DAP and PDP questioned
Jayapura, 15 July 2007.In the midst of strong criticisms following the presentation of Morning Star flag during the opening ceremony of the 2nd Conference of Papuan Customary Council on 9 July, Papuan Police summoned the organising committee with a letter no. Pol. Pgl/668/VII/2007/Dit Reskrim. 11 people were summoned as witnesses on the case of crimes against state security.

Herewith the chronology of interogation:
Friday, 6 July
Around 9 pm on the closing ceremony of the Conference at Cenderawasih Sport Hall, APO, Jayapura, Leonard Imbiri as the General Secretary received a letter of summon from Papua Police Headquarter summoning 11 members of the DAP. The letter explains that the organising committee of the conference and PDP members were asked to present themselves to Senior Adj. Comm. B. Sitinjak at the Detective and Criminal Section of the Papua Police Headquarter on Friday, 6 July 2007 at 12.00. They were summoned with a status as witnesses of the case against the state security as defined by Article 106 jo 87 Penal Code. However, due to the closing ceremony was held during 5-8.45 pm so it was agreed that the interogation would be conducted on the following day, 7 July 2007.
The eleven names were as follows :
[1]. Mr Thom Beanal: Chairman of DAP of the period of 2002-2007 [2]. Mr Willy Mandowen: Moderator of PDP [3]. Mr Benyamin Yarisetouw [4]. Mr Thaha Moh. Alhamid: General secretary of PDP [5]. Mr Forkorus Yaboisembut: Chairman of DAP of the period of 2007-2012 [6]. Mr Leonard Imbiri: General Secretary of DAP of the period of 2002-2007 and 2007-2012 [7]. Mr Yakob Kasimat: Secretary of the organising committee [8]. Mr Welem Rumasep: Deputy Secretary of the organising committee [9]. Ms Astrid Rumbonde: Deputy Secretary of the organising committee [10]. Ms Alfrida Faidiban: Treasurer of the organising committee [11]. Ms Asmira Alhamid: Deputy Treasurer of the organising committee

Saturday, 7 July
8 of 11 people who were summoned presented themselves to the Police, including Thaha Moh. Alhamid, Forkorus Yaboisembut, Leonard Imbiri, Yakob Kasimat, Welem Rumasep, Astrid Rumbonde, Alfrida Faidiban dan Asmira Alhamid. They were assisted by their lawyers, Ms Anum Siregar and Mr Iwan Niode. They were interrogated separately from 10.30 am to 9 pm. They acknowldged that the interrogation was conducted without any intimidation or physical threats except to Ms Astrid. She was threatened by the interrogator who said, "You haven’t been beaten so why you don’t speak up".

Monday, 8 July
Three members of DAP, yaitu Sayid Fadhal Alhamid, Welem Bonai dan Pieter Mansawan, presented themselves to the Papua Police and were interrogated separately with the assistance of their lawyers from ADLP, Kontras and Legal Aid Foundation (LBH). he interrogation lasted from 10 am to 6 pm.

Tuesday, 9 July
The Police interrogated the eleven members of DAP for the second time from 10.30 am to 3 pm with the assistance of 11 lawyers from ALDP, Kontras and Legal Aid Foundation, such as Mr Pieter Ell, Ms Anum Siregar, Mr Iwan Niode. However, during the interrogation Mr Welem Rumasep fell sick so he could not continue the interrogation (*)

Hina Jilani to Papua: a new era of protecting human rights
Jayapura, 8 June 2007. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Human Rights Defenders, Ms Hina Jilani, arrived in Jayapura today on her official visit to Indonesia during 5-13 June 2007 pending for three-year waiting for the permission from the Government of Indonesia. On her arrival at Sentani airport, she was welcomed by the student groups who presented their posters and banners saying the urgent need to address human rights violations in Papua. The student association of the highlanders organised the same thing at the lobby of Swiss-bell Hotel where she stayed while another group organised a similar thing at Imbi Park downtown.
Due to the tight meeting schedule with the government officials, the time alocated for the religious leaders was only about 45 minutes from 5.45-6.30 pm. During this meeting, Ms Jilani listened to the testimonies of the Churh leaders in Papua who were arbitrarily arrested, interrogated, intimidated and stigmatised by TNI, Police and the local government officials.
The meeting with the civil society organisations was held at the office of the Evangelical Christian Church in Argapura at 7.30-8.30 pm. Some 100 people representing the community of human rights defenders in Papua attended this meeting where 6 people delivered their testimonies representing various groups, including the NGOs, women’s groups, students’ groups, trade union, community leaders, and the Papuan Customary Council.
Ms Jilani who is an expert in human rights and international law is a Pakistani. She holds the mandate as the Special Representative since August 2000 as stipulated by the Resolution of the UN Commission on Human Rights No. 2000/61 dated 21 April 2000. The mandate covers three major areas: [1] investigate, receive, examine and respond any complaints on the situation and the rights of every person who acts individually or in a group to promoted and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms; [2] develop cooperation and dialogue with governments and others stakeholders to promote and effectively implement the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders of 1998; [3] provide strategic recommendations to better protect human rights defenders. Since 2004, she has requested an invitation to visit Indonesia and it was done this year (*)

