Press Release: West Papua Rights group condemns military attack on protestors in Deiyai

IPHAR PR Deiyai 29.08.19

also see footage on https://www.sbs.com.au/news/exclusive-footage-shows-indonesian-forces-opening-fire-on-papuan-protesters

 

Media Release: Rights group condemns attack on protestors in Deiyai

29 August 2019

Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights today condemns the fatal shootings in the military attack on protestors in Deiyai yesterday. Paula Makabory spokesperson for Institute for Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights (IPAHR) calls for an end to the violence and help for the shooting victims.

Paula Makabory said today ‘The Indonesian President must stand down the Indonesian security forces in West Papua. They are the perpetrators who triggered this conflict at a peaceful demonstration.’

‘In this case, Indonesian security forces triggered the conflict by calling the locals “monkeys.” They ridiculed the demonstrators first and then attacked them with tear gas. When some local people responded with traditional bows and arrows the military opened fire with live ammunition and killed civilians,’ Makabory said.

‘This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Deiyai,’ said Dr. Eben Kirksey, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Deakin University in Melborune. Kirksey traveled to Deiyai in 2018 where he found evidence of 29 extrajudicial killings by Indonesian security forces over the past two decades. “The United Nations has requested access to West Papua to investigate this long history of killings,” Dr. Kirksey said. “The Indonesian government should stop stone walling and grant access to UN Special Rapporteurs.”

Paula Makabory went on to say, ‘a Genocide is happening in West Papua. Provocation of conflict by Indonesian security forces in Deiyai is evidence of genocidal intent by the Indonesian military against ethnic Papuans. Military operations against the Papuan people have been intensifying in the remote mountainous areas in recent months.’

‘West Papua, must be opened up to outside world, especially the mountainous region of Deiyai, Paniai, Puncak Jaya and Nduga, for an independent Human Rights investigation by the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner and especially, the UN Special Rapporteurs on Torture and Extra Judicial Killings.’

Chronology: Deiyai 28 August, 2019,

It is reported by the local sources by phone to Institute of Papua Advocacy & Human Rights that there were 12 incoming airplanes to Enarotali airport from Timika which dropped additional an large number of Indonesian army into the region. These soldiers then deployed to Deiyai District, during the mass demonstration at the Regent office.

The demonstration was initially peaceful. When security forces started calling the Papua demonstrators ‘monkeys’ the demonstrators became agitated. The security forces then fired tear gas into the crowd. While protestors were suffering impacts from the tear gas the army started firing live ammunition. Local indigenous people were reportedly armed with traditional bows and arrows. They reportedly retaliated with arrows after the firing of the tear gas and bullets. The intention of the troops of Indonesia military and police was clearly to provoke the anger of the people and justify the use of lethal force.

An unknown number of local people were killed from bullet wounds and 5 security forces were shot by arrows from the demonstrators. It is noted that yesterday Reuters and Aljazeera report that 6 people were killed in the incident.

Among the civilians a 20 year old named Alpius Pigai was shot dead. Several young children aged 9 and 10 that were shot and injured. Martinus Iyai 27 was shot in the thigh and Naomi Pigome was also injured at the crime scene. Pictures of two civilians shot in the incident are circulating on social media. One shows a young woman with mid abdominal wound and a young man with patch over a shoulder injury in the hospital.

It is reported that some of the victims couldn’t be approached to be identified because the security forces were standing guard. Medical care of these injured people appears to be hampered by the security forces. It was reported that 5 security forces and 3 local victims were sent and being treated at the public hospital.

Contact:
Paula Makabory +61 (0) 423451540
Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights Inc. Email: ipahrcontact@gmail.com
Email: paulagodwin30@yahoo.com

Contact:
Dr. Eben Kirksey +61 (0) 448379170

S. Eben Kirksey, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation
Deakin University
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia eben.kirksey@deakin.edu.au | +61 3 522 78734

At least seven civilians were shot dead during a demonstration against racism in Deiyai, The seven civilians were named Alpius Pigai (20 years), Derikson Adii (21), Hans Ukago (27), Marinus Ikomouw (35), a surnamed Pakege, and two other victims who were still detained at the Paniai Regional General Hospital . The shooting took place on Wednesday this week, August 28. Around 7 am to 11 noon local time, around 3000 thousands people were gathering for the demonstration of the Deiyai ​​Anti-Racism gathered at the Waghete soccer field, Deiyai, Papua. They then walked to the Regent’s office.
Regent ofvDeiyai ​​at that time was not there. At around 12:30, they made speeches in the office yard. “Before the demonstrants arrived, the Indonesian security forceshad arrived first,.
At 2 pm one of the local named Karel Kotouki, 67 years old was shot at his foot. The shooting caused panic and triggering the emotions of the demonstrants.
As a result, the empty district office was stoned by the protestors. The security forces fired tear gas into the crowds and while protestors were suffering impact from the tear gas and scattered around, the security forces started fire live amunitions. The locals fired arrows at the security forces. Three civilians were shot dead on the spot. The three civilians were Alpius Pigai and two other victims whose bodies were still in Paniai District Hospital, Douw said.
Four other civilians who died were not in the same spot. Some died in the middle of the road. the road.
The victim named Marinus Ikomouw has been buried by his family. While the body of Alpius Pigai has been taken from Paniai District Hospital. A victim named Derikson Adii, the son of a the pastor who has just finished his theological studies.
Beside the seven civilians killed, there were 15 other civilians injured and treated at Paniai District Hospital. There were also five other wounded victims treated by their families, had not yet received hospital treatment. They are: Apiin Mote (32 years) shot in the right butt, bullet pierced to the side; Naomi Pigome (28), fell into a ditch when exposed to tear gas, a cut on the left calf; Marthinus Iyai (27), shot in the right thigh; Yanto Dogopia (10), shot in the left thigh; and Yusti Agapa (17) shot in the right thigh pierced by bullet.
One army member of the security forces was killed, there were six personnel who were shot by arrows.
Reported by Yones Douw, Head of the Justice and Peace Department of the Kingmi Church Synod in the Land of Papua.

Additional info from other source,
It was reported by some Indonesian media that that The army member who died was Sertu Rikson Edi Chandra (38 years) from Kodam II / Sriwijaya.

