U.S. Congress letter to Indonesia

Congress of the United States Washington, DC 20515 September 15, 2005 The Honorable Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Office of the President Istana Merdeka Jakarta 10110 Indonesia Dear President Yudhoyono: We, the undersigned members of Congress, commend you for changing visa policies that allowed journalists and international organizations access to Aceh flollowing the tsunami disaster. Countless lives have been saved because of this change. We write to encourage you to continue with these positive steps by opening up access to West Papua and by addressing the following issues: * Military Operations in West Papua * We note that recently announced plans to establish a new Strategic Army Reserve (Kostrad) post in West Papua's Mimika District with plans to station up to 15,000 new military troops in West Papua, are further threatening to undermine peace initiatives. We also are deeply concerned about ongoing Indonesian military (TNI) operations in Mimika District itself. For example, we understand that a TNI patrol near the Coffee River (Kali Kopi) reportedly shot dead two Papuans in mid-March and that four other Papuans recently were killed in this area. Despite efforts to impede access by international journalists and human rights and humanitarian workers, we are aware that operations in the highlands have resulted in numerous human rights violations since August 2004. Churches, human rights organizations, and regional parliamentarians (DPRD Papua) are reporting that thousands of villagers have been forced to flee these military operations. We call on you to immediately end the new military operations and to halt the military build-up in West Papua as a whole. Press reports indicate that these military operations are being financed in part by funds from international donors that were designed to help Papuans develop local governance. These reports further suggest the TNI is diverting these funds to create militia, a situation gravely reminiscent of TNI sponsorship of militia to ravage East Timor in 1999. We urge you to promptly investigate this reported misuse of funds. We urge you to order the immediate disbanding of the militia, criminally prosecute those culpable, and repay illicitly-spent funds. * Peace Process and Human Rights * We recognize that many prominent leaders of West Papua are seeking solutions to the pressing problems in the region through dialogue and negotiation. We are aware of recent reports about the formation of a special Presidential Commission on West Papua. We believe this to be a positive development deserving of your government's full cooperation and support. However, detaining non-violent leaders - such as Yusak Pakage and Filep Karma - is clearly limiting the possibilities for political compromise. We urge you to immediately release Pakage, Karma, and other political prisoners who are working for peace. * Restriction on Travel * The trabel permit (surat jalan) system, requiring travelers to report their own movements to local intelligence agencies, is contrary to the freedom of movement that is essential to a functional democracy. In all areas of West Papua outside of major urban centers, foreigners are required to carry surat jalan travel permits. In some localities Indonesian citizens of Papuan descent are even required to caryy similar permits. We call on you to abolish the travel permit system and allow for the freedom of movement throughout Indonesia. Visa policies are in place that restrict access of international journalists, researchers, and NGO workers to West Papua. We urge you to abolish these visa restrictions. Moving towards a democratic system of government with respect for human rights is the key to a sustainable peace in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Indonesia. We respect the fledging efforts you have made towards building democratic institutions and encourage your continued efforts to institute respect for human rights and rule of law as you lead your country on a path towards democracy. Sincerely, Sam Farr Member of Congress Chris Smith Donald M. Payne Frank Wolf Patrick J. Kennedy Trent Franks Peter DeFazio Jim Gerlach Eni F. H. Faleomavaega Gregory Meeks Lois Capps Nita Lowey Diane Watson Stephen F. Lynch Michael Honda Jose E. Serrano Maurice Hinchey Tim Bishop Carolyn Maloney Dennis Kucinich Lane Evans Raul M. Grijalva Tammy Baldwin Mark Udall Henry A. Waxman Zoe Lofgren David Wu James P. McGovern James Oberstar Michael Capuano Pete Stark Dennis Cardoza Steve Rothman Maxine Waters Jan Schakowsky Cc: U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, B. Lynn Pascoe Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Soemadi Djoko Moerjono Brotodiningrat Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, Chris Hill

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