1) MSG Turns Down Papua Separatist Group’s Request for Full Membership

July 15, 2016, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: 1) Police arrest seven Papuan students, prevent demo

≪ Previous: 1) Vanuatu Says West Papua Let Down By MSG

2) MSG rejects separatist bid

3) Papua’s local leaders slam DPRP selection process

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http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/msg-turns-papua-separatist-groups-request-full-membership/

1) MSG Turns Down Papua Separatist Group’s Request for Full Membership

Dozens of Papuan students clashed with police during a rally in Yogyakarta on Friday (15/07) after the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) rejected an application for full membership status by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). (Antara Photo/Hendra Nurdiyansyah)

By : Alin Almanar & Donny Andhika Mononimbar | on 8:15 PM July 15, 2016

Jakarta. The Melanesian Spearhead Group has rejected an application for full membership status by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, which Indonesia deems a separatist group, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The decision, made during an MSG special summit in Honiara in the Solomon Islands on Thursday (14/07), means the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) retains its observer status as an organization.

"There is no place for the ULMWP in the future of the MSG," Desra, director general for Asia Pacific and Africa at the Indonesian foreign ministry, said in a statement on Thursday (14/07). "The active participation and intensive lobbying by the Indonesian delegation, which also included representatives from five provinces, Maluku, North Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara, Papua and West Papua, has convinced MSG leaders not to accept the ULMWP's membership application."

The five Indonesian provinces are considered as Indonesia's Melanesian representatives in the MSG.
The ULMWP was granted observer status last year, following the collection of more than 150,000 signatures from West Papuans requesting full membership status in the intergovernmental organization, composed of the four Melanesian states of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia.
Indonesia, which became an associate member of the MSG at last year's summit in Honiara and who is currently mulling full membership status, maintains that the ULMWP does not represent the people of West Papua.
The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu recently stated their support for full membership status for the ULMWP, while Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia remained undecided.
"There was no refusal. This is only a delay," ULMWP leader Markus Haluk said in response to Thursday's decision.
"The reason for the postponement is the definition for new membership has yet to be properly arranged to ensure the acceptance of the ULMWP application," Markus told the Jakarta Globe on Friday. "Our application is delayed until the next special summit."
The summit, scheduled to take place in Port Vila, Vanuatu, in September, is expected to further discuss and settle the guidelines for MSG membership.
Protests
The MSG's decision not to upgrade the ULMWP's status has sparked a rally in some parts of Indonesia, such as in Yogyakarta.
Dozens of Papuan student held a rally at their dormitory despite not having a permit from the local police. The students are also trying to establish a ULMWP representative office in the city, which was rejected by security officials.
The rally ended with a clash between the Papuan students and police, resulting in Jalan Kusumanegara being closed to traffic for several hours. The situation was brought under control after four hours, when the road was reopened.
Papuan students in Makassar, South Sulawesi, also held a rally on Friday demanding that the MSG grants permanent membership to the ULMWP as a member state.

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/15/msg-rejects-separatist-bid.html

2) MSG rejects separatist bid

MSG rejects separatist bid Tama Salim The Jakarta Post

Jakarta | Fri, July 15 2016 | 09:23 am

Indonesia’s culture-based forays into the South Pacific and measured determination to extinguish the simmering heat of Papuan separatism has seemingly paid off.

After years of building rapport, intensive lobbying and projecting itself as the benevolent giant in the region, Jakarta was afforded an opportunity to make its case for the inclusive development of its easternmost provinces and dispel any separatist sentiment.

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), an important subregional grouping of Pacific island countries, has denied full membership to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).

“There is no place for the ULMWP in the future of the MSG,” said Desra Percaya, the Foreign Ministry’s director general of Asia-Pacific and African affairs, at the conclusion of the MSG Extraordinary Summit convened in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Thursday.

The MSG has agreed to hold further discussions at the extraordinary summit on MSG membership guidelines, which are expected to reach a conclusion in September at the next MSG conference in Port Vila, Vanuatu, he said.

On the other side of the fence, members of the ULMWP are living on a prayer and insisting the MSG board has only deferred their bid for full membership, Australian broadcaster SBS reported.

Desra insisted that the active participation of the Indonesian delegation, including representatives from five of the country’s Melanesian-rooted provinces (Maluku, North Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara, Papua and West Papua), had successfully swayed the opinions of MSG leaders in Honiara to reject the ULMWP’s bid for international recognition and support.

Representation by Melanesians in Indonesia is an important aspect in forging ties with Pacific island countries, especially as the MSG has been used as a platform for Papuan separatist movements for decades.

The MSG comprises Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia. Indonesia obtained associate member status during the last MSG conference, which was held in the Solomon Islands in 2015.

The ULMWP, which campaigns for Papuan independence, currently sits in the MSG as an observer.

Separately, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan also confirmed the MSG’s decision, saying that it was proof that Indonesia was able to convince the forum not to support any bid from separatist groups.

“Now Indonesia’s position in the MSG is extremely favorable,” Luhut told reporters outside his office in Jakarta.

With the ULMWP out of the picture, he said that the door was open for the country to apply for full membership of the MSG very soon, pending the return of the Indonesian delegation from the Solomon Islands.

“I can say this is the result of extraordinary teamwork done holistically,” the former Army general said.

Luhut previously said that as a large country with significant influence in the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia would reap more benefits if it became a full member of the MSG.

Indonesia’s interests are underpinned by the demographic and geographic reality that 11 million people of Melanesian ancestry live in five of the archipelagic country’s eastern provinces.

As a group aiming to achieve cultural solidarity and become a mouthpiece for the Melanesian people, Indonesia’s inclusion in the MSG is a government priority, as Jakarta looks to strengthen its cultural ties and ensure peace and stability in the region.

“Indonesia is now positively considering a bid to become a full member of the organization,” Desra said.

Earlier in April, Luhut visited a number of MSG member states to secure their support for Indonesia’s bid to fully join the MSG should the opportunity arise in the future.

So far, Fiji has announced its support, while Papua New Guinea would assess Indonesia’s opportunity at the 21st MSG conference next year, which will be hosted by Port Moresby.

On the other hand, Vanuatu is hostile toward Indonesia’s membership in the MSG and openly supports the separatist ULMWP.

As the delegation leader for Indonesia, Desra underscored Indonesia’s commitment to push the MSG to become a progressive organization through concrete development cooperation and constructive dialogue.

He also submitted a formal invitation from the government to have MSG member states attend the upcoming Bali Democracy Forum later this year.
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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/15/papua-s-local-leaders-slam-dprp-selection-process.html

3) Papua’s local leaders slam DPRP selection process

Nether Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post

Jayapura | Fri, July 15 2016 | 09:16 am

Local leaders have decried the results of selection for the Papuan People’s Representatives’ Council (DPRP), claiming the process was manipulated.

Lembah Baliem, Wamena and Jayawijaya tribal chief Sadek Asso and Pegunungan Tengah Muslim Communication Forum head Ismail Asso on Thursday demanded the Home Ministry refuse to approve 14 newly selected DPRP members representing customary regions, pointing to strong indications of foul play.

“Some of the figures announced by the selection committee were not even registered. How did the committee come up with the names? For example, one person was claimed to represent the customary region of La Pago, but he was never registered in the area. This deception contravenes the rights of the people of La Pago,” Sadek told the media in Jayapura on Thursday.

He said he would not only voice protests in the media, but would take legal action. “We will report the alleged fraud to the Papua Police so they can conduct an inquiry and investigation,” he said.

The DPRP is a form of legislative institution, particular to Papua, that consists of representatives of political parties and customary regions, as regulated by the 2011 Law on Papua’s special autonomy.

The Papua DPRP currently has 56 members; the additional 14 members are required to complete the selection process in the council. The local administration has tasked a selection committee to organize the selection, involving all customary regions in Papua.

Once all DPRP members are selected, the region will hold a selection process for another legislative council, the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP), as mandated by the law.

Ismail said some the names announced by the selection committee were already disqualified.

“The most striking irregularity is that the 14 names in question have been stated as being disqualified by the selection committee in the regions. Furthermore, one name was passed although the person has not resided in Papua for the last 10 years,” he noted.

Papuan Bylaw No. 6/2014 stipulates that appointed DPRP members must be native Papuans and Indonesian citizens who have been residing in Papua for at least 10 years consecutively.

“Some of the names announced have not resided in Papua for 10 years consecutively,” Ismail claimed.

Papua provincial first assistant secretary Doren Wakerkwa also firmly denounced the figures announced by the selection committee.

“The names announced have not properly accommodated the indigenous regions, so a reselection must be carried out. The Papua provincial administration has received many reports regarding the recruitment conducted by the selection committee, rife with allegations of fraud,” he said.

Earlier, the DPRP member selection committee announced 42 names of candidates selected from five customary regions.

Of the 42 names, 14 were selected as definitive DPRP members.

Three of the 14 were from the customary region of Me Pago, four were from La Pago, three from Saireri and two from both of Ha Anim and Mamta.

The MRP has yet to initiate the selection of new MRP members given 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.

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1) Police arrest seven Papuan students, prevent demo

July 16, 2016, 1:06 am

≫ Next: 1) Papua`s biodiversity going international

≪ Previous: 1) MSG Turns Down Papua Separatist Group’s Request for Full Membership

2) Indonesia Moves To Isolate West Papua From MSG

3) ULFWP denied full MSG Membership

4) MSG founding father urges MSG to include West Papua

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/15/police-arrest-seven-papuan-students-prevent-demo.html

1) Police arrest seven Papuan students, prevent demo

Yogyakarta | Fri, July 15 2016 | 09:52 pm

Bambang Muryanto The Jakarta Post

A Papuan student is arrested by police after attempting to enter a dormitory on Jl. Kusumanegara in Yogyakarta on Friday. (JP/Bambang Muryanto)

Police officers surrounded Papuan students in their dormitory in Yogyakarta to prevent them from attending an event organized by the People’s Union for West Papua Freedom (PRPPB).

Police officers secured the dormitory on Jl. Kusumanegara on Friday from morning to evening and arrested seven of the students.

The PRPPB event was in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s (ULMWP) bid to become a full member of the Melanesia Spearhead Group (MSG).

PRPPB spokesman Roy Karoba told The Jakarta Post that hundreds of students, who were kept in the dormitory since early Friday, had not eaten and an Indonesian Red Cross ambulance conveying food was prevented from entering the dormitory. “The ambulance was not allowed to enter [the dormitory]. It left after discussions with police officers,” Roy said.

Initially, the students sought to organize a meeting at Titik Nol (Zero Point) in the center of Yogyakarta City, but the police did not permit them to carry out their plans. They then decided to organize free speech events in the dormitory.

The police arrested at least seven students, seized a Morning Star Flag and a motorcycle. Police also fired warning shots during a clash between officers and students. Four of the students were arrested when they bought food at Giwangan market.

Tension at the dormitory increased when opposing activists from the Pancasila Youth (PP), the Communication Forum of Indonesian Veterans' Children (FKPPI) and a mass organization of Paksi Katon arrived at the location to support the police.

Yogyakarta Police’s intelligence department head Comr. Wahyu Dwi Nugroho confirmed that the police did not permit the event at Zero Point. “It is for the sake of security,” he said, declining to comment further.

Emanuel Gobay of the Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institution (LBH Yogyakarta) criticized the police for preventing the students from carrying out their demonstration, saying that it violated human rights principles. (bbn)

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https://pasifik.news/indonesia-moves-to-isolate-west-papua-from-msg/

2) Indonesia Moves To Isolate West Papua From MSG

By Adam Boland -

July 16, 2016

Indonesia is confident the West Papua independence movement will never be granted full membership to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)

Melanesian leaders debated the issue on Thursday in Honiara but delayed making a decision until September so that more clarity could be provided about membership criteria.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai says he “gravely regretted” the deferral and has vowed to keep fighting for the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP).

But Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Desra Percaya believes the MSG will never give full membership to a “separatist movement”.

“The active participation and intensive lobbying by the Indonesian delegation, which also included representatives from five provinces, Maluku, North Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara, Papua and West Papua, has convinced MSG leaders not to accept the ULMWP’s membership application,” he says.

That “intensive lobbying” from Jakarta means Papua New Guinea and Fiji are likely to maintain their opposition to the ULMWP’s bid. Both countries say they respect the sovereignty of Indonesia.

Economic incentive

Mr Percaya says the Melanesian region stands to benefit economically from closer ties to Indonesia.

“The combined GDP of Southeast Asian countries is US$2.6 trillion with a population of approximately 622 million people,” he says. “Almost a quarter billion of this population live in Indonesia, including the 11-million strong Melanesian population.”

The ULMWP says it remains committed to securing full membership of the MSG and doesn’t believe the deferral means Indonesia has got its way.

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http://dailypost.vu/news/ulfwp-denied-full-msg-membership/article_2fc765a4-ddfe-5bf8-b029-45ca7a9354b5.html

Vanuatu Daily Post

3) ULFWP denied full MSG Membership

Posted: Saturday, July 16, 2016 8:00 am

Compiled by Godwin Ligo | 0 comments

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) was not admitted as full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) during the MSG Leaders’ Summit in Honiara Thursday this week.

The issue has been deferred by the MSG leaders to later this year.

This comes as great disappointment given expectations from throughout Melanesia including Vanuatu that ULMWP would be accepted as a full MSG member.

In a media statement released by the Vanuatu Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, it stated that the people of Vanuatu through their Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, lived up to the challenge as a leader of Melanesia for the fight to get the ULMWP in as

a full member of the MSG given the precedent of decisions by consensus, and not, by votes.

Vanuatu had conceded although it was clear that 3 of the 5 MSG leaders present had wanted the admission of ULMWP as a full member.

In the foregoing the fight is not over, Vanuatu is offering to host another round of dialogue in Port Vila before the end of September 2016 to deliberate on this matter.

The Government of the Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and the people of Vanuatu are adamant that Vanuatu can set itself up to meet another bout to discuss the inclusion of the ULMWP as a full member of the MSG.

Salwai took part in the special MSG Leaders’ Summit to defend the Council of Ministers Decision to endorse the application of Melanesian people of West Papua during the Honiara MSG Summit this week.

Following the decision of the Vanuatu Council of Ministers, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare who is currently the Chairman of the MSG and Spokesperson of the FLNKS of New Caledonia, Victor Tutugoro indicated to support the decision of the Vanuatu Government.

It is not the first time that Vanuatu has pushed for Melanesian People to become member of the MSG.

During MSG Kanaky Leaders summit, Vanuatu took the lead to make West Papua become MSG full member but was further delayed due to differences with political grouping in West Papua. This led to Vanuatu hosting a conference in Port Vila where all leaders of different groupings in West Papua were present in Port Vila that led to the official establishment of the ULMWP agreement.

The date for another round of talks by the MSG Leaders on the issue of admission into the MSG put forward by Vanuatu, before the end of September this year, is yet to be announced.

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http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/11077-msg-founding-father-urges-msg-to-include-west-papua

Solomon Star

4) MSG founding father urges MSG to include West Papua

Published: 16 July 2016

“Decolonisation and independence of Melanesian countries close to my heart”

The following is what one of the founding fathers of the Melanesian Spear Head Group Sir Michael Somare of Papua New Guinea, said in relation to the West Papua issue as leaders meet in Honiara.

“Decolonisation and independence of Melanesian countries are processes of liberation close to my heart.

The Noumea Accord, for instance, symbolizes the pursuit of self-reliance and autonomy synonymous with the rights and freedoms available to all peoples of this century.

In practice the Accord provides for technical assistance, training programmes for the Kanaky people still residing under French sovereign rule.

Such arrangements already provide a legal and practical framework for the indigenous people of New Caledonia to fully exercise their right to self –determination, even as they long for independence.

Our decisions made at the MSG Leaders’ Summit over these next two days will embed values in future generations of Melanesian people who will regard our solidarity with admiration if we make the right decisions regarding decolonization and self-determination.

From today we will tell our own story, the story of our constitutional and universal right to exercise the freedoms given to us at independence in each of our countries. Today we can, by consensus, trigger the process for greater self-determination to be enjoyed by West Papuans.

As a Founding Father, I am encouraged by the progress made already on the key issue of West Papua's full membership to the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

I am inspired that the MSG senior officials, Ministers and Leaders will have maintained consensus despite some complex and sensitive diplomatic, economic, social, and political issues. Genuine and inclusive consultation amongst all MSG member states and one territory in considering the future path to decolonization and self-determination for West Papua is critical now more than ever before.

We can strengthen the Melanesian Spearhead Group and our region, which includes West Papua, by ensuring that Melanesian leaders in Honiara approve the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s application for full membership to the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

We are one people spread over many continents and oceans, separated by the sea and mountain ranges in diverse sovereign jurisdictions. Our ancestors roamed freely over our shared land and sea for centuries prior to colonial and Christian interventions. We must hold onto that spirit of a vast community that underpins our modern efforts within diplomacy and international cooperation and dialogue.

All MSG member states and one territory have experienced some level of political upheaval and civil conflict requiring decisive political and economic reform and declarations for peaceful transitions to occur. The export of mineral resources and agricultural commodities remains a key source of revenue for all states and one territory at the MSG. So it is essential that we endeavor to sustain political stability in order to buttress economic and environmental sustainability for the good of all Melanesian people. But our sub-region can only prosper when all political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental issues are considered in the same light according to the needs of all of our people.