"To Whom You Walk?"
Timika, 3 February 2007. "To Whom You Walk?" this is the leading question given by Msgr. John Saklil Pr, Bishop of Timika in one day retreat to start the evaluation and the 5th annual meeting SKP offices of Papua in Timika. This gathering was supposed to be held in Agats, Asmat, but the flight connection difficulty forced to move the venue to the Timika with SKP Agats as the organiser assisted by SKP Timika. In its reflection Bishop John invited the five offices to reflect on to whom SKPs carry out their jobs, especially in facing the cultural contradiction of the nation both at the national and local level in Papua today. This reflection increasingly inspired everybody that was present, with a reflection from the book of Yehezkiel 37 : 1 - 14 and Jesus’ story in Luke 19 : 28 - 40.
The inspiration of the first day reflection influenced the proceedings of the programme evaluation as well as the training on strategic planning of SKP offices. This meeting occurred during 3 - 11 February 2007 in the Transit Guest House of the Diocese of Timika attende by the leaders and staff of SKP offices from 5 dioceses in Papua. For this purpose, these offices invited Mr Roem Toepatimasang, a senior fasilitator from INSIST Yogyakarta, which of course is well-experienced in developing community-based organisations in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Jawa, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi and Maluku. In the mid of hot Timika, the meeting continued. Although the activity started at 8 am in the morning until 10pm, the participants remain to be enthusiastic particularly because of the jokes that coloured the training and evaluation meeting. ‘Walking in balance’, a terminology taken from Asmat area that fitted in the reflection theme given Uskup John, always encouraged the participants.
The training also introduced new knowledge about fundamental differences between a strategic planning and an ordinary planning that is already in place to date. The strategic planning is a planning that is conjungtural. It means it takes into account all changes and additional factors, including external factors (the situation and social, political change as well as social contradiction) and internal factors (internal strength and situation). The ordinary planning, on the other hand, is a linear planning with the assumption that change will not happen. So a work plan that is already formulated cannot change and must be implemented.
Each SKP led to formulate its practical vision as the translation from the main vision which has been formulated in every SKP and collectively by all SKP offices in Papua. SKP offices also is invited review their social mandates given to SKP to be implemented in their workplans. The fasilitator followed the dynamics carefully and sometimes provided his critical inputs. Collectively, SKP offices of Papua critically analysed the external challenges that are more and more confronting for the SKPs’ ministry, such as [1] the culture of corruption, [2] the increase of the military troops deployment, [3] the social fragmentation, [ 4] conflict as the result of regional divisions, [5] the influx of capital investment, [6] the development of mega-projects. However there are always opportunities to remain motivated in serving the people in Papua with [1] the survival of the tribal councils, [2] the permanent invitation at the UN Council on Human Rights, [3] the empowerment of the position and the role of the religious leaders, and [4] the Special Autonomy Law for Papua.
Some important notes about the internal situation of SKP offices of Papua include [1] SKP offices must also develop the quality and efficiency of their staff and [2] recruitment of program staff and also finance personnel to support the performance of these offices to the years to come, [3] the dependency on the external funding. However, there is also opportunities to make a breakthrough with [1] the existence of permanent sponsors, [2] adequate facilities and infrastructure, and [3] wide both national and international network.
Based on this external and internal analysis, SKPs in Papua decided their priorities both in the area of programmes and organisation for five-year time.
Programme priorities:

• empowerment of the community bases: teritorial & categorial to be able to self-supportingly in carrying out community organising, case handling, public awareness and a simple investigation;
• exposing icon cases depicting the gross human rights violation in the area of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights;
• specific case studies: Special Autonomy Law and the military that determine the map of politics in Papua now and in the years to come;
• Road to Geneva: advocacy and lobby activity at the UN to inform the situation of Papua in an objective and accurate way so at the end these would give a real change on the ground;
• special litigation team of inter-SKPs to handle the gross human rights violation in Papua given the limitation of pro bono lawyers that are available for the victims;
• building a pattern of partnership with other organisations that supports the work of SKP offices.

• recruitment of new staff in the area of: advocacy, finance, IT (information technology);
• providing special facilities in a special region, like a speedboat for SKP Agats, a server for SKPs that will be built in Merauke;
• reorientation of the staff formation system: specific, in-depth, programatic, and sustainable;
• restucturing the financial management system: applying an external audit and fundraising of local potentials;
• internal consolidation with the pastoral teams and commissions in every diocese so that the performance and ministry of SKPs of Papua can be more synergetic with the dynamics of the respective diocese.

