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Five soldiers named suspects in Jayawijaya police station attack

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 https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2024/03/07/five-soldiers-named-suspects-in-jayawijaya-police-station-attack.html


Five soldiers named suspects in Jayawijaya police station attack

 News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 7, 2024 
 While there were no casualties in the incident, several windows at the police station were broken by stones.  

Five Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers have been named suspects in an attack on a police station in Jayawijaya, Papua Highlands. 

As part of the investigation, the Region XVII/Cendrawasih Military Police have examined 21 TNI soldiers suspected of being connected to the attack. 

"We examined all those who were involved either in directing or carrying out the attack.

 Out of the 21 people, five were named suspects and will be prosecuted," said Region XVII/Cenderawasih Military Commander Maj. Gen. Izak Pengemanan in Jayapura on Tuesday.

 Izak confirmed that authorities had detained the five suspects.

 Even so, he affirmed that the attack by TNI Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 756/WMAS was a violation of the code of conduct. 

"[The attack did not represent the TNI’s] esprit de corps. The Indonesian Military has never recognized the spirit in that way. The spirit is the soul of the unit to establish a good reputation and the unit’s passion. Therefore, such an incident is a violation," he said. 

The Jayawijaya police station was attacked by several TNI soldiers on Saturday at around 8:10 p.m. local time, causing damage to the station. 


While there were no casualties in the incident, several windows at the police station were broken by stones.  Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius D. Fakhiri had ordered Jayawijaya Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Heri Wibowo to repair the damage caused by the attack. "So, it's all right. I have asked the Police Chief to fix it. Later, the [other] issues will be taken over by the Pangdam," said Mathius.

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All hopes pinned on peaceful persuasion to free NZ pilot

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 https://en.antaranews.com/news/308145/all-hopes-pinned-on-peaceful-persuasion-to-free-nz-pilot


All hopes pinned on peaceful persuasion to free NZ pilot  
 March 11, 2024 19:44 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is continuing efforts to free New Zealander pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who has been held hostage by an armed separatist group in Papua since February 7, 2023.

Mehrtens, a pilot from Susi Air, was abducted by the group, led by Egianus Kogoya, shortly after landing in Paro, Nduga district, Papua Pegunungan province.

After taking over as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs less than a month ago, Hadi Tjahjanto has moved swiftly to seek ways to free the pilot.

On February 21, 2024, one week after his induction as minister, Tjahjanto held a discussion with three leaders from Nduga.

In Jakarta on February 28, Tjahjanto outlined a plan for freeing Mehrtens by using the church approach. The approach has been chosen considering that the majority of people in Papua are Christians and Catholics.

Also, it is believed that the government will be able to approach the hostage-takers if it uses this approach. However, the minister has not provided further details regarding the approach.

Several parties have voiced their support for the church approach. They include Tjahjanto's predecessor, Mahfud MD.

Mahfud has expressed support for all government efforts to save human lives, such as Mehrtens', by using a church approach.

The church approach is expected to be effective in Papua. Therefore, he supports the measurable steps that will be taken by the government, especially Tjahjanto.

Abdul Mu'ti, general secretary of the central board of one of Indonesia's largest Muslim organizations, Muhammadiyah, has also expressed support for the church approach.

A peaceful approach that does not prioritize military force is expected to be acceptable to the Papuan people, so the church approach is considered appropriate.

The method is also expected to save the pilot and prevent victims in Papua.

Executive secretary for justice and peace of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), Pastor Marthen Jenarut, said that Mehrtens' case is a cause for concern for everyone. To be taken hostage is considered an act that limits one's right to live.

Therefore, in the context of freeing Mehrtens, churches have consistently encouraged dialogues that are full of openness and humility, and advised against repressive methods that will not resolve the root problem.

Thus, churches are expected to be able to assist in the pilot's release. Further, the church approach is often applied in the context of love and respect for the dignity of all parties involved in a case.

According to an international relations observer at Padjadjaran University, Arfin Sudirman, the Indonesian government must set a realistic deadline for Mehrtens' release.

It also must refrain from rushing into taking a repressive approach, which would pose a high risk to the safety of the pilot.

The government must also be careful in its actions considering how information flows very quickly, and then there's the issue of information distortion on social media, which could affect Indonesia's image in the eyes of the world.

The church approach, which is a religion-based approach, can be taken as an alternative to a repressive approach to free the hostage.

A religion-based approach has been used in some cases in conflict-riddled areas, including when Sunni Islam figures sought the release of Christian peace activists who were kidnapped during the conflict in Iraq in 2005, and when Pope Francis called for the release of nuns held hostage by an armed group in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

In the context of Indonesia's relations with New Zealand, Sudirman said that the government's efforts to use a church approach are a form of maintaining good relations.

The government is said to be prioritizing the safety of Mehrtens as an individual who needs to be protected in order to maintain good relations with New Zealand and to show the professionalism of the government and security forces in the operation to free the pilot.

There is also an agreement between the governments of both countries on prioritizing a persuasive approach rather than a repressive one in efforts to free Mehrtens.

To this end, both countries must cooperate to free the pilot without the political interests of any parties coming into play.

Persuasive approach

In late February this year, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to discuss bilateral relations.

After the meeting, Amin said that Prime Minister Luxon agreed to the Indonesian government's decision to use a persuasive approach to free Mehrtens.

He added that the government is making persuasive efforts to avoid untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, Luxon agreed that the approach must be persuasive because it is related to a sensitive issue.

The Vice President highlighted that the Indonesian government is continuing to apply a persuasive approach by involving community and church leaders.

This was also communicated by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi to New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters in a telephone call.

Now, hope must remain high while awaiting positive results from the efforts carried out by the government to free Mehrtens.



Related news: PM Luxon agrees on persuasive approach to free kidnapped NZ pilot
Related news: Papuan customary chief pledges to help release New Zealand pilot
Related news: Captured New Zealand pilot not part of separatist group: Susi Air


Translator: Rio Feisal, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala

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1) Question for PNG foreign minister Tkatchenko – what does the defence pact mean for West Papua?

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2) What will the Indonesia-PNG defence pact mean for West Papua?

3) Rights commission asked to seriously investigate recent violence in Papua

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1) Question for PNG foreign minister Tkatchenko – what does the defence pact mean for West Papua?

  


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2) What will the Indonesia-PNG defence pact mean for West Papua?
Ali Mirin March 12, 2024Issue 1401World

Papua New Guinea and Indonesia have formally ratified a defence agreement a decade after its initial signing.

PNG’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko and the Indonesian ambassador to the Pacific nation, Andriana Supandy, convened a press briefing in Port Moresby on February 29 to declare the ratification.

The agreement enables an enhancement of military operations between the two countries, with a specific focus on strengthening patrols along the border between PNG and Indonesia.


According to Tkatchenko as reported by RNZ Pacific citing Benar News, “The Joint border patrols and different types of defence cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea of course will be part of the ever-growing security mechanism.”

“It would be wonderful to witness the collaboration between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, both now and in the future, as they work together side by side. Indonesia is a rising Southeast Asian power that reaches into the South Pacific region and dwarfs Papua New Guinea in population, economic size and military might,” added the minister.

In recent years, Indonesia has been asserting its own regional hegemony in the Pacific amid the rivalries of two superpowers — the United States and China.

Indonesia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to bolster collaboration with Pacific nations amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region during the recent 2024 annual press statement held by the minister for foreign affairs at the Asian-African Conference in Bandung.

Diverse Indigenous states

The Pacific Islands are home to diverse sovereign Indigenous states and islands, and also home to two influential regional powers, Australia and New Zealand. This vast diverse region is increasingly becoming a pivotal strategic and political battleground for foreign powers — aiming to win the hearts and minds of the populations and governments in the region.

Numerous visible and hidden agreements, treaties, talks, and partnerships are being established among local, regional, and global stakeholders in the affairs of this vast region.

The Pacific region carries great importance for powerful military and economic entities such as China, the United States and its coalition, and Indonesia. For them, it serves as a crucial area for strategic bases, resource acquisition, food, and commercial routes.

For Indigenous islanders, states, and tribal communities, the primary concern is around the loss of their territories, islands, and other vital cultural aspects, such as languages and traditional wisdom.

The crumbling of Oceania, reminiscent of its past colonisation by various European powers, is now occurring. However, this time it is being orchestrated by foreign entities appointing their own influential local pawns.

With these local pawns in place, foreign monarchs, nobility, warlords, and miscreants are advancing to reshape the region’s fate.

The rejection by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to acknowledge the representation of West Papua by the United Liberation for West Papua (ULMWP) as a full member of the regional body in August 2023 highlights the diminishing influence of MSG leaders in decision-making processes concerning issues that are deemed crucial by the Papuan community as part of the “Melanesian family affairs”.

Suspicion over ‘external forces’

This raises suspicion of external forces at play within the Melanesian nations, manipulating their destinies. The question arises, who is orchestrating the fate of the Melanesian nations?

Is it Jakarta, Beijing, Washington, or Canberra?

In a world characterised by instability, safety and security emerges as a crucial prerequisite for fostering a peaceful coexistence, nurturing friendships, and enabling development.

The critical question at hand pertains to the nature of the threats that warrant such protective measures, the identities of both the endangered and the aggressors, and the underlying rationale and mechanisms involved. Whose safety hangs in the balance in this discourse?

And between whom does the spectre of threat loom?

If you are a realist in a world of policymaking, it is perhaps wise not to antagonise the big guy with the big weapon in the room. PNG’s minister may be attempting to underscore the importance of Indonesia in the Pacific region, as indicated by his statements.

If you are West Papuan, it makes little difference whether one leans towards realism or idealism. What truly matters is the survival of West Papuans, in the midst of the significant settler colonial presence of Asian Indonesians in their ancestral homeland.

West Papuan refugee camp

Two years ago, PNG’s minister stated the profound existential sentiments experienced by the West Papuans in 2022 while visiting a West Papuan refugee community in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

During the visit, the minister addressed the West Papuan refugees, saying: “The line on the map in middle of the island (New Guinea) is the product of colonial impact. These West Papuans are part of our family, part of our members and part of Papua New Guinea. They are not strangers.

“We are separated only by imaginary lines, which is why I am here. I did not come here to fight, to yell, to scream, to dictate, but to reach a common understanding — to respect the law of Papua New Guinea and the sovereignty of Indonesia.”

These types of ambiguous and opaque messages and rhetoric not only instil fake hope among the West Papuans, but also produce despair among displaced Papuans on their own soil.

The seemingly paradoxical language coupled with the significant recent security agreement with the entity — Indonesia — that has been oppressing the West Papuans under the pretext of sovereignty, signifies one ominous prospect:

Is PNG endorsing a “death decree” for the Indonesian security apparatus to hunt Papuans along the border and mountainous region of West Papua and PNG?

Security for West Papua

Currently, the situation in West Papua is deteriorating steadily. Thousands of Indonesian military personnel have been deployed to various regions in West Papua, especially in the areas afflicted by conflict, such as Nduga, Yahukimo, Maybrat, Intan Jaya, Puncak, Puncak Jaya, Star Mountain, and along the border separating PNG from West Papua.

Indonesian military personnel captured two teenage students and fatally shot a Papuan civilian in the Yahukimo district on February 27. They alleged that the deceased was affiliated with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNB), although this has yet to be verified by the TPNPB.

Such incidents are tragically a common occurrence throughout West Papua, as the Indonesian military continue to target and wrongfully accuse innocent West Papuans in conflict-ridden regions of being associated with the TPNPB.

These deplorable acts transpired just prior to the ratification of a border operation agreement between the governments of the PNG and Indonesia.

As the security agreement was being finalised, the Indonesian government announced a new military campaign in the highlands of West Papua on February 29. The operation is called “Habema” — meaning “must succeed to the maximum”.

Agus Subiyanto, the Indonesian military command and police command stated during the announcement: “My approach for Papua involves smart power, a blend of soft power, hard power, and military diplomacy. Establishing the Habema operational command is a key step in ensuring maximum success.”

The looming military operation in West Papua and its border regions, employing advanced smart weapon technology poised a profound danger for Papuans.

A looming humanitarian crisis in West Papua, PNG, broader Melanesia and the Pacific region is inevitable, as unmanned aerial drones discern targets indiscriminately, wreak havoc in homes, and villages of the Papuan communities.

The Indonesian security forces have increasingly employed such sophisticated technology in conflict zones since 2019, including regions like Intan Jaya, Yahukimo, Maybrat, Pegunungan Bintang, and other volatile regions in West Papua.

Consequently, villages have been razed to the ground, compelling inhabitants to flee to the jungle in search of sanctuary — an exodus that continues unabated as they remain displaced from their homes indefinitely.

The Indonesian government launched a military operation known as Damai Cartenz on April 5, 2018, which remains active in conflict-ridden regions, such as Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang, Nduga, and Intan Jaya.

The Habema security initiative will further threaten Papuans residing in the conflict zones, particularly in the vicinity of the border shared by PNG and West Papua.

There are already hundreds of people from the Star Mountains who have fled across to Tumolbil — in the Yapsie sub-district of the PNG border province of West Sepik — due to Indonesia’s military operation (RNZ 2021).

According to RNZ News, individuals fleeing military actions conducted by the Indonesian government, including helicopter raids that caused significant harm to approximately 14 villages, have left behind foot tracks.

The speaker explained that Papua New Guineans occasionally cross over to the Indonesian side, typically seeking improved access to basic services.

The PNG government has been placing refugees from West Papua in border camps, the biggest one being at East Awin in the Western Province for many decades, with assistance from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

How should PNG, UN respond?

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007, article 36, states that “Indigenous peoples, in particular those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and cooperation with their own members as well as other peoples across borders”.

Over the past six years, regional and international organisations, such as the MSG, Pacific islands Forum, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific states, the UNHRC as well as dozens of countries and individual parliaments, lawyers, academics, and politicians have been asking the Indonesian government to allow the UN’s human rights commissioner to visit West Papua.

However, to date, no response has been received from the Indonesian government.

What does this security deal mean for West Papuans?

This is not just a simple security arrangement between Jakarta and Port Moresby to address border conflicts, but rather an issue of utmost importance for the people of Papua.

It concerns the sovereignty of a nation — West Papua — that has been unjustly seized by Indonesia, while the international community watched in silence, witnessing the unfurling and unparalleled destruction of human lives and the ecological system.

There is one noble thing the foreign minister of PNG and his government can do: ask why Jakarta is not responding to the request for a UN visit made by the international community, rather than endorsing an “illegal security pact” with the illegal Indonesia colonial occupier over his supposed “family members separated only by imaginary lines”.

[Ali Mirin is a West Papuan from the Kimyal tribe of the highlands bordering the Star Mountain region of Papua New Guinea. He has a Master of Arts in International Relations from Flinders University.]


———————————————————————

3) Rights commission asked to seriously investigate recent violence in Papua


Kompas.com – March 4, 2024

Sabrina Asril, Jakarta – The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) is asking the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to be serious in investigating the recent violence that has occurred in Papua.

Kontras Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya said this is important in order to stop a repeat of the violence.

"[We're asking] Komnas HAM to immediately conduct an independent and impartial investigation into all alleged acts of violence, torture and alleged human rights violations that have occurred in Papua", said Arya during a press conference at the Kontras office in Kwitang, Central Jakarta, on Monday March 4.

The call was made following several incidents of violence in Papua over the last two months that has claimed four lives.

Kontras noted that there were seven incidents of violence between January and February resulting in 10 people being injured and four others dying.

This adds the list of victims of violence in Papua. In 2023, Kontras recorded 49 incidents of violence with 67 people injured and 41 killed.

"These acts of violence included shootings, torture and arbitrary arrests", he added.

Arya also said that the number of cases of violence in Papua is directly proportional to the application of a military approach by the government.

Yet, said Arya, this policy of resolving conflicts is still one of the factors continuing to the recurrence of violence in the land of Papua.

"We project that incidents such as this will continue to be repeated in the land of Papua if the government does not conduct a review and evaluation of the security approach and military operations that are currently being pursued in the land of Papua", he said.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Komnas HAM Diminta Serius Investigasi Kekerasan di Papua Sampai Tuntas".]

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2024/03/04/20085621/komnas-ham-diminta-serius-investigasi-kekerasan-di-papua-sampai-tuntas


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AWPA Update No 2/2024

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AWPA West Papua Update No 2/2024 

 Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) 

AWPA Update No 2/2024  
(13  March 2024)



Armed clashes have continued between the TPNBP and the Indonesian security forces during the past months with causalities occurring on both sides.  In response to these incidents the Indonesian security forces  undertake sweeping operations which can result in local people being arrested , killed and tortured. Houses and villages have also be destroyed in the sweeping operations.

 




Rights commission asked to seriously investigate recent violence in Papua

Kompas.com – March 4, 2024

Sabrina Asril, Jakarta – The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) is asking the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to be serious in investigating the recent violence that has occurred in PapuaKontras Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya said this is important in order to stop a repeat of the violence. "[We're asking] Komnas HAM to immediately conduct an independent and impartial investigation into all alleged acts of violence, torture and alleged human rights violations that have occurred in Papua", said Arya during a press conference at the Kontras office in Kwitang, Central Jakarta, on Monday March 4. The call was made following several incidents of violence in Papua over the last two months that has claimed four lives.


Kontras noted that there were seven incidents of violence between January and February resulting in 10 people being injured and four others dying.

This adds the list of victims of violence in Papua. In 2023, Kontras recorded 49 incidents of violence with 67 people injured and 41 killed. "These acts of violence included shootings, torture and arbitrary arrests", he added.

Arya also said that the number of cases of violence in Papua is directly proportional to the application of a military approach by the government. Yet, said Arya, this policy of resolving conflicts is still one of the factors continuing to the recurrence of violence in the land of Papua. "We project that incidents such as this will continue to be repeated in the land of Papua if the government does not conduct a review and evaluation of the security approach and military operations that are currently being pursued in the land of Papua", he said. 

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Komnas HAM Diminta Serius Investigasi Kekerasan di Papua Sampai Tuntas".]

Source: 

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2024/03/04/20085621/komnas-ham-diminta-serius-investigasi-kekerasan-di-papua-sampai-tuntas





West Papuan Mini- Film Festival 


The West Papuan Mini- Film Festival is coming  to Australia in April.

The Jubi TV Documentary Program has released five new films about West Papua.

The festival will be launched by the West Papua Project at the UNI of Wollongong. It will then travel to Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide Hobart and Melbourne.

Program may vary slightly in different cities but all details, times etc.  can be found on the festival FB page at. for Sydney event RSVP:  seosamh20@hotmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556749645267






Tensions rise as TPNPB alleges TNI of civilian shootings in Intan Jaya    

Jubi News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua

5 March 2024

 

Nabire, Jubi – The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) accuses the Indonesian Military (TNI), namely the Infantry Battalion 330 division, of shooting three civilians in Sugapa District’s Titigi Village, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province.

The shootings occurred on two separate occasions. The first incident took place on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, around 10:25 p.m. local time. Two civilians were shot, namely Selli Maiseni (17), who was wounded in the arm, and Makelon Hagisimijau (15), who was shot in the thigh.  The second incident occurred on March 1, 2024, when a civilian named Nelson Sani (16) was shot in the left arm, piercing through the abdomen, resulting in his death. This occurred during an exchange of fire between joint security forces and the TPNPB.

 

“We allege that the three were shot by the TNI’s Infantry Battalion 330, tasked with securing the elections, claiming civilian lives,” said TPNPB leader of the Kodap VIII Intan Jaya, Yosua Maiseni, to Jubi on Sunday (3/3/2024). Yosua Maiseni reported that Selli Maiseni (17) and Makelon Hagisimijau (15) were shot while on their way to observe the vote counting for the Indonesian Legislative and Presidential elections in Titigi. They were shot en route. Yosua stated that before the incident, the two youths had participated in the elections. However, without valid reasons, they were allegedly shot by the TNI. “Hence, all members of the Infantry Battalion 330 throughout Intan Jaya should be immediately withdrawn to Jakarta. The TNI has carried out numerous shootings against civilians in Intan Jaya, from school-aged children to the elderly. Some were fatally shot, while others are still alive to this day, like Mainus Bagubau, who was shot in Jalai Village in 2020, among many other cases,” he said. Yosua questioned why the TNI took over the police’s function during the elections in Intan Jaya, leading to shootings of Selli Maiseni and Mikalon Yoani. “They (TNI) didn’t come to secure the elections but to kill civilians who know nothing,” he said.

 

Sugapa District Head Misael Sondegau confirmed the shooting of three civilians in Intan Jaya. “It’s true that two civilians named Makelon Hagisimijau (15) and Selli Maiseni (17) were shot. They were shot while on their way from Watapa to Titigi. Currently, they are being treated by their families in Watapa,” he said. However, Sondegau stated that he has yet to identify the perpetrator because the incident occurred far from Sugapa. “I cannot confirm the shooter of the two civilians as the location is far from Sugapa,” he said.

Meanwhile, on March 2, chaos erupted during a plenary meeting, and security forces opened fire, hitting one civilian named Nelson Sani. He was shot in Mamba Village, Sugapa District. “Nelson Sani was then taken from Sugapa to Timika. He died on the plane, and his body was transported from Timika to Nabire. Currently, his body is being laid to rest in Nabire,” he said. Sondegau stated that the situation in Intan Jaya is still tense, with the TPNPB and the TNI on high alert.


TNI denies

XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command Head of Information Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan denied information stating that TNI soldiers allegedly shot two civilians in Sugapa. “The news is a hoax deliberately spread by the TPNPB and its sympathizers to defame the security forces,” said Chandra. Chandra stated that there were no shootings or exchanges of fire in Sugapa District on Wednesday. “So, it was intentionally spread by the TPNPB and its sympathizers amid the ongoing General Elections,” he said. (*)




Komnas HAM Papua calls for caution in conflict-prone Papua amid recent escalations 

Jubi News Desk - Papua Conflict 3 March 2024

 

Jayapura, Jubi – Head of the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua) Frits Ramandey emphasizes that Papua should be seen as a region prone to conflict rather than one in constant conflict. In areas prone to conflict, police discretion is exercised in handling conflict escalation. Ramandey explains that Papua falls into the category of regions prone to conflict because conflicts in Papua occur sporadically or unevenly. For example, conflicts are more likely to happen in Yahukimo, Nduga, Intan Jaya, Puncak, Paniai, Dogiyai, and Maybrat rather than the entire region. According to him, areas termed as conflict zones are those with widespread conflicts revolving around specific issues. “When conflicts are widespread, we call them conflict zones. But when they are sporadic, we call them areas prone to conflict,” said Frits Ramandey during an interview at his office in Jayapura City on Thursday (29/2/2024).

 

Ramandey further explains that the category of regions prone to conflict is not solely based on violent movements, such as conflicts between the military/police and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). It also includes violent actions that sometimes occur among indigenous Papuans themselves, such as tribal conflicts.

“Acts of violence, Papuans protesting about labor issues, protesting about Papuan rights in political parties, protesting about land. These happen sporadically, and from the perspective of human rights, they are considered areas prone to conflict,” says Frits.

Regarding the recent arrest of two teenagers in Yahukimo suspected of being associated with the TPNPB, Ramandey views this action as a form of police discretion in handling conflict escalation.

In areas prone to conflict like Yahukimo, Frits continues, individuals around the conflict escalation site can be taken into custody as a precaution or as part of police discretion. However, when individuals are ‘taken into custody’ at the conflict escalation site, security forces must not commit violence against them. “The problem arises when the detained individuals are subjected to violence,” he says. Frits Ramandey appreciates the security forces for releasing the two teenagers from Yahukimo and stating that they are not part of the TPNPB or any armed civilian group. If the two teenagers were subjected to violence or torture while in custody, Frits Ramandey says they have the right to file complaints with the local police, the police’s internal affairs division, or Komnas HAM for legal action. “If they were subjected to violence or torture, they can file complaints with Komnas HAM,” he says. He further states that Komnas HAM requests that the military/police refrain from committing violence and murder, especially in situations when people are defenseless. (*)

 





 

TPNPB commander vows resistance against Indonesian govt agendas   

Jubi News Desk - Papua Conflict

6 March 2024

 


Head of Cartenz Peace Public Relations Task Force, AKBP Bayu Suseno shows a picture of a suspected TPNPB member who was arrested in Puncak Regency, Alenus Tabuni aka Komputer Tabuni. - Doc. Cartenz Peace Public Relations


Jayapura, Jubi – Numbuk Telenggen, the commander of the Third Defense Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Ilaga stated that they will not remain silent following the security forces’ action of apprehending Komputer Tabuni, also known as Alenus Tabuni. Telenggen asserted that they would obstruct and reject the implementation of the Regional Head Elections in November 2024. Telenggen made this statement during a phone call with Jubi on Tuesday (5/3/2024). He admitted that Komputer Tabuni, who was arrested in front of the Ilaga Community Health Center on February 18, 2024, is a member of their group.

