Abuses in West Papua put peace effort at risk

West Papuans during a pro-independence rally last week. Photo: AFP

CALLS have intensified for the Indonesian military to drawdown its extensive operational and surveillance presence in West Papua to ease the oppression of locals and pave the way for a fruitful dialogue between Jakarta and the disaffected indigenous people of the region.
Agitation for a new peace accord with West Papua comes as further evidence emerged of the relative impunity of soldiers in the region, where there have been many documented human rights abuses. Last week, three soldiers who murdered and decapitated a priest, Rev Kindeman Gire, were given sentences of between six and 15 months for ''insubordination''.
Responding to revelations in The Age of the extensive spy network operated in West Papua by the elite Kopassus (Special Forces Command) unit that targets civilians, politicians, clergy and even foreign tourists, Human Rights Watch said the surveillance violated freedom of expression and assembly.More>>theage.com.au/Abuses in West Papua put peace effort at risk