 

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/footage-shows-indonesian-forces-opening-fire-on-papuan-protesters

 

Political assassination of West Papuan High School student by Indonesian Police

Media release                                                                                          29/09/15

 
Monday evening, September 28, Indonesian Police shot two Senior High School Students in Gorong Gorong, Timika, West Papua. Around 7pm Kaleb Bogau (17 years old) was shot in the chest and died on the scene. Efrando Sabarofek (also 17 years old) was shot in the chest and leg and is in a critical condition in the Timika hospital.

The family of Kaleb Bogau has treated this case as a political assassination. Kaleb Bogau was the son of KNPB (Committee National West Papua) activist Reverend Obed Bogau from Kingme Church. Kaleb Bogau body was taken from Timika hospital by his family to the KNPB office.

Obed Bogau is also reported to have received a text message apology from Paulus Waterpau, the Regional Chief of Police (Kapolda), based in Jayapura, Papua. It is reported that Obed Bogau refused the apology message from Waterpau saying that Indonesia had killed so many Papuans and was treating them like animals. He asked the Police to properly investigate this case and, additionally, the recent killing of Kamoro students by military at a traditional ceremony in the Catholic church in Timika last month.

The KNPB is a non-violent movement seeking Independence from Indonesia, comprising mostly youth and students who are active in all major centres across Papua.
Within the past year there have been at least five cases of civilian shootings in Papua by soldiers or police force. A total of eight people have died as a result.

Paula Makabory representing the Institute for Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights said today, “This Indonesian police assassination is directed against Papuan youth and the KNPB in an attempt to quell political protest by a new generation of Papuans. This political assassination of a West Papuan youth should draw international condemnation.”

Paula Makabory also stated, “The Pacific Island Forum this month has talked about sending a Human Rights fact finding mission to West Papua. The Indonesian foreign minister had said it was wrong for the Pacific Island Forum to speak about the internal affairs of Indonesia. The Australian and New Zealand Government appear to have sided with Indonesia to attempt to sideline attempts for International access and attention to the Human Rights situation.”

“It is clearly time that our brothers and sisters in the Pacific and wider international community condemn Indonesia for its callous & vicious State control over the West Papuan people”.

For Further Information contact: Paula Makabory +61 (0) 423451540

Or Matthew Jamieson +61 (0) 418291998   <matthew@hr.minihub.org>

Kaleb Bogau (deceased)         &   Efrando Sabarofek in Timika Hospital

Chronology of Events

A witness says the two students who were shot were sitting with other friends in a public place near to the Biak residential housing complex in Gorong Gorong, Timika 28/09/15.  This witness also reported that four police officers approached the group and one police officer asked if there was any trouble, intimating that the group of youths were making trouble.

Other reports state that Police trucks came to the housing complex and questioned a civilian; “Where is young people who making the trouble situation here?”   The housing complex was reportedly peaceful up to the time when the police arrived.

It is reported in the media and elsewhere that someone in the complex said to the police that the young people are always there and that their parents are members of the OPM. (OPM is the banned organisation of the West Papuan liberation movement)

The witness reported that the youth group began to move back to the nearby housing complex. The housing complex was reportedly surrounded by a large contingent of police, including three trucks, 15 motorbikes and three police cars.

As a result Kaleb Bogau and Efrando Sabarofek ran reportedly scared from the police operation. Kaleb Bogau and Efrando Sabarofek and the others ran along the path toward the housing complex and then into a group of police. The three students were shot by police in different locations in this vicinity. Both of the serious shooting victims where then transferred by police to Timika hospital.  The third victim is reported to have escaped with a less serious gunshot wound.

Local witness in Gorong Gorong also report that when residents found out that Kaleb Bogau had been shot dead they tried to determine who had initially called the police to the site. Local people then staged a demonstration, which became a riot and one house was burnt. The Police who stayed on the scene then fired into the crowd, injuring three more persons one girl and two boys. These persons were reportedly not admitted to hospital as they feared for their safety.

Another such incident recently in Timika highlights Indonesia’s intelligence operations against the KNPB.   On Friday night 25/09/15 from 8pm until midnight a drone with a camera presumed to come from Indonesian Secret Intelligence Agency was seen hovering outside the KNPB office in Timika. This drone was shot down with a traditional bow and arrow. The drone was then identified as a Zyna brand drone with its control located across the street from the KNPB office.

See: https://www.facebook.com/nesta.gimbal/posts/952180298196612?pnref=story

Demonstration in Timika 29/09/15

Today local people in Timika have staged a further demonstration as result of the police shooting. The Freeport copper mine, which is the worlds’ richest copper and gold mining deposit, is serviced from Timika.   This region has a long held reputation for having the worse record of Human Rights abuses in Indonesia, primarily perpetrated by Indonesian police and military.

Police in Timika 29/09/15

Also see recent report about Timika and Papuan killings in http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/papua-shootings-09172015183311.html

end

 

Congratuations to Pacific Island Forum on West Papua stance

This is great outcome for Pacific Island Forum condemning Indonesia actions in West Papua and giving direction to future from Pacific Island Forum Secretariat from the recent meeting over the past days in Port Moresby.

http://grants.forumsec.org/…/2-un…/16-cso-outcome-statements

1) CSO Outcome Statements on Regional Priorities including West Papua

Troika Leaders, i.e. the past (RMI), current (Palau) and future chair (PNG) of the Pacific Islands Forum met with representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) today in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to have a dialogue on regional priorities. In this historical occasion, CSO representatives presented their consolidated views on the five regional priorities that were identified through the Framework For Pacific Regionalism process and to be discussed by Pacific Islands Forum Leaders during the 46th Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting.

