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1) Match words with action on Papua abuses

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2) Amnesty presses Indonesia for release of Papuan activist
3) Govt Vows to Settle Papua Rights Abuses by End of 2016
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1) Match words with action on Papua abuses
Andreas Harsono Jakarta | Thu, May 19 2016 | 07:02 am

The detention of more than 1,500 Papuan independence supporters on May 2 for “lacking a permit to hold a rally” speaks volumes of the government’s stubbornly problematic approach to dealing with dissent in the restive territory of Papua. This approach has for decades provided impunity for security forces, despite their abuses against Papuans and turned dozens of those exercising their universal rights to freedom of expression and association into political prisoners.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has promised Papuans a change, beginning with “an open dialogue for a better Papua”. But aside from the release of a few political prisoners, there has been barely any signs of meaningful change on the ground in Papua. 

Jokowi’s December 2014 pledge to thoroughly investigate and punish security forces implicated in the death of five peaceful protesters in the Papuan town of Enarotali that month has remained unfulfilled. And the Indonesian bureaucracy continues to obstruct international media from freely reporting in Papua despite the President’s May 2015 declaration to lift the decades-old restrictions.

Last month the government announced a new approach to Papua’s long history of serious rights abuses and lack of accountability: It was going to try to resolve them.

On April 20 chief security minister Luhut Pandjaitan opened a one-week meeting in Jakarta, which was attended by more than 20 human rights activists and ethnic Papuan officials from Papua and West Papua, along with officials from the National Police, the Attorney General’s Office ( AGO ) and various ministries. 

The meeting followed increasing international scrutiny of Indonesia’s human rights record in Papua, including a September 2015 proposal by the Pacific Islands Forum, a political grouping of 16 Pacific nation states, for a possible human rights “fact finding mission” in Papua.

The meeting aimed to develop a roadmap to investigation and resolution of a number of the region’s most serious human rights abuses. The initiative was a follow-up to Jokowi’s commitment in December 2014 to seek an end to human rights violations in Papua.

The government has compiled a 17-page report detailing 11 high-priority human rights cases in Papua that it aims to solve. They include the Biak massacre in July 1998, when security forces opened fire on participants of a peaceful flag-raising ceremony on the island, the military crackdown on Papuans in Wasior in 2001 and Wamena in 2003 that left dozens killed and thousands displaced and the forced disbandment of the Papuan People’s Congress in October 2011 that left three people dead and hundreds injured.

The government has also prioritized individual cases such as the disappearance of Aristoteles Masoka, the driver of murdered Papuan leader Theys Eluay in November 2001. Although Eluay’s body was found inside his car, and seven Army Special Forces soldiers were convicted in 2003 for the murder, Masoka has never turned up.

The list is an encouraging sign that the government recognizes the role of the security forces in human rights abuses in Papua and the need for accountability. However, mass killings that took place between the 1960s and 1970s, including a military operation in 1977-1978 against Free Papua Movement ( OPM ) insurgents that allegedly involved indiscriminate aerial bombings and strafing, have been deliberately omitted.

Papuan activists have also called for investigations into the killing of anthropologist-cum-musician Arnold Ap in April 1984 and rights abuses linked to the Indonesian security forces in the lead-up to the July 1969 UN-sponsored referendum that resulted in a much-contested unanimous vote for continued integration with Indonesia.

The government’s plan to resolve these cases involves deploying agencies including the National Police, the AGO, the National Commission on Human Rights ( Komnas HAM ) and the military police to investigate. The plan specifies the need for compensation for survivors and victims’ families for incidents in which the evidence clearly indicates the culpability of government officials and security forces. 

Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw, the Papua Police chief, has promised to prosecute individuals implicated in those abuses. The government has yet to publicly disclose a timeline for these investigations. 

Papua’s troubled history and ongoing serious human rights abuses demand a meaningful government response to both address the crimes of the past and to enact measures to prevent future abuses. The ongoing low-level conflict with the small and disorganized OPM obligates the government to ensure security for the population. 

Security forces repeatedly fail to distinguish between violent acts and peaceful expression of political views. The government has denounced flag-raisings and other peaceful expressions of pro-independence sentiment in Papua as treasonous. Heavy-handed responses to peaceful activities have resulted in numerous human rights violations.

In the past eight years, Human Rights Watch has documented dozens of cases in which police, military, intelligence officers, and prison guards have used unnecessary or excessive force when dealing with Papuans exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and association. 

The government also frequently arrests and prosecutes Papuan protesters for peacefully advocating independence or other political change. More than 35 Papuan activists are in prison on treason charges. 

Human Rights Watch takes no position on Papuan claims to self-determination, but opposes imprisonment of people who peacefully express support for self-determination.

Papuans are likely to be skeptical of Luhut’s plan to resolve past human rights abuses unless the positive rhetoric is matched by meaningful investigations and prosecutions for those crimes.
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The writer is a researcher for the Human Rights Watch.

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2) Amnesty presses Indonesia for release of Papuan activist
4:06 pm today
Amnesty International is pressing Indonesia to release a West Papuan political prisoner detained six weeks ago.
Steven Itlay has been charged with rebellion, or makar, after participating in a prayer event in Mimika, Papua province, in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.
Mr Itlay is a member of the West Papua National Committee, which is a part of the Liberation Movement.
Indonesian officials have vowed to 'wipe out' what they describe as separatist elements in Papua.
However Amnesty International is concerned that the activist could face life imprisonment, and has called on Jakarta to urge local authorities in Papua to release Mr Itlay immediately and unconditionally.

Call for probe of Papua disappearance

Police in Indonesia's Papua have been urged to investigate the disappearance of Aristoteles Masoka, who was the driver of late leader, Theys Eluay.
Mr Eluay was killed by members of Indonesia's special forces in November 2001, and four men were jailed for it.
Aristoteles' father Yonas Masoka said his son went missing at the age of 21 while working as a driver to help fund his studies.
The Human Rights Commission says 12 human rights violations need to be investigated.
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3) Govt Vows to Settle Papua Rights Abuses by End of 2016
By : Alin Almanar | on 6:11 PM May 19, 2016

Jakarta. The Indonesian government is optimistic about settling at least 12 cases of human rights abuses in the far eastern province of Papua by the end of this year, a senior minister said on Wednesday (18/05).
The long-awaited resolution means members of the police and military will likely be implicated, but Chief Security Minister Luhut Panjaitan vowed that it would be conducted in a transparent manner.
"It doesn't matter who the perpetrators were. We'll reveal everything," Luhut said on Wednesday, as quoted by state-run news agency Antara. "If they are proven to have committed any wrongdoing, they'll be prosecuted."
Four of the cases will be settled by the Papua Police, while the rest will be resolved by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Attorney General's Office.
Komnas HAM commissioner M. Imdadun Rahman said he hopes the resolution could be followed up by a long-term commitment to uphold human rights in Papua.
"It should also be able to ensure that abuses will not occur again," Imdadun said.
Meanwhile, Adriana Elisabeth of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) warned that it would take a long time before this commitment to become a reality.
"The government and Papuans should first seek agreement on what constitutes a dialog," Adriana told Jakarta Globe. "Only after that, they may work together on human rights issues."
Independence activists in Papua have been involved in a low-level insurgency for decades. They accuse the central government of neglecting  the resource-rich region with regard to human and infrastructure development since it became part of Indonesia in 1969.
The government has been using military force to suppress dissent in the restive province, leading to rampant human rights abuses.
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1) West Papua Modernises A People in Transition

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2) Indonesia rejects statement of Solomon Islands` PM on MSG

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1) West Papua Modernises A People in Transition  
Friday, May 20, 2016 by CRAIG HARRIS

Papua contains a richness of natural beauty and natural resources, competition for which has caused conflict and a quest for independence.
When I first arrived in Papua 28 years ago, self determination was a far cry. But on my most recent visit as I hiked in the mountains, I sensed things had changed. Talking with the locals it was obvious their aspirations for independence has grown stronger, and that far cry is now an everyday melody: Papua Merdeka, Free Papua.
Their fathers were once warriors capable of shooting arrows and wounding their enemies with expert accuracy. Their mothers tended the gardens and kept their infants in noken bags elegantly draped around their backs.
Ignored for centuries, West Papua was a lost world. It wasn’t until 1938 that American explorer Richard Archbold, peering from a seaplane, was the first white man to lay eyes on the highlands of this rugged terrain and its indigenous people.
Now, simply called Papua, Malay for “frizzy-haired people,” it’s what National Geographic calls “one of the wildest, most isolated frontiers on earth.” Its geography is breathtaking: rain forests, swamps, and cloud-snagged mountains reaching to heights of 16,000 feet, the highest elevation between the Himalayas and the Andes.
Its land mass lies on the western side of the island of Papua New Guinea, considered the second largest island in the world after Greenland. Once a Dutch colony, it’s now part of Indonesia’s sprawling archipelago and 26th province.
The population is scattered: only 2 million in an area the size of California. With over 250 known tribes, it hosts 10 percent of the world’s languages. 
For millennium the men of these remote highland communities wore what’s called a holim or penis gourd. Most men grew their own gourds according to their specific personalities. Some are curly and short while others are long and slender. By hanging a rock on the vine at its early stage of growth, the gourd can take on many different forms.
However, as we turn to the 21st century, no longer is the youthful generation holding steadfast to traditional culture. Dressed in jeans and T-shirts, dresses and blouses, many are sitting behind computers locked onto the Internet and reaching to the outside world for support.
In 2008, the National Committee for West Papua (abbreviated KNPB or Komite Nasional Papua Barat) was established. It is a Papuan peoples’ organization campaigning in a nonviolent way for a referendum regarding the right to self-determination. KNPBbranches are established in almost all regions of West Papua. In April 2009 protesters were killed by police during a demonstration in Jayapura (the capital of West Papua) organized by the KNPB that involved more than 15,000 people. The KNPBhas a strong international network.
Indonesia cannot afford to lose West Papua. It is a haven of natural resources, including the largest gold mine and third largest copper mine in the world, owned by Freeport-McMoRan, a U.S. mining company. Timber covers 85 percent of the territory, and huge amounts of oil have been located in the lowlands.
Papua is also becoming a land of opportunity for thousands of transmigrants from over-crowded islands such as Java and Sulawesi. The Indonesian government offers a few hundred dollars and a plot of land to make a new life for the settlers in hopes that they will adjust to this lost world.
As I traveled through this province from the highlands of Wamena to the lowlands of Agats, I couldn’t help but notice that most kiosks, hotels, and store owners were Indonesians from Java, their staff also Javanese. Papua has become the land of opportunity, but not for the locals who more often than not are found to stand in the way.

Heading to Papua is no easy task. Once in Bali, I find a domestic flight with Lion Air to Timika, a six-hour journey. From Timika it’s another hour to Sentani. My first visit to Sentani was in 1988 when it had three hotels and a restaurant called Mickeys. Things have changed since then. Malls, Dunkin’ Donuts, four-star hotels, and lattes with whipped cream now await your arrival. The streets are busy with traffic. I patiently sit in a taxi on the way to the airport. This will be my last flight, with Trigana Air, into the highlands of Papua, a 45-minute journey.
I’m excited to see my old friends. Five years have passed since my last visit. As the plane touches down in Wamena, I am greeted by Tepi, my oldest friend and Papuan brother. He still reminds me to keep an eye on my luggage. Soon after, I meet Tinus and Nius. Tepi tells me that Nadius and Lyndie have died, two other close friends. The news reminds me of just how fragile life is in Papua.
Malaria, pneumonia, and now AIDS are some of the dangerous killers that engulf Papua. And with hospitals and clinics being few and far between, their percentage of survival once infected is low.
However, the fear for most all Papuans does not lie in the possibility of contracting these diseases but more in being confronted by the Indonesian military and police, which rule this land through force and corruption. Hundreds of thousands of Papuans have died since the 1960s when Indonesia first took control. And backdoor deals with multinationals occur frequently on a land covered in natural resources. 
What will be Papua’s fate? Only time will tell. But as I write this, thousands of Papuans are sitting behind computers strategizing their future. A future that has brought them from the Stone Age to the 21st century overnight, and a determination to decide their own fate, peacefully. 


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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/104811/indonesia-rejects-statement-of-solomon-islands-pm-on-msg

2) Indonesia rejects statement of Solomon Islands` PM on MSG

Sabtu, 21 Mei 2016 22:22 WIB | 537 Views
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government has refuted the statement of Solomon Islands prime minister that the country has joined the Melanesian Spearhead Group merely to protect its own interests.

"We firmly reject the statement of the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, that appeared on the website of the prime ministers press secretariat on May 17, 2016," the Indonesian foreign affairs ministrys director general for Asia Pacific and Africa, Desra Percaya, stated in a press statement received here on Saturday.

The prime minister of Solomon Islands, in the statement on the aforesaid website, had posited, "The extension of full membership status to the United Liberation for West Papua (ULMWP) in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) could be justified because Indonesia has also sought to seek a membership status in the regional grouping to protect its own interest rather than seeking to be involved in a dialogue about serious human rights issues in West Papua."

Responding to Prime Minister Sogavares statement, Desra Percaya made it clear that the statement was against the basic principles of sovereignty and non-interference as included in the agreement for the establishment of MSG in 2007.

Desra underlined that the worlds third biggest democracy, Indonesia considers respect for human rights an important principle.

In view of that, he recalled, Indonesia has ratified eight out of nine of the main human rights instruments of the UN and cooperates in various human rights mechanisms.

"Indonesia hails the concept of human rights and is ready to share its experience with regard to promoting and protecting human rights with other countries, including Solomon Islands. That is why Indonesia has always welcomed the participation of Solomon Islands in the Bali Democracy Forum," he elaborated.

