By Kristian Erdianto in Jakarta

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Security, Politics and Legal Affairs Wiranto – a former high-ranking military officer — has proposed an additional budget of 60 billion rupiah (US$4 million) to fund diplomatic efforts related to the so-called “Papua problem”.

The proposed budget would be separate from the Coordinating Ministry for Security, Politics and Legal Affairs’ (Kemenko Polhukam) annual budget.

Wiranto said that the 60 billion rupiah would be used to pay for diplomatic efforts by the government in the South Pacific region.

• READ MORE: Other West Papua diplomacy reports

“We are pursuing intense soft-diplomacy. I’m heading it up myself, going there, coordinating, and talking to them. We’re proposing an additional budget of 60 billion rupiah”, said Wiranto.

He was speaking during a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Budget Committee at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, last week.

Wiranto explained that just a few years ago as many as seven out of 13 countries in the South Pacific supported Papuan independence.

All of these countries had voting rights in the United Nations General Assembly.

Jakarta pursuing diplomatic efforts
Wiranto claimed many of the South Pacific countries had been receiving “misinformation” about Indonesia’s approach to Papua. For example, a view that the government had neglected development in Papua.

According to the former ABRI (Indonesian Armed Forces, now call TNI) commander, the government was already pursuing diplomatic efforts with the leaders of two South Pacific countries, Nauru and Vanuatu.

The national leaders had been invited to visit Papua to “see for themselves” the progress in development there.

“We’ve been forgetting, we’ve been negligent, that there are many countries there which could potentially threaten our domination. Papua is part of our territory and it turns out that this is true,” said Wiranto.

The additional budget of 60 billion rupiah proposed by Wiranto would be used for five coordinated activities.

• 20 billion rupiah to ‘improve Papua’s international image’;
• 15 billion rupiah to improve Indonesia’s cooperation with the South Pacific;
• 15 billion rupiah to improve cooperation with South Pacific international organisations;
• 5 billion rupiah for the management of Australian and South Pacific territorial border security; and
• 5 billion rupiah to improve Australian and South Pacific territorial border security intelligence cooperation.

Pacific Media Watch reports: Last month, the Melanesian Spearhead Group decided not to admit the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) as full members of the MSG in spite of it being widely expected to happen.

The declined membership was seen as a success of Indonesian diplomacy in the region in recent months in the face of mounting allegations of human rights violations by Indonesian military forces.Translated by James Balowski of IndoLeft News. The original title of the article was Wiranto Ajukan Tambahan Anggaran Rp 60 Miliar untuk Diplomasi Terkait Papua

3:30 pm on 8 September 2023   

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has told Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo that PNG has no right to criticise Jakarta over what he calls alleged human rights abuses in West Papua.

The two leaders spoke on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Jakarta, reaffirming commitments to maintain dialogue to build stronger and trustful relations that had been made when they met in Port Moresby in July.

Marape told Widodo he abstained from supporting the West Papuan bid to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group at last month’s meeting in Port Vila because the West Papuan United Liberation Movement (ULMWP) “does not meet the requirements of a fully-fledged sovereign nation”.

“Indonesia’s associate membership status also as a Melanesian country to the MSG suffices, which cancels out West Papua ULM’s bid,” Marape said referring to the ULMWP.

He said on the allegations of human rights issues in West Papua, that since PNG has its own challenges, it has no moral grounds to comment on human rights issues outside of its own jurisdiction.

The Indonesian president said the PNG deputy prime minister John Rosso will be invited to assess developments taking place in West Papua.

Widodo said Indonesia’s committed to building trustful and cooperative relations with all Pacific countries and will extend an invitation to their leaders to attend the Archipelagic Island States (AIS) Forum next month in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, on the planned electrification project in PNG’s western provinces, the two leaders pledged to ensure this project goes smoothly and is completed on time.

