West Papua Information Kit

News and Current Affairs

20070322 People's Daily Online

HIV/AIDS infections rising fast at PNG, Indonesia border

HIV infection is on the fast rise in the West Sepik province of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Jayapura in Indonesia's West Papua province, reported The National, a local newspaper, on Thursday.

Reports said in the remote Lumi district alone more than five public servants had died this year after contracting AIDS and it is believed there may be more unidentified cases in other districts.

People in the West Sepik and Western provinces were exposed because of frequent travels and exchanges with Papua province, which also has a high incidence of HIV/AIDS cases in Indonesia.

Christian Brethren Church lay missionary and provincial AIDS trainer Wassam, who had been conducting awareness on HIV/AIDS for the last two years in most parts of West including Drekikir district in East Sepik, said sex products including pornographic materials were contributing to the spread.

Wassam warned that failure by the community leaders and police to rein in such behavior would lead to more HIV/AIDS-related deaths.

Wassam is stepping up his HIV/AIDS awareness campaign and is visiting Magleri village, in the Telefomin district next week.

His last stop was at Angugunak village in Lumi, where he trained more than 30 participants, who will now work with East Sepik provincial AIDS council as volunteers.

Source: Xinhua
 

20070215 The Jarkarta Post

Indonesia to offer training for Myanmar military officers

JAKARTA February 15 (Kyodo News) -- Indonesia will provide training for Myanmar military officers which may lead to a joint military exercise in the future, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said Thursday.

"We made an offer and it was welcomed," Wirajuda told a press conference after meeting with Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win.
  "Training will be provided for Myanmar military officers in Indonesia's military commanding schools using the educational and training system of the Defense Force, and it will not be impossible that we will hold a kind of joint exercise in the future," he said. The military cooperation is included in the Agreed Minutes signed by the two ministers, Wirajuda said.

Asked whether the offer will raise international criticism due to Myanmar's human rights record, Wirajuda said, "If it is agreed, it will not, of course, create a problem."

---

WPIK Notes:
"Myanmar's military seized power in a coup in 1962 and has since violently crushed various democratic uprisings. The generals agreed to an open election in 1990, but when Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won, they refused to accept the results and locked up hundreds of members of her party." - Deutsche Presse-Agentur (February 15, 2007)
The proposal by Indonesia to train Burma/Myammar troops could raise yet another propagation of the brutal Kopassus culture using Australian or US Defence Forces trained skills which could indirectly benefit the military junta in Burma.
 

20070213Two sources: Herald Tribune / Radio Australia

Police, soldiers fight each other in Indonesia; 1 killed

The Associated Press   Published: February 13, 2007
JAKARTA, Indonesia: Police and soldiers opened fire on each other Tuesday in Indonesia's Papua province, leaving one officer dead, a police spokesman said.
  The incident - the latest in series of clashes around the country between the two underpaid and poorly disciplined forces - took place in the highland town of Mulia, spokesman Kartono Wangsadisastra said. Clashes elsewhere in Indonesia between the two forces have been typically triggered by turf wars, often over illegal rackets such as drugs, smuggling and prostitution. Wangsadisastra said police and soldiers had returned to their barracks and the town was calm. He did not say what sparked the clash or how long it lasted.
  Thousands of police and soldiers are stationed in Papua, some 3,300 kilometers (2,050 miles) east of Jakarta, tasked with putting down a small rebellion by locals seeking an independent state.

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Soldiers shoot policeman in Indonesia's Papua

Last Updated 14/02/2007
A policeman has been shot dead in an exchange of fire with soldiers in the Indonesian province of Papua.
  A national police spokesman in Jakarta says the shooting was triggered by a misunderstanding as police and soldiers were queuing for kerosene. He says calm has since been restored in the highland district of Mulia where the incident took place. The soldiers and police have returned to their headquarters.
  Relations between the military and the police have been tense in some parts of Indonesia since the police, who were under the military's command until 1999, were given new powers.
 

20070130 The Jarkarta Post

Hunger threat for Papua refugees
- Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura

Thousands of people fleeing a crackdown on Papuan separatists are now facing food shortages.
  The crisis is hitting refugees in Yamo district, Puncak Jaya regency, Papua, after Indonesian Military and police attacks on Free Papua Movement (FPM) rebels in the area.
  The Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI) reports that 5,137 people are now facing hunger. Chief of the Papua GIDI synod Rev. Lipiyus Biniluk said that people were living in desperate conditions, with up to eight families living in a single traditional honai house, which usually fits only two families.
  "Residents are suffering from hunger, not to mention disease, especially the children," said Lipiyus. Lipiyus said in the past week alone, 227 children had fallen ill, with diarrhea, hepatitis and malaria the most common diseases.
  The Association of Papua Churches (PGGP) is urging the public and related state agencies to help those threatened by the food shortage. "We are safe and have enough food here, while thousands of our brothers and sisters are living in fear and suffering from hunger, cold and sickness," said Rev. Herman Saud in Jayapura on Monday. The residents had taken refuge in Yamo district, fearing open warfare between military and police personnel and separatist rebels from FPM's Goliat Tabuni faction, who are believed to have fatally shot two TNI soldiers on Dec. 8 last year. "People are afraid to venture out of the village, while outsiders are afraid to come to the village for fear of being hit by stray bullets," Herman said. Herman said the PGGP had reported the situation to the governor, provincial legislature, Papua People's Council and the chiefs of the provincial police and military command, but none of them had agreed to discuss the problem. According to Lipiyus, the Puncak Jaya administration set aside six tons of rice for Yamo, but has so far only sent one.
  Yamo is a two-day journey on foot from Mulia, the capital of Puncak Jaya regency. "The main problem is security. No one dares to send food and medical supplies to the area," said Lipiyus. Herman said many people could die of hunger if humanitarian aid did not arrive soon.
  Four refugees have died in the area since Jan. 6.
 

20070119 The Jarkarta Post

Thousands flee manhunt after flag was raised

Four Papuans die in shelter
JAYAPURA, Papua: Four refugees who were among thousands fleeing their village have reportedly died of illness.
  The residents fled to Ilamburawi village in Yamo district, Puncak Jaya regency, on Jan. 16 following a security personnel manhunt for rebels who had earlier hoisted a separatist flag on Mount Kimibaga.
  Many refugees were in a severe state due to food shortages and suffered from various illnesses such as malaria and hepatitis.
  Head of the Papua GIDI synod Rev. Lipius Bilinuk told The Jakarta Post on Thursday thousands of residents had fled their homes fearing they would be caught in crossfire between troops and Free Papua Movement separatist rebels.
  Lipius said residents were in a difficult position because they were in the middle of a fierce conflict. "They will be confronted by TNI troops if they move forward and face rebels if they retreat," he said.
  Bilinuk urged the government to withdraw its troops from the jungles and the rebels to come out of hiding. -- JP
 

20070118 Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

West Papuan clergy seek resolution to humanitarian crisis in Puncak Jaya

  West Papuan representatives of the clergy from 20 different churches in District Yamu in Punjak Jaya have meet with Els-ham (Institute for Human Rights study & Advocacy) staff to jointly work to resolve the humanitarian crisis occurring in the Puncak Jaya region.
  These clergy have said that 5000 members of church congregations from Catholic, Kingmi and Baptist churches have been displaced by the Indonesian military & police operations. These 5000 people are from Yamu district and are said to be hiding in the jungle.
  These clergy have reported that members of the church congregations have been in the jungle since December 2006 when they fled the military operations. The clergy state that there is no civilian access allowed into the region and the Police & Army deny this access.

  One civilian, Lenus Murib, has been reported shot dead by military in Yamu District.

  There is concern for the health and well being of women and children.
  Els-ham reports that in similar military operations in 2004 & 2005 there were 6000 people from 27 villages displaced from their homes. Famine and many famine related deaths were reported.

  Rev Socratez Yoman in a recent report stated that the Indonesian military and police are responsible for promoting the conflict situation and resulting humanitarian crisis in Puncak Jaya.
  Local sources report that there are 3000 troops in Puncak Jaya in the town. Additional Brimob (Paramilitary Police) & Indonesian military are reported to be undertaking operations outside the town.

  Human Rights workers report that many civilian houses have been burned and that Government buildings and vehicles have been reportedly taken over by the military.
  The Cenderwasih Post (Jayapura, 14 January 2007) reports that the Indonesia Police dispute the number of 4000 people who have fled military operations in Puncak jaya. The police a reported to say that the people have returned to there villages as they have nothing to fear.

For further information contact:
  Paula Makabory +61 402547517, Els-Ham West Papua
Sent by Matthew Jamieson
  Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
  PO Box 1805 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia
  Tel/Mobile +61 418291998, fax 61 66848153
  matthew@hr.minihub.org
 

20070108 Scoop Independent News / Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

Special Report: West Papua
Monday, 8 January 2007, 10:09 am
Column: West Papua Institute For Human Rights
Special Report: West Papua; Report of Rev Socratez Yoman on Puncak Jaya