Our growth potential relies on our diplomatic and official relationships, our ties and our linkages to the rest of the world. But as a group of ethnically linked people we have always relied on talking, exchange and cultural participation. We are Melanesians after all. That is what makes us distinct. We bring those distinct features to every forum but this week at the Melanesian Spearhead Group Special Leaders’ Summit we have a unique opportunity yet again to decide on our own future with integrity as self-governing and independent members of a powerful sub-regional bloc.

More than ever that sub-region needs to include West Papua as an integral part and, as an equally participating member.

The MSG meeting ended yesterday with a deferment of the application by ULMWP to become a full member.

The application will be deliberated on later in September in Vanuatu.

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1) Papua`s biodiversity going international

July 17, 2016, 1:37 am

≫ Next: ULMWP accepts MSG decision and calls for greater support of West Papua

≪ Previous: 1) Police arrest seven Papuan students, prevent demo

2) Yogya police detain local residents, Red Cross workers helping besieged Papua students

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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/105721/papuas-biodiversity-going-international

1) Papua`s biodiversity going international

Minggu, 17 Juli 2016 07:30 WIB | 387 Views

Pewarta: Otniel Tamindael

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The International Conference of Biodiversity in Jayapura, Papua, in September 2016 will highlight the existence of a large number of animals and plants which make up a balanced environment in the land of Papua.

Papua and West Papua are known to have abundant biodiversity which include a lot of medicinal plants that can be developed for the local peoples welfare.

The effectiveness of the medicinal plants are known for thousands of years to the Dani tribe in the Baliem Valley in Jayawijaya district, and the people of Afrak Mountain district in West Papua.

Situated in the south of the West Papua provincial city of Manokwari, the Arfak Mountain District, which gained self-autonomy from Manokwari District in 2012, has an abundance of medicinal plants whose leaves can be used to treat numerous ailments.

The Baliem Valley, located at an altitude of 1.900 meters above sea level, has medicinal plants which have proved effective to cure various kinds of diseases.

A lot of plants in the mountains of Jayawijaya district have medicinal properties and if developed properly could step up the local peoples health and welfare.

Hence, the International Conference on Biodiversity this time in Papua will more specifically discuss ecotourism and creative economy that can be undertaken by the people of Indonesia, especially in Papua.

The Papua provincial government continues to finalize the preparation for the International Conference on Biodiversity, organizing committee chairman Noak Kapisa, concurrently the head of Papua Environmental Management Agency, has stated in Jayapura.

Invitations have been prepared for presenters and stakeholders, among whom are local and foreign participants from the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia for participation in the conference.

Scientists and researchers who had studied biodiversity or culture in Papua are among some 750 foreigners and Indonesians who will participate in the conference.

Exhibitions displaying the unique biological diversity and culture of Papua will also be held coinciding with the International Conference on Biodiversity that will take place in Jayapura from September 7 to 10, 2016.

The International Conference on Biodiversity organized during the tenure of Governor Barnabas Suebu was related to general matters, but this conference will focus more on ecotourism and creative economy, according to Kapisa.

"So, the bottom line of this conference is to drive the creative economy in Papua that has to do with ecotourism and biodiversity," Kapisa remarked.

There are four basic issues, including scientific seminars and exhibitions that will be discussed in the conference, which is aimed at evaluating the potential of biodiversity and ecotourism in Papua.

"In addition, the conference is also aimed at promoting ecosystem services and culture as assets of ecotourism, as well as driving the creative economy based upon biodiversity and ecotourism to support the welfare of the indigenous people of Papua," he reiterated.

Through the conference Papua will display its advances in promoting a sustainable economy, according to him.

"The potential of biodiversity and ecosystem services in Papua is the basis for the development of increased prosperity for Papua natives," he emphasized.

Papuas potential biodiversity needs to be assessed, managed and packaged in order to be promoted through creative economic development and ecotourism to maintain the dignity and quality of life for the local people, he added.

Many of the medicinal plants are endemic and grow only in the Jayawijaya and Arfak mountain regions.

Among the medicinal plants growing in the regions are Rhododendron Macgregoriae which is effective in fighting bacteria, Myrmecodia Aureospinosa that can cure cancer and other diseases, and Pandanus Conoideus which is popularly known as Red Fruit.

The Red Fruit grows well in all Papua regions, especially in the Jayawijaya mountain area of Wamena and Tolikara, Jayapura, Manokwari, and Nabire, in addition to Timika, and Ayamaru in Sorong.

The red fruit is traditionally prepared by splitting it, wrapping it in leaves, and then cooking it in an earthen oven to produce juice, which is used as skin and eye medicine, and for worm treatment.

Based on the analysis conducted by Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), Red Fruit actually contains high degrees of carotenoids and tocopherol, which is rich in Vitamin E supplements.

There are over 600 known carotenoids divided into two classes, xanthophyll which contains oxygen, and carotenes which are purely hydrocarbons and contain no oxygen.

People consuming diets rich in Carotenoids from natural foods such as fruits and vegetables are healthier and have lower mortality from a number of chronic illnesses.

The total amount of Carotenoids in a fresh Red Fruit is 34,000 ppm, and in its Red Fruit extract it is 8,600 ppm. The total amount of Tocopherol in a fresh Red Fruit is 133,000 ppm, while in its Red Fruit extract it is 17,000 ppm.

Beside Carotenoids and Tocopherol, Red Fruit extract also contains overfull fatty acids, such as Lauric, Palmitate, Stearate Acids, and non-full fatty acids, such as Palmitoleat, Oleat, Linoleate Acids, Omega-3, etc.

From the high compound ingredients of antioxidants as well as fatty acids within the Red Fruit, it was rationally understood that its extract is used as an alternative food supplement to enhance physical endurance.

The endurance is caused by the chemical ingredients from the oil of the Red Fruit such as Beta-carotene, Tocopherol, an active compound of fully fatty acids and non-fatty acids.

The antioxidants contained in the Red Fruit extract will neutralize the free radicals which is believed to cause diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancer, leukemia, HIV-AIDS, etc.

Red Fruit is also useful for healthy people to help step up their stamina and body endurance.

Besides containing antioxidants and antiviral compounds in high doses, Red Fruit also contains fairly complete essential vitamins and minerals.

Red Fruit is known as the traditional medicine of Papua, which has been empirically proven as an alternative medicine to cure diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, tumors and hypertension.

Besides Red Fruit, Papua is also rich in "ant nest" medicine that has been used by the public for several years in Asia and Europe.

Since early 2005, ant nest from Papua has been introduced to the public and to date a lot of people are still busily discussing its effectiveness to cure various diseases ranging from the mild ones such as headaches, rheumatism, nosebleeds, and ulcers, apart from gout and hemorrhoids, to severe diseases such as tumors, cancer, liver, and lung tuberculosis, in addition to kidney disorders, prostate, and coronary heart disease.

In addition, these anthill plants can enhance and accelerate the production of breast milk and restore the health of women after childbirth, increase stamina and be used as an aphrodisiac (increases sexual desire). Some even say that the content of flavonoids may control the development of herpes and HIV-AIDS.(*)

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2) Yogya police detain local residents, Red Cross workers helping besieged Papua students

Tempo.co - July 16, 2016

Shinta Maharani, Yogyakarta -- Students and activists at the Papuan student dormitory in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta have been besieged by hundreds of security personnel from the Yogyakarta regional police and the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) paramilitary police.

They have had to endure hunger and thirst because they have been unable to leave the Kamasan I dormitory on Jl. Kusumanegara since the morning of Friday July 15.

People's Union for West Papua Freedom (PRPPB) spokesperson Roy Karoba said that the residence of the Miliran kampung (urban village) living in the vicinity of the Papuan dormitory and volunteers from the Yogyakarta City Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) who tried to bring food into the dormitory were detained by police.

"There were local residents in solidarity [with the Papuans] who brought food. But it was confiscated by police", said Roy on Friday evening.

The PMI volunteers had wanted to distribute food that had been brought by pro-democracy activists. But they were detained and were unable to enter the dormitory.

Yogyakarta PMI chairperson Herry Zudianto, who said that the distribution of logistical aid to the Papua Dormitory was carried out by the PMI Yogyakarta, did not know exactly what had happened to the aid. Another Yogyakarta PMI official said that they had heard that the PMI driver was not given permission by police to bring in the logistics over concerns that they would be taken hostage.

Police also used tear gas on three separate occasions. When Tempo sought confirmation on the reasons for this, the police denied that tear gas had been used. "There was no tear gas", Yogyakarta municipal police operational section chief superintendent Sigit Haryadi replied briefly when contacted.

At around 9.30pm, Miliran residents and pro-democracy activists again attempted to enter the Papuan dormitory and succeeded in bringing in some food. Some of the Brimob officer left the dormitory just before midnight.

Plans for a peaceful action by Papuan students and pro-democracy activists supporting the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) on Friday afternoon were unsuccessful. The action was forcibly broken up by hundreds of officers from the Yogyakarta regional police and Brimob along with other mass organisations.

The mass organisations arrived at the Papua student dormitory in the morning and stayed until late afternoon. The groups, which included the Communication Forum of Indonesian Veterans' Children (FKPPI), the Pancasila Youth (PP), the Paksi Katon [which sees itself as a guardian of Javanese culture and the Yogyakarta sultanate -- JB] and the Yogyakarta Militia (Laskar Jogja) forcibly broke up the planned action. They also brought weapons such as bamboo sticks and clubs.

They also shouted and screamed at Papuans who exited the dormitory using obscene words and the names of animals [dogs, monkeys and pigs according to reports -- JB]. Some also hurled stones into the dormitory grounds.

A member of the Umbulharjo sub-district FKPPI, Elly Kinadi, who came to the dormitory said that they rejected the planned action by the activists and Papuan students accusing them of being part of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). At least 35 members of the FKPPI arrived at the Papuan dormitory. "We along with the Pancasila Youth, Paksi Katon and Laskar Jogja reject [the action", said Kinadi.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the report was "Mahasiswa Papua Dikepung, Warga Kampung Yogya Kirim Makanan".]

Source: https://m.tempo.co/read/news/2016/07/16/078788008/mahasiswa-papua-dikepung-warga-kampung-yogya-kirim-makanan

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↧

ULMWP accepts MSG decision and calls for greater support of West Papua

July 17, 2016, 2:17 pm

≫ Next: Give Papua more freedom

≪ Previous: 1) Papua`s biodiversity going international

http://www.looppng.com/content/ulmwp-accepts-msg-decision-and-calls-greater-support-west-papua

ULMWP accepts MSG decision and calls for greater support of West Papua

BY: Anonymous 16:00 July 17 2016

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) remains positive despite the Melanesian Spearhead Group’s (MSG) decision to defer its application for full membership.

ULMWP spokesperson, Benny Wenda, said this could be seen as a delay tactic but ULMWP acknowledges the technical issues highlighted by the leaders and senior officials of the MSG.

The MSG special leaders’ summit on July 14, in the Solomon Islands, had agreed to defer the consideration of the application for full membership by ULMWP until membership criteria and guidelines are further developed.

“We want to thank our Melanesian leaders and the chair and Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands for discussing and facilitating our application for full membership. Though disappointed, we remain optimistic to see our application further discussed in September in Port Vila, Vanuatu,” said Wenda.

“We call on our West Papuan people, our Melanesian and Pacific families, and global supporters to view the current decision of our leaders not as defeat but as progress to improving processes within the MSG.”

Wenda thanked the people of West Papua and the Pacific for the tremendous support, stressing the need for more support within Melanesia and the Pacific as MSG works towards September’s special leaders’ summit in Vanuatu.

“We the ULMWP would not come this far if it wasn’t for the grassroots and Pacific leadership support and we call for more support as we work towards establishing a political voice for our people of West Papua.”

ULMWP secretary general, Octovianus Mote, added that West Papuans are Melanesians and our issues of human rights abuse and self-determination must be rightfully addressed in the Pacific and not on Indonesia’s terms.

(Solomon Islands solidarity for West Papua marching the streets of Honiara during the MSG meet last week.)

↧

Give Papua more freedom

July 18, 2016, 4:26 am

≫ Next: 1) Local WP activists: We will not back down

≪ Previous: ULMWP accepts MSG decision and calls for greater support of West Papua

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/18/give-papua-more-freedom.html

Give Papua more freedom

Mon, July 18 2016 | 07:09 am

Indonesia could claim a diplomatic victory over those who have for decades been offering international support for Papuan independence after the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) denied full membership to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) last week. But that would not change anything in Papua, where discontent and distrust toward Jakarta is still rife.

Sadly, heavy-handed approaches, which have proven to be ineffective and obsolete, have remained the only option available to deal with the dissatisfaction and grievances of Papuan people, as seen in the arrest of dozens of people in Papua and Yogyakarta for throwing their weight behind ULMWP over the past week.

Worse still, in the case of the Yogyakarta incident, local community groups have been involved in suppressing the right of Papuans to voice their thoughts, not to mention the dissemination of old pictures on social media to mislead the public about what really happened. The anger of Yogyakartans about Papuan “troublemakers” is reminiscent of the role of hard-line groups in the dispersal of academic forums discussing the 1965 tragedy held in the city over the last few years, as well as in the restriction of freedom of expression throughout the country.

There are indeed sporadic armed attacks launched by the Free Papua Organization (OPM), which the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police have cracked down on, because they pose a clear danger to other people and public security.

The Papuan protesters and students are merely expressing their dissatisfaction with the impoverishment they have been enduring in their resource-rich land. So it should come as no surprise if they aspire for an independent state because they have lost trust in the government.

Such demands were once expressed in other mineral and oil-producing regions like Riau, and even in Yogyakarta when its people defended the city’s monarchy. But rather than making arrests or clamping down on their aspirations, the central government opted for dialogue to reach a settlement.

There has been no action taken against groups and their members for having openly expressed their aspirations for an Islamic state in the country either.

The fact that Papuan people have to risk arrest and jail sentences on treason charges to simply exercise their freedom of expression will only exacerbate their feelings of being discriminated against and further fortify their struggle to part with Indonesia.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has realized his promise to visit Papua more frequently than his predecessors and ordered the acceleration of development in the easternmost territory, especially the construction of roads that will bring many regions out of isolation.

But the initiatives will not help Jakarta win the hearts and minds of Papuans unless the security approach stops. Papuans do not need special autonomy status that only triggers large-scale corruption in the first place, but fulfillment of their rights as Indonesian citizens.

Our Constitution guarantees them this.

↧

1) Local WP activists: We will not back down

July 18, 2016, 1:51 pm

≫ Next: 1) Key talks West Papua and death penalty with Joko Widodo

≪ Previous: Give Papua more freedom

2) PNG SEEKS GUIDELINES ON WEST PAPUAN MSG BID

3) West Papuans remain upbeat on MSG bid

4) West Papua: New Zealand PM to Discuss Indonesia’s Human Rights Violations in Jakarta

5) Indonesia, NZ target US$4 billion trade by 2024

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http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/11127-local-wp-activists-we-will-not-back-down
1) Local WP activists: We will not back down
Published: 18 July 2016
LOCAL WEST PAPUA ACTIVISTS AND SUPPORTERS IN A RALLY
LAST WEEK IN SUPPORT OF WEST PAPUA'S APPLICATION TO BE A MEMBER OF THE MSG.

LOCAL West Papua activists in the country said they will not back down in their move to see West Papua included in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
The group made the stand after the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) deferred the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s (ULMWP) application for full membership in their recent meeting in Honiara, last week.

They said, they shared similar thoughts raised by the spokesperson of the ULMWP Benny Wenda, that this could be seen as a delayed tactic.

“We will not back down.

“We will continue to fight for our Melanesian brothers and sisters until they are members of the MSG,” the group told the Solomon Star, after the outcome of the MSG’s decision last week.

Last week, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Special Leaders Summit agreed to defer the consideration of the application for full membership by the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP).

It was reported that the delay was agreed to until membership criteria and guidelines are further developed by the Sub-Committee on Legal and Institutional Issues (SCLII), considering fundamental principles, political aspirations, and principles of international law and to be completed end of September 2016.

Leaders did not reach consensus and directed the SCLII to undertake further review on:

(i) the revised application Procedures, Criteria, and Participatory Rights and Obligations of an Observer and an Associate Member to the MSG.

(ii) the new membership guidelines for full membership to the MSG.

However, the membership application will now be considered at a special MSG meeting to be held in Vanuatu in September.

A peaceful rally staged in Honiara last week also attracted up to 3,000 people.

By RONALD TOITO’ONA

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2) PNG SEEKS GUIDELINES ON WEST PAPUAN MSG BID

From Dateline Pacific, Tuesday 19 July 2016
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Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister says it's important that the Melanesian Spearhead Group sort out its guidelines around membership after MSG leaders last week deferred a decision on a full membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.

TRANSCRIPT

Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato says it's important that the Melanesian Spearhead Group sort out its guidelines around membership.

In Honiara last week, MSG leaders deferred a decision on a full membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, citing a need to establish guidelines for membership.

Vanuatu's government has expressed disappointment at the outcome amid increasing signs that along with Solomon Islands and New Caledonia's FLNKS Kanaks movement, it is at odds with the other full MSG members PNG and Fiji.

Mr Pato spoke to Johnny Blades who asked if it was true that Fiji threatened to leave the MSG along with associate member Indonesia if the West Papuans were granted full membership.

