News on West Papua's human rights and conflict situation
- New TAPOL Report available - West Papua 2020: online and offline attacks against freedom of expression and assembly in the region
- New NGO report reveals relationships between military deployment and economic interests in West Papua
- 18 September 2021 marks end of palm oil moratorium in Indonesia – NGOs demand extension
- Armed conflict in West Papua spreads across new regencies - Indo Govt still rejects peace dialogue
- Human rights coalition publishes a report about the situation of IDPs in Maybrat – at least 2,086 internally displaced
- IDPs situation in Maybrat Regency – Observers estimate the number of IDPs rises to 3,000
- ACP's letter to OHCHR calls for an independent human rights mission to West Papua
- Situation in Maybrat Regency – Army arrests two Papuans in Kisor
- School in Jayawijaya alleged of receiving government funds despite not operating for 5 years
- Indigenous peoples flee their homes in fear of military raids in Maybrat Regency, Papua Barat Province
- Security force operation in Dekai accompanied by arbitrary arrest and torture
- At least 4,862 indigenous Papuans internally displaced in Puncak Regency
- Health condition of Victor Yeimo – Judge allows Yeimo's access to medical treatment
- Mongabay: UNESCO calls for closure of road running through World Heritage park in Papua
- UN Special Rapporteurs initiate communication with Indonesian Govt in relation to prosecution of Victor Yeimo
- Trial against Papuan human rights activist Victor Yeimo – Public Prosecutor hampers access to medical treatment
- Papuan protestor dies in hospital after being shot by security force members in Yahukimo
- Police operation in Yapen Island causes displacement of 215 villagers
- Papuan government recommends withdrawal of 35 palm oil licenses
- Security forces crack down on peaceful protests for release of Victor Yeimo – 49 protesters arrested, 19 tortured, one shot
New TAPOL Report available - West Papua 2020: online and offline attacks against freedom of expression and assembly in the region
National, regional and international civil society organisations working in the Pacific region will hold an online event. The participants will have the opportunity to learn about the struggles in the Pacific region from the perspective of indigenous peoples, human rights defenders, environmental activists, women and other groups. The event with the title “Pacific Education and Advocacy Festival” will be coordinated by the Pacific Council of Churches (PCC), the Fiji Council of Social Services, Pasefika Fono, Rize of the Morning Star, and the Papuan Customary Council (DAP).
New NGO report reveals relationships between military deployment and economic interests in West Papua
A new NGO report with the title “Ekonomi-Politik, Penempatan Militer Di Papua, Kasus Intan Jaya” has revealed the involvement of high-ranking police and military officials in various mining companies exploiting gold and other mineral resources in West Papua, with a focus on the Intan Jaya regency. The report is the result of joint research by the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI), WALHI Papua, Pusaka Bentala Rakyat, the Papua Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Papua), the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Greenpeace Indonesia, the Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM), and Trend Asia.
18 September 2021 marks end of palm oil moratorium in Indonesia – NGOs demand extension
On 19 September 2018, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) signed presidential instruction No 8/2018 concerning Suspension and Evaluation of Oil Palm Plantation Permits and Increase of Oil Palm Plantation Productivity, also known as the “Oil Palm Moratorium”. The moratorium officially ended on 18 September 2021. Environmental observers and NGOs have called upon President Jokowi to extend the moratorium, arguing that the Government has yet achieved the given targets stipulated in the moratorium. The Palm Oil Moratorium Coalition has launched a petition for the extension of the Oil Palm Moratorium on Change.org. Sign Change.org petition.
Armed conflict in West Papua spreads across new regencies - Indo Govt still rejects peace dialogue
The armed conflict in West Papua has continuously aggravated since December 2018. In the past months, the conflict has spread to the Papuan regencies Yahukimo and Pegunungan Bintang. An armed attack on a military post was also reported from the Maybrat Regency in the Papua Barat Province, which has been almost unaffected by such attacks. Multiple new incidents involving civilian casualties indicate that the armed conflict in the three regencies will deteriorate in the coming weeks. First indications for the spreading of the armed conflict to Yahukimo, Pegunungan Bintang and Maybrat were already observed in May 2021.