For more information on the CSO position statements on Regional Priorities, click on the links below:

Regional CSO Forum Overarching Statement
Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
Increased economic returns from fisheries activity and maritime surveillance
Regional ICT Advisory Council
Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention
West Papua

WEST Papua
REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS FORUM Position Papers on Priority Areas
RECOGNITION OF REGIONAL RESPONSIBILITY ON A LONGSTANDING AND UNFINISHED REGIONAL
Pacific civil society,
Recognizing that finding a just resolution to the situation is a moral regional responsibility and constitutes an ongoing obligation for the region to find a just resolution to the West Papuan people,
Recognizing the shared cultural and historical affinity that makes West Papua unquestionable part of the Pacific family,
Recalling that Leaders have, in several previous Communiqués, recognized and expressed deep concern about ongoing violence and loss of life in West Papua, and recalling also that Leaders have called previously on all parties to protect and uphold the human rights of the people of West Papua and to support peaceful consultations and third party negotiations,1
Taking into account other significant initiatives by Pacific Island nations, at the national level and through international mechanisms, reinforcing regional solidarity for West Papua and other non-self-governing territories in the region,2
Taking note of the affirmation by Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders in 2013 of the inalienable right of the West Papuan people to self-determination3 and the current MSG
processes to consider the matter of West Papuan membership in the organisation,
Recognizing the actual and continuing gross violation of the human rights of West Papuan people, including numerous recent killings and mass arrests of peaceful protestors and activists,
Recognizing the existing isolation of West Papuan groups through direct and structural violence,
Taking note that such human rights violations have continued in West Papua despite previous and widespread expressions of concern by the international community, as well as assurances that impunity by Indonesian security agencies has been curbed,
1 Leaders’ Communiques 2000 (Tarawa), 2001 (Nauru), and 2006 (Fiji)
2 Notably a) Vanuatu, Nauru and Tuvalu supporting West Papua’s right to self-determination at the United Nations
Millennium Summit in 2000 and b) Leaders’ Communique 2002 (Fiji) expressing support for New Caledonia’s
self-determination process.
3 Communique (page 9) of 19th Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders’ Summit 20th June 2013 (http://www.msgsec.info/index.php/communique)
REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS FORUM Position Papers on Priority Areas
Taking into account articles 3 and 4 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples4 regarding the right of self-determination and the recommendation of
the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its eleventh session on the implementation of basic fundamental human rights articulated in the Declaration, particularly the right to self-determination,5
Recalling the Charter of the United Nations, its resolution 1514 (XV) of
14 December 1960 containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and its resolution 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960,
Affirming the inalienable right of the people of French Polynesia to self-determination and independence in accordance with Chapter XI of the Charter of the United Nations and General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV),
Recalling Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples UNGA Resolution 61/295 of 13 September 2007 stipulating that “…Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.”
Civil Society requests Leaders to:
Reaffirm that West Papua is part of the Pacific region, and that finding a just resolution to the struggle therein is a longstanding regional moral obligation,
Condemn strongly the on-going violation of human rights in West Papua, including the recent fatal shootings of West Papuan youth and mass arrests of community members,
Express solidarity with, and actively explore avenues of accompaniment to, the people of West Papua in their struggle against injustice and the legacy of colonial oppression for some 54 years,
to commission a high level PIF delegation to undertake a fact finding mission to investigate human rights abuses in West Papua,
to urge the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special representative to investigate human rights abuses in West Papua,
to grant West Papua observer status at the PIF,
to pursue the re-instatement of West Papua on the United Nations Committee for
Decolonisation.
4 UNGA Resolution 61/295 5 E/2012/43, para. 39.
grants.forumsec.org
grants.forumsec.org

West Papua – Bloody Moanemani incident: Teenagers are run-over and killed, then Indonesia Police machine gun three relatives

Media Release

7 May 2014

West Papua – Bloody Moanemani incident: Teenagers are run-over and killed, then Indonesia Police machine gun three relatives
Yesterday, Indonesian BRIMOB para-military police, are reported to have shot three Papuan men, who are now in a critical condition. This shooting has occurred after local people tried to negotiate an outcome from an incident where a truck driver has run-over and killed two Papuan youths, returning from a Church service early that morning. After the shooting a non-Papua resident has been killed, apparantly to avenge the Police action.

Paula Makabory from Institute for Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights in Australia, said today, ”The series of incidents in Moanemani highlights how military-style policing perpetuates the endless cycle of violence in the 50 year Indonesian occupation of West Papua.”

Ms Makabory also stated, ”The Indonesia Police Commander Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian has misrepresented this bloody Moanemani event in the Indonesian press. The Police have escalated the incident by ignoring local custom and quickly resorting to shooting local people rather than any form of negotiation.”

For further information contact:

Paula Makabory +61 423451540 ; or

Matthew Jamieson +61 418291998 matthew@hr.minihub.org

Please make inquiry for Indonesian language interviews with Yones Douw in Nabire Institute for Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights

Full story at https://ipahr.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/west-papua-bloody-moanemani-incident-teenagers-are-run-over-and-killed-then-indonesia-police-machine-gun-three-relatives/

-ends-

West Papua: Bloody Moanemani incident

Report produced by Yones Douw and Paula Makabory, Institute for Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights 07 May 2014 Chronology of events.

On 5th May 2014, the Christian youths from the indigenous Kingmi Church of Kamu District, Moanemani, Dogiyai, conducted a Praise and worship in Digikotu Kingmi Church till the early morning.

On 6th May 2014 at around 6am local time after the worship, a group of youths were on their way homes passing Epeida. Witnesses report that a truck travelling at high speed crossed to the wrong side of the road and crashed into the group. Two male youths were struck and killed at the scene as truck drove right over the top of them and sped away. It is reported that the victims stomachs burst out with their bellies went out on the road. The group of youths was reported to be walking on the left safe side of the road.

The non-Papuan driver went directly from the scene past the nearby local police station to the Brimob (Paramilitary Police) Post in Moanemani. Such roadside incidents are not an uncommon occurrence in this region. Reportedly drunken Papuans have been deliberately run over in the past.

Around 10am local time, more than 100 family and kinsman of the dead teenagers, together with 4 local priest from the Kingme Church, went to the Brimob Post. The victim’s family asked the police for “secara keluarga” or negotiation with the driver to resolve the ‘accident’. ( This “secara keluarga” translates to talk in a family way to make a peaceful solution in a traditional customary way). With the priest the victims family and kinsman were seeking to negotiate a solution, which would have involved compensation, consistent with traditional law or custom.

The Brimob officers at the post wouldn’t allow this negotiation process to occur. The people become very emotional at this point. Then it is reported that someone among the crowd of people began to throw stones smashing the glass windows of Brimob Post. Witnesses could not provide detail of who escalated the situation, though it is reported not to be a member of the victims’ family. The priests together with other members of crowd were active in efforts to maintain calm.