SKP’s Annual Evaluation Meeting 2006
Jayapura, 17 December 2006. Towards the end of 2006, the Office for Justice and Peace of the Diocese of Jayapura held an annual evaluation meeting of 2006. This activity took place for 6 days, during 17 - 21 December at St Clare’s Retret House in Sentani. This evaluation focused on the implementation of the work program of the year 2006 consisting of the Division of Advocacy, Division of Publication and Documentation, the Division of Peacebuilding, the Division of Ecology, and the Division of Administration and Finance. During the evaluation, SKP reviewied the implementation of its programme to see its successes, failures and the factors that played an important role in it. This meeting also discussed the planning for 2007 by referring to result of the evaluation over the implementation of 2006 annual programme. This meeting was attended by the Director, Programme Manager, all staff, interns, volunteers, and contact persons of SKP Jayapura. The Board of Founders were also present through its delegates, Mr Hardus Desa and Fr Gabriel Ngga OFM. This evaluation meeting went well and serious. The participants held an in-depth discussion on every programme, including advocacy programmes that required a lot attention and resources. Some programmes on documentation and publication also needed serious attention as SKP’s publication contributed a lot to dissemiate balance information to the public in the area of human rights in Papua. The adminstration and finance needed a particular attention as SKP would soon be examined by an external audit. Other issues included personnel and the capacity building for staff. During the planning session, these key elements became important inputs along with social and political dynamics in Papua. Overall, the work of SKP in the year 2006 was succesfull. The Custos, Fr Ferdinand Sahadun OFM as one of the Board of Founders appreciated the work of SKP in 2006. The similar comments were raised by SKP’s partners who were invited to come at the end of the meeting when SKP presented its work programme. They held the view that what SKP did contributed to the promotion of the human rights in Papua today (*)

"Healthy is my right"
Jayapura, 11 December 2006. On 11 - 13 December 2006, the Office for Justice and Peace of the Diocese of Jayapura held a workshop to discuss the result of research of the healthcare system in the District of Jayawijaya Jayawijaya. The workshop with the topic of ‘Healthy is my right’ was held in Bethesda Vocational Training Centre in Wamena. During the workshop, the result of joint work between SKP, INSIST/ YPRI Jogjakarta and INNINAWA Makassar was presented to the public. Regional Secretary of the District of Jayawijaya, Chris Wopari, representing the Regent opened the workshop whereas dr. Ririn Habsari, one of researchers from YPRI presented the result of this research at the front of the local government officials, the religious leaders, the elite figures, the Heads of Health Clinic from 8 sub-districts. The local researchers also participated in the workshop. This research found that the healthcare system in this district was collapsed. 141,417 people (44,9%) residents of Jayawijaya do not have access to health service. Data shows there are 32 health clinic (Puskesmas), with the ratio 1: 9842 people, 40 sub-health clinic with the ratio 1: 7874 men, and alsol dozens of the health clinic at village level. Nevertheless this infrastructure is unable to meet the need of health service of the public because they are located far from the residents and the people are spread out. This research also found only 38% out of 144,882 poor residents having the health insurance cards. Political situation and the goverment of Jayawijaya do not work well because of the replacement of the head of the health department that causes the health service system in this area does not work well either. Supervision and monitoring system of the health department is dysfunctional so that the documentation, facilities and infrastructure are also inadequate whereas the budget allocated to the health sector in 2005 only got small portion that is 2,75% from the total regional budget which was Rp. 6,667,000,000). This activity met enthusiasm from all participants, especially the Regional Secretary and element of other local government officials. They thought that they got much new information which they did not know of. This thing pushed the local government officials to take into account the budget planning and the health sector in the Distric of Jayawijaya. This attitude was in line with one of the recommendations based on the research. The participants also learnt that health is one of fundamental rights. In the workshop, the participants that were from different sub-districts, agreed to form the working groups in two regions: Kwiyawage and Kurulu. These working groups will focus on their activity in providing self-supporting health service in each region by raising the awareness and participation of the locals. These working groups hopefully will become an example for other regions in the District of Jayawijaya (*)

