corruption of officials.

The delegation mentioned the case of a former civil servant who had spread religious hatred and had defamed Islam on a social media.  He was found guilty of defamation of religion according to the prevailing laws.  In the Aceh province, high ranking officials who were Muslim had to be able to read the Quran in Arabic.  Legal aid was available in the Aceh province as it was the case in all regions of the country.

Questions by Experts

Did the Constitutional Court assess the conformity of the death penalty with article 6 of the Covenant, which stated that it should only be imposed for the most serious crimes?  Article 6 of the Covenant reminded States parties that no provision of the Covenant could be invoked to delay the abolition of capital punishment.  One of the Experts said that drug crimes did not meet the threshold of serious crimes. 

Noting that few women held high level positions, an Expert asked for information on the measures taken to improve the percentage of women in positions of responsibility in the executive and in the private sector. 

Response by the Delegation

The delegation informed the Committee that Indonesia would reply in writing to the sensitive question regarding the draft law on mass organizations.

The Constitutional Court confirmed that the death penalty was not inconsistent with Indonesia’s Constitution.  The draft law on Criminal Code adopted a new approach concerning that question.  It provided that the death penalty should be a special punishment that could only be inflicted for very serious crimes.  The draft law also provided that if not executed within 10 years, a sentence of death would be commuted to a life sentence.  Drugs had provoked many social problems and that was the reason why drug-related offences were perceived as serious crimes.  In 2013, 112 persons had been sentenced to death, of which 32 were drug-offenders.

Regarding the law on pornography, some groups believed that possible different interpretations of the law could undermine the existing space for creativity in the fields of arts.  However, this law had been recognized as a useful instrument to combat pornography and child pornography.  The law had been subjected to a judicial review in 2010 and the Constitutional Court decided that it was neither unconstitutional nor discriminatory.  Nevertheless, the Constitutional Court referred the law to Parliament for further review in light of the views expressed by various groups.

Questions by Experts

An Expert asked if there was a legal provision that prevented the imposition of the death penalty on mentally-ill persons.  What was the minimum age of criminal responsibility and what was the legal definition of the child?  Could a child under 18 be executed?

Response by the Delegation

A specific provision of the Criminal Code regulated the prosecution and execution of mentally-ill persons who were usually not brought before criminal courts.  The age of criminal responsibility was recently raised from 8 to 12.  Children under 18 could not be executed and detention was applied as a last resort to children in conflict with the law.

Questions by Experts

What had been the impact of the measures taken to combat domestic violence and to ensure women’s access to justice?  What was the definition of domestic violence in legislation?  The World Health Organization passed in 2008 a resolution calling all Member States to strictly prohibit female genital mutilation.  What steps were taken in this regard and what progress had been made so far?  What legal mechanisms were available to women victims of rape?

In light of the increase of the age of criminal responsibility, what was being done for those who had been convicted under the previous regime?  What constituted last resort to decide the detention of a child? How long could a suspect be detained in police custody? 

What steps had been taken in order to solve the problem of human trafficking?  What specific measures had been taken to put an end to sex tourism?  What was the role of the local authorities in this context? 

An Expert underlined that the Government had to protect the followers of Ahmadiyya as members of a religious minority.  What was the present status of the draft law on the recognition and protection of traditional communities?

What had been put in place to monitor the return and resettlement of internally displaced persons and to implement the 2007 law on disaster management?  It was noted that the problem continued in spite of the efforts deployed by the Government in this regard.  What was the Government doing to resettle displaced people and to ensure that they enjoyed their right to live in dignity?  According to Indonesia’s report, people affected by forced evictions conducted for public interest were offered alternate housing and compensation.  What was the actual procedure regarding forced evictions?

An Expert inquired about the existence of polygamy.  Why was there a difference between the age of sexual consent, set at 12, and the minimum age of marriage, set at 16 for women and 19 for men?  Why was the minimum age of marriage different between men and women?  Were women and men on an equal foot in matters related to inheritance?  What was the legal status of children born out of wedlock?

Response of the Delegation

A series of programmes were carried out to raise general public awareness on the issue of domestic violence.  Law enforcers were provided with specific training on how to handle domestic violence cases.  The law on domestic violence explicitly criminalized acts of violence against women and children and defined domestic violence as every act which inflicted harm.  Integrated service units for the protection of children and women were established in many public hospitals.  The implementation of the law was undertaken in cooperation with various stakeholders.  Health services, social rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as legal aid, were provided to victims of domestic violence.    