RIMBINK PATO: Well I think Fiji can speak for itself. But I think Fiji and PNG are in agreement that there must be a definitive statement as to the characteristics which will enable full membership of future or present applicants for full membership in the MSG group. As if the case with PIF (Pacific Islands Forum) for example, where there was an application from French Polynesia and the issue of what are those characteristics that should enable someone's membership that is under consideration. So our position is that we should maintain some consistency. Unless those issues are determined, any applications before that without a definitive statement as to those things which enable one to acquire full membership, until then unless those things are finalised, any application therefore would be incompetent.

JOHNNY BLADES: So this was the case with the FLNKS, that's the criteria that they met when they joined?

RP: No. FLNKS, they were in there right from the beginning. They have come a long way and they have taken a completely different route in terms of the issues that require their inclusion and consideration for full membership; and their agendas for example of going through the process recognised by international law, the issue of decolonisation. Look, we are concerned for example with the issue of alleged human rights (abuses) in Indonesia's provinces of West Papua and Papua. But that being said, that issue must be separate from the issue of self-determination. PNG's position, and I think it's also the position of Fiji, is that West Papua remains an integral part of the republic of Indonesia.

JB: But can't you have them in the group and it doesn't have to be about supporting independence. I mean (PNG prime minister) Peter O'Neill said it last year that it was time for the West Papuans to be at the table because...

RP: Well, they are West Papuans at the table. So are the Indonesians. They're all at the table. One is associate member and the other one is observer. But again, this requires a definition as to what one must meet to be a member. That's under review at the moment. Our technical officials are still working on it. And for example, the draft that they came up (with) had flaws in it. For example, they said how you acquire membership, and in paragraph one they're talking about states acquiring membership and what you need to do, and then further down, there were so many inconsistencies, you know what I mean. It was done in the night and brought in the morning, so all these things need to be polished up.

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/308931/west-papuans-remain-upbeat-on-msg-bid

3) West Papuans remain upbeat on MSG bid

5:53 am today

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua accepts the decision by leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group to defer its bid for full membership.

At their summit in Honiara last week, MSG leaders said the group’s secretariat needed to establish guidelines for membership and signalled that a decision should be reached on the bid by September.

The Liberation Movement's spokesperson, Benny Wenda, said this could be seen as a delay tactic but his organisation acknowledged the technical issues highlighted by the MSG leaders and senior officials.

The issue of West Papua membership is increasingly divisive for the MSG's five full members.

Since the Liberation Movement was last year granted observer status, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and new Caledonia's FLNKS Kanaks movement have pushed for the West Papuans to get full membership.

However, Fiji and Papua New Guinea have resisted the push, amid strong lobbying by MSG associate member Indonesia which is opposed to the Liberation Movement.

Vanuatu's government has expressed disappointment at the outcome of last week's summit.

However the Liberation movement is remaining upbeat, describing the MSG's decision as progress to improving processes within the MSG.

It said there would be further discussion at the MSG meeting scheduled for Vanuatu's capital in September.

"We want to thank our Melanesian leaders and the chair and Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands for discussing and facilitating our application for full membership. Though disappointed, we remain optimistic to see our application further discussed in September in Port Vila, Vanuatu," said Mr Wenda.

"We the ULMWP would not come this far if it wasn't for the grassroots and Pacific leadership support and we call for more support as we work towards establishing a political voice for our people of West Papua."

ULMWP Secretary General, Octovianus Mote added that West Papuans are Melanesians and our issues of human rights abuse and self-determination must be rightfully addressed in the Pacific and not on Indonesia's terms.

MSG membership guidelines had "flaws", said PNG

Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato said it was important that the Melanesian Spearhead Group sort out its guidelines around membership.

Mr Pato said the onus was on officials within the MSG secretariat to outline consistent guidelines around membership.

"This requires a definition as to what one must meet to be a member. That's under review at the moment. Our technical officials are still working on it. And for example, the draft that they came up with had flaws in it. There were so many inconsistencies, so all these things need to be polished up.”

————————————————————————

http://unpo.org/article/19322

July 18, 2016

4) West Papua: New Zealand PM to Discuss Indonesia’s Human Rights Violations in Jakarta

A meeting between New Zealand PM John Key and the Indonesian President Joko Widodo is scheduled to take place on 18 July 2016. According to Mr Key, he will not shy away from discussing Indonesian human rights issue with Mr Widodo, including the need to abolish the death penalty. In a press release, New Zealand’s Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty has reinforced that the deteriorating human rights situation in West Papua must be at the top of the talk’s agenda.

Here is an article published by: Scoop

John Key’s talks with President Joko Widodo in Indonesia later today need to include a discussion of the deteriorating human rights situation in West Papua, the Green Party said today.

The Prime Minister will be speaking with President Widodo as part of his trade and economic mission to Indonesia, but so far he has refused to confirm whether he will raise the widespread reports of mass arrests, torture and state-sanctioned killings in West Papua.

“Today is John Key’s chance to do the right thing and speak up for the West Papuan people whose legitimate concerns are not being heard,” said Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty.

“It is positive news that the Prime Minister will be raising the use of the death penalty in Indonesia during his visit, but he needs to take the logical next step and talk about the thousands of peaceful protestors who have been arrested in West Papua over the last few weeks.

“John Key needs to act on the human rights principles that New Zealand stands for, and urge President Widodo to stop military and police abuses in West Papua,” said Ms Delahunty.

Here is an article published by: Stuff

New Zealand has been urged to become a leader in encouraging Asia-Pacific countries to abolish the death penalty, as Prime Minister John Key prepares to raise concerns during a meeting with the country's president about Indonesia's executions.

As many as 16 prisoners could soon face Indonesia's firing squad, after a round of executions was suspended until after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Government has been outspoken in the past about the need to abolish the death penalty, with Foreign Minister Murray McCully in 2015 saying New Zealand was "dismayed" by Indonesia's decision to execute two Australian drug smugglers, members of the infamous Bali Nine.

Speaking shortly after his arrival in Jakarta, Key confirmed New Zealand's "deep opposition to the death penalty" was among a range of human rights issues he intended to discuss with Widodo.

"Their longstanding position primarily around the death penalty has been in relation to drugs, and he's really trying to wage a war against drugs which he sees as the cause of a huge amount of pain, and in fact both crime and death in his own population from people using drugs…

"We say to all of these countries, while we absolutely have sympathy for what they're dealing with, and while those that commit crimes should be held to account, there's better ways of doing it than the death penalty."

Amnesty International New Zealand campaigns director Meg de Ronde said Indonesia was part of "a hardened handful" of countries who still had the death penalty, down from over 100 countries three decades ago.

Executions were relatively popular within Indonesia, de Ronde said, and Widodo had executed drug traffickers in an attempt to appear tough on crime.

New Zealand and other countries needed to put constant pressure on Indonesia if it was to abolish executions, she said.

"Pressure from the international community lets them know first of all, it's in breach of international law as far as the process they're following and their judicial system, but also that executions are at odds with the values of many of the countries that they're hoping to trade with."

While Amnesty International was "really appreciative" of the New Zealand government's strong stance against the death penalty, de Ronde said it could take on more responsibility in encouraging other countries to change their ways.

"One of the important things is that it's not just raised but actually actively advocated, so it would be really useful to see some form of plan for how the Government could take a leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region in eradicating the death penalty."

Key said he also wanted to discuss West Papua, the Indonesian province which has been fighting for independence.

de Ronde said many Indonesians were in prison for "very problematic offences", such as peaceful political protests or raising a flag of independence.

Widodo won election on a platform of respecting and protecting human rights, but he had not lived up to his promises, she said.

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/18/indonesia-nz-target-us4-billion-trade-by-2024.html

5) Indonesia, NZ target US$4 billion trade by 2024

Liza Yosephine The Jakarta Post

Jakarta | Mon, July 18 2016 | 06:29 pm

Indonesia and New Zealand have stepped up efforts to reach a two-way trade value of US$4 billion by 2024 with the signing of three cooperation agreements on Monday during the visit of Prime Minister John Key to Jakarta.

"The partnership between Indonesia and New Zealand is very critical from our perspective, Key said in his opening remarks at a business forum in Jakarta. He added that New Zealand saw enormous opportunities for the countries to work together, and not just in terms of trade but investment opportunities as well.

The Prime Minister alongside Indonesian Trade Minister Thomas Lembong witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in aviation, e-commerce and electricity. The agreements will see increased investment opportunities from New Zealand to Indonesia regarding capacity building and technology transfers in those sectors.

"We want to increase our trade from the current value of approximately $1 billion per year to $4 billion," Thomas told reporters at the event.

He said existing trade would also expand in the sectors of agriculture and food. Diary is New Zealand's biggest export to Indonesia, Thomas pointed out. The minister said both countries were also looking to boost trade relations in education, tourism and the services sector.

"The Indonesian and New Zealand economies are so complimentary, it's remarkable, and I think it's perhaps for that reason, and a lot of others, the relationship is fairly friction-free," Thomas said. (dan)

——————————————————-

↧

1) Key talks West Papua and death penalty with Joko Widodo

July 19, 2016, 1:49 am

≫ Next: 1) Police websites hacked after Papuan students protest

≪ Previous: 1) Local WP activists: We will not back down

2) Soldier gets 20 years for triple homicide, theft

——————————————————————————————————————————-

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/308966/key-talks-west-papua-and-death-penalty-with-joko-widodo

1) Key talks West Papua and death penalty with Joko Widodo

2:00 pm today

The New Zealand Prime Minister has discussed human rights in West Papua and New Zealand's opposition to the death penalty during formal talks with the Indonesian leadership.

John Key is on his final day of a two-day trip to Indonesia.

West Papua is tightly guarded by Indonesian military and police, and reports of killings and human rights abuses against the local population have been commonplace in the past few decades.

Mr Key said President Joko Widodo and his officials raised the issue of human rights and West Papua before he did.

He said the Indonesian government clearly wanted to be more open about such matters.

"They did raise the point quite specifically about human rights and said, look, if there are specific issues with human rights, then they take up the issues, they investigate them and they make sure that they are not repeated.

“He seemed to be quite keen to have greater transparency so that there can be greater understanding."

Prime Minister John Key, at right, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta. Photo: RNZ / Chris Bramwell

Mr Key said he told the Indonesian leadership that New Zealand was firmly against the use of the death penalty.

After his meeting he was asked by reporters whether he raised any individual cases with President Widodo.

"From time to time there are really sensitive issues that I raise with other leaders, and I do that on the basis of making sure that I attempt to make the situation better, not worse if there is an individual involved.

"In my experience if I then go and discuss those issues, I then run the risk of making things worse not better."

—————————————————————

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/18/soldier-gets-20-years-triple-homicide-theft.html

2) Soldier gets 20 years for triple homicide, theft

Nether Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post

Jayapura | Mon, July 18 2016 | 07:02 am

A military tribunal in Jayapura, Papua, has sentenced a soldier to 20 years in prison for slaying three people, including two toddlers, in Bintuni, West Papua.

The soldier, Second Pvt. Semuel Djitmau, 28, of the Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 172/NYS Sorong, West Papua, was also dismissed from the military.

Aside from committing murder, Semuel was also found guilty of theft.

Semuel was convicted to have violated Articles 338 and 365 of the Criminal Code. He was proven guilty of brutally murdering three people using a cleaver.

The three victims were Ferly Dian Sari, 26, who was four months pregnant, and her two children Anastasia Putri, 6, and Andhika, 2. Ferly died from repeated stab wounds while the two toddlers were beheaded.

“What the defendant had done was ruthless and inhumane, violated human rights and was against the spirit of the military of protecting the people,” presiding judge Lt. Col. James Vandersloot said, reading out the verdict on Friday.

The sentence was more severe than that wanted by military prosecutors who sought 17 years’ imprisonment for the defendant.

“The sentence is heavier than the military prosecutors demanded because what the defendant did was ruthless and inhumane,” James said.

No factor in the trial was considered in mitigating the defendant’s punishment. “The defendant did not show remorse, apologized to the victims’ family nor shed tears [for his victims],” James added.

The killings were committed on Aug. 25, 2015 in Bintuni, West Papua, when the victims were heading to the village where Ferly taught.

Responding to the sentence, Ferly’s husband Yulius Hermanto said the verdict was too light for someone who had ruthlessly killed three people.

“He should have been sentenced to death for killing three people,” said Yulius, adding that from the beginning the defendant was charged with murder and theft, and not with premeditated murder, which was why the maximum sentence was only 20 years.

He also expressed disappointment that the child protection law was not considered in the charge, as the victims included children.

“Two children have been brutally murdered but the [law’s] articles on child protection were ignored in the trial. We consider this unfair,” he said.

With regard to the sentence, the defendant said he would consider an appeal.

↧

1) Police websites hacked after Papuan students protest

July 19, 2016, 1:39 pm

≫ Next: 1) Nafuki believes ULMWP membership in MSG will be made in September

≪ Previous: 1) Key talks West Papua and death penalty with Joko Widodo

2) NZ, Indonesia discuss economy, human rights

3) Indonesia-New Zealand Strengthen Economic Ties

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/19/police-websites-hacked-after-papuan-students-protest.html

1) Police websites hacked after Papuan students protest

Bambang Muryanto

The Jakarta Post
Yogyakarta | Tue, July 19 2016 | 07:24 am

Hackers have attacked three websites belonging to Yogyakarta Police after taking repressive measures against Papuan students staging a peaceful rally at a Papuan students dormitory in Kamasan, Yogyakarta, last Friday.

“We cannot conclude if this is part of a reaction [to the police’s handling of the protest], but we are still investigating those responsible,” Yogyakarta Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Anny Pudjiastuti told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

As of noon Monday, two sites — jogja.polri.go.id and tribatranewsjogja.com — had already been recovered. The third site, polresjogja.com was still paralyzed where its front page read: “Why so serious, introduce a little anarchy and everything becomes chaos. Great, you’ve shown us how justice works. Improve your brutality, Sir. Ps We’reNotSeparatists# GretzTomcat-Rebels-Tanpa Bicara-Virusa.”

Hundreds of police personnel on Friday encircled the Papuan students dorm on Jl. Kusumanegara, Yogyakarta, as they were holding an event to support the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to become a permanent member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), which was being discussed in Solomon Islands from July 14 to 16. Initially, they planned to stage a rally at Titik Nol in Yogyakarta city center that day, but was prohibited by Yogyakarta City Police. They then decided to just sing together in their dorm. Police arrested seven students from Papua and another from Ternate, North Maluku.

In the evening, police personnel who were on guard in front of the dorm also prohibited an Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) car from bringing food from the community to approximately a hundred students from Papua who had not eaten since morning. The food and drinks could only be delivered after a House of Representatives (DPR) legislator from the electoral district of Yogyakarta, Esti Wijayanti, arrived at the dorm.

Anny rejected the claims of many parties that police had acted repressively in handling the rally carried out by a group of Papuan students who are members of the People’s Union for the Liberation of West Papua (PRPPB).

“If they hold a rally by displaying the symbol of the Free Papua Organization we certainly will not allow it. Repression is a last resort,” she said.

Legal adviser of the Papuan students, Rizky Fatahilah, of the Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH), deplored the repressive police actions, which the latter also named student Obby Kogoya, 21, a suspect. He was accused, among others, of violating Article 212 of the Criminal Code for allegedly attacking police officers and faces a five-year prison sentence.

Obby initially had been arrested and his motorcycle seized by police for not having proper documentation. Rizky said Obby did not resist arrest.

“It was the first time in Yogyakarta that student demonstrators from Papua holding a peaceful protest have been severely repressed and even named suspects,” he said.

The Indonesian Students Press Association (PPMI) reported that a student media activist from Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, Benidiktus Fatubun, had experienced violence while covering the incident at the Papuan students dorm. He was interrogated and given rough treatment by plainclothes police officers.

On Monday, the situation at the dorm had returned to normal and there was no longer a tight security arrangement by police like that observed on the weekend.

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/19/nz-indonesia-discuss-economy-human-rights.html

2) NZ, Indonesia discuss economy, human rights

Jakarta | Tue, July 19 2016 | 08:00 am

Economic cooperation was the main focus of a bilateral meeting between Indonesia and New Zealand while both countries also discussed human rights with New Zealand saying it respected Indonesia’s territorial integrity in Papua.

In a joint statement after a meeting with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key acknowledged that the bilateral ties went much further than just economic matters as he and Jokowi also had “a very good and open discussion about human rights” and a discussion about Indonesia’s “territorial rights over Papua”.

The statement was made amid concerns about widespread human rights abuse against Papuans by Indonesian authorities. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said the Indonesian government explained to Key in the meeting about development efforts the country has made in Papua. “The Prime Minister said that New Zealand respects the territorial integrity of Indonesia,” she added.

Key is in Jakarta for his second visit to the archipelago and has brought along a delegation of 22 executives from various major New Zealand companies involved in the renewable energy and agriculture sectors among others, in a bid to not only strengthen economic ties, but also to consolidate a number of investment opportunities.

Key described his meeting with Jokowi as “very productive”, renewing both parties’ commitments to developing the renewable energy sector in Indonesia, as well as to improve trade and investment ties.

Cooperation on geothermal remains a priority although the two countries also “agreed to improve cooperation in hydroenergy, including in its investment”, said Jokowi in the joint statement.

Indonesia is estimated to have around 28 gigawatts (GW) in geothermal energy potential and 75 GW in hydropower potential. The estimated total potential of renewable energy in the country is estimated to amount to more than 300 GW.