"Paying Attention to Mammas, Saving our Generation"
Jayapura, 25 November 2006. The Office of Justice and Peace of the Diocese of Jayapura held a public seminar to present the result of research on the condition of Papua women of vegetable sellers in Jayapura. This seminar marked the commemoration of the day of anti-violence against women in 25 November 2006. With the topic of "Paying Attention to Mammas, Saving our Generation", this seminar was held in the Auditorium of Art Centre of Papua and attended by NGOs people, the church leaders, elite figures and some 200 vegetable seller Papuan womend from all over Jayapura.
Three panelists discussed the report including the Mayor of Jayapura, Drs. MR. Kambu MSc , as the main discussant, Ms Selfiana Sanggenafa, SH (Director of LP3AP), Albert Rumbekwan, SH (Chairman of KOMNAS HAM representative Papua) and Sharlly Parangan (Bank of Papua). Cunding Levi, a national and local media journalist, was the moderator of the seminar whereas Ms Dominggas Nari and Mr Karel Boma representing the researchers presented the report during the seminar.
This seminar was opened by Bishop of Jayapura, Msgr. Leo Laba Ladjar OFM. The Bishop welcomed this research and urged the government to build a small market (a traditional market) for these women, as a part of government’s city planning as well as to manage the market system that accomodates traditional markets and supermarkets.
This activity started with a screening of a 14-minute film containing the interviews of 3 vegetable sellers telling their stories of being evicted from one place to another while seeking for a proper place for a marked in Jayapura downtown. To date they sell their product at the unoccupied space downtown with a risk that they can be evicted at any time.
Cunding Levi then guided the seminar’s proceedings. In presentation of research entitled "Between the Discriminatorny Realities and the Policy of the Mayor of Jayapura" it was mentioned that these women that sold vegetable, betel nuts and smoked fish in Jayapura, were not provided with an secured and proper place. They could only sell their product at the front of shops, on the street and in parking area. Their status is street vendors and thus, they are not safe to do their business as they can easily be evicted at any time.
The discussion went well even though the situation was getting tense once these women were not so satisfied with the responses from the Mayor. During the discussion many questions were addressed to mayor, especially concerning his policy in urban planning and a special traditional market for the Papuan women downtown of Jayapura. Moreover the Mayor affirmed that no space downtown to build a traditional market for Papuan women. Instead, the municipality government policy is give opportunity to the investors to invest their capital to develop the economy of Jayapura.
The other discussants gave similar comments that is to ask the Mayor to take into serious account the condition of these women whereas the representative from Bank of Papua raised the possibility to provide soft loan for the women as far as there was a partner that could play a role as the supervisor for this project to provide technical assistance to the women. This discussion is important to explain to public the real problems in Jayapura which is normally ignored. In fact, however, these problems are serious for the city. Br Budi Hernawan OFM, Director of SKP Jayapura, emphasised that this was the opportunity to analyse this problem together with all stakeholders and invite them to find a feasible way involving the women, the Mayor, NGOs and the Bank(*).

Prisoners of the Abepura case ill-treated
Jayapura, 19 October 2006. SKP Jayapura and Franciscans International reported the case of Abepura of 16 March 2006 to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Prof. Manfred Nowak, due to the high risk of torture to 73 detainees that are being interrogated in the Jayapura Police Station without access to lawyers. So far the Police only announced 12 people as suspects, including Elkana Lokobal (male, 21), Patrisius Aronggear (male, 30), Ellyas Tamaka (male, 21), Othen Dapyal (male, 22), Luis Gedi (male, 26), Fenius Waker (male, 21), Feri Pakage (male, 21), Selpius Bobii (male, 26), Alex C. Wayangku (male, 22), Fernando P (male, 22), Moses Lokobal (male, 34), and Markus Kayame (male, 47).
These two organisations filed complaint due to the ongoing practice of torture committed by the police. For example, in the case of Abepura of 7 December 2000, the police arrested, detained and tortured some 90 people. Two of them were found dead in the police custody from the torture they sufferred. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (E/CN.4/2003/66/Add1. para 654) and on Extrajudicial killings (E/CN.4/2003/3/Add 1 para 313) reported this case to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2003.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture ( E/CN.4/2006/6 ) notes that for 13 year long, Indonesia has denied access to the rapporteur. Despite the ratification of both major covenants, the practice remains unchanged (*) ( related news )

PGGP and the families of the victim of Abepura filed a complaint to Komnas HAM
Jakarta, 5 October 2006. SKP Jayapura and Franciscans International reported the case of Abepura of 16 March 2006 to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Prof. Manfred Nowak, due to the high risk of torture to 73 detainees that are being interrogated in the Jayapura Police Station without access to lawyers. So far the Police only announced 12 people as suspects, including Elkana Lokobal (male, 21), Patrisius Aronggear (male, 30), Ellyas Tamaka (male, 21), Othen Dapyal (male, 22), Luis Gedi (male, 26), Fenius Waker (male, 21), Feri Pakage (male, 21), Selpius Bobii (male, 26), Alex C. Wayangku (male, 22), Fernando P (male, 22), Moses Lokobal (male, 34), and Markus Kayame (male, 47).
These two organisations filed complaint due to the ongoing practice of torture committed by the police. For example, in the case of Abepura of 7 December 2000, the police arrested, detained and tortured some 90 people. Two of them were found dead in the police custody from the torture they sufferred. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (E/CN.4/2003/66/Add1. para 654) and on Extrajudicial killings (E/CN.4/2003/3/Add 1 para 313) reported this case to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2003.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture ( E/CN.4/2006/6 ) notes that for 13 year long, Indonesia has denied access to the rapporteur. Despite the ratification of both major covenants, the practice remains unchanged (*) ( related news )