The Government had been undertaking several efforts aimed at combating the existing practice of female circumcision in Indonesia.  The Ministry of Health had issued a regulation to ensure safe procedures for female circumcision.  That regulation should not be construed as promoting female circumcision; its only aim was to ensure that female circumcision was done in a safe environment and without danger for the girls’ health.  A dialogue had been undertaken with various sectors of the society on that issue with a view to its eradication.  Female circumcision was usually carried out on baby girls and had no impact on the life of the baby child.  It was far away from female genital mutilation.  However, the Government was committed to combat and eradicate that practice.

All law enforcement officers received training on the issue of children in conflict with the law.  A law on that issue would enter into force next year.  Indonesia had ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and implemented its provisions.  A law on the eradication of trafficking in persons provided a complete set of instruments in combating trafficking in persons, including preventive and repressive measures, as well as treatment and services for victims.  However, a number of challenges in the implementation of the law were identified, including insufficient comprehensive understanding on the laws and regulations relating to trafficking in persons by the authorities in charge of these tasks.  A National Action Plan was implemented to combat human trafficking.

A task-force was created to monitor the implementation of the National Action Plan to combat human trafficking.  At the regional level, Indonesia cooperated with ASEAN Member States.  The establishment of a regional instrument on that issue was under consideration.  According to the National Police, the number of victims of human trafficking amounted to 205 in 2011 and 192 in 2012.  The number of trafficking cases had continued to decrease since 2011, which showed the effectiveness of the efforts in preventing and combating trafficking.  The Government of Indonesia, in cooperation with international organizations, provided training and capacity building for law enforcement officers on how to investigate and prosecute human trafficking.  A victim-based approach was adopted in law enforcement efforts.  Victims of trafficking were entitled to medical and social rehabilitation, repatriation and social reintegration.

Indonesia had been undertaking efforts to combat and put an end to the phenomenon of sexual exploitation and child labour.  Various measures and concrete efforts had been taken by the Ministry for Women Empowerment and Child Protection.  A policy of zero tolerance for child sex tourism was launched in 2003 by the Ministry.  The Ministry had undertaken awareness raising programmes on sexually exploited children for the local government agencies.  The Ministry of Health had conducted capacity building programmes on violence against women and children for medical officers, aimed at providing appropriate services to victims of violence, including sexually exploited children.

A suspect could be detained in police custody for a maximum of 60 days and could be accompanied by a legal adviser in all proceedings.  The State had the responsibility to provide legal aid.  The lawyer only acted as a legal adviser and had no role in the questioning.  A law on legal aid had been adopted and provided that the State had the obligation to provide legal aid for suspects facing legal sanctions above five years.  But it was up to the suspect to accept it or not. 

The law on juvenile justice provided special protection and measures of social reintegration for children in conflict with the law.  The deprivation of liberty of children in conflict with the law was the last resort, which was to say if the judge could not find any one or any organizations that could take care of the child and if he had committed serious crimes.

The law on marriage was reviewed by Governmental agencies in cooperation with civil society organizations.  The provision on the age of marriage was under revision to ensure the principles of equality and non-discrimination between men and women in this regard.

Concluding Remarks

HARKRISTUTI HARKRISNOWO, Deputy-Minister for Human Rights, Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia, thanked the Committee Experts for the constructive dialogue, which created a momentum in Indonesia to discuss the concrete implementation of the provisions of the Covenant.  The views of the Committee Experts would be shared with all relevant Governmental agencies.  Indonesia looked forward to the conclusions and recommendations of the Committee, which would help Indonesia in the implementation of its obligations under the Covenant.

NIGEL RODLEY, Chairperson of the Committee, said that the presentation of the initial report of Indonesia was an important moment for the Committee.  He noted that Indonesia was undergoing a process of democratic transition.  It was troubling that the practice of the death penalty had been resumed for drug-related crimes.  Mr. Rodley underlined that the time spent in police custody should not be more than two days.  The issue of the special dispensation for corporal punishment in Aceh was troubling.  Regional autonomy should not be used to justify practices that did not respect human rights standards.  The Committee looked forward to the review of the law on the defamation of religion to ensure freedom of religion.  He thanked the delegation for its constructive participation in the dialogue with the Committee.