Indonesia is currently seeking to develop more renewable energy generation to meet its long-term renewable energy target of 23 percent of electricity generated by 2025.

Based on data from state-owned electricity company PLN, coal accounted for 55.7 percent of electricity generation in 2015, while electricity generated from hydropower plants amounted to only 5.9 percent and geothermal energy 4 percent.

New Zealand, which has vast experience in geothermal energy, has a long history of involvement in developing geothermal energy in Indonesia dating back to the 1970s.

Key previously met Jokowi late last year on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Myanmar, to discuss the construction of geothermal plants in Indonesia. At the time, Jokowi promised to remove any obstacles to investment.

On Monday, Key also received an honor as the first state guest to witness the new Presidential Palace tradition of a livelier reception ceremony with some 200 schoolchildren involved.

Unlike previous events, Monday’s procession started outside the Palace with Key’s motorcade receiving an escort of mounted troops. Upon arrival Key acknowledged the welcome by the kids, who were waving Indonesian and New Zealand flags in the Palace yard.

During the meeting, the two also agreed to improve cooperation in cattle-breeding. Indonesia invited New Zealand — known for its good reputation in cattle-breeding — to invest in the sector in Indonesia.

“You [Jokowi] raised some important issues like breeding cattle and others. We are again very confident that progress can be made and resolutions can be found,” Key said.

The two countries also signed three memoranda of understanding in cooperation on renewable energy, tourism and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

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HTTP://EN.TEMPO.CO/READ/NEWS/2016/07/19/055788708/INDONESIA-NEW-ZEALAND-STRENGTHEN-ECONOMIC-TIES

TUESDAY, 19 JULY, 2016 | 14:16 WIB

3) Indonesia-New Zealand Strengthen Economic Ties

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-President Joko Widodo said that Indonesia and New Zealand agreed to strengthen economic ties. The two nations will focus on cooperating in the new renewable energy sector, stock husbandry, and the fruit industry.

On Monday, July 18, the delegates from New Zealand visited the State Palace. Twenty two CEOs from the country also came to the meeting.

"This visit is a manifestation of New Zealand's wish to strengthen relationships with us," Widodo said yesterday, July 18, 2016.

The president said Indonesia will export tropical fruits like mangos and salak palm, while New Zealand will expand its investment in the dairy management industry.

In the energy sector, the two countries agreed to optimize the use of hydropower and geothermal. In the stock husbandry sector, the two will collaborate on procuring beef.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key welcomed the strengthening of economic cooperation with Indonesia. Key believes Indonesia has a strategic position and a strong voice in Southeast Asia; especially with its growing economy. "We are happy to have agreed on the cooperation documents," he said.

During the meeting, three ministers signed cooperation agreements with representatives from the New Zealand government. They are Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said, and Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.

ADITYA BUDIMAN

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1) Nafuki believes ULMWP membership in MSG will be made in September

July 20, 2016, 1:55 am

≫ Next: 1) Island focus: Papuan students avoid investigation

≪ Previous: 1) Police websites hacked after Papuan students protest

2) Vanuatu Deputy PM: Melanesians Being Killed By Asians

3) 30 pieces of silver’- Melanesian Spearhead Group ‘bought by others’: DPM Nathan

4) Papuan students in Indonesian cities fearful

5) Papua Liberation Movement undeterred on MSG bid

6) Indonesian minister ends Fiji visit

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http://dailypost.vu/news/nafuki-believes-ulmwp-membership-in-msg-will-be-made-in/article_e9c1d0cf-689c-51c1-a494-7636ffeb047d.html

1) Nafuki believes ULMWP membership in MSG will be made in September

Posted: Wednesday, July 20, 2016 8:00 am

By Godwin Ligo | 0 comments

By Godwin Ligo

The Chairman of the Vanuatu Committee for Free West Papua, Pastor Allen Nafuki, has said he strongly believes that the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) meeting to be held in Port Vila in September, will grant West Papua full membership into the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

“It was right here in Port Vila, that Vanuatu played an important role in hosting of the reconciliation ceremonies between all West Papua Leaders, and the formation, and the signing of the agreement of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) between all the West Papua Leaders,” Pastor Nafuki told the Daily Post.

He went on to state that: “As a Pastor in a Christian church and occupying the Chair of the Free West Papua Association in Vanuatu, I also strongly believe that it is God’s plan that the West Papua admission as a full member to the MSG will take place here in Vanuatu.

“In this regard I am calling on every Christian Leaders in all Christian denominations and all Christians across Vanuatu to rise in Pray in one accord for this dream for West Papua brothers and sisters to be fully realized in September 2016 here in Port Vila, Vanuatu,” he appealed.

“After the news was received from Honiara that West Papua full admission into the MSG did not happen, I gave a lot of thought about why the MSG Leaders had once again did not grant full admission to the Melanesian brothers and sisters in West Papua full MSG membership.

“What came across my mind is that we humans make plans but God’s will according to His plan and time is what we have to seek and accept.

“So, as of today as I am talking to the Daily Post, I wish to state that my Committee is reviewing plans and preparing an even stronger application which will be submitted in good time ahead of the MSG Leaders’ Summit here in Port Vila in September, 2016,” said Pastor Nafuki.

“Let me reiterate my call on all Christian Leaders and all Christians across Vanuatu to place West Papua Melanesian brothers and sisters for a full membership into the MSG, in the hands of the Almighty God to grant this request in the MSG Leaders’ Summit in September 2016,” Nafuki reiterated.

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https://pasifik.news/vanuatu-deputy-pm-melanesians-being-killed-by-asians/

2) Vanuatu Deputy PM: Melanesians Being Killed By Asians

By Adam Boland -

July 20, 2016

Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister has hit out at Indonesia saying Melanesians must speak up for the people of West Papua.

Joe Natuman believes the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) is being swayed by outside interests after it deferred making a decision on awarding full membership to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).

“West Papua was forcibly annexed by Indonesia and brutally overthrown. They were in the process of getting their independence in the early 1960s,” he told Vanuatu’s Buzz FM 96. “Now they say we cannot interfere, no, we must interfere. Melanesians are being killed by Asians, we have to interfere.”

He says the MSG is failing to meet its charter.

“The MSG, I must repeat, the MSG, which I was a pioneer in setting up was established for the protection of the identity of the Melanesian people, the promotion of their culture and to defend their rights,” he said. “Now it appears other people are trying to use the MSG to drive their own agendas and I am sorry but I will insist that MSG is being bought by others.”

Vanuatu has been a strong supporter of the ULMWP getting full membership but Papua New Guinea and Fiji say it would undermine Indonesia’s sovereignty. Jakarta has confirmed it has been lobbying Melanesian countries intensely.

“If our friends in Fiji and Papua New Guinea have a different agenda, we need to sit down and talk very seriously about what is happening within the organisation,” said Mr Natuman.

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http://dailypost.vu/news/pieces-of-silver/article_0de4854a-20aa-574c-9c9c-1ded0871e0b4.html

3) 30 pieces of silver’- Melanesian Spearhead Group ‘bought by others’: DPM Nathan

Posted: Wednesday, July 20, 2016 8:00 am

Compiled by Jane Joshua |

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trades, Joe Natuman, believes other people are trying to use the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to drive their own agendas, saying it is similar to Jesus who was betrayed and sold for 30 pieces of silver.

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) was not admitted as full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group during the Special MSG summit in Honiara, Solomon Islands on July 14, 2016.

“Our Prime Minister was the only one talking in support of full membership for West Papua in the MSG, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister couldn’t say very much because he is the chairman,” the veteran politician told Buzz FM 96’s Coffee and Controversy host Mark O’Brien yesterday morning.

“Prime minister Charlot Salwai was the only one defending Melanesians and the history of Melanesian people in the recent MSG meeting in Honiara.

“The MSG, I must repeat, the MSG, which I was a pioneer in setting up was established for the protection of the identity of the Melanesian people, the promotion of their culture and defend their rights. Right to self determination, right to land and right to their resources.

“Now it appears other people are trying to use the MSG to drive their own agendas and I am sorry but I will insist that MSG is being bought by others.

“It is just like Jesus Christ who was bought for 30 pieces of silver. This is what is happening in MSG. I am very upset about this and we need to correct this issue.

“Because if our friends in Fiji and Papua New Guinea have a different agenda, we need to sit down and talk very seriously about what is happening within the organization.

“And I am sorry but I will insist that MSG is being bought by others.”

Asked what transpired at the Honiara Summit, DPM Natuman said according to the Prime minister’s briefing on his return, there were some misunderstanding on what happened in the Officials’ Meeting and the Foreign Ministers meeting.

“What happened was that they presented to the Summit Leaders something which apparently was not discussed at the officers level so this was the problem,” he explained.

“The issue of Membership was supposed to be presented to the Leaders.

“Instead they present the leaders with a list of criteria for membership.

“This criteria was whether or not organisations or liberation movements should be considered for full membership.

“Finally, our Prime minister was the only one talking in support of West Papua membership, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister couldn’t say very much because he is the chairman.”

On the issue of New Caledonia, DPM Natuman said, “People are now saying we should not be interfering with Indonesia’s sovereignty. But what about New Caledonia? France has held onto New Caledonia.

“In the 1990s, we insisted that New Caledonia was a colonial possession of France, therefore we have the right to intervene .

“And we intervened, firstly we asked the people of New Caledonia to form an umbrella grouping, or political parties to support their cause. So they established the FLNKS at Vanuatu’s request.

“Through that means we promote their issues to the Forum and eventually they were listed in the UN’s listing of colonial territories.

“We have to assist them to get Independence, same as West Papua.

“West Papua was forcibly annexed by Indonesia and brutally overthrown. They were in the process of getting their independence in the early 1960s.

“West Papua is very rich in resources, gold, copper and forests thus a lot of western capitalists were interested in that.

“Now they say we cannot interfere, no, we must interfere. Melanesians are being killed by Asians, we have to interfere.”

The Deputy Prime Minister was part of the panel in yesterday’s 96Buzz FM’s Coffee and Controversy show at the Lava Lounge, which also features Glen Craig from Pacific Advisory and Job Dalesa who is on the West Papua Reunification Committee.

When asked on his opinion on whether MSG in itself has ‘lost its way’ as implied by the DPM, Dalsesa replied,” I certainly think so, West Papua has a lot of enemies. A lot of people are fighting over this area because of its resources, and by fighting you can do a lot of things including buying another country and I think this is what they are doing.

“The divide and rule tactic is a common tactic that has been used for a long time.”

Yesterday’s show revolved around Foreign Policy, MSG and the South China Sea dispute.

Don’t miss out on the next Coffee & Controversy Show, 9am next Tuesday.

jane@dailypost.vu

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/309078/papuan-students-in-indonesian-cities-fearful

4) Papuan students in Indonesian cities fearful

7:26 pm today

West Papuan university students in various Indonesian cities fear for their safety under close security forces' surveillance.

The Papuan Student Alliance says that last week hundreds of police burst into a West Papuan students' dormitory in Yogyakarta and began assaulting the students.

The students had been planning a demonstration in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's bid to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Reports are coming through that Papuan dormitories in Yogyakarta as well as Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Manado are being tightly monitored by Indonesian police and civilian militia.

An Australia-based Papuan student, Yamin Kogoya, said fellow Papuan students in Indonesia who he's heard from have been afraid to leave their dorms.

"These students, they're not just Papuans, but citizens of Indonesia. They are not allowed to express their voice freely, democratically," said Mr Kogoya.

"And it is very unfortunate to see the Indonesian security forces react the way they did last week. There's no need for... they see the Papuans as though they are terrorists or some sort of criminal organisation."

Meanwhile, an Indonesian military tribunal in Jayapura, Papua Province, has sentenced a soldier to 20 years jail for killing three people, including two toddlers, in Bintuni.

The Jakarta Post reports the judge saying the sentence is higher than the military prosecutors had sought because there were no mitigating factors.

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5) Papua Liberation Movement undeterred on MSG bid

From Dateline Pacific, Wednesday 20 July 2016

Listen 3:22

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The United Liberation Movement for West Papua says its campaign to become full members at the Melanesian Spearhead Group is not deterred, following the latest MSG leaders summit in Honiara.

TRANSCRIPT

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua says West Papuans' desire for political freedom is stronger than ever.

The spokesman for the Liberation Movement, Benny Wenda, says they accept the decision by leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group to defer the Movement's bid for full membership.

At their summit in Honiara last week, MSG leaders said the group's secretariat needed to clarify guidelines for membership, with the decision on the bid expected to be addressed by September.

Benny Wenda spoke to Johnny Blades who asked whether the MSG membership of New Caledonia's indigenous Kanaks sets a precedent for West Papua

BENNY WENDA: Kanak was already full membership even though they're not independent; they are still controlled by France. That's why West Papua case is very similar, it's not different. The only way that the west papua situation is different is that Indonesia, when we're trying to apply for full membership, Indonesia tries to refuse and they fight for the ULMWP not (gaining) full membership. And that's the Indonesian position but I think hopefully that in upcoming months they (MSG leaders) will do the right thing for West Papua.

JOHNNY BLADES: There's been a lot of talk in Indonesia around this MSG summit, have you ever seen as much media reporting coming out from Indonesia about Papua as has been happening recently?

BW: Yes, recently Indonesia's position is a very negative comment, trying to hold that the ULMWP were rejected as full membership, and speculation in many media in Indonesia. But the Melanesian leaders, they (have) not refused the ULMWP application. They just deferred and they will discuss on this issue in September. But Indonesian media is really negative, but of course we know their colonial power position.

JB: Indonesian officials are saying that the MSG shouldn't accept a separatist group. That's how the ULMWP is sometimes characterised. Do you think that's fair?

BW: It's not fair because Indonesia's position is illegal in West Papua, and they illegally occupied our country. We never recognise Indonesian sovereignty over our territory. And West Papua is a separate country and Indonesia cannot claim over our territory. We are not talking about Indonesia, but West Papua is a part of Melanesia, it's a Melanesian family. So I think the Indonesian argument is baseless.

JB: The MSG meeting last week (in Honiara), do you see it as a disappointment, or just another step along the way?

BW: For us it's another step along the way. Because we, on a human level, sometimes feel that way (disappointed) but we keep positive and this is our fight and we never go away, and west papua is Melanesian. and this issue is a regional issue. That's my argument always, this issue never goes away from the Melanesian eye or the New Zealanders or Australia or in the Pacific. So it's a Pacific issue and we'll continue to fight for full membership.

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http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=363106

6) Indonesian minister ends Fiji visit

Matilda Simmons Wednesday, July 20, 2016

THE Indonesian Minister of Women Empowerment and Children Protection, Yohana Susana Yembise, says she learnt a lot from Fiji after her two-day visit.

The minister ended her official visit yesterday after attending the 2nd Joint Technical Working Group hosted by the Fiji Government.

The event is part of an MOU signed between Fiji and Indonesia to collaborate in the areas of women empowerment, gender equality and child protection.

The MOU was to strengthen partnership between the two countries to share information and resources for development opportunities.

"In Indonesia we have 250 million people to look after, half of the population are women and 87 million are children. The country is so vast so it is a challenge working under my portfolio. It's not the same here. You have equality already, we don't have equality yet. However, we have learnt a lot from Fiji. The quality of service here is well organised,"she said.

The minister is one of a few Papuan women who have achieved the high echelons of education in Indonesia. She holds a Master's degree from Simon Fraser University in Canada as well as a doctorate from the University of Newcastle in Australia.

"Under my ministry I look after the women and children in West Papua. I want to get more Papuan women to receive the same high level of education," said the Papua-born minister.

The minister declined to talk on the issue for autonomy by her fellow Papuans.

"I am here to do my work, to better the standards of women and children in my country," she said.

Mrs Yembise visited Queen Victoria School on Tuesday as well as Navutukea Village in Naitasiri during her trip. She was accompanied by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar.

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↧

1) Island focus: Papuan students avoid investigation

July 20, 2016, 1:26 pm

≫ Next: 1) NZ and Indonesia putting export dispute behind them

≪ Previous: 1) Nafuki believes ULMWP membership in MSG will be made in September

2) PM criticised for prioritising trade ‘at the cost of human rights’

3) PM puts trade before human rights – academic

4) WEST PAPUAN REFUGEES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA: ON THE WAY TO CITIZENSHIP?