“During the Presidential Election and Legislative Election, we did not engage in any activities. However, the security forces arrested Komputer Tabuni in Kago, Ilaga. We need to remind that because of this, the TPNPB will resist all activities of the Indonesian government in Papua, especially in the Puncak Regency,” said Telenggen.


According to Telenggen, Komputer Tabuni is a member of the TPNPB Third Defense Command in Ilaga. “When the police arrested him, he was carrying a pistol,” he said.

Telenggen admitted they had seized SS1 firearms from a member of the Ilaga Airport Air Security Unit Police Post on February 1, 2024. However, Telenggen denied that Jukius Tabuni, who was apprehended by the Cartenz Task Force Cartenz on Saturday (2/3/2024), was a member of the TPNPB.

“I want to emphasize that Jukius is not a member of the TPNPB. Jukius is an ordinary civilian who was arrested and interrogated by the security forces. I heard he has been released due to lack of evidence. My members who seized the weapons were with me. So, soldiers or police should not arbitrarily arrest civilians,” said Telenggen.

Telenggen affirmed that they would disrupt all Indonesian government agendas. “As the operational commander, I need to affirm that we will cancel all Indonesian government activities in Puncak through our actions in the field. We will continue to resist until we expel Indonesia from our homeland,” he said. (*)

 

 



West Papua advocacy group condemns arrest, ‘humiliation’ of two teenagers 

 By APR editor -  February 26, 2024 

 


The two Papuan teens arrested by the Indonesian military - "MH" and "BGS" . . . Australia reaffirms no support for Papuan self- determination. 

Image: Tabloid Jubi

Asia Pacific Report

 

An Australian-based West Papua advocacy group has condemned the arrest and “humiliation” of two teenagers by Indonesian security forces last week.

The head of Cartenz 2024 Peace Operations, Kombes Faizal Ramadhani, said in a statement on Friday that the 15-year-olds had been arrested after a clash with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB ) in Kali Brasa on Thursday, February 22.

During the shootout, a TPNPB member named as Otniel Giban (alias Bolong Giban) had been killed.


READ MORE: A BBC report on the arrest in Bahasa Indonesian

A Jubi news report on the incident in West Papua


The Sydney-based Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) today condemned the arrest of the teenagers, only identified by the Indonesian authorities by their initials, MH and BGE and who were initially seized as “suspects” but later described as “witnesses”.

Faizal said that the teenagers had been arrested because they were suspected of being members of the TPNPB group and that they were currently being detained at the Damai Cartenz military post.

However, the TPNPB declared that the two teenagers were not members of the TPNPB and were ordinary civilians. The teenagers were arrested when they were crossing the Brasa River in the Yahukimo Regency.

 

Aircraft shot at
The clash between security forces and the TNPB occurred while the Cartenz Peacekeeping Operation-2024 searched for those responsible for shooting at an aircraft in Yahukimo in which a military member had been wounded.

Meanwhile, also in Jakarta last Friday the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, met with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto — who is poised to win this month’s Indonesian presidential election.

Marles stressed at a media conference at the Defence Ministry that Australia did not support the Free Papua Movement, saying the country “fully recognise[d] Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty”. “We do not endorse any independence movement,” he told a media conference.

However, in Sydney AWPA’s Joe Collins said in a statement: “I was at first surprised that West Papua even got a mention at the meeting as usually Australia tries to ignore the issue but even our Defence Minister can hardly ignore a media question on it.”

 

‘No support for any independence movements’
An extract from the media conference says:

Subianto: “Thank you very much. I don’t think there is any need for questions. Questions?”

Journalist: “Thank you very much Mr Deputy Prime Minister. Regarding the huge amount of [the] Australian defence budget, how should the Indonesian people see it? Is it going to be a trap or an opportunity for our national interest?

“And my second question is what is Australia’s standpoint regarding the separatist [pro-independence] movement in Papua because there are some voices from Australia concern[ed] about human rights violations?”

Marles: “Thank you for the question. Let me do the second issue first. We, Australia utterly recognise the territorial sovereignty of Indonesia, full stop. And there is no support for any independence movements.

“We support the territorial sovereignty of Indonesia. And that includes those provinces being part of Indonesia. No ifs, no buts. And I want to be very clear about that.”

Collins said there was no shortage of comments during the delegation’s visit to Indonesian around how important the relationship was.

 

“West Papua will remain the elephant in the room in the Australia-Indonesian relationship,” Collins said. “We can expect many hiccups in the relationship over West Papua in the coming years “.

 

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Indonesian election raises concerns for West Papua independence movement

By Kyle Evans

ABC Pacific Beat Broadcast 

The likely electoral victory for Indonesian military strongman Prabowo Subianto has sparked concerns of what his presidency might mean for West Papua.

Subianto has been accused of involvement in the torture and kidnapping of political activists in Papua in 1998.

Credits Kyle Evans, Reporter

Interviewed

Victor Mambour,  Benny Wenda,  Cammi Webb Gannon

Audio.   https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/indonesia-elections/103482852

 


Allegations of civilian abuse and home burning by TNI spark tensions in Ilaga              

Jubi News Desk 7 February 2024

Nabire, Jubi – The Puncak Ilaga Command of The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has accused the Indonesian Military (TNI) of burning civilian homes and assaulting civilians, resulting in one death and two severe injuries.

Puncak Ilanda Commander of the TPNPB, Numbuk Telengen, reported to Jubi in a phone call on Sunday, February 4, 2024, that the TNI was conducting a pursuit operation against TPNPB members who had seized weapons earlier.

Previously, TPNPB members managed to seize weapons at Amenggaru Ilaga Airport. Failed to find TPNPB members, the TNI allegedly tortured three civilians and set fire to civilian homes. “One civilian was tortured and died, while two other civilians who were tortured by security forces are still being treated at home,” TPNPB Spokesperson Sebby Sambom claimed to Jubi in a WhatsApp message on Monday.

Sambom claimed to have received an official report regarding the incident from TPNPBleaders in Ilaga.



Sambom said that the TNI also participated in burning down civilian homes in Kepala Air Kali Ila’s Agayome and Yenggerenok villages. In addition, Sambom said, a pastor named Eriak Waker and his congregation were interrogated and physically abused.

“We consider that the TNI has violated humanitarian law by not pursuing the TPNPB but instead assaulting civilians, pastors, and burning down the people’s houses,” he said.

Previously reported, joint TNI and police forces claimed to have killed one TPNPB member named Warinus Murib in a shootout between them and the TPNPB following the burning incident of the Omukia Health Center in Omukia District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

“In that incident, the security forces also managed to capture two individuals suspected of being part of the TPNPB group with the initials AM and DK, both were injured,” said spokesperson of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force Adj. Sr. Comr. Bayu Suseno on Sunday. According to Bayu, in the shooting, joint forces also managed to seize several pieces of evidence belonging to the TPNPB group in the Kepala Air area led by Jacky Murib, such as firearms, Morning Star flags, and ammunition. (*)






TPNPB claims to attack military command in Dekai          

Jubi News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 7 February 2024

Nabire, Jubi – Spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Sebby Sambom has stated that his group is responsible for the attack that occurred on Siep Asso Road, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency on Monday (5/2/2024). In a press release on Tuesday, Sambom stated that they had received an official report from the Yahukimo Commander of the TPNPB, Elkius Kobak, who declared they had attacked on the Military District Command headquarter in Dekai. “Elkius Kobak and his troops are responsible for the attack. The TPNPB’s assault on the military command was carried out on February 5 at 8.40 p.m. Papua Time,” he said. Sambom claimed that there were four fatalities in the attack. “The TPNPB forces managed to kill four people, three TNI members, and one intelligence officer,” he said. The casualty data provided by Sambom differs from the information provided by security forces. On Tuesday, the spokesperson of the Papua Police, Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, stated that the attack resulted in two injured TNI soldiers and one injured civilian. (*)




 

All hopes pinned on peaceful persuasion to free NZ pilot  

Antara News  March 11, 2024 

 

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is continuing efforts to free New Zealander pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who has been held hostage by an armed separatist group in Papua since February 7, 2023. Mehrtens, a pilot from Susi Air, was abducted by the group, led by Egianus Kogoya, shortly after landing in Paro, Nduga district, Papua Pegunungan province. After taking over as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs less than a month ago, Hadi Tjahjanto has moved swiftly to seek ways to free the pilot. On February 21, 2024, one week after his induction as minister, Tjahjanto held a discussion with three leaders from Nduga.

In Jakarta on February 28, Tjahjanto outlined a plan for freeing Mehrtens by using the church approach. The approach has been chosen considering that the majority of people in Papua are Christians and Catholics. Also, it is believed that the government will be able to approach the hostage-takers if it uses this approach. However, the minister has not provided further details regarding the approach.
Several parties have voiced their support for the church approach. They include Tjahjanto's predecessor, Mahfud MD...............................





Human Rights Monitor

Military members alleged of torturing four Papuan students after finding ammunition

Cases / IndonesiaWest Papua / 9 February 2024 

On 1 February 2024, four students from Hitadipa were arrested in the Sugapa District on their way back home from Nabire to participate in the upcoming elections on 14 February 2024. The students, identified as Mr Elpinus Zanambani, Mr Tenius Wonda, Mr Selianus Sondegau, and Mr Denias Imanuel Agimba, were detained by members of the military near the Sugapa airport and reportedly tortured during interrogation. They were then taken to the Sugapa Police Station, where further violence ensued during the inspection of their belongings. One of the students was found to be carrying nine cartridges of ammunition and alcohol in their bag.

The military denied the allegations of torture. According to Lieutenant Colonel Inf Candra Kurniawan, Deputy Head of Information of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, the arrests were made after the suspects were found with ammunition, alcohol, a net bag with Morning Star motifs, and other items considered evidence. Candra clarified that the young men were apprehended by the Yonif 330/Tri Dharma Task Force personnel at Bilogai Post due to their suspicious behaviour while riding their motorcycles. The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Sugapa Sector Police for further investigation. Candra dismissed circulating allegations of arbitrary arrests, emphasizing that the suspects were being processed according to the law.............

https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/military-members-alleged-of-torturing-four-papuan-students-after-finding-ammunition/




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Human Rights Monitor

KNPB activists found guilty – Mr Agus Kosay sentenced to 1 year, Mr Beni Murib sentenced to 10 months imprisonment






CasesHuman Rights News / IndonesiaWest Papua / 9 February 2024 

On 1 February 2024, the Jayapura District Court ruled on the case of West Papua National Committee (KNPB) Chairman, Mr Agus Kosay, and KNPB Numbay Secretary, Mr Beni Murib (see photos on top and below, source: independent HRDs), finding them guilty of incitement and the persecution of Mr Ones Kobak on 18 August 2023 . Mr Kosay received a sentence of 1 year in prison, while Mr Murib was sentenced to 10 months. The cases, registered under case numbers 449/Pid.B/2023/PN Jap for Kosay and 450/Pid.B/2023/PN Jap for Murib, were heard by a panel of judges led by Mr Zaka Talpatty. Uniformed and plainclothes police officers closely monitored the court session.


During the trial, the panel of judges noted that Mr Agus Kosay was proven to have caused losses to two groups, both in terms of goods and injuries, leading to his conviction for incitement under Article 160 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP). The judges sentenced Mr Kosay to 1 year in prison, with the period of detention deducted from the total sentence. Similarly, Beni Murib was found guilty of maltreatment as stipulated in Article 351 KUHP and received a 10-month prison sentence with the same deduction for detention. The judges ordered Mr Kosay and Mr Murib to pay court costs and granted them seven days to file an appeal if they objected to the decision. Previously, the public prosecutor had demanded a sentence of two years imprisonment for Mr Agus Kosay and eight months imprisonment for Mr Beni Murib.


The criminalisation of activists should be viewed with vigilance. It indicates growing restrictions on the freedom of expression, a key element of human rights and democracy. Ultimately, the legal process must adhere to international human rights standards and principles of justice. The prosecution of the KNPB activists raises significant concerns from a human rights perspective. The events leading up to their arrest and legal prosecution are an indicator of the lack of independence of the judiciary in Indonesia and the persistent pattern of criminalization of activists and human rights defenders in West Papua. The KNPB is a Papuan movement organisation promoting the right to self-determination through a referendum. Their members have committed to non-violent protest by organising peaceful demonstrations and political discussions. In the past decade, the Indonesian police have targeted the KNPB as a subversive pro-independence organisation. KNPB members and supporters are criminalised and have become victims of police violence.


Background

More than seventy police officers detained Mr Agus Kossay, KNPB Chairman, Mr Benny Murib, KNPB Secretary in Jayapura, Mr Ruben Wakla, member of the KNPB in the Yahukimo Regency, and Mr Ferry Yelipele on 2 September 2023. The police officers came to Mr Kossay’s residence in the town of Sentani around 9:00 a.m. The four activists were subsequently detained and interrogated at the Jayapura District Police Station in Doyo Baru. Mr Wakla and Mr Yelipele were released on 3 September 2023 at 8:45 pm without charges. The police allegedly carried out the arrests because Mr Kossay had not reacted to the police summons about an argument within different KNPB fractions on 18 August 2023. Mr Kossay had honoured the first police summons but later received a second summons, which he did not attend. The arrests were carried out even though both parties called upon the authorities that the incident should be settled internally and outside of the law. On 31 October 2023, investigators from the Jayapura Police in Papua Province transferred Agus Kosay, Chairman of the West Papua National Coalition (KNPB), and Numbay Beny Murib, KNPB Secretary, to the Jayapura State Prosecutor’s Office. The activists were both named suspects in a case related to incitement on 18 August 2023 in Jayapura Regency, Papua

Mr Agus Kosay and Mr Beni Murib at court, 1 February 2024





TPNPB reportedly damages major road in Intan Jaya       

Jubi News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 7 February 2024


Trans Sugapa Road in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, which was damaged by the West Papua National Liberation Army or TPNPB on Sunday (4/2/2024).- Doc. Pendam XVII/Cenderawasih

 

Jayapura, Jubi – The armed group known as the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) reportedly damaged a major road connecting Sugapa District to Hitadipa District in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, on Sunday (4/2/2024). This was stated by the Acting Deputy Head of Information of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan, in a written press release on Monday (5/2/2024). “We received information that the TPNPB intentionally disrupted access to the trans road by excavating an approximately 1.5-meter wide and 2-meter deep trench on Mbomogo Village,” said Candra. Candra said the road damage hindered access and disrupted the daily activities of the local community. He stated that the central government and local governments are committed to developing Papua in various sectors, including infrastructure, which is claimed to be well-received among the Papuans.

“This is evident from the high participation of the Papuan community in development, which shows that the Papuan people aspire to live in a more advanced and prosperous society,” said Candra. The escalation of armed conflict in Intan Jaya Regency has been ongoing since the exchange of fire between the TPNPB and joint Indonesia Military (TNI) and police forces on January 19, 2024. In the shootout, a personnel member of the Cartenz Peace Operation named Second Brig. Alfandi Steve Karamoy and five others died, and two were injured. (*)

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Prabowo must resist temptation to apply more force in Papua 

New face of kindness likely to be tested by push for indigenous rights

NikkeiAsia.  Hamish McDonald February 27, 2024 


 

Hamish McDonald is the author of "Demokrasi: Indonesia in the 21st Century."

After what appears to have been a decisive win by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia's presidential election, many observers have been speculating about what kind of leader will emerge when he takes over from incumbent Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in October. Will it be the hot-headed army general who allegedly abducted student protesters, instigated anti-Chinese riots and came close to mounting a coup in 1998? Or the 2014 candidate who launched his first presidential campaign riding a white horse surrounded by strapping uniformed men? Or the stirrer of Islamist street-power who railed against foreigners during his second campaign in 2019? Or just the tubby, avuncular figure who seems to have finally won this month at age 72?


Chameleon is the word many analysts have used.

 An early test could come at the far eastern end of Indonesia: the western half of the island of New Guinea, which has been restive under Jakarta's rule since it was handed over by a reluctant Netherlands 60 years ago under American pressure.

Papua is an old stomping ground of the military version of Prabowo. In 1984, he led troops from Kopassus, the army's Special Forces Command, across the border into Papua New Guinea to search for fighters from the Free Papua Movement, known by its Indonesian initials as OPM. In 1996, he led a Kopassus operation to free World Wildlife Fund hostages taken by the OPM. The mission was controversial because soldiers traveled via a white helicopter previously used by Red Cross negotiators.

Enough provocations are happening now to bring this persona of Prabowo's again to the fore. Jokowi's legacy is "a better armed, better resourced, more coordinated pro-independence insurgency; higher civilian casualties; and the failure after a year to secure the release of a New Zealand pilot held hostage by the guerrillas," said the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC), a Jakarta-based research group, in a report on Papua earlier this month.

 

Indonesia is still far from winning the hearts and minds of its Papuan citizens.

Early on, soldiers and officials looted what the Dutch left behind. Then Jakarta held an "act of free choice" in which 1,026 handpicked indigenous representatives voted for unification with Indonesia. Although the vote was accepted by the U.N. at the time, it has been regarded as a sham by many historians as well as Papuans. Periodic protests have met harsh military crackdowns. Millions of settlers from other parts of Indonesia have moved into Papua, threatening to swamp the indigenous Melanesian population.

The Papuans have been onlookers to the exploitation of the territory's immense natural wealth: the giant Freeport gold-copper mine, oil fields around the Bird's Head peninsula, a BP natural gas field in Bintuni Bay, hardwood forests logged and replaced with oil palm plantations. Indonesian military men have thrived on fees from security and the opportunity for post-retirement employment.

 

When the authoritarian New Order regime of late President Suharto ended in 1998, many Papuans hoped their dreams of self-determination would finally be realized under liberal-minded Abdurrahman Wahid. But initiatives launched during his brief 2000-2002 presidency were undermined by his successors. Unique among Indonesia's regions, Papua has been exempted from the demokrasi era that followed Suharto's fall. It remains closed to foreign correspondents and U.N. human rights officials without approval from a vetting committee composed of representatives from intelligence, military and government agencies.  Jakarta has tried to draw the Papuans more into national progress through new governmental structures, sharing resource revenue and making the police rather than the military the first responders to unrest.

But mobile phones and social media have penetrated military information controls to reveal protests, security crackdowns and shootings to the world, giving a boost to pro-independence political activists and guerrillas.

"For the last 20 years, the conflict has only grown worse and the last 10 years in particular have seen an escalation of violence, despite huge amounts of money and huge numbers of troops sent in," IPAC said in its report.

 

A year ago, a guerrilla band destroyed a small commercial aircraft at a remote landing strip and took pilot Philip Mehrtens from New Zealand hostage. Jakarta has tried negotiating his release but also has positioned forces for a rescue attempt that IPAC said would certainly result in Mehrtens' death and many civilian casualties.

In a presidential debate in December, the Prabowo of old made an appearance as he promised to "support" Papuans by strengthening the security apparatus in the region.

"We see there is meddling by foreign hands there," he said. "And we see that certain powers always want Indonesia to disintegrate and fracture." The vagueness of his policy platform has left people guessing about his intentions, said Andreas Harsono, Indonesia director for U.S.-based campaign group Human Rights Watch.

"But whatever Prabowo will do, the importance of human rights issues and respect for their land will still be front and center for the indigenous people in West Papua," he said. "If Prabowo wants to have a model on how he should work on West Papua, he could indeed look at Wahid."

 

Jokowi, who initially tried to open Papua to outside scrutiny but was overruled by his nationalist and military supporters, may have some moderating influence over a president to whom he lent his popularity -- and his eldest son as running mate.

But the biggest block of seats in the legislature, and probably the speakership, looks set to go to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, led by Megawati Sukarnoputri. The daughter of founding president Sukarno who won Papua from the Dutch, Sukarnoputri applied military solutions to insurgencies during her own term as president. Her party may not resist if Prabowo seeks to apply forceful methods.

The pilot hostage drama may well be over by the time Prabowo takes charge. But other flashpoints could tempt him into a shock military response to the embarrassment of Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the U.S. -- countries that have positioned themselves as friends and supporters of Melanesians amid China's efforts to boost its influence in the Pacific. These partners should quietly suggest patient dialogue and avoidance of armed confrontation where possible as a better approach for the new leader.







Hearing in Dutch Parliament calls for UN visit to West Papua | ULMWP
 Free West Papua Campaign Nederland 

A Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the urgency of a UN visit to West Papua was held in the Dutch Parliament yesterday (28th February). Held in the Parliament of West Papua’s former coloniser, the hearing is the third in a series of ULMWP and IPWP meetings demanding that Indonesia facilitate a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights fact-finding mission immediately. International pressure is mounting on Indonesia to grant the UN access to West Papua. The Brussels Declaration, a new statement calling for a visit and accusing Indonesia of deliberately blocking international oversight, has now been signed by over 55 Parliamentarians from around the world. Over 100 countries have demanded a UN visit, including all member states of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), the European Commission, and individual nations including the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands. At the 2023 annual meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Melanesian leaders demanded that a UN visit take place before the next MSG meeting, scheduled for April 2024. The meeting was addressed by ULMWP President Benny Wenda, ULMWP Prime Minister Edison Waromi (through video link), Honorary Consul of the Vanuatu Embassy Elisabeth van Vliet, ex-MEP and current-MEP candidate Pernando Barrena, and head of the ULMWP EU Mission Oridek Ap. Demonstrations took place across various West Papuan regions in support of the meeting. - UK Parliament meeting in London, October 2023 - EU Parliament meeting in Brussels, January 2024, launching the Brussels Declaration. Any Parliamentarians or diplomats who wish to sign the declaration should contact office@ipwp.org.

youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-Wd6bQLGdY

 

 


Five soldiers named suspects in Jayawijaya police station attack

 News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 7, 2024 

 While there were no casualties in the incident, several windows at the police station were broken by stones.   Five Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers have been named suspects in an attack on a police station in Jayawijaya, Papua Highlands.  As part of the investigation, the Region XVII/Cendrawasih Military Police have examined 21 TNI soldiers suspected of being connected to the attack.  "We examined all those who were involved either in directing or carrying out the attack.  Out of the 21 people, five were named suspects and will be prosecuted," said Region XVII/Cenderawasih Military Commander Maj. Gen. Izak Pengemanan in Jayapura on Tuesday.  Izak confirmed that authorities had detained the five suspects.  Even so, he affirmed that the attack by TNI Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 756/WMAS was a violation of the code of conduct. 

 

"[The attack did not represent the TNI’s] esprit de corps. The Indonesian Military has never recognized the spirit in that way. The spirit is the soul of the unit to establish a good reputation and the unit’s passion. Therefore, such an incident is a violation," he said.  The Jayawijaya police station was attacked by several TNI soldiers on Saturday at around 8:10 p.m. local time, causing damage to the station.  While there were no casualties in the incident, several windows at the police station were broken by stones.  Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius D. Fakhiri had ordered Jayawijaya Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Heri Wibowo to repair the damage caused by the attack. "So, it's all right. I have asked the Police Chief to fix it. Later, the [other] issues will be taken over by the Pangdam," said Mathius.

 

 

 

Police to recruit 10 thousand personnel to be assigned in Papua  

March 3, 2024 

 Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Assistant to the National Police (Polri) Chief, Inspector General Dedi Prasetyo, stated that his side will recruit 10 thousand people to be assigned in the four provinces in Papua. The recruitment of 10 thousand personnel will be carried out from 2024 to 2028, Prasetyo said here on Sunday.According to him, the Polri will recruit two thousand people in April this year. The new recruits will be educated at the State Police School (SPN) in Java. Prasetyo hoped that the regional police chiefs in Papua could be active in disseminating information for the new recruits. He said that those who will be recruited are Indigenous Papuans and those who were born and raised in Papua.


They will be educated for five months in SPNs in Java, and after their education, they will be temporarily assigned to the regions for adjustment before being returned for duty in Papua. Prasetyo said he is committed to accepting indigenous Papuans to minimize the transfer of Polri members from outside Papua to Papua.
He explained that the two thousand personnel will include 150 paramedics, especially doctors. The medical personnel recruitment will be carried out in collaboration with Cenderawasih University (Uncen). Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri, said that due to the expansive region, the number of local police stations is limited. Some areas even only have two stations, such as the Nduga Police and the Puncak Police. "Hopefully, the increasing number of police members can expand services to the community," Fakhiri said. The territory of the Papua Regional Police includes Papua, Highland Papua, Central Papua, and South Papua.

Related news: Papua police search for attackers of Wing Air plane in Wamena
Related news: More personnel of Cartenz Task Force, Brimob deployed to Sugapa
Related news: Operation Cartenz's Peace prioritizes persuasive measures: Police
Translator: Evarukdijati, Kenzu Editor: Azis Kurmala





PNG and Indonesian defence deal

In 2010,  PNG and Indonesia signed a defence cooperation deal where  they agreed to share military intelligence, give logistical support and coordinate security operations.

After nearly 14 years of signing PNG has ratified the  pact with Indonesia.

