DVD Release: French filmmaker filmed the West Papuan freedom fighters for the past 10 yrs.

Subject: WEST PAPUA DVD / CD
Date: 8 May 2012 1:20:08 AM AEST

 

We are pleased to announce the DVD Release WEST PAPUA.
 

 


For more than 40 years, the Indonesian government has been conducting an aggressive colonialization policy against the Papua population of Western New Guinea (formerly Irian Jaya) marked by intense violence. Despite the world's indifference, the Papuans are fighting for recognition of their political and cultural identity.
In their quest for their rights, members of the Papuan elite created the Papuan freedom 
movement OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka). The OPM has two separate branches -- the political branch and the military branch headed by the rebel chief General Bernard Mawen. French filmmaker Damien Faure has filmed the Papuan freedom fighters for the past 10 years. (c) www.aaaproduction.fr

3 Documentaries by Damien Faure
West Papua 52 min / 2002
Sampari 52 min / 2008
La colonisation oubliée 22 min / 2010
Colonisation goes unseen
4 musical compositions by Ravi Shardja
Komando papua 25'04
Maggundi 09'23
Go isi isi 15'18
Go fas 18'16

1 Book with 2 articles of Le Monde Diplomatique
(c) www.aaaproduction.fr

Matthieu Lamotte

Damien FAURE

http://www.damienfaure-cineaste.fr 

 

 

 

OPM to Fly Morning Star Flags for Three Days (1 - 3 July this year) Throughout West Papua

JUBI, 3 May, 2012


The TP/OPM [National Libration Army/Organisasi Papua Merdeka] is planning to fly Morning Star flags throughout the territory of West Papua for three days from 1 - 3 July this year, said Yusak Pakage, chairman of the Street Parliament . He said that the State of West Papua was proclaimed on 1 July 1969 but was disbanded  by Indonesia on the orders of President Soekarno when he proclaimed the People's Three Commands (Trikora)

 

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He went on to say that various institutions in West Papua such as the DPRP (Provincial Leislative Assembly), the chief of police and the MRP (Papuan People's Council) have been notified of this plan. as well as church leaders, student organisatons and the Governor of Papua, along with a statement of their views.

'Flags will be flown for three days and the authorities will be notified. We will seek assurances regarding the security situation from the chief of police and the armed forces,' said Pakage. He went on to say that they hoped that no one would become victims during these events.

Pakage also expressed the hope that everyone now living in the Cenderawasih Homeland, indigenous Papuans as well as migrants, would preserve an atmoshere of harmony and avoid being provoked by issues spread by irresponsible sources. 'We hope that there will be no loss of life during this event.'

Flags will be flown in public places around midday  for three days running. He added that the TPN/OPM would guard the streets where the Morning Star flags are being flown.

'The aim of this plan it to remind people that we continue to exist,' said Pakage.

When the head of the public relations office of the Papua Police was asked whether he could confirm this plan, he said he was unaware of  it. 'I will check later on. At the moment, I am in a meeting,' he said briefly.

[Translated by TAPOL]

Aftermath 1st May 2012 Demonstrations in West Papua, 1 dead & 13 West Papuans arrested

Below are a number of Google translations of articles in Bintang Papua concerning the rallies that took place in West Papua yesterday. Beware google translate can be a bit erratic. Links to original bahasa at top of articles.

A total of 13 protesters were arrested by the security forces at the grave  of Chief Theys in Sentani city, Jayapura regency. In addition to securing the 13 people, authorities also seized dozens of Morning Star flags.  KNPB rallies also took place in a number of areas including in Sorong a and  Manokwari. 

 
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Posted on the AWPA facebook page
Aftermath 1st May 2012 Demonstrations in West Papua, 
Remembering Day of Annexation by Indonesia (1 May 1963). 
For now: 1 dead , and 13 people arrested after raising the Morning Star flag.
If there are any media contact who would be interested in the story unfolding in West Papua , please read following message with contact details. Thank you, Leonie. 
Victor Yeimo wrote: 

"KNPBnews, 1 member of demonstration, named Terjolih Weah (23) in Jayapura West Papua shot dead by Indonesian forces in front TNI's office (Korem) Abepura. This incident happened while Terjolih and others mass demonstration was going at home after attending demonstration in Jayapura city at 6.00 PM. 