5) Infrastructure Development to Boost Tourism in Raja Amat

6) Pacific links: PNG’s O’Neill under pressure; West Papua, Pacific work migration and more

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/20/island-focus-papuan-students-avoid-investigation.html
1) Island focus: Papuan students avoid investigation
Yogyakarta | Wed, July 20 2016 | 07:29 am
Papuan students studying in Yogyakarta have refused to provide official information about police oppression they experienced to a female member of the Papuan Legislative Council (DPRP), Yanni, who visited them at the Papuan students dormitory in Kamasan, Yogyakarta.
“We will not give information to the lady. Through the media, I heard that the DPRP will form a team [to investigate the case in Yogyakarta], so we’ll wait until the team arrives in Yogyakarta,” said student and People’s Unity for the Liberation of West Papua spokesman Roy Karoba on Tuesday.
Papua DPRD deputy speaker Yanni, together with her expert staffer, Muflih Mussad, came to Yogyakarta to seek the truth about the reported repression of Papuan students holding a peaceful rally at their dormitory on July 15.
The meeting reportedly became heated when Yanni said her arrival was to “extinguish the fire” caused by the incident. A debate ensued between Roy and Yanni, who was assisted by Muflih.
“We are disappointed with the Papua DPRP. The people of Yogyakarta are more concerned about us. The local community provided us with food when we were under siege last Friday,” said Roy aloud.
Pro-democracy activist, Ernawati, said activists in Yogyakarta were ready to support the struggle of Papuan students there.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKrOog5XnG8&feature=youtu.be

2) PM criticised for prioritising trade ‘at the cost of human rights’

Te Karere TVNZ
Published on Jul 18, 2016
A Melanesian academic is criticising Prime Minister John Key for focussing on economic trade ahead of human rights abuses against West Papuans while he is in Indonesia. One of the main aims of the meeting between the two country leaders is to increase trade, particularly beef exports from New Zealand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKrOog5XnG8&feature=youtu.be

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http://tvnz.co.nz/te-karere-news/pm-puts-trade-before-human-rights-academic-6482634

3) PM puts trade before human rights – academic

By Eruera Rerekura - Eru.Rerekura@tvnz.co.nz | @erurerekura
Published: 6:22PM Tuesday July 19, 2016
A Melanesian academic is criticising Prime Minister John Key for focussing on economic trade ahead of human rights abuses against West Papuans while he is in Indonesia.
One of the main aims of the meeting between Mr Key and his Indonesian counter-part President Joko Widodo was to increase trade between the two countries – particularly beef exports from New Zealand.
Dr Pala Molisa is a lecturer at Victoria University’s School of Accounting and Commercial Law in Wellington.
He is also a Pacific commentator on the affairs of West Papua – the Indonesian province that borders its Melanesian kinfolk – Papua New Guinea.
West Papua is strictly controlled by the Indonesian army and police with incidences of killings and human rights abuses against tāngata whenua (local people) being reported on regularly.
Dr Molisa said that New Zealand had a record of putting business before human rights in countries where those rights are questionable for more than 30 years.
“We've been prioritising economic development at the cost of human rights and also the civil liberties of people. In fact this whole economic system, especially since the neo-liberal policies that came in in 1984 under the fourth Labour Government,” he said.
A Māori advocate for West Papuan rights, Tere Harrison, agreed with Dr Molisa and told Te Karere she believed the main reason for Mr Key’s Indonesian junket was all about generating more trade over and above human rights. “Kua haere atu a John Key ki Indonesia, ko te take - ko te moni, kei te whai moni te Pirimia o Aotearoa i ngā moni o Indonesia, auare ake ngā tūkinotanga o Indonesia ki a West Papua. Koia te raru, koia te pōuri nui - kei te kōrero moni a Indonesia, kāore i te kōrero mō ngā tikanga tāngata,” hei tāna.
(“John Key has gone to Indonesia, and the reason for that is for trade. The NZ Prime Minister wants to increase trade with Indonesia, never mind the human rights abuse faced by the West Papuans - and that's a big problem and it's very sad. Indonesia also seems more interested in trade than they are with human rights,” she said.)
Dr Molisa was also quick to point the canon at New Zealand’s mainstream media, who he felt under-reported the plight of West Papuans and their independence movement.
He said that while some mainstream media organisations were doing a good job, others were doing what the Indonesian government would want them to do and not report on the atrocities faced by West Papuans.
“One of the great failures of the free press, so to speak, has been a complete blackout of the issue of West Papua for too long. And that's why shows such as Te Karere and Radio New Zealand with some of the reporters like Koroi Hawkins and Johnny Blades - you do a really good function of calling attention to some of the greatest concerns and sufferings of people.”
Tere Harrison believed journalists in West Papua who were trying to report on the Indonesian military and police brutality have been completely censored.
“Kua herea te ao pāpāho i West Papua, i Indonesia. Nā te ringa tūkino o Indonesia kua herea - kua herea te waha, kua herea te kakī, ēngari i Aotearoa nei kāore he paku herehere, ēngari kei te noho ngū te ao pāpāho.”
(“The media in West Papua, and also Indonesia, has its hands tied by the abusive hand of the Indonesian government, they've been heavily censored. But here in NZ we have the opposite situation and mainstream media is doing nothing about reporting on it.”)
In an attempt at appearing to be more transparent, John Key told ONE News the Indonesian government had actually instigated the conversation about human rights.
“So we raised the issue of human rights, in fact they raised the issue of West Papua proactively with us. They're actually keen for us to understand what's happening there and the issues. They did raise the point quite specifically about human rights and said, look, if there are specific issues with human rights then they take up those issues, investigate them and make sure that they're not repeated,” Mr Key said.
It’s understood the leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, will be coming to New Zealand next month to talk to politicians about the issue of human rights breaches in West Papua.
The last time Mr Wenda visited New Zealand in 2013, he was blocked by the government from making a speech at Parliament. Some opposition MPs then accused the government of not wanting to upset the Indonesian government, an important trading partner.
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HTTP://DEVPOLICY.ORG/WEST-PAPUAN-REFUGEES-PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA-WAY-CITIZENSHIP-20160719/
4) WEST PAPUAN REFUGEES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA: ON THE WAY TO CITIZENSHIP?
By Jenny Munro on July 19, 2016
At Rainbow settlement in Port Moresby, 38 families of West Papuan heritage live in a drainage ditch approximately 100 metres wide by 200 metres long. To one side, the neighbours’ retaining wall contains pipes which direct runoff water and rain directly into the settlement. On the other side of the settlement is a construction site that doubles as a soccer field for Rainbow’s children. The houses are small structures built with a patchwork of materials that reveals the recent history of external engagement — tarps from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), plywood from a church fundraiser, plastic chairs from a West Papuan who lives outside the settlement. In the context of increasing efforts from Papua New Guinea (PNG) authorities to register West Papuan refugees and provide citizenship status, this post flags some of the relevant historical context and reflects on current challenges. As Papua New Guineans including Oro Province Governor Gary Juffa have suggested, citizenship is not sufficient to improve West Papuan refugees’ living conditions.
Over 100 West Papuan refugees have been living in Rainbow for the past eight years, since being evicted from 9 Mile settlement. According to one community leader, 22 babies were born to refugee families in the settlement in 2015. The children are entitled to access public school education and health services though their residency status remains ambiguous. But like other urban residents in Port Moresby’s settlements, many children do not attend school because their parents struggle to afford sufficient food, clean clothes, transport or extra costs associated with school.
In Rainbow, the women are the primary income earners. They sell fish and shrimp at the local market near the settlement. A few of the middle-aged men, it was explained to me, had held government jobs but struggled with mental health effects of displacement, insecurity and what researchers have called ‘sakit hati’ — an Indonesian term that literally translates to ‘heart sick’ — but which also conveys anger and resentment (Rees and Silove 2011). These feelings interfered with the ability of some refugees to cope with daily life, and some men in the settlement left their jobs.
Community leaders also described feelings of resentment related to the failure of the PNG government to properly assist them to resettle. Specifically, these refugees want land. A community member passionately asserted, ‘We don’t belong in a drain’. They want to grow food for subsistence and for sale, to have sufficient space to be together as a community, and to establish a permanent connection in a cultural context where land is strongly associated with identity and status. Unfortunately, this particular desire makes the Rainbow refugees a lot like many other urban residents with insecure tenure in settlements in Port Moresby (Rooney 2015 [pdf]). As with urban settlers elsewhere in Melanesia, these are people whose rights to care, investment and protection from the state remain ambiguous (Keen and Barbara 2015 [pdf]).
Unlike Papua New Guineans in settlements, West Papuan refugees, mainly civilians and villagers who were not fighting against Indonesian rule, were displaced to PNG as Indonesia’s military forces worked to eradicate Papuan resistance beginning in the 1960s. Over the years, the exodus is estimated to be about 13,000, most in 1984, when 11,000 crossed the border (Glazebrook 2014:2 [pdf]). Today there are an estimated 1500 West Papuans living in Port Moresby. Refugees may continue to see themselves as having unresolved land claims in West Papua. As one Rainbow community member said, ‘In West Papua, I have land. I am a landowner, and I would like to go back to my land.’ But that, he says, is impossible as long as Indonesia governs. PNG has struggled to implement a refugee policy and system, especially for West Papuans living outside the former UNHCR camp at East Awin in Western Province (Glazebrook 2014:1 [pdf]). Citizenship applications were criticised as prohibitively expensive, at 10,000 kina. In December 2015 the PNG government reported it was processing citizenship applications from 3000 refugees from East Awin, and the fee was waived. Recently, more statements have been made about the government’s commitment to registering and providing citizenship to West Papuan refugees. However, some refugees in Port Moresby have questioned what difference this status will make in the absence of supports towards their basic needs. A leader at the Rainbow community remarked, ‘I do not want citizenship unless the government gives us land’. The rights and treatment of West Papuans is a sensitive political issue in PNG, and policy towards these refugees has historically been affected by political consideration for the relationship with Indonesia. The permissive residency visa initially arranged for West Papuans at East Awin prohibited them from engaging ‘directly or indirectly in any political activity that might affect the good relationship between the governments of PNG and Indonesia’ (cited in Glazebrook 2014:3 [pdf]). PNG government leaders typically see Indonesia as an important economic and political ally, and Indonesia has been clear that it will reward governments that support its sovereignty in Papua. West Papuans in PNG carry with them experiences that cannot be depoliticised, but avoiding them because of what they might represent, voice or destabilise is in effect enacting another layer of violence. Perhaps the current mobilisation towards citizenship is an opportunity for the PNG government to acknowledge West Papuan refugees’ experiences of past violence in Indonesia. This would be in keeping with both what West Papuan peace activists want and what Indonesian leaders agreed to in the 2001 law on Special Autonomy for Papua (Braithwaite et al. 2010:97). Politics writ large shapes the identity, sense of community and history of West Papuans in Rainbow, but the everyday politics of getting children to school, putting food on the table and keeping families healthy and together are equally valued. There is a need for research to reveal more about what policies and interventions will help alleviate their health, land, education and livelihood challenges, both as urban settlers and as political refugees. Following the unfolding story of registration for citizenship and changing immigration status for West Papuans in settlements also provides a unique opportunity to better understand how processes of documentation, recognition and dedicated attention could improve the circumstances of other Melanesians living in informal settlements in Port Moresby and beyond.
Jenny Munro is a Research Fellow with the State, Society and Governance in Melanesia (SSGM) Program at ANU. This post was originally published as SSGM In Brief 2016/19.
Reference Rees, S. and D. Silove 2011. Sakit Hati: A State of Chronic Mental Distress Related to Resentment and Anger amongst West Papuan Refugees Exposed to Persecution. Social Science & Medicine 73(1):103–10.
Download pdf
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HTTP://EN.TEMPO.CO/READ/NEWS/2016/07/20/199788990/INFRASTRUCTURE-DEVELOPMENT-TO-BOOST-TOURISM-IN-RAJA-AMPAT
WEDNESDAY, 20 JULY, 2016 | 12:32 WIB
5) Infrastructure Development to Boost Tourism in Raja Amat
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Developing the infrastructure, including extending the Marinda airport runway to boost tourism in Raja Ampat district, is part of President Joko Widodo`s pledge to focus more attention on the Papua region.
The government of President Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, has launched key infrastructure projects aimed at facilitating visitors' access to Raja Ampat.
President Joko Widodo wants Marinda airports runway in Raja Ampat extended to 2,500 meters in order to serve larger aircraft, according to Raja Ampat District Head, Abdul Faris Umlati.
During his visit to Raja Ampat recently, President Jokowi expressed his hope that the Marinda airport could be expanded like other airports in Indonesia with a 2,500 meters runway.
Umlati explained that the local government has agreed and is ready to support the development of Marinda airport, but most of the land around the airport is a conservation area that requires further study by the relevant ministries.
Marinda airport is currently serving only small planes and has a 1,200 meter runway that is 30 meters wide, but the Transportation Ministry will extend it to 1,600 meters.
This will be done after the airport is handed over by the local government to the Ministry of Transportation which will manage and develop it.
In addition, the people of Raja Ampat also want the airport to be expanded to accommodate wide bodied aircraft because the area is a world tourist destination.
President Jokowi said tourism development in West Papua is being undertaken to develop Raja Ampat.
"This year, we have set our focus on development of Raja Ampat," Jokowi said, adding that the budget has been set only for the development of an airport terminal and to extend the airport runway.
The district administration has been told to prepare land for the project. Construction would start when land will be made available.
According to the president, many things were on the agenda for infrastructure development in West Papua, especially in Raja Ampat district.
With no direct flights to Raja Ampat, visitors heading to the islands have to take a domestic flight to the airport in nearby Sorong city, before taking another two-hour boat ride.
The main airport in Sorong will undergo some work to enable it to accommodate international flights, while improvements are also being made to allow Marinda airport in Raja Ampat to service domestic flights from other Indonesian cities.
There are also plans to build five-star hotels on the main Waigeo island, although the local government did not provide a specific timeline for those plans.
Known as the most biodiverse marine habitat on earth, the Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat in West Papua is an ideal destination for both local and foreign tourists to relax and unwind.
The visitors to Raja Ampat have the opportunity to witness a multitude of marine habitats and coral reefs in one glance without having to swim a stroke.
Raja Ampat comprises four large islands and hundreds of dots and specks off the fragmented western corner of the land of Papua, the worlds second-largest island.
Most visitors arrive in Raja Ampat through Sorong, a city on the far west coast of Papua, which has an airport, army barracks, and a karaoke bar called Happy Puppy.
In less than two hours from Sorong, the visitors can reach Raja Ampat, where they can indulge in activities, such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling, or just relax.
Reaching Raja Ampat has now become easier as the Bahari Express fast boat, a public transportation service, is offering rides to foreign tourists from Sorong city to visit the tourist attractions there.
Raja Ampat is home to a multitude of attractions and experiences.
With thousands of people visiting Raja Ampats marine and natural attractions, visitors can skip the crowds and experience it all aboard the Bahari Express fast boat.
"Our ship serves not only the local passengers but also foreign tourists who want to visit Raja Ampat," remarked Erwin, a Bahari Express crew member.
In Raja Ampat, the tourists can enjoy not only the beautiful marine biodiversity but also the scenic beaches and gain local insights into the history of Raja Ampat.
In terms of historic relevance, in the 15th century, the Raja Ampat Archipelago was part of the reign of Tidore Sultanate, a great kingdom centered in Maluku Islands.
To run its government, the Sultanate of Tidore appointed four local kings to rule the islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, which are the fourth-largest until this day.
The term "Four Kings" who ruled the islands became the basis for the name Raja Ampat, which comprises some 610 islands, with 753 kilometers of coastal line.
Foreign tourists visiting Raja Ampat are enthralled by its beauty, found nowhere else in the world.
Some of the tourist attractions in Raja Ampat are the Kabui Strait, Arborek Islands, Pasir Timbul, the iconic Wayag Islands, and Arborek Island.
Arborek Island is fast developing as a region for marine conservation. The island, which includes the Arborek Village, has gained popularity for its success in developing it into one of the best marine conservation areas.
The success has been recognized both by the local authority and international community.
The island has succeeded in managing its conservation area since several parties, including the national and local governments, non-government organizations, research centers, and the local people have lent their support.
Arborek Island has been simultaneously managed as a conservation area and marine tourism destination.
Tourists visiting the island can experience the beautiful scenery, both on the surface and underwater. They can explore the scenic village on the island and the ocean life.
The visitors can indulge in several activities on Arborek Island, including diving and snorkeling, but they have to carry along their own equipment due to the lack of rental facilities.