An opinion piece on what it means for West Papua by Ali Mirin in the Asia Pacific Report  

https://asiapacificreport.nz/2024/03/11/question-for-png-foreign-minister-tkatchenko-what-does-the-defence-pact-mean-for-west-papua/and  and the Green Left. https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/what-will-indonesia-png-defence-pact-mean-west-papua


 




Opinion pieces/media releases/reports etc.



Philip Mehrtens: One Year in Captivity

https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/02/07/philip-mehrtens-one-year-in-captivity/

 

 

New Zealander Pilot’s Fate Unclear as Insurgents Launch Offensive in West Papua 

https://jamestown.org/program/new-zealander-pilots-fate-unclear-as-insurgents-launch-offensive-in-west-papua/?fbclid=IwAR3qojt4sCPkjslh9vJAkzvO6bQs8OMYBW8hmvvnWqxiS9gqMZy2N2hC8xA#



New Zealand pilot kidnapped a year ago in West Papua will be freed, rebel group says

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/07/kidnapped-nz-pilot-phillip-mehrtens-release-west-papua

 

 

Wenda accuses Indonesia of more human rights atrocities in Papua 
https://asiapacificreport.nz/2024/02/16/wenda-accuses-indonesia-of-more-human-rights-atrocities-in-papua/


 

Wenda calls for Dutch support over UN visit, slams Prabowo presidency 

https://asiapacificreport.nz/2024/03/05/wenda-calls-for-dutch-support-over-un-visit-slams-prabowo-presidency/

 


Winter is coming’: activists’ fears as Prabowo Subianto likely wins Indonesia election

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/15/indonesia-presidential-election-results-prabowo-subianto-likely-victory

 

 Prabowo Subianto’s human rights abuses in Timor-Leste

https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/law-crime/2024/03/01/chasing-prabowo-timor-leste


 

Prabowo's military record in public spotlight again after being made 4-star general

https://www.indoleft.org/news/2024-02-28/prabowos-military-record-in-public-spotlight-again-after-being-made-4-star-general.html



What does a Prabowo Subianto presidency mean for Australia's relationship with Indonesia?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-17/what-does-prabowo-subianto-presidency-australia-indonesia/103475714



Press Release: London Exchange to be taken to High Court for trading in 'dirty metals' in unprecedented legal action.   https://www.tapol.org/news/press-release-london-exchange-be-taken-high-court-trading-dirty-metals-unprecedented-legal



AWPA condemns the arrest  and the humiliation of two West Papuan teenagers by the Indonesian security forces

https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2024/02/australia-west-papua-association-sydney.html



Previous update. 

https://awpasydneynews.blogspot.com/2024/02/awpa-west-papua-update-no-12024.html


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1) End of an era: Closure of sacred Ertsberg mine leaves legacy of environmental concerns

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2) Indigenous Papuans in South Papua protest on alleged electoral irregularities 

3) Papuan democracy monitor highlights lack of political understanding in 2024 elections  
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1) End of an era: Closure of sacred Ertsberg mine leaves legacy of environmental concerns 
News Desk - Ertsberg Mine 14 March 2024







The Ertsberg mountain of your history is now a hole and Wilson Lake - Jubi/Grasberg George A Mealey


Jayapura, Jubi – In March 1973, then President of Indonesia Soeharto, accompanied by the Governor of Irian Jaya Frans Kaisiepo and the Director of Freeport Minerals, officially inaugurated the Ertsberg mine for the first time. This mountain was excavated for copper concentrate to be exported from Nemangkawi abroad.

The mining material, in the form of concentrate, was conveyed from Nemangkawi through pipes to the Port Side harbor and transported by ships to foreign destinations for export. The Amungme people themselves refer to Ertsberg Mountain as Yelsegel-Ongopsegel because of its gleaming appearance, akin to the shining feathers of a Bird of Paradise.

“Mountain birds still exist in Nemangkawi until now because for the Amungme people, ‘Yelsegel-Ongopsegel’ or Ertsberg is a sacred place for our people since ancient times. It is believed that the spirits of our ancestors would stop there before ascending to eternal heaven,” said John Magal, Chairman of the Indigenous Peoples Organization of the Amungme Tribe (Lemasa), to Jubi in Timika, last week.

According to John Magal, when the first bore penetrated the sacred mountain, elders recounted that there was a great light emanating from Ertsberg towards the east of Nemangkawi. “They (the elders) recounted that the spirits of our ancestors had left the sacred mountain,” he said.

“The sacred mountain, by the end of 1972, had all roads built, cable cars smoothly operating, and pipeline routes well installed. In December 1972, the first 10,000 tons of Ertsberg ore were successfully shipped to Japan. The mine was operating smoothly and proudly,” wrote George A Mealey in his book titled Grasberg: Mining the richest and most remote deposit of copper and gold in the world, in the mountains of Irian Jaya, Indonesia.

Furthermore, Mealey, who is also the Mine Development Manager of Freeport, wrote that three months later, President Soeharto arrived, and with a jeep, he drove up to the “copper town” he named Tembagapura and inaugurated the mine. “Unexpectedly, he also renamed West Irian Province to Irian Jaya Province,” Mealey wrote in his book on page 106 of the 384-page book.

He acknowledged that despite growing up in Alaska, USA, to him, the mountains in Irian Jaya were the steepest mountains he has ever seen, and even more impressive is that there was copper mineralization everywhere.

At that time there were no policies regarding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Freeport’s EIA was only conducted in 1997 after the Erstberg mine ended in the 1980s and closed in 1988. In practice, the Erstberg mine operated from December 1972 to 1988 until the copper concentrate dwindled and it was finally closed.

The second mine at Mount Grasberg, or what the Amungme people call Tenogoma or grassy mountain, began exporting concentrate in 1988, and since then, the first EIA was conducted in 1997.

Grasberg to underground mining

Since the Ertsberg mine began to decline from the 1980s until it closed in 1988, Freeport began digging the second mountain, Grasberg, also known as Tenogoma, for open-pit mining.

“I began describing Grasberg to financial advisors as a ‘porphyry copper-gold deposit,’ where copper and gold production could be expected, and possibly silver too. I noted that the geological structure of Grasberg resembled that of Ok Tedi, a porphyry copper-gold deposit being mined in Papua New Guinea. The Freeport team also visited there. Ok Tedi received widespread publicity at the time because of its rich surface gold capping deposit,” Mealey wrote in his book.

Thus, Mealey continued, Grasberg is referred to as a “potential porphyry deposit.” It is said that Grasberg is the world’s largest gold reserve and the third-largest copper reserve. “Grasberg is the most significant mineral reserve discovery of this century,” said George A Mealey.

Now, the Indonesian government’s downstream program has built a smelter plant in Gresik, and practically all mining minerals from the Central Papua Mountains are excavated in underground mines and transported by ship to Surabaya and Gresik.

Antara News mentions that Phase II of the Gresik Smelter is still being pursued to be completed by May 2024. The operation of the Freeport Gresik Smelter will enhance Indonesia’s downstream efforts. As a result, there is added value that the country and all aspects involved can benefit from.

Now, after the closure of the Ertsberg mine, what remains is a mountain with a hole thousands of meters high. The former excavation is now a hollowed lake named Lake Wilson. The name is given to commemorate Freeport’s 1960 expedition leader, Forbes Wilson. (*)


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2) Indigenous Papuans in South Papua protest on alleged electoral irregularities 
News Desk - Election 2024 14 March 2024

Merauke, Jubi – Thousands of indigenous Papuans in South Papua Provincetook to the streets at Brawijaya-Libra Circle Park in Merauke Regency on Tuesday (3/13/2024). They believed their political rights were undermined during the 2024 General Election, particularly regarding the legislative vote count held in four districts in the region.

They carried dozens of banners expressing their demands and protests regarding the conduct of the 2024 election. They gathered and delivered speeches at Brawijaya Circle Park despite the rain, under tight security surveillance.

Various speakers took turns voicing the aspirations of the indigenous communities of South Papua, all of which were related to their political rights. One of the speakers, also a South Papuan activist, Victoria Diana Gebze, stated during her speech that the indigenous people of South Papua took to the streets to protest because there were irregularities in the 2024 election process.

“We, the indigenous people of South Papua, have sincere hearts and high tolerance to accept anyone from the archipelago who comes to this land to live together in harmony. We want peace, and we do not want to resort to protests like this but our political rights are not respected,” she said.

Gebze also urged the Acting Governor of South Papua, Apolo Safanpo, as the political leader in the region, to listen to and address the aspirations of the indigenous people of South Papua regarding the elections.

“Furthermore, we urge the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) and the General Election Commission (KPU) as the organizers of the 2024 elections to be accountable for the indigenous Papuan candidates whose votes went missing during the vote tallying process. Also, the reports of vote-buying that have been filed with Bawaslu,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Communication Forum for Indigenous Papuan Candidates, Robert Kaiba, expressed that they observed a flawed system, one that deviated from the election process itself. There were violations that occurred before the election process and during the vote tallying in various polling stations in several districts that did not reflect a fair democratic process.

“There were violations, such as alleged vote-buying in Jagebob District, vote-buying in Bupul, and irregularities in the electoral process in Kimaam. These have been reported to Bawaslu but there has been no follow-up or communication to us regarding the handling of these issues,” said Robert Kaiba.

Kaiba added that initially, they protested to the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) of Merauke Regency and the South Papua People’s Assembly (MRPS), but the outcomes of their efforts did not meet their expectations.

“Therefore, we take to the streets to protest and demand that high-ranking regional officials, including the governor, regents, MRPS chairman, Bawaslu, and KPU, come and talk to all of us,” he concluded. (*)


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3) Papuan democracy monitor highlights lack of political understanding in 2024 elections  
News Desk - Election Monitoring 14 March 2024

Jayapura, Jubi – The Democracy Alliance for Papua (ALDP), conducting independent monitoring during the 2024 elections, concluded that the political understanding among election participants, electoral organizers, and the public was severely lacking during the implementation of the 2024 elections in the Papua and Mountainous Papua provinces.

“No wonder that honest, safe, and peaceful democracy did not materialize in the voting process, as there was a complete absence of election awareness campaigns directed at the public,” said Antoni Ibra, the Coordinator of the Independent Election Monitoring Team from ALDP, speaking to Jubi in Jayapura City, Papua, on Monday (11/3/2024).

Antoni Ibra explained that this conclusion was based on the monitoring results starting from February 11, covering the logistics distribution phase, voting process, vote tallying at polling stations (TPS), and district plenary sessions.

The lack of understanding could even be considered fatal. For instance, there were legislative candidates in Nduga Regency who did not know which political party they represented. This indicates a lack of political education for the candidates.

“These political parties also nominated legislative candidates without providing any political education, so today we see communities fighting just to support a particular candidate. The candidates might not care about community conflicts, all they care about is advancing to the Regional Representative Council (DPRD),” he said.

“One candidate for the DPRD in Nduga Regency admitted that her votes were taken away, and she did not know where they went. When asked which party she belonged to, she admitted she did not know, only knowing that she was a candidate,” Ibra recounted a conversation with one female candidate from Nduga.

A similar situation, though not identical, occurred with lower-level election organizers. For example, how to use the Recount Information System (Sirekap), continued Ibra.. In Jayawijaya Regency for one, there were still election workers (KPPS members) who could not fill out Sirekap.

“And they are not only in the Mountainous Papua. Even in Jayapura City, in the Wahno Sub-district [of Abepura District], KPPS members could not fill out Sirekap, so the community had to help them,” he said.

According to Ibra, these examples highlight the fact that election awareness campaigns to build public understanding, which should have been conducted one year before the elections, did not occur. He suggested that there should have been at least three rounds of campaigns involving the Regional Apparatus Coordination Agency (Kesbangpol), the General Election Commission (KPU), and the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu).

“The public also needs to have political understanding. To achieve a clean and democratic election process, awareness campaigns involving the public are crucial. It is no surprise that today there are many conflicts, battles, and fraud in the elections. This is all due to the lack of awareness campaigns,” he said.

All of these serve as important notes for election organizers to improve and intensify awareness campaigns and build political understanding among the public, Ibra concluded. The same applies to election participants because, according to Ibra, democratic elections can only be realized if the public has received adequate political education, enabling them to have the capacity and maturity to engage in politics. (*)


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1) Awyu Tribe appeal cassation over environmental permit legal battles

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2) Two students still detained for alleged aircraft shooting in Dekai 

3) Petronas secures first deepwater Indonesia E&P concession 



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https://en.jubi.id/awyu-tribe-appeal-cassation-over-environmental-permit-legal-battles/

1) Awyu Tribe appeal cassation over environmental permit legal battles  

News Desk - PTUN Lawsuit Awyu Community

 15 March 2024




The Awyu Tribe community, accompanied by the Coalition Team to Save Papua's Indigenous Forests, filed an appeal to the Supreme Court through the Jayapura Administrative Court in Jayapura City, Papua Province, on Thursday (3/14/2024). - Jubi/Theo Kelen


Jayapura, Jubi – The indigenous community of the Awyu Tribe has filed a cassation against the decision of the Manado State Administrative High Court which rejected their appeal regarding their lawsuit against the environmental feasibility permit issued by the Papua Department of Investment and One-Stop Service for PT Indo Asiana Lestari.

The cassation was lodged through the Jayapura City State Administrative Court (PTUN Jayapura) on Thursday (14/3/2024). This was conveyed by a member of the Coalition to Save Papua’s Customary Forests, acting as legal counsel for the Awyu Tribe, lawyer Emanuel Gobay.

“We have just registered the cassation. This means we have gone through several stages in the PTUN Jayapura, including the appeal, and now the cassation stage,” said Gobay.

The permit contested by the Awyu Tribe encompasses plans for a 36,096.4-hectare oil palm plantation in Mandobo District and Fofi District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province. The Awyu Tribe said the permit was issued without their knowledge.

On November 2, 2023, the panel of judges led by Merna Cinthia along with judges Yusup Klemen and Donny Poja declared the lawsuit legally groundless and dismissed it. On November 22, 2023, the legal counsel for the Awyu Tribe filed an appeal with the Manado State Administrative High Court.

On February 29, 2024, the Manado State Administrative High Court rejected the appeal because the plaintiff’s application had expired or exceeded ninety days since the disputed object’s decision letter was known. The High Court also stated that the request for suspension of the disputed object’s execution was rejected.

Emanuel Gobay stated on Thursday that they had submitted various required documents for the cassation. Gobay criticized the Manado State Administrative High Court for rejecting the appeal of the Awyu Tribe on the grounds of exceeding the time limit. Gobay stated that the appeal memorandum submitted through the PTUN Jayapura was accepted and processed.

“It is strange when the PTUN Jayapura accepts it and the PTTUN Manado rejects it just because of time. I need to emphasize that this does not get into the substance of the case. The question is, why did not the judges of the PTTUN Manado want to get into the substance of the case?” Gobay asked.

According to Gobay, none of the panel of judges of the Manado State Administrative High Court who examined and adjudicated the appeal of the Awyu Tribe were licensed environmental judges. Gobay said the Awyu indigenous community was very disappointed with the High Court’s decision.

“After we investigated, it turns out that none of the three judges examining the case were licensed environmental judges. There needs to be an evaluation at the Supreme Court level because of these non-environmental judges examining environmental cases,” he said.

Gobay stated that the appeal decision had an impact on the livelihoods of the Awyu Tribe’s indigenous community. He hoped that the Supreme Court examining the cassation request of the Awyu Tribe would deliver a fair decision. (*)


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2) Two students still detained for alleged aircraft shooting in Dekai  
News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 
15 March 2024

Jayapura, Jubi – Two students arrested in Kali Brasa, Dekai DistrictYahukimo Regency on February 22, 2024 and have yet to be released by the police as of today. The two teenagers, MH and BGE, have been made suspects in the case of aircraft shooting.

MH and BGE were apprehended by security forces on suspicion of being members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). They were captured in Kali Brasa during a security raid related to the Wings Air aircraft shooting in Dekai, the capital of Yahukimo Regency, which occurred on February 17.

Chairman of the Yahukimo Church Fellowship (PGGY) Rev. Atias Matuan, stated on Sunday (10/3/2024) that MH and BGE have not been released. “Since they were arrested by the police on February 22, they have not been released and have not returned home until now. At that time, three people went to the garden. After harvesting bananas, they returned. Upon arriving at Kali Brasa, one person, named Elly Giban, was shot, while the two students, MH and BGE, were arrested and have not returned home,” said Matuan.

Matuan said he and several religious figures had met with the Yahukimo Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Heru Hidayanto to clarify the whereabouts of MH and BGE. They requested the police to immediately release MH and BGE. Later, Matuan received reports that the police had not yet released MH and BGE.

Human Rights Activist in Papua, Yones Douw, also attempted to locate MH and BGE. According to him, the two youths are still detained by the police. “I have checked in Yahukimo, and they said they have not been released,” he said.

On Thursday (14/3/2024), Jubi contacted Heru Hidayanto via WhatsApp messaging service. Heru asked Jubi to inquire about the matter to the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Yahukimo Police, Second Insp. Tantu Usman.

When contacted via WhatsApp messaging service on Thursday, Tantu Usman confirmed that MH and BGE are still detained by the police. According to Tantu, MH and BGE have been designated as suspects in the aircraft shooting case.

“MH and BGE have been named suspects and charged for allegedly violating Article 479 F letter a jo Article 55 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code, and are currently detained at the Papua Police Headquarters in Jayapura City,” said Usman.

Usman stated that MH and BGE have been detained at the Papua Police Headquarters since February 29, 2024. Earlier, on February 27, the Antara News Agency quoted the statement of the Cartenz Peace Operations Coordinator Sr. Comr. Faizal Ramadhani, who mentioned that MH and BGE had been released. In the news reports by various media outlets, Faizal stated that the allegation of the two students being involved in the TPNPB network was not proven, so they were released.

Faizal’s statement is supported with the statement of the TPNPB Ndugama Darakma Battalion Commander, Nabeanus Gerebea, on February 24. Gerebea stated that MH and BGE were ordinary civilians who were arrested while crossing Kali Brasa.

“They are not members of the TPNPB. They are purely civilians and have no knowledge of the TPNPB. They were arrested while crossing Kali Brasa to Dekai. They were arrested and tortured,” said Gerebea. (*)



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3) Petronas secures first deepwater Indonesia E&P concession 

March 15, 2024

Offshore staff

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has awarded Petronas subsidiary PC North Madura II the Bobara working area offshore West Papua, under the Indonesia Petroleum Bid Round 2023.

It is Petronas’ first venture into deepwater exploration in Indonesia.

The company will operate Bobara with 100% equity; the working area covers about 8,400 sq km. 

Commitment for the first three years include G&G studies, and 3D seismic data acquisition and processing.

Last year the company signed a sale and purchase agreement for the Masela working area, and it already operates the Ketapang, North Madura II and North Ketapang production sharing contracts (PSCs) offshore East Java, with further (non-operated) interests in seven PSCs offshore and onshore in the Natuna Sea, Sumatra, East Java, and East Indonesia.

03.14.2024


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1) SW Papua urges indigenous people to protect sustainability of forests

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2) Prabowo, Gibran score landslide victory in South Papua  


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1) SW Papua urges indigenous people to protect sustainability of forests 
 March 18, 2024 16:33 GMT+700

Sorong, Southwest Papua (ANTARA) - The Southwest Papua Provincial Government called on all indigenous people to protect forests to realize sustainable development in the region.

Head of the province's Environment, Forestry, and Land Office Julian Kelly Kambu remarked here on Monday that sustainable development can be realized if only forests and their cleanliness are maintained.

"The minister of environment and forestry said that there must be more social interaction and communication with the indigenous people's agencies as well as with stakeholders and the government to build environmentally sustainable development," Kambu affirmed.

At the local 41st Forester Service Day commemoration, he stated that the indigenous people's agencies are considered to be development partners in implementing environmentally sustainable development by protecting forest areas for the next generation.

The forest environment must kept clean, safe, and comfortable, so that businesses can run and communities are empowered, he stressed.

In order to support sustainable development from an environmental perspective, his side has disseminated information to development partners and businesses.

He emphasized that businesses should be run in a sustainable, tiered, and structured manner so as to develop mutual understanding.

"(This is) so that our common understanding of sustainable development can be achieved and forest areas can be maintained fully. This is part of what we do," he stressed.

He stated that in Southwest Papua, there are already the Social Forestry and Environmental Partnership Center (PSKL), Climate Change Control (PPI), and some development partners, such as FORCLIME.

"It is our capital and strength to synergize with all indigenous partners to develop and maintain forests (and to determine) which ones we need to protect and the ones we need to develop," he remarked. 

Related news: Ministry of Industry prepares EIP concept to spur sustainability
Related news: Nusantara City designed according to green economy principles: OIKN
Related news: Preserving the sustainability of Papuan staple sago

Translator: Yuvensius B, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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2) Prabowo, Gibran score landslide victory in South Papua  

March 15, 2024 22:56 GMT+700


Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka have scored a landslide victory in South Papua with 162,852 valid votes, the General Elections Commission (KPU) announced at a plenary meeting here on Friday.

Meanwhile, Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD polled 110,003 votes, and Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar received 41,906 votes. The total number of voters going to polling stations was recorded at 320,386.

According to a member of the KPU-South Papua Office, Theresia Mahuze, who attended the KPU's plenary meeting, the total number of registered voters in the province's final voter list (DPT) was 367,269.

Of the number, only 306,486 registered voters went to polling stations on Election Day (February 14, 2024), she informed.

In addition to them, at least 2,471 voters registered in the additional voter list and 11,429 voters registered in the special voter list (DPK) also cast their votes on Election Day.

Indonesians have given their mandate. At least 1.7 million voters living abroad cast their votes for the General Elections before February 14, while more than 203 million voters residing in Indonesia flocked to polling stations on Election Day.

Voters living outside Indonesia cast their ballot at 828 polling stations through 1,580 mobile voting boxes and 651 postal services, while Indonesian residents voted at 820,161 polling stations.

On Election Day, polling stations at 84 electoral districts in 38 provinces remained open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time.

ANTARA reported earlier that the public will need to be patient to learn the legitimate results of the 2024 elections, as the outcome of the manual vote count will be announced by the KPU by March 20 at the latest.

No doubt, Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD, and their political coalitions are awaiting the moment of truth, too.

In the meantime, several pollsters' quick counts, broadcast on the country's national TV stations, have revealed favorable results for the Prabowo-Gibran pair.

After the official result of the KPU's final manual vote count is out, the winning candidate pair will need to wait for the presidential inauguration, which is scheduled to take place on October 20, 2024.

Related news: KPU targets completing recapitulation of domestic votes on March 18
Related news: Prabowo-Gibran pair secures majority of valid votes in East Java: KPU


Translator: Narda MS, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono

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1) Papuan mama protest for representative market in Merauke

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2) Cartenz task force faces criticism for alleged law enforcement violations 
3) Language center revitalizes local languages in Papua  


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1) Papuan mama protest for representative market in Merauke 
News Desk - Merauke 20 March 2024


Merauke, Jubi – Hundreds of Indigenous Papuan mama (women/mothers)  who are members of the Association of Indigenous Papuan Mama Traders (IPM2AP) in Merauke Regency, South Papua, staged a protest demanding the local government to construct a representative market within the city of Merauke.

The peaceful demonstration on Monday (3/18/2024) took place at the South Papua People’s Council Office (MRPS) on Mandala Street in Merauke. Earlier, hundred of mamas conducted a long march from the New Mopah Market, two kilometers away from the MRPS Office. They carried banners and some of them delivered speeches along the way.

In front of the chairman and members of the MRPS, the Indigenous Papuan mama traders presented several demands, including urging the South Papua People’s Council to pressure the government to build a market specifically for indigenous Papuan traders behind SMP Negeri 2 Merauke.

Regarding the Blorep Market built by the Merauke Regency Government for indigenous Papuan traders, they requested that the market, located in Blorep, be designated as a venue for selling handicrafts and a training center for the economic development of indigenous Papuan mamas.

Another demand was for the mama traders to urge the MRPS to push for the construction of a market for indigenous Papuan traders behind SMP Negeri 2 Merauke. They hoped that this cultural institution could advocate for it through the provincial meeting and discuss it with the acting governor.

The indigenous Papuan mama traders also requested the MRPS to ensure and oversee the targeted implementation of grassroots economic programs or those aligned with the distribution of indigenous Papuan business actors in the new provincial territory.

“We also request that the MRPS immediately urge the South Papua Special Autonomy Acceleration Supervisory Body to ensure that the indigenous Papuan market becomes an agenda and a mandatory task for the government as part of the implementation of Presidential Regulation Number 121 of 2022,” said IPM2AP Coordinator, Mika Balagaize.

In their final demand.

Mika Balagaize urged the MRPS, the South Papua Provincial DPR, and the acting governor to issue regulations regarding the development of local food and the empowerment of Indigenous Papuan economies. These legal products aim to protect and serve as affirmative policies for indigenous Papuans there.

“Regarding the Blorep Market, we ask the MRPS to coordinate with the Merauke Regency Government to conduct a feasibility study for the market,” he said.