Desra reiterated that Indonesia has long been committed to overcoming the issue of human rights violations through the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) representative office in Papua. 

He reminded that Komnas HAM offices at the national and regional level have continued to work to resolve any alleged cases of human rights violations in Papua.

As part of the Pacific region, Indonesia has also partnered with several key countries in the region to forge strong and productive bilateral relations, he added.

It has also actively participated in various regional groupings, such as the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) since 1980 and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum since 1989. Also, it has been active in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) since 2001 and the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PDIF) since 2014.

"So, it is rather myopic for Prime Minister Sogavare to speculate that Indonesias agenda in the Pacific, moreover regarding MSG, is solely Papua-centric," he argued.

He maintained that Indonesia remained committed to contributing to the MSG, further solidifying the relations between the governments, communities and peoples in the region.

Indonesia is also committed to strengthening cooperation, jointly overcoming the challenges, deepening the economic relations and development related cooperation for the welfare and future of the nations in the MSG region.

"These facts must awaken Sogavare prime minister to understand clearly the reality and the truth," he concluded.(*)

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1) Papua transmigration programme denied

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2) Indigenous people and activists demonstrate against oil palm expansion in Sorong


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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/304628/papua-transmigration-programme-denied


1) Papua transmigration programme denied

10:49 am on 24 May 2016

The official transmigration programme is not active anymore in Papua region, according to an Indonesian government official.
Transmigration is the relocation of people from crowded parts of Indonesia to more sparsely-populated regions of the republic like Papua, the easternmost province bordering Papua New Guinea.
Papua's provincial Governor, Lukas Enembe, recently spoke out about the devastation which "transmigrasi" continued to inflict on his people, culturally, economically and demographically.
But Atmadji Sumarkidjo, from Indonesia's Ministry of Politics, Legal and Security affairs, said that Indonesians were migrating to Papua of their own volition, in search of opportunity.
He said it was no longer a state-sponsored programme.
"We are not continue those programmes that belong to the past governments, previous governments," said Mr Sumarkidjo. "Now we like to give more challenges to the local people to develop themselves. So we already stop the transmigration programme."
Mr Sumarkidjo said that in the last five years, Jakarta had spent almost US$20 billion to develop Papua region.
He said there were problems that still need addressing in Papua, but that the funds from central government were intended to have an impact among Papuan grassroots communities.
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2) Indigenous people and activists demonstrate against oil palm expansion in Sorong

[awasMIFEE note: as the indigenous people of Sorong, Nabire, Merauke and elsewhere around Papua continue to resist oil palm expansion, there now appears to be some hope that the government is responding. It appears that President Joko Widodo’s comments last April that he was preparing a moratorium on all new oil palm permits are being followed up. Professor San Afri Awang, the Director-General of Forestry Planology and Environmental Governance, has stated that “We have rejected and terminated the licensing process for all new palm oil plantations submitted by 61 companies for an area of more than 851 thousand hectares.” All 61 applications were from Papua, West Papua and Central Kalimantan provinces. 
The President is reportedly preparing a Presidential Instruction to give a legal framework for the moratorium. Of course, until this is published and we see how it is being implemented, it is not possible to know how much meaningful change this policy might bring]

Hundreds of indigenous people and activists from a range of backgrounds, demonstrated at the Sorong Regency District Legislative Council to demand a stop to the expansion of oil palm which has already destroyed thousands of hectares of forest in the area.
This action is also to show their support for the central government which last month started talking about a moratorium on new land for oil palm in Indonesia.
“All work on oil palm plantations across Sorong Regency must be stopped, because thousands of hectares of the people’s forest has already been destroyed”, participants shouted out during speeches outside the council building.
The indigenous people and activists which have joined the movement to oppose land clearing for oil palm are comprised of young Moi intellectuals, the Malamoi Indigenous People’s Association and Moi people who care for the Malamoi forest, youth and student movements (GMNI, GAMKI, GMKI, the Association of Moi students in Sorong Muhammadiyah University (Himamus) and the Moi Students’ Association in Indonesia (Himamsi)). The action started on foot from the public ground in Aimas, the Sorong Regency capital.
The chair of the Sorong Branch of the Indonesian National Student Movement, Manu Mobalan stated that they were also opposing new land for oil palm as a protest against the behaviour of existing oil palm plantations in Sorong, which have destroyed the forest in the area.
“The oppression of ordinary people is increasing, which means we need a opposition movement to save the Malamoi forest. Investors do not look after the interest of oppressed people”, said Manu.
Wilson Mobalen, a demonstrator, stressed that all people should have the right to self determination in their home country, which means they can do withoutd oil palm.
“Our fate is not determined by oil palm but by God. Forest and Nature have taught and raised us. Oil palm is not the right recipe for Papuan people, especially the Moi people. God is the one who decides our fate”, he said.
The demonstration took place under the surveillance of hundreds of officers from the Sorong Regency police station. Once they had communicated their demands, the crowds dispersed in an orderly way.
Separately, Greenpeace forest campaigner, Richard Charles Tawaru said that essentially, the indigenous people’s demonstration had underlined that the community did not want any more oil palm expansion in Sorong Regency.
“The people have had bad experiences with oil palm, which has brought no benefits, but has caused the forest to disappear along with animals for hunting, and water sources are reduced,” Charles said when called from Manokwari last night.
The demonstrators used the example of two oil palm companies that are already operating in the area, PT Henrison Inti Persada, which started its plantation in Klamono in 2006 and PT Inti Kebun Sejahtera, which has been in the Salawati area since 2008.
The demo was also to show community opposition to plans to clear another 24000 hectares of land for oil palm in the area, which had already been granted an in-principle permit by the government.
The planned expansion would take place in Klaili, Klasow and Moraid sub-districts, by two companies from the same group: PT Mega Mustika Plantation has permits for over 9300 hectares and PT Cipta Papua Plantation has permits for over 15000 hectares.
According to Charles, these permits originated in the Sorong Regency Forest Management Unit(KPH) scheme which was suggested by the Sorong local government and agreed to by the forestry ministry. Chalres said that even the forestry ministry had granted permits for this vast new oil palm project.

1) Jakarta has something to hide, says Wenda

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2) MSG chair reminds Jakarta about decolonisation

3) MSG special leaders summit deferred again

4) Indonesia is NOT Melanesia

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1) Jakarta has something to hide, says Wenda
6:20 pm today

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua claims Indonesia is paranoid about regional efforts to seek accurate information regarding Papua region.
This follows claims by the Melanesian Speahead Group chairman, Manasseh Sogavare, that Jakarta has failed to respond to requests by the MSG and the Pacific Islands Forum for dialogue about the situation in Papua.
Indonesian officials said Jakarta was keeping Pacific governments informed.
But the Liberation Movement's spokesman, Benny Wenda, is concerned that some Pacific governments are being misled by Jakarta.
He said extensive ground reports from Papua indicated ongoing rampant human rights abuses.
"So all this testimony, all these witness accounts that we presented to all the Melanesian leaders or the Pacific is real, and we have a lot of evidence. So that's why Indonesia is worried if Sogavare calling for the engaged dialogue and they always saying oh there's no problem in West Papua, this is internal problem we're dealing with. But actually something, they hide."

The Liberation Movement was granted observer status at the MSG last year and is applying for full membership in the group alongside Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia's FLNKS movement.
The matter is expected to be decided on at an upcoming MSG leaders summit in Port Moresby within the next month.
However, Indonesia, which was given asociate members status at the MSG last year, is also seeking full membership in the sub-regional organisation.
Indonesian officials told media that PNG and Fiji were supportive of Jakarta's bid.
However recent comments from the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu indicate frustration that since being involved in the MSG, Jakarta had not acted in good faith about addressing concerns over West Papua.
As such, Vanuatu's prime minister Charlot Salwai suggested Indonesia be stripped of its membership in the group.

'Zero Trust'

The frustrations in the MSG reflect sentiment among West Papuan leaders - both Papua-based and exiled leaders.
Benny Wenda said that after five decades of mistreatment, Papuans have zero trust in Jakarta.
"Never trust Indonesia," he said. "Even Indonesia look at West Papua as a colony and they treated West Papuans as second class citizens, they also never trust West Papua."
"So that's why our aim is to be free from Indonesia. And then one day we can work together because we are close neighbours."
Benny Wenda said West Papuans recognised the need to take their self-determination aspirations to a higher level.
He described the recent declaration in London by the International Parliamentarians for West Papua for an internationally-supervised vote in Papua as an important breakthrough.

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2) MSG chair reminds Jakarta about decolonisation
11:06 am today
The chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group has defended his criticism of Indonesia over its alleged failure to engage with the region over West Papua.
Manasseh Sogavare, who is also Solomon Islands Prime Minister, recently claimed that Indonesia joined the MSG for the purpose of protecting its own interests, rather than discussing human rights in West Papua.
It drew a sharp rebuke from Jakarta where the Director General for Asia, Pacific and Africa, Desra Percaya, said Mr Sogavare's claims were not based on reality.
He also said Mr Sogavare's statements violated the basic principles of sovereignty and non-interference, as contained in the MSG Establishing Agreement.
However the MSG Chair's Special Envoy on West Papua, Rex Stephen Horoi, said the chair would like to remind Jakarta that one of the key overarching principles of the group is the principle of decolonisation of Melanesia.
"This is a fundamental principle that binds the Melanesian countries and all MSG members together," he said.
"In this principle, MSG stands for its defense and promotion of independence as the inalienable right of indigenous peoples of Melanesia."
Mr Sogavare also sought to remind Jakatra that the United Liberation Movement for West Papua was also a part of the MSG, with observer status.
He claimed the refusal of Indonesia's government so far to discuss West Papua with him showcases Jakarta's intention of not engaging in dialogue about the serious allegations of human rights issues.
The MSG chair has reiterated his offer to the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, to discuss matters of common interest within the space provided by the MSG.
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3) MSG special leaders summit deferred again

12:33 pm today

The Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders Summit scheduled to take place in the next two weeks in Port Moresby has been postponed again.
The special summit is being called by the current MSG chair, the Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Its purpose is to discuss the appointment of a new director general for the sub-regional group and to consider full membership for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.
It was originally to have taken place in Port Vila at the beginning of the month but was deferred because of a brief period of political instability in Solomon Islands.
It may now be held at the end of June.
The latest postponement is reportedly a clash in the timing of the event with Papua New Guinea's hosting of the 8th African, Carribean and Pacific Leaders summit which starts next week.
Both issues to be considered at the summit have been the subject of some controversy.
First the premature announcement of Fiji diplomat Amena Yauvoli as the new Director General of the MSG was rejected by PNG and Vanuatu.
And more recently a war of words that has erupted between Indonesia and the Solomon Islands over the MSG chair's allegations that Jakarta's interest in the MSG were self-serving.
The latter was prompted by Jakarta's rejection of an invitation to open dialogue with the MSG on concerns about human rights abuses in Papua.
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4) Indonesia is NOT Melanesia



LATE last week, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement rejecting the Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s comments on the issue of West Papua and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
In his statement, Manasseh Sogavare proposes that the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) be given full membership to the MSG.

He asserts that the Indonesian President’s refusal to meet him, as Chair of the MSG, demonstrates that Jakarta joined the MSG merely to “protect its own interest other than engage in dialogue about the serious human rights issues in West Papua.”

In response, Indonesia’s newly appointed Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, Ambassador Desra Percaya, described Sogavare’s statement as a violation of “the basic principles of sovereignty and non-interference as enshrined in the Agreement Establishing the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in 2007."

He went on to say, "it is . . . myopic for Prime Minister Sogavare to speculate that Indonesia’s agenda in the Pacific, let alone in the MSG, is solely Papua driven."

While I respect Indonesia’s right to respond, it is vital that Melanesian and other Pacific Island countries do not allow Jakarta to dictate what we believe, say and do, especially when it comes to the defense of human rights.

Indonesia has persistently committed human rights violations, including atrocities, against Melanesians in West Papua for over 50 years.

That is not a myth. It is the truth. It has been verified and documented by international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and other independent bodies.

For Indonesia to say that it is “long committed to address human rights issues,” is misleading and an attempt to deflect attention from realities on the ground in West Papua.

Indonesia, plus international organizations such as the United Nations, as well as the governments of countries like the US, Australia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, etc. must correct the mistakes of the 1960s; the fraudulent processes that led to the transfer of West Papua’s sovereignty from the Dutch to Indonesia.

History is relevant to this discussion. As Australian academic, Jason MacLeod, states,

“Continued rule by the Indonesian government in West Papua is founded on the myth that the transfer of sovereignty from the Netherlands to the Unitary Republic of Indonesia was free and fair. It was not. Events surrounding the transfer of sovereignty remain a core Papuan grievance. This grievance is not just historical. It has a contemporary dimension. The lack of willingness to discuss history contributes to the Papuan perception that there has been a ‘death of democracy’ in West Papua.”

The international community needs to correct the wrongs of the past and hold Indonesia accountable for its continuing human rights violations.

This is central to the injustices that have deprived indigenous West Papuans their right to self-determination.

In an effort to rebuttal the growing support for West Papuan independence, Jakarta is re-inventing and re-presenting itself as a Melanesian and Pacific Islands country.

Through subtle – and sometimes not so subtle – use of language, it writes itself in as part of Oceania.

The statement released by Indonesia last week, for example, states that, “as part of the Pacific, Indonesia developed partnerships with several key countries in the region to ensure that the bilateral ties are strong and productive.”

Most Pacific Islanders, however, would not think of Indonesia as “part of the Pacific.” It is not part of our “imagined community,” or to borrow from the late Epeli Hau’ofa, “our sea of islands.”