ANTARA

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http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/post/2016/07/20/Pacific-links-PNGs-ONeill-under-pressure;-West-Papua-Pacific-work-migration-and-more.aspx

6) Pacific links: PNG’s O’Neill under pressure; West Papua, Pacific work migration and more

20 July 2016 3:09PM

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill will face a vote of no confidence motion in Parliament this Friday. Despite a very healthy majority, lobbying for numbers has been fierce this week in the land of the unpredictable.
For a primer on how PNG got to this point, watch ABC’s just released Foreign Correspondent episode, 'A Bloody Boycott', detailing the recent police shooting of students in Port Moresby. You can also read a detailed account from Eric Tlozek here.
UPNG lecturer Win Nicholas reviews PNG’s recently proposed SME policy, which is extremely protectionist in nature.
Jenny Munro writes about the struggle of West Papuan refugees currently residing in PNG trying to gain citizenship.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders meeting finally met last week in Honiara, where they confirmed the appointment of the new Director-General, Fiji’s Amena Yauvoli. The Secretariat is said to be in a difficult financial position. The full outcomes of the meeting can be seen here.
MSG leaders also delayed a decision on the West Papuan liberation movement's bid for full membership (it currently has observer status), until September, appeasing Indonesia. Vanuatu, which has been lobbying for West Papua has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the delay while the liberation movement remains upbeat about its long-term prospects.
Former parliamentary secretary for international development assistance Bob McMullen calls for an Australia and/or New Zealand funded, Pacific-focussed development finance institution to assist private sector investment in the Pacific.
The ADB has launched its biannual Pacific Economic Monitor, which discusses how sluggish performance of resource-rich economies have dampened growth in the region.
The World Bank this week extended its Pacific Possible series with new research on labour mobility. The research, launched in Suva, advocates for an additional 240,000 more Pacific Islanders to migrate and work abroad by 2040. Such reforms could generate up to $10 billion in additional income relative to the business as usual scenario. Comments on the research are still welcome.
Other research papers in the series include Deep Sea Mining, Fisheries, Tourism and Non-Communicable Diseases. The complete report will be launched later in the year.
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1) NZ and Indonesia putting export dispute behind them

July 20, 2016, 1:37 pm

≫ Next: 1) Navy HQ agrees to upgrade Nabire Naval Post to naval base

≪ Previous: 1) Island focus: Papuan students avoid investigation

2) West Papua human rights under scrutiny as Key visits Indonesia

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http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/nz-and-indonesia-putting-export-dispute-behind-them/
1) NZ and Indonesia putting export dispute behind them
Issac Davison, NZME staff,

Section
Politics,

Publish Date
Tuesday, 19 July 2016, 5:36AM
John Key with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Issac Davison).
New Zealand and Indonesia have taken an important step forward, Prime Minister John Key says, after the two countries agreed to put a multi-million-dollar export dispute behind them and to boost trade in a range of areas.
Among the new commitments made by the countries in bilateral talks yesterday at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta were plans to export cattle to Indonesia for breeding and to help develop the South East-Asian country's dairy industry.
New agreements were also signed for New Zealand and Indonesia to work together on renewable energy, tourism, and e-commerce. The commitments are part of a plan to double trade between the countries to $4 billion by 2025.
"I'm quietly quite confident that things have taken an important step forward," Key told reporters after the talks.
"It was a really good meeting. It probably exceeded what I thought it would."
At a press conference at the palace, Indonesian President Joko Widodo described the meeting as "productive and friendly".
New Zealand has sought to take advantage of the economic opportunities created by Indonesia's growing middle class, but has recently been frustrated by export restrictions which have seen beef exports plummet over the last six years.
It laid a complaint against Indonesia with the World Trade Organisation, but Key said yesterday a ruling may no longer be required.
"I feel a lot more confident that I did 24 hours ago that we will have a resolution on that issue."
The parties would prefer to resolve the matter before the WTO ruled on the case, he said.
New Zealand has also been invited to invest in a cattle breeding programme in Indonesia, which under Widodo is aiming to become more self-sufficient in providing for its 255 million people.
The issue of live exports has been controversial in New Zealand, because of past cases in which large numbers of sheep died while being transported. Export for slaughter is now banned, and the cattle sent to Indonesia would only be used for breeding purposes.
All exports would have to meet animal husbandry and health conditions, Key said.
Widodo also spoke about Indonesia becoming a "milk hub" of South-East Asia, with assistance from New Zealand. Key said this would not undercut New Zealand's dairy sector, because its high-quality products would remain in demand.
"I don't think that in any way threatens New Zealand."
Despite their differences, Key - a former investment banker - and President Joko Widodo - a former furniture store owner - appeared to hit it off, joking and smiling through their photo appearances yesterday. Widodo had shown great warmth towards New Zealand, Key said.
Outside the palace, large images of Key and wife Bronagh's faces were placed on billboards alongside pictures of Widodo and his wife Iriana.
Key's motorcade was met by schoolboys and schoolgirls all in white and waving New Zealand flags. After a military parade, a brass band played the national anthems and a 19-gun salute boomed across the palace's sprawling gardens.
MORE THAN TRADE
In his formal statement after the bilateral meeting, Key said New Zealand and Indonesia's relationship went "much further than just one of economics".
"We had a good and open discussion about human rights," he said.
Human rights advocates had urged Key to demand change in the West Papua region, where an ethnically distinct population has long suffered abuse and been detained in large numbers.
The Green Party said the Government had been too soft on the issue out of the fear that it would undermine its trade negotiations.
Auckland's West Papua Action Group spokesperson Marie Leadbeater said raising the issue of human rights abuses in West Papua is very timely, given the recent arrests of thousands of students peacefully protesting in the streets.
She said the mass arrests have been unjustifiable under anybody's terms.
"What's been happening lately has been an absolute travesty in terms of the rights of free expression and free assembly, which is fundamental to all United Nations principles, and these have been blatantly flouted."
Ms Leadbeater said now that the conversation has begun, New Zealand needs to support a fact finding mission to West Papua, as well as a visit by the UN's special Rapporteur on the freedom of expression.
She said these are just small steps but ultimately the people want to have an independent country and be part of the Pacific family.
Speaking to reporters, Key said Indonesia had raised the Papua issue proactively. New Zealand was told that any alleged human rights breaches were investigated, he said.
"I think we have actually made genuine progress.
"They were quite careful to say that if there is an issue, then the issue gets investigated and resolved."
There was less progress on the issue of the death penalty, which Key said Indonesia was defending staunchly. Widodo came into power as a reformist, but has reinstated executions as part of a bid to tackle what he sees as a drug addiction crisis around the country. Another round of executions, the first since last April, is due to take place soon.
"It's not a position that I think the Indonesians are going to change their position on anytime soon," Key said. The Indonesian Government was grappling with a serious drug problem, and Widodo wanted to send a strong message.
"We in New Zealand believe that it can be sent a different way.
"But as you've seen in the past I don't think that's likely to change in a hurry."
TOURISM BOOM
The New Zealand Government's eagerness to impress was evident in several events held around Jakarta earlier in the day. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise hosted a tourism-themed reception for business people and investors in a glitzy ballroom the size of a football field in the Shangri-La hotel in central Jakarta.
A new "100% Pure" advertising campaign, which features film director James Cameron, played on a screen 30 metres wide as attendees ate New Zealand rack of lamb and drank Central Otago Pinot Noir.
At present, around 17,000 Indonesians traveled to New Zealand a year.
"Obviously we'd like to see that number rise," Key told the audience of around 500 people.
He spoke of the growth in Chinese visitors as the country's middle class grew - a transformation which is also taking place in Indonesia. Around 500,000 Chinese are expected to come to New Zealand next year, and will spend as much as 1.5 million Australian tourists.
NEW SCHOOLS
Earlier, Key announced a new aid package for Indonesia's schooling system.
New Zealand give more aid - around $90 million a year - to Indonesia than any other country outside the Pacific.
A $4.8 million aid package would improve access and quality of early childhood education for around 7400 Indonesian children. Another $2.3 million would go towards new short-term training scholarships, English-language training awards, and more post-graduate scholarships.

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http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/west-papua-human-rights-under-scrutiny-as-key-visits-indonesia/

2) West Papua human rights under scrutiny as Key visits Indonesia

Newstalk ZB Staff ,

Politics,

Tuesday, 19 July 2016, 7:23AM

Raising the issue of human rights abuses in West Papua is timely given the recent arrests of thousands of students peacefully protesting in the streets.

Prime Minister John Key expressed concern while meeting with President Widodo about trade in Indonesia yesterday afternoon.

John Key said it was Indonesia itself that put the issue on that table.

"Look I think they have actually made significant progress, they were quite careful to say that if there is an issue, the issue gets investigated and resolved. So I think they're not completely closed to the fact if there's an issue."

He said New Zealand's concerns weren't dismissed.

"We said to them that it's a matter that's always of great concern to New Zealanders, so we raised that issue, we discussed that with them, and both the President and the Foreign Minister gave assurances that they were observing human rights."

However, Auckland's West Papua Action Group spokesperson Maire Leadbeater said the recent mass arrests have been unjustifiable under anybody's terms.

"What's been happening recently is an absolute travesty, in terms of the rights of free expression and freedom of assembly, which is fundamental to all United Nations principles."

"These have been blatantly flouted."

Leadbeater said now that the conversation has begun, New Zealand needs to support a fact-finding mission to West Papua as well as a visit by the UN's special rapporteur on the freedom of expression.

"These are all just small steps. Ultimately what the people want, as they put it, is to be back in the Pacific family. They want their own country, and they want to be a member of the Pacific, as they should have been in the first place."

John Key will continue to meet with government and trade officials today.

↧

1) Navy HQ agrees to upgrade Nabire Naval Post to naval base

July 21, 2016, 2:10 am

≫ Next: MSG Leaders disappoint Melanesians: Tarima

≪ Previous: 1) NZ and Indonesia putting export dispute behind them

2) Tribunal says Indonesia responsible for genocide in 1965

3) 1965 tribunal pushes for justice despite govt’s resistance

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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/105811/navy-hq-agrees-to-upgrade-nabire-naval-post-to-naval-base

1) Navy HQ agrees to upgrade Nabire Naval Post to naval base

Rabu, 20 Juli 2016 22:04 WIB |

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) Headquarters has agreed to upgrade a naval post in Nabire in Papua province to the level of a naval base, Commander of the Jayapura Naval Base X, Brigadir General Heru Kusmanto said.

Preparations to upgrade the naval post to a naval base have been started, he stated here on Wednesday, adding, "Several personnel have been sent to Nabire and they have begun to prepare everything."

However, no exact date has been set to inaugurate the naval base, he added.

Asked about plans to also upgrade the Sarmi naval post into a naval base, he disclosed that his side had originally proposed to upgrade both the two naval posts. However, the TNI AL Headquarters only agreed to upgrade the Nabire naval post.

The Sarmi naval post will likely be upgraded after the inauguration of the Nabire naval base, he informed, adding that Merauke and Sorong naval bases, which previously belonged to the jurisdiction of the Jayapura naval base, have been already inaugurated.

The Jayapura naval base X itself oversees the north waters of Papua, he said.

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/20/tribunal-says-indonesia-responsible-for-genocide-in-1965.html

2) Tribunal says Indonesia responsible for genocide in 1965

Liza Josephine The Jakarta Post

Jakarta | Wed, July 20 2016 | 10:08 pm

The International People’s Tribunal on the 1965 Crimes Against Humanity (IPT 1965) concluded on Wednesday that the Indonesian government had committed acts of genocide, as stipulated in the 1948 International Genocide Convention, during the 1965 communist purge, which reportedly led to the death approximately 500,000 people.

"The facts brought before the tribunal by the prosecution include acts that fall within those enumerated in the Genocide Convention," said Presiding judge Zakeria Yacoob at the IPT, as he read out the tribunal’s final report via a video presentation recorded from Cape Town, South Africa.

Yacoob said Indonesia was bound by the 1948 Genocide Convention under international law.

He said the acts committed by the state had targeted a significant and substantial section of the Indonesian nation, which should have been protected according to the Genocide Convention.

Yacoob further said such acts were conducted with the "specific intent to annihilate or destroy that section in whole or in part”.

The conclusion comes as an "unexpected" addition from the nine count indictment against the government on human rights violations presented by prosecutors at the hearing held last year at the Hague from Nov. 10 to Nov. 13.

"In the beginning, we did not bring charges on genocide. But as it turns out, along the way, elements of genocide were found based on Article 1 of the 1948 Genocide Convention," IPT 1965 coordinator Nursyahbani Katjasungkana said.

Nursyahbani expressed satisfaction over the tribunal’s conclusions although they were not legally binding in terms of extending justice or compensation to the victims. However, she said human rights violations committed by the state could be sanctioned Law No. 26/2000 on Human Rights Tribunals.

"Of course, this depends on the Indonesian government taking advantage of this opportunity," Nursyahbani said.

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said the government would not apologize to the victims and survivors of the 1965 purge, or their families, because Indonesia had its own legal system. (ebf

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/21/1965-tribunal-pushes-for-justice-despite-govts-resistance.html

3) 1965 tribunal pushes for justice despite govt’s resistance

Liza Josephine The Jakarta Post

Jakarta | Thu, July 21 2016 | 01:12 pm

Members of the International People's Tribunal on the 1965 crimes against humanity in Indonesia (IPT 1965) are resolved to pursue justice over the genocide of the 1965 anticommunist purge and will submit the tribunal’s hearing results that were published on Wednesday to the Indonesian government, the IPT coordinator has said.

"The verdict will be conveyed to the Attorney General’s Office [AGO], Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly and the Foreign Ministry's human rights department, as well as to the Office of the Presidential Staff and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in a meeting, which was previously promised by former presidential spokesman Johan Budi," IPT 1965 coordinator Nursyahbani Katjasungkana said on Wednesday during a presentation of the final report from the tribunal.

Conclusions from the hearing, which was held last year in The Hague from Nov. 10 to 13, have listed a set of recommendations to the Indonesian government in addressing past crimes against humanity that took place throughout the anti-communist purge in 1965, which had allegedly killed approximately 500,000 people. The document calls on the government to formally apologize to the victims and their families, provide compensation to them and to investigate and charge the perpetrators of the crimes.

Nursyahbani said she would also submit the recommendations to the House of Representatives’ Commission III, which oversees legal affairs, to discuss follow-up action plans and the possibility of organizing a judicial hearing.

On April 17 next year, Nursyahbani said, the report on the implementation of human rights in Indonesia would be reviewed in the Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. "This also will be an opportunity for us to submit the IPT 1965 verdict as a non-governmental report from Indonesia," Nursyahbani said. (ebf)

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MSG Leaders disappoint Melanesians: Tarima

July 21, 2016, 2:21 pm

≫ Next: Indonesian police under fire over arrest of Papuan students, racial abuse

≪ Previous: 1) Navy HQ agrees to upgrade Nabire Naval Post to naval base

http://dailypost.vu/news/msg-leaders-disappoint-melanesians-tarimanu/article_6f9ee095-8b2b-5941-9801-a0e0e4e0420d.html

MSG Leaders disappoint Melanesians: Tarimanu

Posted: Thursday, July 21, 2016 8:00 am

By Godwin Ligo | 0 comments

By Godwin Ligo George Pakoa Tarimanu

One of the founding figures of the Vanuatu Independence, George Pakoa Tarimanu, has come out publicly to express what he termed “total disappointment” over the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) outcome on the issue of United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) admission of full membership into the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

He said the current MSG Leadership continue to turn a blind eye to the plight of the West Papuan Melanesians and their daily suffering, cry and deaths by the hands of the Indonesian military forces that the whole world is aware of but the Melanesian leaders are turning blind eyes on what he termed as the genocide, brutal killings, murders that are taking place before the global eyes.

“As one of the founding members of Vanuatu’s struggle for political independence, I find it hard to believe that the present or current MSG Leaders cannot stand up for the West Papua Melanesian brothers and sisters.

“They are weak, do not have the courage and boldness and perseverance that the founding fathers of the MSG had.

“The present leaders are clearly showing lack of vision they are supposed to stand for as Vanuatu heard from the first country’s Prime Minister, the late Father Walter Lini that Vanuatu will not be fully independent until all colonized people in the Pacific region are freed from colonial powers,” Tarimanu expressed.

He urged the MSG leaders to reconsider their decision and come out positively during the upcoming September 2016 Leaders’ Summit and grant ULMWP full admission into the MGS Group.

“The West Papua Melanesians have been struggling for political freedom for 50 years, whereas it took Vanuatu only 10 years to pull down the two super powers Britain and France with their Condominium style of ruling to grant Vanuatu her independence.

“I cannot understand why four strong Melanesian nations cannot show the world and, Indonesia itself that they do care for their Melanesian brothers and sisters to grant ULMWP full admission membership in the MSG.

“The question is why is that the MSG leaders will not do it?” asked George Pakoa Tarimanu.

“Let me give an example of how the late Father Walter Lini and the then Vanua’aku Party leaders lobbied the United Nations and the rest of the world to get their support for Vanuatu political independence.

“The late Father Walter Lini and the VP leaders at that time knew the possible consequences but he took the risks, whereas the ULMWP case is simply an admission of a Melanesian brothers into a rightful Melanesian Nakamal.

“I am calling on the MSG current leaders to take a stand on the issue and approve full membership of ULMWP into the MSG in the upcoming MSG Leaders’ Summit in Port Vila,” he urged.

The 67-year-old George Pakoa Tarimanu, was a member of the Vanuatu Constitutional drafting committee who was invited by the first Vanuatu Prime Minister the late Father Walter Lini.

He was also a member of the National Executive Council of the Vanua’aku Party that stood up for the political independence of Vanuatu, was a one-time Political Advisor in the First Prime Minister’s Office, first Ni-Vanuatu Establishment Officer in the British National Service prior to Vanuatu’s Independence, political advisor in the ministry of finance after Independence and held other political posts including the position of the public relations officer to the former late Prime Minister, Edward Natapei, from 2008 to 2010.

“I will continue to raise my voice for the political independence of Melanesians in West Papua,” he concluded.

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Indonesian police under fire over arrest of Papuan students, racial abuse

July 21, 2016, 5:03 pm

≫ Next: 1) Island focus: Police violated students’ rights: Watchdog

≪ Previous: MSG Leaders disappoint Melanesians: Tarima

http://asiapacificreport.nz/2016/07/21/indonesian-police-under-fire-over-arrest-of-papuan-students-racial-abuse/

Indonesian police under fire over arrest of Papuan students, racial abuse

By PMC Editor -

July 21, 2016

Jefry Wenda, coordinator of a Papuan students group covering Java and Bali ... the Papuan students in Yogyakarta have been left traumatised by police behavior. Image: Ryan Dagur/UCA

By Ryan Dagur in in Jakarta

Indonesian Church officials and activists have accused police in Yogyakarta of racism and using excessive force after six Papuan students were arrested for singing Papuan songs in their college dormitory.

“Police officers must be fair. They must protect Papuan people too,” Father Paulus Christian Siswantoko, executive secretary of the Indonesian bishops’ Commission for Justice, Peace and Pastoral for Migrant-Itinerant People, said.

“The government has the task to protect all citizens and disregard their ethnic background,” he said.