———————————

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AHRC-OLT-006-2023

September 07, 2023

An Open Letter from the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to the President of Republic of Indonesia 

Mr. Joko Widodo
President of the Republic of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA

Tel: +62 21 3458 595
Fax: +62 21 3484 4759

Dear Mr. President: 

INDONESIA: Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres) personnel kidnapped and tortured to death a young man

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) strongly condemns the alleged kidnapping and torture that resulted in the death of a victim,  which was committed by the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres) personnel in Jakarta on Thursday, August 24, 2023. The torture case resulted in the death of Imam Masykur (25), a young man from the Mon Keulayu Village, the Gandapura District, the Bireuen Regency, the Aceh Province.

Based on information gathered through the media, before he died, the victim was forcibly taken by personnel of the Paspampres, namely Chief Soldier (Prajurit Kepala), Riswandi Manik, State Protocol Guard Battalion (Yonwalprotneg) along with two other people who are also personnel of the Indonesian National Military (TNI). During the attempted forced pick up carried out by the personnel of the Paspampres and the TNI, the family received information that the victim had experienced an act of violence directed at the victim. Apart from experiencing acts of violence, based on the video that has been circulating, the victim’s family was also forced to send money amounting to Indonesian Rupiah 50 million.

Regarding the motive, based on the chronology provided by the Military Police, the perpetrators pretended to be Police officers and arrested the victim on the grounds of selling illegal drugs. Subsequently, the victim was taken to South Tangerang with the excuse of being arrested. The perpetrators argued the arrest on the basis of the suspicion of selling illegal drugs.

Based on this chronology of the case, we provide various notes as follows:

Firstly, the perpetrators who are active TNI soldiers must be prosecuted under the public criminal court. Even though the perpetrators of kidnapping and torture resulting in the death have been handled by the Military Police, we urge that this case be resolved under the public criminal court, because it has harmed the interests of society. Apart from that, military justice has so far been proven to create impunity and has issued light sentences to military personnel who commit violations. 

A judicial process that is open, transparent and based on public accountability is important, because military justice cannot accommodate this. Settlement through the military justice mechanism is also in accordance with Article 65 Paragraph (2) of Law No. 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian Military whose soldiers are subject to the power of military justice in cases of violations of military criminal law and are subject to the power of general justice in cases of violations of the general criminal law as regulated by the law.

Secondly, regarding the culture of violence, the military must immediately become the main concern of the TNI Commander to be corrected immediately. Over the years, members of the TNI have never been able to escape acts of violence and human rights violations in society. The allegation of acts of torture resulting in the loss of a person’s life has added to the blacklist of acts of torture that often involve TNI soldiers. To end the chain of violence that continues to harm society, this must be made a priority task for the TNI Commander, General Yudo, so that it can be completed. A declaration of capital punishment would certainly not solve the main problem.

Thirdly, the illegal act committed by Paspampres members has clearly violated various laws and regulations, the Constitution, and international human rights law. The various provisions include Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights, Law Number 12 of 2005 concerning the Ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Law Number 5 of 1998 concerning the Ratification of the Covenant against Torture, the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), to violations of internal institutional regulations, namely the TNI Commander Regulation (Perpang) Number 73/IX/2010 concerning Opposition to Torture and Other Cruel Treatment in Law Enforcement within the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

Based on the various notes and explanations above, the AHRC urges:

Firstly, that the TNI Commander carry out a comprehensive evaluation regarding the culture of violence among TNI soldiers which is still occurring today and encourage TNI personnel to be prosecuted under the public criminal law mechanisms, including pushing for a comprehensive revision of the Military Justice Law;

Secondly, the Witness and Victims Protection Agency (LPSK) should be proactive with the victim’s family as a result of acts of torture which have actually caused the victim’s family to experience various psychological pressures;

Thirdly, that the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) carry out further investigations into alleged human rights violations that have occurred and monitor the legal process that is currently ongoing.