This re-presentation is also obvious in Indonesia’s attempts to forge itself as a Melanesian country. It argues it should become a member of the MSG by virtue of having ethic Melanesians as citizens.

To increase its “Melanesian population,” it includes Maluku and the nearby islands as part of its “Melanesian Provinces.”

In these diplomatic maneuverings, Jakarta is stretching the boundaries and definitions of Melanesia and Pacific Islands to suit its political, economic and strategic agendas.

It deploys identities, albeit misconceived, as a political tool of inclusiveness.

What the Indonesian Government conveniently erases from this narrative is that Melanesian West Papuans make up for only 0.67% of Indonesia’s total population of over 260 million people.

The Melanesians are also the most discriminated against: they have been murdered, oppressed, abused and marginalized in their own land.

Furthermore, it is predicted by 2020, Melanesians will make up for only 28.99% of the total population of West Papua. The rest will be Malays from densely populated islands such as Java.

This is part of a concerted effort by Jakarta to assimilate West Papua into Indonesia.

As part of this strategy, Jakarta has used population census as a political tool. While the 1971 and 2000 population censuses made a distinction between Papuans (Melanesians) and non-Papuans, the 2010 census did not make that distinction, enumerating everybody as West Papuans. Melanesians will eventually be absorbed as “Indonesians,” continuing Sukarno’s policy of building a unitary republic.

Interestingly, Jakarta peddles the story that it is “the third largest democracy, [and therefore] respect for human rights is an essential principle for Indonesia.”

The sub-text here is that size – the third largest democracy – warrants a commitment to human rights principles. Of course, that is not necessarily true. Also, the invoking of size is meant (either intentionally or unintentionally) to intimidate.

But Pacific Island countries should not be intimidated. We might be small and imperfect democracies, but we compensate that with huge principles that uphold human rights.

Furthermore, in its statement, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs flaunts the issue of sovereignty to counter what it views as the Solomon Islands PM’s infringement into its national affairs; West Papua is a national issue.

But it is worth noting that sovereignty is not absolute, especially when a country has perpetrated human rights abuses for over 50 years.

The international community must not allow the Indonesian government to use sovereignty as an excuse for continuing human rights violations in West Papua.

Another twist to this story is that although West Papua contributes significantly to Indonesia’s economy, it is the province with lowest development index.

Between 1992 to 2011, for example, the Grasberg Mine, owned by the US company, Freeport-McMoran Inc., made direct payments to the Indonesian government totaling US$12.1 billion. This is made up of $7.3 billion in coporate income tax; $2.3 billion in employee income tax, regional tax and other levies; $1.2 billion in royalties and $1.2 billion in dividends.

Indigenous West Papuans have been economically marginalized and have not benefited equitably from the mine and other natural resource investments.

Given the above, I support the Solomon Islands Government on this issue. We might be a small country, but we must not let Indonesia bully us.

Contrary to the statement by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s statement is not “myopic.” Rather, it reflects an understanding of issues far into the past and well into future.

It is the Indonesian government that is myopic in its treatment of this issue and of Melanesians.

Mannaseh Sogavare and the Solomon Islands Government, you have my support.

Don’t let Indonesia bully us. Vote Indonesia out of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

Indonesia is not Melanesia.


By DR TARCISIUS TARA KABUTAULAKA
Honolulu, Hawai’i
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Photos of Benny Wenda’s visit to Sydney

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Photos of Benny Wenda’s visit to Sydney


Although Benny was in Sydney only 3 days he had a packed program starting on Monday 23rd with an interview on Koori Radio and two by phone with Maori Radio.

After the  Koori Radio interview Benny also attended an important meeting with Geoff Scott, ‎CEO at the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples  in Redfern.

Benny was also interviewed by Ash from Punks for West Papua leading up to a terrific night by the Free West Papua Campaign Sydney to greet Benny by  his supporters. 
A terrific night of entertainment amazing food and speeches. An inspiring night by the Free WP Team in Sydney. 

Tuesday 24th started with a special visit to the Australian Museum followed by a meeting at the Green Left Weekly.

Benny  was also interviewed by RNZI

In the evening Benny introduced the Documentary Punks for Wrest Papua. Another inspiring evening.


On the Wednesday morning before leaving Sydney Benny was interviewed by Radio Australia. 
Congratulations to Benny on his stamina.

Congratulations  go to the Free West Papua Campaign Sydney, The Punks for West Papua and all of Benny's supporters for their great  contribution to welcoming Benny




                                             Interview on Koori Radio 23 May















Benny and Rex interviewed by Ash, director for Punks for West Papua 23 May








Free West Papua Campaign Sydney event in  Liverpool














From FWPC Sydney Facebook















Senator Lee Rhiannon



Local member for Liverpool Paul Lynch MP













Australia Museum 24 May




Green Left Weekly meeting 24 May


Benny presenting Flag




Punks for West Papua doco showing at Sydney Uni. 24 May





Welcome 










MP Jamie Parker














































Benny and Rex with Anne Noonan from  Medical Association for the Prevention of War



1) West Papua gets international support

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2) Papuans reject Jakarta statement

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http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/religionandethicsreport/church-fact-finding-mission-a-breakthough-for-west-papuan-strug/7444286


1) West Papua gets international support



A few weeks ago, we heard from Catholic nun Susan Connelly who helped lead a church fact-finding mission to the Indonesian province of West Papua. Her report included allegations of widespread torture and harassment by Indonesian police and troops and even a “slow-motion genocide” of indigenous West Papuans.
The West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda has been in Australia this week meeting supporters and a handful of politicians. Benny Wenda had an almost action-movie style escape from an Indonesian jail and he now lives in exile in Britain.
So why should the churches in particular, care about the fate of his people


Supporting Information

Subscribe to The Religion and Ethics Report on iTunesABC Radio or your favourite podcasting app.
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2) Papuans reject Jakarta statement
Posted: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 8:00 am
By Len Garae | 
West Papuan Leaders, through the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association in Port Vila, have rejected the Indonesian government’s statement against the Prime Minister of the Solomons, Manasseh Sogavare as a blunt lie.
Jakarta through Antara news agency said it was not true what Prime Minister Sogovare said that the Indonesian government was interested to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group for its own interests “rather than seeking to be involved in dialogue about serious human rights abuses in West Papua”.
Responding to PM Sogavare’s statement, Indonesia’s Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa, Desra Percaya, made it clear that the statement was against the principles of sovereignty and non-interference as included in the agreement for the establishment of MSG in 2007.
Percaya stressed that as the world’s third biggest democracy, Indonesia considers respect for human rights an important principle.
Meanwhile as late as on last Saturday on May 21, West Papua’s social media network sent in shocking pictures of Christian church burning in Lany Jaya Regency, Wamena, in Highlands of West Papua.
If the pictures are not examples of human rights abuses allegedly by Indonesian authorities against West Papuans to worship in their churches, then a totally new phrase has to be invented to define the burning of these places of worship.
The network says these are examples of scores of human rights abuses that continue unabated in West Papua despite an international assurance by Indonesia’s President, Joko Widodo, that the situation on the ground in West Papua was improving.
In the latest development, a new sense of urgency is blowing in the wind with an increasing international pressure for West Papua to be debated by the United Nations, while the spokesman of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), Sebby Sambom and Major General Terrianus Satto have spent a week in Port Vila and are boarding a flight out of Port Vila back to their home today.
Both men had also attended the all West Papua Reconciliation Conference in Port Vila which gave birth to the United Liberation Movement of West Papua in 2014.
However this is the first time for them to return on their own.
In an exclusive interview, they described their first such visit as satisfying after holding talks with senior representatives of the Free West Papua Association, Chairman of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, Chief Seni Mao Tirsupe and the Vanuatu Christian Council.
They wish to thank all Leaders of MSG and their people for their solidarity towards ULMWP.
They leave behind the following points for the Leaders of MSG as they prepare to attend their Summit in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from May 29 to June 1.
• Indonesia cannot be a part of MSG. Geographically speaking, Indonesians are a different race and do not understand and feel what it means to be Melanesian.
• Call on Fiji and PNG politicians not to be swayed by [alleged] bribery.
• Stop Nick Meset and Albert Yoku from entering MSG member countries as they are [allegedly] paid by Jakarta as tools to lobby in favour of Indonesia. They are now in Fiji in the lead up to the MSG Leaders meeting in Port Moresby.
• West Papuans are dying, Melanesian Governments are urged to act now to help. After 54 years of suffering, West Papuans beg to be freed to enjoy their God-given freedom the way other Melanesian countries enjoy theirs.
• We plead for UN intervention as soon as possible as its former leaders were partly responsible for the very start of our suffering by recognizing Indonesia’s so called ‘act of free choice’ in 1961.
• We call on MSG to provide full membership of West Papua to its sub regional organisation because we are part of Melanesia through the Melanesian race.
• May God work through our Melanesian Leaders to grant West Papua full membership to MSG. Approximately 500,000 West Papua Melanesians have died for the same freedom that you our wantoks are enjoying, perhaps without realizing that for us West Papuans, it is the most valuable commodity that now our young people are dying for.
Meanwhile, yesterday the Jakarta Post, Indonesia’s daily English language newspaper reported that to resolve human rights cases in Papua, the biggest challenge for the government comes from the police and military, activists say, citing that both institutions are alleged to have been involved as perpetrators.
“It has been a major problem for us, because the state — especially the police and the military — is [allegedly] involved in those cases,” said Feri Kusuma, the impunity monitoring division head of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence ( Kontras), on Monday.
According to a report released by Komnas HAM (The National Commission on Human Rights- an independent institution in Indonesia) in March, rampant human rights violations occurred in Papua during the first year of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration, which started in 2014, including the arrest, torture and murder of at least 700 civilians, Jakarta Post reported.
Cited cases include shootings in Yahukimo, Dogiyai, Tolikara and Timika regency, the newspaper said.
It further reported that Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan recently said that the government would resolve 12 human rights cases in Papua by the end of this year, cooperating with both the National Police and the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).
Feri, however, told the Jakarta Post that the government are likely to face serious problems, internally, because many people from the police and the military now serve as government officials. “People [from those institutions] have considerable authority. This is our biggest challenge,” he added.

1) PNG restates West Papua concerns

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2) West Papua report given to Ban ki Moon at Humanitarian Summit
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1) PNG restates West Papua concerns
11:39 am today
Papua New Guinea's prime minister says his government is concerned about what is happening in West Papua and has expressed this directly to Indonesia's President Joko Widodo.
Peter O'Neill made the comment on FM100's radio talk back show while responding to questions from the public about West Papua.

The prime minister has previously spoken of the need for PNG to speak out about ongoing human rights abuses in his country's neighbouring territory.
On talkback yesterday, Mr O'Neill indicated West Papuans were welcome in PNG.
"We are equally concerned about what is happening in West Papua," he said.
"We have expressed that directly to the highest authority including the President this year particularly the human rights issue and for autonomy."
The prime minister said that as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, PNG had written to President Widodo, requesting to send a fact-finding team of Pacific Island leaders to West Papua to talk directly with the people themselves.
"The response we received from Indonesia is they welcome such a dialogue and appreciative of our desire for West Papua have some more autonomy, whether that will be self-determination or not is something that can be worked on towards," he said.
The prime minister's comments follow criticism by the chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Manasseh Sogavare, that Indonesia has failed to respond to requests for engagement over Papua by both the Pacific Forum and the MSG.
After their special summit scheduled for Port Vila earlier this month was postponed, MSG leaders were now expected to meet in Port Moresby in coming days.

Port Moresby meeting

The MSG leaders meeting is expected to coincide with a summit of the African Carribean and Pacific Group that PNG is hosting.
"So I am aware we will have an MSG side meeting at the weekend," Mr O'Neill is reported in the Post Courier as saying, "and some of the issues will be brought up during the ACP summit which is coming up next week."
Vanuatu's Daily Post newspaper reports that the country's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and his Foreign Minister Bruno Leingkone will be attending.
Mr Salwai has clearly stated his government's support for the United Liberation Movement of West Papua's bid for full membership in the MSG.
Indonesia is also seeking full membership, although Mr Salwai is also proposing that Indonesia's current associate membership in the group be cancelled.
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2) West Papua report given to Ban ki Moon at Humanitarian Summit
9:23 pm GMT+12, 25/05/2016, Turkey

UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon has been presented with the West Papua Fact Finding Mission Report titled "We Will Lose Everything" by PIANGO’s executive director, Emele Duituturaga.
 
Duituturaga presented the report to Ban Ki Moon during day two of the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey. The report was received by the assistant Secretary General.
 
Duituturaga who captured the handing over in a photograph said she was privileged to have had a brief exchange with Ban at the end of the summit.
 
The handover comes after Duituturaga addressed the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) plenary on day one calling for United Nations intervention on human rights violations in West Papua.
 
“PIANGO strongly advocates human-rights based approaches and we commit to upholding norms that safeguard humanity, specifically in relation to speaking out on violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws,” she said.
 
“In the Pacific, we have our share of conflict induced humanitarian challenges. We applaud the closing of the Manus Refugee camp in Papua New Guinea, we are concerned about the conflicts at the Nauru detention centre and we call for UN intervention for human rights violations in West Papua.”
 
“As a leading civil society organisation, the Pacific Islands Association for Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), representing NGOs in 21 Pacific Islands Countries and Territories, is committed to this Agenda for Humanity.”
 
“In the Pacific where 80% of our population are rural based, the first and the last response is always the local response and so we need to reinforce local leadership, strengthen community resilience and reprioritise localisation of aid.”
 