Police say they surrounded the dormitory belonging to Yogyakarta’s College of Community Development on July 15 to prevent a number of Papuan students from attending a banned rally organised by the People’s Union for West Papua Freedom.

The rally was aimed at supporting a bid by the Papuan nationalist group, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

The group is an intergovernmental organisation comprising Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front, a political party from New Caledonia. The ULMWP currently has observer status.

The Papuan students said they initially planned to hold the rally in the city center, but decided instead to sing some Papauan songs at the dormitory after organisers failed to obtain a rally permit from local police.

Tear gas
Police allegedly used tear gas on the students before arresting them.

During the arrest it is alleged officers manhandled and racially abused the students, who were also subjected to racial taunts by local pro-Jakarta activists who had gathered to support the police as the drama unfolded.

All the students were later released on July 17 following questioning. “Police officers must not let racial abuse happen,” said Father Siswantoko.

He said the students had the right to express their views. “They didn’t even stage a rally, but their voices were silenced anyway,” he said, adding that there is deep-seated prejudice by locals against Papuans.

Risky Hadur, a Catholic student activist also denounced the police action.

Left traumatised
“We express our deep condolences to the death of humanity and brotherhood in this nation.”

The students were left traumatised by the incident, according to Jefry Wenda, coordinator of a Papuan students’ group covering Java and Bali.

“Police officers and other people shouted at them and called them ‘pigs’ and ‘monkeys,'” he said, calling on the government to put a stop to abuses against the Papuan people.

National Commission on Human Rights official Natalius Pigai said the incident would be investigated.

“We must not let such racial discrimination happen,” he said. “We will send a team next week to Yogyakarta to investigate.

Ryan Dagur is a contributor to the Union of Catholic Asian News service.

↧

1) Island focus: Police violated students’ rights: Watchdog

July 22, 2016, 2:08 pm

≫ Next: 1) Economist proposes an open New Guinea

≪ Previous: Indonesian police under fire over arrest of Papuan students, racial abuse

2) Three Papua police officers discharged for involvement in narcotic crimes

3) Stop Military business and respect the rights of indigenous Papuans.

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/22/island-focus-police-violated-students-rights-watchdog.html

1) Island focus: Police violated students’ rights: Watchdog

Yogyakarta | Fri, July 22 2016 | 07:38 am

National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) member Natalius Pigai has claimed that police committed violations of human rights against Papuan students looking to hold a peaceful rally in Yogyakarta last week.
“Based on preliminary assumptions, there are indications of alleged human rights violations. An official statement will be issued in Jakarta after further collection of data,” said Pigai in front of dozens of Papuan students and democracy activists at the Papua Dormitory in Kamasan, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday evening.
Pigai has been in Yogyakarta since July 19 to investigate the police action against Papuan students who wished to hold a peaceful rally on July 14 and 15 in support of the efforts by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to become a full member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The police did not give permission for the Papuan students and activists, affiliated with the People’s Union for the Liberation of West Papua, to stage the rally at Titik Nol, in Yogyakarta city.
Police, then assisted by mass organization members, surrounded the dormitory on Jl. Kusumanegara on July 15 and arrested 17 students.

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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/105845/three-papua-police-officers-discharged-for-involvement-in-narcotic-crimes

2) Three Papua police officers discharged for involvement in narcotic crimes

Jumat, 22 Juli 2016 22:20 WIB | 334 Views

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - Three police officers in Papua have been fired for their involvement in narcotic cases.

The chief of the Papua Regional Police Command, Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw, led the discharge of the officers in an event held at the commands headquarters attended by the regional deputy police chief, Brigadier General Rudolf Roja, and members of the regional police command on Friday.

Chief Brigadier Ahmad Suyanto, First Brigadier Ade Irwin and Brigadier Irfan were fired for their involvement in narcotic cases and for having violated Police Chief Regulation Number 14, 2011 and Government Regulation Number 1 of 2003 on dismissal of a policeman from service.

Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw said it was hard for him to discharge them but they had made mistakes and the institution was constrained to take firm action against them.

The three had not only used narcotic stuff but had also become dealers, he narrated with tears in his eyes.

He stressed that he actually did not have the heart to dismiss them in view of the affect it would have on their families but he had to.

He called on the various unit chiefs to always monitor their men lest anyone is found involved in such cases. He hoped such an action would not have to be taken again.(*)

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https://awasmifee.potager.org/?p=1440

3) Stop Military business and respect the rights of indigenous Papuans.

By ADMIN | Published: JULY 22, 2016

Translation of a Press Release from a Coalition of Civil Society Organisations

On 16th July 2016 soldiers from the sub-district military command in Muting, Merauke Regency, came to look for Agustinus Dayo Mahuze, the chair of the Mahuze clan in Muting village, at his house. Their intention was to invite him to meet with the bosses of oil palm company PT Agriprima Cipta Persada (ACP) at the plantation site, and also to deliver a notice signed by the chair of the Kartika Setya Jaya co-operative, a military business linked to the District Military Comand 1707 in Merauke. The letter was dated 11th July 2016 and with reference number 8/16/VII/2016, and it gave notice of a permit of a work contract to clear land for oil palm in PT ACP’s concession..

The soldiers from the sub-district military command met Agustinus Dayo Mahuze away from his house, on the road towards Mbilanggo village, that afternoon, and stated the purpose of their visit. When the military officers told Agustinus Dayo about the plans between the co-operative and the company he felt threatened, afraid and anxious.

PT ACP’s has often involved the military and police in support of its business interests, and they have participated in activities related to obtaining the right to use land and in clearing land. This work has been accompanied by intimidation and threats of violence, generating nervousness and tension between the local community and the company, government and police and military personnel. Evidence for this are the letters the community repeatedly sent to the government, the police and military and the National Human Rights Commission between January and July 2015, to which they received no meaningful response.

Before that, the community had already made their feelings clear to the government and company by erecting notices around their ancestral land that read “the greater Mahuze clan’s land is not to be used for oil palm”. The community are also hoping to resolve the problem of a few members of the clan who have yet to repay money which had been given to a them as land compensation and which is being considered as proof of the transfer of land title, despite the fact that the clan members who accepted it did so without the general agreement of the whole greater Mahuze clan.

The involvement of the state security apparatus in providing security for PT ACP’s business interests, and even taking a direct role in the enterprise by clearing company land which is still disputed, and the way this creates a feeling amongst the community that they are not safe and facing injustice, represents a violation of the constitution and the law. The actions of these military personnel are also in contradiction to the military’s national commander to reform military institutions, including placing curbs on military businesses.

Because of this, we demand:

(1) The Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights, National Military Commander and Chief of Police should put a halt to military business, in which the military provides security for or expedites corporate business activities in ways which violate the law and do not support local communities;

(2) The National Military Commander and Police Chief should give harsh penalties to police or military personnel found to be involved in such businesses which lie outside their institutional remit and cause anxiety in local communities;

(3) The Agriculture Minister and Bupati of Merauke Regency should undertake a social and environmental audit, and a review of permits for work being carried out by oil palm company PT Agriprima Cipta Persada in Muting, Merauke.

We support reforms police and military institutions in such a way that they can provide protection and service for citizens, and we also hope that all parties will show respect for the rights of Papuan indigenous peoples.

Jakarta 22 July 2016

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations
PUSAKA, Yayasan Satu Keadilan, ELSAM, Konsorsium Pembaruan Agraria, SKP Keuskupan Merauke, SKP KC Fransiskan Jayapura, LBH Jakarta, Perkumpulan JUBI, debtwatch Indonesia, Epistema Institute, GRAIN International, Sekretariat Bina Desa, Koalisi Rakyat untuk Keadilan Perikanan, Indonesian Human Rights Committee for Social Justice, WALHI, Perkumpulan Bantuan Hukum Kalimantan, Institut Global Justice, Solidaritas Perempuan, SAMPAN Kalimantan, HUMA, JKMA Aceh, JERAT Papua, Yayasan Anak Dusun Papua, AURIGA, Institute Ecosoc, KONTRAS, Yayasan Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Indonesia, GARDA Papua, FIM Papua. Individual supporters: Rahma Mary, Idham Arsyad, Dede Shineba, Budi Hernawan, Teguh Surya.

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↧

1) Economist proposes an open New Guinea

July 23, 2016, 2:26 pm

≫ Next: Vanuatu PM appeals to Melanesian solidarity on West Papua

≪ Previous: 1) Island focus: Police violated students’ rights: Watchdog

2) What The Black Lives Matter Movement Looks Like In Australia

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/309298/economist-proposes-an-open-new-guinea

1) Economist proposes an open New Guinea

5:41 pm on 23 July 2016

Charles Yala has proposed trade routes across the border in the middle of New Guinea island. Photo: Supplied

A Papua New Guinean economist has put forward a proposal to open up the whole island of New Guinea for trade purposes.

Charles Yala is the director of the National Research Institute, a PNG government funded think tank, based in Boroko.

His opinion piece argues that both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea would benefit from opening up their land borders for trade purposes.

The proposal suggests an East-West highway or rail link from Timika in Indonesia's Papua Region to Lae on PNG's northern coast. It also suggests a north-south link along the border from Jayapura and Vanimo to Merauke in the south.

Dr Yala says geographically the island of New Guinea is ideally situated to provide a North/South trade link between Australia, New Zealand and the fast growing economies of South East Asia.

"Knowing very well that there are social, political, cultural, environmental, topographic engineering challenges and the funding to do that I just decided that look, let me put up this idea and see what the public thinks about it and see if there is a way to promote this idea and see if that is possible and we can raise a discussion," said Dr Yala.

Charles Yala said his proposal would tie in neatly with Australia’s 'Our North, Our Future' policy as well as China's 'Maritime Silk Road' policy.

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https://www.buzzfeed.com/allanclarke/the-black-lives-matter-movement-has-come-to-australia-and-it?utm_term=.sgxQmZQlx#.vq1P6MPlG

2) What The Black Lives Matter Movement Looks Like In Australia

“What is happening in America is exactly what is happening here.”
posted on Jul. 22, 2016, at 12:16 p.m.Allan Clarke BuzzFeed News Reporter, Australia

Over the weekend, thousands of Australians turned out to Black Lives Matter (BLM) rallies in Melbourne and Sydney.

Attendees marched in solidarity with the African American community and their campaign for justice over black deaths at the hands of law enforcement, but Australian people of colour and Indigenous people have also embraced the movement to promote their own causes.

facebook.com

In Melbourne, a small contingent of exiled West Papuans spoke openly about the atrocities being committed in their homeland by Indonesian security forces.

“The situation that is happening in the United States, the violence against the African Americans, we have seen that same thing happening in West Papua. Many peaceful activists are being faced with brutal military police violence,” Ronny Kareni, a West Papuan activist living in Australia, told BuzzFeed News.

Kareni led the West Papuan protest at the Melbourne BLM rally and said the movement resonated heavily with the West Papuan community living in Australia.

“We all know that all humans lives matter, but at this point in time it’s black people and the Indigenous people here in Australia along with the West Papuan people that are facing police brutality,” Kareni said.

West Papua, a province of Indonesia, is Australia’s closest neighbour but most Australians know very little about its Indigenous Melanesian peoples’ fight for independence.

In the past, Indonesia has been singled out by International human rights organisations like Amnesty International and Human Right Watch for violence against the Indigenous population.

“Australia is complicit in turning a blind eye to the human rights atrocities that are being committed by the Indonesian security forces. Especially with the killing of young men and women in the community, they face violent behaviour if they take a stand against violence,” Kareni said.

More BLM rallies are planned for Perth and Brisbane this weekend. In Perth, Aboriginal man Shaun Harris will be using the event to talk about the shamefully high rates of Aboriginal deaths in police and prison custody. Since a royal commission in Aboriginal deaths in custody in 1991, there have been more then 355 black deaths in custody.

“What is happening in America is exactly what is happening here. The only difference is we don’t have footage of our deaths if we did a lot more people would be shocked and stand up for us [Aboriginal people],” Harris told BuzzFeed News.

Harris’ niece was 22-year-old Yamatji woman Ms Dhu, who died in police custody in 2014 after being locked up for unpaid fines. Within 48 hours of being in custody she was dead.

Dhu died an agonising death from septicaemia and pneumonia stemming from an infection from a broken rib that was a result of domestic violence. She was taken to a nearby medical centre three times while in custody. The first two times medical staff thought she was pretending to be in pain. On the third visit, she was pronounced dead.

“Black lives in Australia don’t matter to the police, that’s why our family want the CCTV footage of Ms Dhu realised. If people saw it they would join our fight for justice and make the police and authorities accountable,” Harris, who has seen the footage, said

“It is shocking to see it [the CCTV footage], haunting. She [Dhu] is in pain begging for help and being dragged like an animal carcass from her cell. This is how black people in Australia are treated.”

The BLM rally organisers in Perth are expecting more than 1000 people this Saturday.

Yasmina Paige, one the organisers, told BuzzFeed News, “We want to shine a big light on the fact that these things happen in Australia and show that we support people of colour in the US, but also we want to highlight issues that are going on here.”

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↧

Vanuatu PM appeals to Melanesian solidarity on West Papua

July 25, 2016, 12:39 am

≫ Next: 1) Vanuatu PM urges MSG to stay true to founding principles

≪ Previous: 1) Economist proposes an open New Guinea

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/309416/vanuatu-pm-appeals-to-melanesian-solidarity-on-west-papua

Vanuatu PM appeals to Melanesian solidarity on West Papua

about 1 hour ago

From L to R; Secretary to MSG Chair, Rence Sore, Legal Adviser to the MSG Secretariat, Ilan Kiloe, MSG Secretariat Director-General, Amena Yauvoli, MSG Chair, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Secretary to the Prime Minister, Joesph Waleanisia. Photo: Solomon Islands Government

Vanuatu's prime minister says the Melanesian Spearhead group must unite to overcome divisions over the question of membership in the group for West Papuans.

At this month's Honiara summit, amid intense lobbying by Indonesia, MSG leaders deferred a decision on the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's application to become full members while adequate membership criteria is developed.

Charlot Salwai said since last year membership criteria had been developed which stipulates full members needing to be a Melanesian state.

However, Mr Salwai said one of the full MSG members, New Caledonia's FLNKS Kanak movement, is not a state but a political movement aspiring for independence.

This, he said, set a precedent for the West Papuans to have full membership.

He said the secretariat and its membership committee had been tasked with coming up with criteria which better reflects the MSG's founding principles, namely to assist the self-determination of Melanesian peoples.

We have to understand and find a way to support our brothers of Melanesia to get what they want. They want self-determination so why are we supporting the FLNKS and not the ULMWP? If we believe in Melanesian culture, we should not turn away, but continue to unite, because the benefits of having the MSG are huge for Melanesian countries.

The United Liberation Movement for west papua was granted observer status ni the MSG last year.

Indonesia has associate member status in the group.

↧

1) Vanuatu PM urges MSG to stay true to founding principles

July 26, 2016, 1:38 am

≫ Next: 1) Editorial. Courting Papuan people

≪ Previous: Vanuatu PM appeals to Melanesian solidarity on West Papua

2) Indonesia in West Papua

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201809583/vanuatu-pm-urges-msg-to-stay-true-to-founding-principles

1) Vanuatu PM urges MSG to stay true to founding principles

From Dateline Pacific, Tuesday 26 July 2016

Listen 5:59

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Following the move by the Melanesian Spearhead Group to defer a decision on the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's application to become full members, Vanuatu's prime minister Charlot Salwai says there is a need for membership criteria to be developed which better reflects the group's founding principles.

TRANSCRIPT

Leaders of Melanesian Spearhead Group gather for a meeting in Noumea, June 2013. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

Vanuatu's prime minister says the Melanesian Spearhead Group should stay true to its founding principles on the question of membership in the group for West Papuans.

There is divergence between some of the leaders on whether the full membership of New Caledonia's FLNKS Kanak movement, sets a precedent for the West Papuans to have full membership.

Charlot Salwai told Johnny Blades that since last year membership criteria was developed which did not reflect the MSG's founding principles.

CHARLOT SALWAI: So that is the reason why we decided not to accept the criteria that was presented for further amendments and we asked the secretariat and the committee to come up with a new criteria that could reflect the fundamental principles of the MSG. Which in the beginning was political and the criteria should reflect political aspiration and the principles of international laws. Because the one that was presented last time it looks like it tends to select financial members. And maybe turn more for trade relationships than MSG its original purpose was political to get Melanesia free from the colonisation, especially for those who are fighting for their self-determination and decolonisation, which is related also to the human rights. That is the reason why we call another meeting and we request the committee to come up with some new criteria that would reflect the original spirit of setting up the MSG.

JOHNNY BLADES: Has the criteria changed at some point since the beginning? Because we know the FLNKS...

CS: Yes that is the issue that, why are we changing the criteria now while the FLNKS is already inside the (MSG). One of the (new proposed) criteria is talking about the state, Melanesian state to become part of the MSG. But the FLNKS is not a state it is a political party as well as the ULMWP (United Liberation Movement For West Papua) So we request that the committee reconsider the criteria that have been submitted to Honiara and the MSG should look at on this special summit that should be held from now to the end of September.

JB: I asked (PNG Foreign Minister) Rimbink Pato about this, what was the difference between the ULMWP and the FLNKS. And he said well, the FLNKS was there from the beginning and they are different because they have a process in place towards decolonisation possibly, you know under the UN. He says that the West Papuans don't have that and the FLNKS are different.

