Etan: West Papua Report September 2012

This is the 101st in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN). Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report directly via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org.

SUMMARY

The West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) called on Secretary Clinton to raise concern about West Papua with Indonesian officials during her September 3 visit to Jakarta. Military operations there continue to disrupt and endanger the lives of Papuan civilians in Paniai. 

Security forces raided a student dormitory beating students; initial reports indicate at least one student died in the assault. A religious leader and long-time resident in West Papua paints a bleak and deteriorating picture of conditions there. Indonesian security forces continue to rely on armed force to address Papuan dissent according to religious leaders. 

A detailed report explores the dire humanitarian consequences posed by the proposed sale of U.S. Apache helicopters to the Indonesian military. A new project to provide easy access to information on Papuan prisoners of conscience/political prisoners is being organized. Amnesty International has issued an alert regarding the recent detention of Yusak Pakage.

 A Papuan member of the Indonesian parliament (DPR) decries failure of the body to create human rights mechanisms in West Papua as mandated by Special Autonomy legislation passed in 2001.

Contents:

• WPAT Calls on U.S. Secretary of State To Raise Critical Issues With Indonesian Leaders
• TNI Sweep Operation in Paniai
• Another Brutal Security Force Assault on Papuan Students
• Long-Time Resident of West Papua Paints Bleak Picture of Conditions
• Indonesian Government Increasingly Resorts to Military Means to Address Protest
• "Obamacopters" Pose Threat to Papuans
• New Project Will Focus on Papuan Prisoners
• Amnesty International Issues Urgent Alert Regarding a Papuan Prisoner
• Indonesian Parliament (DPR) Failing Papuans

WPAT Calls on U.S. Secretary of State To Raise Critical Issues With Indonesian Leaders

The West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) wrote on August 31 to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concerning key issues regarding West Papua on her September 3 visit to Indonesia. The text of the letter follows:
More: West Papua Report September 2012

Etan: West Papua Report August 2012

This is the 100th in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN). Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report directly via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org. 

SUMMARY

 Indonesian security forces have detained Papuans attempting to raise funds for medical care for Papuan political prisoners. Indonesia has long fallen short of its international obligations to provide medical care for prisoners. Meanwhile, private efforts to raise funds for medical care for Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma are progressing well. 
Australian researchers have noted evidence of expanding operations by Indonesia's notorious Detachment 88 which is heavily funded by the U.S. and Australian governments. An observer is raising questions about the impact of international solidarity movements aimed at helping Papuans, contending that the involvement of western-based organizations in the solidarity movement may instigate Jakarta's security approach in West Papua. 
WPAT invites comment on this argument. A number of international groups named in a list of OPM supporters have issued a statement rejecting the Indonesian charges, challenging the government's strategy of seeking "to blame others for problems created by the Indonesian government's and security forces' own policies and actions." An Indonesian lawmaker has charged Freeport with "arrogance" as negotiations between the U.S. mining giant and the Indonesian government fail. 
WPAT notes the larger tragedy that Papuans have never played a significant role in such negotiations over the exploitation of Papuan natural resources. The Asian Human Rights Commission has published an excellent article on the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE).

Full Report Agustus : Etan Full Report Agustus 2012

Partai Buruh AU: Open Access to West Papua

In light of last night’s story on ABC’s 7.30 Report, Senator John Madigan and Democratic Labor Party Federal Secretary Mark Farrell are renewing their calls for the Australian government to demand complete openness and transparency from the Indonesian Government.

“The DLP has opposed the occupation of West Papua since Indonesian troops first landed decades ago and Senator Madigan has been fighting for the recognition of the people of West Papua since being elected to the Senate,” Mark Farrell said.

“It is clear to me that what Indonesia is imposing in West Papua is not democratic rule but a totalitarian regime over a country it wrongly claims ownership.”

“The Australian government needs to stop turning a blind eye to what will one day be recognised as the genocide happening on our doorstep.”
“If Indonesia is seriously expecting us to believe it is not engaged in the oppression of the West Papuan people then they must allow human rights observers and international journalists in to the country.” 

“Indonesia is not being transparent with the Australian people or the Australian government.”
“It is difficult to understand how the government of a democratic country like Australia can ignore the oppressive behaviour of a neighbouring country.”

“I want to know if Australian tax payers are financing the Indonesian oppression of the people of West Papua, and to what extent is the Australian military assisting the Indonesian government their efforts.”
“The people of Australia deserve a clear answer.”

Full Report: DLP(OpenAccesstoWestPapua)

Etan, West Papua Report - August 2012

SUMMARY

Indonesian security forces have detained Papuans attempting to raise funds for medical care for Papuan political prisoners. Indonesia has long fallen short of its international obligations to provide medical care for prisoners. Meanwhile, private efforts to raise funds for medical care for Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma are progressing well. Australian researchers have noted evidence of expanding operations by Indonesia's notorious Detachment 88 which is heavily funded by the U.S. and Australian governments.