PGGP demanded an inquiry commission established
Jayapura, 28 September 2006. The Ecumenical Council of Churhes of Papua (PGGP) demanded the establishment of an inquiry commission on human rights abuses for the case of Abepura 16 March 2006. This demand was delivered to the National Commission on Human Rights branch office of Papua (Komda HAM) when PGGP presented the investigative report of the case of Abepura 16 March 2006. PGGP delegation that was chaired by Msgr. Leo L. Ladjar OFM, the chairperson as well as the Bishop of Jayapura, met with the Chairperson of Komda HAM, Albert Rumbekwan SH.
The 159-page report concludes that the violent incident occurred in Abepura on 16 March 2006 is the culmination of the furor of Papuans against PT Freeport Indonesia that was not properly addressed by the legal and political channels. The state institutions were silent when the people’s demand to close this giant copper and gold mine was raised, particularly in the first half of 2006.
Moreover, PGGP also draws a conclusion that gross violations of human rights occurred following the incident when the Police of Papua attacked the civilians, arbitrarily arrested and detained, killed, tortured and destroyed student dormitories around Abepura. This act caused an influx of refugees out of Jayapura and of Papua.
This incident follows the pattern what happened in Abepura on 7 December 2000, six years ago. In this incident the police also attacked the civilians, particularly the students, following an attack to the Police station in Abepura by an unidentified group. An inquiry commission was set up by Komnas HAM in 2001 to investigate the Abepura case of 2000. This case was brought to the Permanent Human Rights court in Makassar in May 2005 with two suspects, Senior Commissioner Johny Wainal Usman and Senior Adjunct Comm. Daud Sihombing. However, the court acquitted all of them from the charge of crimes against humanity. (*)

SKP and FI brought the Abepura case to the UN Special Rapporteur
Geneva, 19 March 2006. SKP Jayapura and Franciscans International reported the case of Abepura of 16 March 2006 to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Prof. Manfred Nowak, due to the high risk of torture to 73 detainees that are being interrogated in the Jayapura Police Station without access to lawyers. So far the Police only announced 12 people as suspects, including Elkana Lokobal (male, 21), Patrisius Aronggear (male, 30), Ellyas Tamaka (male, 21), Othen Dapyal (male, 22), Luis Gedi (male, 26), Fenius Waker (male, 21), Feri Pakage (male, 21), Selpius Bobii (male, 26), Alex C. Wayangku (male, 22), Fernando P (male, 22), Moses Lokobal (male, 34), and Markus Kayame (male, 47).
These two organisations filed complaint due to the ongoing practice of torture committed by the police. For example, in the case of Abepura of 7 December 2000, the police arrested, detained and tortured some 90 people. Two of them were found dead in the police custody from the torture they sufferred. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (E/CN.4/2003/66/Add1. para 654) and on Extrajudicial killings (E/CN.4/2003/3/Add 1 para 313) reported this case to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 2003.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture ( E/CN.4/2006/6 ) notes that for 13 year long, Indonesia has denied access to the rapporteur. Despite the ratification of both major covenants, the practice remains unchanged (*) ( related news )

Central Government should hold a dialogue with the Papuans
Jayapura, 17 March 2006. The prominent religious leaders of Papua chaired by Most Rev. Leo L. Ladjar OFM, the Catholic Bishop of Jayapura, asked the Government to restrain the uncontrolable behaviour of the Special Mobile Brigade of the Police (BRIMOB) that blocked the road and conducted house-to-house search to the students dormitories. Such an operation intimidated the students and the residents in this area and even resulted in a number casualties. The bishop also asked the Central Government to hold a comprehensive dialogue with the Papuan people emphasising that this clash was not merely about the problem with Freeport McMoran but was an iceberg of the protracted problem that the Central Government had not addressed.
These religious leaders delivered this statement during their meeting with a high-level delegation from Jakarta who came to Papua following the violent incident in Abepura 16 March 2006. The delegation consisted of Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Widodo AS, the Commander of TNI, Air Marshall Djoko Suyanto, the National Chief of Police, Gen. Pol. Sutanto, and Head of National Inteligence Agency, Syamsir Siregar. Prior to the meeting, the delegation visited the families of the victims and those that are hospitalised in the Police Hospital in Kotaraja. During the meeting, these officials asked the religious leaders to cooperate with the security services to restore law and order.
The tragedy of Abepura is the culmination of the series of protest demanding [1] the closure of the operation of Freeport McMoran, the world’s largest gold and copper mining, [2] the withdrawal of the military and police personnel from the Freeport concession area, and [3] the release of 7 people detained in Timika due to a wholly separate protest against Freeport. This demonstration that started in 22 February 2006 was organised by student movements of Front PEPERA and Parlemen Jalanan. It was spread out of Papua and was also held in Jakarta, Semarang and Makassar.
During his press conference (16/3) in Jakarta, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasised that the government will not close the mining as it will cause a complicated legal dispute as well as will jeopardise the national economy. The President also affirmed that the security services had to restore law and order. He also condemned the anarchy that left 4 police killed and dozens of civilians and police wounded (*) ( related news )

Religious congregations marched for peace
Jayapura, 20 September 2005. Some 500 people from various religious background, races, social status joint in march for peace organised by five religious leaders in Papua. The march started off at 4 pm at the backyard of the Pengharapan Church in Jayapura when Rev. Hermann Saud pressed the alarm followed by baloons and the release of five doves symbolising peace commitment by the four other religious leaders, including Father Yan You, I Nyoman Sura, Jalaludin, Bhiksu Tanavaro Nyanapradipa. Escorted by the police, the people were marching through Sam Ratulangi St., Ahmad Yani St., to Mesjid Raya Jayapura. When they came there, the muslim community welcomed them with the Khasidah and then Imam and Chairman of Indonesia Ulama Council, Hajj Zubeir Hussein, delivered a short reflection. Shortly afterwards Imam said a prayer and the mass moved on. ( more information )