The bullet is still inside the stomach. His body still at Dian Harapan Hospital to get forensic check for bullet. For more information contact us at +6281248356352 
(Victor Yeimo)"
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Photos of Manokwari rally 
http://westpapuamedia.info/ 2012/05/01/ mass-rallies-across-west-papua- challenge-anniversary-of-indon esian-invasion/

Mass Rallies across West Papua challenge anniversary of Indonesian invasion
westpapuamedia.info
Ten Thousand Defy Police bans to march; flotilla of war canoes fly banned flags from West Papua Media and local sources May 1, 2012 Indonesian security forces are currently preparing to disperse a ...

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http://bintangpapua.com/headline/22334-13-massa-pro-m-diamankan

 400 Morning Star (BK) raised citizens in the region II Saireri, Yapen Islands Commemorates the May 1, yesterday.

Pro M Mass 13 is secured
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 17:19
Pro M Mass 13 is secured
At the Tomb of Theys, mass officers with gunfire sup-

 
JAYAPURA-A total of 13 protesters were arrested apparatus consists of a combined Police Jayapura, Jayapura City Police supported the troops when Brimobda Papua commemoration of West Papua annexation or integration into the lap of the Republic of Indonesia at the Tomb of Theys, Sentani city, Jayapura regency, Tuesday (1 / 5).
In addition to securing the 13 people, authorities also seized dozens of Morning Star flag was flown deliberately mass pro West Papuan independence.
Head of the Papua Police Public Relations confirmed rally was interrupted between KNPB in Imbi Park, City of Jayapura confirmed the action of the Morning Star flag raising at the Tomb of Sentani when Theys in commemoration of West Papua annexation or integration into the lap of the Republic of Indonesia.
It said the 13 protesters are secured for further proceedings. Lodging in the city of Jayapura and Sentani, he added, shaking his party supported 485 armored personnel to secure the rally while keeping kantibmas.
He said the rally was simultaneously performed mass KNPB in a number of areas in Papua as in Sorong involving 200 mass, and the Star Mountains Manokwari.
Stars on the field observation Papua Thyes Tomb, from the flag-raising incident, the police are already on guard since the morning finally fired several times into the air to disperse the crowd that gathered in the field Theys Sentani.
Since the mass gathering, barracuda's two police vehicles, some trucks and police vehicles as well as hundreds of police officers watercanon vigil in front of the Field Theys Sentani.
From the data collected in the field, the action of BK is a kind of flag-raising done by broaching the flag to the mast, which carried by a group calling itself the West Papua Comunity Organization (WestPaCo).
Morning Star flag was raised by a kind of a hurry because the police shot straight into the issue up, and barracuda car straight into the field to the flagpole where the flag was flying less than a minute and a direct hit by a car barracuda, and the flag then secured by Police officers from the Jayapura police station.
In such situations, the police confiscated 13 players who participated in a flag-raising kind of BK on the scene, then secured in a car with a police guard detainees. One that caught impersonating a priest, the Rev.. Darius Kogoya, S.Th.When the sweep and arrests made in the field, it appears there was a carrying AK type rifle. Currently the 13 people who were arrested were taken to the City Malposek Sentani to further examination.
Jayapura Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Anthony Wantri Julianto, SIK is confirmed on this subject to justify the raising of the flag type BK.
"The flag is not the kind of BK BK but because the flag is made up of pictures pictures of stars, fringe and ax (BK flag usually consists only of images of stars and stripes only-Red)," he said by telephone celularnya to Papua Stars on Tuesday afternoon ( 01/05).
Police mentioned, this raising of the event, as many as 13 people were apprehended and while this is being examined for further information.
"There were no fatalities in this incident," said the next police chief.
Not only that, in the event this time, after a sweep by police in this line of Jayapura Police managed to secure several items of evidence such as arrows, axes and machetes.
At around 15:30 CEST, the situation around the field was re-conducive Theys, who had closed shops have reopened. Street was deserted and was closed by the police for the security interest was already re-opened. Traffic flow that had jammed the streets of the front piece and the health center Sentani Sentani Airport was finally back to normal.
Fortunately, a series of activities to commemorate the 49th anniversary of the return of West Irian to the Republic of Indonesia at the Jayapura District Khalkote region centered in East Sentani so as not to interfere with the mass that makes the activity in the field Theys Sentani.