She said while governments remain the driver at the national level, community engagement is the lever.
 
“PIANGO is committed to facilitate effective coordination of local and national civil society organisations with the complimentary role of international NGOs.”
 
“We also expect our leaders to match the ambition of this agenda with national and regional strategies and accountability mechanisms for inclusive and participatory implementation, bringing all stakeholders together and at all levels - to include government, civil society, private sector, academics, parliamentarians, local authorities, faith communities and UN agencies.”
 
The summit which had 9000 participants from 173 states, including 55 heads of state, hundreds of private sector representatives and thousands of people from civil society and non-governmental organisations ended Wednesday.

SOURCE: PIANGO/PACNEWS
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1) MSG Chair said The MSG’s Principle is Decolonisation of Melanesia

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2) Security Forces Deployment to Papua is only for Investor’s Sake
3) The Political Situation in the Province of Papua and West Papua
4) Terrible Service at Mustafa Health Community Centre
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1) MSG Chair said The MSG’s Principle is Decolonisation of Melanesia
24 May 2016






Jayapura, Jubi – The Office of the Chair of Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare has noted the statement by an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Desra Percaya, in the local Indonesian media about the MSG and the plight of the peoples of West Papua.
Mr Percaya in his statement described the statement made last week by the MSG Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister supporting the granting of full MSG membership to the United Liberation Movement of West Papua as ‘opposed to the basic principles of sovereignty and non-interference as included in the agreement for the establishment of the MSG in 2007.’
The MSG Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister in that statement contained in a Media Release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat stated that the granting of full MSG membership to the ULMWP (United Liberation Movement of West Papua) is justifiable as Indonesia has sought membership of the Melanesian bloc only to protect its own interest other than engage in dialogue about the serious human rights issues in West Papua.
The statement by the MSG Chair and Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s was prompted by Indonesia’s apparent rejection of a resolution reached at the 46th Pacific Islands Forum in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in 2015 for the deployment of a fact-finding mission in West Papua to assess the human rights situation there and the Indonesian President’s refusal of an offer for dialogue by the MSG Chair on the issue of West Papua.
In a statement issued today, the MSG Chair’s Special Envoy on West Papua, Mr Rex Stephen Horoi whilst the Office of the MSG Chair notes the statement by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, it would like to remind Jakarta that one of the key overarching principles of the MSG is the principle of Decolonisation of Melanesia.
“This is a fundamental principle that binds the Melanesian countries and all MSG members together. In this principle, MSG stands for its defense and promotion of independence as the inalienable right of indigenous peoples of Melanesia,” Mr Horoi said.
The MSG Chair’s Special Envoy on West Papua said the Office of the MSG Chair notes the fundamental respect for human rights that is directly entwined with the responsibility as nation states to protect their citizens.
He said the Office of the MSG Chair would therefore like to send an invitation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia to a dialogue on these points and others raised in the appropriate forum.
Adding on to the statements made by Mr Horoi, the Secretary to the MSG Chair, Mr Rence Sore said the Office of the MSG Chair would like to remind the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry that the ULMWP together with Indonesian Government are members of the MSG.
In this context, Mr Sore reiterated the offer by the MSG Chair, Prime Minister Hon Sogavare to the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, to discuss matters of common interest within the space provided by the MSG.
He said the Office of the MSG Chair maintains that Indonesia’s refusal to meet the MSG Chair showcases that Jakarta’s intention of joining the MSG is merely to protect its own interest other than engage in dialogue about the serious human rights issues in West Papua. (Victor Mambor)
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2) Security Forces Deployment to Papua is only for Investor’s Sake
20 May 2016


Jayapura, Jubi – Papua legislator Laurenzus Kadepa said the security forces deployment in Papua from other Indonesian regions such as Gorontalo to Papua was only intended to serve investors.  
Further he predicted it would make the situation in Papua even more complicated than before.
“The Central Government’s policy is only accommodating investors who come to Papua without considering its impact on the people. Though it was said it is part of a tour of duty, I assume the goal is to secure investors’ important assets in Papua,” Kadepa told Jubi by phone on last week.
According to him, the Central Government was so easily to give permit to investors. Besides protecting the interest of investors, the security forces deployment would also restrict the space of pro-democracy groups, activists, students and other communities in Papua.
“It is actually not a solution. The security approach would make the situation in Papua even more complicated and become the international highlight. Papuan people would be more aware the way how the State treat them,” he said.
As many as hundred of Mobile Brigade personnel from Gorontalo Police deployed to Papua. Before their departure, Gorontalo Police Chief Brigadier General Hengkie Kaluara warned his personnel to not become arrogant on duty.
“Improve the maturity and alertness. Don’t be arrogant, hurt or harm the people and always behave, maintain your act and attitude,” said the chief.
The deployment of Mobile Brigade personnel to Papua is aimed to secure the vital assets of PT. Freeport Indonesia. The troops consist of the Pioneer team and Bomb squad of Gorontalo Mobile Brigade. They are scheduled to work in Papua under the Operation Command of Papua Police for four months with an option of extended period. (Abeth You/rom)
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3) The Political Situation in the Province of Papua and West Papua
By Nunun Wahyuni
23 May 2016
THE integration of Papua into The Republic of Indonesia is the correct and the good step for the Papuan to develop its life and to neutralize its backward.
Introduction.
The political action of the Council of the Traditional and Cultural Society of Papua (Dewan Adat Papua) to counter the activities of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) was marking the eminent political activities of the local people in the most eastern Indonesian Provinces recently.
To recognize the detail situation of the political action it is likely important to deliberate the existence of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) as the new political phenomenon of Papua who is rejected by the Council of the Traditional and Cultural Society of Papua. However it tend to realize that the National Committee of West Papua is potential to develop.
Since the existence of the KNPB (National Committee of West Papua) in both the Province of West Papua and the Province of Papua are very disturbing the situation in the big cities in Papua and West Papua the Government Security Forces (the National Police) started to act strongly to the KNPB.
The Assessment.
The foundation of the National Committee of the West Papua (KNPB) was not recorded in the exact date but definitely it started to be active in the years after the foundation of the Province of West Papua.  However as the relatively new political organization the activities of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) is apparently covering both Provinces, namely the Province of West Papua and the Province of Papua.  KNPB is apparently attracted young Papuan generation to join it.
The influence of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) and the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) among the society is considered as the potential political threat in the Province of Papua and West Papua. The reaction of the Council of the Traditional and Cultural Society of Papua (Dewan Adat Papua) is based on the fact  that the political attitude of ULMWP and  KNPB which do not support the integration of Papua to the Republic of Indonesia.
The Freedom Movement of Papua (OPM) was the armed struggle of a group of Papuan people against the Republic of Indonesia since the establishment of The Province of Papua in the beginning of seventy. The existence of the Freedom Movement of Papua gradually diminished during the New Order Period and the whole of the Province of Papua is totally under Government security control within ninety. The Freedom Movement of Papua (OPM) even in its strong position in the seventy and eighty it has never had the liberated Area as is power base. It can be concluded that the armed struggle of Papuan to get the freedom of Papua was failed. In the mean time the regeneration of the Freedom Movement of Papua (OPM) has been also failed. The attention of young generation of Papuan to the guerrilla war in the jungle is apparently poor.
After entering the Reformation Era it was almost no armed unit of the Freedom Movement of Papua was existing  eminently. Security disturbances were still existing but had not the strategic or tactical meaning. Now the armed threat of the Freedom Movement of Papua are mostly happened in the mountainous area as guerrilla forces. Apparently many members of those guerilla forces had surrendered to the government district leaders who treated them as friend.
Young generation are not attracted to join the armed guerilla force in the hill or the jungle so it is predicted gradually the armed group of the Freedom Movement of Papua will be very weak. Unfortunately in the field of political activities the international situation have been indicating as the fertile moment for the growing of the freedom  spirit of the young generation in the Province of Papua and West Papua through the political activities in the towns. Now the battle field is moving to the town leaving the mountain and the jungles.
The dualism attitude of the United Kingdom has apparently giving room for the international political activities of Beny Wenda as one educated and brave Papuan Youth to live in London as political refugee. Beny Wenda organize his international political activities through the establishment of the United Liberation  Movement of West Papua (ULMWP). From London as modern city Benny Wenda is easily conducting his international activities from Western Europe, to New York and to four Melanesian states namely PNG, Solomon, Fiji, Vanuatu in the South Pacific and his homeland Papua.
Domestically in Papua he established the National Committee of West Papua to launch political activities especially to unite the  educated and active Papuan Youth within the Province of West Papua as the basis of their activities moving into  the Province of Papua. His strategy is to attract the international pressure to push the Indonesian government to accept the political solution of the Papuan dispute through the Referendum.
Luckily for the Government of Indonesia, the old generation of Papuan as the mature society are mostly realizing that as a part of the Republic of Indonesia it is clear that a good chance for the Papuan to neutralize their backward is well prepared. They organize their political power in the Council of the Papuan Traditional and Cultural Society to face the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) and the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) which are campaigning the political issue of Referendum among the Papuan.
In the month of April and in the beginning of May it was recorded the eminent political  activities to neutralize the activities of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB), organized by the Council of the Traditional and Cultural Society in the capital of the Province of Papua, namely Jayapura and the district of Sentani:
On April 28, 2016 until May 2, 2016 The National Police of the Papua Police Area Command had caught 1.828 demonstrator consist of the National Committee of the West Papua, student and the supporter of the United Liberation Movement of Wet Papua in Jayapura, Sorong, Sentani and Merauke. They were legally processed by the Police according to their respective mistakes.
In May 2, 2016 all the Local people members of the  Traditional and Cultural Society of Papua living in Sentani made the mass action in the Theys Hiyo Eluay Square  Jayapura, demonstrating their political  acknowledgement that the Province of Papua is a part of the Republic of Indonesia. They rejected the presence of the members of the National Committee of West Papua and the United Liberation Movement of West Papua.
The mass action expressed their attitude: The People of the district of Sentani rejects the National Committee of West Papua; No one of the people of Sentani to join the National Committee of West Papua; Papua is a part of the Republic of Indonesia; The people of Sentani reject the United Liberation Movement of West Papua and the Melanesian Sperhead Group (MSG) intervention. MSG is the consultation meeting among the PNG, Solomon, Vanuatu and Fiji; Demanding the Government to push the mountainous armed group back to their villages; The people of Jayapura demanding the existence of security situation to protect their security needs; The people of Jayapura are demanding the payment of land bought by the Government;
On May 12, 2016 the leaders of the Council of  Traditional and Cultural Society of the District of Sentani said that the People of Sentani reject the presence of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) in Sentani. They demanded the Government of the Province of Papua to order all members of the National Committee of West Papua who were in Sentani to leave Sentani and supported the action done by The State Police and also TNI to stop the activities of the National Committee of West Papua in the Province of Papua. They also demanded the Government of the Province of Papua to order all members of the National Committee of West Papua who were in Sentani to leave Sentani and supported the action done by The State Police and also TNI to stop the activities of the National Committee of West Papua in the Province of Papua. The Council of The Traditional and Cultural Society (Dewan Adat) of Jayapura also  strongly rejected the presence of the National Committee of West Papua in Jayapura. The Council  also rejected the role of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua which is controlled from foreign country. The statement was made on May 7, 2016 in Jayapura.
The rejection against the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB) which declared to separate from the Unitary State of Indonesia was done by five leaders of the Council of Traditional and Cultural Society of Jayapura. The leaders of the Council of Traditional and Cultural Society are consisting of senior Papuan leaders who realize that to become a part of the Unitary State of Indonesia is the correct choice for the Papuan.
Conclusion
The Republic of Indonesia is still facing the attitude of a part of Papuan people who do not support the integration of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia, namely: The remnant of armed struggle launched by the Papuan Freedom Movement (OPM) who are active in the jungles and mountainous area. However no strategic or tactical meaning of this activities.
The political activity of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWB) under the coordination of Beny Wenda living in London The agenda of ULMWP to demand the Referendum in Papua is potential threat to develop among the Papuan youth who are mostly educated and political minded.
The National Committee of West Papua (KNBP) which are active in the Province of Papua and West Papua is potential to develop among the young and educated generation. KNBP is apparently a group of Papuan young generation who are active to support ULMWP campaigning the Referendum.
The remnant of the armed struggle of the Papuan Freedom Movement (OPM) tend gradually diminishing, because guerilla warfare is not attractive to the Papuan Youth.
The new generation of Papuan who are mostly  educated, political minded and modern thinking tend to be more sympathetic to the international and domestic politics. They tend to support the ULMWP and the NCWP (KNPB). This group also tend to describe the freedom is only the way to catch up the goal of people life. Accordingly the Referendum is considered as the democratic solution of the Papuan dispute by many educated generation of Papua.
The Papuan Traditional and Cultural Society being the old generation of the Papuan tend to realize that the integration of Papua into The Republic of Indonesia is the correct and the good step for the Papuan to develop its life and to neutralize its backward.
The Council of the Traditional and Cultural Society  is influencing among the Papuan society, accordingly its political position is very important.
This group of mature people of Papua tend to realize that the Special autonomous for both the Papuan Provinces is real Papuan development. (*)
The writer in a security observer and a senior journalist in Lampung.
This article was published by Antara News Agency
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4) Terrible Service at Mustafa Health Community Centre

Wamena, Jubi – The Health Community Center (PKM) at Musatfak Sub-district, Jayawijaya Regency, is often closed and fails to provide health service to the population.
Ambulance driver  at PKM Mutsatfak, Dian Sesari, admitted the service has not run well due to internal problems.
“PKM Chief is often out of duty, travelling out of Wamena. This prompts other health workers who are mostly civil servants to rarely come to the health center. Only the part-timers come to the health center,” Dian told Jubi at Musatfak on last week.