 

 An observer is raising questions about the impact of international solidarity movements aimed at helping Papuans, contending that the involvement of western-based organizations in the solidarity movement may instigate Jakarta's security approach in West Papua. WPAT invites comment on this argument. A number of international groups named in a list of OPM supporters have issued a statement rejecting the Indonesian charges, challenging the government's strategy of seeking "to blame others for problems created by the Indonesian government's and security forces' own policies and actions." 

 

 An Indonesian lawmaker has charged Freeport with "arrogance" as negotiations between the U.S. mining giant and the Indonesian government fail. WPAT notes the larger tragedy that Papuans have never played a significant role in such negotiations over the exploitation of Papuan natural resources. The Asian Human Rights Commission has published an excellent article on the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE).

 

Read the full report Etan here

 

 

UNHRC: Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review Indonesia

Human Rights Council, Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review

Thirteenth session, Geneva, 21 May–4 June 2012

Draft report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic
Review

Indonesia

* The final document will be issued under the symbol A/HRC/21/7. The annex to the present
report is circulated as received.
United Nations A/HRC/WG.6/13/L.5
General Assembly Distr.: Limited

25 May 2012

Original: English

A/HRC/WG.6/13/L.5

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its thirteenth session from 21 May to 4 June 2012. The review of Indonesia was held at the 5th meeting on 23 May 2012. The delegation of Indonesia was headed by H.E. Dr. R. M. Marty M. Natalegawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs. At its 10th meeting held on 25 May 2012, the Working Group adopted the report on Indonesia.

2. On 3 May 2012, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Indonesia: Botswana, Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 16/21 of 25 March 2011, the following documents were issued for the review of Indonesia:

(a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IDN/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IDN/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/13/IDN/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Indonesia through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR.

Here Download Full Report UPR-UNHRC Report

West Papua Report for June 2012

West Papua Report for June 2012 

Summary 

 The Indonesian Government's human rights record came under scrutiny at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva which convened a quadrennial review of Indonesia's progress on human rights protection. The focus on developments in West Papua was more intense than the last review with the denial of freedom of speech and the holding of political prisoners among the leading concerns. Indonesia promised to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Speech though it was unclear if he would be allowed to visit West Papua. The U.S. State Department released its annual global review of human rights observance. The report gave significant attention to human rights violations in West Papua with some focus on the role of the security forces. As in the past, the State Department report ignored the Indonesian government's failure to provide minimally adequate health, education and other vital services to the Papuan people. Amnesty International also issued its annual report on human rights with a significant focus on rights issues in West Papua. A detailed study revealed the Indonesian government's failure to protect Papuans from unscrupulous land developers in West Papua. Demonstrators in Vanuatu targeted their government's warming relationship with Indonesia, particularly with Indonesian security forces.

Contents

• Indonesia's Rights Record in West Papua Under Fire in Geneva
• U.S. State Department Human Rights Report on Indonesia Includes Focus on West Papua
• Amnesty International Highlights Human Rights Abuses in Its Report on Indonesia for 2011
• Indonesian Government Allows Foreign Corporation to Rip-off Papuans
• Vanuatu Citizens Support Papuan Rights 

Full Report: Etan Report Juni

Etan: West Papua Report May 2012

This is the 97th in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN). Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org. 

Summary: 

One demonstrator was reportedly killed, two were wounded, and 13 arrested in May 1 demonstrations throughout West Papua. The protests marked the 49th anniversary of Indonesia's coerced annexation of West Papua. Indonesian government plans to continue to send settlers from outside into West Papua ("transmigration") has prompted protests from Papuan organizations who fear the further marginalization of Papuans and growing communal tensions. 
Several international organizations have protested continued, longstanding efforts by the Indonesian government to cover up human rights violations by preventing journalists and rights observers from traveling to or within West Papua. Following large scale peaceful demonstrations in Serui district, Indonesian security forces have launched a crackdown involving sweep operations. 
The shooting of a civilian aircraft as it landed at an airport in the Puncak Jaya area caused civilian casualties and has prompted unproven charges by authorities that the perpetrators were the Papuan armed resistance organization, the OPM. Papuan leaders have called on the government to conduct a transparent investigation and to engage with local civil and government organizations to put an end to ongoing tensions and conflict in the Puncak Jaya region. 
They note that security force resort to force in dealing with incidents harms innocent local civilians who are often driven from their homes. Despite its obligations under Indonesian and International law, the Indonesian government is refusing to fund urgently needed medical treatment for Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma. Two new reports reveal extensive "land grabbing" by corporations, backed by the Indonesian government, at the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE) project in southern West Papua. Indonesia faces a quadrennial review of its human rights performance by the UN Human Rights Commission. WPAT member Dr. Eben Kirksey has authored a new book on West Papua.