Human rights coalition publishes a report about the situation of IDPs in Maybrat – at least 2,086 internally displaced
Peaceful demonstrators, student activists, West Papuan and Indonesian political activist groups, human rights lawyers and defenders and individual civilians experienced extreme repression for their involvement in peaceful demonstrations and meetings in 2020 in West Papua and outside West Papua. These are the findings of a new report, the West Papua 2020: Freedom Of Expression And Freedom Of Assembly Report, in which TAPOL has collated and analysed incidents recorded by West Papuan and Indonesian civil society organisations. The report includes specific recommendations for the Indonesian Government and the International community. As Pelagio Doutel of TAPOL commented: “... online and offline repression in 2020 left almost no space in which West Papuans, or West Papua-related issues, or protest in general, could be freely conducted.”
Local observers have estimated that the number of IDPs in the Maybrat Regency has risen to almost 3,000. Shortly after the killing of four military members on 2 September 2021 in the Kisor Village, an estimated number of 2,000 people from eight villages in the Aifat Selatan District and three neighbouring districts reportedly fled their homes in fear of military raids. Meanwhile, the number of affected villages in Aifat Selatan has reportedly grown to at least 16 villages in Aifat Selatan alone. New displacements were reported from the Aitinyo District. Some IDPs sought shelter in the villages Susmuk, Aitinyo and Sabun, while most IDPs built temporary shelters in the jungle.
ACP's letter to OHCHR calls for an independent human rights mission to West Papua
Recent violent incidents involving Indonesian security force members have brought the issue of widespread impunity in West Papua once again into the public spotlight. Human rights organisations keep reporting human rights violations from the easternmost Indonesian provinces – almost all involve the police and military. In none of the cases, security forces members have been held accountable. The director of the Papuan Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua), Emanuel Gobay, mentioned the Oneibo shooting as a typical example for the lack of accountability in West Papua.
Indigenous peoples flee their homes in fear of military raids in Maybrat Regency, Papua Barat Province
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB) has claimed responsibility for killing four soldiers (see photo, source: Suara Papua) in the Kisor Village, Maybrat Regency, on 2 September 2021. Two soldiers were seriously injured during the attack. According to the media outlet Suara Papua, villagers in Kisor fled their homes in fear of military raids in response to the armed attack against the military post in Kisor. According to the KODAM XVIII Military Command spokesperson, Hendra Pesireron, two additional platoons have already been deployed to Maybrat. They should find and arrest the perpetrators.
A team consisting of humanitarian workers of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) and one member of the Papuan Provincial Parliament (DPRP) have compiled updated information about the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) during a field trip to the Puncak Regency between 6 and 12 July 2021. The humanitarian team brought 7 tons of rice to Puncak for distribution among IDPs in Ilaga and Gome districts. According to data from the Social Affairs Department in Puncak Regency, at least 4,862 persons from 5 districts have been internally displaced since April 2021. In addition, an unknown number of IDPs have sought shelter in the villages Paluga and Bogolobak, Ilaga Utara District. Two women and three minors IDPs have reportedly died since April 2021.
The public prosecutor’s office in Jayapura finally processed the judge’s instruction to provide medical treatment for Victor Yeimo. On 30 August 2021, about 20 policemen, the public prosecutor, lawyers and two members of the Papuan provincial parliament, John Gobai and Laurenzus Kadepa, escorted Victor Yeimo to the public hospital in Jayapura. He will undergo medical treatment until doctors confirm that his health condition is stable enough to attend the trial. The third trial hearing, which was supposed to take place on 31 August 2021, was indefinitely adjourned.
National, regional and international civil society organisations working in the Pacific region will hold an online event. The participants will have the opportunity to learn about the struggles in the Pacific region from the perspective of indigenous peoples, human rights defenders, environmental activists, women and other groups. The event with the title “Pacific Education and Advocacy Festival” will be coordinated by the Pacific Council of Churches (PCC), the Fiji Council of Social Services, Pasefika Fono, Rize of the Morning Star, and the Papuan Customary Council (DAP).