May 1, Jayapura regency Focus on Khalkote
Meanwhile, in order to commemorate the Anniversary (Anniversary) 49th West Irian return to the bosom of Homeland which falls on May 1, Jayapura district government held a series of activities centered on Khalkote.
Tuesday morning (01/05) at around 08:00 CET held in front of Koramil Sentani, Acting Regent Jansen Monim Jayapura, ST.MM karnafal was officially opened, followed by a troop of students, school children, community-association, Jayapura Tiger Motor Club ( JTMC), Vespa motorcycle club and the club jeep carrying the perpetrators of history as Ramses Ohee and veterans Khalkote fighters heading to the Eastern District of Sentani.
After reaching the Khalkote, the group soon set themselves in array and execute each of the flag ceremony. Had presented the actions of the Marines when they wanted to secure their territory with tourist fell from the boat and blow up a picture of miniature buildings if the Marines are at war.
Action replica of past fighters also presented in this opportunity. Unfortunately, parachuting action is planned to be exhibited to the public not to be implemented.
In his speech, Acting Regent Jansen Monim Jayapura, ST.MM said that the warning this time, it can be seen all the development efforts undertaken since the integration of Papua into the lap of Republic of Indonesia for 49 years.
"With all the limitations, we have stepped forward to carve a variety of development outcomes to date in the era of development within the framework of the Special Autonomy Law (Autonomy)," he said.
He explained, however can not be denied that with the implementation of special autonomy has been a lot of the fruits of development are characterized by a change in people's living has increased and better, the opportunity to enter a wider world of education, business opportunities more open and connected region to region other.
"Likewise, we recognize that Autonomy has been to provide optimal results in spite of the Special Autonomy Fund is supported by a very large," he added.
He continued, it is reflected in the persistence of economic inequality that is still the presence of some people who are below the poverty line, education has not been evenly distributed to the hinterland, the limited employment opportunities for graduate education, the emergence of increasingly urbanized due to better development and progress of urban areas.
"Looking at the real condition of our society, the government has pursued a breakthrough policy of empowerment through the district and village and respect program, which is expected to spur development in Papua to keep pace with other areas," he explained.
He added that the development menyikap some circumstances at Tanah Papua lately is quite alarming, it should be understood and addressed wisely. Where is expected the people to participate and maintain security and stability in Papua because it is not only the responsibility of military-police but also the entire community. (Mdc/dee/don/L03)

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KNPB a mass demonstration in around the park yesterday Imbi wearing traditionalclothing.

In Serui, BK 400 fly
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 17:19
In Serui, BK 400 fly

 

KNPB a mass demonstration in around the park yesterday Imbi wearing traditional clothing.