For use of the information media; not an official record

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/connect-asia/calls-for-indonesia-to-lift-foreign-media-ban-in-papua/1162040

1) Calls for Indonesia to lift foreign media ban in Papua

2) Papua police urge quick  burial for Nabire riot  casualties

4) Blame game starts in Papua  following deadly boxing  riot

5) Sydney University Awards Marty Degree

1) Britain reaffirms recognition of Papua as part of Indonesia

2) Students walk a rough road to secondary education in Papua province, Indonesia

3) Rights Groups Slam Continued Use of Force, Impunity in Papua

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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/89893/britain-reaffirms-recognition-of-papua-as-part-of-indonesia

1) Britain reaffirms recognition of Papua as part of Indonesia

Wed, July 17 2013 11:50 | 73 Views

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - Britain still recognizes Papua as an integral part Indonesia, a British diplomat said.

"We are here this time on a working visit to the Cendrawasih Regional Military Command," Millie Mc Devitt, Second Secretary in Political Section of the British Embassy, said in a news release issued here on Wednesday. 

McDevitt and a group of other officials of the British embassy in Jakarta met with the regional military commander Maj. Gen. Christian Zebua and other regional military officials in this provincial city. 

Zebua told the group that security situation in Papua is favorable, saying in general the situation is stable.

"There is a small group (of local people) having different perception of independence, but we do not see them as enemies. They are compatriots who happen to have different view of democracy," he said. 

He acknowledged that stability in the region is attributable not only to the military or police but also to big role played by religious and community leaders and other government officials.

The military in carrying out it duty in the field gives priority to territorial development, he said.

"Currently we are cooperating with all components to create a conducive security," he added. 

The regional military command is involved in various social activities such as in health care, teaching, farming,livestock raising and fishery to improve the welfare of the people, he said. 

"Papua is currently is developing civil order with the military assisting the regional administration and police to accelerate regional development and to maintain public order," he said. 

Indonesia had been angered by a British official attending a ceremony opening a Papua separatist representative office in that country recently.
(Uu.H-ASG/F001)

2) Students walk a rough road to secondary education in Papua province, Indonesia

© UNICEF Indonesia/2013/Klaus

Markus, 18, and his housemates pose outside their honai, a big traditional hut that serves as a boarding home for 50 adolescents and young adults who attend classes or training during the day.

© UNICEF Indonesia/2013/Klaus

Markus left his village at the age of 14 to enroll in secondary school - the only option available for most adolescents in this area to attend secondary school. He is now leader of his honai.

3) Rights Groups Slam Continued Use of Force, Impunity in Papua

The following report was received from the Executive-Director of LP3BH, Yan Christian Warinussy

Monday 15 July 2013

At 11am, someone came to see me who said that he wanted to meet an official of Belantara Papua (This could be translated as the 'Papuan Jungle') He was riding on a motorbike  which he parked in front of the office. Because the front door was closed, he went to the back of the house and opened a side door and shouted: 'There's someone here who wants to meet you.'

When this person entered the office, I was in  a room which is where children play together (singing and painting) When I heard my son calling,  I went up to him together with the visitor who was now standing in the kitchen. When the fellow greeted me, I responded to his greetings. I asked him who he wanted to see. He said that he had come from the naval base in Sorong and wanted to meet some officials from Belantara Papua.

I asked him to leave the kitchen  and enter the house through the front door, whereupon he  left the kitchen and went to the front door. I had meanwhile gone into the main room in the office and invited him to enter.

We shook hands and I asked him to sit down.

When I asked him where he was from, he said: 'I am a member of the Indonesian Navy in Sorong.and I want to meet someone from  the executive of Belantara Papua.'

When I asked him what he wanted, he said that he was hoping to meet someone from Belantara Papua and was hoping that it would be possible for us to work together.

Then he went on to say the following:

'I know about Balantara from the Internet and I have been looking for its address for almost two weeks'

He then explained at great length how it was that he had met people an international organisation (CI) in Raja Ampat and found out about its programme (Christian Thebu) He met the chairman of a civil society organisation (LMA Malamoi Silas Kalami) and had also met Ferdiel from Yayasan Penyu Papua.

I asked him how long he had been working in Sorong, to which he replied: 'Only two weeks,' adding that he had just moved here from Jakarta.

