Papuans mourn 50 years of Indonesian occupation

by Alex Rayfield

 May 1, 2013

Demo in Jayapura, May 1 (photo: Dawn Treader)

For many people around the world the first day in May is a time a celebration, a day to remember how ordinary people won the right to the eight hour working day.

But in West Papua May Day is a day of national mourning.

Fifty years ago on 1 May 1963 the United Nations abandoned West Papua. After a brief nine months administering the country the United Nations pulled out of West Papua to allow the Indonesian government to rule the territory on behalf of the International Community.

Fifty years later the Indonesian security forces are still in West Papua and a free and fair referendum on West Papua’s political status is yet to take place.

Here’s a rundown of how West Papuans across the country commemorated the day.

Sorong

Thomas Blessia

Grief took on new intensity as the Indonesian security forces shot dead two Papuan protesters in Sorong and wounded two others. According to human rights defenders from Elsham, the Institute for the Study and Advocacy of Human Rights in West Papua, who also have an office in Sorong, shortly after 10pm on Tuesday night police from Aimas Police station together with Indonesian soldiers.

arrived at the home of Ishak Klaibin (49).  In a report obtained by West Papua Media Elsham Sorong reports that Papuan activists were holding a meeting to prepare for demonstrations the following day.

According to Mr Klaibin a number of Papuans got into an argument with the police and soldiers who shot dead Abner Malagawak (22) and Thomas Blesia (22). Malagawak was shot in the shoulder while Blesia was shot in the back of the head.

Apner Malagawak

Three other people, Salomina Klaibin (31), Herman Lokmen (18), and Andreas Safisa (24), were wounded in the attack.

Jayapura

Despite the killing of the Malagawak and Blesia the night before in Sorong and knowing the risk to their safety given the refusal by the Indonesian police, military and recently inaugurated Papuan Governor, Lukas Enembe, to grant official permission for peaceful demonstrations, Papuans from across the country continued with planned nonviolent demonstrations.

In Jayapura, the capital of West Papua, the demonstration was jointly organised by the West Papuan National Parliament and the National Federated Republic of West Papua, and the march led by Buchtar Tabuni.  The West Papua National Committee (KNPB), West Papua National Authority and Melanesian Women of Papua – all came together to support civilian based protest.

The activists gathered outside the University student dormitory, Asrama Nayak, and proceeded to march towards Abepura, a university suburb in Jayapura. Five hundred West Papuan activists accompanied by drums, flautists and banners marched. They sang, cried out “Free Papua” and carried banners denouncing fifty years of occupation by the Indonesian military. The protesters held banners declaring “Fifty years of lies, manipulation, torture and killing”, “Not Integration; Annexation”, “The Indonesian occupation is illegal”, “Enough is Enough” and “Stop violence against Papuan women”. Many of the banners were decorated with the photos of Papuan victims of torture by the Indonesian security forces.

Human rights defenders from Elsham, who were present monitoring the demonstration reported that as the protesters passed the military command at Padang Bulan, the name of neighbourhood where the Elsham office is located, soldiers fired their weapons seven times into the air.

Around the same time local stringers at the protest reported that several activists walking on the street in Jayapura were seized by security personnel, forcibly loaded into a military truck and driven some thirty kilometres away to an army base at the foot of Mt Cyclops. The activists later managed to escape when the truck was forced to stop near Sentani.  Papuan citizen journalists also told New Matilda and West Papua Media that during the march in Jayapura Indonesian police attempted to arrest Markus Yenu, a well-known protest leader from Manokwari. However, they were prevented from doing so when activists  nonviolently positioned themselves between Yenu and the police. According to eyewitnesses Yenu promptly disappeared into the crowd and is now reported to have gone into hiding.

Slideshow: photos from May 1 Anniversary mobilisations, and Indonesian militia counter-demonstration (Photos: West Papua Media, and supplied)

According to West Papuan journalist Okto Pogau writing for Suara Papua (The Voice of Papua), water cannons, tear gas cannons and hundreds of heavily armed police and military were positioned in several sites between the centre of Jayapura and Sentani, a further 50kim away. In Sentani, beside the memorial site of West Papuan independence leader Theys Eluay, and in Kampung Harapan (the village of hope), a pro-independence stronghold, there was a heavy police and military presence. KNPB media reported the determination of the organisation to defy Indonesian police attempts to destroy them. Despite the presence of the security forces, peaceful demonstrations, speeches by KNPB chairman Viktor Yeimo and a worship service went ahead in Sentani. However, the security forces did manage to break up a KNPB demonstration in Waena, an outlying suburb of Jayapura.

In Jayapura Indonesian police, soldiers and citizens organised a counter demonstration. They drove through the streets of Jayapura in vehicles emblazoned with giant Red and White flags, the Indonesian national flag, honking their horns.

Biak

In Biak forty pro-independence activists led by Oktofianus Warnares (46) raised the Morning Star flag. According to Elsham staff in Biak the demonstration was forcibly dispersed by police and an unknown number of activists were arrested. Also in Biak, the West Papua National Committee, whose activists were recently accused of bomb-making – a charge they deny – led a prayer service. Local KNPB activist, Mnumumes, said that “1 May is the day that colonialism entered West Papua and that West Papua continues to be colonised until today.”