It takes an hour from Wamena for twenty-five health workers to come to the health center, which is 25 kilometers away. Only 13 health workers, including a doctor, remain on staff but they also come to the office rarely.
When people seek treatment, they often find it was closed. So they go to the Church House Parish St. Fransiscus Musatfak where located near to the health center. “If people found the staffs were not there, they went to the Church House because of limited funds we have. The chief hold all the funds,” said Dian who’s part-timer and paid only 3 million per month. Another part-timer Lisa admitted she often gives medicine to the patients though she is actually only an administrative staff.
“Sometimes we are difficult to get transportation to the health center. Actually we are provided with official car but it’s not clear so we have to use the public transportation to Musatfak and it costs Rp 80 thousand for return,” said Lisa.
Musatfak religious leader the Rev. Ivan Simamora said since the health center was took over by the new chief in 2015, the workers are rarely to come. “Comparing with the former chief, the new chief is bad. Once he said he would stay at the sub-district to open the electrical network at the health center. But it is only an empty promise,” said the Rev Simamora.  (Islami Adisubrata/rom)
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Indonesia will never allow West Papua referendum, Expert

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http://www.pina.com.fj/index.php?p=pacnews&m=read&o=19623339765747c4f28c7601bb7278
Indonesia will never allow West Papua referendum, Expert

10:54 pm GMT+12, 26/05/2016, Indonesia


By Adam Boland, Pasifik News
Indonesia is unlikely to ever allow the people of West Papua another referendum on independence, according to a leading expert on the region.
"The TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces) has made very clear it will not allow it, and no president has sufficient political will or capital to push it that hard," says Damien Kingsbury, Professor of International Politics at Deakin University in Melbourne.
Activists want the United Nations to pass a resolution for an internationally supervised vote for independence.

But Professor Kingsbury told Pasifik News, the UN Security Council would be unlikely to authorise a referendum without Indonesia's agreement.
Does that mean all is lost for the independence movement?
Not according to Tess Newton Cain, political analyst from the Vanuatu-based TNC Consulting. "We need to look at what the movement has been able to achieve in recent years in terms of raising the profile of this issue not just in our region but across the world," she says.
Dr Newton Cain points to an active social media campaign that has put the issue of human rights violations in West Papua on the world stage.
That's also led to influential politicians, like Britain's Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn, from backing independence.
“It’s about a political strategy that brings to worldwide recognition the plight of the people of West Papua, forces it onto a political agenda and forces it to the UN," Mr Corbyn said last month.

There is support too from the Australian Greens. “The UN has said the West Papuan people risk extinction if human rights violations in the country continue, but their suffering is being ignored by the Australian Government," says Greens leader Richard Di Natale.

Australia, like many countries in the world, recognises Indonesia's sovereignty.
One country that doesn’t is Vanuatu, which is leading the charge for the United Liberation Movement of West Papua to be given full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
"Momentum is growing for that to happen," says Professor Kingsbury, "but Indonesia is using its considerable influence to stop full membership and hence recognition. It will be difficult for West Papua to gain full membership, not least because it cannot claim sovereign status."]

SOURCE: PACIFIC NEWS
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1) Moves to remove Indonesia from MSG

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2) Steven Itlay Insulated and Jam Besuknya Just 10 Minutes
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1) Moves to remove Indonesia from MSG
6:27 pm GMT+12, 26/05/2016, Fiji


Vanuatu will seek Indonesia's removal from the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
 
This is despite the tactical rescheduling of the meeting for a second time.
 
Charlot Salwai - Vanuatu's Prime Minister - is expected to lead the bid to remove Indonesia with the support of his Solomon Islands counterpart, Mannasseh Sogavare.
 
The revelation comes after Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said his government was concerned about human rights abuses in West Papua.
 
O'Neill said he had expressed PNG's concerns directly to Indonesia's President Joko Widodo.
 
O'Neill made the comment on FM100's radio talk back show while responding to questions from the public about West Papua.
 
“We are equally concerned about what is happening in West Papua,” he said.
 
“We have expressed that directly to the highest authority including the President this year particularly the human rights issue and for autonomy.”
 
O'Neill said he had written, as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum to President Widodo asking for a regional fact-finding team of leaders to visit West Papua to talk directly with the people themselves.
 
“The response we received from Indonesia is they welcome such a dialogue and appreciative of our desire for West Papua have some more autonomy, whether that will be self-determination or not is something that can be worked on towards,” he said.
 
The MSG Leaders Meeting has been postponed to a later date.

SOURCE: ISLANDS BUSINESS/PACNEWS
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A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.
Original bahasa link at



2) Steven Itlay Insulated and Jam Besuknya Just 10 Minutes
MAY 26TH, 2016




JAYAPURA, SUARAPAPUA.com- Chairman of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Center, Agus Kossay to suarapapua.com revealed, steven unsafe conditions. Because isolated in a room without ventisali and are hard to get air and covered, in addition to visiting hours and Yus Steven Wenda is only limited to 10 minutes.

"Visiting hours for inmates in prisons can usually full day. But for Steven and Yus is limited to 10 minutes. It's weird. In addition kelaurga would come bersuk also very limited. Since two weeks ago, Steven was also complaining of pain. Conditions in jail are highly insecure, "said Agus Kossay to suarapapua.com, on Thursday (05/26/2016) from Jayapura.

According Kossay, Steven did not commit any crime. But in prison he is treated differently and it's very discriminatory. Families were also given access to the visiting Steven.

"Seteven did not commit any crime. But in prison Steven treated like terrorists and criminals. Even kelaurga tomorrow I just can not. Have given just 10 minutes, can not dibesuk by the family. Only one or two people who can only tomorrow. When a clock tomorrow, supervised equally officer. The country is getting weird. We ask that steven and Yus released unconditionally. No element of treason and crimes that they make, "said Kossay.

Earlier, activists KNPB Timika, Reports the Sony Tabuni, Steven, had been imprisoned in detention (Rutan) Brimob Mimika in Mile 32, the condition of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Region Timika, Steven Itlay reportedly worsened. He suffered health problems due to poor prison room. Meanwhile police restrict access to families and relatives to visit.

"She looks very pale, his body limp, lack of blood, and chest aches, and access to it is severely restricted by the authorities," said Sonny Tabuni, one of the administrators KNPB suarapapua.com Timika when contacted this afternoon, Monday (16 / 5/2016) ago.

According to the new Sonny Steven Itlay visit on Friday (05/13/2016) then, Steven isolated in a room that is not feasible. He was locked in a room without sunlight. In fact, according to Sonny she is not criminals or terrorists.

Meanwhile, Gustav Kawer, lawyers said Steven Itlay justify Kossay. Steven received a portion of time away from the existing rules. According to the rules, prisoners have time tomorrow from 9 am to 12 noon but Itlay not obtain it.

"True, Steven can only be ten minutes," said the journalist Kawer Jubi in Abepura on May 21, 2016.

Gustav added that police also banned Steven communicate with the local language. Visitors are only allowed to use Indonesian to communicate with Itlay.

"Families who visit prohibited from using disposable Dani language," said Kawer like diansir Jubi on Wednesday (05/25/2016) yesterday.

He said, the physical condition of Steven decline in custody. Moreover, increasingly pale skin because of being in enclosed spaces and diet. Steven eat only twice a day. afternoon and evening. "Morning Steven not being fed," he said.
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1) West Papuan leader appeals for support in freedom struggle

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2) Difficult Times For MSG But Future Looks Secure Still

3) Airport in Papua to pay for use of customary land 
4) Press release from legal team for the collision which killed Robert Jitmau
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1) West Papuan leader appeals for support in freedom struggle
Saturday, May 28, 2016


                                    Benny Wenda addressing public forum in Sydney. May 24.
West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda has been touring Australia, spreading awareness of the West Papuan struggle for freedom from Indonesian rule.
The tour of Wenda, the spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, comes ahead of a meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in Port Moresby, where an application for full membership to the group for the ULMWP will be considered.
Wenda spoke at a public meeting organised by Green Left Weekly in Sydney on May 24. He told the meeting: “Australia is a very close neighbour [but] nobody knows what [is] really happening, what [is] really going on. 
“My trip is about breaking silence.
“People of West Papua cry for justice, for their environment, for their nature, for their human rights for 50 years … This fight to preserve our culture, our identity, who we are, our nature, our forest, our mountain.”
West Papua had been a Dutch colony from the 19th century until occupied by Indonesia in 1963. The territory was formally incorporated into Indonesia in the 1969 Act of Free Choice — a referendum in which only 1026 hand-picked people were allowed to vote.
Wenda told the audience about his personal awakening to the brutality of the Indonesian occupation. When he was a young boy, he watched as Indonesian soldiers raped and beat his mother and two aunts, aged 14 and 16. Wenda's aunts died from the trauma of the attack. 
“I couldn't do anything at the time, just cry for my mum and my aunties … So that my sentiment [growing up was] to fight this. I don't want another girl to be raped,” said Wenda.
Rapes and random beatings were not the only abuses Wenda witnessed. “In 1999, my people chose me to become a tribal leader, and then I see it around me: Indonesian military logging. Logging is big business in West Papua, run by the Indonesian intelligence and military, not ordinary people.”
Wenda said people who try to protect their land against destructive logging and mining operations are labelled separatists. “You cannot defend your land, your forest … everything is run by Indonesian military, not the government.
“We know that Indonesia now calls itself a democratic country. But I don't know, maybe in other part of Indonesia ... West Papua is a militarised zone. They see West Papua as a colony so they can do whatever they like.”
Wenda said West Papua's forests are important in the fight against climate change. “We need to preserve all those forests [that] can protect this environment.”
Wenda singled out the Australian government's role in the occupation of West Papua, noting: “My uncle Mako Tabuni was killed by Detachment 88, trained by Australia.” 
Tabuni was a leader of the National Committee for West Papua. Detachment 88 is an Indonesian counter-terrorism police unit funded by Australia and the United States. 
“Our right to be free people [is] taken away by big power, supported by big powers like Australian government, Britain, America and European countries,” said Wenda.
Wenda celebrated a recent win for West Papua. At a meeting of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua in London on May 3, British Labour Party leader and IPWP co-founder Jeremy Corbyn said: “I want these issues to become central to our party's policies in the future and above all I want to see an end to environmental degradation and destruction and the right of people to be able to make their own choice on their own future.” 
Wenda said: “Now we are calling on the international community to provide a vote. This is the highest agenda we are pushing. 
“The root problem is what happened in 1969. The fact that [Corbyn] said this [should be] adopted as policy, that's great.”
But the outcome of an upcoming MSG meeting in Port Moresby to consider the ULMWP's membership is uncertain. Fiji and Papua New Guinea have tended to support Indonesia's membership in the group, and downplayed the significance of the ULMWP. In contrast, other MSG members such as Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front have supported the West Papuans' bid for recognition.
“It's an issue right here in the Pacific … ordinary people already own this issue and run it,” said Wenda. “But the government level, I understand the Fiji and PNG position. 
“They're trying to rebalance their position because of diplomatic ties and trade. For me, I don't want to judge who is right, who is wrong [but at] the human level, they're embarrassed.
“But we belong to Melanesia and are entitled to full membership.”
Speaking about the challenges West Papua would face as an independent nation after liberation, Wenda said: “West Papua is a very rich country. How in the future can we stand on our own feet? I don't know, but we ready. 
“Of course multinational companies are already there. First they need to understand our lifestyle. We're not really interested in the gold. The main thing they need to respect is our land, our sovereignty is our main issue.
“My people can decide what is good for them or bad for them, because they have seen it, many, many examples they have seen. It's always been all about money, about gold, about timber, about oil. We will really need all solidarity to help us to stabilise all this when West Papua is independent.”
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2) Difficult Times For MSG But Future Looks Secure Still