Serui - The peace rally was also conducted of people who live in the region II Saireri Yapen Islands District, where the demo was centered in the court fight Jl.Diponegoro Serui monument. Enthusiastically of the Papuan people want out of the Homeland. Warning May 1 is rated as the culmination of what had been Papuans want and set the political agenda of the Federal Republic of West Papua (NRFPB). "It is time the world knew about the lies that have been conducted by the Indonesian people on this earth and the things that made the inhuman to the people of Papua, Indonesia, among others, harassment, abduction, murder of the Papuan people," said Marthinus Wandamani Committee Chairman peaceful demonstrations from the nation of Papua as well as bureaus in the State Governance in the Transitional Federal political oration at the peaceful demonstration that took place (fifth)
In political speech say, what do the people of Papua on their own land is a right pure soul born in each of the Papuan people are missing, the State of Indonesia does not have the right to ban it because of the aspirations of our nation goes to the government of Papua Indonesia conducted wise and prudent manner and conditions remain conducive security and order securely restrained. Although these attributes in this activity gets a ban from the government of Indonesia, in this case the police chief and commander of Yapen, but the process is still carried out and running smooth. "But the thing that needs to be known by the Indonesian state clearly that the nation has been independent Papua in October 2011 that the nation of Papua ago and we also have to have an elected leader for the government of Indonesia should recognize it and immediately release the nation of Papua that could lead the nation of Papua toward his own people what God wanted, "he said.
He continued, of the action would be immediately recognized the Indonesia kadaulatan nation that has been annexed Papua in 1961 and to the Dutch and Americans, in this case the United Nations to immediately repeal the annexation that has been given to our nation of Papua, because our nation has a sovereign and independent Papua through Papua congress III on 19 October 2011.
While the number of the Morning Star flag is flown at Mantebu village of 400, not including those in other regions with a total mass of approximately 3000 Mantembu region, not including the three other points. In perjalananan to the court of the mass demonstrations held by members of the military / police and arrested as well as lowering all the attributes used in these demonstrations. "But the government of Indonesia should know even if their attributes were detained by security forces, but the flag is in the hearts of our nation's children will never disappear Papua until whenever," he said.
Flag issued by the committee in a demonstration at the Islands District II Saireri Yapen 5000 flag, flag number that is printed is a cornerstone of the Act Trikora verse is about the flag of Indonesia kibarkan Irianjaya across the plains and on the occasion of this day May 1, 2012 annexation of the Papua not revealed to the world, in this United Nations-American-Dutch-Indonesia that we will return the matter to the UN and Indonesia to look back on the nation of Papua has risen and will fly the Morning Star flag in all the plain land of Papua. Indonesia was the nation for not acting on any of the above ground because the nation of Papua Papua our nation will continue with our commitment that is going out of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia, and we will stand on principle we have agreed that it was time for the people of Indonesia recognizes the sovereignty of Papua and release the nation of Papua from Indonesia's lap, free the president of the us and let us choose our own measures because it is an absolute right and the statement of our nation of Papua. PAPUA FREEDOM FREE, "he said. (Seo/don/l03)

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KNPB masses who do a demo while running

Reject Annexation!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 17:18
Reject Annexation!

 