  The 8th December 2006 Incident In Puncak Kumipaga, Puncak Jaya Was A Manipulation Which Was Wholely Created By Indonesian Military And The Fake Opm (The Fake Free Papua Movement Armed Force) Trained By The Indonesian Military.
  On 3rd January 2007 at 07.00pm (West Papua Time), the TNI (Indonesian Military Force) and the Indonesian Mobile Brigade Police (Brimob) had an operation to search for civilians whom they have labeled TPN/OPM (National Freedom Fighters/Free Papua Movement) on the hill of Kumipaga, Yamo District, Mulia-Puncak Jaya Regency. Civilians who were trained by the Indonesian Military forces had fled to other villages. Documents found in the field were books containing names of Task Force and some bows and arrows. No one was injured or killed in this search. The military and the police are still occupying the Kumipaga hill.
  The shooting incident that killed two soldiers of the Indonesian Military, Sergeant Joko Susanto (Special Force unit) and Tobias Sirken (a retired Military officer) and the Morning Star Flag (banned West Papuan flag) that was raised on the Kumipaga Hill, Yamo district, Puncak Jaya regency were created by the Indonesian Military Forces in cooperation with the Fake OPM who had been trained and had been protected by the Indonesian Military Forces.
  Description of the area where the incident happened: Kumipaga is an area where local inhabitants have their gardens. Thus, they do not farm or have their gardens inside the forest. The area is not far from the capital town of Mulia district. It can be reached within 30 minutes by foot from Mulia district. The Kumipaga Hill is a bit marshy. Both people in Mulia District and on the hill of Kumipaga could see each other. The people in Mulia can hear the voice of people shouting at the Kumipaga Hill.
  Description of Mulia people (Puncak Jaya): Generally, the people in Puncak Jaya do not have education. The estimate number of people who have education is about 50 people. Most of the people trained by the Indonesian military as fake OPM do not have enough education. Thus, these people were used by the Indonesian military to achieve their political goals in West Papua. The fake OPM was created, protected and was allowed to do the Indonesian military and the Indonesian Police projects.
  Description of the Morning Star flag and the weapon owned by OPM: the size of the morning star flag raised before (Sunday, the 24th of December 2006) was small, however, the size of the Morning Star flag raised on Sunday, the 24th of December 2006 was big. The questions are:

• Who gave the big flag and the weapon?
• Did OPM have sewing machine in the jungle, thus, they could sew a big size Morning Star flag?
• Who gave the M-16 weapon?
• Did the civilians have any skills of operating the modern machine gun?

Indonesian military personnel were dropped off in Puncak Jaya using Indonesian military helicopters. The presence of a large number of military troops has threatened the local inhabitants.

ANALYSIS OF THE INCIDENT
  The incident on the 8th of December 2006 at Kumipaga Hill, Puncak Jaya was part of the Indonesian government and the Indonesian military operation in the whole region of West Papuan land. The name of this operation was ?Communication Networking Development and Regional Conditioning?. On the 9th of June 2000 the Director General for the National State Integrity (which is a section of the Ministry of Home Affairs) issued a very secret document. The document with the following registration number: 578/NK/KESBANG/D/IV/VI/2006 was issued following a radiogram and a fax from the acting Governor of Irian Jaya province (radiogram no: 190/1671/SET/dated 3rd June 2000 and fax no: 190/POM/060200/dated 2nd June 2000) about the condition of self determination of the Melanesian people of West Papua. The main point of the very secret document from the Home Affairs was ?Regional Conditioning and Community Networking Development Operation Plan? to anticipate the political direction of Irian Jaya (West Papua) towards independence and freedom from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Location of Operation: all regencies, towns, and remote regions of Irian Jaya province. Method of implementation: through extension of regencies and municipalities as many as necessary. Operation Agents: Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Intelligence Units (BAKIN, BAIS TNI, BIN), Indonesian Arm Force Headquarter, Regional Military Headquarters, Indonesian Police Headquarter, Strategic Arm Force, and Special Arm Force). The incident on the 8th of December 2006 at Kumipaga Hill, Mulia district, Pucak Jaya regency was related to previous violence, human right abuses, and the conflicts that were allowed to happen and that were created by the Indonesian military such as:

• Incident 31st August 2002 at PT Freeport Tembagapura, Mile 68, Timika that killed two American citizens, Ricky Lynn Spier and Edwin Leon Burgon, and one Indonesian citizen, FX Bambang Riwanto. Antonius Wamang and 7 civilians were accused of shooting the victims. They are now having their punishment from the Indonesian court. Although, the Papuan Police had issued a report that showed evidence that military personnel took the shooting. Sadly, the important report and the evidence have deliberately been destroyed/disappeared.
• Incident 4th April 2003. The destruction of the Wamena Regional Headquarter?s Weapon Store that killed two Indonesian military personnel, Lieutenant Napitupulu and Sergeant Ruben Lena. The gunman was unidentified.
• Military operation in Kuyuwagi on April 19th, 2003 that killed 10 civilians and 61 people died of starvation in their hiding place in the jungle. Besides, churches, schools, and hospitals were destroyed and burned. People?s gardens were also destroyed by the Indonesian military.
• Incident 5th November 2003. Yustinus Murib and 9 other civilians were tortured and killed by the Indonesian military in Yeleka village, Kurulu district (Jiwika), Jayawijaya regency.
• Incident 17th August 2004. Special Arm Force personnel in Puncak Jaya killed Reverend Elisa Tabuni. At the same time military operations in Puncak Jaya was funded with the Papuan Special Autonomy Fund. The amount of the military operational fund was Rp. 2,520,000,000.00 (Two billion five hundred and twenty million rupiahs). This operation had forced native people to flee to the jungles where 60 people died of starvation.