May 28 14:16 201
Despite Peter O’Neill’s power politics in what seems to be disharmony in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), the bloc’s future still looks secure.
Mr O’Neill, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, is believed to have initiated the move to question the procedures used to appoint Amena Yauvoli as Secretary-General of the MSG.
He has adopted a Big Brother approach and flexed the PNG muscle towards Fiji in a bid to assert PNG’s influence and stake its claim as the hub of the Pacific.
But the internal politics is not expected to undermine the long term growth of the MSG.
This is why:
n The MSG’s Secretariat is now led by Mr Yauvoli, the former Fijian Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary. He joins MSG with excellent credentials and is the best person to administer MSG affairs. His contribution will be crucial in bringing stability and credibility to the organisation; and
n Melanesia is better off with a fractured MSG than without MSG. The world is turning to the Pacific for its resources and United Nations votes. MSG stands as a voice to defend the interests of its members against foreign exploitation and domination of its natural resources. Next year Fiji will host the first international Ocean summit co-sponsored by Sweden to look at preservation of sea resources. Fish and mineral resources are on the list. Deep sea mining will become a major focus.
So much is at stake that breaking up the MSG is not an option.
While the bigger picture is clear to the MSG members, it has not stopped the niggling differences and power play that  frustrate unity and development initiatives. The appointment of Mr Yauvoli was agreed by everyone initially.
Later, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu questioned the process followed to recruit him. That is going to be on the agenda for the next MSG leaders summit.
Mr Yauvoli has officially started work and it is understood that those who questioned his selection have sort of quietened down.
Confusion over the leaders’ summit dates and venue has given rise to a perception of turmoil in MSG.
Two weeks ago Mr O’Neill offered to host the MSG Special Leaders Summit in Port Moresby on June 2 soon after the 8th Summit of ACP (African Canadian Pacific) Heads of Governments May 30 to June 1.
The MSG summit was originally set for Port Vila in Vanuatu. It is not clear why it was shifted to Port Moresby.
Then last week Mr O’Neill tried to change the dates to May 27-29. But the dates were not suitable for MSG chairman, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, because their Parliament was sitting at the same time. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was in Istanbul, Turkey, attending the World Humantarian Summit. Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola was in Ethiopia opening our new embassy in Addis Ababa.
Mr Sogavare  has strongly rejected a media suggestion that he and other MSG leaders were not treating the MSG summit seriously.
No new dates and venue have been set for the special leaders’ summit.
There has been clear division over two issues that will high on the summit’s agenda.
One is Mr Yauvoli’s appointment. The leaders’ summit is not expected to rescind the appointment. It is expected to clarify the process.
The second issue is Indonesia’s response to concerns about West Papua.
Vanuatu has a motion for the granting of full MSG membership to the United Liberation Movement of West Papua.
It is part of a growing support for West Papua by some MSG members. PNG has softened its stand in support of Indonesia and Mr O’Neill now faces calls to support West Papua.
Fiji’s stand, however, is that Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua cannot be questioned. Mr Bainimarama has said that West Papua is an integral part of Indonesia. He has said that “when we deal with West Papua and its people, the MSG has no choice but to deal with Indonesia and in a positive and constructive manner.” On the human rights issue, he says the Indonesia that presided over those excesses “is not the Indonesia we know today.”
“It is now one of the most vibrant democracies in the world.”
Other issues that could be on the agenda are:
n Free trade agreement;
n Pacific Islands Forum. Invitations have been sent to MSG leaders to attend the next PIF meeting in the Federated States of Micronesia in September. Mr Bainimarama has not said whether he will attend it. He did not attend last year’s meeting in Port Moresb. Mr Bainimarama has said Fiji’s position in Australia and New Zealand should be development partners not full members.
Edited by Naisa Koroi



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3) Airport in Papua to pay for use of customary land 

Nether Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post
Jayapura | Sat, May 28 2016 | 07:40 am
When negotiations failed to produce an agreement between two opposing sides in a land dispute concerning an airport in Papua, locals opted for a different approach in a bid to have their rights granted.

They did not resort to violence to have their demands heard, but instead blocked access within the disputed property until their aspirations were responded to.

The Sentani Airport authority in Jayapura has agreed to pay Rp 156 billion ( US$11.5 million ) in compensation for customary lands within the airport complex. That is the amount demanded by four ethnic groups that have claimed customary ownership rights over the designated fields.

“We have agreed that the payment for the customary lands will be conducted on May 31 at 8 a.m. at the headquarters of the Kotaraja Police’s Mobile Brigade [Brimob],” Sentani Airport head Agus Supriyanto said in Jayapura on Friday.

He said the cash had been prepared was currently kept at the Jayapura District Court.

Members of the four ethnic groups of Taime, Palo, Kopeu and Yoku claiming ownership over the fields on Thursday night blocked the airport’s taxiway near the runway. The blockade only ended on Friday morning after the head of the airport had agreed to meet the protesters demand for compensation.

The blockade was conducted by planting banana trees into drums and then placing them in the middle of the taxiway.

Agus said the action by the locals had delayed takeoff and landing procedures at the airport.

“A number of aircraft that were ready for takeoff were forced to queue for some time. Aircraft ready to land had to wait for 15 minutes before landing, and so did the aircraft that were ready to take off,” he said.

He said the 12 hectare plot of land belonging to the four Papuan ethnic groups were located at the runway, which measures 2,500 meters in length. Once the compensation is paid, the airport authority plans to extend the runway to 3,000 meters in order to allow larger aircraft to land at the airport.

A representative of the four ethnic groups, John Taime, said a further blockade would be organized if the compensation was not paid in accordance with the agreed schedule.

Following the agreement, the locals promptly ended their protest action and airport officers immediately cleared the taxiway to provide access to the runway for aircraft to take off and land.

Jayapura Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Gustav Urbinas said his office had deployed 100 personnel to secure the blocked area of the airport.

“We are maintaining security measures so as to prevent such action from disrupting public interests,” said Gustav, adding that Sentani Airport operations continued normally despite the blockade.

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4) Press release from legal team for the collision which killed Robert Jitmau
reg.westpua@lists.riseup.ne

Robert Jitmau, a  respected Papuan activist who fought for the rights of
Papuan women market traders, died in the early hours of May 20th, after
being hit by a car. While the incident may have been entirely
accidental, many people in Papua are concerned that the police have
assumed this conclusion before conducting a proper investigation to
eliminate the possibility that his death was deliberate.

The press release translated below, from the legal team following up the
incident, can be read at
http://papuaitukita.net/polisi-segera-selidiki-kasus-penabrakan-robert-jitmau/


Police should investigate the collision which killed Robert Jitmau now.

Press Release

Legal team for the case of Robert Jitmau, killed in a car crash.

Jayapura, 27 May 2016 - On the morning of 20th May 2016, Robert Jitmau died after being hit by an Inova car bearing a police numberplate DS1497 AO) on an entrance to the ring road in Hamedi, near Jayapura. the crash, Robert Jitmau had been picked up from Entrop by Yusup

Sraun and Alpius Jitmau, and then went towards Dok V and afterwards to the TVRI station in Bhayangkara. From Bhayangkara Robert and his two friends went to the Hotel Aston where Yusup Sraun got out of the car to
met Krispus Kambuaya at the hotel. The four men then went towards Entrop and then to the ring road. They used two cars, with Crisps Kambuaya travelling alone.

Shortly after arriving at the ring road, Robert Jitmau called two companions, Nehemia Yarinap and  Melianus Duwitau, asking them to come to the ring road. Shortly after 04.00am the two friends arrived at the Ring Road on motorbike taxis. Robert sat down and chatted to them. The crash which killed him took place shortly afterwards.

The police have told local media that the crash which killed Robert Jitmau was completely accidental. They have also stated that they have questioned witnesses Yusup Sraun, Krispus Kambuaya, Nehemia Yarinap and Musa Rujatobi, as well as three people believed to be responsible for the crash: Herep Patay (the owner of the vehicle with police number
plates DS1497 AO), Ronald Edwin Metiaman and Dolfinus Abraham Sefia.

In the police statement to the media the police didn't mention that:
1. There was a fight between one of Robert's friends, Nehemia Yarinap, and someone who got out of the car that crashed into him.
2. The police have not yet questioned another friend, Melianus Duwitau, who was at the incident location. Melianus Duwitau is still being treated in the Dian Haarapan Hospital as he was also injured in the crash.

3. Also, the whereabouts of Alpius Jitmau are still unknown, even though he was a witness who was present when the incident took place. Unfortunately however, the police have been too fast to draw the
conclusion that Robert Jitmau's death was a purely accidental traffic collision, even before all the witnesses to the incident had been questioned.

The police have been given the authority to unearth the facts, and have a duty to conduct a full and professional investigation, prioritising the truth and justice over all other interests.

Because of this, the Legal Team for the Robert Jitmau case are asking the police to carry out a thorough, full, comprehensive and transparent investigation of this case before coming to any conclusions about the
collision which killed Robert Jitmau.

Run It Straight for West Papua RADIO

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ANNOUNCING Run It Straight for West Papua RADIO, SUNDAY 29 MAY, 5pm - 6pm (NZ standard time)

"If the New Zealand media refuses to discuss the crisis in West Papua, we'll create our own media" - Tere Harrison.

Interviews with West Papua Independence Leader Benny Wenda, Rev. Socratez Yoman, students of Naenae College who featured in the film Run It Straight, Dr Pala Molisa Kura Moeka'a Tere Harrison and more.  

Available live online www.teupoko.co.nz
Podcast to follow.



1) Match Words with Action on Papua Abuses

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2) Freeport Owes Ten Trillion in Debt to Papua Government

3) People Asked to Anticipate Two Months Dried Season

4) President Pays Serious Attention To Papuan

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1) Match Words with Action on Papua Abuses

27 May 2016
Jayapura, Jubi/TFC – The detention of more than 1,500 Papuan independence supporters on May 2 for “lacking a permit to hold a rally” speaks volumes of the government’s stubbornly problematic approach to dealing with dissent in the restive territory of Papua. This approach has for decades provided impunity for security forces, despite their abuses against Papuans and turned dozens of those exercising their universal rights to freedom of expression and association into political prisoners.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has promised Papuans a change, beginning with “an open dialogue for a better Papua”. But aside from the release of a few political prisoners, there has been barely any signs of meaningful change on the ground in Papua.
Jokowi’s December 2014 pledge to thoroughly investigate and punish security forces implicated in the death of five peaceful protesters in the Papuan town of Enarotali that month has remained unfulfilled. And the Indonesian bureaucracy continues to obstruct international media from freely reporting in Papua despite the President’s May 2015 declaration to lift the decades-old restrictions.
Last month the government announced a new approach to Papua’s long history of serious rights abuses and lack of accountability: It was going to try to resolve them.
On April 20 chief security minister Luhut Pandjaitan opened a one-week meeting in Jakarta, which was attended by more than 20 human rights activists and ethnic Papuan officials from Papua and West Papua, along with officials from the National Police, the Attorney General’s Office ( AGO ) and various ministries.
The meeting followed increasing international scrutiny of Indonesia’s human rights record in Papua, including a September 2015 proposal by the Pacific Islands Forum, a political grouping of 16 Pacific nation states, for a possible human rights “fact finding mission” in Papua.
The meeting aimed to develop a roadmap to investigation and resolution of a number of the region’s most serious human rights abuses. The initiative was a follow-up to Jokowi’s commitment in December 2014 to seek an end to human rights violations in Papua.
The government has compiled a 17-page report detailing 11 high-priority human rights cases in Papua that it aims to solve. They include the Biak massacre in July 1998, when security forces opened fire on participants of a peaceful flag-raising ceremony on the island, the military crackdown on Papuans in Wasior in 2001 and Wamena in 2003 that left dozens killed and thousands displaced and the forced disbandment of the Papuan People’s Congress in October 2011 that left three people dead and hundreds injured.
The government has also prioritized individual cases such as the disappearance of Aristoteles Masoka, the driver of murdered Papuan leader Theys Eluay in November 2001. Although Eluay’s body was found inside his car, and seven Army Special Forces soldiers were convicted in 2003 for the murder, Masoka has never turned up.
The list is an encouraging sign that the government recognizes the role of the security forces in human rights abuses in Papua and the need for accountability. However, mass killings that took place between the 1960s and 1970s, including a military operation in 1977-1978 against Free Papua Movement ( OPM ) insurgents that allegedly involved indiscriminate aerial bombings and strafing, have been deliberately omitted.
Papuan activists have also called for investigations into the killing of anthropologist-cum-musician Arnold Ap in April 1984 and rights abuses linked to the Indonesian security forces in the lead-up to the July 1969 UN-sponsored referendum that resulted in a much-contested unanimous vote for continued integration with Indonesia.
The government’s plan to resolve these cases involves deploying agencies including the National Police, the AGO, the National Commission on Human Rights ( Komnas HAM ) and the military police to investigate. The plan specifies the need for compensation for survivors and victims’ families for incidents in which the evidence clearly indicates the culpability of government officials and security forces.
Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw, the Papua Police chief, has promised to prosecute individuals implicated in those abuses. The government has yet to publicly disclose a timeline for these investigations.
Papua’s troubled history and ongoing serious human rights abuses demand a meaningful government response to both address the crimes of the past and to enact measures to prevent future abuses. The ongoing low-level conflict with the small and disorganized OPM obligates the government to ensure security for the population.
Security forces repeatedly fail to distinguish between violent acts and peaceful expression of political views. The government has denounced flag-raisings and other peaceful expressions of pro-independence sentiment in Papua as treasonous. Heavy-handed responses to peaceful activities have resulted in numerous human rights violations.
In the past eight years, Human Rights Watch has documented dozens of cases in which police, military, intelligence officers, and prison guards have used unnecessary or excessive force when dealing with Papuans exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and association.
The government also frequently arrests and prosecutes Papuan protesters for peacefully advocating independence or other political change. More than 35 Papuan activists are in prison on treason charges.
Human Rights Watch takes no position on Papuan claims to self-determination, but opposes imprisonment of people who peacefully express support for self-determination.
Papuans are likely to be skeptical of Luhut’s plan to resolve past human rights abuses unless the positive rhetoric is matched by meaningful investigations and prosecutions for those crimes. (*)

This article was published by The Fifth Column
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2) Freeport Owes Ten Trillion in Debt to Papua Government
26 May 2016
Denpasar, Jubi – Head of Papua Energy and Mineral Resource Office Bangun Manurung said PT. Freeport Indonesia has failed to pay the water surface tax amouting to about Rp 10 trillion.
He said Freeport should have paid for the use of water surface since the signing of its second contract of work in 1991 to present.
“What we asked is clear; it is very confirmed and clear. We are optimistic that the Tax Court would agree with us and could see this clearly. In my opinion the government’s credibility is tested,” he said after attending the meeting with the Special Committee on Freeport Issue of Papua Legislative Council that held in Nusa Dua-Kuta, Bali on last week.
According to him, Freeport’s annual obligation to the local government is Rp 400 billion. If this amount was counted since 1991, the total amount would reach more than Rp 10 trillion,
“It should be Rp 10 trillion, but based on the tax legislation, it’s only counted for the last five years. So, it would approximately Rp 2.7 trillion. I am not sure whether our claim since 1991 would be counted or not. Well, about the legal aspect we don’t know. But we prepared all technical materials,” he said on Wednesday (25/5/2016).
Though he had no idea about why Freeport filed a legal notice against Papua Provincial Government related to tax payment, he thought it is an obligation for Freeport to pay the water surface tax.
“If not, we have not considered yet for further solution. Regarding to the committee’s advise to Papua Provincial Government to present an expert, it’s a good idea. We will see the progress in the court. It’s very good to strengthen the bargain position of Papua Provincial Government whether it is related to the contract of work or regional regulation,” he said.
Meanwhile the First Deputy Chairman of Papua Legislative Council Edoardus Kaize said Freeport’s legal notice against Papua Provincial Government was not make sense, because it was filed when Papua Provincial Government demanded its rights.
“Freeport should have a good ethics. It’s ridiculous if it filed a charge against the government. This company gets a permit from the government to conduct the mining operation in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, in particular Papua. Because of it did not run its obligation properly or did not want to pay its debts, then filed the legal notice against the government,” said Kaize.
According to him, instead of filing a charge, Freeport should fulfill its obligation by paying its debts of more than Rp 2.7 trillion to Papua Provincial Government.