CS: Vanuatu believes that the MSG was set up as Vanuatu was in the very beginning very instrumental in this organisation, and it was to get the whole of Melanesia free from decolonisation that is the idea to set up the MSG.

JB: So are you disappointed with how it has turned out so far or do you think there is still, there is still chance to remedy this?

CS: Well not really to be disappointed, but I think I am disappointed on the way that how the criteria has been drafted which tends to address more the financial situation of the organisation than the original objective of the organisation which was the political objective of the organisation.

JB: Who has been changing it? Is this members or secretariat?

CS: Well a committee has been appointed by the Honiara meeting last year 2015 and the proposal was submitted to this year's MSG meeting which, as I said, we checked it, subject to review to be presented in the coming special sitting, special meeting of the MSG in Port Vila.

JB: Why is it important for the region to accept West Papua into the framework?

CS: Well I think everyone knows what is happening in West Papua, with the people in West Papua. The issue with Human Rights as well as it is part of Melanesia and I think it is the duty of the organisation, the MSG, to support them.

JB: You know, this is a very divisive issue. Do you think the MSG will find a way through or will the outside influences maybe threaten the unity over this issue?

CS: Well the MSG is very important for Melanesian countries, it is a unique organisation for Melanesia, and I believe with the Melanesian spirit we will continue to maintain the solidarity. But we have to understand and find a way to support our brothers of Melanesia to get what we want. We want self determination so why are we supporting FLNKS and not supporting ULMWP? If we believe in Melanesian culture we should not turn away, (we should) continue to unite, because the benefit of having the MSG is huge for Melanesian countries.

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http://www.solomonstarnews.com/viewpoint/letters-to-the-editor/11232-indonesia-in-west-papua

Solomon Star

2) Indonesia in West Papua

Dear Editor – I note that in the two opinion pieces in your paper by Indonesian diplomats at the Indonesian Embassies in Canberra and Brussel, they seem to try the blame the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) for all their problems on the issue of West Papua instead of looking at Jakarta's policies in the territory.

In an opinion piece “Is MSG a strong or sick man of the Pacific?” the spokesperson from the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra wrote that the ULMWP “was created to represent the voices of overseas Papuans, who may still have Indonesian citizenship and many who have renounced their citizenship. The Movement does not represent the almost four million residents”.

However, anybody concerned about the grave human rights situation in West Papua would realise that Sade Bimantara is wrong on many of his statements.

One only has to be aware of the issue to know that the ULMWP represents the majority of West Papuans both inside and outside of the territory and not just those “voices of overseas Papuans” as he states.

In the large number of rallies that took place in the past months in West Papua many of the banners carried by the Papuans stated “we support ULMWP to become the full member of MSG” and similar statements.

Another point Mr Bimantara should ponder is why after 53 years of Indonesian administration West Papuans are still marching in the streets risking arrest and torture to bring to the world’s attention the injustices they suffer under Indonesian rule?

A total failure on the part of Jakarta to win over the West Papuan people.

In fact, even as the MSG Summit was taking place in Honiara more arrests were occurring at rallies in West Papua which had been called in a show of support for the ULMWP’s application for full membership.

Since May of this year over 3000 Papuans have been arrested in peaceful rallies by the Indonesian security forces who seem to have great difficulty in grasping the principles laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

(Article 19) and everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association (Article 20).

Although it must be disappointing for Papuans that the decision on full membership was postponed till another MSG leaders meeting in September in Vanuatu, there is no doubt the tide of history flows in West Papua's favour.

Joe Collins
Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

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↧

1) Editorial. Courting Papuan people

July 26, 2016, 2:10 pm

≫ Next: Nearly 120 Arrested Day, Steven Itlay yet Trial

≪ Previous: 1) Vanuatu PM urges MSG to stay true to founding principles

2) Team seeks solutions following student attack

3) Police Deploy Mobile Brigade in Deadly Papua Tribal Clash

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/26/courting-papuan-people.html

1) Editorial. Courting Papuan people

Tue, July 26 2016 | 07:30 am

Relations between Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono and Papua have been fairly close, with the sultan of the country’s only ruling monarchy opening his arms to people from the easternmost province, many of whom come to the city to pursue an education.

Moreover, the sultan has repeatedly shown a commitment to protecting Papuan people when they are in trouble.

For his inclusive, tolerant views and efforts to promote respect for diversity, the sultan earned the Pluralism Award in 2014, which was conferred to him in Sentani, near Jayapura, the capital of Papua. No doubt the sultan contributes a lot to the preservation of the country’s heterogeneity and the DNA of this nation, something that sadly eludes many other regional and national leaders.

It was therefore quite surprising when Hamengkubuwono made a statement that went beyond his characteristic behavior, concerning a recent conflict between Papuan students and locals. The sultan asked any Papuan students who supported or aspired for an independent state in Papua to leave Yogyakarta, in response to tensions brewing because of a plan from a group of Papuan students to take to the streets in a show of support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s (ULMWP) bid for membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) on July 15.

Security authorities and members of community groups preempted the move, besieging dozens of Papuan students at a dormitory. The incident escalated into more widespread anti-Papuan sentiment, with many boarding house owners across the city openly refusing to accept Papuan students.

The National Commission on Human Rights sent a team headed by Natalius Pigai, who is a Papuan, to resolve the conflict, by holding talks with the sultan, among other things. Of course the sultan’s statement, which was made just a day after he met with Pigai, sparked controversy.

In a city like Yogyakarta, where traditions are well maintained, words from the sultan are still considered an order. Fears have been rife that his statement would justify a move to expel Papuans from Yogyakarta, a city long known for its hospitality and tolerance. God forbid reports of a crackdown on Papuans, which would shatter the city’s bedrock of civility.

Apparently in anticipation of a widespread anti-Papuan movement, the students opted to leave Yogyakarta and return home to continue their studies, which has not only exaggerated but also exacerbated the problem.

As a leader, the sultan holds the responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of his people. Repeated tensions between Papuans and locals may, however, have sapped his patience and prompted him to draw a line separating the migrants.

Like other rulers, the sultan has unfortunately exercised power to stifle freedom of thought, although Papuans, like other Indonesian citizens, have the right to live anywhere in the country regardless of their views.

The sultan should invite Papuan representatives for talks before it is too late. His endeavors to address local tensions could serve as a model for a comprehensive solution to the Papua issue.

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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/26/team-seeks-solutions-following-student-attack.html

2) Team seeks solutions following student attack

Nether Dharma Somba and Bambang Muryanto The Jakarta Post

Jayapura/Yogyakarta | Tue, July 26 2016 | 09:28 am

Papua Governor Lukas Enembe has sent a team to Yogyakarta following an attack by a number of community organizations at a Papuan student dormitory in Kamasan, Yogyakarta, on July 15.

The team will seek information and verify a call made by a Papuan student association in Yogyakarta for Papuan students in the province to return to Papua on account of a lack of security assurances from the Yogyakarta authorities over their safety.

“In response to developments following the attack on the Papuan student dormitory in Yogyakarta, the governor has sent a team to consolidate the Yogyakarta provincial administration, Governor Hamengkubuwono and the [Papuan] students,” said Papua provincial secretary Hery Dosinaen in Jayapura on Monday.

The consolidation team, which left Papua on Sunday, was led by Papua Legislative Council (DPRD) speaker Edo Kaize, deputy speaker Yanni and DPRD Commission I head Elvis Tabuni.

Dosinaen said Enembe expected the students to return to campus and continue their regularly scheduled activities, and to not feel afraid or alienated because the children of Papua were Indonesians and had the right to study anywhere in the country.

“They don’t have to return to Papua. Disagreements are common so don’t leave Yogyakarta simply because of this,” said Dosinaen.

Enembe expressed hope that Papuans studying in Yogyakarta would be accommodated by the local administration, and that any further issues would be communicated.

Papua human rights observer and Yap Thiam Hien Award recipient Rev. John Jonga said the case in Yogyakarta should be resolved by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo because the separatist label attached to the Papuan students would put their safety at risk.

“The President should not consider the problem faced by the Papuan students as trivial, because they no longer feel comfortable there, especially with the separatist label given to them, as it puts pressure on them and makes them fearful,” he said.

He further said that a statement from the Alliance of Papuan Students (AMP) in Yogyakarta that they would return to Papua because they did not feel safe was a slap in the face of the Jokowi government for not being able to protect its citizens.

“What’s the use of coming to Papua to build if the government is unable to provide security and comfort for Papuans in other areas in Indonesia? The students are not separatists, and expressing aspirations is not treason,” said Jonga.

Jonga expressed concern that if the Papuan students in Yogyakarta returned to Papua, they would be followed by other students on other islands, which would eventually trigger international attention.

“The government must immediately address the problem in Yogyakarta so that everything returns to normal,” said Jonga.

Earlier, the AMP in Yogyakarta declared its plan to return to Papua in the absence of assurances over its members’ safety following an accusation by the Yogyakarta governor that they had been involved in separatism.

“We have decided to go back home [to Papua],” said Roy Karoba of the AMP on Sunday.

The decision was made, Roy added, following a meeting of Papuan students in Yogyakarta last Thursday. He, however, declined to mention when and how many of them would return to Papua. There are about 8,000 Papuan students studying in Yogyakarta.

General secretary of the Association of Papuan Youths and Students (IKPMDP), Ruben C. Frasa, said earlier that the decision was triggered by the repressive acts of security authorities in Yogyakarta against their planned rally on July 15 in support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s (ULMWP) bid for membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), and also by the governor’s statement that there was no place for separatists in Yogyakarta.
____________________________________________

http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/police-deploy-mobile-brigade-deadly-papua-tribal-clash/

3) Police Deploy Mobile Brigade in Deadly Papua Tribal Clash

By : Jakarta Globe | on 3:35 PM July 26, 2016

Jayapura. Police in Papua have deployed more than 45 personnel of its mobile brigade, or Brimob, following a tribal clash in Kwamki Lama, a village in the Timika district of Papua, which left two people dead and wounded dozens of others, an official said on Monday (25/05).

Papua mobile brigade chief Sr. Comr. Matiuf Fakhiri told Antara news agency the Brimob officers are now at the village with Indonesian army soldiers to prevent further clashes between two warring tribes in Kwanki Lama.

The two-day clash which started on Sunday has killed two residents and wounded 25 others. More than 60 homes were also damaged. 25 homes and 13 motorcycles were also burnt by attackers.

“We've pleaded to the tribes' leaders to tell their people to stop fighting, so the clash will not spread to other areas,” Matiuf said in Timika on Monday evening.

According to some reports, the tribal clash was allegedly triggered by assaults to Amungme tribal chiefs Petrus Benal, Anton Penimet, Tomas Kum and his family on Sunday. It is not clear why the chiefs were assaulted in the first place.

In retaliation, dozens of men from the Amungme tribe attacked an area called Ile Ale, also in Kwanki Lama, where the assailants allegedly lived. The Amungme attackers damaged homes and burnt dozens of motorcycles.

Mimika district head Eltinus Omaleng has held a meeting with officials on Monday evening to try to put an end to the tribal clash.

Tribal clashes have been happening in Kwanki Lama for decades as local tribes demand "an eye for an eye" retribution every time an incident happened between them.

↧

Nearly 120 Arrested Day, Steven Itlay yet Trial

July 26, 2016, 2:24 pm

≫ Next: West Papua issue picks at the core of MSG

≪ Previous: 1) Editorial. Courting Papuan people

A google translate. Be-aware google translate can be a bit erratic.

Original bahasa link at

http://suarapapua.com/2016/07/26/hampir-120-hari-ditahan-steven-itlay-belum-disidangkan/

Nearly 120 Arrested Day, Steven Itlay yet Trial

Author Arnold Belau -July 26, 2016

Steven Itlay and Yus Wenda in Mimika district police custody. (Photo: Doc KNPB Timika region)

JAYAPURA, SUARAPAPUA.com- Steven Itlay, chairman of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Timika region were arrested and detained since April 6, 2016 Timika by the local police had not tried until now.

Steven was arrested along with Yus Wenda on the same day. Steven accused of rebellion and sedition punishable by article 160 of the Criminal Code.

Gustaf Kawer, attorney Steven and Yus Wenda to suarapapua.com said Wenda Yus cases were tried. And on July 27 will be hearing demands. But for Stven, the case has not been tried.

"For Steven Itlay was incomplete. So until sekrang process is still in the police and untried. Previous police already bestowed the file to the prosecutor. But Attorney restore the file because it is less complete. While Wenda Yus were tried his case. Tomorrow (July 27, 2016) scheduled to hear the prosecution, "said Kawer to suarapapua.com in Jayapura, Tuesday (07/26/2016).

According Kawer, in the case of Steven Itlay, police should immediately search for evidence and complete the file. In order poroses trial be held. Because of the period of detention in police custody Stven been almost 120 days.

"Yeah, it was incomplete so it has been returned to the police to be equipped. I think if the allegations of treason and sedition are not strong proof is supposed to police meneribitkan Steven SP3 to stop the case. Up to this day, nearly 120 days. And it could be free by law if passed 120 days, "he said.

Kawer also said, now there are two more aktivit KNPB Timika region who have been arrested and detained since July 12, 2016 which is Yanto Awerkion and Sem Ukago.

"Now they are being held in Mako Brimob Timika treason ayng charged with article 160 of the Criminal Code and the Criminal Code article 160 incitement," he said.

KNPB activists of the Timika region, Soon Wenda, when contacted suarapapua.com say the same thing. For the case of Steven untried. But for Yus Wenda case has been heard.

"If for Steven untried. Until now still being detained at the police. As for Yus were tried and tomorrow will be hearing the demands, "he said.

According to Wenda, two KNPB activists detained since July 12, 2016, it doubted the health of two activists in police custody.

"They do not eat well. Drinking water alone is not considered properly. Yet they have prisoners of health and others should be guaranteed by the state. So we very much doubt their health in custody, "he said.

Meanwhile, not long ago, the Papua Police Public Relations Head, Patrige warin to the media in Jayapura, said the case had reached the stage of the transfer of files.

"Steven is still being held in Mimika district police. Steven's case is already in phase one. The files have been handed over to the prosecutor. The beam delivery phase one already done. However, the prosecutor requested that complements some of the files again. so that it is currently being equipped, "said Renwari in Jayapura.

Announcers: Arnold Belau

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4) MSG founding father urges MSG to include West Papua

4) MSG founding father urges MSG to include West Papua

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/105721/papuas-biodiversity-going-international

1) Papua`s biodiversity going international

2) PNG SEEKS GUIDELINES ON WEST PAPUAN MSG BID

2) PNG SEEKS GUIDELINES ON WEST PAPUAN MSG BID

From Dateline Pacific, Tuesday 19 July 2016Listen duration3′ :29″Add to playlist DownloadDownload as OggDownload as MP3

Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister says it's important that the Melanesian Spearhead Group sort out its guidelines around membership after MSG leaders last week deferred a decision on a full membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua.

TRANSCRIPT

MSG membership guidelines had "flaws", said PNG

4) West Papua: New Zealand PM to Discuss Indonesia’s Human Rights Violations in Jakarta

3) 30 pieces of silver’- Melanesian Spearhead Group ‘bought by others’: DPM Nathan

6) Indonesian minister ends Fiji visit

3) 30 pieces of silver’- Melanesian Spearhead Group ‘bought by others’: DPM Nathan

TRANSCRIPT

6) Indonesian minister ends Fiji visit

2) PM criticised for prioritising trade ‘at the cost of human rights’

3) PM puts trade before human rights – academic

2) PM criticised for prioritising trade ‘at the cost of human rights’

————————————————————————http://tvnz.co.nz/te-karere-news/pm-puts-trade-before-human-rights-academic-6482634

3) PM puts trade before human rights – academic

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2) West Papua human rights under scrutiny as Key visits Indonesia

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http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/west-papua-human-rights-under-scrutiny-as-key-visits-indonesia/

2) West Papua human rights under scrutiny as Key visits Indonesia

Indonesian police under fire over arrest of Papuan students, racial abuse

3) Stop Military business and respect the rights of indigenous Papuans.

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2) Three Papua police officers discharged for involvement in narcotic crimes

3) Stop Military business and respect the rights of indigenous Papuans.

“What is happening in America is exactly what is happening here.”posted on Jul. 22, 2016, at 12:16 p.m.Allan Clarke BuzzFeed News Reporter, Australia

Over the weekend, thousands of Australians turned out to Black Lives Matter (BLM) rallies in Melbourne and Sydney.

“We all know that all humans lives matter, but at this point in time it’s black people and the Indigenous people here in Australia along with the West Papuan people that are facing police brutality,” Kareni said.

“It is shocking to see it [the CCTV footage], haunting. She [Dhu] is in pain begging for help and being dragged like an animal carcass from her cell. This is how black people in Australia are treated.”

2) Indonesia in West Papua

TRANSCRIPT

1) Editorial. Courting Papuan people

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From Dateline Pacific, Tuesday 19 July 2016
Listen duration3:29
Add to playlist

Download as Ogg
Download as MP3

————————————————————————
http://tvnz.co.nz/te-karere-news/pm-puts-trade-before-human-rights-academic-6482634

“What is happening in America is exactly what is happening here.”
posted on Jul. 22, 2016, at 12:16 p.m.Allan Clarke BuzzFeed News Reporter, Australia