After the windows were smashed the Brimob officers are then reported to have immediately began shooting automatic weapons into the crowd. The Brimob officers were reported as saying, “Mana kamu punya jago itu ayo tunjukkan jagoan kamu itu“, This translates to “Where are your guts, show your guts”. The shooting resulted in 3 Papuan relatives being shot and other people with injuries reportedly fled the scene.

According to a priest, who was at the front of the crowd, the 3 victims were helping him to calm the people down when they were shot. He reports that Brimob shot the crowd not like 1 or 2 shots but shot like a rain (= automatic shooting). He said that he also should have got shot but the Lord protects him.
It is reported that to avenge the Police shooting, local people killed then a non-Papuan man.

Around 12.30, the victims (the 3 Papuans and the dead non-Papuan}, who were accompanied by a Kingmi priest, were taken by plane to Nabire. From the airport they were taken straight to Siriwini public hospital. The three Papuan men were reported to be in a critical condition. The body of the non-Papuan man, whose identity is unknown, is reported to have been taken by his family.

The Papuan men critically injured were: Yulius Anouw S.Sos (27) was shot in his chest the bullet still stuck inside his body and was still in coma today. Gayus Auwe (32) was shot in his chest and his right thigh, the bullet is still inside his body and was today still waiting for surgery. Anton Edoway (28) was shot in his left tight the bullet penetrated and broken his leg bone and went out through the right side.

According to locals, Indonesian security forces in Moanimani always face the Indigenous people with brutality.
Moanemani has now been under full guard by Indonesian security forces with combined Army, Police, and Airforce troops. The non-Papuans population has gathering at the local Military Army Office in Moanemani.

Further comments on the situation by Paula Makabory of Institute for Papuan Advoacy and Human Rights, “The Indonesian police should have understood the culture of the people and give them room for negotiation with the driver with the help of the police.”

“In this case it shows that the Brimob have fanned conflict by being ready with their killing in minds. Which has triggered more killing and conflict for Papuans and non-Papuans.”

“This group of priests and local people involved in the incident who were trying to negotiate with authorities were branded as ‘a lynch mob’ by the Jakarta Globe.”

“ These Brimob police are heavily armed police, with an anti terrorist unit, has nothing to do but fight local people in West Papua. They will always face the local society of Indigenous Papuans as the target for practicing their theory of killing terrorist and military training. Australia and New Zealand have contributed to the training to these Indonesian police. It serves to maintain state of conflict and fear at the community level which allows Indonesian and foreign exploitation of the richness of our land”

Reported by Yones Douw, Human Right Activist of Kingmi/Tabernacle Church from Nabire, Paniai, West Papua.

Translated by Paula Makabory with comments IPAHR 6 May 2013

Related Indonesian Media Report:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/three-injured-papua-police-fire-civilians/

Brimob shot three Indigenous Papua, in di Moanemani

Details of Victims

1. Dead Victims (who were crashed by a truck on 5th May 2014)

A.

Name: Yunsen Kegakoto

DBO: Doutou 17 Mei 1989

Occupation: –

Status: Single

Religion: Christian Protestant

Village: Apagougi

B.

Name: Jhon Anouw

DBO/Age: 18 years old

Occupation: – /High School Student

Status: Single

Religion: Christian Protestant

Village: Dogimani

The two victims died in the crime scene.

2. Victims with critical injuries (who were shot deliberatelly by BRIMOB, 6th May 2014)

C.

Name: Yulius Anouw S.Sos

Age: 27 years old

Status: Married with 1 child

Occupation: Farmer

Religion: Christian Protestant

Village: Dogimani, Distrik Dogiyai

Yulius was shot in his chest, the bullet was in his body, it was taken out in Siriwini Public Hopsital, Nabire.

D.

Name: Gayus Auwe

Age: 32 years old

Status: Married with 3 children

Occupation: Farmer

Religion: Christian Protestant

Village: Apagougi, Distrik Dogiyai

Gayus was shot in his chest and his right tight, the bullet is still inside his body, still waiting for a surgery, in Siriwini Public Hospital, Nabire.

E.

Name: Anton Edowai

Age: 28 years old

Status: Married with 4 children

Occupation: Farmer

Religion: Christian Protestant

Address: Denemani, Distrik Dogiyai

Anthon was shot in his left tight and the bullet hit the left side and penetrated to the right side of his tight, he is suffering of a broken tight bone. He was under surgery in the Siriwini Hospital, still unconscious and in a critical condition.

Download as a pdf Bloody_moanemani_incident_West_Papua.

A SHORT ACCOUNT ON CASES OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE, ARREST, DETAINING AND SHOOTING IN PAPUA, 30 April 2013 – 22 May 2013 Bahasa Indonesian version

DATA ON VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE, ARREST AND SHOOTING IN PAPUA.Indonesia-1

 

 

 

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Desk
Keadilan, Perdamaian dan Keutuhan Ciptaan (KPKC) Bidang

Gereja Kristen Injili di Tanah Papua (GKI)
Evangelical Christian Church in Papua
Jl. Argapura 9
Jayapura 99222
Papua
Indonesia

Tel/ Fax: 0062 (0)967 533 255
Email: jpic.gki@gmail.com

A SHORT ACCOUNT ON CASES OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE, ARREST, DETAINING AND SHOOTING IN PAPUA, 30 April 2013 – 22 May 2013

Date: 2013/6/12
Subject: DATA ON VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE, ARREST AND SHOOTING IN PAPUA.English

This is report received concerning violence,arrest and shootings in West Papua during May 2013 supplied by  Evangelical Christian Church of Papua

Rekans yang baik,

Saya kirimkan data kekerasan di Papua sejak tanggal 30 April – 22 Mei 2013. Saya kirimkan dalam dua bahasa; Indonesia dan Inggris. Silakan diperiksa dilampiran.

Terima kasih,

—

*Oktovianus Pogau*
Journalist
Mobile: +6281240558375
Jln. Abe-Sentani, Kotaraja Luar, Jayapura, Papua
http://suarapapua.com <http://www.pogauokto.blogspot.com>

—
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Desk
Keadilan, Perdamaian dan Keutuhan Ciptaan (KPKC) Bidang

Gereja Kristen Injili di Tanah Papua (GKI)
Evangelical Christian Church in Papua
Jl. Argapura 9
Jayapura 99222
Papua
Indonesia

West Papua: Report on indonesian Police Shooting in Paniai Gold mining area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

21 MAY-2012

Reports on Police Shootings in Paniai gold mining area

The recent shooting of five young Papuan men by Indonesian Police is characteristic of the out of control ‘State violence’ against indigenous people at Indonesia’s ‘development’ frontier in West Papua.