“What it should pay is not for debts from decades. It is only for certain period. Freeport should not make it a problem to file a charge against the government,” he said. (Arjuna Pademme/rom)
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3) People Asked to Anticipate Two Months Dried Season
27 May 2016
Wamena, Jubi – Several areas in Papua central highland is expected to experience a weather transition from the rainy season to the dry season.
The Head of Wamena Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) Diedrech Benny Marlisa said the dried season in Papua is divided into six zones of season (zom); four in Papua and two in Papua Barat. In Jayawijaya Regency, there are two zones; the northeastern is categorized in Zom 339 and other areas are included into zom 341 with different rainfall.
He predicted the dried season in Zom 339 would start in the early of June to July, while in Zom 341, it would start in the early of July.
“Well, currently the rain intensity in Jayawijaya and the Central Highland is quite reduced, usually it indicates the coming of the dried season,” he said in Wamena on Thursday (26/5/2016).
The climate change in the mountainous area was affected by El Nino and Indian Ocean Divolt System. It used to be happened due to sediment from the Indian Sea penetrating to the territory of Indonesia. Further the Asia-Autralia Moon zone circulation also affects the weather in Indonesia, as well as inter-tropical air areas which usually entering the Indonesian territory; from the north, south and affected by temperature at the southern Papua.
“If the sea surface temperature was hot, it indicates the water evaporation which would form a cloud and become a rainfall. But, However, BMKG forecasted the evaporation would less occurred during June and July to impact to the rain intensity,” he said.
Therefore he expected the local residents to grow the plants that usually planted in the dried season. Meanwhile Jayawijaya Regional Secretary Yohanes Walilo expected people to adjust with the climate in planting.
“So, if the last time was dried season then it came to rainy season and now it returns to dried season, we need to anticipate it. People must know the time to plant and to harvest,” he said.
He said the Jayawijaya Regional Government does not want the drought in the last year would be occurred.
“Therefore, people must be smart in farming. They should not only do planting in the swamp areas but also in the mountainous areas, therefore they have food supplies when the drought was occurred,” he said. He also asked the Forest and Plantation Office to provide assistance to the people to educate them for not burning the forest randomly leading to erosion. (Islami Adisubrata/rom)
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4) President Pays Serious Attention To Papuan

25 May 2016

Merauke, Jubi – Indonesian President Joko Widodo has visited Papua on several occasions to see for himself problems on the ground.
The visits demonstrate the president’s commitment to pay serious attention to Papuans, said the First Deputy Assistant of Presidential Staff Office Ferry Tetelepta during the meeting with Merauke Regent Frederikus Gebze and local government’s officials some days ago.
“The purpose of President Widodo’s visits is only to see and hear from the people about their problems directly, because Papuans must get attention like the others from other regions,” he said on Tuesday (24/5/2016).

“I also come to Merauke Regency to verify the program launched by the president as well as to compile a report and submit it to the president for a review and follow-up actions,” he said.
Merauke Regent Frederikus Gebze said the visits by the Indonesian President to Papua including Merauke Regency have been done several times, because he wanted to see and hear the people’s problems directly. Thus, it needs to be addressed or followed up. He added the president has launched the national barns as well as food sovereignty program in Merauke Regency. Thus, the history should be returned when Merauke received award from the United Nations in 1984. (Ans K/rom)
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1) West Papua activist testing PNG PM’s invitation

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2) Protecting human rights in Papua

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1) West Papua activist testing PNG PM’s invitation

23 minutes ago
A prominent West Papua independence activist is calling on Papua New Guinea's prime minister to extend his invitation to all West Papuans to him.
Peter O'Neill has spoken of the need to speak out about human rights abuses in neighbouring Indonesian territory, and last week told a radio talkback programme that West Papuans are welcome in PNG.
But Benny Wenda, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, has been denied entry into PNG twice in the last year.
Mr Wenda, who is the spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, said he was trying to apply for a visa to enter PNG to attend an upcoming Melanesian Spearhead Group summit.
His movement gained observer status in the MSG last year, and Mr Wenda said he hoped to be able to attend.
"They don't really give a reason [about] why they try to stop me, but I hope they will allow me again because I'm officially a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and I'm officially the spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement."
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Vanuatu Daily Post 
from the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra


2) Protecting human rights in Papua
Posted: Saturday, May 28, 2016 8:00 am
Commentary by Sade Bimantara, Spokesperson for the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra | 0 comments
The ancient philosopher Laozi wrote that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Indonesia still faces obstacles in protecting the human rights of her citizens. This is a nation-wide legacy problem that the government of President Joko Widodo is determined to address one step at a time. Recently, President Widodo personally instructed relevant government agencies to take actions to settle past human rights cases, including those related to Papua, and to put in place safeguards to prevent future incidences.
Leading an inter-ministerial meeting last April, the coordinating minister for security, Luhut Pandjaitan listened to the views and reports of human rights activists and Papuan public officials. Paulus Waterpauw, an ethnic Papuan police chief of Papua, is personally heading the efforts to resolve four cases of alleged rights abuses. While the Chief of the National Police, Attorney General and the National Commission on Human Rights are in charge of another five rights cases. In past trials, Indonesian courts have prosecuted and convicted a number of individuals for rights abuses including those committed by members of the security forces.
This is a small move on the way to resolve a number of past cases of alleged unjustified killings. Killings, especially those involving security forces do deserve greater scrutiny to bring justice and put the perpetrators accountable for their crimes. Prosecutions send a strong message that no one is above the law and in turn discourage potential rights abuses.
Rights abuses are not the monopoly of the security forces however. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s (ULMWP) single agenda is to take possession of sovereign territories of Indonesia: Papua and Papua Barat (West Papua). In pursuit of that goal, it wages an international propaganda campaign. As part of its strategy, the armed faction of the Papuan separatist group including the West Papua National Liberation Army (WPNLA), the Purom Okinam Wenda Group and their affiliates are systematically conducting armed attacks designed to terrorize Papuan residents, the Papuan Police and security personnel as well as local and multi-national businesses.
Benny Wenda, the spokesperson of the ULMWP is himself [allegedly] a fugitive of the law wanted on the charges of involvement in attacks in Abepura, Papua in December 2000. In those [alleged] attacks, Police Staff Sergeant Petrus Epaa and security guard Markus Padama died of their injuries. Wenda [allegedly] escaped in the middle of his trial and fled to the UK.
This separatist group has committed many human rights abuses including towards ethnic Papuans. A number of Papuan casualties that are repeatedly used by the ULMWP in their scare and smear campaigns are oftentimes a result of armed contacts between the Police against the armed WPNLA and its affiliates.
To illustrate, on March 2016, an armed separatist group of 20 people ambushed workers who were building roads to connect the cities of Sinak and Mulia. Four workers, Anis and the Demena family of Andarias, Daud and David died from gunshot wounds. On 30 November 2015, separatists attacked military officers in Namuniweja Village, Mamberamo Raya. One officer, Major Jhon E deFretes who was also a priest, died from his wounds. On July 28 2014, the Lanny Jaya faction of the WPNLA under the command of Enden Wanimbo attacked eight police officers who were travelling for a community counseling program. Two officers, Second Brigadier Zulfikli and Second Brigadier Prayoga Ginuni died at the scene from gunshot wounds. On 31 July 2013, an armed separatist group linked with the Purom Okinam Wenda Group attacked civilians only 100 meters from an army station. The group attacked and shot an ambulance owned by the Puncak Jaya Hospital and [allegedly] killed Hery Yoman, a health worker from the local hospital. On 27 November 2012, an armed separatist group attacked and burned the Perime Police Station in Lanny Jaya. Three police officers, Rolfi Rakubessy, Jefry Rumkorem and Daniel Makuker died of gunshot wounds and burn wounds. The list goes on and on.
In that context, consider this hypothetical scenario. Suppose a group of seemingly peaceful group of people is holding a rally in front of the Port Vila Parliament House. The group is waving the ISIS flag and calling for an establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Vanuatu. On a different day, the group’s more extremist faction wielding automatic rifles attacks and kills a number of Vila police officers who were patrolling the Port Vila Market and a number of shoppers on their Easter shopping. How would the Vanuatu Police react?
They would probably take those demonstrators for questioning. The Police would possibly scour the neighborhood of the suspects to obtain lead. Maybe the Police would then conduct house-to-house search and perhaps must resort to using lethal force to stop the terrorists in their tracks.
How is this then, any different from the reaction of the Police in Papua towards those groups of people—that are not just peacefully calling for their goal that threatens the national security and the existence of Indonesia as a sovereign country—but their violent and extremist wing that do not hesitate to use lethal force against Papuan civilians and the Police?
We should reject the use of [alleged] terrorism, for any purposes, whether to establish an Islamic State or to break Indonesia up and establish a new state in place of its territories.
Let us not forget that the ULMWP aims to take possession of territories of a sovereign country. Let us not forget that the Papuan voters have fairly and freely elected their government and legislature. Let us not forget that the ULMWP seeks to overthrow this democratically elected government and their people’s representative for their own political agenda.
Two wrongs do not make a right. The Government of Indonesia is taking steps in that thousand miles journey. Is the ULMWP and its armed wing taking any actions to right what is wrong?
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Media release -Octo Mote refused entry to PNG

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Forwarding on FYI
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Media release -Octovianus Mote, Secretary-General of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua forbidden entry to Papua New Guinea

United Liberation Movement for West Papua|ULMWP

116 Oberlin Road, Hamden, CT 06514

Tel | +1 203 5203055

Email | Tuarek61@gmail.com




May 30, 2016

Octovianus Mote, Secretary-General of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua forbidden entry to Papua New Guinea

30 May 2016


On the 28th of May 2016 Octovianus Mote, Secretary General of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua was refused entry to Papua New Guinea.

“No reason was given why I was refused permission to enter the country. I was not presented with any written explanation, I was just told it was an ‘order from the top’. Although I am seeking clarification about why I was denied entry I accept this decision of the sovereign nation of Papua New Guinea.”


“I was treated very respectfully as a wantok by Immigration and I want to emphasise that I was not deported” said Mr Mote.


This is the second time a leader from the United Liberation Movement for West Papua has been refused entry to Papua New Guinea. Benny Wenda was also refused entry in 2015 when he attempted to lobby the Papua New Guinea government.


Mr Mote was travelling to Papua New Guinea as a guest of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu government. “I was invited to assist both delegations with various resolutions they planned to table at the African Caribbean Pacific meeting of the European Union which is being held in Port Morseby.”


“I would like to express my thanks to the MSG countries for their ongoing support of West Papua. I look forward to the forthcoming MSG Leaders’ Summit to clarify all matters relating to ULMWP’s application for full membership.”


“I wish to extend my gratitude to the people of Papua New Guinea for their ongoing support. I look forward to a clearer and better understanding of Papua New Guinea’s position on West Papua.”



 For more information please contact Mr Octo Mote on +61 451015720

West Papuan leader’s barred entry ordered from the “top"

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/305209/west-papuan-leader's-barred-entry-ordered-from-the-top

West Papuan leader’s barred entry ordered from the “top"

less than a minute ago

The secretary-general of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua says he was given no explanation why he was barred from entering Papua New Guinea.
Secretary general Octo Mote was travelling to Port Moresby to assist the Vanuatu and Solomon Islands governments in their representations on West Papua at the African, Carribean and Pacific summit this week.
He had also been preparing for an upcoming Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting to deliberate on the Liberation Movement's bid for full MSG membership.
Mr Mote, who has a US passport, said that the two immigration officers who disallowed his entry were respectful but gave no explanation.
"These two gentlemen were just saying this is the order from high top. So I really don't know why they stop me there. I've been in and out so many times to Papua New Guinea, and I'm possessing all the legal process which is on-arrival visa."
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MSG leaders to talk about summit

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 MSG leaders to talk about summit

2:28 pm today
Leaders of Melanesian Spearhead Group member states are mulling over where and when to hold their special summit which has been postponed twice.
A special MSG leaders summit, which was originally scheduled for Port Vila at the start of May, was rescheduled for Port Moresby late last week before being postponed again.
It's understood the summit may be held at the end of June.
The MSG chair Manassaeh Sogavare is now in the PNG capital in his capacity as Solomon Islands prime minister to attend a summit of the EU's African, Carribean and Pacific Group.
The secretary to the MSG Chair, Rence Sore, said while in Port Moresby Mr Sogavare would be in talks with other MSG leaders.
"The leaders are talking. The leaders are talking at the margins, at the margins of the ACP meeting. They are going to decide on the new dates, on the venue. It's going to be anywhere: either Port Vila, either Nadi, Suva, Solomons or New Caledonia."
Rence Sore said the Solomons government was concerned that the secretary-general of the United Liberation Movement, Octo Mote, was denied entry to PNG in recent days.
It's understood that Mr Mote was travelling to Port Moresby to assist the Vanuatu and Solomon Islands governments in their representations on West Papua at the ACP summit.
He had also been preparing for the upcoming MSG summit when a decision on the Liberation Movement's bid for full membership in the MSG was to be discussed.
Mr Sore said that as the ULMWP leader, Mr Mote should have been accorded some courtesy, but that it was PNG's jurisdiction to assert its authority as it saw fit.
However, with Mr Mote and other Liberation Movement representatives expected to attend the upcoming MSG summit, there's an increased likelihood that the venue could be moved from Port Moresby.