New NGO report reveals relationships between military deployment and economic interests in West Papua
A new NGO report with the title “Ekonomi-Politik, Penempatan Militer Di Papua, Kasus Intan Jaya” has revealed the involvement of high-ranking police and military officials in various mining companies exploiting gold and other mineral resources in West Papua, with a focus on the Intan Jaya regency. The report is the result of joint research by the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI), WALHI Papua, Pusaka Bentala Rakyat, the Papua Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Papua), the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), Greenpeace Indonesia, the Mining Advocacy Network (JATAM), and Trend Asia.18 September 2021 marks end of palm oil moratorium in Indonesia – NGOs demand extension
On 19 September 2018, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) signed presidential instruction No 8/2018 concerning Suspension and Evaluation of Oil Palm Plantation Permits and Increase of Oil Palm Plantation Productivity, also known as the “Oil Palm Moratorium”. The moratorium officially ended on 18 September 2021. Environmental observers and NGOs have called upon President Jokowi to extend the moratorium, arguing that the Government has yet achieved the given targets stipulated in the moratorium. The Palm Oil Moratorium Coalition has launched a petition for the extension of the Oil Palm Moratorium on Change.org. Sign Change.org petition.
Armed conflict in West Papua spreads across new regencies - Indo Govt still rejects peace dialogue
Human rights coalition publishes a report about the situation of IDPs in Maybrat – at least 2,086 internally displaced
Peaceful demonstrators, student activists, West Papuan and Indonesian political activist groups, human rights lawyers and defenders and individual civilians experienced extreme repression for their involvement in peaceful demonstrations and meetings in 2020 in West Papua and outside West Papua. These are the findings of a new report, the West Papua 2020: Freedom Of Expression And Freedom Of Assembly Report, in which TAPOL has collated and analysed incidents recorded by West Papuan and Indonesian civil society organisations. The report includes specific recommendations for the Indonesian Government and the International community. As Pelagio Doutel of TAPOL commented: “... online and offline repression in 2020 left almost no space in which West Papuans, or West Papua-related issues, or protest in general, could be freely conducted.”
IDPs situation in Maybrat Regency – Observers estimate the number of IDPs rises to 3,000
Local observers have estimated that the number of IDPs in the Maybrat Regency has risen to almost 3,000. Shortly after the killing of four military members on 2 September 2021 in the Kisor Village, an estimated number of 2,000 people from eight villages in the Aifat Selatan District and three neighbouring districts reportedly fled their homes in fear of military raids. Meanwhile, the number of affected villages in Aifat Selatan has reportedly grown to at least 16 villages in Aifat Selatan alone. New displacements were reported from the Aitinyo District. Some IDPs sought shelter in the villages Susmuk, Aitinyo and Sabun, while most IDPs built temporary shelters in the jungle.The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS or ACP) has sent a letter to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In the letter, the Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister and President-in-Office of the OACPS Council of Ministers, Jeremiah Manele, called upon the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to push for "an urgent mission to West Papua to provide an evidence-based, informed report on the human rights situation". The ACP affirmed that it recognises Indonesia's sovereignty over West Papua but considers the request part of its commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and democratic principles.
Situation in Maybrat Regency – Army arrests two Papuans in Kisor
Recent violent incidents involving Indonesian security force members have brought the issue of widespread impunity in West Papua once again into the public spotlight. Human rights organisations keep reporting human rights violations from the easternmost Indonesian provinces – almost all involve the police and military. In none of the cases, security forces members have been held accountable. The director of the Papuan Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua), Emanuel Gobay, mentioned the Oneibo shooting as a typical example for the lack of accountability in West Papua.School in Jayawijaya alleged of receiving government funds despite not operating for 5 years
The Papuan media outlet Suara Papua has revealed another example of alleged misappropriation of education funds. The Taela Primary School in the Tealarek District of Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Province, has not been operational since 2016. According to local observers, the school continues to receive government education funds. Multiple attempts to report the alleged misappropriation to the education department in Jayawijaya have failed.
The Papuan media outlet Suara Papua has revealed another example of alleged misappropriation of education funds. The Taela Primary School in the Tealarek District of Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Province, has not been operational since 2016. According to local observers, the school continues to receive government education funds. Multiple attempts to report the alleged misappropriation to the education department in Jayawijaya have failed.