“We indigenous Papuan mama traders believe that the Blorep Market is not strategic because it is far from residential areas, so we fear that there will be no buyers there. Besides, there is no transportation access to the area, and the area is also deserted. Because it is deserted, there are often criminal cases there, which makes us afraid,” concluded Mika Balagaize.

Chairman of the South Papua People’s Council, Damianus Katayu, welcomed the peaceful demonstration conducted by the Indigenous Papuan mama traders in Merauke. He promised to convey the aspirations to the provincial government and the Merauke Regency Government. (*)


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2) Cartenz task force faces criticism for alleged law enforcement violations 
News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 20 March 2024

Jayapura, Jubi – The Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) expressed its assessment that the Cartenz Peace Operation in Papua does not demonstrate a prioritization of law enforcement. LBH Papua urged the government to evaluate the implementation of the Cartenz Peace Operation in Papua.

“I think the implementation of the Cartenz Peace Operation should be evaluated by all parties still supporting it,” LBH Papua Director Emanuel Gobay said in Jayapura City on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Gobay stated that the Cartenz Peace Operation carried out by the joint forces of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police did not show efforts towards law enforcement. Gobay cited the arrest of MH (15) and BGE (15), two students apprehended in Kali Brasa, Yahukimo Regency on February 22, 2024.

“They are children. When it comes to children, it is clear under Law Number 11 of 2012regarding the Juvenile Justice System, in the practice of arresting children, human rights principles must be prioritized. But why is there an alleged practice of torture? We see through photographic evidence the presence of injuries in those photos,” he said.

On February 27, several media outlets reported statements from the Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation, Sr. Comr. Faizal Ramadhani, stating that MH and BGE had been released.

However, the Chairman of the Yahukimo Church Alliance (PGGY) Rev. Atias Matuan, stated that MH and BGE had not returned home and were allegedly still detained by the police. On March 14, the Yahukimo Police confirmed that MH and BGE were still detained at the Papua Police Headquarters Detention Center, as they had been designated as suspects in the shooting of an aircraft in Yahukimo.

Gobay stated that the way personnel of the Cartenz Peace Operation handled the cases of MH and BGE was allegedly in violation of regulations. According to him, various violations in law enforcement carried out by the Cartenz Peace Operation would tarnish the reputation of the TNI and police institutions.

“This will only tarnish the reputation of the Police and the TNI who continue the Cartenz Peace Operation. They say they will not commit legal violations, but just three months into 2024, they have already committed such violations. The alleged practice of torture further shows the poor image of Cartenz Peace Operation personnel,” he said.

Gobay stated that the leadership of the TNI and police should impose strict sanctions on members of the Cartenz Peace Operation who commit legal violations. Gobay also requested that the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua) carry out its duty to monitor law enforcement by the operation’s personnel to prevent legal or human rights violations.

“What is the status of Papua? Is the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force conducting combat operations or law enforcement operations? Is there a military emergency status declared in Yahukimo?” Gobay asked.

According to him, law enforcement operations follow the logic of criminal procedural law. “If someone commits an offense, they are arrested, interrogated, investigated, their status is determined as a suspect, then detained as a detainee by investigators. Next, the case is handed over to prosecutors as a prosecutor’s detainee. Then it proceeds to court, detained by the judge, and the judge examines the case there until a verdict is reached. That is what law enforcement is,” Gobay said. (*)



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3) Language center revitalizes local languages in Papua  

March 19, 2024 16:10 GMT+700

Jayapura (ANTARA) - Intermediate Expert officer at the Papua Language Center, Antonius Maturbongs, stated that his side is currently continuing to revitalize local languages in Papua to prevent them from going extinct.

"Revitalization is being carried out, so that local languages do not experience extinction following the decreasing number of local language speakers," Maturbongs stated in Jayapura, Tuesday.

He explained that the Papua Language Center will continue to collaborate with the local government in Papua to conduct revitalization to prevent more local languages from becoming extinct.

Revitalization has been carried out since 2022 for several languages, including Sentani, Tobati, Marin, Beaboa, Sobey, Kamoro, Biak, Moi, Hatam, and Dani.

The 10 languages, which are the current focus of the Papua Language Center, are spread across the provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, West Papua, and Southwest Papua.

"Hopefully, with continuous revitalization, this language will not become extinct because its speakers will increase," Maturbongs affirmed.

Maturbongs admitted to several languages having reportedly become extinct in Papua due to the lack of language speakers.

The extinct languages are Tandia in Wondama Bay and Air Matoa in Kaimana, both in West Papua, as well as Mapia in Supiori and Mawes in Sarmi District, both in Papua.

"The extinction of the four languages is the result of no more speakers," he stated. 

Related news: SW Papua urges indigenous people to protect sustainability of forests
Related news: Human resource development in Papua needs right strategy: Bappenas

Translator: Evarukdijati, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Arie Novarina

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1) HIV-AIDS cases surge in Merauke, urgent call for govt action

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2) Cenderawasih University celebrates inauguration of new professors, currently has 28 professors 
3) Army providing free healthcare services to native Papuans in Kimaam  

4) Prabowo declared president-elect by poll body  
5) The TPNPB News-Per 20 Maret 2024


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1) HIV-AIDS cases surge in Merauke, urgent call for govt action 
News Desk - HIV/AIDS 20 March 2024

Merauke, Papua – The AIDS commission (KPA) noted that from January to March 2024, there were 16 cases of HIV-AIDS in Merauke Regency, South Papua. Three of them resulted in fatalities. Damario Sriyono, the Secretary of KPA in Merauke Regency, stated to Jubi on Tuesday (3/19/2024) that among the cases recorded earlier this year, the patients were from the general public.

“At the beginning of 2024, there have already been 16 cases, within the span of three months, including 14 cases of HIV, 2 of AIDS, and 3 fatalities. The numbers remain quite high,” said Damario Sriyono.

“The patients are from the general public. Indeed, the general public is much more vulnerable than high-risk workers. High-risk workers (such as sex workers) are more closely monitored, and they undergo routine check-ups,” he continued.

Damario Sriyono mentioned that the cumulative cases of HIV-AIDS in Merauke Regency since its discovery in 1999 until 2024 amounted to 2,827 cases. Housewives ranked first as the highest percentage of patients, at 21.4 percent.

“Every year, the number of cases remains high. On average, there are 100 patients each year. In 2023, there were 107 cases, and in 2022, there were 126 cases. The issue of HIV-AIDS in Merauke indeed needs attention from all parties, especially the government,” he stated.

Damario Sriyono added that the issue of HIV-AIDS in the regency is like an iceberg phenomenon. It could become a “time bomb” if not prevented and handled seriously. Prevention is crucial to curb the spread of this deadly disease.

“In terms of budget, the support from the local government for HIV-AIDS prevention and mitigation is still very minimal. Actually, prevention is much cheaper than treatment and care. Therefore, we hope the local government can provide more serious attention,” he concluded. (*)



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2) Cenderawasih University celebrates inauguration of new professors, currently has 28 professors 

News Desk - Cenderawasih University 
20 March 2024

Jayapura, Jubi – Dr. Oscar Oswald O Wambrauw SE MSc Agr, the rector of Cenderawasih University, announced that the campus currently boasts 28 professors. Wambrauw made this announcement during the inauguration ceremony of professors at Cenderawasih University in Jayapura City on Monday (3/19/2024).

Two lecturers from Cenderawasih University who were inaugurated as professors are Prof. Dr. Vince Tebay SSos MSi and Prof. Dr. Jonner Nainggolan Msi. “Today, we are inaugurating two professors, bringing our total count to 28 professors,” he said.

Wambrauw mentioned that these professors are distributed across various faculties: Faculty of Economics and Business (8), Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (6), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (5), Faculty of Law (3), Faculty of Sports Sciences (4), and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (2).

“In fact, Cenderawasih University has 38 professors, seven of whom have passed away, and three have retired. Currently, 28 are active. Several faculties still lack professors, namely the Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Engineering,” he added.

Wambrauw emphasized that the presence of professors signifies the credibility and progress of the university, contributing to the quality of education and enhancing the university’s management. Additionally, having professors can expedite the accreditation process of study programs.

“The presence of professors will expedite the accreditation process. Out of 88 study programs, around 65 have received ‘Excellent’ accreditation,” he stated.

Furthermore, Wambrauw highlighted that professors play an active role in making Cenderawasih University a center of scientific and intellectual excellence. He also noted that their presence serve as inspiration for other lecturers to pursue higher academic achievements.

“Until now, we have facilitated 36 lecturers who are in the process of preparing to accelerate their journey towards becoming professors. By the end of this year, we could reach 50 professors. The increase in the number of professors proves that we are increasingly ready to implement Cenderawasih University as a Public Service State University,” he remarked.

Prof. Dr. Balthasar Kambuaya MBA, the Chairman of the Senate of Cenderawasih University, stated that as part of its development master plan, the university aims to become a research university. He emphasized the need for strong and qualified lecturers to achieve this goal. “We need many professors, doctors, and masters for this university to become a research university,” he said.

Kambuaya acknowledged the challenging journey to becoming a professor, requiring significant resources, effort, thought, and time. He urged professors to make tangible contributions to the community and Cenderawasih University. “All lecturers should aspire to become professors,” he concluded. (*)


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3) Army providing free healthcare services to native Papuans in Kimaam  
March 20, 2024 19:10 GMT+700

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Indonesian soldiers from the 125/SMB Infantry Battalion Task Force provided free healthcare services to native Papuans in Kiworo Village, Kimaam Sub-district, Merauke District, South Papua Province.

Located on Yos Sudarso Island, some 129 kilometers away from Merauke, Kimaam Sub-district can only be reached by airplane or ship, Kimaam Post Commander Second Lieutenant Raden Andika stated.

During this community service, the army paramedics visited the households in need of healthcare services, he noted in a press statement that ANTARA received in Jayapura City on Wednesday.

Apart from providing healthcare services to the villagers, the army personnel also conducted a knowledge-sharing session on healthy lifestyle and clean environment, Andika remarked.

A Kiworo villager named Margaretha Muyak thanked the army personnel for the community service.

Related news: TNI, health centre provide health service for Papua children

In addition to Kiworo, Kimaam Sub-district has several other villages, including Kimaam, Mambum, Woner, Deka, Komolom, Kumbis, Turiram, Webu, Umanderu, Kalilam, Purawander, Teri, and Sabudom.

ANTARA reported earlier that Indonesian soldiers stationed in Papua have demonstrated exemplary capability in maintaining peace and stability in the region for decades in their endeavors to safeguard the country's territorial integrity.

The soldiers are chiefly tasked with securing peace and stability in the country's easternmost region.

However, they are also living and mingling with members of local communities, which has provided them a glimpse of the challenges faced by native Papuans in their day-to-day lives.

Related news: Soldiers in Papua's Jagara, Jayawijaya provide free health services

Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga


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4) Prabowo declared president-elect by poll body  
March 21, 2024 00:16 GMT+700

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's General Election Commission (KPU) has officially declared Prabowo Subianto and his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as the next president and vice president of the country.

The determination of the 2024 presidential election winners was announced in KPU Decree Number 360.

"The national results of general elections were determined on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 22.18.19 WIB (Western Indonesia Time)," KPU chairperson Hasyim Asy'ari said in Jakarta late on Wednesday.

He informed that of 164,227,475 legitimate votes, Prabowo-Gibran won 96,214,691 votes (58.59 percent), while their rivals Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar got 40,971,906 votes (24.95 percent), and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD gained 27,040,878 votes (16.46 percent).

The poll body earlier held simultaneous plenary meetings to declare the recapitulation of vote counting results for 38 provinces and 128 overseas election regions.

Prabowo-Gibran won in 36 provinces, Anies-Muhaimin won in two other provinces, and Ganjar-Mahfud did not win in any province.

The president- and vice president-elect will be inducted into office on October 20.

Related news: Minister ensures national vote recapitulation to complete on March 20
Related news: People should wait for KPU's final vote-counting results: President


Translator: Anton Santoso
Editor: Arie Novarina


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Posted on AWPA FB page
(Translation below)

5) The TPNPB News-Per 20 Maret 2024

Shared by: Sebby Sambom [Jubir Komnas TPNPB]

TPNPB OPM bertanggung jawab atas penembakan 2 anggota POLRI di Paniai Serta 2 Anggota TNI dan perampasan 2 pucuk senjata laras pendek di Puncak Jaya, Papua Dan juga rampas dua pucuk Senjata Laras Panjang di Paniai.

Rabu, 20 Maret 2024

Menajement Markas Pusat Komando Nasional Tentara Pembebasan Papua Barat telah menerima laporan dari lapangan pada Rabu, 20 Maret 2024 sekitar pukul 12:00 siang.

Demikian laporan:

Terjadi penyerangan yang dilakukan oleh Tentara Pembebasan Nasional Papua Barat (TPNPB) Kodap XIII Kegepanipouda Paniai dan dibantu oleh pasukan khusus TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya dibawah pimpinan Aibon Kogeya mengakibatkan Bripda Sandy Defrit Sayuri dan Bripda Arnaldobert Yawan yang berstatus anggota Polisi dalam satuan Unit Patroli Pos Polisi tewas tertembak dalam aksi penyerangan tersebut. Maka disampaikan kepada Militer Indonesia untuk tidak melakukan penyisiran di pemukiman warga sipil di Distrik Bayabiru, aksi penembakan tersebut kami TPNPB Kodap X Paniai siap bertanggungjawab.

Kami juga mendesak kepada pemerintah indonesia untuk segera menutup pertambangan emas secara ilegal di Bayabiru, Paniai. Sebab, akibat dari pertambangan ilegal tersebut mengakibatkan hutan adat kami mulai hilang dan punah bahkan akibat dari pertambangan ilegal tersebut terdapat pendoropan pasukan militer indonesia dan pengiriman alat pencari emas milik Tentara dan Polisi indonesia dari nabire dengan menggunakan pesawat sipil dan helikopter miiter

Komnas TPNPB juga telah menerima laporkan resmi dari Yambi, Puncak Jaya bahwa; Aksi penembakan yang dilakukan oleh TPNPB Kodap XXVII Puncak Jaya yang mengakibatkan tewasnya Serka Marinir Ismunandar pada hari Minggu, 17 Maret 2024 dan satu anggota TNI yang mengalami luka tembak dan kritis kami siap bertanggung jawab ungkap Lerimayu Enembe.

Kelenak Murib menambahkan bahwa aksi penembakan terhadap 2 personil marinir di Distrik Mulia pada hari Minggu 17 Maret 2024 dan perampasan dua pucuk senjata api laras pendek kami yang lakukan dan kami siap bertanggung jawab.

Kami mulai perang ini bukan untuk cari makan dan minum atau pun minta-minta uang kepada pemerintah kolonial indonesia. Tetapi ini perang pembebasan nasional Papua Barat, maka dalam hal ini jika militer pemerintah indonesia mau cari 2 pucuk senjata yang kami rampas silahkan datang ke markas kami. Ungkapnya.

Tambahan:

Dalam penyerangan di Bayabiru pada tanggal 20 Maret 2024, Pasukan TPNPB Berhasil menewaskan Dua orang yang merupakan Anggota Polisi Indonesia, Dan juga Rampas dua pucuk senjata Laras Panjang jenis AK47, Dan juga Telah Berhasil Tembak helicopter yang mengangkut Pasukan Militer serta logistics Militer di Bayabiru, Kabupaten Paniai Papua. 

Catatan:

pasukan TPNPB akan terus melakukan perlawanan hingga Papua merdeka Penuh, karena TPNPB berdiri sebagai pagar negara bangsa Papua Dan bertanggungjawab melingdungi rakyat Papua dari ancaman genocide oleh Pemerintah Kolonial Indonesia. 

Demikian.

Diteruskan kepada semua pihak oleh Jubir Komnas TPNPB Tentara Pembebasan Nasional Papua barat Sebby Sambom, Dan terimakasi atas kerja sama yang baik.

The TPNPB News-As of March 20, 2024

 ---

TPNB News

Shared by: Sebby Sambom [Jubir Komnas TPNPB]

TPNPB OPM is responsible for the shooting of 2 POLRI members in Paniai and 2 TNI members and the confiscation of 2 short barrel guns in Puncak Jaya, Papua And also confiscation of two long barrel guns in Paniai.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

The West Papua Liberation Army National Command Headquarters Management has received a report from the field on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 at around 12:00 noon.

Thus the report:

There was an attack carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Kodap XIII Kegepanipouda Paniai and assisted by the special forces of TPNPB Kodap VIII Intan Jaya under the leadership of Aibon Kogeya resulted in Bripda Sandy Defrit Sayuri and Bripda Arnaldobert Yawan who were Police members in the Police Post Patrol Unit were shot dead in the action of those raid. So delivered to the Indonesian Military not to comb in the civilian settlement in the Bayabiru District, the shooting action we TPNPB Kodap X Paniai are ready to take responsibility.

We also urge the Indonesian government to immediately shut down illegal gold mining in Bayabiru, Paniai. Because, the consequences of illegal mining resulted in our indigenous forests starting to disappear and extinct even as a result of illegal mining said there is the encroachment of the Indonesian military forces and the delivery of gold detectors belonging to the Indonesian Army and Police from nabire by using civil aircraft and miiter helicopters

Komnas TPNPB has also received an official report from Yambi, Puncak Jaya that; The shooting action carried out by TPNPB Kodap XXVII Puncak Jaya resulted in the death of Serka Marinir Ismunandar on Sunday, March 17, 2024 and one TNI member who suffered a gunshot wound and critical we are ready to take responsibility said Lerimayu Lemongrass.

Kelenak Murib added that the shooting action of 2 marine personnel in District Noble on Sunday 17 March 2024 and the confiscation of two short barrel firearms was done and we are ready to take responsibility.

We started this war not to earn food and drink or to ask money from Indonesian colonial government. But this is West Papua's national liberation war, so in this case if the Indonesian government military wants to find 2 guns that we seized please come to our headquarters. Express it.

Add-on:

In the attack in Bayabiru on March 20, 2024, TPNPB Troops Succeeded to Defeat Two People Who Are Indonesian Police Members, And Also Seized Two AK47 Long Baras, And Also Succeeded To Shoot Helicopter Transporting Military Troops As Well As Military Logistics In Bayabiru, Regency Paniai Papua.

Note :

TPNPB forces will continue to resist until Papua is fully independent, because TPNPB stands as the fence of the state of the Papuan nation And is responsible to distract the Papuan people from the threat of genocide by the Indonesian Colonial Government.

Like that.

Forwarded to all parties by Jubir Komnas TPNPB West Papua National Liberation Army Sebby Sambom, And thank you for the good cooperation.

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1) TPNPB shoots helicopter in Helipad 99 Baya Biru

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2) Police urged to pursue justice in Yahukimo murder and rape case 

3) Government accused of contradicting reality at UN rights hearing



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1) TPNPB shoots helicopter in Helipad 99 Baya Biru 
News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua
 21 March 2024


Jayapura, Jubi- The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) shot down a helicopter in Baya Biru District, Paniai Regency on Wednesday (20/3/2024), claiming that the helicopter was carrying mining logistics operating in Baya Biru. The mine is suspected to be illegal.

TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom, relaying a statement from one of TPNPB leaders Aibon Kogoya, stated that the helicopter also carried Indonesian military personnel. “We managed to shoot down the helicopter that regularly transports logistics for mining and Indonesian military personnel to Baya Biru, Degeuwo,” said Sambom

According to Sambom, the helicopter shot down by Aibon Kogoya’s group also frequently allegedly transported sex workers for the miners. In the statement, Sambom also conveyed Aibon Kogoya’s demand regarding the presence of mines in Baya Biru, which was deemed as negatively impacting the lives of residents in Baya Biru.

“We demand the immediate closure of mining operations disguised as militarism and investments that harm the indigenous people of Baya Biru. Send the sex workers back to Java, as they are a source of diseases [AIDS and HIV transmission] to kill Papuans,” he said.

Sambom’s press statement also included demands for all mining permits in Papua to be revoked. “We demand that all companies cease operations. If they continue to exploit our resources, they will be shot dead,” he said.

In Jayapura, the Papua Police announced that two police officers died in an attack carried out by the TPNPB in Baya Biru District. The attack occurred on Wednesday at around 8a.m. Papua time.

Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo stated that the two police officers killed in the attack were Second Brig. Arnaldobert Yawan and Second Brig. Sandi Defrit Sayuri.

Benny stated that the police was currently investigating the attack, which also resulted in the loss of two AK-47 rifles. “The case is currently under investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Paniai Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Abdus Syukur Felani stated that the attack occurred while personnel were securing Helipad 99 in Baya Baru District. “The incident started when our personnel were securing Helipad 99. Suddenly, several gunshots were heard from the east, causing us to lose two personnel and two AK-47 rifles were stolen,” Abdus said via WhatsApp.

Abdus stated that they are currently conducting a sweep and investigation into the case. He affirmed that the police will take firm action against the individuals or groups responsible for the attack. “We will pursue the perpetrators or groups responsible for this action. They will be prosecuted according to the law. We are also currently increasing security at all points in Paniai Regency to prevent any unwanted incidents,” he emphasized. (*)

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2) Police urged to pursue justice in Yahukimo murder and rape case  
News Desk - Murder And Sexual Violence
 21 March 2024


Jayapura, Jubi – The Papua Office of the National Human Rights Commission(Komnas HAM Papua) has urged the Papua Police and Yahukimo Police to uncover the perpetrators of murder and rape against two female refugees in Yahukimo, IS and AK, on October 11, 2023. Police must ensure the complete enforcement of the law and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Melky Weruin, Komnas HAM Papua’s Chairman of the Enforcement and Promotion Team for Human Rights, stated there was no excuse for not uncovering this case. “It is the police’s responsibility. They must find ways to uncover the perpetrators,” Weruin told Jubi on Tuesday (19/3/2024).

Weruin explained that there are indeed formal requirements that must be met to continue investigations, such as conducting autopsies to determine the weapons used in the murder, whether they were sharp or blunt objects; whether they were knives or machetes, and whether the victims were slashed or stabbed, among other details. The purpose is to understand the nature of the wounds to conclude whether an autopsy is necessary. However, this was not done for the two female victims in Yahukimo.

He added that the Komnas HAM Papua would soon request information on the progress of handling the sexual violence case from the Papua Police and the Yahukimo Police.

On October 26, 2023, Komnas HAM Papua sent a letter to the Papua Police chief regarding the alleged sexual violence, suspected to have been perpetrated by security forces. “We sent a letter with attached complaint documents to the police, asking for clarification on the extent of the handling of this case,” Melky said.

On November 27, 2023, Komnas HAM Papua received a response from the Papua Police chief stating that the investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Yahukimo Police had been optimal. However, as of now, the unit has not made any arrests or detentions due to the lack of two valid pieces of evidence.

According to Weruin, based on the response letter from the Papua Police Chief, the obstacles encountered in the investigation include the absence of witnesses who saw the assaults on IS and the murder of AK.

“Witness Welson Payage, the son of IS, does not know the perpetrators of the assault on his mother, and autopsies were not conducted on the victims due to the lack of autopsy equipment at the hospital. These are the efforts they have made in terms of law enforcement,” Weruin said. (*)


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CNN Indonesia – March 18, 2024

Jakarta – A number of groups that make up the civil society coalition consider the Indonesian government through its delegation provided contradictory information on the state of Indonesia's human rights at an International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) hearing in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday March 12.

They are the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), Asian Justice and RightsAmnesty InternationalIndonesia, Transmen Indonesia, the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), FORUM-ASIAand Kontras Aceh.

Kontras Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya for example believes that the Indonesian delegation did not provide a complete statement related to cases of past gross human rights violations such as the 2004 assassination of renewed human rights defender Munir Said Thalib or the case of human rights activists Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti.

"The Indonesian government again and again in every international forum projects an image as if there is already a compliance with the norms of fulfilling the upholding of human rights protections, particularly in the context of political civil rights", said Arya during an online event on Monday March 18.

In the Munir case that was questioned by the ICCPR committee, according to Arya, the Indonesian government claimed that coordination was still taking place between the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) and the Attorney General's Office (AGO) in accordance with Presidential Instruction Number 2/2003.

Yet according to Arya, the government should refer to Law Number 26/2000 on Human Rights Courts to push the AGO to investigate and prosecute cases of gross human rights violations.

"At that time the ICCPR committee was asking critically and in a complementary or comprehensive manner in relation to gross human rights violations that occurred in the past", he said.

Then regarding the defamation case brought against Azhar and Maulidiyanti by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the ICCPR committee raised the case as a form of criminalisation of human rights defenders who were indicted under the Information and Electronic Transaction (ITE) Law.

The Indonesian government, according to Arya, actually claimed that the case has been fully resolved because Azhar and Maulidiyanti were declared not guilty by the courts and released on all charges. But in fact, the verdict is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court.

"So we highlighted the facts that were indeed conveyed as a counter-narrative or contradicting the reality and the implementation that should be an evaluation", Arya said.