KNPB masses who do a demo while running

JAYAPURA - a thousand masses of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) coming from various parts of the city of Jayapura held a demonstration at the Arts Council Office Building in Papua (GDKTP) or Imbi Park in Jayapura on Tuesday (1/5) yesterday.
Initially, the mass KNPB do with how long march on foot or by vehicle wheels either two or four wheels from around Waena-Expo, Abepantai, Entrop and Office Space to the right GDKTP yesterday afternoon at 13:00 CET. Demonstrators led Buchtar Tabuni as Chairman of the KNPB, Mako Tabuni Musa as Chairman I KNPB and Viktor Yeimo as spokesman (spokesperson) International KNPB make political speeches and statements delivered in front of crowds that thronged KNPB GDKTP Office.
In addition KNPB mass that comes with the crowded-jubel using traditional clothing typical of West Papua and equipped with traditional weapons such as arrows, Jubi, bow, spear, ax. There are even some mass to scribble her.
In addition, the attribute of mass demonstrations such as banners that read Papua in the Emergency Zone, then the answer of all is the referendum for West Papua, May 1 which is the annexation of the Nation Day of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia (Homeland) is the initial destruction of Ethnic Melanesia in West Papua and the Government of the Netherlands and the United Nations (UNTEA) shall be responsible for the murder of political rights, dignity and self-esteem of the people of West Papua nation as a nation. While writing pamphlets that brought the masses are Indonesia and Referendum No. Yes, reject the annexation of West Papua into the Nation Homeland.
In a speech delivered Chairman KNPB Mako Tabuni, essentially rejected the annexation of the West Papuans into the Homeland, Nation and the people of West Papua (West Papua) is a Negroid Nation, Rumpun Polilinesia, Ras Melanesia, the anthropology that black people of West Papua and curly hair and its territory from Sorong to Merauke.
"The legal basis is recognized by Ir.Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta, at the time of the proclamation of independence by the territory of Indonesia from Sabang to Nation Amboina (Ambon, Maluku), so obviously not the territory of West Papua," he said.
He continued, then the annexation process and the integration of the territory of West Papuan people Nations either through an agreement New York Agreement August 15, 1962, the treaty of Rome Agreement 30 September 1962, handover of government administration from the State of West Papua into UNTEA Netherlands (UN) May 1, 1963, handover of administration government of West Papua UNTEA (UN) to the Government of Indonesia May 3, 1963 and in the implementation of the Act of Free Choice (Choice) in 1969, where it has violated the principles and standards of international law and universal human rights is Article 73 of UN Resolution a and b, as well as the UN General Assembly Resolution No. 1514.
"Due to New Guinea Raad Council declared December 1, 1961, but is not involved as a representative who has a right to dispute the annexation process and the integration to determine the status of West Papua," he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the KNPB, Buchtar Tabuni in his oration with a firm or nation principle, we oppose the annexation of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia, because it is the beginning of destruction and human rights violations against the people of West Papuans. "So we strongly oppose, in which Indonesia claimed that the people of West Papua surrendered to the bosom of Mother Earth, but we understand and know and realize that history is not true, so we inform the people of West Papuans to know the history of the same is not true once, "he said.
He continued, this is not integration, but this day is a day which means Day of Forced Annexation by the Nation against the nation of Papua Indonesia to enter into the Homeland. So until whenever we would oppose the annexation process.
Statement read out by Mako Tabuni, KNPB has mediates all the people of West Papua, to revive Niew Guinea Raad, changing its name to the National Parliament of Papua Barat (PNPB), in mid-April 2012 and 4-5 in Hollandia. Our nation of Papua, West Papua Indigenous population Nederlands former colony of Guinea."The political representative institutions Pap [ua" Niew Guinea Raad "which was formed in 1961 and has legislative power which was validated by the Government of the Kingdom of Nederlands still there and never dissolved by the people who are indigenous Papuans of West Papua," he said.
Dikatakann, Niew Guinea Raad will continue and implement the existing legislative powers in the mid 6 April 2012, to the ideals of independence Papuans in West Papua. And tell the world that is PNPB political manifesto Guinea Raad Niew Council, has been revived in the last 4-5 April 2012, which the Legislature has the right to fight for self-determination, in order to prosecute the Netherlands in the International Court, as the queen Juliana support stategment President on perss in Japan-Tokyo, on 20 September 1961. (Mir/don/l03)

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Student members of the TNI and beaten
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 17:19
Student members of the TNI and beaten
When Massa KNPB Past Mako Brimobda in Kotaraja

Meanwhile, in the May 1 action yesterday, it also resulted in the persecution. A student of one university in Jayapura named Andi Matasi and members of theArmy / Army of Denmadam Kopda Suradin dianiayai suspected mass of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) when riding a motorcycle the same time eachMako Brimobda crossed in Front of Papua in Kotaraja, District Abepura, Jayapura.
The incident took place when heading KNPB mass rally commemorating the location or the annexation of West Papua's integration into the lap of the Republic of Indonesia in Imbi Park, the city of Jayapura, Tuesday (1/5).
Head of Public Relations Papua Police Commissioner Pol Drs John NugrohoWicaksono confirmed on the sidelines rally KNPB confirmed it had receivedinformation of cases of abuse against a mashasiswa and TNI members whoallegedly carried out the mass in front of the Mako Brimobda KNPB Papua,Kotaraja.
Nevertheless, he said, it could not deliver the information in detail before theJayapura Police in coordination with the City. Suradin victim reportedly waswearing camouflage clothing and had fled to the Mako Brimobda. He only sufferedminor injuries in the hand and hurried back to his home in Bucend Kotaraja IV.While the mass destroyed his motorcycle. (mdc/don/l03)