There are efforts to create confusion of who committed crimes against humanity in Puncak Jaya. There is an accusation that the killing of the two Indonesian military soldiers and the raising of the Morning Star flag was a manipulation prepared by one candidate of the Puncak Jaya regent candidates.
  The accusation was based on a very secret SPECIAL REPORT document from the Special Force (SATGASBAN-4 KOPASSUS Post 7, Mulia) No: R/01/LAPSUS/X/2006 dated 15th October 2006 Section: Social and Politics Re: Chronology of Anarchy Actions of the people who received fuel and petrol compensation fund (Direct Cash Fund) in Mulia district, Puncak Jaya regency. The document was signed by Captain Henry Mahyudi. The report was sent to the Special Force commander (SATGASBAN-4 KOPASSUS) in Jayapura.
  The point of the 10 page-report was stated in the conclusions point 1 and point 3.
Point 1 : "The political conspiracy of Eliezer Renmaur (the ex-regent of Puncak Jaya) and the separatist groups was a step back away from the concept of the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia as a Final Price. Eliezer Renmaur's efforts to win the regional elections did not support the special autonomy law no 21/2001."
Point 3 : "The mass riots and conflicts caused by the people who received the Direct Cash Fund was a culmination of provokes and political moves of Elizer Renmaur and his supporters from the Indonesian Democratic Party, and also some involvement of the separatist groups who tried to cancel the regional elections in Puncak Jaya. The questions are:
  - Whether civilians and bureaucrats like Eliezer Renmaur have expertise in planning strategies and managing conflicts?
  The history of the Melanesian people in West Papua has proven that it is only the military who had the theory of creating conflicts, maintaining the conflicts or allowing them to happen. The military have implemented the theory in West Papua since the 1st of May 1963 until the present. In conclusion, all the incidents that have happened on Papuan land including the recent one in Pucak Jaya (8th December 2006) were the Indonesian government and the Indonesian military justification efforts to achieve their following main agenda :
  The increase of the number of military personnel for the purpose of military operations in West Papua particularly in the central highland of West Papua.
  Formation of new battalions and new military headquarters in all newly formed central highland regencies. The main reason was that these regions are not safe, therefore, any extension of regencies must be followed by the formation of new military headquarter.
  The extension of the central Irian Jaya province and the South Irian Jaya province was based on the assumption that the OPM still exists and would cause disturbances in these regions. (In reality, the facts show that the fake OPM created by the Indonesian military was the one that always created disturbances).
  Create Papua as a land of conflicts so the increase in number of military personnel may be justified. This also has become a source of funding projects for higher Indonesian military officers.
  Systematic efforts of ethnic genocide of the native Papuans.

An appeal to the International community :
  (We demand that):
  The governments of USA. European Union, Australia, the Pacific Islands Forum, Asian Countries and the black people of the African continent to put pressure on the Indonesian government to open a peaceful and respectful dialogue with the native people of Papua to solve the tragedy of humanity in West Papua.
  The implementation of the Special Autonomy No 21`/2001 must be re-evaluated by the Papuans and the international community because Special Autonomy has not guaranteed the survival and the basic rights of the native Papuans. Special Autonomy in fact has brought disaster and suffering to the native Papuans.
  The UN Special Commission on Human Right needs to visit West Papua to investigate human rights abuses in West Papua.
  (International) Human Rights activists/workers need to visit West Papua to investigate human rights abuses in West Papua.
  Immediately stop all Indonesian military operations in West Papua by withdrawing all non-organic troops who have been working in disguise in all regions of West Papuan land.

  Reported by: Rev. Socratez Sofyan Yoman
  President of the Fellowship of West Papuan Baptist Churches
  West Papua January, 4th, 2007
  Sent by Matthew Jamieson
  Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
  ends
 

20070101 Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

Media Release 1 January 2007

Indonesian Police Accuse West Papuan Clergy of Being Members of the West Papua Guerrilla Army

In an attack on religious freedom and the church in West Papua the Indonesian Police have accused the Kingmi Church of being the religious arm of the OPM (Free Papua Movement).

The increase in repressive Indonesian Government action in West Papua is occurring at time when the Australia Indonesia security treaty is to be ratified by Australian Parliament & would mean Australia Government would not involve itself in the civil rights issues in West Papua.

