) Former Papua governor’s death while serving time for corruption sparks criticism against beleaguered anti-graft agency

His lawyer says Lukas Enembe should not have been tried in court while he was ill. Papuan state police have urged locals to accept his death and also stepped up security measures for his burial.

Denny Armandhanu 

 Asyraf Kamil

27 Dec 2023 06:13PM (Updated: 27 Dec 2023 06:35PM)

Listen to this article  8 min  

JAKARTA/SINGAPORE: The death of former Papua governor Lukas Enembe while serving time for graft has sparked criticisms against the beleaguered Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for worsening the man’s health by subjecting him to court trials.

The KPK, however, said that while all charges against Lukas have been dropped owing to his death, the commission reserves the authority to recover all the state financial losses in relation to the former governor’s case.

An expert told CNA that the authorities may recover its assets through various ways, chief among them is to make its claims against Lukas’ estate.

Lukas died on Tuesday (Dec 26) while receiving treatment for kidney failure at Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, the Jakarta Globe reported.

His body will be flown back to Papua early on Thursday amid tightened security measures.

Local media reported that Lukas’ health deteriorated over the last several months even as he was undergoing a series of trials in relation to his corruption case.

Lukas was convicted of bribery and graft worth tens of billions of rupiah related to some infrastructure projects in Papua.

Authorities were also looking into a possible money laundering case against Lukas but local media reported that KPK prosecutors had not yet handed over the case to the court.

In October, Lukas was sentenced to eight years in prison, a fine of 500 million rupiah and ordered to pay 19.8 billion rupiah in state compensation. He would have had to serve an extra four months in jail if he failed to pay the fine and an extra two years if he failed to cough up the sum for the state compensation.

Just earlier this month, the Jakarta High Court rejected his appeal and increased his sentence to 10 years in prison, his fine to 1 billion rupiah and more than doubled the state restitution to over 47 billion rupiah.

Lukas was required to pay the restitution within one month. Otherwise, his property would be confiscated and if the value is insufficient, his prison sentence would be extended for an extra five years.

CLAIMS BY LAWYER

Mr Petrus Bala Pattyona, who was Lukas’ lawyer, told local media that the KPK should be held responsible for his client’s death. He claimed that by Indonesia’s law, those who are sick should not be tried in court.

“Of course, he was sick. According to the law, sick people cannot be tried,” he was quoted as saying by Tempo.

Mr Petrus further added that Lukas’ death meant that legal action could no longer be taken against his client.

“The decision that was to be implemented automatically expires because of the defendant’s death,” he said.

The anti-corruption agency itself has been plagued with scandal after its chairman Firli Bahuri was named as a suspect for alleged extortion against a former agriculture minister.

The embattled Firli, who had previously called out Lukas for the latter’s alleged corrupt behaviour and financial extravagance, has since resigned from his post on Dec 21.

The KPK deputy chairman Johanis Tanak maintained on Wednesday that the state can still file a prosecution in the form of compensation from suspects and defendants who have died through their estates.

“The state still has the right to demand compensation for state finances through a civil legal process by filing a civil lawsuit to the district court,” Mr Johanis was quoted as saying by Kompas.

CNA has contacted the KPK for comments.

Law expert Gandjar Laksmana Bonaprapta from the University of Indonesia told CNA that under Indonesian law, a case can no longer be investigated “with the loss of the right to prosecute, for example due to the

 death of a suspect”.

“If the case is inkracht (can no longer be appealed) and it is ordered that the payment of state financial losses must be paid by the suspect, then under Indonesian law it is possible to demand the payment of state 

financial losses from the suspect’s estate.

“Officials can also take the state financial losses from the suspect’s confiscated assets. However, if the amount of assets seized is insufficient to pay the state financial recovery, then the authorities can demand the estate t

o pay it through the civil court,” said Mr Gandjar.

Meanwhile, criminal law expert Abdul Fickar Hadjar from Trisakti University agreed that civil claims can be made against the Lukas’ estate.

“However, the state must be able to prove that the property controlled by the deceased’s family is state property,“ said Mr Fickar.

When contacted, Lukas’ lawyer Mr Petrus said that he does not know the basis of the lawsuit should the KPK proceed with it.

“How will the KPK sue Lukas, because all criminal liability has ended with his death,” asked Mr Petrus.

He added: “We don’t know what format (the KPK will file its civil charges). We are still waiting. Currently, many of Lukas Enembe’s belongings are at the KPK and should be returned due to the death of the case because he has died.”

TIGHTENED SECURITY MEASURES IN PAPUA

Ahead of Lukas’ burial in Papua, the state police chief Mathius D Fakhiri asked the people of Papua to accept his death, according to Tempo.

Mr Mathius added that the police will provide maximum security upon the arrival of Lukas’ body in Papua, especially at Sentani International Airport in Jayapura.

During the mourning period, Mr Mathius said that the police would carry out security measures while respecting the Papuan culture and beliefs regarding funeral processions.

Lukas was serving his second term as Papua governor when he was arrested by the authorities earlier in January. He was first elected as governor in 2013 during the tenure of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is 

the founder of the Democrat Party.

Lukas’ arrest was met with protests from his supporters – one person died after being shot by the police while three others were injured.

The police headquarters in Papua was also attacked by a mob of his supporters.

His case highlighted the lavish lifestyle of the governor even as resource-rich Papua was widely known as Indonesia’s poorest province.

Despite the corruption case that ensnared him, many praised Lukas for the progress of Papua, one of which was the success of holding the National Sports Week and National Paralympic Sports Week in 2021.

An anti-corruption activist in Papua whom CNA spoke to said that Lukas had been known to “pay close attention to (the needs of) indigenous Papuans”.