West Papua - A people betrayed (AWPA Media release 1 May 2012)

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) 

PO Box 28, Spit Junction, Sydney, Australia 2088 

 

Media release 1 May 2012


A people betrayed

Forty nine years ago today, the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA) transferred administration of the Dutch colony of Netherlands New Guinea to Indonesia. From the moment Indonesia took over the administration from UNTEA, the oppression of the West Papuan people began and forty nine years later the oppression continues and so does the struggle of the West Papuan people for self-determination.

3581262-3x2-285x207

The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) plans to hold a number of peaceful rallies to protest the handover but the police have refused permission.    The Head of public relations for the Papuan Police said he expects that KNPB to respect the authorities. He also said if the KNPB staged a demo it would conduct surveillance on the demonstrators.


Joe Collins of AWPA said, we keep hearing how Indonesian is now a democracy yet in the past year the Indonesian security forces conducted numerous military operations throughout West Papua. In October 2011 there was the crackdown on the 3rd Papuan Peoples congress where security forces used excessive force when arresting up to 300 Papuans. Up to six people were reported killed and five of the organisers arrested and charged with treason. They received three years in prison for subversion.  Large numbers of rallies also took place with people calling for a true act of self-determination. 

 


 

UN Secretary General U Thant: I want to convey to residents of West Papua my sincere hope of wealth and happiness in the future.

89_n

U Thant, who served as Secretary General of the United Nations 1961-1971 At the end of an official United Nations Secretary General, U Thant, which was read by the Secretary General's special envoy, CV Narasimhan at the time of handover of Papua to the Republic of Indonesia, U Thant stated: "........... I want to convey to residents of this area my sincere hope of wealth and happiness in the future. I am convinced that the Republic of Indonesia will keep it carefully, the terms of the agreement dated August 15, 1962, and ensure the implementation of the rights of the people of this region to decide its future. United Nations will remain willing to provide assistance to the Government of Indonesia in implementing other parts of the agreement. "

U Thant, yang menjabat sebagai Sekretaris Jenderal Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa 1961-1971 Pada bagian akhir pesan pejabat Sekjen PBB, U Thant, yang dibacakan oleh utusan khusus Sekjen, C.V. Narasimhan pada saat penyerahan Papua kepada Republik Indonesia, U Thant menyatakan : "........... saya hendak menyampaikan kepada penduduk wilayah ini pengharapan saya yang tulus akan kemakmuran dan kebahagiaan mereka dimasa datang. Saya yakin bahwa Republik Indonesia akan menepati dengan seksama, syarat-syarat perjanjian tanggal 15 Agustus 1962, dan menjamin pelaksanaan hak-hak rakyat wilayah ini untuk memutuskan masa depannya. PBB akan tetap bersedia memberi bantuan kepada Pemerintah Indonesia dalam melaksanakan bagian-bagian lain dari perjanjian tersebut."

Australia West Papua Association letter reg: Filep Karma

Australia West Papua Association (Sydney)

PO Box 28, Spit Junction, Sydney, Australia 2088

 

 

Drs. Untung Sugiyono

Director General of Prisons

Ministry of Justice and Human Rights

Jl. Veteran No. 11
, Jakarta Pusat

Indonesia

 

22 April 2012

Dear Untung Sugiyono

I am writing to you on behalf of the Australia West Papua Association (AWPA) concerning the health of Filep Karma who is serving a 15-year sentence at the Abepura prison because he was part of a peaceful demostration where the  Bintang Kejora was raised.   