Two Kingmi Church clergy, Rev Benny Giay & Rev Noakh Nawipa are accused by Indonesian Police of cooperating in an armed attack, close to the Freeport gold & copper mine in August 2002, which resulted in the deaths of two U.S and one Indonesian teacher.

These latest allegations come after a peaceful demonstration by some 400 members of the church & Papuan students outside the Kingmi Church Synod Office in Jayapura two days ago (30th of December 2006).

Police had forcibly occupied the Synod Office in Jayapura, injuring two clergy, Rev. Seblum Karubaba and Rev. Noakh Nawipa, in the process. The police occupied the office for nearly 24 hours but were forced to concede to the church demands and vacate the office.

Rev. Benny Giay, the Chair of the Kingmi Church Bureau of Justice and Peace, says that this unprecedented action by Indonesian police is a blatant attack on rights of religious freedom & free speech.

Rev Benny Giay said today, "I believe that the Rev Paul Paksoal, who is the President of the Tabernacle Bible Church of Indonesia (Gereja Kemah Injil Indonesia), who is informed by the Indonesian military intelligence, is promoting the idea that our church supports political activity of the OPM. Rev Paul Paksoal is saying that myself and Rev Nawipa supported the OPM political activity, that was executed by the Antonius Wamang, which resulted in the murders of the two US & one Indonesian teacher."

Rev. Benny Giay and Rev Noakh Nawipa vigorously deny all the accusations and insist that they are being targeted because their nonviolent work for justice and peace in West Papua.

Benny giay said today, "This action is a strategy by Indonesian security forces to use the church of Indonesian to overturn the right of the Kingmi Church to maintain an independent Synod in West Papua."
"The victims of Indonesian brutality are the members of the church. The church has the right to stand up for the rights of the people. It is an attack on the institution and legitimate work of the Kingmi Church itself."

Rev Ishak Onawame, Kingmi church and Antonius Wamang case
Matthew Jamieson representing the Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights said today, "Initial investigations by Human Rights workers on the ground in Timika and the Indonesian Police implicated the Indonesian military in the attack near Freeport on September 2002. Antonious Wamang publicly admitted on Australian television (SBS West Papua - Ambushed, 01/09/2004, Antony Balmain) that he was involved in the incident."
"The arrest by Indonesian police of Antonius Wamang and twelve others, including Rev Izhak Onawame from the Kingmi Church, occurred in January 2006. The arrest involved an initial act of deception by US FBI agents, who promised Wamang that he would travel to the US to stand trial. In a highly irregular & politicized trial Wamang and seven co-defendants were convicted by an Indonesian court in Jakarta on September 2006."
"At the time of the arrests Rev Izhak Onawame, was the District Super-intendant of the Kingmi church in the Mimika region, which includes Timika, Tembagapurra and the Freeport mine. I believe that Rev Izhak Onawame was present at this time as a witness in the negotiations between Wamang and the FBI."
"The arrest of Wamang and others coincided with a US Government decision to renew military ties with Indonesian in January 2006. The US had previously denied continued military funding and training to Indonesian Government after the military were implicated in the murder of the two US teachers at Freeport in 2002. Military funding to Indonesian was initially stopped after the Indonesian military supported militia actions which razed East Timor after the Independence referendum."
Matthew Jamieson representing the Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights also said today, "The sentencing of the defendants of the Timika case by the Indonesian Court in Jakarta was very dubious. There was not fair and proper defense of the accused as their lawyers had limited access to the defendants.
It is highly questionable that Rev Isahk Onawame and most of the others charged had any involvement in the 2002 incident at all.
This action of the Indonesian Police to also implicate Rev Benny Giay and Rev Noakh Nawipa is highly repressive, unjustified & politically motivated." Matthew Jamieson said.

Security treaty between Indonesian & Australia
Matthew Jamieson went on to say today "The increase in repressive Indonesian Government action in West Papua directly correlates to the recent security treaty negotiated between Australia and Indonesia. When the Australia Indonesia security treaty is to be ratified by Australian Parliament will mean that Australia Government would not involve itself in the civil rights issues in West Papua. Such an action by the Australian Government is unjust and will be very bad for the people of West Papua."
Matthew Jamieson said, "The attack on the Kingmi Church and TNI preparedness to carry out further military operations in the Mulia and Bolakme region of the highlands shows that even before it has been ratified by Parliament in Australia, the new security treaty has effectively given the Indonesian police and military a green light to crack down on the West Papuan community."