Similarly, Amnesty International is of the view that the Indonesian government gave inadequate responses and even tended to minimise the facts about the human rights situation in Indonesia at the forum.

"The quite critical questions given by the committee to the Indonesian delegation, and some of the answers from members of the Indonesian delegation actually left us scratching our heads and a little disappointed", said Amnesty International Deputy Director Wirya Adiweda.

Adiweda said that what was conveyed was not in accordance with the facts of the human rights situation in Indonesia and the answers conveyed by the Indonesian delegation were just the same old answers or in other words there was no change.

In the context of past gross human rights violations, he said, one thing that emerged in the 2023 review by the ICCPR committee was the existence of a deadlock between the AGO and the Komnas HAM regarding the investigation of past violations.

In relation to extrajudicial killings, torture and other inhuman treatment, the Indonesian government claims to have policies that do not tolerate impunity.

According to Adiweda, the Indonesian delegation argued that the number of extrajudicial killings by security forces was relatively less than those committed by armed civilian groups.

Conversely, Amnesty International noted that from January 2018 to May 2023, there were around 65 cases of extrajudicial killings involving 106 victims.

"This is not an answer that is worthy of being conveyed by the state, which should take responsibility for protecting its citizens", he said.

Then in relation to the situation in Papua, the Indonesian delegation said that internal refugees in Papua only occur due to three things.

First, natural disasters, or droughts. Second, due to horizontal conflicts, and third due to violence by armed criminal groups, without mentioning the consequences of a massive security forces presence in Papua.

"Things like this make us wonder and feel that there is a lack of commitment by the state to [address] the problems conveyed by members of the UN Human Rights Committee. Answers that are always the same show that the human rights problems in Indonesia have never been thoroughly resolved", said Adiweda. (khr/dna)

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Pemerintah Dinilai Kontradiktif Soal Kondisi HAM RI di Sidang PBB".]

Source: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20240318230001-32-1075904/pemerintah-dinilai-kontradiktif-soal-kondisi-ham-ri-di-sidang-pbb


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Awpa statement- West Papuan man brutality tortured by Indonesian soldiers.

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AWPA statement 22 March 2024.

 

West Papuan man brutality tortured by Indonesian soldiers.

 

The Australia West Papua Association condemns the brutal torture of a West Papuan man by Indonesian troops in Yahukimo.

 

A video of the  torture is circulating on social media. The video shows soldiers brutally beating a man as he stands in a barrel of water and slashing him with a knife.

 

Joe Collins of AWPA said , “one can only imagine the fear and terror the Papuan man must feel at this brutal torture being inflicted on him”.

 

 

Gustaf R. Kawer, chair of PAHAM Papua, (The Human Rights Lawyers Association)  said they have  tried to carry out a brief investigation and suspect that this torture incident was carried out by Non-Organic Troops from Kodam III/Siliwangi, Yonif Raider Unit 300/Brajawijaya, against civilians around Puncak or Puncak Jaya Regency (Mulia, Ilaga, Sinak, etc.).



PAHAM Papua is calling on Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (and the TNI Commander) to immediately carry out a thorough investigation and take the perpetrators to court.



Benny Wenda has also condemned the torture stating 

"I am truly horrified by the video that has emerged from Yahukimo of Indonesian soldiers torturing a West Papuan man. More than anything, the sadistic brutality on display shows how urgently West Papua needs a UN Human Rights visit”. 

The video (with the warning : graphic, violent content ) is on the ULMWP webpage at 

https://www.ulmwp.org/president-wenda-a-crime-against-humanity-has-been-committed-in-yahukimo


Joe Collins said, “as more information comes to light about the incident we will be writing to the Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong” not only about this incident but about the deteriorating human rights situation in the territory. 

Ends.


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Image on AWPA FB 






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PAHAM Papua media release (Translated) (posted on AWPA FB page)

Commanders and perpetrators of torture against civilians MUST be prosecuted and dismissed from the unit.

Good morning fellow Papuan media and activists, observing the video of very sadistic torture carried out by TNI officers in Papua which is circulating quite widely on online media, it is very important for us to work together to urge the perpetrators to be prosecuted, including the commander of this unit.

We have tried to carry out a brief investigation, while it is suspected that this torture incident was carried out by Non-Organic Troops from Kodam III/Siliwangi, Yonif Raider Unit 300/Brajawijaya, against civilians around Puncak or Puncak Jaya Regency (Mulia, Ilaga, Sinak, etc.).

This act of torture against one of the civilians was very sadistic, carried out by TNI officers without prioritizing the principle of presumption of innocence. If the person concerned was suspected of committing a criminal act/was involved in the TPN PB organization, TNI in sufficient numbers was accompanied by complete military equipment and faced with A mere civilian, helpless, does not deserve to be subjected to cruel acts of sadistic torture as circulated in the video. According to regulations, the TNI handed over suspected criminals to the police for legal proceedings before the court and the court determined the person guilty based on the facts of the trial.

The actions of the TNI officers constitute an act of extrajudicial torture, a thorough investigation needs to be carried out and if it is discovered that the victim has died, then the actions of the officers can be categorized as extrajudicial killing.

We from PAHAM Papua urge the Republic of Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission and the TNI Commander to immediately carry out a thorough investigation and take the perpetrators to court until they receive the maximum verdict, including being fired from the unit.

That's our press release.

Best regards,

Gustaf R. Pawer

Chairman

 

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1) Videos of Indonesian soldiers torturing Papuan go viral – Human rights defenders demand judicial process against perpetrators

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2) Indonesian military probes viral video allegedly showing Papuan’s brutal torture by soldiers

3) Renewed calls for UN visit to West Papua after torture video surfaces online


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https://humanrightsmonitor.org/news/videos-of-indonesian-soldiers-torturing-papuan-go-viral-human-rights-defenders-demand-judicial-process-against-perpetrators/


1) Videos of Indonesian soldiers torturing Papuan go viral – Human rights defenders demand judicial process against perpetrators

Videos of Indonesian soldiers torturing an indigenous Papuan have gone viral on social media and caused public outrage. Human rights defenders found hints that the video might have been taken during a security force raid in Omukia and Gome on 3 and 4 February 2024. Both districts are located in the Puncak Regency, Pegunungan Tengah Province. One of the men is wearing an army shirt with a 300 imprint, indicating his affiliation with the III/Siliwangi, Yonif Raider 300/Brajawijaya Unit. The unit was deployed in the Puncak Regency for several months until 16 February 2024 before returning to their battalion in Cianiur, Jawa Barat Province. The video is rare visual evidence of the utmost brutality used by security force members during raids in conflict areas across West Papua. The XVII Cenderawasih spokesperson, Lieutenant Inf Candra Kurniawan, stated that his men are currently examining the truthfulness of the video.
Such raids have repeatedly occurred in the regencies NdugaPegunungan BintangIntan JayaPuncak, and Yahukimo – all located in the central Papuan highlands. Security forces regard these regencies as strongholds of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns regarding atrocities against the civilian population during such raids, including acts of arbitrary detention, burning of houses, torture, enforced disappearance, and extra-judicial killings.
The video shows a Papuan man with hands tied to his back. He is sitting in a blue drum filled with water that has turned red as a result of blood from his wounds. The drum is surrounded by at least five non-Papuans, some wearing military trousers and one wearing an army shirt with a 300 imprint on the front. The men speak Indonesian with a Javanese accent (see video below. Viewer discretion is advised for these graphic images).
The videos display different forms of torture. One video shows the victim shivering. A man in a black jacket and black fingerless gloves repeatedly stabs and slashes the shoulder with a knife while saying, “{[The skin is] though. This feels good, right?” The second video shows various non-Papuan men taking turns punching, elbowing, and kicking the victim in the face and the back of the head. One man is beating the Papuan detainee with a stick, repeatedly shouting, “Take your head up. Dog! Bastard!”. Another man steps in and says,” It’s time to switch. Be patient.”
Human rights organisations urged Indonesian authorities to immediately investigate the allegations of torture and take legal firm action against the perpetrators. Cases of torture have been rampant in West Papua due to the widespread impunity in the region. Perpetrators are not held accountable in public trials, while the internal court processes, particularly police internal disciplinary procedures, lack transparency and independence. The perpetrators often receive sentences that are disproportionately lenient with regard to the severity of the crime. Recent military tribunals related to the enforced disappearance and execution of five indigenous Papuans in the regencies Intan Jayaand Mimika illustrate the pressing issue of accountability and impunity in West Papua.

Raids in the Districts Gome und Omukia, February 2024

According to information compiled by human rights defenders in Puncak, security forces raided the villages Manggume and Aminggaru, Omukia District, as well as in the villages Yenggernok and Agiyome in the Gome District, following the theft of an automatic firearm by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) on 1 February 2024. According to information received, on 3 and 4 February 2024, security force members burnt houses in various villages to the ground and arbitrarily tortured villagers.
One Papuan villager reportedly died because of the injuries he sustained due to the torture. At least three other civilians were injured after being tortured, including one pastor named Rev Eriak Waker. The torture occurred during his interrogation in the Yenggernok Village.
According to information received, security force members carried out a raid in the Manggume Village, Omukia District, on 4 February 2024, around 10.00 am. Mr Andinus Murib, 21, and Mr Devius Wanikbo, 19, were fixing the roof of a house when the security forces came to the villages. Villagers panicked and fled to the forest while Mr Murib and Mr Wandikbo were trapped on the roof. They were temporarily detained and tortured by security forces.
Mr Murib and Mr Wandikbo were admitted to the public hospital after losing consciousness due to the pain they experienced during the torture. On 5 February 2024, authorities suggested transferring both patients to Timika, where the hospital was better equipped. However, the relatives rejected the offer. Instead, they brought Mr Murib and Mr Wandikbo back to the village and treated them with traditional medicine because they feared further violence or criminalisation by the authorities.
During the raid in Manggume on 4 February 2024, security forces encountered Mr Werinus Murib, 20, in the forest near the village around 11.15 am while collecting firewood. After being arrested, security force members reportedly tortured Mr Murib until he succumbed to the injuries he sustained. The pattern of injuries indicated that the security force member beat and kicked the victim’s head and body using bare hands and blunt objects. The body also had stabbing and slashing injuries. Witnesses saw joint security forces tying Mr Murib’s feet to a car and allegedly dragging him for a distance of 1 kilometre. Mr Murib died on the way to the hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Presence of Military in Puncak Regency

The XVII Cenderawasih spokesperson, Lieutenant Inf Candra Kurniawan, declared that he had never received any complaints about the presence of III/Siliwangi, Yonif Raider 300/Brajawijaya Unit in Puncak. “There have never been complaints of harsh behaviour towards the community. In fact, the community is pleased with the presence of the Yonif 300 / R Task Force and was honoured by the Dani tribe with the title Kogoya from the Chief of the Puncak Regency Tribe in Gome.”
The video is a crack in the image of the military. Military officials have been trying to promote the military as being close to the people in Papua. Military members become teachers and provide medical services because the fundamental healthcare and education services in conflict areas remain dysfunctional. Professional health and education workers have left the areas (see images below, source: independent HRDs). The image contradicts information shared by affected community members in the Puncak Regency. Human Rights Monitor has received complaints about the heavy military presence in conflict areas, including from the Puncak Regency, as part of the Government’s soft security approach in West Papua. In November 2021, the coordinating minister for political, legal, and security affairs, Mahfud MD, declared a new security force approach in West Papua, which implied that military members should directly engage in community matters, participating in education, health, and infrastructural services in conflict-affected areas. Military members reportedly visit homes, schools, and public medical facilities. The government-driven practice is highly concerning, as many indigenous children in West Papua are afraid of the military. They have been traumatized over generations by the history of human rights violations over a period of more than 50 years.  Moreover, the presence of military members in communities exposes civilians to a higher risk of becoming civilian victims during armed clashes between the conflict parties

Video of Indonesian soldiers torturing indigenous Papuan


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2) Indonesian military probes viral video allegedly showing Papuan’s brutal torture by soldiers

Victor Mambor and Dandy Koswaraputra
 2024.03.22 Jayapura, Indonesia, and Jakarta


Military officials in Indonesia’s restive Papua region said Friday they were verifying the authenticity of a video that has gone viral and appears to show Indonesian servicemen beating and cutting with a bayonet a man believed to be an indigenous Papuan. 

Human rights activists demanded a swift inquiry to determine if soldiers were involved in what would be yet another case of torture and abuse, which is a longstanding accusation against Indonesian military and security forces in Papua.

The location and time of the alleged incident are unclear.

“We are verifying its authenticity,” Col. Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa, a military spokesman in Papua, told BenarNews. “If it is genuine, we need to determine where and when it occurred.”

The graphic video footage, viewed by BenarNews, shows men in trousers that resemble Indonesian military uniform fatigues, taunting the victim who is seen inside a water-filled drum.

“How does that feel? Head up! Head up,” the men say as they hit him and make incisions on his back with a bayonet.

As the men continue to inflict the wounds, the water in the drum can be seen turning red.

In a statement issued after the video was widely circulated, PAHAM Papua, a local human rights organization, issued a statement that makes the assumption that the abusers in the footage are members of the Indonesian Armed Forces [TNI].

“If the individual was suspected of criminal activity, the TNI should not have resorted to such brutal and sadistic torture as shown in the video,” PAHAM chairman Gustaf Kawer said.

“The act of torture inflicted on [the] civilian was extremely cruel, carried out by TNI [personnel without adhering to the principle of presumption of innocence.”

PAHAM urged the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Indonesian military to conduct a “comprehensive investigation.”


Theo Hesegem, executive director of the Papua Human Justice and Integrity Foundation, urged authorities “to ensure that the perpetrators of the torture are processed swiftly.”

“It is clear that the individual subjected to torture is a native Papuan,” he said in a statement.

Komnas HAM, meanwhile, indicated that initial findings point to the incident taking place in the Puncak regency of Central Papua province. 

“This compounds the toll of violence from the ongoing conflict in Papua, with suspicions pointing to torture by authorities,” Komnas HAM chairwoman Atnike Nova Sigiro Atnika said in a statement. 

Rights groups have long accused Indonesian security forces of abuses in Papua, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. 

Papua, at the far-eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago, has seen an escalation in violence following an insurgent attack that resulted in the deaths of 19 road construction workers and a soldier in 2018.

The heavy military presence and ongoing violence have stifled development in the region.

On Friday, Rumadi Ahmad, a deputy chief of the Indonesian presidential staff, said that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had committed to accelerating development in Papua, but these efforts would be hampered if the military was responsible for the violence in the video.

“While we hold a strong hope that our soldiers are not involved in such reprehensible acts, if proven true, the individuals responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations,” Rumadi said in a statement.

He said the military played a strategic role “in bringing about a sense of security” in Papua.

“If the video is proven to be true, the actions by a few irresponsible individuals could be very disruptive to the development that has been planned and implemented so well,” Rumadi said.



Insurgents have also been responsible for civilian fatalities, targeting those they suspect of espionage for the authorities. In 2022, rebels killed eight employees of Telkomsel, the nation’s leading telecommunications provider, who were constructing cellular towers in the Puncak regency.

However, one armed separatist group, the West Papua National Liberation Army, quickly distanced itself from the incident in the video and condemned the acts therein, which spokesman Sebby Sambom attributed to the TNI.

“The actions of the Indonesian military and police are akin to [those of] ISIS terrorists,” Sambom said, referring to the Islamic State militant group.

Papua, a mineral-rich and underdeveloped region, has been grappling with a separatist insurgency for decades. The mineral extraction and alleged discrimination against indigenous Papuans by the Indonesian government have fueled the conflict. 

Papuans have long felt marginalized economically and politically, despite the immense wealth their land generates.

The territory was incorporated into Indonesia in the 1960s after a controversial United Nations-backed plebiscite. 

Many Papuans allege the vote was rigged and have since fought for independence.


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3) Renewed calls for UN visit to West Papua after torture video surfaces online
 6:39 pm on 22 March 2024

A West Papua freedom movement leader is renewing calls for a UN human rights visit to Papua after new videos of Indonesian soldiers torturing a West Papuan man emerged online.
In the video viewed by RNZ Pacific, a group of men wearing Indonesian military uniforms take turns kicking, punching and slicing an indigenous Papuan man.
He was in an open 44-gallon drum filled with water with his hands tied behind his back.
The president of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, said he is truly horrified by the video that he says has emerged from the Yahukimo regency in Highland Papua.
He said the men can be heard saying in Indonesian "my turn, my turn" and comparing their captive's flesh to that of an animal.
RNZ Pacific has contacted the Indonesian government for comment.
In 2018, Indonesia's then president Joko Widodo extended an invitation to the UN Human Rights Commissioner to visit Papua but it has so far not eventuated.
Wenda is calling on the international community to pressure Indonesia into facilitating the visit.


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Photos- Palm Sunday Rally Sydney 24 March 2024

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1) Two police officers killed in TPNPB attack, bodies await evacuation

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2) West Papuan wounds of suffering – diplomatic pressure on Indonesia needed urgently 

3) Indonesia faces scrutiny over human rights compliance, civil society urges accountability following UN review 
4) Pelni Readies 8 Ships to Serve Homecoming Travelers in Jayapura  


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https://en.jubi.id/two-police-officers-killed-in-tpnpb-attack-bodies-await-evacuation/

1) Two police officers killed in TPNPB attack, bodies await evacuation  

News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 

24 March 2024


Jayapura, Jubi – The bodies of two police officers who died in an attack by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Paniai Regency, Central Papua Province on Wednesday (20/3/2024) will be evacuated on Friday morning. Both bodies will be evacuated to Mimika Regency, said Paniai Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Abdus Syukur Felani, on Thursday.

“The evacuation process will be carried out tomorrow morning,” Abdus said via WhatsApp message service.

Second Brig. Arnaldobert Yawan and Second Brig. Sandi Defrit Sayuri died in an attack by the TPNPB at the Ndeotadi 99 Police Post, Baya Biru District. The attack occurred while Arnaldobert and Sandi were securing a helipad in Baya Biru District. Two AK-47 rifles belonging to the police were also seized by the TPNPB.

According to Abdus, the evacuation of the bodies was hindered by transportation issues. “The helicopter for evacuation only landed in Nabire Regency on Wednesday afternoon, so the pickup will only be done tomorrow morning,” he explained.

Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo stated that the bodies of the two police officers were laid to rest in Baya Biru District. Benny stated that following the shooting of the two police officers, security forces found the body of a civilian named Dani (45). Dani’s body was found not far from the location of the attack carried out by the TPNPB. “The victim died with an arrow lodged in the back,” he said. (*)

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https://asiapacificreport.nz/2024/03/24/west-papuan-wounds-of-suffering-diplomatic-pressure-on-indonesia-needed-urgently/

2) West Papuan wounds of suffering – diplomatic pressure on Indonesia needed urgently

 By APR editor -  March 24, 2024 0 85 

COMMENTARY: By Ronny Kareni

Recent videos depicting the barbaric torture of an indigenous Papuan man by Indonesian soldiers have opened the wounds of West Papua’s suffering, laying bare the horrifying reality faced by its people.

We must confront this grim truth — what we witness is not an isolated incident but a glaring demonstation of the deep-seated racism and systematic persecution ravaging West Papuans every single day.

Human rights defenders that the videos were taken during a local military raid in the districts of Omukia and Gome on 3-4 February 2024, Puncak Regency, Pegunungan Tengah Province.

Deeply proud of their rich ethnic and cultural heritage, West Papuans have often found themselves marginalised and stereotyped, while their lands are exploited and ravaged by foreign interests, further exacerbating their suffering.

Indonesia’s discriminatory policies and the heavy-handed approach of its security forces have consistently employed brutal tactics to quash any aspirations for a genuine self-autonomy among indigenous Papuans.

In the chilling footage of the torture videos, we witness the agony of this young indigenous Papuan man, bound and submerged in a drum of his own blood-stained water, while soldiers clad in military attire inflict unspeakable acts of violence on him.

The state security forces, speaking with a cruel disregard for human life, exemplify the toxic blend of racism and brutality that festers within the Indonesian military.

Racial prejudice
What makes this brutality even more sickening is the unmistakable presence of racial prejudice.

The insignia of a soldier, proudly displaying affiliation with the III/Siliwangi, Yonif Raider 300/Brajawijaya Unit, serves as a stark reminder of the institutionalised discrimination faced by Papuans within the very forces meant to protect civilians.

This vile display of racism underscores the broader pattern of oppression endured by West Papuans at the hands of the state and its security forces.

These videos are just the latest chapter in a long history of atrocities inflicted upon Papuans in the name of suppressing their cries for freedom.

Regencies like Nduga, Pegunungan Bintang, Intan Jaya, the Maybrat, and Yahukimo have become notorious hotspots for state-sanctioned operations, where Indonesian security forces operate with impunity, crushing any form of dissent through arbitrary arrests.

They often target peaceful demonstrators and activists advocating for Papuan rights in major towns along the coast.

These arrests are often accompanied by extrajudicial killings, further instilling intimidation and silence among indigenous Papuans.

Prabowo leadership casts shadow
In light of the ongoing failure of Indonesian authorities to address the racism and structural discrimination in West Papua, the prospect of Prabowo’s presidential leadership casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future of human rights and justice in the region.

Given his controversial track record, there is legitimate concern that his leadership may further entrench the culture of impunity. We must closely monitor his administration’s response to the cries for justice from West Papua.

It is time to break the silence and take decisive action. The demand for the UN Human Rights Commissioner to visit West Papua is urgent.

This is where the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), with its influential members Fiji and Papua New Guinea, who were appointed as special envoys to Indonesia can play a pivotal role.

Their status within the region paves the opportunity to champion the cause and exert diplomatic pressure on Indonesia, as the situation continues to deteriorate despite the 2019 Pacific Leaders’ communique highlighting the urgent need for international attention and action in West Papua.

While the UN Commissioner’s visit would provide a credible and unbiased platform to thoroughly investigate and document these violations, it also would compel Indonesian authorities to address these abuses decisively.

I can also ensure that the voices of the Papuan people are heard and their rights protected.

Let us stand unyielding with the Papuan people in their tireless struggle for freedom, dignity, and sovereignty. Anything less would be a betrayal of our shared humanity.

Filed as a special article for Asia Pacific Report.


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3) Indonesia faces scrutiny over human rights compliance, civil society urges accountability following UN review  
News Desk - Violence In Papua 
24 March 2024

Jayapura, Jubi – The Indonesian government has faced substantial criticism, questions, and recommendations from the UN Human Rights Committee regarding the transparency in addressing past serious human rights violations, the abolition of the death penalty, and ongoing violence in Papua. The government has been accused of distorting the facts regarding the human rights situation in Indonesia, particularly in Papua.

This has garnered attention from civil society groups during the ICCPR Review of Indonesia, comprised of Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR), Amnesty International Indonesia, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), KontraS Aceh, Transmen Indonesia, and the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI).

They highlighted the situation following the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) review session by the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) held in Palais Wilson, Geneva on March 11-12, 2024.

Quoting KontraS’ report on Thursday (3/24/2024), the coalition emphasized that the agenda was not an intervention into Indonesia’s jurisdiction but rather a duty for states party to the ICCPR to report on the progress of covenant implementation within their jurisdiction, as stipulated in the ICCPR.

The coalition also assessed the reality of state protection for human rights defenders, the strengthening of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) and the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) in improving human rights in Indonesia, the elimination of discriminatory and repressive policies, urging the ratification of refugee conventions, and President Joko Widodo’s questioned neutrality in the 2024 election involving Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Unfortunately, according to the coalition, the response from the Indonesian government was inadequate. Criticisms and questions raised were not adequately addressed in the context expected by members of the UN HRC. Some questions remained unanswered, including the progress of unresolved cases of serious human rights violations, such as those in Wamena, Wasior, and Paniai.

The coalition also pointed out a lack of transparency regarding the Fact-Finding Team for the murder case of Munir Said Thalib, the government’s position on ratifying the Optional Protocol to the ICCPR (OP-ICCPR), the strengthening of institutions involved in the Cooperation to Prevent Torture (KuPP), violations by the Constitutional Court in Gibran’s candidacy in the election, and the excessive use of force by security forces against civilians, including in Papua, among other issues.

Additionally, the ICCPR session revealed a lack of accountability from the Indonesian government in fulfilling civil and political rights through the responses provided. According to the coalition, the government’s responses tended to focus on technical matters and were not substantial, seemingly avoiding the questions raised.

Therefore, the coalition of civil society organizations urges the Indonesian government to first, demonstrate accountability as an ICCPR party state in addressing human rights issues in Indonesia across various sectors, in line with the commitments outlined in the covenant. Second, prove its capacity as a member of the UN HRC to set an example for other member states and international partners, as well as to promote human rights issues. And thirdi, substantiate the government’s claim of a positive democratic climate through the ratification of delayed international covenants, such as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), the Optional Protocol to the ICCPR (OP-ICCPR), and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OP-CAT).