When we asked him whether he knew Abner Korwa, he said he had found out about Abner Korwa on the Internet and realised that he was an environmental activist. When he asked us whether Abner Korwa was at the office, I told him that Korwa does not work for Belantara but spends most of his time working at home

He then asked me whether I would introduce him to Abner Korwa. I said that I could but he was not here at the moment. He then spoke at  length about Belantara and their work with the local government and the security forces. As the discussion proceeded, he asked me for the names of the executive members of Belantara and then asked me what my name was and I said my name is Max Binur. He asked me what courses I was taking and I said I was doing a course about UNAMIN and its administration. I also told him that there were five people on its staff.

He also wanted to know  whether he could take part in discussions with Belantara and I said that he could if he wanted to.

'And what about involving my friends from the Indonesian Navy,' he asked, to which I said by all means. But I said that at the moment we were very busy doing our own work in the countryside  which means that at present no one was here in the office except the doorman.

He then asked me whether I could give him the names of the members of the executive committee of Belantara and their photographs. I said, I'm sorry but I wont be able to do that until tomorrow. I said if he wants something official, I could send hem to meet some people in the Indonesian Navy.

I ended the conversation at this point, explaining that I had to attend another meeting so I could only do this in a few days time.

He then asked for my telephone number which I gave him and in exchange, he gave me his telephone number.

When I asked him what his full name was, he said Major Yandi, adding that he was a member of the Indonesian Navy in Sorong.

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Intimidation

1.    When a member of the Indonesian Navy wants to meet people, he should go to their the front door and if no one is there, he should leave.
2.    What happened was that after knocking at the door, he went next door  to see whether anyone was there but there was no one.
3.    Major Yandi then asked for the names of the members of the executive committee of Belantara so that he could take their photographs. This was during our discussion which lasted for about one hour.
4.     During the discussion, he said he would like to work together with Belantara on a joint business project in Katapop.
5.    During the discussion he mentioned the name of Labora Sitorus but the began to talk about something else.
6.     He said he had moved here from Jakarta two weeks ago and that he had met several NGOs.
7.     One of his other tricks  was to say that he had come from Jakarta on a Pelita Air  flight, but as far as I  know, Pelita Airlines does not fly from Jakarta to Sorong.

From all  this, I draw the following conclusions:

1.    In the last five years, no members of the security forces, either from the police or the army, have ever come to our Belantara Office asking for the profiles and names of members of the Belantara executive committee.
2.    I think that the re-opening of the case of  Labora Sitorus and the report in METRO TV in a newscast which was broadcast twice on the REALITA Programme could all be part of the same scenario.
3.     Since 12-13 July, I have been investigating  the case of the company BANGUN KAYA IRIAN which is located in Bagaraga Kampung, Kais, in the District of Wayer, Moswaren, the Region of South Sorong. It was when I arrived home from the location on  the next day 15 July) that a member of the security forces visited me.
4.    On my way home from South Sorong (Teminabuan) to the town of Sorong  on Sunday evening, I took several photos of timber which was piled up on the side of the road from Maladofok Kampung to Klamono. All along the road, there were logs that were about to be transported. I stopped my car on the road, got out  and took six photos of the logs  that were piled up.
5.     I was also suspicious about the Bloody AIMAS  case.
6.     This is perhaps in connection with the appeal we received from the Wawiyai people to assist them in fighting their case in Friwen,
7.     It is also perhaps connected to the exploitation of nickel  in Yenbekaki Kampung, Raja Ampat.

These are some recent cases which I  think are connected with the visit of Major YANDI of the Indonesian Navy although he did not tell us anything. There may be other motives about which we know  nothing.

Max Binur, Director of Belantara Papua

Finally, I want to make it clear that I am providing giving my name and identity card details. If any of these people want to contact me, please do so as I am willing to discuss these matters with them.

But because I need to be careful about giving people details about my identity card number,  I have decided to get a new identity card so as to be able to communicate with people about matters of principle.

Thank you!

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http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/rudd-reiterates-recognition-of-indonesias-sovereignty-over-papua/

1) Rudd Reiterates Recognition of Indonesia’s Sovereignty Over Papua

By Ezra Sihite on 4:49 pm July 5, 2013.
Category Asia-Pacific, Featured, International, News
Tags: australia, Papua human rights abuses

Bogor, West Java. Visiting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd reiterated his government’s recognition of Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua on Friday.

“I would like to publicly reaffirm here, what successive Australian prime ministers have said in the past, that Australia recognizes, recognized in the past and will recognize in the future, the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia that includes Papua,” Rudd said.

Speaking at a joint press conference at the Bogor Palace, Rudd also praised President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s “strong leadership” and the special autonomy package accorded for Papua’s development.