The burning wildfire in Papua
Jayapura, 4 August 2005. On 29 July 2005, the Papuan Customary Council held a press conference in Jayapura affirming the plan to organise rallies in all districts and provincial houses of representatives. It is part of series of activities to mark its stance to return Law No. 21/2004 on the Special Autonomy for Papua back to the Central Government. These activities also include a seminar on the implementation of this law 6 and 8 August and the commemoration of the International Day of indigenous peoples on 9 August. Interestingly, this plan almost coincides with the issuing of H.R. 2601 by the US House of Representatives that includes substantial concerns over Papua and Aceh in Section 1115 . This political decision endorsed by Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoan Congressman) and Donald Wayne creates various interpretations and assumptions partly because most of Papuans do not have direct access to such information. ( more information )

The burning wildfire in Papua
Jayapura, 4 August 2005. On 29 July 2005, the Papuan Customary Council held a press conference in Jayapura affirming the plan to organise rallies in all districts and provincial houses of representatives. It is part of series of activities to mark its stance to return Law No. 21/2004 on the Special Autonomy for Papua back to the Central Government. These activities also include a seminar on the implementation of this law 6 and 8 August and the commemoration of the International Day of indigenous peoples on 9 August. Interestingly, this plan almost coincides with the issuing of H.R. 2601 by the US House of Representatives that includes substantial concerns over Papua and Aceh in Section 1115 . This political decision endorsed by Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoan Congressman) and Donald Wayne creates various interpretations and assumptions partly because most of Papuans do not have direct access to such information. ( more information )

The burning wildfire in Papua
Jayapura, 4 August 2005. On 29 July 2005, the Papuan Customary Council held a press conference in Jayapura affirming the plan to organise rallies in all districts and provincial houses of representatives. It is part of series of activities to mark its stance to return Law No. 21/2004 on the Special Autonomy for Papua back to the Central Government. These activities also include a seminar on the implementation of this law 6 and 8 August and the commemoration of the International Day of indigenous peoples on 9 August. Interestingly, this plan almost coincides with the issuing of H.R. 2601 by the US House of Representatives that includes substantial concerns over Papua and Aceh in Section 1115 . This political decision endorsed by Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoan Congressman) and Donald Wayne creates various interpretations and assumptions partly because most of Papuans do not have direct access to such information. ( more information )

"Fire Papua Chief of Police!"
Jayapura, 14 May 2005. Indonesian Chief of Police, Gen Pol. Da’i Bahtiar, received a special welcome from the community of the victims of 10 May incident when they organised a rally at the front of the KontraS office in Padang Bulan, Waena, expressing their grievances. "We appeal and urge you as the supreme commander of the police to immediately fire the Papuan Chief of Police and to hold him accountable before the court for the violent act committed by his subordinates. It is proved that he is no longer capable to control his personnel in protecting and serving the people in Papua" stated the statement of the Coalition of the protection of the 10 May’s victims. This public statement was read before the public, journalists and even the newly appointed Jayapura chief of Police, AKBP Paulus Waterpauw. ( more information )

"Papua Land of Peace" at the United Nations
Geneva, 31 March 2005. Two major church leaders of Papua, Bishop Leo L. Ladjar OFM and Rev. Hermann Saud, hit Geneva with their presentations on "Papua Land of Peace". During the session of the UN Commission on Human Rights (CHR), both leaders outline their work in dealing with conflict, human rights violations, and in pursuing any efforts to build peace as an important step to build communion based on the vast diversity in Papua. "Politics divides people but on the contrary, Gospel unites people. One thing we dream for is to live as a human being with dignity. In order to implement it, we want to build the atmosphere of peace and justice so as to enable the growth of common good for our people", emphasised Bishop Leo, bishop of Jayapura. ( more information )

Gloomy Papua during the UN Commission on Human Rights
Geneva, 29 March 2005. As a representative of the Office of Justice and Peace of Jayapura, (SKP) Friar Budi Hernawan OFM portrayed the gloomy human rights situation in Papua to the prestigious 61st session of the UN Commission on Human Rights 14 March - 22 April 2005. During the session where the Indonesian Ambassador, Makarim Wibisono, is the chair, Friar Budi strongly urged the commission to seriously address the protracted human rights violations in Papua. In his statement to the commission, he raised six key points with the commission. ( more information )

Make Papua as a Land of Peace
Jayapura, 3 January 2005. During a press conference, five offices for Justice and Peace (SKP) in Papua appealed to all people to make Papua as a Land of Peace by addressing the worrying human rights situation in Papua due to the heat of political situation, the unsolved cases of human rights abuses and also the ongoing problems of economic, social and cultural rights. Out of their deep concern, these SKPs expressed 7 recommendations urging the government to inform the public regarding its policy towards Papua, to address the cases of human rights abuses and to fulfill the agenda of the Special Autonomy. ( more information )