Media release- ACP and MSG leaders should condemn the crackdown on KNPB activists in West Papua

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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

31 May 2016
Media release- ACP and MSG leaders should condemn the crackdown on KNPB activists in West Papua

ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) and MSG leaders should condemn the crackdown on KNPB activists in West Papua


Reports from West Papua indicate there will be another crackdown on rallies to be held in West Papua today. The rallies are to show support for the ULMWP to be granted full membership at the MSG, and calling for the release of all political prisoners in West Papua.


The intimidation of KNPB activists started on Saturday when 50 were arrested in Sentani and Jaypura. Although they were released the mobile phones of a number of activists were confiscated. 

On Monday 30 May  local media (Jubi) reported three members of KNPB in Yahukimo and 21 people in Wamena were arrested for distributing leaflets about the rallies to be held on the 31 May.


Joe Collins of AWPA said, “Yet again the Indonesian security forces are trying to intimidate activists into not taking part in peaceful rallies. Next door in PNG the 8th Summit of the ACP is meeting and AWPA believes the leaders should have West Papua as a major topic of discussion at the Summit. The Leaders of the ACP including the MSG leaders should immediately raise concern with Jakarta about the dangers of a crackdown today on peaceful demonstrators and hopefully avoid the mass arrests that occurred on the 2 May when up to 1800 West Papuans  were arrested”.


ends




Updated with photos

                                                                       
Photo in Jubi


KNPB action today (Tuesday, 05.31.2016) to provide support to ULMWP - Jubi / IST



A number of photos posted by Victor Yeimo on Facebook

Under the terror, intimidation, and arrest by Indonesian colonial forces, the People of West Papua going down the roads in entire of West Papua today. We call the leaders of African, Caribbean, and Pacific to fight for West Papuan's right of self-determination.
As part of a clump of Melanesia in the Pacific, the right of self-determination for West Papua should be the issues to be raised during the summit of the 79 countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, in Port Moresby, which has begun from 30th May – 1st June.
The States of Africa and the Caribbean in the history have been rejected the manipulation of the "act of free choice" in 1969 in West Papua, which led to the UN only "took note" without permanent decision.
Victor F. Yeimo
Chairman of KNPB









1) More mass demos in West Papua

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2) Papua searches for new council members

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/305303/more-mass-demos-in-west-papua

1) More mass demos in West Papua

3 minutes ago



There have been more demonstrations in Indonesia's Papua region today, in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.
Over a thousand demonstrators gathered in the Papua provincial capital Jayapura to express their support for the Liberation Movement and its bid for full membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
In the past month and a half there's been a series of large, peaceful demonstrations in most Papuan urban centres in support of the Liberation Movement.
The largest and most widespread demonstrations occurred on May 2nd when police arrested around two thousand people in Jayapura alone.
The demos have mainly been organised by the West Papua National Committee which is part of the Liberation Movement.
There were also large gatherings in Manokwari, Fakfak and Wamena, one of Papua's major Highlands towns.
Initial reports from Wamena indicate a large police and military forces presence, with police shooting two demonstrators.
Citizens have had no access to Wamena hospital as the security forces have blocked it off.
Police reported that a Papuan who has been on their wanted list, Kelenak Telenggen, was one of the people shot.
In Jayapura, police stopped the demonstration moving from Waena to Abepura while in nearby Sentani they detained 33 members of the West Papua National Committee.

Earlier, BBC Indonesia reported that a hundred West Papuans had been arrested in Jayapura and Wamena in the past few days for handing out flyers calling for people to join today's demonstrations.
As well as showing support for the Liberation Movement's MSG membership, the demonstrations have been another clear expression of indepedence aspirations among West Papuans.
However, a police spokesman indicated that security forces would not tolerate freedom of expression in public where it involved promoting the idea of independence for Papua.

University turmoil

Staff at Papua's Cenderawasih University are reportedly striking over a continued blockade of the campus at Abepura.
The Jakarta Post quotes the university director, Onesimus Sahuleka, as saying the strike is a protest against the students who have been frequently blocking the campus.
The students are demanding that the campus extend the enrolment period and ensure that 80 percent of the places available are assigned to Papuans.
He praised the students' aspirations but urged them to not disturb teaching and learning activities at the campus.
Onesimus said the enrolment period oculd not be extended because registration happens online and across Indonesia.
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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/05/30/papua-searches-new-council-members.html

2) Papua searches for new council members

Nether Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post  
Jayapura | Mon, May 30 2016 | 07:27 am


As the tenure of the second batch of the Papuan People’s Assembly ( MRP ) ended last month, the nation’s eastern-most region is due to select new members to sit at the special council. The selection, however, has been put on hold until the selection process for the Papuan People’s Representatives’ Council ( DPRP ), also designed to accommodate the region’s special autonomy status, is complete. 


The MRP is a local council, equal to the region’s governors, consisting of representatives of religions, indigenous regions and women, while the DPRP is another council that consists of representatives of political parties. 

“The tenure of MRP members in the second period ended on April 12, 2016, but according to regulations the service period of MRP members ends with the swearing in of new MRP members. However, as the swearing in ceremony for the third period has yet to take place, the service period of current MRP members must be extended,”’ said MRP chairman Timotius Murib in Jayapura.

The period will be extended for three months from Apr. 12 to July 13.

“If, in the next three months new MRP members have yet to be elected for the third period, the home minister must extend the MRP service period again,” said Murib.

Reportedly, the MRP has yet to initiate the selection of new MRP members due to the ongoing DPRP selection process in accordance with the Papua Special Autonomy Law.

The DPRP selection will influence the number of MRP members as per the regulation stipulating that the number of MRP members should be equal to 75 percent of the number of DPRP members.

“So, when the DPRP members have been sworn in, its likely that the number of MRP members for the third period will increase,”’ said Murib.

Currently Papua has 56 DPRP members and 42 MRP members, Murib explained, adding that when the 14 new DPRP members are selected, the number of DPRP members will rise to 70, allowing the MRP a total of 52 seats.

The DPRP recruitment process is ongoing but recently entered the selection stage for candidates from five indigenous regions.

The special committee head for DPRP selection, Emus Gwijangge, said 355 candidates, across five indigenous regions, had registered their names with the selection committee.

“Currently, the selection committee members are undertaking administrative selection in the indigenous regions, each with 37 candidates who will participate in selection at the provincial level,” said Emus.

The five indigenous regions are Me Pago, La Pago, Saireri, Anima and Mamta. Mee Pago covers Nabire, Dogiyai, Deyai, Paniai, Intan Jaya and Mimika. La Pago includes Pegunungan Bintang, Jayawijaya, Yahukimo, Central Mamberamo, Tolikara, Lanny Jaya, Puncak, Nduga, and Yalimo. 

Mamberamo Tami or Mamta includes, Jayapura city, and Jayapura, Sarmi, Keerom and Mamberamo Raya. Ha Anim covers Merauke, Mappi, Boven Digul and Asmat while Saireri encompasses Biak Numfor, Supiori, Yapen and Waropen.

Me Pago has been granted three seats, La Pago was allocated four, Saireri was allocated three, Ha Anim and Mamta, two seats.

The Papua DPRD election is expected be complete by July, Emus said, adding that the process of selecting the MRP members could begin.

The selection of MRP members, said Emus, would be based on the indigenous regions.

The structure of Papua’s special autonomy will remain the same for a while as the central government has refused to amend the Papua Special Autonomy Law. The law has been deemed by some to be ineffective in improving the welfare of Papuans. 

The Home Ministry’s regional autonomy directorate general, Soni Sumarsono, said recently that the government, along with the Papua administration, should first focus on issuing supporting instruments for the law, such as Special Regional Regulations ( Perdasus ).

“The law isn’t perfect, that’s why we need to arrange the Perdasus. How can we revise a law when it has yet to accommodate any comprehensive instruments for implementation?” Soni asked.

Besides focusing on arranging Perdasus, Soni added that the government would try to improve the quality of human resources in Papua.
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1) Indonesia detains protesters in insurgency-hit Papua

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2) Two foreign vessels detained in northern waters of Papua

3) Lecturers strike as students blockade campus at Papuan university

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https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/31733801/indonesia-detains-protesters-in-insurgency-hit-papua/
1)   Indonesia detains protesters in insurgency-hit Papua
 
Jakarta (AFP) - Indonesian police briefly detained hundreds of pro-independence demonstrators in Papua on Tuesday, the latest round-up of protesters in the insurgency-hit eastern region.
Police said demonstrators staged rallies calling for the release of political prisoners and for an organisation representing Papuan resistance groups to be given full membership of a regional trade and security body.
A low-level insurgency has simmered for decades in resource-rich Papua, with Jakarta keeping a tight grip on the region through a heavy military and police presence.
Papua police chief Paulus Waterpauw said that around 300 people, some in traditional tribal dress, were briefly detained as they were demonstrating in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, and several other cities without a permit.
"These people were supporting groups who demand Papuan independence, and they did not have permits to stage a protest," he told AFP.
He said the demonstrators were rounded up and addressed by police and local politicians before being released.
Victor Yeimo, from pro-independence youth group the West Papua National Committee, said that the demonstrators had requested a permit to stage a protest but police refused.
"This is a peaceful act and the right to express our opinions is protected by law -- why do the police always try to stop us?" he said.
Earlier this month 1,200 pro-independence demonstrators were briefly detained in Papua to stop rallies planned to mark the anniversary of Indonesia taking control of the region from former colonial power the Netherlands in 1963.
Tuesday's demonstrators were calling for the release of dozens of Papuan separatists jailed for committing treason for acts such as raising the pro-independence "Morning Star" flag and taking part in anti-government protests.
They were also demanding that the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) -- an umbrella body representing resistance groups in the Papua -- be given full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), a trade and security body.
Indonesia last year joined the group as an associate member, but the ULMWP was only given observer status.
Insurgents are fighting on behalf of the mostly ethnic Melanesian population, whose livelihoods President Joko Widodo has pledged to improve.

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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/104945/two-foreign-vessels-detained-in-northern-waters-of-papua

2) Two foreign vessels detained in northern waters of Papua

Selasa, 31 Mei 2016 20:27 WIB | 528 Views


The two foreign vessels were a Philippine-flagged MV Jessica 006 vessel weighing 12 gross tonnage and a Vietnamese MV Pha Ong vessel of 14 gross tonnage, Commander of the Eastern Sea Security Armada First Admiral I.N.G. Sudihartawan stated here on Tuesday.
Ten crew members, including an Indonesian, of the Philippine vessel were arrested. The police also detained 13 crew members of the Vietnamese vessel.

The two vessels were intercepted by the Indonesian Navy Ship KRI Multatuli on Friday (May 27) in the Pacific waters north of Fani Island and were escorted to the Sorong Naval Base (Lantamal XIV).

During the operation, the local authority did not find any haul of marine resources aboard MV Jessica 006, but the crew members failed to present a legal permit to enter the Indonesian waters.

"On the Vietnamese vessel, we found eight tons of sea cucumbers suspected to be hauled from the Indonesian waters. The ship also had no permit to enter the Indonesian waters," Sudihartawan revealed.

The crew members of the two ships are being investigated by the local authority.

(Reporting by Ernes B. Kakisina/Uu.A059/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

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http://asiapacificreport.nz/2016/05/31/lecturers-strike-as-students-blockade-campus-at-papuan-university/
3) Lecturers strike as students blockade campus at Papuan university
By PMC Editor -  May 31, 2016
East New Britain Students Association members from the University of Papua New Guinea are calling on Prime Minster Peter O’Neill to step down and face allegations against him. NBCTV News video.
While university students in Papua New Guinea have continued their national political “awareness” campaign into the fifth week, a blockade of a campus across the Indonesian border in Papua has prompted staff to go on strike.
The blockading of the campus of Cenderawasih University in Waena, Abepura Jayapura, Papua, from Monday to Thursday by its students has resulted in a strike by its 615 lecturers and 321 administrative employees, The Jakarta Post reports.
“The strike is a protest against the students who have been frequently blocking the campus,” said university rector Onesimus Sahuleka on Friday, explaining that the students had been blockading the campus at least twice a month.
Onesimus welcomed students’ aspirations but encouraged them not to express them by disturbing the teaching and learning activities at the campus.
The blockading of the campus was held to demand that the campus prolong the enrolment period and to give 80 percent of its available seats to Papuans.
“I cannot extend the enrolment period because the registration was conducted online and nationwide,” Onesimus said.
He added that the university had also been prioritising Papuans.
Lecturer’s car stoned
Last year, he said, of the new students accepted, 79 percent were Papuans and the remaining 21 percent were “outsiders”.
During the protest on Thursday, a lecturer, John Kawatu, of the university’s school of teacher training (FKIP) was injured as protesters pelted his car with stones.
In Papua New Guinea, 18 students were arrested in Wewak at the weekend over a peaceful “awareness” programme.
Students in PNG are calling on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to stand down and face a police investigation into corruption allegations.

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