Indonesian illegal gold panning and an associated gold rush industries, which are backed by military forces and an expanded force of Para military police, puts local Paniai indigenous people in an escalating one-sided conflict in this mountainous and resource rich zone.

This document details a report on the nature of the recent shootings, which was compiled by local Human Rights worker Yones Douw and follows with further comment by Paula Makabory on the political situation in West Papua.

Contact:

Paula Makabory

Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

Tel +61 423 451 540

INDONESIA: Security forces, Police Mobile Brigade (BRIMOB) open fire and shot dead a young tribal leader and injured 4 other civilians in Degewo, Paniai District, West Papua, 15 May 2012

On 15 May 2012, Indonesian Police Mobile Brigade shot dead a young tribal leader Melkianus Kegepe and injured 4 others indigenous people of Wolani tribe, Degeuwo, in a billiard room in Lokasi Emas 45 (the gold panning location), Degewo, Paniai District, West Papua.

Melkianus Kegepe was shot in the side of his chest, with the bullet exiting through the right side. Kegepe died at the crime scene.

The other victims who were brutally shots are Amos Kegepe, who was hit by three bullets, when 2 shots hit his left leg and 1 shot hit his right leg and went through his calf. He suffered of broken leg and was evacuated to Nabire Public hospital. Yulianus Wagepa was shot in the back, with the bullet remaining in his body. Selpius Kegepe was shot three times, the first time to his right arm, the second to his chest and the third penetrated his right hip and exited at the back. Lukas Tobeta was shot in the stomach. On 16 May 2012, at 10.00am (local Papua time), Amos was evacuated to Siriwini Hospital, Nabire, West Papua.

Chronology of the incident:

15 May 2012

At 5.30pm (Papua local time), Selpius Kegepe, Lukas Tobeta, Amos Kegepe and Yulianus Wagepa went down from Lokasi Emas 99 to Lokasi Emas 45 in purpose to play Billiard. Melkianus Kegepe will follow them later.

At 6.00pm, they arrived in the Billiard room in Lokasi Emas 45 and went to meet Mrs. Yona (an Indonesian Sanger woman from Sulawesi), they asked for billiard balls but Yona refused and asked them to pay for the balls first. The victims told her that she let them play and they will pay after that. Mrs. Yona didn’t want to give the balls because they hadn’t yet paid. While the 4 young men were still arguing with Mrs. Yona, Melkianus Kegepe arrived in the crime scene. Melkianus just stood in the doorway and watched them.

The victims got the balls themselves (they knew where the balls were kept) and started playing. While the four young Wolani men started playing, Mrs. Yona called the Mobile Brigade (BRIMOB) Commander in Lokasi Emas 99 (gold painted location 99) which not far from Lokasi Emas 45 (the crime scene). After making the call, Mrs. Yona went into the Billiard room and turn off the lights. The Victims asked her, “sister, why did you turn off the lights, we will pay you, won’t we?” Then they started arguing again when the BRIMOB entering the room at around 7pm.

At 7.00pm, BRIMOB troops arrive in the crime scene led by their commander, immediately the commander pulled his pistol out and shot dead Melkianus Kegepe who was standing and watching from the doorway. He died in the crime scene. The BRIMOB troops responded immediately to this shot by their commander by shooting at the other young West Papuan men. Amos Kegepe was shot two times in his left leg and the third one went through his right calf. Selpius Kegepe was shot in three different parts of his body; the first bullet hit his right arm, the second bulled hit and went through his chest and the third bullet penetrated his right hip and went out through his back side. Lukas Tobeta was shot and the bullet pierced his abdomen.

Identity of the Victims:

1. Name: Melkianus Kegepe (a young tribal leader)

Age: 23 years old

Sex: Male

Marital Status: Married

Religion: Christian (Protestant)

Suffered: A Bullet shot went through his ribs cage (Dead)

2. Name: Selvius Kegepe

Age: 22 years old

Sex: Male

Marital status: Single

Religion: Christian (Protestant)

Suffered: 3 bullets wounds (of 3 bullet shots; in his right arm, chest and hip)

No more information about his fate after the shooting.

3. Name: Amos Kegepe

Age: 22 years old

Sex: Male

Marital status: Single

Religion: Christian (Protestant)

Suffered: Bullet wounds and broken left leg (3 bullet shots; 2 shots in his left leg and 1 shot in his right leg)

4. Name: Lukas Tekepe

Age: 20 years old

Sex: Male

Marital Status: Single

Religion: Christian (Protestant)

Suffered: Bullet wound (a bullet pierced his abdomen)

5. Name: Yulianus Wagepa

Age: 24 years old

Sex: Male

Marital Status: Single

Suffered: Bullet wound in his back (the bullet still stuck in his body)

Report from the Police

After the shooting the police admitted that they shot at the victims because they were drunk and tried to carry away the guns from Brimob police.

Report from the victims and local witnesses

The victims said they were not drunk, and they had not used alcohol. They said they only went there to play billiards, but the owner (Mrs. Yona) didn’t want to give them the balls and they started to argument with her, while they are arguing they heard the sound of gun shot and wereg shot quickly after. They said that the Indonesian police (Brimob) protected prostitutes and the Billiards place as well in that location. The protection for those kinds of business was the reason for them as indigenous West Papuans to be shot by Brimob. All victims are from Wolani tribe, who are just becoming known to others because of the gold in their land. They are new to such as the new business and the modern live in that area after Indonesia security forces brought in outsiders to do gold paining and opened all small local businesses illegally against the ownership of the indigenous people in that area. Indonesian security forces have been protecting all migrants and their illegal businesses in that area, especially, those who are doing gold panning and running business illegally in that location.

It was also reported that the same shooting incidents had happened a couple of times in that Regency.

In 2009, SEPANYA ANOKA was shot in his tight by Brimob apparatus in Lokasi Emas Tayaga (the gold paining location).

In January 2012, MATIUS TENOYE was shot to dead by the Brimob apparatus from Bayabiru on the Bridge of Degewo River. His dead body was carried away by the strong currents of the river, and not found till now.