Yours Sincerely,

Prakash Mohara 

Executive Director

Asian Human Rights Commission, Hong Kong

# # #The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) works towards the radical rethinking and fundamental redesigning of justice institutions in order to protect and promote human rights in Asia. Established in 1984, the Hong Kong based organisation is a Laureate of the

CNN Indonesia – September 5, 2023

Ilustrasi. Situasi polusi udara di Jakarta, 16 Agustus 2023. (AFP/YASUYOSHI CHIBA)

Download Apps CNN Indonesia sekarang https://app.cnnindonesia.com/

Jakarta — The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has criticised government efforts to overcome air pollution headed up by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

The government has highlighted a number of issues such as reducing deforestation, accelerating the use of electric vehicles and using water mist generators on tall building.

Walhi urban affairs and pollution campaign head Abdul Ghofar says that reducing deforestation should indeed have been started long ago. But the current air pollution problem is not just because of deforestation — rather it is also effected by forest and land fires (karhutla). Ghofar said that this effect is mostly found in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

“Outside the big cities in regions like Sumatra and Kalimantan the air quality is also quite bad. The cause of the air pollution in areas other than cities, the majority is from the forestry sector, yeah, or from land [fires]”, Ghofar told CNN Indonesia on Tuesday September 3.

“It’s not a single problem, it’s quite unfortunate if for example the government only identifies the issue of deforestation and then says, oh, deforestation has declined, meaning air pollution from deforestation is low”, he continued.

Ghofar said that forest and land fires are getting worse again. Based on Walhi’s records, there are 7,800 hotspots, some of which are in company concession areas.

“Meaning there’s burning going on, burning by companies for land and plantation clearing, especially palm oil. But [the government] is only focusing on deforestation while incidents of forest and land fires, some of which are occurring in company concession areas, are still high”, he explained.

Ghofar also highlighted the government’s push to accelerate the use of electric vehicles. According to Ghofar, there is a bias between this effort to overcome the air pollution problem and businesses that are owned by some government officials.

He said there are a number of government officials at the ministerial level that own businesses in the electric vehicle sector.

“I’m not prepared to mention any names, but there are several public officials at the ministerial level and under them that do indeed own electric vehicle businesses. This policy obscures the interests of the ordinary people and business interests”, he said.

In addition to this, the process of making electric vehicles is also inseparable from power generation and materials which are currently seen as big contributors to emissions, namely coal and nickel.

Ghofar also believes that the subsidies being offered by the government for the purchase of electric vehicles should be reallocated to subsidise public transport.

We think that these big subsidies could actually be reallocated to subsides public transport, then to subsidise the purchase of new armadas for cities that don’t yet have adequate [public] transportation”, he said.

Furthermore, he also took up the issue of water spraying using the mist generators on tall buildings. According to Ghofar, the effectiveness of water spraying has not yet been proven to reduce air pollution.

“If it only becomes a new project, it’s a shame, especially if the burden falls on the private sector who own tall buildings to install water mist [generators]”, he said.

Ghofar also question the government’s seriousness in overcoming the air pollution problem because the air quality in a number of regions is still getting worse.

“Regarding the efforts to overcome air pollution that are being carried out by the government, so far the air quality in Jakarta and surrounding areas is still getting worse”, he said. (yla/tsa)

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was “Walhi Pertanyakan Keseriusan Pemerintah Atasi Buruknya Kualitas Udara”.]

West Papuan activists groups elect new

By Len Garae

ULMWP Interim President Mr. Manase Tabuni (left) hands over key to ULMWP Office to ULMWP Spokesperson Paula Makabori with long-time Port Vila Office caretaker, Freddy Warome ready to receive key from her

By Len Garae

The population of West Papua represented by United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) have an Interim President to succeed Mr. Benny Wenda.

He is Mr. Manase Tabuni, 45, who risked finding his way to attend the recent ULMWP Summit here in Port Vila.

The only difference between him and his predecessor is that Mr. Wenda lives in London at the other side of the world while Mr. Tabuni lives with his people in Melanesian West Papua.