“I encourage him in this direction. I am sure, as Australian Prime Minister, I will do everything I can in supporting him in this important direction as well,” he said.

Rudd, who was on visit for the third annual Indonesia-Australia Leaders’ Meeting,  said that Yudhoyono’s government had already achieved success in Aceh, where the government also granted an autonomy package after it agreed with separatists rebels there to end decades of conflict in August 2005.

He said that Australia wanted to work with the government here in a way that could be helpful “in making sure that we bring about a long-term, stable, prosperous and secure Papua that is part of the Republic of Indonesia.”

A joint communique issued after the meeting of the two leaders, said that they “reaffirmed the two countries’ continued adherence to the principles of respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as mandated in the Lombok Treaty.”

“I am certain that under the leadership of Prime Minister Rudd, the cooperation, partnership and friendship between the Republic of Indonesia and Australia can continue to be stepped up,” Yudhoyono said on the same occasion.

Yudhoyono said that he and Rudd shared the same commitment in seeking new opportunities to boost cooperation.The leaders, it said, were encouraged by the many “positive developments” in their bilateral relationship since the previous meeting in Darwin last year.

In the joint communique Yudhoyono and Rudd also encouraged the further promotion of bilateral trade and investment cooperation between Indonesia and Australia.

“Noting that the two countries have shared interest in the area of food security, both leaders agreed to further explore trade and investment cooperation in the agriculture sector, including in the beef and cattle industry,” it said.

Tensions had risen several times between Indonesia and Australia over the alleged maltreatment of cows here, leading to a cut in beef imports from Australia.

The Leaders also recognised the importance of the two countries’ wide-ranging cooperation in tackling regional and global challenges, particularly transnational crimes such as terrorism, cyber-crime, drugs, corruption and money-laundering.

On the issue of human trafficking and people smuggling, the two countries agreed to continue to develop a regional solution.
The regional solution, the communique said, should involve countries of origin, transit and destination and cover elements of prevention, early detection and protection.

“They stressed the importance of avoiding unilateral actions which might jeopardize such a comprehensive regional approach and that may cause operational or other difficulties to any party,” the statement said.

3) Stop Being Afraid of Dialogue between Indonesia and Papua‏

Bintang Papua, 4 July 2013

Jayapura: The Dutch Government has been urged to support the idea of 
dialogue between Jakarta and Papua to resolve the problem of Papua, as
has been suggested by the Papuan Peace Network.

'We call on the Indonesian Government and the Papuan people not to be 
afraid of sitting down together and thinking about what needs to be 
done to resolve the Papuan problem by means of dialogue between Jakarta 
and Papua,' said Yan Douw, a Catholic Monk during a meeting with the 
Dutch ambassador, Tjeer de Zwaan. He also had meetings with the chief of 
police, community leaders, religious leaders and youth leaders in Jayapura.

He therefore called on the Netherlands, the United States and the United 
Nations together with Indonesia to come together to discuss the Papuan
situation. 'If they fail to do so, they will share responsibility for 
any Papuan blood that may be shed,' he said.

The representative of the Catholic Diocese said he cannot understand why 
it was possible to resolve the conflict with Aceh by means of dialogue
but Indonesia has found it extremely difficult to respond to calls for a 
dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.

The Chairman the Alliance of Traditional People, Lenis Kogoya said that 
information being disseminated abroad about the question of Papua does
not reflect the reality in the Land of Papua. and he urged the Dutch 
Government to make sure that it receives information from a variety of
sources.

The chairman of the Jayapura branch of the GKI (Gereja Christian 
Indonesia) in Papua, Willem Itaar pointed out that the GKI was one of 
the churches from the Netherlands and from Germany that brought the 
Bible to the people of Papua which happened on 5 February 1855. One 
hundred years later, in 1956, the GKI was established in Papua.

Willem Itaar said that the GKI was one of the churches that played a 
part in placing Papua within the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. 
But subsequently the churches faced a dilemma because they must share 
responsibility for the security situation in the Land of Papua, bearing 
in mind the fact that the churches are present in all parts of the 
territory, right down to the smallest village.

'When anyone talks about Papua, one is talking also about the 
Netherlands because the Netherlands played a role in setting up the 
sovereign state of Indonesia, whereas it was in 1963 that Papua became
integrated as part of the Republic of Indonesia, which it continues to
be to this day, said Willlem Itaar.

Translated by TAPOL