Background information on illegal Mining and security forces involvement in Degeuwo

Small-scale gold mining activities in Degeuwo are carried out illegally by non-Papuans, as they are not in possession of any legal licenses; nonetheless, the profit is reasonably significant. However, the Papuan Police send officers from Papua Police Mobile Brigade to guard the mine sites, mining activities and secure the facilities owned by non-Papuans. Police officers are also known to provide security services for the non-Papuans who established their own businesses, including: kiosks, billiard halls, selling of alcohol, gambling, karaoke locations, bars and massage parlors that offer women sex workers.

For the local people, the official tasks of the Police Mobile Brigade officers being assigned and positioned in Degeuwo are:

1. Guarding and providing security for the gold extracting companies, their activities and their facilities in Degeuwo;

2. Guarding and providing security for the non-Papuan People/immigrants in Degeuwo.

3. Providing security in Degeuwo where the migrants are making businesses for living.

4. Intimidating the Indigenous West Papuans of Degeuwo (local community).

For the local Indigenous people, the presence of Indonesian security forces being a live treating for them, most of the time indigenous in that location were shot to dead with the stereotyping as drunken men, OPM members, and/ or if they would carry away the guns.

Actually, the Wolani people are just being known because of their land in Degewo that rich in gold, the local indigenous there just entering the outside style of live when their gold attracted the outsiders to enter their land, especially, the Indonesian security forces and immigrants from Indonesia.

In 2009, Haji Ari (a Muslim non Papuan) issued a statement to Indonesian security forces that if the local Indigenous people in Degewo make troubles, they should be shot to dead and he is ready to pay Indonesian security forces.

Reported by Yones Douw (Nabire Pania)

Translated and edited by IPAHR, Australia

Paula Makabory, IPAHR comments on ‘development and militarism in West Papua

“Throughout West Papua the Indonesian security forces are using repressive actions against unarmed civilians of West Papua, especially where there is connection to the fringe businesses linked to the security forces (such as Prostitution, illegal Gold panning, Sandal Woods collection, timber logging, selling Alcohol, etc.) This kind of state violent intervention forces the problems of unregulated development onto the civilian and indigenous population.” Paula Makabory said today.

“The reports about the killings and shootings in Degeuwo, Paniai District have been increasing since this area being occupied by large Indonesia security forces and migrants for economic benefits. Degeuwo region is famous with its pure gold in its land and the goldrush which is occurring there. To increase access to the gold resources the military and police forces and the outsiders threatening the right of life of the land owners, who are stigmatized, as trouble makers or separatists, for simply making an argument or standing up for their human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights.”

Paula Makabory commented, “Indonesian government is trying to introduce their new policy in West Papua, namely the Acceleration Unit of Development of Papua and West Papua Provinces (UP4B) but what have happened all over West Papua showing that GOI is not serious about building any peace and democracy in the West Papua. Instead, there are many tortures, killings and mysterious deaths of the indigenous Papuans, the land is being occupied by large amount of Indonesia security forces. In the recent years, there are more tortures and killings in the Middle Mountains area, from Paniai to Puncak Jaya, West Papua. West Papua and Indonesia civilians become a fresh target by armed groups, for both State backed militias and Indonesian security forces.”

“The most development within UP4B are large groups of security forces in West Papua to combat the Guerillas, OPM groups and civilians who being suspected as separatist including environmental and human rights activists. This situation and condition in West Papua land today showing the political history of West Papua back in 1962-recently, where the same Indonesian Government has promised to develop West Papua but the facts, they betrayed the West Papuan right to Self-Determination (with the helps from Australia, USA, and Dutch) and launched military campaigning that have taken more than 100,000 of lives of Indigenous West Papuans. The West Papuans with the support from Guerillas groups have asked for a peace negotiation in International mediate setting agenda to find a way to stop the long standing conflicts in West Papua, but there is no response from SBY government until now, Papua Peace Networks (JDP=Jaringan Damai Papua) led by Fr. Neles Tebay has asked for a peace dialogue between West Papua representatives and Indonesian government but nothing has happened to this day.”

Paula Makabory also said, “Since 1960s, West Papuans have been standing up to challenge the International community and government about their political right as a nation in a legal matter. Many Papuans experienced many forms of human rights violence, murder, mysterious deaths, disappearances, rapes, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, summary executions, and many others. The root of the problems and long standing conflicts in West Papua is the lack of political status of West Papua New Guinea (West Papua) as a nation within Unitary Republic of Indonesia.”

“In many cases, what the Indonesian security forces commanders see as ‘separatism’ is the West Papuan people trying to give expression to their basic Human Rights’. Indonesia gives no space in West Papua for difference in political opinion and any expression of the Rights to Self-Determination is severely repressed.”

Paula Makabory concluded, “Recently, West Papuans have been crying out for direct International intervention. There must be a constant access for independent international observers in West Papua. Indonesia government and its security forces should not restrict access by International agencies and foreign media to West Papua. The Indonesian Government must be convinced to withdraw its repressive security forces from West Papua.”

Paula Makabory

Institute of Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights (IPAHR), Australia

Mobile: +61 423 451 540

Alt. Matthew Jamieson IPAHR , tel +61 418291998 email: matthew@hr.minihub.org

Statement from the West Papua solidarity gathering Aotearoa New Zealand

Wednesday, 7 September, 2011, 6:05 PM

Statement from the West Papua solidarity gathering at Nga Wai o Horotiu, Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

8 September 2011

We are very encouraged by the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban ki-Moon, at a media conference in Auckland yesterday, 7 September 2011, that West Papua should be discussed by the Decolonisation Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.

Noting with appreciation the Secretary-General’s statement that “whether you are an independent state or a non-self-governing territory or whatever, the human rights is inalienable and a fundamental principle of the United Nations”, and “we will do all to ensure” that the human rights of the people of West Papua are respected, we therefore call on:

The United Nations Secretary General to act without delay, and:

* appoint a Special Representative to investigate the situation in West Papua – to review the circumstances and outcome of the 1969 ‘Act of Free Choice’, as well as the contemporary situation; and
* use his good offices to persuade the Indonesian government to allow free access to West Papua for media representatives from the international community and for non-governmental human rights organisations.

The Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting in Auckland to act without delay, and:

* send a fact-finding mission to West Papua to investigate the human rights situation;
* support the West Papuan people in their call for peaceful dialogue with the Indonesian government;
* grant observer status to West Papuan representatives who support the people of West Papua’s right of self-determination; and
* recommend to the United Nations General Assembly that West Papua be put back on the agenda of the Decolonisation Committee.

The New Zealand government to act without delay, and:

* play a role in mediating and beginning the process of peaceful dialogue between West Papuan representatives and the Indonesian government; and
* cease all military ties with Indonesia until the human rights of the people of West Papua are respected.

Civil society to:

* support the West Papuan call for peace and justice, and for a process of peaceful dialogue with the Indonesian government; and
* take every opportunity to support West Papuans working for peace, justice, human rights and environmental sustainability.

Participating organisations: New Zealand non-governmental organisations Bicultural Desk of the Auckland Catholic Diocese, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, Christian World Service, CORSO Inc., Indonesia Human Rights Committee, Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand, Peace Movement Aotearoa, Philippine Migrant Centre, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Aotearoa Section; New Zealand based Coalition for Democracy in Fiji; and Australian non-governmental organisations Australia West Papua Association (Sydney), Institute of Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights, Medical Association for Prevention of War, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Justice and Peace Centre (Australian Province), Pax Christi Australia and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Australia Section.

Photos from some of the West Papua solidarity actions in Auckland: are available at http://www.facebook.com/PeaceMovementAotearoa
Formatted copy of this statement: is available at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/wp-ngos0911.pdf

One killed as Seven Indonesians shot in Nafri, West Papua

One killed as Seven Indonesians shot in Nafri, West Papua

There was a shooting in Nafri village Abepura District, Jayapura, West Papua (Papua Province) on Sunday 28 November 2010, 9.30am (Papua local time). The shooting incident is reported to have continued for 5 minutes.

The victims of the shooting were all Indonesian. One man Riswandy Yunus was shot dead in the incident. A number of different vehicles were shot at including public transport, rubbish truck and motorcycles, including the one driven by Riswandy Yunus.

This incident superficially appears, as though, it was carried out by Pro-independence guerrillas. Paula Makabory, from Institute for Papuan Advocacy and Human Rights, believes that the Indonesian military are most likely responsible for the incident. An Independent investigation is necessary as the Indonesian Police, alone will be unable to investigate what appears to be an Indonesian military ‘black operation’.

Dead Victim:

Riswandy Yunus, male 35 years old from Ternate/Indonesian.

Suffered a bullet wound on his chest went through his shoulder, grazed wound on his right leg, and bruised on his face. He died in the crime scene. He was shot while driving passing the crime scene from Abepura District toward Yoka.

Wounded victims:

1. Baharuddin (male/35YO), from Java/Indonesian.

Suffering of bullet wound on his right palm. He was shot while driving a public transport (Yotefa-Arso) passing the crime scene from Abepura District toward Yoka.

2. Zaenal (male/9 YO), Indonesian.

Elementary/primary student who was one of the passengers in the public transport. Bullet wound on his left palm and a grazed wound on his right chest.

3. Sahari Bowo (female/38YO), Makassar Indonesian.

Passenger of the public transport. Suffering of grazed wound in both of her knees because she jumped out from the public transport.

4. Alex Nongga (male/32YO) from Manado/Indonesian.

Bullet wound on his right arm and grazed wound on his face.

5. Dian Novita (female/28YO) Indonesian.

Scratched of bullet on her helmet. She was the passenger of the motorbike drove by her husband, Riswandi Yunus.

6. Deby Diana Rumansah (female/21YO) Indonesian.

Bullet wound on her hand.

Chronology:

On Sunday 28 November 2010, at 9.30am (local Papua time) all the victims were passing the crime scene from Abepura district direction toward Koya district, when a group of unidentified armed men shot at them, many times.

At around 10.00am the police security forces arrived at the crime scene and secured the place and took the victims to Abepura hospital.

At around 1.10pm, the victims Alex Nongga and Zaenal were transferred to Dok II Public hospital in Jayapura.

Other evidences:

1. Rubbish-truck Police number DS 5754 AD, was shot at the front, windscreen wiper broken, three sharp bulled holes at the front bumper.

2. Motorbike Honda Tiger Police number DS 2337 AP, belongs to Riswandy Yunus (dead victim)

3. Motorbike Jupiter Z Police number DS 5244 AR, was shot from the left side.

The situation around the crime scene was reported ass secured by Police and no further incidents have occurred.

A Incident requiring independent investigation

This incident requires independent investigation. It is doubtful that the Indonesian Police can carry out such an independent investigation, without involvement of a more impartial institution.

The incident superficially appears as though was carried out by Pro-Independence guerrillas. The event occurs just days before December 1 which is the usual day raising day the outlawed ‘Morning Star’ flag by Pro Independence Papuans.

The incident is similar to the shootings at Freeport as in that it has occurred in a highly militarized area. The region between Jayapura and the PNG border has quite a number of military camps, is one of the most militarized and secure regions in West Papua. The possibilities for Pro-Independence guerrillas to carry out an attack and then to disappear are very limited.

Those responsible for the incident are most likely to the Indonesian military and either the Kopassus or the military backed Pro-Indonesia militia. The Indonesian military has a long operational agenda of ‘black operations’, which continue, exacerbate and justify the armed conflict in West Papua.

Pro- Papuan groups within West Papua are currently working to establish a Peace building process with Indonesia Government. Whoever is behind this incident it is an attempt to this subvert the process to make Peace in West Papua.

Reported by Paula Makabory, Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights

IPAHR

Byron Bay NSW 2481

FALEOMAVAEGA on West Papua and Congressional Hearings

Washington, D.C. FALEOMAVAEGA HOLDS FIRST EVER HEARING REGARDING INDONESIA’S DELIBERATE AND SYSTEMATIC ABUSES IN WEST PAPUA

On September 22, 2010, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, Rep. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega (D-AS), held a hearing entitled “Crimes Against Humanity: When Will Indonesia’s Military Be Held Accountable for Deliberate and Systematic Abuses in West Papua?” This was the first hearing ever held in the U.S. Congress on the issue of West Papua.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Dino Patti Djalal, said he was “not concerned by the hearing because it was only attended by three Congress people, and that the U.S. government should not change its stance.”