Asked to comment after his election, Mr. Tabuni said, “While my task ahead is immense and risky, I am prepared to commit myself towards the positive outcome of the West Papua struggle, with my people of West Papua, the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association. Vanuatu Christian Council, the Vanuatu National Council of Chiefs and the Government of Vanuatu and the people of Vanuatu are all behind me”.

Mr. Tabuni said there won’t be any difference since all ULMWP Leaders speak with one voice for the liberation of West Papua to realise the dream of their people, in line with the road map and spirit of the Summit.

Asked if there is going to be any difference in his leadership since he lives with his people, he replied that while their diplomats continue to handle their diplomatic tasks abroad, he will focus on his job on the ground backed by his people. “We will all work together in ULMWP for the benefit of our people in West Papua,” Mr. Tabuni said.

“This is also a confirmation on the contrary to what Jakarta said that ULMWP was organised and led by individuals from abroad, let me confirm that my election is a confirmation of what we have been repeating all along that it is a struggle ignited by the spirits of our ancestors in West Papua and as well as their Melanesian descendants today.

“Our mandate is supported by the three political parties in West Papua and the people of West Papua.

“In fact my election is a confirmation that I am taking the leadership back to my people in West Papua, who are longing to fly their own flag in their God-given country, free of fear on their Independence Day.”

Asked of any risk involved in his leadership, Mr. Tabuni said if it is to do with his mandate then it is a risk that he is prepared to take.

The Interim President appeals to the Government of Vanuatu, chiefs, churches and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), media and people to stand united for West Papua freedom.

news

Syam Terrajana – ULMWP Summit II, Menase Tabuni, New Leader of ULMWP

September 4, 2023

Writer: Abeth You | Editor: Syam Terrajana

Dari kiri ke kanan, Markus Haluk sekretaris ULMWP, Benny Wenda urusan Luar Negeri, Paola Makabori perwakilan WPNCL, Menase Tabuni Presiden ULMWP dan Octovianus Mote Wakil Presiden ULMWP – ULMWP untuk Jubi

Nabire, Jubi – The United Liberation Movement for West Papua or ULMWP has held a second high-level conference or summit which will be held in Port Vila starting on August 22 2023. At this momentum something new happened in the leadership structure that has been formed to continue the struggle from within West Papua Alone.

on that occasion, at least 50 representatives who attended the summit had traveled from West Papua and all over the world to Port Vila. This is the second summit since ULMWP was formed in 2014.

Menase Tabuni has been announced as the new President and will lead the ULMWP Management from within West Papua, thereby maintaining its presence and solidarity with the Papuan people on the ground.

“I am honored to be appointed as the new ULMWP President and I will do everything I can to continue our legitimate struggle for independence. We must do this from within West Papua as well as campaigning in the international community. “I will remain in Papua with the people while continuing to fight for human rights and my own determination,” said Menase Tabuni to Jubi in a press statement received on Monday (4/9/2023).

The new ULMWP executive structure is Menase Tabuni as President, while Vice President is held by Octovianus Mote, Markus Haluk as Secretary, Benny Wenda for Foreign Affairs, while Buchtar Tabuni as Chair of the Legislative Council and Apollos Sroyer as Chair of the Judicial Council.

According to him, ULMWP continues to be the umbrella organization that represents all the main group organizations in West Papua. Including the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation (WPNCL), the Federal Republic of West Papua (NFRPB) and the West Papua National Parliament (PNWP).

“And that we work with executives are Paula Makabory and Rex Rumakiek from WPNCL, and also Jacob Rumbiak from NFRPB and Oridek Ap from PNWP, and others too.” he said.

Also read: Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs: The government has not apologized for serious human rights violations

Tabuni emphasized that the aim of the ULMWP summit meeting was to announce new leadership and create a strategic road map for the next five years.

“ULMWP also wants to clarify that there is no ‘Interim Government’ and ULMWP is a representative body for all Papuans,” he said.

Markus Haluk, secretary of the ULMWP, emphasized that his party welcomed the decision of the MSG leaders to encourage Indonesia to allow the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to West Papua, together with the Pacific Delegation, so that the international community has a better understanding of the real situation on the ground in Papua. West.