Indigenous peoples flee their homes in fear of military raids in Maybrat Regency, Papua Barat Province
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB) has claimed responsibility for killing four soldiers (see photo, source: Suara Papua) in the Kisor Village, Maybrat Regency, on 2 September 2021. Two soldiers were seriously injured during the attack. According to the media outlet Suara Papua, villagers in Kisor fled their homes in fear of military raids in response to the armed attack against the military post in Kisor. According to the KODAM XVIII Military Command spokesperson, Hendra Pesireron, two additional platoons have already been deployed to Maybrat. They should find and arrest the perpetrators.Security force operation in Dekai accompanied by arbitrary arrest and torture
Joint security forces reportedly conducted a raid in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, on 28 August 2021. According to Papuan media outlet Jubi, security force members arrested eight indigenous Papuans near the Kurima Kali Biro Road. One of the arrestees is the head of the Wusama District, Mr Etius Baye. He was allegedly tortured during the arrest. According to witness testimony, a security force member questioned Mr Baye at gunpoint and subsequently stroke him with the weapon into the face. Etius Baye sustained a bleeding wound on the forehead as a result of the torture.
Joint security forces reportedly conducted a raid in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, on 28 August 2021. According to Papuan media outlet Jubi, security force members arrested eight indigenous Papuans near the Kurima Kali Biro Road. One of the arrestees is the head of the Wusama District, Mr Etius Baye. He was allegedly tortured during the arrest. According to witness testimony, a security force member questioned Mr Baye at gunpoint and subsequently stroke him with the weapon into the face. Etius Baye sustained a bleeding wound on the forehead as a result of the torture.
At least 4,862 indigenous Papuans internally displaced in Puncak Regency
A team consisting of humanitarian workers of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) and one member of the Papuan Provincial Parliament (DPRP) have compiled updated information about the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) during a field trip to the Puncak Regency between 6 and 12 July 2021. The humanitarian team brought 7 tons of rice to Puncak for distribution among IDPs in Ilaga and Gome districts. According to data from the Social Affairs Department in Puncak Regency, at least 4,862 persons from 5 districts have been internally displaced since April 2021. In addition, an unknown number of IDPs have sought shelter in the villages Paluga and Bogolobak, Ilaga Utara District. Two women and three minors IDPs have reportedly died since April 2021.Health condition of Victor Yeimo – Judge allows Yeimo's access to medical treatment
The public prosecutor’s office in Jayapura finally processed the judge’s instruction to provide medical treatment for Victor Yeimo. On 30 August 2021, about 20 policemen, the public prosecutor, lawyers and two members of the Papuan provincial parliament, John Gobai and Laurenzus Kadepa, escorted Victor Yeimo to the public hospital in Jayapura. He will undergo medical treatment until doctors confirm that his health condition is stable enough to attend the trial. The third trial hearing, which was supposed to take place on 31 August 2021, was indefinitely adjourned.Mongabay: UNESCO calls for closure of road running through World Heritage park in Papua
UNESCO has urged the Indonesian government to close a stretch of road that runs through the largest protected area in Southeast Asia, citing its negative environmental impact.In its latest report on the state of conservation of World Heritage Sites, UNESCO highlighted several concerns related to the 190-kilometre (118-mile) road that dissects Lorentz National Park in Indonesia’s easternmost region of Papua. Spanning 2.35 million hectares (5.81 million acres), an area a third the size of Ireland, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for being the only protected area in the world to range continuously from snowcapped mountain peaks down to tropical marine environment, with extensive lowland wetlands in between.
Read moreUN Special Rapporteurs initiate communication with Indonesian Govt in relation to prosecution of Victor Yeimo
Multiple UN Special Procedures mandate-holders have initiated a communication with the Indonesian government on 30 August 2021 in response to the arrest and prosecution of Papuan human rights activist Victor Yeimo. They asked the government to respond to information submitted by civil society organisations (CSOs) shortly after the arrest of three Papuan activists, including Victor Yeimo. Indonesian authorities processed him for his involvement in peaceful anti-racism and self-determination campaigns in West Papua.