JPIC workshop for the young friars
Jayapura, 3 January 2005. SKP commenced the new year of 2005 with conducting a workshop for the friars in initial formation with the theme "Integrating the spirituality of justice, peace and integrity of creation (JPIC) into the formation of the friars in the context of the Church in West Papua". This theme was reflected on by the participants for a week (3-7 January 2005) in Sentani assisted by SKP team consisting of Friar Budi Hernawan, Ms Frederika Korain, Friar Rudolf Kambayong and Ms Rosa Moiwend. This activity was part of initial formation program for the friars that aimed at exploring the dimension of JPIC in the social-political context of West Papua. ( more information )

SKP Jayapura has a new director
Jayapura, 28 December 2004. As part of the leadership regeneration in SKP Jayapura, Br Theo van den Broek ofm transferred his directorship to Br Budi Hernawan ofm. Bishop of Jayapura, Msgr. Leo Laba Ladjar ofm, and Custos of the Franciscans in Papua, Friar Nico Syukur Dister ofm, inaugurated this change. Some NGOs leaders and religious leaders of Jayapura also witnessed this transitional stage. ( more information )

Solidarity Forum for the Assue Case rallied to DPRD Papua
Jayapura, 12 November 2004. Papuan students and the peoples around Jayapura protested against the worrying situation in the Sub-district Assue, District of Mappi at the front of the Provincial House of Representatives insisting the House to mediate a meeting between the protesters and the provincial high-level officers, including Governor, Chief of Police and the Territorial Commander of the Military. The Forum urged the House to address the serious environmental and social destruction due to sandlewood business since this had caused serious problems to the people because it was accompanied by illegal liquor, trafficing of women, gambling, and HIV/AIDS in Sub-district of Assue, the newly established District of Mappi. Supported by LMA Awyu Darat, SKP Jayapura and SKP Merauke, more than two hundred people were involved in this joint protest who made a long march from the Diocese office to the Parliament House. At the front of the House, some legislators, including Piet Awangkok Albert Yogi, John Manangsang, anxiously stood up welcoming the protesters. ( only available in Indonesian )

Papuan Churches: set-up an Inquiry Commission!
Jayapura, 5 November 2004. Board of Churches in Papua (Persekutuan Gereja-gereja di Papua/ PGGP) is concerned with the current situation in Mulia, Distrik of Puncak Jaya. Heads of various Christian denominations in Papua sent their Secretary, Hardus Desa, to hold an audience with the Chair of the Provincial House of Representatives of Papua, John Ibo, on 3 November 2004 to presente a Churches' statement with regard to the proposal to set up an investigation team for Mulia. ( download the statement )

Abmisibil, how's life...
Jayapura, 30 October 2004. Abmisibil, the capital of the Sub-District of Okbibab, a newly established Distrik of Pegunungan Bintang, has been worried with new changes occurred in this area since this area became a new district. During its assessment 18-23 October 2004, SKP Jayapura found various indications that the people's living condition as defined in the 1986 UN Declaration on the Rights to Development is under threat. ( only available in Indonesian )

Just published: "the Actual Papua October 2004"
Jayapura, 30 October 2004. It is part of our programme to provide an analysis on the social political development in Papua on three monthly basis under the series of Socio-Political notes. This paper is the ninth of the series and in particular, focuses on the actual situation during July and September 2004. This edition has a different presentation since we managed to provide a map of human rights situation highlighting major focuses that need a particular attention. Therefore, our observation and analysis do not only focus on political analysis as such but also on law enforcement, women’s issues, children’s issues, the dynamics of indigenous people, problems in the area of economic, social and cultural rights that have become major challenges and Papuan people’s concerns. ( only available in Indonesian )

"Peace, let’s do it together!"
Jayapura, 14 October 2004. The commemoration of International Peace Day of September 21st in Jayapura was marked by various activities since 15 September 2004 including peace campaign on the radio and television until September 22nd, banners, flowers for peace and ecumenical peace prayer. These activities were jointly organised by the Justice and Peace Office of the Catholic Diocese of Jayapura and the Alliance for Democracy of Papua involving 13 various student groups and youth organisations in Jayapura. This was the third commemoration held in Papua in the last three years. ( more information )

"You are the light!"
Jayapura, 4 September 2004. As a response to the inauguration of members the house of representatives in Papua, the religious leaders in Papua released a public statement to the newly established members of the period 2004-2009. In this statement, these leaders expressed the people’s hope to them stating that they have to bring about, "A better improvement; a major systemic reformation that promises a common good and justice for every single citizen. Therefore, in the Papuan people’s view, you are the light for this country". This is what they mean with "the light" as the main theme of the 5 July statement signed by Msgr. Leo Laba Ladjar OFM (Bishop of Jayapura), Rev. Herman Saud (Chair of the Council of Churches in Papua), H. Zubeir D. Hussein (Chair of the MUI in Papua), I. Nyoman Suda (Chair of Parisada Hindu Dharma of the Province of Papua), Pandita Arya Bodhi (Secretary of the Majelis Buddhayana Indonesia of the Province of Papua). ( more information )