Contents:

• Arrests and Shootings of Protesters Mar Peaceful Demonstrations Marking Indonesia's Annexation of West Papua
• New Transmigration Plans Prompt Protest and Fears of Communal Conflict in West Papua
• Indonesian Government Covers Up Human Rights Abuse and Repression in West Papua
• Security Forces Launch Crackdown, Sweeps in Serui District
• Shooting of Civilian Aircraft Raises Concern over New Sweep Operations by Security Forces
• Political Prisoner Filep Karma Denied Urgent Medical Treatment
• New Organization Emerges to Support Local Papuans Facing Land Grabs Such as the MIFEE Project
• Indonesia to Face Quadrennial UN Human Rights Review in May
• WPAT Member Dr. Eben Kirksey Book on West Papua Published

Arrests and Shootings of Demonstrators Mar Peaceful Demonstrations Marking Indonesia's Annexation of West Papua

Etan: West Papua Report May 2012

West Papua Report May 2012

Papuan demant Referendum

This is the 97th in a series of monthly reports that focus on developments affecting Papuans. This series is produced by the non-profit West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) drawing on media accounts, other NGO assessments, and analysis and reporting from sources within West Papua. This report is co-published with the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN). Back issues are posted online at http://www.etan.org/issues/wpapua/default.htm Questions regarding this report can be addressed to Edmund McWilliams at edmcw@msn.com. If you wish to receive the report via e-mail, send a note to etan@etan.org. 

Summary: 

One demonstrator was reportedly killed, two were wounded, and 13 arrested in May 1 demonstrations throughout West Papua. The protests marked the 49th anniversary of Indonesia's coerced annexation of West Papua. Indonesian government plans to continue to send settlers from outside into West Papua ("transmigration") has prompted protests from Papuan organizations who fear the further marginalization of Papuans and growing communal tensions. Several international organizations have protested continued, longstanding efforts by the Indonesian government to cover up human rights violations by preventing journalists and rights observers from traveling to or within West Papua. Following large scale peaceful demonstrations in Serui district, Indonesian security forces have launched a crackdown involving sweep operations. The shooting of a civilian aircraft as it landed at an airport in the Puncak Jaya area caused civilian casualties and has prompted unproven charges by authorities that the perpetrators were the Papuan armed resistance organization, the OPM. Papuan leaders have called on the government to conduct a transparent investigation and to engage with local civil and government organizations to put an end to ongoing tensions and conflict in the Puncak Jaya region. They note that security force resort to force in dealing with incidents harms innocent local civilians who are often driven from their homes. Despite its obligations under Indonesian and International law, the Indonesian government is refusing to fund urgently needed medical treatment for Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma. Two new reports reveal extensive "land grabbing" by corporations, backed by the Indonesian government, at the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE) project in southern West Papua. Indonesia faces a quadrennial review of its human rights performance by the UN Human Rights Commission. WPAT member Dr. Eben Kirksey has authored a new book on West Papua.

Contents:

• Arrests and Shootings of Protesters Mar Peaceful Demonstrations Marking Indonesia's Annexation of West Papua
• New Transmigration Plans Prompt Protest and Fears of Communal Conflict in West Papua
• Indonesian Government Covers Up Human Rights Abuse and Repression in West Papua
• Security Forces Launch Crackdown, Sweeps in Serui District
• Shooting of Civilian Aircraft Raises Concern over New Sweep Operations by Security Forces
• Political Prisoner Filep Karma Denied Urgent Medical Treatment
• New Organization Emerges to Support Local Papuans Facing Land Grabs Such as the MIFEE Project
• Indonesia to Face Quadrennial UN Human Rights Review in May
• WPAT Member Dr. Eben Kirksey Book on West Papua Published

Arrests and Shootings of Demonstrators Mar Peaceful Demonstrations Marking Indonesia's Annexation of West Papua

More: Etan-Report May 2012

West Papua Report for March 2012

March 2012 West Papua Report

Read full issue here

Summary: A proposed U.S. sale of assault helicopters to the Indonesian military (TNI) would augment the military's capacity to conduct "sweeping operations" against Papuans, especially against villagers who have for years suffered indiscriminate military attacks. The West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT), in comment, calls on the U.S. Congress to block this sale. Indonesian authorities continue to block efforts of respected international non-governmental organizations to work in West Papua. The international media freedom advocacy organization,

Etan: September 2011 West Papua Report is out

Summary: Twenty-six members of the U.S. House of Representatives appealed to Indonesian President Yudhoyono to release Papuan prisoner of conscience Filep Karma, noting concern that "your government meet its fundamental obligations to protect the rights of its people, as respect for human rights strengthens democracy." The bipartisan letter call Karma's case "an unfortunate echo of Indonesia's pre-democratic era." Amnesty International, meanwhile, appealed for the release of another Papuan, Melkianus Bleskadit, imprisoned for peaceful dissent. The Indonesian government granted a three month remission to the sentence of Papuan political prisoner Buchtar Tabuni on the occasion of Indonesian independence day, who was then released. The leak of secret Special Forces (Kopassus) documents reveal systematic Kopassus surveillance and intimidation targeting Papuans and even international personnel seeking to document human rights concerns in West Papua.

The documents label prominent international leaders including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu and dozens of members of the U.S. Congress as supporters of "separatism" in West Papua. Human Rights Watch urged that in the wake of the documents revelations that the U.S. military cease all activities in cooperation with Indonesian military units in West Papua. Papuan leaders to convene a broad congress in October. Papuan leaders write U.S. Congress to call for peacekeepers. Church leaders and ordinary