For English and Indonesia language interviews phone Benny Giay on +62 (0)852 4437 3166.
For further information contact Matthew Jamieson +61 (0) 418291998 and For English and Indonesian language interviews contact Paula Makabory on +61 (0) 402547517.
Sent by Matthew Jamieson
Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
PO Box 1805, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Australia
matthew@hr.minihub.org fax +61 66848153
mobile +61(0)418291998
 

20061230 Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

Police occupy Church Synod Office in West Papua

Today (30th December 2006) members of Gereja Kingmi (the Indigenous Church in West Papua) organised demonstrations in front of the Church Synod office in Jayapura, West Papua after Indonesian Police yesterday stormed and occupied the Synod Office, injuring two Pastors in the process.

"Police accuse us of being the religious arm of the OPM (also known as the Free Papua Movement) but all we want to do is run our own affairs free of government interference and intimidation" said Pastor Benny Giay, Chair of the Kingmi Church's Bureau of Justice and Peace. "This attack by the Police is not just against church activists working to defend human rights" said Pastor Giay, "it is an attack on the institution of the Church itself."

"Our people are now on the street demanding that the Police leave the Synod Office so that church members can use church property" said Pastor Giay.

The occupation of Church property and the assault of the two Kingmi pastors follow a public accusation by the Indonesian minister of Defence earlier this year that the Christian Church in West Papua along with international non-government organisations is promoting independence in West Papua. It is an accusation that Pastor Giay denies.

From 1962 to 1983 the Kingmi Church (which was established by American missionaries from the Christian and Missionary Alliance) operated independently in West Papua. In 1983 Kingmi Church joined with the Gereja Kemah Injil Indonesia (The Tabernacle Bible Church of Indonesia) in order to assist the visa applications of foreign missionaries applying to live in West Papua.

"When foreign missionaries stopped coming to West Papua we decided that there was no reason to continue to remain under the control of Jakarta. In our congress this year we withdrew our membership from the Gereja Kemah Injil Indonesia and reinstated the KIngmi Church's former status as an independent Synod in West Papua. Jakarta opposes this and accuses us of being separatists" says Pastor Giay.

Jason MacLeod from the Institute of Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights (IPAHR) says that the accusation by Jakarta is ominous. "The label 'OPM' is used by the police to silence debate and stigmatise West Papuans on the basis of ethnicity in order to justify repressive security operations. Church leaders in West Papua who speak out for peace and justice are regularly subject to surveillance and intimidation by the security forces."

Pastor Giay, author of numerous books about politics and religious movements in West Papua, holds a PhD from Leiden University in the Netherlands and is well known internationally for his human rights advocacy. He is calling on his international networks to encourage Jakarta to support the right of the Kingmi Church to run their own affairs free of government interference and intimidation.

For English and Indonesia language interviews phone Benny Giay on +62 (0)852 4437 3166.
Media release prepared by Jason MacLeod from the Institute of Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights in Australia: +61 (0)438 503 532.
 

20061228 Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

Urgent Action Els-Ham Wamena 28/12/06
Human rights defenders fear that today or tommorrow TNI Battalion 756 from Wamena will carry out operations in Bolakme (West of Wamena near Mulia). Grave concerns are held for civilian population.

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Els-ham is a Papua based Human Right organisation , Office address Jln ISTP Padang Bulan Abepura Jayapura, Papua

I (Matthew Jamieson, Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights) talked to Socratez Yoman, President, Communion of Baptist Churches today 28/12/06.

Socratez Yoman has just return from Wamena today. He said he was unable to go to Mulia area because he had criticised the military in relation to the killings on 9 December and they would control his movement.

He holds view that the deteriorating situation in Mulia is a result of the deliberate action of the Indonesian Military. He believes that the Indonesian military has commenced military operations in the Mulia area.

Yoman beleives that the Military is manipulating the situation to gain advantage in terms of increases troop numbers and being able to undertake operations in the highland area against the local people.

Yoman says that it is essential that international bodies and countries, including the United Nations and Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island nations, become involved in making the peace & monitoring the situation in West Papua.

In other reports.

Large numbers of troops have been noted moving from Nabire, Wamena & Timika. Human Rights sources believe that the operation in the Punjak Jaya is being run as a 'closed operation'. A 'closed operation' means that all outside contact will be excluded and military will be run operations as if they were not occurring. These sources note that the Police and Military have denied commencing any operations.

These same Human Rights sources (28/12/06) are now unsure that Goliat Tabuni group is responsible for killings of the two Indonesian military personnel previously attributed to them(see IPAHR press release 26/12/06). Goliat Tabuni has not claimed responsibility and no contact has been made with him

What action we can take in Australia is to:

(i) Contact the Australian Government. Write phone and fax the Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, Local Member and the Department of Foreign Affairs to ask that your Government become involved in situation in Mulia, West Papua. The best thing would be for the Government to send a Government delegation to West Papua to investigate the situation and that they take steps to stop military operations, open up West Papua to international scrutiny, make the peace and ensure the safety of local people in this region.

(ii) Contact the various parts of the Indonesian government that you can access and give them a strong message that the Australian community is concerned about what is happening in Mulia, West Papua.