“Ambassador Djalal is new to the U.S. and has failed to realize the importance of Wednesday’s hearing,” Faleomavaega said. “Little does Ambassador Djalal know but as a result of the attention this hearing was given, Papuan leaders met with officials at the National Security Council, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of State, and other Members of Congress whose schedules did not permit them to attend the hearing.”

“Regrettably, Ambassador Djalal’s attitude is typical of Indonesian indifference to the serious concerns raised at the hearing. More than 50 Members of the U.S. Congress are so concerned by Indonesia’s failure to implement Special Autonomy that they joined with Chairman Donald Payne of the Subcommittee on Africa and myself to urge President Obama to make the issue of West Papua one of his highest priorities when he visits Indonesia.”

“The Members of Congress who signed this letter are mostly Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Ambassador Djalal’s remarks are really an affront to every person of conscience and color who is committed to ending the abuse and resolving the conflict in West Papua.”

“The people of West Papua have suffered long enough at the hands of Indonesia’s brutal military and police forces, and many experts suggest that West Papuans have been subjected to genocide. Whether or not genocide has taken place, one thing is clear. Indonesia’s military has committed indisputable crimes against humanity through the murder, torture and rape of more than 100,000 West Papuans.”

“While President SBY inherited a very difficult situation, I am disappointed that he has not been able to get his military under control and prevent further abuses in West Papua. I am also disappointed that he has not implemented Special Autonomy as promised. While Ambassador Djalal implies that the UN has already determined the status of West Papua, nothing could be further from the truth.”

“This is no issue of territorial integrity. West Papua was a former Dutch colony for some 100 years just as East Timor was a former Portuguese colony just as Indonesia was a former colony of the Netherlands. Because of its status as a former colony, East Timor achieved its independence from Indonesia in 2002 through a referendum sanctioned by the United Nations (UN), despite Indonesia’s serious objections over East Timor’s right to self-determination.”

“In contrast, in 1962 the United States pressured the Dutch to turn over control of West Papua to the United Nations. Under the U.S.-brokered deal, Indonesia was to ‘make arrangements with the assistance and participation of the United Nations’ to give Papuans an opportunity to determine whether they wished to become part of Indonesia or not.”

“In what became known as the Act of No Choice carried out in 1969, 1025 West Papua elders under heavy military surveillance were selected to vote on behalf of 809,327 West Papuans regarding the territory’s political status. In spite of serious violations of the UN Charter and no broad-based referendum, West Papua was forced to become a part of Indonesia by the barrel of a gun.”

“According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), ‘declassified documents released in July 2004 indicate that the United States supported Indonesia’s take-over of Papua in the lead up to the 1969 Act of Free Choice even as it was understood that such a move was likely unpopular with Papuans. The documents reportedly indicate that the United States estimated that between 85% and 90% of Papuans were opposed to Indonesian rule and that as a result the Indonesians were incapable of winning an open referendum at the time of Papua’s transition from Dutch colonial rule. Such steps were evidently considered necessary to maintain the support of Suharto’s Indonesia during the Cold War.’”

“Today, the U.S. provides millions of dollars in aid to Indonesia and its military but Indonesia will not allow Members of the U.S. Congress to visit Jayapura in West Papua. This is wrong and should not be tolerated by the U.S.”

“Indonesia should get serious about West Papua, and I will do everything I can to keep this issue in the spotlight, especially given that many Samoans served as missionaries to West Papua and brought Christianity to the islands. Some of my Samoan relatives are buried in West Papua and their service and sacrifice compels me to do what I can for the people they loved.”

“According to CRS, ‘migration by non-Melanesian Indonesians from elsewhere in the nation appears to be a critical part of the mounting tensions. By some accounts Melanesian Papuans will be in the minority in their homeland by 2015.’”

“We cannot allow this to happen. While there is so much more I want to say about the commercial exploitation of West Papua’s renowned mineral wealth which includes vast reserves of gold, copper, nickel, oil and gas and Freeport USA’s own shameful role in this exploitation, for now I want to commend the West Papuans who testified at last week’s hearing.”

“Mr. Octovianus Mote, Founder of the West Papua Action Network and President of the Papua Resource Center; Mr. Henkie Rumbewas, International Advocate of the Australia West Papua Association (AWPA); Mr. Salamon Maurits Yumame, Head of FORDEM (The Democratic Forum); S. Eben Kirksey, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor of The Graduate Center, The City University of New York testified in support of and on behalf of the people of West Papua, making it plain to the U.S. Congress that Indonesia has failed to implement the Special Autonomy law which was passed in 2001. Consequently, they urged that a new dialogue should take place to determine a way forward.”

“Sophie Richardson, Ph.D., Asia Advocacy Director for Human Rights Watch addressed the issue of ongoing human rights abuses. Pieter Drooglever, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Institute of Netherlands History, provided an historical background of events which have led to division and discord.”

“Mr. Nicholas Simeone Messet, a West Papuan who has lived in Sweden for the past 38 years or so, said that West Papuans are ‘lazy’ and should accept some of the blame for the failure of Special Autonomy. In my opinion is it is wrong to blame the oppressed.”

“In his statement before the UN against Apartheid, Nelson Mandela said, ‘It will forever remain an accusation and challenge to all men and women of conscience that it took so long as it has before all of us stood up to say enough is enough.’ This is how I feel about West Papua. Others feel the same, despite Ambassador Djalal’s objectionable remarks which implied that no one really cares since Indonesia has more friends than critics in the U.S. Congress.”

“For the Ambassador’s information, 50 Members of the U.S. Congress as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan and more than 174 parliamentarians and 80 nongovernmental agencies from around the world have joined together to call upon Indonesia to end the violence and resolve the problems in West Papua. Simply put, this issue is not going away until Indonesia is held accountable, and I have every confidence that President Obama will, in fact, seek dialogue.”

“Until then, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of West Papua who only want what we all want – the right to live in peace and pursue happiness. In response to the hearing, I have received word that the families of some of our West Papuan witnesses have been visited by Indonesia police forces. I hope this is not the case but, for precautionary purposes, I am asking our U.S. Embassy in Jakarta to look into this disturbing report.”

“As a matter of record, I am also including the full text of my remarks which provide a detailed accounting of the purpose of this hearing,” Faleomavaega concluded.

–end–