Multiple UN Special Procedures mandate-holders have initiated a communication with the Indonesian government on 30 August 2021 in response to the arrest and prosecution of Papuan human rights activist Victor Yeimo. They asked the government to respond to information submitted by civil society organisations (CSOs) shortly after the arrest of three Papuan activists, including Victor Yeimo. Indonesian authorities processed him for his involvement in peaceful anti-racism and self-determination campaigns in West Papua.Trial against Papuan human rights activist Victor Yeimo – Public Prosecutor hampers access to medical treatment
After more than three months of detention, the trial against Victor Yeimo was launched at the Jayapura district court on 24 August 2021. The international spokesperson of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) was arrested on 9 May 2021 and charged with various criminal charges concerning a series of protests against racism in August and September 2019. The police and the public prosecutor have detained Victor Yeimo in an isolation cell at the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) headquarters in Jayapura. His lawyers raised repeated concerns over multiple criminal procedure violations during the detention at the Brimob headquarters. They initiated a pre-trial against the Papuan police chief to challenge the legality of Victor Yeimo’s arrest and detention. The pre-trial began on 19 August 2021.
After more than three months of detention, the trial against Victor Yeimo was launched at the Jayapura district court on 24 August 2021. The international spokesperson of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) was arrested on 9 May 2021 and charged with various criminal charges concerning a series of protests against racism in August and September 2019. The police and the public prosecutor have detained Victor Yeimo in an isolation cell at the Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) headquarters in Jayapura. His lawyers raised repeated concerns over multiple criminal procedure violations during the detention at the Brimob headquarters. They initiated a pre-trial against the Papuan police chief to challenge the legality of Victor Yeimo’s arrest and detention. The pre-trial began on 19 August 2021.Papuan protestor dies in hospital after being shot by security force members in Yahukimo
A Koramil 1707/Kepi military command member has tortured two indigenous Papuans in the Kanami Ville, Asgon District, during a dispute on 16.7.2021. The perpetrator named Syarifudin reportedly attacked Mr Anes Samogoi causing Mr Samagaoi to fall on the floor. Like his brother, Mr Yosep Kamogou Samogoi, 26, stepped in to help, Mr Syarifudin drew his firearm and fired two shots at the brothers. One of the projectiles hit Mr Yosep Kamogou Samogoi in the leg, causing a bullet injury in the left thigh. He was brought to the Mappi general hospital, where he received medical treatment.
A Koramil 1707/Kepi military command member has tortured two indigenous Papuans in the Kanami Ville, Asgon District, during a dispute on 16.7.2021. The perpetrator named Syarifudin reportedly attacked Mr Anes Samogoi causing Mr Samagaoi to fall on the floor. Like his brother, Mr Yosep Kamogou Samogoi, 26, stepped in to help, Mr Syarifudin drew his firearm and fired two shots at the brothers. One of the projectiles hit Mr Yosep Kamogou Samogoi in the leg, causing a bullet injury in the left thigh. He was brought to the Mappi general hospital, where he received medical treatment.Police operation in Yapen Island causes displacement of 215 villagers
A police operation in the Sasawa village, Yapen Barat District, on 5 August 2021 has reportedly caused the internal displacement of 215 villagers, mostly women and children. According to the local police chief in Kepulauan Yapen Regency, the police came to Sasawa after receiving complaints about “illegal activities” by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB).
Papuan government recommends withdrawal of 35 palm oil licenses
The Papuan provincial government, in cooperation with an expert team of the Commission for Eradication of Corruption (KPK), assessed 62 palm oil licenses in the Papua Province over the past two years. The expert team found irregularities among most of the examined licenses, covering violations such as overlapping concession areas, approval of concessions without clear location maps, and field operations carried out outside concession areas without valid licenses. In response to the findings, the local government in Papua Province has suggested withdrawing 35 palm oil licenses with a total land area of 522,397 hectares. Nineteen other licenses with minor irregularities could be dealt with through correctional measures.
Security forces crack down on peaceful protests for release of Victor Yeimo – 49 protesters arrested, 19 tortured, one shot
The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and multiple solidarity groups have organised a series of peaceful protests in the multiple in the Papua province and other parts of Indonesia. The protesters demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Victor Yeimo, human rights activist and international KNPB spokesperson. The protests in Jayapura, Dekai, Yahukimo Regency and Ambon (Maluku Province) were forcefully dispersed by security forces. Many protesters were injured as a result of excessive force during arrest and detention. In total, 49 protesters were arrested. Nineteen protesters were reportedly tortured during arrest and police detention. Further protests were held in Malang and Surabaya (Java Timur Province) without notable incidents.