Prepared by
Matthew Jamieson
Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
PO Box 1805, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Australia
fax +61 66848153
mobile +61(0)418291998
 

20061226 Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

Media release

Tensions increase in Mulia, West Papua as two members of Indonesian armed forces are killed

Human Rights workers in West Papua state today that two Indonesian army personnel have been killed in the Mulia area.

On 24 December 2006 traditional warriors from the Goliat Tabuni OPM group occupied the town of Mulia, which is district capital of the Punjak Jaya region. The traditional warriors withdrew from Mulia that night after the Indonesian army prepared an attack on the town.

Human rights sources have reported today that two Indonesian army personnel searching from Illu to Mulia (east of Mulia) for OPM/TPN fighters were kidnapped and subsequently killed by the Goliat Tabuni group.

The bodies of the two army personnel were left at the Yami River. Local community members have refused to participate in the evacuation of the bodies.

Human rights sources say that the Indonesian military commander for Nabire region is now in the town of Mulia. These sources report that police & army includes TNI Battalion 753 from Nabire, Kopassus (Indonesian army commando's), Brimob (Police Mobile Brigade), Polres (Local Police) and Intelligence agencies BIN & BAIS.

Human Rights workers in West Papua are concerned that this action will serve to heighten tensions in the region and expect that in the next days an even wider military response will commence.

Paula Makabory from Els-ham, the Papuan based Human Rights organization said today, "I am very concerned that the Goliat Tabuni group is trying to openly fight the Indonesian army. These traditional warriors want to fight with the Indonesian army and there will be loss of life and senseless bloodshed if they do."

"This Goliat Tabuni group has withdrawn from the non violent campaign which is being promoted by the wider West Papua liberation struggle."

Paula Makabory went onto say,"Whether the Indonesian army is responsible for promoting this conflict I cannot say. We know it is army practice to provoke conflict with the local communities and even sacrifice their own people. The Indonesian army uses a strategy of increased conflict to increase their budget and personnel in West Papua."

"The Indonesian army uses this kind of conflict for justification to undertake indiscriminate action against West Papua highland communities. There will be repercussions for the wider community and the women and children and villages that are not participating in the fighting."

"To the Indonesian army all the highland men will look like warriors. At this time of high tensions men will be armed with bows and arrows and they will be indistinguishable from the members of the Goliat Tabuni group."

"Past experience of this kind of overheated environment is that the Indonesian army extends their military actions into the local community. This happened in 2005 in this same Punjak Jaya area. More than 5000 people were displaced and hundreds of house, clinic, schools & other community facilities were burnt by the Indonesian army and the community at large suffered an acute famine."

"Parties other than the Indonesian army need to be involved in defusing this situation. The Indonesian Government needs to act to pull out the army and allow these other parties into the conflict area. They must involve the Papuan church to negotiate a way through the situation."

"The situation in West Papua will not be resolved by allowing the Indonesian army go to fight traditional warriors from the OPM. If the army withdraws people lives will be saved."

West Papua, which forms western half of the island of New Guinea was occupied by Indonesian after 1962. Indonesian control was ratified by the United Nations in 1969 after a widely criticized plebiscite called the "Act of Free Choice". Since that time the Melanesian people of West Papua people have campaigned for the right of self- determination and separation from the State of Indonesian.

For further information contact:

Paula Makabory +61 402547517
Matthew Jamieson
Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
PO Box 1805, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Australia
fax +61 66848153
 

20061224 Free West Papua Campaign Pacifica

*URGENT APPEAL FOR SUPPORT FOR WEST PAPUAN REFUGEES IN PNG AT RISK OF FORCIBLE RETURN*

*DEAR SUPPORTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS, *

I am writing to you to appeal for urgent emergency assistance to assist at high risk refugees in immediate danger of a humanitarian emergency and forcible return from Papua New Guinea by Indonesian military personnel.

These refugees are students who were forced to flee West Papua after the events of March 16, 2006 at Cenderawasih University. (see _http://freewestpapua.com/node/90_ for a copy of the report). They make up the bulk of the student population of West Papua and have been hunted consistently by the Indonesian military for their perceived involvement in the clashes that followed

I personally had to assist many of these students to come to a staging point before I had to leave the country, and have been trying to get institutional support to no avail. Due to lack of support, many of them then had to return and their safety had been compromised

We have received desperate pleas from many of the refugees regarding their immediate situation, including many who have been made very sick through malnutrition and malaria.

One of our refugees, Chosmos Yual, has been captured recently by Indonesian Special Forces troops operating with impunity deep in PNG territory, and is currently in Abepura prison without charge undergoing mistreatment at the hands of the Indonesian authorities. 26 further have had to return because there is no money to assist them in PNG and their safety is at grave risk. Furthermore, one woman is seven months pregnant with no access to health care.