Fak-Fak

In Fak-Fak, a town on the North West Coast, Elsham staff report that the Morning Star flag was raised at three locations, at the Inpres Wagom Mountain Primary school, at the Second Middle School and in front of the North Fak-Fak District Office.

Paniai

In Nabire, the district capital of Paniai, Human rights defenders and church workers, under the banner of the Coalition of Papuan People from Nabire (Koalisi Rakyat Bangsa Papua Kabupaten Nabire) held a press conference commemorating the 50 year anniversary of West Papua’s annexation by the Indonesian state.

The speakers at the press conference all declared that “West Papua’s incorporation into Indonesia, the Act of Free Choice in 1969 (a shame referendum), Special Autonomy, the Unit for the Acceleration of Development in West Papua were all problems that remained unresolved.” The speakers, who included Rev. Esebius Pigai,

Daniel Zonggenau  (A tribal leader from Meepako), Theo Mirip (a senior chief from the Nduga tribe), Mrs Pina Jagani (a Papuan woman’s leader), Frans Madai (a youth leader) and Yones Douw (a human rights activist), were dismissive of a new policy package called Special Autonomy Plus recently announced by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhuyono. Douw and the other Papuan leaders in Nabire demanded that “the Indonesian government immediately begin political talks with the Papuan people, mediated by an international third party.”

Timika

Viktor Mambor from the independent West Papuan media outlet, Jubi reported on events in Timika. According to Mambor, Papuans raised the Morning Star flag in front of the new Mimika Presidential primary School. The protest was dispersed by police shortly afterwards. Mimika Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Rontini Jeremias, quoted by the Antara news agency on Wednesday (01/05), said that ten residents were arrested and a Morning Star flag, betel nut tree flag pole and rope were seized.

“We follow the rules of the state, not the citizen’s rules. Who is at fault remains our process, “said Commissioner Rontini.

Benny Pakage, a human rights activist from Timika/Mimika said that police detained 15 people. Pakage also mentioned that a number of security forces were hit, but that no one was killed.

Beyond West Papua

There were also reports of demonstrations by Papuans in Java and solidarity demonstrations as far away as Noumea, Kanaky (also known as French Caledonia) where the National Kanaky Socialist Liberation Front (FLNKS) has backed West Papuan’s call for a seat at the table of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

One thing is certain: protest in West Papua shows no sign of letting up. As the Indonesian government continues to refuse to countenance talks West Papua becomes a bigger political problem.

westpapuamedia

Annihilation of Indigenous West Papuans: Challenge and Hope

Below is a summary of everything that has been posted here about the background of the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in West Papua. This article was taken from The Scoop Independent News – New Zealand. and is written by Selpius Bobii

Your help, dear reader, in letting the whole world know about the plight of these precious human beings is very much appreciated. Please spread the word around! If you can, please start a support group in your area/country/region to support the cause – that the people of West Papua have the right to independence from Indonesia.

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Tuesday, 26 March 2013, 12:34 pm
Article: Selpius Bobii – Front Pepera Papua Barat

The Annihilation of Indigenous West Papuans: A Challenge and a Hope

By Selpius Bobii
25 March 2013

This article will present a challenge to all who have a heart for and who are working without reward to save the ethnic people of West Papua which are now heading towards annihilation. This article will in particular consider the question as to whether there is truly annihilation occurring of the indigenous West Papuan people (The term Papua or West Papua below are taken to include both the Papuan and West Papuan Provinces).

Are Ethnic West Papuans really being annihilated?

The indigenous community of West Papua at this time is made up of 248 tribes (according to works of a Research Team published in 2008) inhabiting the land of West Papua. Whilst east Papua is the well known nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG). There have been findings that some tribes of Papua have already become extinct whilst others that are still surviving are now heading towards extinction. The finding that is most disturbing (references below) is that from Researchers at Yale University in USA and also Sydney University, Australia who have concluded that what is happening in Papua is in fact genocide with the primary actors being the Indonesian military (TNI) and Police (POLRI).

Military Operations

The main means of this annihilation is the overt and covert military operations that have been carried out by the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) continually since the military invasion in 1962. An invasion that was intended to actualise the declaration of TRIKORA, (being to dismantle the State of Papua), by the then President Sukarno.

There have been three major stages of military operations as applied in Papua. The first was preceded by the sending of military troops illegally to Papua in 1962, at a time when Papua was still under administration of the Dutch Government. An occurrence which Papuans state to have been a military invasion. The first stage of ongoing military operations occurred following the surrender of the administration of Papua from the Dutch to NKRI in 1963. That stage continued from 1963-1969. NKRI used a number of names for this stage of their military operations including ‘Operation Annihilation, Operation Ox I (using the name for wild ox of Java ‘banteng’),Operation Ox II, Operation Red Eagle, Operation White Eagle, Operation Wolf and Operation Dragon.