Additionally, the coalition emphasizes the need for the government to end repressive actions against civilians, repeal discriminatory laws, prevent and eliminate all forms of discrimination against vulnerable groups, and stop the criminalization of human rights defenders and journalists.

The ICCPR is an international treaty requiring member states to guarantee rights such as the right to life, freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, freedom of assembly, electoral rights, and the right to a fair and impartial trial. The ICCPR aims to strengthen civil and political human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, making them legally binding. The convention consists of an introduction and 53 articles covering six chapters. Indonesia ratified the ICCPR on October 28, 2005. (*)


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4) Pelni Readies 8 Ships to Serve Homecoming Travelers in Jayapura  
Translator Antara
 Editor Petir Garda Bhwana 
24 March 2024 15:03 WIB

TEMPO.COJayapura - State-owned shipping company PT Pelni in Jayapura, Papua, provided five passenger vessels and three pioneer ships to anticipate a surge in homecoming travelers during this year's Eid al-Fitr holiday season.

"Pelni provides 26 passenger ships and 30 pioneer vessels to serve homecoming travelers all over Indonesia for the Eid al-Fitr holiday season," Pelni-Jayapura Office Head Nurul Azhar remarked.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Azhar remarked that five of the 26 passenger ships and three of the 30 pioneer vessels would serve travelers in Jayapura, the capital of Papua Province, starting from March 26.


zhar remarked that the five passenger ships are Dobonsolo, Gunung Dempo, Cirimai, Labobar, and Sinabung. He urged those keen on making homebound trips to buy tickets immediately.

Azhar stated that the number of homebound and outbound travelers during the Eid al-Fitr holiday season was expected to reach 588,903 people.

ANTARA reported earlier that the Transportation Ministry has again organized a free homecoming program for this year's Eid al-Fitr holiday season.

To this end, the Sea Transportation Directorate General at the Transportation Ministry has provided 13,012 free tickets for 30 port destinations across Indonesia.

During the Eid al-Fitr holiday season, PT Pelni has allocated 100 free tickets for homecoming travelers making trips from Manokwari in West Papua Province to Sorong in Southwest Papua Province.

According to Head of the PT Pelni-Manokwari Office Jusuf, Pelni's ship, MV Sinabung, would serve 100 homecoming passengers with free tickets for traveling from Manokwari to Sorong on April 4, 2024.

Another 100 free tickets are also provided for outbound travelers willing to travel from Sorong to Manokwari on April 15, 2024, he remarked while urging the people at large to register for the free tickets.

Those keen on getting the free tickets were able to register at the PT Pelni-Manokwari Office by bringing along their identity cards (KTP) and family cards (KK), he stated.

Registration could be conducted at the latest a day before the departure date based on the availability of tickets, Jusuf explained.

A joint survey, conducted by the Transportation Ministry and Communication and Informatics Ministry, revealed that 193.6 million residents were expected to travel during this year's Eid al-Fitr holiday season.

ANTARA

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AWPA Statement. Cause for concern. New military operation in West Papua?

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AWPA Statement. Cause for concern. New military operation in West Papua?

25 March 2024


Cause for concern. New military operation in West Papua?

As a result of the attack on a police post in Paniai District by the TPNPB on the 20 March, the  Papuan Police have deployed 30 rangers from its elite Mobile Brigade (Brimob) to secure the post and  hunt down the attackers. Two police officers died in the attack. The Paniai Police Chief said that the attack occurred while the officers were securing a helipad and that two AK-47 rifles belonging to the police were also seized by the TPNPB.

                                Papua Police send 30 Brimob rangers to Central Papua following assault

The Papua Police deploys 30 rangers from its elite Mobile Brigade (Brimob) to the Ndeotadi 99 police post in Paniai District, Central Papua, following a deadly assault on the post on March 20, 2024. (ANTARA/HO/Humas Polda Papua).

https://en.antaranews.com/news/309126/papua-police-send-30-brimob-rangers-to-central-papua-following-assault


Joe Collins of AWPA said, “ if a security force sweep occurs in the region, we can expect the usual heavy-handed approach by the security forces.  It’s not unusual for houses and food gardens to be destroyed during these operations including the arrests and torture of Papuans. The local people  usually flee  their villages creating more internally displaced persons  IDP”. (It has been reported that there are over 60,000  IDP in West Papua).


The recent brutal torture of an indigenous Papuan man  shows what can happen to West Papuans who fall foul of the Indonesian security forces. Anyone seeing this video which has gone viral must be shocked by the brutality of the military personal involvedThe video was taken on 3 February 2024 during a security force raid in Puncak Regency. 

 

Joe Collins said, “the Australian Government should immediately condemn the torture of West Papuans by the Indonesian security forces who Australia trains and holds exercises with. Do we have to remind the government of? 


Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which states    

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. In particular, no one shall be subjected without his free consent to medical or scientific experimentation.


As more Papuans become aware of the horrific video, they may  respond by holding rallies and protests leading to more crackdowns on peaceful demonstrators. Hopefully Jakarta will realise the video is being watched by civil society , the media and government officials around the world and will control its military in the territory. 



From a KNPB posting. An 
open Consolidation Invitation in response to human rights violations



 Ends

 


 


1) Torture of West Papuan by TNI troops condemned

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2) 'Committed to human rights': Indonesia says West Papua torture incident 'deeply regrettable’ 
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1) Torture of West Papuan by TNI troops condemned 
Susan Price March 25, 2024 Issue 1402 World

The Australia West Papua Association has condemned the brutal torture of a West Papuan man by Indonesian troops in Yahukimo, in Papua’s highlands.

A video of the man’s torture was circulated on social media, showing soldiers in Indonesian national military (TNI) uniforms beating him and slashing him with a bayonet, as he stands in a barrel of water.

AWPA spokesperson Joe Collins said on March 22: "One can only imagine the fear and terror the Papuan man must feel at this brutal torture being inflicted on him".

Gustaf R Kawer, chair of the Human Rights Lawyers Association, PAHAM Papua, said the organisation suspects that so-called “Non-Organic Troops” from Kodam III/Siliwangi, Yonif Raider Unit 300/Brajawijaya were responsible.

PAHAM Papua called on Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (and the TNI Commander) to immediately carry out a thorough investigation and take the perpetrators to court.

Benny Wenda, Chair of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), also condemned the torture saying he was “horrified” by the video. “More than anything, the sadistic brutality on display shows how urgently West Papua needs a UN Human Rights [Commission] visit".

The video, which contains graphic content, is on the ULMWP’s website.

In an article published by Asia-Pacific Report, Australian-based West Papuan activist Ronny Kareni wrote: “We must confront this grim truth — what we witness is not an isolated incident but a glaring demonstation of the deep-seated racism and systematic persecution ravaging West Papuans every single day.

“These videos are just the latest chapter in a long history of atrocities inflicted upon Papuans in the name of suppressing their cries for freedom.

“Regencies like Nduga, Pegunungan Bintang, Intan Jaya, the Maybrat and Yahukimo have become notorious hotspots for state-sanctioned operations, where Indonesian security forces operate with impunity, crushing any form of dissent through arbitrary arrests.

“They often target peaceful demonstrators and activists advocating for Papuan rights in major towns along the coast.

“These arrests are often accompanied by extrajudicial killings, further instilling intimidation and silence among indigenous Papuans.

In light of the ongoing failure of Indonesian authorities to address the racism and structural discrimination in West Papua, the prospect of Prabowo’s presidential leadership casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future of human rights and justice in the region.

“Given his controversial track record, there is legitimate concern that his leadership may further entrench the culture of impunity. We must closely monitor his administration’s response to the cries for justice from West Papua.”

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2) 'Committed to human rights': Indonesia says West Papua torture incident 'deeply regrettable’ 
5:12 pm today   
The Indonesian government has confirmed they are investigating a viral video showing security forces in Papua torturing a civilian.
The video - which has been viewed by RNZ Pacific - shows an indigenous Papuan man with his hands tied behind his back in an open fuel drum filled with water being kicked, punched and sliced with a knife by a group of men, some of whom are wearing Indonesian military uniforms.
In an email response, the Indonesian Embassy in New Zealand said: "The incident is deeply regrettable."
"The Government of Indonesia is committed to its long-standing policy of respecting and promoting human rights as well as its strict policy of zero impunity for misconducts (sic) by security forces," it said.
"The investigation to the matter is currently taking place."
The embassy said "since this is an ongoing investigation" it will not be able to comment further.

'Speak up' - campaigners

Meanwhile, West Papua solidarity groups in Aotearoa are calling on the New Zealand government to register its concerns with Indonesia after the torture video surfaced online.
West Papua Action Aotearoa spokesperson Catherine Delahunty said New Zealand must speak out against ongoing human rights abuses in Papua.
"Well we are calling on the New Zealand government to speak up about this," she said.
"The very least they can do is to challenge Indonesia about this incident and its context which is the ongoing state military violence against civilians."
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua president Benny Wenda is calling on for a UN human rights visit to West Papua.

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Video emerges of brutal killing in Papua  By Bill Birtles Broadcast 
9h ago

Audio

Indonesia's military says it's investigating after video emerged of what appears to be soldiers brutally torturing a man in the restive region of Papua. There's been more violence there in recent days, with armed pro-independence rebels killing at least three soldiers. And activists say the recent election of a new Indonesian President won't help ease the bloodshed - just to Australia's north. 

Credits

Bill Birtles, Reporter

Broadcast 9h ago




Nick Grimm: Indonesia's military says it's investigating after video emerged of what appears to be soldiers brutally torturing a man in Papua. There's been more violence in the restive region in recent days with armed pro-independence rebels killing at least three soldiers. Here's Indonesia correspondent Bill Birtles.


Bill Birtles: It's hard to watch in one clip a man who appears to be Papuan is in a steel drum full of water as at least five men brutally punch and kick his head. They taunt him with racist slurs as one man urges the others to be patient because they'll all get a turn. In another video the same man is shivering as one of his torturers uses a machete to make cuts on his back. The water he's sitting in has turned a deep red. The video only circulated online in recent days, but human rights group Amnesty believes it was filmed in early February in a central part of Papua and that the man in the steel Drum was one of three men tortured by Indonesian soldiers at the time with one of the victims later dying. Usman Hamid is Amnesty spokesman in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.


Usman Hamid: I have seen This kind of torture many times in Papua receiving a lot of videos, you know. Torture with snakes torture, you know by using snakes or using electricity and so on. This has been going on in Papua for many many years.


Bill Birtles: Papua is Indonesia's most eastern region and has a decades-long conflict with armed rebels seeking independence from what they see as Indonesian colonial rule. Indonesia has long deployed its military to the region and the violence cuts both ways. In recent days three Indonesian soldiers were killed in two separate attacks. A rebel faction also released a video of one of its fighters shooting a group of soldiers but the brutality of the torture video prompted rare public reactions from Jakarta. A spokesman for the president's office said.


Archive: Indonesia is a rule of law country that upholds human rights. We hope our soldiers weren't involved in this barbaric act, but if it's proven true the individuals must be dealt with firmly.


Bill Birtles: The head of Indonesia's Military Information Center major-general Nugraha Gumila confirmed that at least one of the men in the video is a soldier and that the military is investigating. He also said the Papuan man who was tortured is a pro-independence armed fighter. Amnesty's Usman Hamid.


Usman Hamid: Even if he is a member of you know, a rebel you can't torture even in war time. For example, you can't torture anyone.


Bill Birtles: This is Bill Birtles in Jakarta reporting for AM.

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1) West Papua: The Torture Mode Of Governance

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2) Indonesia's military pledges to investigate brutal torture video of Papuan man 
3) West Papuan man filmed being bound and tortured in water-filled barrel allegedly by Indonesian soldiers


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MARCH 25, 2024
1)  West Papua: The Torture Mode Of Governance 

BY JULIE WARK

Budi Hernawan said it ten years ago: “torture in Papua … has become a mode of governance.” It hasn’t stopped. It’s got worse. It’s got worse precisely because it’s a mode of governance accepted and blessed by the international “community” whose neoliberal politics of extraction means extermination of anything and anyone getting in its way.
It’s got worse just now because Israel’s genocide, ecocide, starvation, and torture in Palestine isn’t only distracting attention from these practices in smaller and more remote places but also showing that it’s okay, it’s part of our system, you can do it with impunity because it’s all part of a bigger plan, and even the US presidential elections might have something to do with decisions being made to let Israel get on with its murderous work. It’s okay because 91-times-indicted US presidential candidate Trump is given his electoral stump and media loudspeakers to warn, Hitler-style, that his enemies are “vermin”, that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country,” and promising the largest ever deportation operation in U.S. history. Not that Europe is much better. Of course it’s not. It’s part of the same system. Just wearing different masks. One result is that, since 2014, some 29,000 people from empire-damaged parts of the world have died trying to migrate to Europe, and rejected by Europe. Many “could have been prevented by prompt and effective assistance to migrants in distress”. And it’s okay to have former Suharto son-in-law, mass murderer, war criminal Prabowo Subianto, former head of US-trained Kopassus “Special Forces” (special at torturing and kidnapping) as the new president of Indonesia. He’s our ally against China.
But what about torture itself? What about the human beings who are routinely called “moneys”, “dogs”, “pigs”, “rats” and “stone-age idiots” and thus harmed and mutilated by their fellow human beings? What about the place where it happens? Who allows it to happen? West Papua was handed to Indonesia (and international corporations) by the United Nations in a trumped-up referendum in 1969, but the brutality actually began in 1963 after Indonesia was given control of West Papua in the (Cold War) New York Agreement concocted by the United States, Holland, and Indonesia. What happened next? To start with, more than 500,000 people have been murdered. Institutionalised torture was part of that.
The latest example to come out of West Papua is from a highlands place called Yahukimo (named for the Yali, Hubla, Kimyal, and Momuna tribes in the area) with a population of about 362,000 (but more than half the population of Melanesian West Papua consists of Indonesian transmigrants—another slow but effective mechanism of genocide). Look at the videos, if you can stomach them. Look anyway, even if it makes you want to throw up, because this affects everyone who has something called humanity.
Here we see young Indonesians having fun as they joke about taking turns to thrash, stab, slash, and kick the “animal flesh” of a West Papuan man they have made to stand in a drum of freezing water. Seeing the suffering of the shivering, wounded man is unbearable. Seeing young men amused about what they’re doing to him is also unbearable. What world raised them to do this with their young lives? This is nothing new in Yahukimo. Last month two teenage boys were arrested and tortured by grinning Indonesian soldiers, who took trophy photos of their victims. Another five teenage boys were murdered by Indonesian soldiers in September 2023. Two women were raped and murdered last October. Some 40% of woman torture victims are raped. Illegal gold mining is killing people with mercury, precious metals, and in the name of security for the miners. Dozens of people have died in a recent famine in Yahukimo. That didn’t make world headlines either. Famine also happened in 20062009, also unheadlined. It’s normal there. But who knows or cares about Yahukimo?
Unlike torture perpetrated in the infamous black sites, it isn’t secret in West Papua. Well, it isn’t and is, depending on the audience. On the one hand, it’s a show for Indonesian and Papuan audiences within West Papua and, on the other hand, in the international domain, it’s under wraps because Indonesia effectively seals the borders, and the international powers-that-be are happy with it for their own geopolitical reasons. It’s an international secret because Indonesia is “our” ally against China, not to mention easy legally untrammelled plunder of its natural resources.
Budi Hernawan describes ten aspects of torture in West Papua.
1) Most victims are village people, subsistence farmers, either accused of supporting the independence movement or “collateral” victims. The collateral crime doesn’t matter because, since West Papuans are described as animals and primitive, they’re innately members or sympathisers of “armed criminal groups” and, in their occupied land non-citizens, and therefore a threat by their very existence. So, they can all only be disciplined by the harshest of measures. Extreme Indonesian nationalist views dating back to Sukarno’s “Sabang to Merauke” (an Indonesia encompassing all the former Dutch East Indies) slogan, is an expression of sovereignty and a licence to kill the “animals” that get in the way of Indonesian settler colonial projects. Torture proves their subhuman nature.
2) Rape is often part and parcel of torturing women who are being interrogated about the whereabouts of their menfolk. In one case, witnesses tell of a woman whose vagina was gouged out after which her husband was made to eat it. And rape doesn’t end with the act: “Women who suffered torture, sexual violence we find from the 70s or 80s whose children were shot, tortured and so on are still alive; but living in discrimination because there is a stigma attached to them”. Other tortured women, left with the agony of damaged bodies are impaired in their ability to communicate what happened to them. They can’t express it to their community and, not heard, they’re forced into an excruciating exile because “language, the bridge between the survivor and the world, has been destroyed”.
3) The torturers are mostly members of the Indonesian army and police (the “security” apparatus that sows terror and insecurity everywhere it is established). Therefore, torture is state policy, a “mode of governance” that was established more than sixty years ago. Torture is a “crime of obedience”, upholding the integrity of the state and its “security”. Through its manifest presence within West Papua, as part of a network of power, it’s an underlying aspect of all political and social life, even in health and education systems and development policy. The deeply embedded state doctrine is NKRI harga mati (Indonesian territorial integrity is non-negotiable). The message is that the end (state security) justifies the means (any means).
4) Torture is cheap. It doesn’t require expensive instruments and depends on the perverse imagination and cruelty of the perpetrators. “Security” service members are poorly equipped and underpaid, and the armed forces are notorious for funding their operations through business, extractive business, which automatically entails human rights violations. The techniques of torture might be cheap but they are, as Budi Hernawan notes, part of “a sophisticated architecture of domination.”
5) Unproven, wild, often crazy accusations referring to the catch-all “armed criminal groups”, any sign of support (like refusing to denounce friends and relatives) for West Papuan independence, or attacks against Indonesia personnel, their installations or illegal gold miners are sufficient basis for torture to be used and with impunity. Rule of law doesn’t apply.
6) Especially since the Suharto military coup of 1965, torture has been a common resort when dealing with secessionist movements in general and in West Papua in particular. It involves the highest levels of political and military authority.
7) As the International criminal Court for Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) determined, “such a long-term and unpunished practice of state-sponsored torture can only be possible if there is a plan or policy”.
8) Hernawan estimates that more than 80% of torture cases were performed publicly, deliberately making a show of the victim’s wounded and mutilated body, so its purpose is not only inflicting pain but communicating it as a show of force, of the type of sovereignty that’s operating. It happens on roadsides, yards of people’s homes, marketplaces, next to police or military compounds, and other open areas so that everybody, including children, can see what’s happening and hear the screams. People are often forced to watch. In Aceh and East Timor, dead tortured bodies were left on display but in West Papua they’re kept alive to illustrate the sovereignty story and infect communities with terror. Making videos of torture is a particular feature of its practice in West Papua. While it’s effective propaganda, the videos, like the ones shown here, don’t have borders than can be blocked and they’re now in the international arena so, to some extent, they’re backfiring. With its primitive practices of sovereignty, Indonesia has inadvertently lobbed the ball into the court of western powers that can no longer plead ignorance of what is happening.
9) Using public space as a torture arena is also a way of advertising impunity, at least within West Papua. So far, impunity prevails in the international system too, even though these videos are now entering ubiquitous digital spaces.
10) Most of the torture in West Papua has been reported by local church organs and NGOs, but now more reports are coming from outside West Papua, in large part thanks to the communication skills of the Oxford based ULMWP.
Papuan resistance to Indonesian sovereignty is intolerable because it challenges the sanctity of the whole inviolate state of Indonesia, no matter how it was actually cobbled together. Since it’s a product of Cold War engineering and continues to be of geopolitical importance in the global balance of power, Indonesian rulers have little fear of being held accountable for their atrocities in West Papua. Hence, the international system, which “democratically” claims to speak for all of us, is also hurting, maiming, and leaving scars on West Papuan bodies. We’re all being made complicit by the message that the pleasures of western daily lives are somehow based on this.
More than a hundred countries have called for a UN monitoring visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua. Needless to say, Indonesia is blocking such a visit, not that the UN, party to the genocide-and-torture show in West Papua from the very beginning, will be keen to get involved in a project that questions its own honour and decency. Indeed, Indonesia was able to boast that it was “re-elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council on October 10, 2023 … with a significant vote gain and the support of the majority of UN member states. … Indonesia has once again earned international trust!” This “trust” says a lot about the UN and also that torture isn’t just something that happens in places like Yahukimo but is officially embraced by the highest human rights body of the international system. Such “trust” tells us that if we want to live in a world without torture, everything must change.
Once again, the most castigated people are the most steadfast and daring. So, in times when the merest glance at the daily news shrieks catastrophe in ocean currents, vanishing species, fires, floods, starvation, Europe on a “war footing”, violence, and the whole planet in danger, the West Papuan leaders have presented a coherent solution, their Green State Vision, a “Green Philosophy… inclusive in thinking and action, involving participation of all communities of beings: spirits, plants, animals and humans, rather than individualism.” This Green State Vision would, perforce, mean an end to neoliberalism.
Yes, we have to change everything. Change the foul neoliberal system. And here is a blueprint. But it can only be implemented if the whole evil, torturing system is overthrown. As new forms of fascism are gaining ground, this is really the task we’re faced with. An early step in facing it is recognising that torture in Yahukimo isn’t an isolated thing. In this global system, people of conscience have a responsibility to try and stop it, there and everywhere else. We’re all living in a Zone of Interest.

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ABC News

2) Indonesia's military pledges to investigate brutal torture video of Papuan man 

Posted 
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  • In short: A viral video showing a man in a barrel being tortured by men who appear to be Indonesian soldiers has sparked backlash in Indonesia.
  • The victim is believed to be a member of a West Papuan armed rebel group, which has been waging a decades-long effort for an independent state.
  • What's next? Indonesia's incoming president says the situation in Papua is "complicated", but he has been personally accused of using brutal tactics in Papua during his time in the military.

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Indonesia's military has pledged to investigate after videos described as "barbaric" circulated online showing what appear to be soldiers punching, kicking and slicing a Papuan man in a steel barrel.

The short videos depict a man in a barrel of water unable to defend himself being brutally beaten by a group of five men, who also taunt him with racist slurs.

One man tells the others to be patient because they'll all have their turn.

A separate clip shows the men cutting into his back with a machete, as the water he's sitting in turns a deep red.

The clips only emerged online in recent days, but they were recorded in early February in a central area of Papua called Puncak regency.

Human rights group Amnesty International believes the man is one of three ethnic Papuans who were tortured at the time by members of a military unit from Central Java.

Amnesty says the man being tortured in the video, identified as Definus Kogoya, later died.

The clips have prompted an unusual level of public response from Indonesia's government and military, with a spokesman from the Presidential Staff Office encouraging firm action against the people in 

the video if it is proven they are military personnel.

"Of course, it's our hope that our soldiers would not be involved in this barbaric act, but if it's proven true, the individuals must be dealt with firmly in accordance with 

the applicable rules and regulations," said Ramadi Ahmad, the vice-chief of presidential staff.

Indonesia's Human Rights Commission said the incident in the videos shows "there are more victims of violence as a result of the conflict in Papua".

Violence in video follows pattern in Papua

Despite initial denials from a regional commander in Papua about the videos, the head of the Indonesian military's Information Centre, Major General Nugraha Gumilar, confirmed to local media that 

the men in the videos are military personnel.

"The Indonesian military is seriously handling this matter and an investigation is underway," he told media outlet Kompas.

He also said the victim is a member of Papua's armed rebel group, which has been waging a decades-long effort for an independent state in Papua.

"Even if he is a member of the armed rebels, you can't torture him," said Usman Ahmid, Amnesty's spokesman in Jakarta.

"Even in wartime, you can't torture people."

While the brutality of the video has shocked many observers in Indonesia, the violence continues a pattern of attacks and retaliation that has claimed dozens of lives over the past year.

In early February, a faction of the rebel group called the West Papua National Liberation Army, said its fighters in Yahukimo, a district next to Puncak, shot three soldiers in what may have been a retaliatory attack for the killing of one of its fighters.

In recent weeks, the pro-independence group also claims to have killed an Indonesian soldier and wounded another in the central highlands area of Mulia.

Another two special operations police were reportedly killed by rebels near a small airport in Paniai regency.

The armed rebels view such attacks as resistance against colonial rule, with Indonesia's government long relying on using the military and other security forces to combat what it deems a terrorist insurgency.

"In the past five years there has been an increasing escalation of violence involving the Indonesian army and the pro-independence armed rebels," said Amnesty's Mr Hamid.

He said he had received many videos depicting the torture of Papuans in the past, including some that involved snakes or the use of electric shocks.

The latest video has prompted exiled pro-independence leaders to renew calls for a United Nations team to visit Papua to examine the human rights situation.

"Though it is extreme and shocking, this video merely exposes how Indonesia behaves every day in my country," wrote Benny Wenda, the exiled leader of the umbrella group for pro-independence movements.

Change at the top but not on the ground

The conflict in Papua dates back decades, and there's little expectation that an upcoming change of national leader in Jakarta will lead to a more peaceful situation in the region.

Last month Indonesian voters overwhelmingly elected former general Prabowo Subianto to be sworn in as the nation's next president in October this year.