The Indonesian Churches’ concern and hope to the Candidates for the Presidency
Jayapura, 24 August 2004. In the Sentani Indah Hotel, Papua, the Church leaders of Indonesia held a dialogue with the Candidates for the Presidency (2004-2009), Yusuf Kalla (Vice-President candidate) and Ibu Megawati (President candidate and actual President of Indonesia). During the meeting, the church leaders who represented various Christian denominations in Indonesia presented a statement of "Concern and Hope of the Indonesian Church Leaders to the candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency". In the statement signed by 15 church leaders, they appeal to the candidates to seriously pay attention to three areas of concern, including (1) law, human rights, and religion, (2) politics and governance, and (3) socio-economic development. ( more information )

Abepura Case of 2000 and Wamena Case of 2004 discussed during the 56th Sub-Commission
Geneva, 12 August 2004. The Abepura Case of 7 December 2000 and the work of the Inquiry Commission on Human Rights Violation of Wamena are under scrutiny of the Office for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Diocese of Jayapura (SKP) and Franciscans International (FI), a Geneva-based NGO. During the 56th session of the Sub-Commission on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights recently held in Geneva 26 July-14 August 2004, these institutions delivered a joint statement highlighting these cases along with the rights cases coming from Pakistan and Togo. With regard to the decision of the judges to dismiss the victim’s claim for compensation, these rights organisations argue that the right to reparation will be likely neglected since the judges did not specifically mention about this issue in his charge. ( more information )

Religious Leaders in Papua questioned the Inquiry Commission on Human Rights of Wamena and Wasior
Jayapura, 17 July 2004. The five religious leaders sent a complaint letter to the Chairperson of the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara, questioning the work of the Inquiry Commission on Human Rights (KPP HAM) of Wamena and Wasior. "We, the religious leaders in Papua, appeal to Komnas HAM to give an official and public explanation to the Papuans people as well as all Indonesian citizens regarding the result of the investigation conducted by KPP HAM," urged the letter signed by Rev. Herman Saud (Chair of the Churches in Papua), Most Rev. Leo Laba Ladjar (Bishop of Jayapura), Zubeir D. Hussein (Moeslem Leader in Papua), I Nyoman Suda (Chair of the Hindus in Papua) and Pandita Arya Bodhi (Secretary of Budhayana in Papua). ( more information )

Bishop of Manokwari-Sorong protested the Police of Saonek
Sorong, 14 July 2004. Most Rev. Hilarion Datus Lega, bishop of Manokwari-Sorong, sent a letter to the Papuan Chief of Police complaining the arbitrary arrest and detention of four human rights defenders on 7 July 2004, including Freddy Sedik (a staffer of the Office of Justice and Peace Sorong, inset), Ludia Mentansan, Torianus Kalami and Simson Sanoy (the staffers of the TRITON). In his letter, the Bishop clearly expressed his objection of "the reason of the arrest since it was only based on the findings of reading materials which were lawful and then the police used them as the evidence to lay charge of treason according to Article 106 of the Penal Code against the suspects. This act breached Article 100 of Law no. 39/1999 concerning Human Rights and Article 1 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights Defender," stated the letter dated 14 July 2004. ( more information )

"They still intimidated even in jail!"
Jayapura, 5 June 2004. "Obviously, 20-year sentence and even life sentence is not enough for seven prisoners of the Wamena case who serve their sentences in the Sinapuk Jail, Wamena, since they are still intimidated by the intelligence of the military command and the police mobile brigade inside the jail compound", explained Ms Anum Siregar, a member of the legal team for the Wamena Case of 4 April 2003. ( more information )

"They are sympathisers of the Free Papua Movement"
Makasar, 24 May 2004. During the proceedings of the permanent human rights court for the Abepura case in Makasar today, the judges chaired by Justice Jalaluddin heard the defence of the defendants and their legal team. Denny Kailimang acted on behalf of his clients argued that Ori Ndoronggi, Johny Karunggu and Elkius Suhuniap are sympathisers of the Free Papua Movement. Furthermore, he questioned the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case since what the defendants had done was under the framework of law enforcement and thus it was under the competence of the Civil Court. ( more information )

"SKP and FI complained to the UN"
Geneva, 25 April 2004. Having advocated the Abepura case along with the Coalition of Civil Society for the Abepura case in the last three years, the Office for Justice and Peace (Sekretariat Keadilan dan Perdamaian/ SKP) and Franciscans International, a Geneva-based NGO, sent a letter to Leandro Despuy, the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. In their letter, these two institutions appealed to him to (1) urge the Indonesian authorities to ensure that the Abepura case is fair, impartial and in line with international standards; (2) closely monitor this trial in order to comply with the international standards of human rights trials; (3) transmit this communication to the relevant special procedures. ( more information )