Doctors at the Dok Dua hospital in Jayapura conducted a medical examination last month and suspect a tumour of the colon. They have confirmed that he requires a colonoscopy and follow-up treatment. However as the necessary equipment is not available in Papua they have referred him to the Cikini hospital in Jakarta. Although the Abepura prison authorities have given permission for Filep Karma to travel to Jakarta, they have refused to cover the cost of his medical treatment and travel. By law, all medical costs for treatment of a prisoner at a hospital must be borne by the state (Regulation No. 32/1999 on Terms and Procedures on the Implementation of Prisoners’ Rights in Prisons).

Filep Karma has suffered a number of medical problems in detention, including bronchopneumonia, excess fluid in the lungs and a urinary tract infection. Filep Karma is also undergoing physiotherapy for an injury to his hip bone from a fall he suffered in detention in 2006.

 

I urge you to see that Filep Karma receives any medical treatment he may require and that the cost of such treatment be covered by the authorities in accordance with the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment (Principle 24) and Indonesian regulations.

 

I also urge you to ensure that prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners meet the standards provided for in Indonesian law as well as UN Standard Minimum Rules on the Treatment of Prisoners. 

 

Filep Karma is a prisoner of conscience and we urge that he be  immediately and unconditionally released.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Joe Collins

Secretary

AWPA (Sydney)

 

CC.

Primo Alui Joelianto Ambassador, Indonesian Embassy Canberra

Liberty Sitinjak,  Head of Abepura Prison

Daniel Biantong  Head of Papuan Provincial Department of Justice and Human Rights

Indonesian State Intelligence Agency in West Papua operating under independent chain of command

Papua: Intelijen Punya Jalur Sendiri – Kompas.Kamis, 19 April 2012 <http://cetak.kompas.com/read/2012/04/19/01554320/intelijen.punya.jalur.sendiri>

 

200px-the_national_intelligence_agency_indonesia

 

Jakarta -- Speaking in Jakarta on Wednesday April 18, Indonesian Military (TNI) headquarters information centre chief Rear Admiral Iskandar Sitompul said that intelligence personnel on duty in Papua do indeed have its own chain of command.

Intelligence operatives do not report to the Papuan chief-of-police despite the province currently being under a state of civil administration, where jurisdiction for security lies with regional heads and is implemented by the police. "Intelligence operations if they're found out, yeah, they would be in the wrong", said Sitompul.

Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) questioned why numerous shooting incidents in Papua are not followed by the arrest of suspects. The government invariably claims that the perpetrators are from the Free Papua Organisation (OPM).

Komnas HAM Commissioner Joseph A Prasetyo said that based on information obtained by the commission, there is a group of people referred to as "angel troops" (pasukan malaikat). They are not TNI and also not OPM. "We are therefore asking for transparency, [so that] all operations in Papua are reported to the police chief because Papua is under a state of civil order", he said.

According to Sitompul, boarder security and security operations in unstable areas are coordinated with regional governments or under the authority of local police.

Intelligence [operations] however, although they do indeed require coordination, are conducted through intelligence channels above them. "If they don't need coordination, yeah, they aren’t conducted", said Sitompul.

Speaking at the Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPR) in Jayapura on Wednesday, DPR Commission A chairperson Ruben Magai said that security personnel, particularly the police, have been unable to maintain order and security in Papua.

Shootings in the area of PT Freeport and Puncak Jaya for example, continue unabated. Yet the security forces have proven incapable of shedding any light on the perpetrators.

Although there are many TNI and police personnel, as well as agents from the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the Army's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) that are assigned to Mulia, Puncak Jaya regency, a civil aircraft was still fired during a landing at the Mulia Airport resulting in the death of one passenger.

The shooting has resulted in pilots being unwilling to fly to Mulia and this has impacted upon the mobility of local people and the supply of foodstuffs. Since the shooting of the Trigana Air Twin-Otter aircraft on Monday April 8, no aircraft have flown back to Mulia. (JOS/EDN)

[Translated by James Balowski.]