The 72-year-old is personally accused of using brutal tactics in Papua during his time in the military, and he is currently defence minister, overseeing the army during the past five years while violence has been rising.

"Many of us fear he will even increase the intensity of the military deployment to West Papua," said Mr Hamid.

Mr Subianto hasn't commented on the torture video, but during the recent election campaign, he was asked about his approach to the violence in Papua.

"Papua is complicated," he said during a debate in December.

"And we see foreign intervention behind the separatist movement. They want disintegration of Indonesia.

"So we need to prioritise anti-terrorism because those terrorism groups are attacking innocent people."

He also vowed to uphold the law, human rights and improve economic conditions, noting that that was the strategy of incumbent leader Joko Widodo.

While calling for the perpetrators of the torture to be held accountable, a spokesman for Mr Widodo also defended the government's approach to Papua.

"The government has an extraordinary commitment to accelerating Papua's development … fulfilling human rights and upholding the law is fundamental and essential," said Mr Ahmad.

The ABC has contacted the office of Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, who is currently negotiating a closer military cooperation deal with Indonesia, for comment.

Posted 
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3) West Papuan man filmed being bound and tortured in water-filled barrel allegedly by Indonesian soldiers
Ben Doherty Mon 25 Mar 2024 17.16 AEDT
Footage allegedly filmed during February military raid in Puncak regency renews calls for international intervention in contested region  Warning: this article contains graphic content

Footage of a West Papuan man, bound in a water-filled barrel and being beaten and cut with knives, allegedly by Indonesian soldiers, has reanimated demands for international intervention in the contested province.

Two videos of the man being tortured are alleged to have been filmed in early February this year, during a military raid in the Omukia and Gome districts in Puncak regency, in the Central Papua province.

The footage – which the Guardian has seen but chosen not to republish – shows the man sitting in a 44-gallon barrel that is filled with bloodied water.

In one video he is repeatedly punched, elbowed, hit with sticks and kicked as he sits in the barrel. Blood can be seen running from numerous injuries on his face and head.


In another, a knife is repeatedly run over his back – which is already bleeding – while a hand holds his head. He can be seen to be bleeding from his ear and head, and he is shivering.

The man, with his arms behind his back, does not speak nor resist during the assaults. The assailants are dressed in civilian clothes, however, at least one is wearing camouflage pants that match the uniform of the Indonesian military, the TNI.


The executive president of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Menase Tabuni, condemned the assaults on civilians.

“This kind of action violates human values. No law can condone heinous acts of torture as seen in the two video clips.”

Tabuni said the UN high commissioner for human rights should “immediately form an investigation team to carry out investigations into human rights violations and threats of genocide against the Papuan people”.


A visit by the UN high commissioner for human rights to West Papua was negotiated in 2018 – and has since been publicly supported by more than 100 countries – but has not materialised.

Exiled West Papuan leader Benny Wenda, the president of ULMWP, said while the videos were “extreme and shocking”, they “merely expose how Indonesia behaves every day in my country”.

“Torture is such a widespread military practice that it has been described as a ‘mode of governance’ in West Papua,” he said. “I ask everyone who watches the video to remember that West Papua is a closed society, cut off from the world by a 60-year media ban imposed by Indonesia’s military occupation.

“How many victims go unnoticed by the world? How many incidents are not captured on film? Every week we hear word of another murder, massacre, or tortured civilian.”

Rumadi Ahmad, a deputy chief of the Indonesian presidential staff, said in a statement that the Indonesian government was committed to bringing development and security to Papua, but those efforts would be undermined if military personnel committed acts of violence and torture.


“While we hold a strong hope that our soldiers are not involved in such reprehensible acts, if proven true, the individuals responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations,” Rumadi said.

“If the video is proven to be true, the actions by a few irresponsible individuals could be very disruptive to the development that has been planned and implemented so well,” Rumadi said.

Col Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa, a military spokesman in Papua, told BenarNews the video was being investigated.

“We are verifying its authenticity … if it is genuine, we need to determine where and when it occurred.”

The four contested Indonesian provinces on the island of Papua (also referred to as New Guinea island) are referred to collectively as West Papua.

Indonesia has controlled the former Dutch colony since invading in 1963. It formalised its annexation through the controversial UN approved “Act of Free Choice” in 1969, widely regarded as a sham referendum, in which just over 1,000 selected Papuans were forced – some threatened with violence – to vote in support of Indonesian rule.

In the decades since, security forces have been accused of severe human rights violations, with an estimated 500,000 Papuans killedA Guardian investigation last year detailed consistent reports of torture and murder of civilians, including children, by military officials.

The Indonesian state has always maintained that the West Papuan provinces are an indivisible part of the Republic of Indonesia.

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1) Indonesian military confirms authenticity of torture video, detains 13 of its own

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2) Indonesia's military arrests 13 elite soldiers who are accused of involvement in a torture video 
3) Amnesty urges evaluation of troop deployments in Papua after torture video
 4) Australian group warns of new ‘arrests, torture’ in Papuan crackdown 
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SMH 
Zach Hope and Karuni Rompies
 Updated March 25, 2024 — 10.51pmfirst published at 8.48pm

Warning: graphic content

The Indonesian military has detained 13 of its own after disturbing videos surfaced of a group beating and slashing a young Papuan trembling in a barrel of bloodied water.

One of the videos showed the mob making deep cuts into the upper body of Defianus Kogoya while discussing how easily the blade peeled his skin. Another captured them punching and kicking him in the face.

Defianus appeared to have his hands restrained behind his back underneath the level of the water, which had turned pink.

One of the men was wearing a T-shirt printed with the number “300”, an apparent reference to his battalion. The footage, seen by this masthead, is too distressing to publish.

In a disturbing turn, authorities on Monday revealed another arrested Papuan, a man they identified as Warinus Kogoya, died when he supposedly jumped from a moving vehicle while restrained and hit his head on a rock.

The incidents happened in Gome in Papua’s Puncak regency on February 3.

There were conflicting reports about the fate of Defianus. The military said he was alive and safe with his family. A human rights source, however, believed he had died from his injuries. A military official earlier said his “body” had been returned to his family. The confusion may stem from Defianus and Warinus sharing the same last name.

The Indonesian military said that it investigated the torture videos and confirmed that they were authentic. Forty-two soldiers were investigated and 13 detained. This number was five more than announced earlier this week.


“We will investigate it thoroughly,” said Papua military commander, Major General Izak Pangemanan, referring to Defianus’ torture. “Nobody should escape – those who were involved will be punished in accordance with the existing laws.”

The military leadership at Monday afternoon’s press conference said that their soldiers had earlier received intelligence about planned arson at a health clinic.

According to the military’s account, soldiers and police trying to secure the clinic were fired at, bringing about the arrests of three Papuans.

Pangemanan said Warinus, alleged to be one of the shooters and a “fugitive of Puncak police”, jumped out of the car on the way to the police station.

“Perhaps due to imbalance, he fell and his head hit a stone,” Pangemanan said. “He died on the way to the community health centre.”

Defianus had admitted to previous violence – including the wounding of a soldier – and the arson plot, the generals said. As such, their members became “emotional”. Jules Ongge from the Papuan Human Rights Advocacy Association, said soldiers had been known to use torture to produce confessions.

Indonesia does not allow foreign media into Papua, making it difficult to independently verify and document this and other incidents.

Exiled West Papua pro-independence leader Benny Wenda said they were not uncommon. Also last month, he said, Indonesian soldiers tortured two 15-year-old boys.

“Though it is extreme and shocking, this video merely exposes how Indonesia behaves every day in my country,” Wenda said.

“How many victims go unnoticed by the world? How many incidents are not captured on film?

“There is an urgent need for states to take more serious action on human rights in West Papua.”

The independence movement in Papua, which borders Papua New Guinea, has been active since the early 1960s.

“We are grateful that more than 100 countries have called for a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights,” Wenda said.

“But Indonesia clearly has no intention of honouring their promise, so more must be done.”

In Jakarta last month, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles re-affirmed Australia’s position of not supporting Papuan independence.

Marles was visiting defence minister and now president-elect Prabowo Subianto, an ex-general accused of historical human rights abuses in Papua and elsewhere.

In February last year, armed rebels in Papua kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens and have attempted to use him as leverage in getting Indonesia to the bargaining table.

Wenda has previously called for Mehrtens’ release.


JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Indonesia's military said Monday it has arrested 13 elite troops accused of involvement in a video showing the torture of an indigenous Papua man believed to be a member of a separatist group.

The video that emerged in recent days on social media shows men who appear to be soldiers kicking, beating and dunking the man in a barrel of water.

“This is a violation of the law and we will act according to the applicable laws and regulations," army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi told a news conference, adding: “This is what we regret, that the Indonesian military or Indonesian army never taught, never approved any violence in asking for information."

Sianturi said the incident occurred at a post for the border security task force in Puncak, a mountainous district of Central Papua province, on Feb. 3.

At least five men are seen in the video beating a man, taunting him with racist slurs and slicing into his back with a machete.

Sianturi said all 13 suspects had been detained at the military police’s maximum security detention center in West Java for further investigation.

Papua Military Chief Maj. Gen. Izak Pangemanan told reporters the abuse began after a shootout between security forces and separatist rebels suspected of burning a public health facility in Omukia village, 300 meters (yards) from a military post. Security forces arrested three men while others fled.

On the way to a police station, one of the men jumped from the car with his hands tied behind his back. His head hit a rock and he died on the way to a health facility, Pangemanan said.

Another man, seen in the video and identified as Definus Kogoya, tried to escape, Pangemanan said. Security forces recaptured him and tortured him at a military post in Gome in an effort to get information on the whereabouts of others, he said.

Kogoya's condition has recovered after medical treatment and he has been returned to local police, Pangemanan said.

The video has sparked an outcry in Indonesia and from rights activists.

“This incident is cruel torture that truly destroys the instinct of justice,” said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia. He said statements by military and government officials about their humane approach in the Papua region have become meaningless.

Conflicts between indigenous Papuans and Indonesian security forces are common in the impoverished Papua region, a former Dutch colony in the western part of New Guinea that is ethnically and culturally distinct from much of Indonesia. Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a U.N.-sponsored ballot that was widely seen as a sham. Since then, a low-level insurgency has simmered in the mineral-rich region.

Conflict there has spiked in the past year, with dozens of rebels, security forces and civilians killed.

Sebby Sambom, a spokesperson for the West Papua Liberation Army, the military wing of the pro-independence Free Papua Organization whose members are accused of burning the health facility, urged the United Nations to take action.

“This is shown that Indonesian military and police are real barbaric,” Sambom said.


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3) Amnesty urges evaluation of troop deployments in Papua after torture video

CNN Indonesia – March 23, 2024

Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia is calling for an evaluation of the placement of TNI (Indonesian military) in Papua after a video of a Papuan man being tortured by several soldiers at the Gome Post in Puncak Regency, Central Papua, went viral on social media.

"This incident was a [case of] cruel and inhuman torture that really damages our sense of justice. It tramples over humanitarian values that are just and civilised. To the families of the victim, we expressed our deep sorrow", said Amnesty International Executive Director Usman Hamid in his statement on Saturday March 23.

Hamid stated that no one in this world, including in Papua, may be treated inhumanely and their dignity demeaned, let alone to the point of causing the loss of life.

"The statements by senior TNI officials and other government officials about a humanitarian approach and prosperity [in Papua] are totally meaningless. It is ignored by the apparatus on the ground", he said.

Hamid said that such incidents are able to be repeated because up until now there has been no punishment for TNI members proven to have committed crimes of kidnapping, torture and the loss of life.

Based on this, said Hamid, they are calling for a joint fact finding team to be formed to investigate the abuse, including urging that an evaluation be carried on to the placement of TNI soldiers in the land of Papua.

"There must be a sharp reflection on the placement of security forces in the land of Papua which has given rise to people falling victim, both indigenous Papuans, non-Papuans, including the security forces themselves", he said.

Earlier, a short video containing an act of torture by TNI members went viral on social media. It shows a civilian who has been placed in an oil drum filled with water being tortured by members of the TNI.

TNI Information Centre Director (Kapuspen) Major General Nugraha Gumilar has revealed the identity of the person being tortured by the soldiers as being a member of an armed criminal group (KKB) named Definus Kogoya.

"The rogue TNI soldiers committed acts of violence against a prisoner, a KKB member by the name of Definus Kogoya at the Gome Post in Puncak Regency, Papua", he said when sought for confirmation on Saturday.

Despite this, Gumilar has still has not revealed any further information about the identity of the TNI members who committed the torture. He confirmed only that more than one member was involved in the abuse.

He said that they are still conducting an intensive examination and promised to be transparent and act firmly against all of the members involved.

"Later I will convey [more information] after the investigation is finished, what is clear is that it was more than one person if you see from the video", he said. (dis/sfr)

Notes

The video (warning: contains graphic, violent content and viewer discression is advised) of the Papuan man being tortured by TNI soldiers can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJgAHYdLgVo (requires registration), or from the United Liberation for West Papua (ULMWP) website at https://www.ulmwp.org/president-wenda-a-crime-against-humanity-has-been-committed-in-yahukimo.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Amnesty Desak Evaluasi Penempatan TNI Buntut Aksi Penyiksaan di Papua".]

Source: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20240323200338-12-1078191/amnesty-desak-evaluasi-penempatan-tni-buntut-aksi-penyiksaan-di-papua


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4) Australian group warns of new ‘arrests, torture’ in Papuan crackdown 
By APR editor -  March 25, 2024

Asia Pacific Report

An Australian solidarity group for West Papua today warned of a fresh “heavy handed” Indonesian crackdown on Papuan villagers with more “arrests and torture”.

Joe Collins of the Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) gave the warning in the wake of the deployment of 30 elite rangers last week at the Ndeotadi 99 police post in Paniai district, Central Papua, following a deadly assault there by Papuan pro-independence resistance fighters.

Two Indonesian police officers were killed in the attack.

The AWPA warning also follows mounting outrage over a brutal video of an Indonesian Papuan man being tortured in a fuel drum that has gone viral.

Collins called on the federal government to “immediately condemn” the torture of West Papuans by the Australian-trained Indonesian security forces.

“If a security force sweep occurs in the region, we can expect the usual heavy-handed approach by the security forces,” Collins said in a statement.


“It’s not unusual for houses and food gardens to be destroyed during these operations, including the arrest and torture of Papuans.

“Local people usually flee their villages creating more IDP [internally displaced people]”.

60,000 plus IDPs
Human rights reports indicate there are more than 60,000 IDP in West Papua.

“The recent brutal torture of an indigenous Papuan man shows what can happen to West Papuans who fall foul of the Indonesian security forces,” Collins said.

“Anyone seeing this video which has gone viral must be shocked by the brutality of the military personal involved

The video clip was shot on 3 February 2024 during a security force raid in Puncak regency.

“The Australian government should immediately condemn the torture of West Papuans by the Indonesian security forces [which] Australia trains and holds exercises with.

“Do we have to remind the government of Article 7of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights? It states:

NO ONE SHALL BE SUBJECTED TO TORTURE OR TO CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT. IN PARTICULAR, NO ONE SHALL BE SUBJECTED WITHOUT HIS FREE CONSENT TO MEDICAL OR SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTATION.

“As more Papuans become aware of the horrific video, they may respond by holding rallies and protests leading to more crackdowns on peaceful demonstrators,” Collins said.

“Hopefully Jakarta will realise the video is being watched by civil society, the media and government officials around the world and will control its military in the territory.”


  • ——————————————
  • More on torture video below. Media coverage on it around the world

Tempo

Indonesian Military Claims 8 Soldiers Detained Following Violence Against Papuan

25 March 2024 21:38 WIB

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RNZ
'Committed to human rights': Indonesia says West Papua torture incident 'deeply regrettable
 8:00 pm on 25 March 2024   


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It is time for the United Nations General Assembly to take decisive action on West Papua

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 By Frank A Makanuey

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 24th March 2024 


It is time for the United Nations General Assembly to take decisive action on West Papua

The New York Agreement, upon which the Indonesian government, its bureaucracy, and its populace have leaned for over 60 years to validate the occupation of West Papua, unequivocally does not sanction nor condone the brutal assault inflicted by a fully trained company of soldiers resulting in the tragic demise of an individual citizen.

Let it be clear, the New York Agreement does not endorse nor justify a troop of proficient Indonesian soldiers subjecting an unarmed man to excruciating torment, torture, and ultimately, death.

This defenceless soul, with bound hands, ensnared within a confining drum, stood no chance of escape from his inevitable fate. Such acts of barbarity find no sanction within the confines of the New York Agreement.

Since the ratification of the New York Agreement and Indonesia's prolonged and tumultuous dominion

over West Papua, countless such atrocities have unfolded, claiming the lives of thousands of indigenous Melanesian individuals.







The footage depicting a battalion of Indonesian soldiers callously pummelling an unarmed man confined within a 44 gallon drum, culminating in his demise and death, stands as a stark indictment of crimes against humanity.

Crimes against humanity have been outlawed by the United Nations (UN) since 1948, in the wake of the heinous atrocities committed by Hitler's Nazi Germany and the mistreatment of Japanese prisoners in camps.

Deliberate acts of aggression against the indigenous people of West Papua must cease forthwith.

The breach of the New York Agreement constitutes a legal transgression. This is now a matter of law. I implore the UN General Assembly to promptly reassess the validity of the New York Agreement, declare it null and void, and bring an end to Indonesia's unwarranted occupation of West Papua.

The right to self-determination of the indigenous people of West Papua transcends Indonesia's domestic affairs; it is a matter for the United Nations to address. The UNGA must take decisive action and grant independence to the Melanesian people of West Papua, in accordance with its Charter ratified in 1948.

By Frank A Makanuey

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 24th March 2024 


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1) JP 13 soldiers held over alleged torture of Papuan

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 No shortage of articles of the horrific torture footage. A couple below

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1) 13 soldiers held over alleged torture of Papuan 
2) Indonesia Arrests 13 Soldiers in Investigation of Papua Torture Video 
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Jakarta Post 
1) 13 soldiers held over alleged torture of Papuan 
 The graphic footage that circulated on social media in recent days, showed several people assaulting a man in the eastern region, with his hands tied in a water-filled steel drum. 
Agencies 
Jakarta Tue, March 26, 2024  
Thirteen soldiers have been detained for their alleged role in the torture of a Papuan man, the military said Monday, after a viral video showed him being beaten by a group, some in military fatigues. The graphic footage that circulated on social media in recent days, showed several people assaulting a man in the eastern region, with his hands tied in a water-filled steel drum. 
Papua is where separatists have waged a decades-long insurgency against Indonesian Military (TNI) forces.  Another video showed the same man shivering in the drum while a man in fatigues slashes his back with a combat knife.  
The military opened a probe into the incident after the footage spread and detained 13 soldiers out of more than 40 questioned, military spokesman Col. Kristomei Sianturi told a press conference."Out of those 42 soldiers, indications were found that 13 soldiers committed the violent act," Kristomei said. 
The soldiers will soon be named as suspects, he added. The attack allegedly occurred last month but the video went viral last week.  Maj. Gen. Izak Pangemanan, a senior Indonesian military official in Papua, said the actions of the alleged perpetrators "tarnished efforts to handle conflict in Papua" and apologised for the incident.
"I apologise to all Papuan people. And we will continue to work so that these kinds of events will not be repeated in the future," he said.  Military officials said the man was accused of planning to burn down a health clinic and was a member of an armed criminal group, an Indonesian army term for describing Papuan rebel groups. 
Papua's main rebel group has claimed responsibility for attacks against soldiers and civilians in recent years. Security forces have for years been dogged by allegations of rights abuses against Papua's ethnic Melanesian population including extrajudicial killings of activists and peaceful protestors in their efforts to crush the rebel groups. Human rights group Amnesty International, which collects evidence of violence in Papua, said the man had died. It called for higher-ranking officers to be held to account as well as foot soldiers. 
Popular Singapore makes Israeli embassy delete 'insensitive' Palestinian post Must different political choices lead to heartbreak? Top court set for electoral dispute hearings Related Articles New capital for all Five Rohingya found dead after boat capsize off Aceh: UN Activists, Komnas HAM decry alleged torture of Papuan man Dental cavities: A nearly forgotten cause of stunting in Indonesia Draft policy draws flak for allowing military, police hold civil posts 
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The Diplomat. 
2) Indonesia Arrests 13 Soldiers in Investigation of Papua Torture Video 
  By Sebastian Strangio March 26, 2024
The armed forces were forced to issue a rare apology after a video showing soldiers torturing a Papuan separatist fighter was posted online.

Indonesia’s military says that it has arrested 13 soldiers after the emergence of a video showing the torture of a man believed to be a member of a Papuan separatist group.

The video, which has been doing the rounds on social media since last month, shows men kicking, beating, and dunking a man in a barrel of water. The men appear to be Indonesian soldiers and their victim an indigenous Papuan, but the origin of the footage had not been previously authenticated.

In a lengthy news conference yesterday, army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi said that the incident in the video had occurred on February 3 at a military outpost in Puncak, a rugged region of Central Papua province.

“This is a violation of the law and we will act according to the applicable laws and regulations,” Sianturi said. “This is what we regret, that the Indonesian military or Indonesian army never taught, never approved any violence in asking for information.” Sianturi said all 13 suspects had been detained at the military police’s maximum security detention center in West Java for further investigation.

The military’s top figure in Papua, Maj. Gen. Izak Pangemanan, said that in addition to the 13 detained military personnel, more than 40 were being questioned as part of an ongoing investigation.

“We regret what happened, it shouldn’t have happened,” The Guardian quoted him as saying. “We condemn this action. It’s a violation of the law and it has tarnished the military’s reputation.” he added, “We apologize to all Papuans.”

In several video clips of the incident, at least five men are seen punching and beating the man, who is tied up in a 44-gallon barrel filled with water. They taunt him with racist slurs and then lacerate his back with a machete. According to Pangemanan, the incident took place after a shootout between Indonesian soldiers and West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) rebels suspected of burning a public health facility in Omukia district in Puncak.

Pangemanan said that three men were arrested after the shootout, one of whom died when he jumped from the car with his hands tied behind his back and hit his head on a rock. Definus Kogoya, whom the Indonesian military identified as the man in the video, also tried to escape, Pangemanan said. Security forces recaptured him and then tortured him at a military post in Gome district, in an effort to get information on the whereabouts of other TPNPB insurgents.

There is some dispute as to whether Kogoya survived the ordeal. The Indonesian military said that he has recovered after medical treatment and has been returned to the custody of local police. The human rights group Amnesty International alleged that he has since died.

A separatist insurgency has raged in Papua since the region was absorbed by Indonesia after what independence activists say was a flawed U.N. referendum in 1969. But the conflict has worsened considerably in recent years, as the Indonesian state has extended infrastructure and transport links into the heart of highland Papua. This has inflamed resistance, prompting more sophisticated and successful attacks by TPNPB and other pro-independence groups, which has been followed by further Indonesian military deployments, in a spiral of conflict that shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

The fact that the military made such a rare admission reflects the public outcry that greeted the leaking of the video. A spokesperson from the Presidential Staff Office encouraged firm action against the people in the video if it was proven they were military personnel.

The video clips opened a rare portal into the reality of the situation in Papua, access to which is tightly controlled by the security forces. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has been barred from the region, and access by the press is difficult. Local governments have also imposed internet and telecommunications blackouts during past episodes of unrest.

While both Sianturi and Pangemanan claimed that torture is not Indonesian policy, past reporting by human rights groups suggests that the incident was just one in a long line of confirmed and suspected cases of torture and abuse that have accompanied Jakarta’s pacification campaign.

Usman Hamid of Amnesty International told ABC News that he had received many videos depicting the alleged torture of Papuans in the past. “In the past five years there has been an increasing escalation of violence involving the Indonesian army and the pro-independence armed rebels,” he told the news outlet.

The fact that the soldiers allegedly responsible for the horrific act of torture have been arrested, and their heinous acts made public, is certainly a sign of progress, but it is also clear that the military’s hand was forced by bad publicity. Had the video not been leaked, would the soldiers have been held to account? Many years of precedent suggest that it is unlikely.

Sebastian Strangio STAFF AUTHOR Sebastian Strangio Sebastian Strangio is Southeast Asia editor at The Diplomat. 
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M E D I A R E L E A S E - Introducing the National Inaugural West Papua Mini Film Festival

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 M E D I A  R E L E A S E

Wednesday, 27 March, 2024

 

 

Introducing the National Inaugural West Papua Mini Film Festival

 

WOLLONGONG | SYDNEY | CANBERRA | BRISBANE | ADELAIDE | HOBART | MELBOURNE | DARWIN | LISMORE

 

A diverse mini festival of hot off the press short documentaries from inside West Papua and Indonesia starts its tour around nine Australian cities on 9 April 2024.

 

This riveting selection of five short films and one feature length documentary looks to promote peace, justice, and education, and the prevention of harm to the thousands of internally displaced persons and refugees in West Papua. 