We have as yet unconfirmed information that several of the refugees who had to return have been killed by BIN (Indonesian intelligence) operatives.

We are appealing to people in the lucky country in which we live to dig deep to get a lasting solution for the welfare of these people, who will be killed if captured by the Indonesian military. Sell up some of your Christmas gifts if you have to: all people are asking for in Papua is the simple gift of life. We have identified a safe haven and a third country has indicated acceptance for these people, but we desperately need funds to enable our teams to get them there. We are asking to raise at A$10,000 in total, but we need a minimum of three thousand just to keep them alive, but this will be ongoing. There is no other support for these people, and unfortunately this is not tax deductible due to the Australian governments hostility to basic human rights and dignity for West Papuan people.

/*What you can do*/
*
make representations to the UNHCR in Canberra to actively facilitate the safe settlement of the refugees in a third country.
_www.unhcr.org.au/contactus.shtml_
Legal & resettlement enquiries: +61 2 6273 2733 Fax: +61 2 6273 6822
Papua New Guinea Field Office
PO Box 1909, Port Moresby, PNG
Telephone: +675 321 5973 Fax: +675 321 5977 Email: _pngpo@unhcr.org_
*
*
Donate to enable our team to complete their mission and get people to safety. To make a donation, please visit http://manukoreri.net/?page_id=24 and click on the donate link or get in contact with me personally for bank details (if you are reading this online you can _click here to donate_)

Yours in Solidarity and hope,
Nick Chesterfield
Free West Papua Campaign Pacifica
 

20061222 Benny Wenda

Benny Wenda's Statement on the Mulia Incident

I have recently heard from the Mulia people that large numbers of Indonesian troops have been sent to Wamena and Mulia to begin a military operation. They want to capture Goliat Tabuni. He is an OPM member who was forced to hide out in the jungle due to the pressure of the police search for him.

My fear is that they will now target local civilians in an attempt to force Goliat to give himself up – an operation that will result n horrific bloodshed. It is extremely important that Indonesia is stopped before the military can reach Mulia and carry out a massacre of the villagers there.

West Papua has already declared non-violent resistance (called ‘The Land of Peace’ initiati). Our aim is to achieve mediated dialogue between West Papua and our oppressors; Indonesia’s response to this is to send the military in to kil, torture, rape and imprison us. In an attempt to create the pretence that the West Papuans are violent and savage, Indonesia intentionally provokes Papuan people into violence by threatening them with violence or killing their families in front of them.

In Goliat’s case, the Indonesian Special Force (Kopassu) was sent in to ‘negotiate’ withim. This is not their job– the OPM are enemies to them and in realtiy they came to capture and kill him. Goliat did not attack them, but when they began to attack him, he was left with no other option other than to kill them in self-defence. Is it right that we should be driven to violence like this?

Who is behind all this? The Indonesian Special Force and ex-military play a massive part in the suppression of the resistance, with huge control over the Indonesian government. Much of their time is spent devising reasons to send troops to different areas of West Papua in order to wipe out innocent Papuans or drive us to violence. Where do they get the money to carry out this genocide? The International Community recently gave funding to Indonesia to bring in Special Autonomy. However, this failed and now Indonesia is using that money given by foreign countries to fund these military operations.

I ask the International Community: please press Indonesia to stop sending military forces to create violence. We ask:

1. for a stop to the military operations in the Highlands
2. for the military to pull out of our country
3. for the military to stop killing civilians

My people need these things to happen to survive.

The root of the problem in West Papua is twofold:
1. The unjust vote of self-determination in 1969, called ‘Act of Free Choice’ by Indonesia and the West; ‘Act of No Choice’ by us, where only 1000 Papuans were handpicked to vote from the original 800,000 and tortured into voting for Indonesian rule. This terrible unfairness is known about, but overlooked by, the UN.

2. The multi-national corporations operating in West Papua: Freeport, Rio Tinto, BP, and numerous logging companies. As well as destroying our beautiful countryside, they support the military by paying taxes to the government, most of which go to the military. In return for this, the companies are offered protection by the military which again adds to the lie that the West Papuan people are dangerous and violent.

We ask Indonesia for peaceful dialogue, but the only response we get to our demands is the sending in of more troops to kill us. We need the chance – and have the right – to democratically choose independence. We were denied that in 1969; we have waited long enough now. The situation becomes more urgent every day. We need to stop the violence, suffering and deaths.

Oxford 22nd December 2006

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Benny Wenda
West Papuan independence leader & Chair of the Koteka Tribal Assembly
P.O Box.656,Oxford,OX3 3AP England UK
Mobile:+44(0)7791629782
bwenda@infopapua.org
http://www.infopapua.org/
http://www.freewestpapua.org/
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