ULMWP, he continued, continues to demand access for international media to be able to visit West Papua and report freely.

“Indonesia cannot call itself a democratic country if Indonesia continues to hide its largest province from the world,” he said firmly.

ULMWP also expressed its deepest gratitude to the Vanuatu government for hosting the MSG Summit and the ULMWP group. Also to the people of Vanuatu for their continued support, including the Malvatumauri National Chiefs Council, SHEFA

Province, Pacific Council of Churches and all leaders and groups within the Pacific Region who continue to maintain solidarity.

“Finally to the West Papuan people in our homeland, we are united and committed to working together to achieve our vision for an independent and democratic West Papuan state in the Pacific family,” said Haluk. (*)

——————————————–

Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific Editor @KoroiHawkins koroi.hawkins@rnz.co.nz 

Members of the Indonesian delegation at the Melanesian Leaders’ Summit pre-meeting of the Foreign Ministers’ in Port Vila. 21 August 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Kelvin Anthony

A Radio New Zealand journalist says an Indonesian government official attempted to bribe and intimidate him at the recent 22nd Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders’ meeting in Port Vila.

The Indonesian government has responded on Monday saying it will “surely look” into the claims.

RNZ journalist Kelvin Anthony was in Port Vila to cover the MSG Leaders’ Summit two weeks ago when he was offered “a gift” after an exclusive interview with Indonesia’s Ambassador to Australia, Dr Siswo Pramono.

The alleged bribe was offered between 1pm-1.10pm on Wednesday, 23 August in the carpark of the Holiday Inn Resort in Port Vila by Indonesian government representative Ardi Nuswantoro, Anthony said.

“I was offered an exclusive interview with the Indonesia’s Ambassador to Australia at the MSG meeting after being told earlier in the week by Ardi Nuswantoro that his government did not like what RNZ had published on West Papua and that it was not balanced,” he said.

“I advised the delegate that RNZ makes every effort to be balanced and fair and we want to get Indonesia’s side too, but we need the chance to speak on the record.”

After communicating face-to-face and online via WhatsApp – texts and call records seen by RNZ – Nuswantoro asked Anthony to visit the Holiday Inn Resort at 12pm for the interview on Wednesday, 23 August.

“I interviewed Dr Pramono covering a broad set of questions including human rights issues in West Papua, the MSG meeting, and Jakarta’s intentions in the Pacific, which lasted over 40 minutes,” Anthony said.

“I thought I had an exclusive interview that went well for a strong story out of the meeting that touched sensitive but pertinent issues involving Indonesia, the West Papua issue, and the Pacific.”

Anthony said he was escorted out of the reception area at the end of the interview and accompanied by at least three Indonesian officials.

He said Nuswantoro, who he was liaising with to set up the interview, “asked me several times if I had a car and how I was going to get back”.

“I told them that my colleague from a local media who was with me was driving me back to town. As we walked to the car park, the same official continued to walk with me and just as we were about to approach the car, he said, ‘The Indonesian delegation would like to offer you token of appreciation’.”

“I asked him, ‘What’s that?’ He replied, ‘A small gift’.

“I asked him again, ‘But what is it?’ And he replied: ‘Money’.

“At that point I was shell-shocked because I had never experienced something like that in my career.

“I declined to accept the money and told him, ‘I cannot take money because it compromises the story and my credibility and integrity as a journalist’.”

Anthony said the Indonesian official looked visibly withdrawn at the rejection and apologised for offering money.

Due to the incident RNZ chose at the time not to air the interview with Dr Pramono.

RNZ put the claims of bribery and intimidation to the Indonesian government.

In an email response, Jakarta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Asia Pacific and African Affairs director general Abdul Kadir Jailani neither confirmed nor denied the claims.

“Bribery has never been our policy nor approach to journalists,” Jailani said.

“We will surely look into it,” he said.