 

Soccer, hip-hop and emotional family dramas created by on the ground activist filmmakers tell stories of positive resistance, struggles for social justice, and the fight against environmental destruction. 

 

The films highlight conditions and developments in our near neighbour in West Papua, where there is civil and armed conflict, thousands of internally displaced people, and ongoing large-scale environmental destruction from mining and logging industries. 

 

Join some of the film makers for screenings and Q&A’s to publicise their situation and to lend support to activists in West Papua as they struggle for basic human rights and land rights. 

 

Arranged in association with the West Papua Project at Wollongong University in collaboration with filmmakers from West Papua, Indonesia and Australia, and community support groups and citizens in Australia.

 

 

Synopsis of 6 film documentaries:

 

1. My Name is Pengungsi (Refugee)

Refugee Kogoya and Refugee Wakom, featured two of many internally displaced children, who were born in the midst of the jungle of West Papua, namely Nduga, Puncak Jaya and Maybrat, due to parents fled during the armed conflict between the Indonesian National Army/Police (TNI/POLRI) and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). 

 

2. Black Pearl 'General of the Field'

After winning the fourth Indonesia Premier League, the Jayapura-based Persipura Football Club, better known as 'The Black Pearl' capture the imagination of many Papuans and broader Indonesian football community, as Papua's pride. The club is now a symbol of dignity and self-esteem of Papuan people. 

 

3. Papuan Hip-Hop 'When the Microphone Talks'

With the ongoing humanitarian crises in West Papua, often marked by state violence, discrimination, as well social and political unrest, the hiphop community has fine-tuned and synced their beats with lyrics to highlight and awaken collective consciousness amongst the youth and broader Papuan music lovers.

 

4. The Sound of Grime Valley

The Grime Valley tells the story of the indigenous people of Grime Valley, defending their ancestral land from the onslaught of investment, as well as those who have been affected by palm oil investment. The forest, known for producing cocoa and being a place to see birds of paradise near Jayapura, is almost lost due to the palm oil company PT PNM opening it up for palm oil plantations, even though the operational permit has been revoked by the President. 

 

5. Pepera 1969, A Democratic Integration?

A film about the highly controversial 1969 United Nations vote for West Papuan inclusion into the Republic of Indonesia. In what was meant to be a country wide vote only 1026 Papuans were included in the Indonesian military-controlled UN referendum. Those that did vote were threatened with violence and torture and death, and yet Australia and the United Nations accepted the so called, 'Act of Free Choice', as a legally binding referendum that sealed West Papua's fate as a part of Indonesia.

 

6. Strange Birds in Paradise 

Music can rise above tyranny. A feature length documentary about the human rights disaster in West Papua. While the Indonesian army continues to dominate the indigenous inhabitants of West Papua, three friends gather in Melbourne to record outlawed folk songs with renowned Australian rock musicologist David Bridie.

 

*note: not all 6 films will be shown at all locations.

 

 

 

EVENTS:

Wollongong, April 9, 10am-4pm, University Of Wollongong Main Campus, Building 19, Research Hub, Room 2072 I Free I Performance by Papuan hiphop artist I Lunch Provided I For more info https://www.facebook.com/events/1330912904281789
Organiser - Dr Cammi Webb-Gannon, West Papua Project 
(
camellia@uow.edu.au and T 02 4221 4155)


Sydney, April 10, 5pm-9pm, Henry Carmichael Theatre Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 I Entry by Donation. For more info https://www.facebook.com/events/439634965065773
Organiser - Joe Collins and Anne Noonan, AWPA Sydney 
(
bunyip@bigpond.net.au – T 0407 785 797)


Canberra, April 11, 4pm-9:30pm, National Film and Sound Archive Theatrette General Admission I $18:50 I Performance by Canberra-based musicians I Free tickets are available for First Nations, Papuan community members and all who find the ticket prices a barrier to coming. For more info https://www.facebook.com/events/739159421730652
Organiser: Ronny Kareni and Jack Johnson 
(ronnykareni@gmail.com)


Adelaide April 13, Doors open 5.30pm for 6pm-9.30pm I The Mercury Cinema, 13 Morphett Street, Adelaide, Full $20 I Conc. $10 I Unemployed gold coin donation. For more info 

https://www.facebook.com/events/965953951622968
Organiser: James Elmslie (
jelmslie@ozemail.com.au and T 0407 913 870)


Magan-djin/Brisbane, April 14, 5pm-10pm, VENTspace I 23 Glenelg St, South Brisbane QLD, $15 I Performance by HipHop artists, traditional Papuan culinary experience and art exhibition. For more info https://www.facebook.com/events/1201174634203753
Organisers: Crystal Coleman and Jarod Woods (
crycol90@gmail.com + jarodwoods41@gmail.com)


Lismore, April 15, 6:30pm-9pm, Star Court Theatre I 126 Molesworth Street, Lismore 2480 I $10 I Q&A Session with Victor Mambor and Dandhy Laksono. For more info https://www.facebook.com/events/1518965509004040
Organiser: Saul Dalton (
sauldalton@yahoo.com)


Hobart, April 18, TBC: Venue, Time
Organiser - Jason MacLeod (siochail@protonmail.ch and T 0402 746 002)
When details are confirmed they will be updated as 
Events on Facebook.


Melbourne April 194:15pm-10pm, ACMI Flinders St, Melbourne I Full $20.00 Member $13.00 I Concession $12.00 I Performance by The Black Sistaz. For more info https://www.facebook.com/events/907054954299600
Organiser: Charlie Hill-Smith (charliehillsmith@gmail.com and T 0414 941 399)


Darwin, April 21, 4.30pm – 9pm The Garramilla (Darwin) screening. Nightcliff Uniting Church. 21 Cummins St, Rapid Creek, Northern Territory.

Cost: by donation.
Organiser - Billee McGinley (
billee.mcginley@gmail.com)
When details are confirmed they will be updated as 
Events on Facebook.

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Overarching media contact for interviews and more information:

Ronny Kareni 0401 222 177 (ronnykareni@gmail.com

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1) Church urges thorough investigation into alleged torture of Puncak civilians by TNI

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2) Again and again: TNI tortures civilians in Papua 

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1) Church urges thorough investigation into alleged torture of Puncak civilians by TNI


Jayapura, Jubi – The Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has called for a thorough and complete investigation into the alleged torture of three civilians in Puncak Regency by TNI soldiers from Raider 300/Braja Wijaya Infantry Battalion. Ronald Tapilatu, the Head of Papua Affairs Bureau of PGI, made this statement in Jakarta on Monday (25/3/2024).

On March 22, 2024, a video circulated on social media depicting the torture of a Papuan civilian. The victim was placed in a drum filled with water, with both hands tied. The victim was repeatedly beaten and kicked by several individuals believed to be TNI soldiers. His back was also slashed with a knife. The faces of several perpetrators were visible in the video.

On March 23, 2024, the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua) stated that the torture was allegedly carried out by soldiers of Raider 300/Braja Wijaya Infantry Battalion in February 2024, while they were on duty in Puncak Regency. Three civilians from Puncak were tortured by the TNI soldiers. The perpetrators had now completed their duty in Puncak and returned to their headquarters in Cianjur Regency, West Java.

On Monday, the Head of Information of XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan, stated that eight soldiers from Raider 300/Braja Wijaya Infantry Battalion had been detained for questioning by the Military Police of Military Area Command III/Siliwangi regarding the case.

Ronald of PGI stated that the torture of civilians in Papua allegedly carried out by TNI soldiers would only perpetuate the cycle of violence. He emphasized that PGI strongly condemned the act of torture against civilians in Papua. “Every human being created in the image of God has the right to be respected and honored,” he said.

He stated that torture is a violation of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Indonesia is a party through Law No. 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights and Law No. 5 of 1998 concerning the Ratification of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

“We all must stand together in solidarity to oppose torture and protect human rights in Papua,” he said.

Ronald emphasized that a thorough investigation is needed to uncover any human rights violations that may have occurred in the torture case. He stressed the importance of accountability and preventing impunity in the case, in order to provide justice to the victims.

“To prevent such actions in the future, independent monitoring and reporting mechanisms must be strengthened, and law enforcement must be transparent,” he said.

PGI also expressed condolences to the victims and their families and urged all partners to assist in the recovery of affected families and communities in Papua. “We must not let this heinous incident dampen our spirits to collaborate for the cessation of violence in Papua and to realize Papua as a land of peace,” he said. (*)


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2) Again and again: TNI tortures civilians in Papua 
News Desk - Security Forces Violence In Papua
 27 March 2024

Jayapura, Jubi – Repeated occurrences of Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers torturing civilians in Papua have been evident, as seen in the viral video depicting the torture of civilians in the Puncak Regency allegedly done by soldiers of Raider 300/Brajawijaya Infantry Battalion. There is a pressing need for stringent law enforcement and the evaluation of the deployment of TNI troops from outside Papua to the region.

Frits Ramandey, the Head of the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua), stated that since 2020, Komnas HAM Papua has handled several cases of alleged torture by TNI soldiers against civilians.

“This [case of torture against civilians] is not the first to occur in Papua,” said Ramandey in Jayapura on Monday (3/25/2024).

Ramandey cited the case of the torture and murder of Pastor Yeremia Zanambani in Intan Jaya Regency in September 2020. He also mentioned cases of violence against people with disabilities in Merauke in July 2021.

In 2022, Komnas HAM Papua also dealt with cases of civilian torture in Mappi Regency, as well as the torture of seven children in the Puncak Regency. There were also cases of the murder and mutilation of four Nduga residents in Mimika Regency, as well as the torture of three children in Keerom Regency.

Ramandey stated that the cases handled by Komnas HAM indicate that the torture experienced by civilians was extremely brutal, inhumane, and violated human rights. According to Ramandey, similar methods of torture used by the military were employed during the New Order regime.


“They tend to repeatedly commit torture. [The modus operandi] used [is reminiscent of] the New Order regime, using drums, tying up individuals, rendering them helpless, allowing perpetrators to freely carry out torture,” he said.

Ramandey emphasized that such torture only perpetuates the cycle of violence in Papua. He insisted that TNI soldiers deployed in Papua must receive proper training on human rights. Additionally, soldiers involved in torture cases must be prosecuted thoroughly.

“Otherwise, the cycle of violence will continue because [the torture that occurs] will breed hatred, resentment, and anger,” said Ramandey.

Ramandey called for an evaluation of the deployment of TNI troops from outside Papua to the region. According to Ramandey, TNI troops from outside Papua would be better placed under the control of the local Military Area Command (Kodam) instead of the current scene under the Operational Control of the Joint Defense Region Command (Kogabwilhan) III.

He believed that the Papua conflict could only be resolved through peaceful dialogue. He urged the state to create space for such peaceful dialogue, including humanitarian dialogue advocated by Komnas HAM in 2023.

Repetition due to impunity

In a written statement on Saturday (3/23/2024), Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, stated that the right of every individual to be free from torture is part of internationally recognized norms (peremptory norms or jus cogens).

Usman stated that Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and General Comment No. 20 on Article 7 of the ICCPR have affirmed that no one can be subjected to practices of torture/cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment under any circumstances.

“No one in this world, including in Papua, should be treated inhumanely and have their dignity degraded, let alone resulting in loss of life,” wrote Usman.


Usman criticized the practice of impunity towards suspected perpetrators of various past cases, which has led to repeated cases of torture of civilians by TNI soldiers. “These actions keep repeating because there has been no punishment for members who have been proven to have committed crimes such as kidnapping, torture, and even loss of life,” he said.

According to Jubi’s records, TNI soldiers are suspected of repeatedly being involved in the torture of civilians in Papua. On February 22, 2022, TNI soldiers allegedly assaulted seven children in Sinak District, Puncak Regency, after a soldier from 521/Dadaha Yodha Infantry Battalion 521, Second Pvt. Kristian Sandi Alviando, lost his SS2 weapon at PT Modern hangar, Tapulunik Sinak Airport. The seven children subjected to torture were Deson Murib, Makilon Tabuni, Pingki Wanimbo, Waiten Murib, Aton Murib, Elison Murib, and Murtal Kulua. Makilon Tabuni later died.

On August 22, 2022, a number of TNI soldiers allegedly killed and mutilated four residents of Nduga in Settlement Unit 1, Mimika Baru District, Mimika Regency. The four victims of murder and mutilation were Arnold Lokbere, Irian Nirigi, Lemaniel Nirigi, and Atis Tini.

On August 28, 2022, soldiers from Raider 600/Modang Infantry Battalion allegedly apprehended and assaulted four intoxicated individuals in Mappi Regency, South Papua Province. The four individuals arrested for drunkenness were Amsal Pius Yimsimem, Korbinus Yamin, Lodefius Tikamtahae, and Saferius Yame. Komnas HAM Papua stated that these four individuals also experienced abuse resulting in injuries all over their bodies.

On August 30, 2022, soldiers stationed at Bade Post, Edera District, Mappi Regency, allegedly committed assault resulting in the death of Bruno Amenim Kimko and severe injuries to Yohanis Kanggun. A total of 18 soldiers from Raider 600/Modang Infantry Battalion became suspects in the case.

On October 27, 2022, three children in Keerom Regency, Rahmat Paisei (15), Bastian Bate (13), and Laurents Kaung (11), were allegedly abused by TNI soldiers at a military post in Arso II District, Arso, Keerom Regency, Papua. These three children were reportedly abused using chains, wire rolls, and hoses, requiring hospital treatment.

On February 22, 2023, TNI soldiers at Lantamal X1 Ilwayap Post allegedly assaulted Albertus Kaize and Daniel Kaize. As a result of the assault, Albertus Kaize died. (*)


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JP EDITORIAL Stop fighting fire with fire

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JP EDITORIAL  
Stop fighting fire with fire 
This time, we have a photographic evidence for the brutality, with videos on social media showing a Papuan man being tortured by a group of plainclothes men alleged to be the Indonesian Military (TNI) members. One clip shows the man's head being beaten with a rod, while another has his back slashed by a blade that looks like a combat knife.

Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, March 27, 2024


 Indonesia It happens again and again; indigenous Papuans fall victim to Indonesian soldiers. This time, we have a photographic evidence for the brutality, with videos on social media showing a Papuan man being tortured by a group of plainclothes men alleged to be the Indonesian Military (TNI) members. 

One clip shows the man's head being beaten with a rod, while another has his back slashed by a blade that looks like a combat knife. After initially denying the assailants in the footage were military personnel, the TNI issued on Monday a rare apology and said that 13 soldiers had been arrested following the viral video. “I apologize to all Papuans, and we will work to ensure this is never repeated,” said Cenderawasih Military Commander in Papua Maj. Gen.
 Izak Pangemanan. That rare apology is a positive sign, but it is not enough. We have had enough pledges from the military about not inflicting more violence on Papuans, but time and again blood is spilled in the name of the military and police campaign against armed separatist groups.

The resource-rich Papua region has seen escalating violence since 2018, when the military increased its presence there in response to deadlier and more frequent attacks, allegedly committed by armed rebels.

Throughout 2023 alone, there were 49 acts of violence by security forces against civilians recorded by the rights group Commission for Missing Person and Victims of Violence (Kontras) in the form of, among others, forceful arrest, torture and shooting. At least 67 people were injured and 41 others lost their lives in the violence. Also according to Kontras, some of the arrested civilians could not be proven to have ties to the armed rebel groups, particularly the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). 

In regard to this week's viral videos, the TNI claimed that the man beaten in the video was identified as Defianus Kogoya, a separatist who planned to burn down a health center in Central Papua.

Whether Defianus was a rebel or civilian, what the soldiers did to him is unjustified, because no national or international law allows the torture of members of hostile forces. The Geneva Conventions and its additional protocols have at least seven articles banning torture. 
There are also other sets of regulations banning cruel or inhuman treatment of captured enemies. National regulations also prohibit security forces personnel from committing unnecessary violent acts. 

Article 351 of the Criminal Code mandates two years and eight months’ imprisonment for any individuals committing torture, a provision that also applies to military personnel. For soldiers, the punishment can be heavier as they face the possibility of getting an additional one third of the punishment if they are found guilty of torture by a military court. 

The TNI also announced on Monday that it had arrested 13 soldiers allegedly involved in the incidents in the video. The investigations are still ongoing, but the military promised to name them as suspects soon.

These might be good first steps, but they may mean nothing if their superiors are not prosecuted alongside the foot soldiers. At the very least, the TNI must ensure that the 13 suspects are prosecuted thoroughly in a military court of justice. 

The TNI should also work harder to prevent systemic issues that allow such violence to occur. A TNI spokesperson acknowledged on Monday that the military was far from perfect. That is good, but it would be better if the TNI actually worked in a transparent manner on how it addresses that imperfection. 

Overall, the government and especially the incoming administration of president-elect Prabowo Subianto must make more serious efforts at achieving a long-lasting peace in Papua. Sending more troops has proven to merely lead to escalation. The incoming government should consider the possibility that fighting fire with fire, only leads to a bigger fire.

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Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

PO Box 28, Spit Junction,  NSW 2088

 

Senator the Hon Penny Wong

PO Box 6100
Senate
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

  

  

28 March 2024

 

Dear Foreign Minister,

 

I am writing to you on behalf of the Australia West Papua Association in Sydney concerning the brutal torture of a West Papuan man , Defianus Kogoya  by Indonesian troops in West Papua in early February. 

 

Anybody watching  the video footage of the Papuan man being tortured by the Indonesian security forces cannot help but be horrified and outraged at the brutality of those involved in the torture.  A video of the  torture is circulating on social media and in numerous articles in the main stream media. The  video shows the man placed in a drum filled with water, with both his hands tied. The victim is repeatedly punched  and kicked by several soldiers. His back is also slashed with a knife. One can only imagine the fear and terror the Papuan man must feel at this brutal torture being inflicted on him.

 

At first the military denied the claim . However, they eventually admitted it was true and  arrested 13 soldiers involved in the incident.

 

I’m sure we will hear statements from Jakarta that this was an isolated incident, that they were rouge soldiers and that 13 soldiers  have been arrested over the torture.  However, if the video had not gone viral would anybody have been held to account? 

 

Tragically this is not an isolated incident.  We will not go into all the details of the human rights abuses committed against West Papuans by the Indonesian security forces as we are sure you are aware of the numerous reports documenting these incidents.

 

However, there are regular clashes between the Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB (Free Papua Movement)  who are fighting for their independence. As a result of these clashes the military respond with what they call sweeps of the area. It’s not unusual for houses and food gardens to be destroyed during these operations, including the arrest and torture of Papuans. Local people usually flee in fear from the military to the forest or other regions  creating internally displaced people. (IDP) . Human rights reports indicate there are more than 60,000 IDP in West Papua.  Many suffer from malnutrition  and their children are missing out on their education. 

 

Amnesty International Indonesia,  church and civil society groups in West Papua and around the world have condemned the torture and are calling for a thorough investigation into the torture case.  

 

AWPA  is urging you to also add your voice, condemning this brutal torture incident by the Indonesian military .

 

The West Papuan people are calling on the UN high commissioner for human rights to visit West Papua to investigate the human rights situation in the territory. We urge you to use you good offices with the Indonesian Government , urging Jakarta  to allow such a visit to take place.

 


 

Yours sincerely

 

Joe Collins

AWPA (Sydney)

 

1) UN rights panel concerned by extrajudicial killings in Indonesia's Papua

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2) Update on detention of two Papuans arrested after shooting in Yahukimo – Police obstruct lawyers from meeting with suspects

3) Indonesian Army Apologizes After Torture Video Goes Viral 


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1) UN rights panel concerned by extrajudicial killings in Indonesia's Papua

UPDATED MAR 28, 2024, 09:45 PM


GENEVA - The U.N. Human Rights Committee said on Thursday it was concerned by extrajudicial killings in Indonesia's Papua province, where separatists and Indonesian troops have been fighting for decades.

"The Committee is concerned by multiple reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of indigenous peoples in Papua, which have not been investigated despite the state party's commitment to do so," it said in a report.

The Committee said it welcomed a Supreme Court decision to uphold the conviction of six law enforcement officers for the premeditated murder of four Papuan people in the city of Timika, but stressed there was a lack of information on other cases.


The Committee recommended that Indonesia promptly investigates "all human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and extrajudicial killings..."

It also called on Indonesia "to strengthen efforts to end impunity and hold perpetrators accountable for previous violations".

Resource-rich Papua, Indonesia's easternmost region, has experienced violence between armed separatists and troops since the former Dutch territory was brought under Indonesian control in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969.


The conflict has escalated significantly since 2018, with pro-independence fighters mounting deadlier and more frequent attacks. REUTERS

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Human Rights Monitor


2) Update on detention of two Papuans arrested after shooting in Yahukimo – Police obstruct lawyers from meeting with suspects

The Papuan Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) has raised concerns over the denial of legal assistance to Melianus Baye and Benny Elopere, two minors detained by the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) on suspicion of involvement in an aircraft shooting incident in the Yahukimo Regency. Military members arbitrarily arrested the minors (see photo on top, source) while bathing in the Brazza River in Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency, on 22 February 2024, shortly after an armed clash with a resistance fighter of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Human rights defenders allege that the minors were tortured upon arrest, as photos indicate.
Despite being appointed as legal counsel by the families of the detainees, LBH Papua advocates were repeatedly denied access to meet with Melianus Baye and Benny Elopere by the investigators from the Papua Police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation and General Crimes. The investigators reportedly still denied access as the suspects’ relatives accompanied LBH lawyers. The denial of access undermines the fundamental right to legal representation during detention, as enshrined in international human rights standards and Indonesia’s Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).
Emanuel Gobay, Director of LBH Papua, highlighted the obstruction faced by their advocates, emphasizing the discriminatory treatment in contrast to previous cases where access to detainees was granted without hindrance. The obstruction raises concerns about the transparency and fairness of the legal process. Such actions not only violate the detainees’ right to legal support but also impede their ability to defend themselves against the accusations leveled against them effectively. Moreover, the denial of access for lawyers could be a strategy to cover up acts of physical torture during detention.

Background

Statistical figures indicate that the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and treatment remains a widespread practice among the police and military in West Papua. Accordingly, the eradication of torture and ill-treatment remains among the urgent human rights issues in West Papua.
Another case of torture in West Papua has recently drawn national attention to the problem of torture in West Papua after videos of Indonesian soldiers torturing an indigenous Papuan went viral on social media, causing public outrage. The footage is rare visual evidence of the utmost brutality used by security force members during raids in conflict areas across West Papua.
Similar to extra-judicial executions, the widespread use of torture and ill-treatment is closely linked to the problem of impunity, particularly for perpetrators of the police, who are rarely brought to justice in public civil court trials. Human rights education programs for police officers and military members appear not to be able to tackle this problem as long as perpetrators receive lenient imprisonment sentences and disciplinary sanctions in closed internal procedures.

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 Human Rights Watch

March 28, 2024 1:38PM EDT | Dispatches

3) Indonesian Army Apologizes After Torture Video Goes Viral 

Thirteen Soldiers Detained for Brutal Beating of Papuan Man
Andreas Harsono Indonesia Researcher 
 andreasharsono andreasharsono


The Indonesian military apologized to “all Papuan people” and detained 13 soldiers from an elite battalion in West Java who had tortured a Papuan man in Gome, Central Papua.

A video posted to social media shows three soldiers in army undershirts brutally beating Definus Kogoya, a young Papuan man, who had his hands tied behind him and been placed inside a drum filled with water. The soldiers taunted Kogoya with racist slurs, kicking and hitting him. In another video, a man used a bayonet to cut his back. The water turned red.

The army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi, said the soldiers had “tarnished efforts to handle conflict” in Central Papua, adding that the military police had questioned 42 soldiers of the 300 Infantry Raider Battalion, and identified at least 13 suspects.

General Sianturi alleged that Kogoya was a member of the West Papua National Liberation Army and had been arrested on February 3 with two other Papuan men, Alianus Murib and Warinus Kogoya, after they had allegedly tried to burn down a medical clinic in Gome. He said Warinus Kogoya died when he jumped from a military vehicle after arrest.

Kogoya and Murib were handed over to police custody by the battalion on February 6. The police immediately released the two men as they had found no evidence of arson or other violent acts. Both men needed medical treatment.

On March 21, Benny Wenda, a West Papua leader in exile in the United Kingdom, posted the video, saying, “Torture is such a widespread military practice that it has been described as a ‘mode of governance’ in West Papua.”

Human Rights Watch has documented numerous accounts of torture from West Papua over the past two decades including some that were filmed and later made public. Several soldiers have been prosecuted but received light punishment.

Some Indonesian officials have blamed Papuan militants when confronted with torture allegations.

While there is an ongoing armed conflict in Central Papua – in May 2023, an Indonesian soldier was fatally shot – international law forbids torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of civilians or captured combatants in custody.

To end such abuses, Indonesian authorities should prosecute the alleged perpetrators in civilian courts. The Indonesian military justice system lacks independence, impartiality, and transparency.


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