West Papua group fears Indonesia may move further into MelanesiaWest Papua group fears Indonesia may move further into Melanesia

Posted at 22:05 on 01 May, 2013 UTC

A member of a West Papuan group working for dialogue with Jakarta says that neighbouring Papua New Guinea is at risk of eventual invasion by Indonesia.

The comment from US-based Octo Mote, who is part of the dialogue group of exiled West Papuans, comes as Melanesian governments indicate that West Papua may be granted membership in their regional grouping.

He says membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group would lend crucial weight to the West Papuan self-determination struggle.

West Papuans are on track to become a clear minority in Indonesia’s Papua region in the coming years which Mr Mote says could be a catalyst for Indonesian moves further into Melanesia.

“So after we become a minority in our land, next target is really Papua New Guinea. In order to protect the whole New Guinea island, I see this support by the Melanesian leaders right now is important.”

Octo Mote.

News Content © Radio New Zealand International
PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand

“Control by indigenous peoples over developments affecting them and their lands, territories and resources will enable them to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures and traditions, and to promote their development in accordance with their aspirations and needs.” – Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, The United Nations Commission on Human Rights

 

West Papua : Toursim

Tourism in West Papua is an expanding industry but it brings with it the potential to exploit indigenous West Papuans, both culturally and economically. Virtually all tourists who come to West Papua travel to the Baliem Valley in the highlands. The main town, Wamena, draws tourists who are interested in trekking and in the culture of the local Dani tribes. Unfortunately, that interest in the culture is often exploitative, and the Indonesian administration of the tourism industry is mostly concerned with economic return.

Tourists are mostly Dutch and German, with Australians conspicuously absent, probably due to the minimal press West Papua attracts. Most tourist money goes to Indonesians who run the losmen, hotels and small businesses, While the local Dani people can only earn cash through petty trade at the vegetable market or by haggling with tourists over everything from the price of a photo to their occasional work as guides.

The indigenous people are treated as objects of curiosity. Although the Indonesian administration has previously tried to force them to wear clothes and live a more “civilised” lifestyle, today they are happy if they go naked because it is good for tourism. Nowadays, when villagers can afford it, the custom is to sport modern dress, cotton shorts, t-shirts and dresses. Government policy, the missionaries and now tourism have taught the locals to see traditional dress as backward, something to be ashamed of.

In the village of Manda for example, clothed villagers are barred from the village while near-naked tribes-people, well-rehearsed and divided into two twelve-member teams, cook and dance in the traditional way for camera carrying tourists. The tourists pay for the food, the dancing, the photos, some handicrafts and a night’s accommodation. The next day, after the tourists have left, the villagers climb into their clothes again clothes bought using the profits of tourism.

The question all of this raises is: is this preserving or demeaning local culture?

Biak, an island off the north coast, receives luxury liners because it is one of the world’s best diving spots. A five star resort opened there in 1992, laying the groundwork for direct QANTAS flights from Australia, with a golf course, marine park and five luxury hotels.

Tourism can provide opportunities for indigenous people to obtain cash and develop their livelihood, while respecting their tradition. The village of Dukun for example, man- ages its own co-operative venture formed to profit from tourism, yet helps them feel pride in their culture. Here, self-determination helps to sidestep the culture shock. Tourists can stay in a village, completely built by the co-operative to house visitors, for Rp 3000 (A $2) a night. The villagers will dress traditionally, dance and have a feast for paying tourists. Tourism can be in keeping with the dignity of indigenous people and can help them to feel pride in their traditions.

You can visit West Papua and discover for yourself the uniqueness of the country’s environment and people. Helpful resources are Kal Muller’s book Indonesian New Guinea, and John McCarthy’s booklet, (plus discussion guide, especially designed for educational use), Are Sweet Dreams Made of This? (see Reference section).

[Source: http://www.cs.utexas.edu/~cline/papua/tourism.htm]

Leave me alone

This spite I feel for one who thought I would bring him riches
This disgust I have at the thought of being controlled
I never asked to be part of this life you think I owe you
There was never a chance of any life apart from this
I wake to the heavy cloud over my head, waiting for me
I make up stories to quiet my senses that you are not
But you are here, always reminding that you exist
How do I get away from an existence I chose not
How do I run away from this life that drags me deeper
Into a void that is so dark and soul-less, yea, unending
This life I live was not my own to begin with
But I long to have my own, to live my own, to be my own
Aye, the spite I feel comes deep inside where darkness reigns
The anchor that holds me down by giving me nothing
I offer nothing to nobody
I ask of you but one thing
Do let me go, let me be
For what you want is not
No, it is not with me!

Humor : Nawimba Natalae

These guys are so funny.

After a long day of rehearsals for the new and upcoming full-length stage play by Wan Smolbag Theatre, four actors decided to make a video as they unwind.

In the video:

• Thompsen Tom – with the cap
• Ritchie Toka – with the guitar
• Helen Kailo – laughing

With the camera:

• Kalko Kaltapau

You can follow Peter Walker‘s blog to read more on the progress of Yu Klaem Long Ladder Yia