The activist, who did not want to be identified, added that many Papuans consider gratuities given out to be a common practice even though “it is a form of corruption”.

“This is due to Papuans’ lack of understanding about corruption, so they consider what Lukas did to be normal,” the activist said.

On the reception of the Papuan people ahead of Lukas’ burial, the activist said that the authorities “have gathered at the points where the Highland Papuan tribe lives”.

“Thank God, the pastor at the church where Lukas Enembe worships has appealed to the community not to vandalise anything. He said, ‘this Christmas should be enjoyed with a sense of peace, so that whatever happens

 must be accepted peacefully’,” said the activist.

Separately, the Papua provincial government has also asked residents and offices in the state to fly the flag at half-mast for three days. This was done in memory of the former governor who died.

—————————————————————

https://en.antaranews.com/news/301896/life-of-lukas-enembe-former-governor-of-papua

4) Life of Lukas Enembe, former governor of Papua  

4 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Former governor of Papua, Lomato Enembe, who was popularly known as Lukas Enembe, drew his last breath at Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Jakarta, on Tuesday (December 26, 2023).

His passing was confirmed by the head of the hospital, Lieutenant General Dr. Albertus Budi Sulistya. He told ANTARA that Enembe died at 10:45 a.m. local time.

One of Enembe’s attorneys, Antonius Eko Nugroho, informed that the ex-governor’s body would be flown to Jayapura city, Papua province, on Wednesday evening for the funeral.

“His body is expected to arrive in Jayapura on Thursday (December 28) morning. He will be brought straight to his house in Koya,” Nugroho told ANTARA via a short message in Jakarta.


Education and career

Enembe was a native of Papua region. He was born in Tolikara district of the province on July 27, 1967, to Tagolenggawak Enembe and Deyaknobukwe Enumbi.

According to information provided on the website of the Papua provincial government, Enembe attended a Christian elementary school in Tolikara and graduated in 1980 before continuing his studies at Public 

Junior High School 1 Sentani and Public Senior High School 3 Sentani in Jayapura district.

After completing school, Enembe decided to migrate to North Sulawesi’s capital, Manado, to pursue higher education. He passed out of the Social and Political Science Strategy Department of the Faculty of Social and

 Political Sciences (FISIP) at Sam Ratulangi University in 1995.

During his college years, Enembe was an active member of several student organizations. He once served in the Student Senate of FISIP and as chair of North Sulawesi’s Jayawijaya (Papua) Student Organization 

during the 1989–1992 period.

Following his graduation, he began his government career as an employee at the Social and Political Affairs Office of Merauke district in 1996. The following year, he was officially appointed as a civil servant at the office.

In 1998, he moved to Australia to continue his studies at Cornerstone College. After finishing his studies in three years, he returned to Indonesia to start his political career.

At the dawn of his political journey, Enembe served as an adviser to several political parties in the Central Highlands region, which is currently part of Highland Papua and Central Papua provinces.

His career rocketed after he managed to secure the post of deputy head of Puncak Jaya district, Central Papua province, for the 2001–2006 term, accompanying Elieser Renmaur. He rose to the top leadership position in 

the district over the next five years.

Enembe reached the peak of his political career when he was elected as the governor of Papua in 2013. He held the mantle for two terms, serving until early 2023.


Corruption and death

From late 2022, Enembe started making headlines on local and national mass media over his alleged involvement in bribery and gratification cases linked to a number of infrastructure projects in Papua province.

On January 10 this year, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested him in Jayapura city. He was flown to Jakarta via Manado shortly thereafter. The following day, the KPK announced Enembe’s detention.

His health continued to deteriorate while undergoing a series of trials in Jakarta. One day after the arrest, the KPK confirmed that the former governor required vital medical examination and treatments at the army hospital.

Enembe’s detention was occasionally interrupted by treatments at the hospital. During trials at the Corruption Court of Central Jakarta, he was seen using a wheelchair.

In view of Enembe’s health, the panel of judges once sought a second opinion from the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI). Based on examinations conducted by IDI, he was declared fit to undergo trials.

However, the association informed that Enembe had a history of non-hemorrhagic stroke with sequelae, diabetes mellitus type two, hypertension, coronary heart disease without signs of heart failure, and a chronic kidney problem.

On October 19, the Corruption Court of Central Jakarta sentenced Enembe to eight years in prison and awarded him a fine of Rp500 million (US$32.3 thousand), or an additional sentence of four months behind 

bars as a subsidiary penalty.

He was also directed to pay about Rp19.7 billion (US$1.2 million) in compensation, or face a subsidiary penalty of two years in prison. The court’s verdict also deprived Enembe of his right to get elected to public

 positions for five years after serving his primary sentence.

However, in the next trial on December 7, the Jakarta Court of Appeal decided to increase Enembe’s sentence to 10 years in prison, a fine of Rp1 billion (US$64.7 billion), and asked him to pay compensation  of Rp47.8 billion (approximately US$3 million).

Jayapura Police deployed 500 personnel to secure the pick-up of Lukas Enembe’s body

News Desk – Picking up of Lukas Enembe’s body

December 27, 2023

Sentani, Jubi TV– Jayapura Resort Police or Police have alerted 500 personnel to pick up the body of the late Lukas Enembe which is scheduled to arrive at Theys Hiyo Eluay International Airport in Sentani 

on Thursday (28/12/2023).

Jayapura Police Chief AKBP Fredrickus WA Maclarimboen in a release in Sentani on Wednesday (27/12/2023) said he appealed to the public not to pile up at Sentani Airport when picking up the body of the late Lukas Enembe.

“The situation in Jayapura Regency is currently still safe, conducive and activities are running normally,” he said.

According to the police chief, it is also hoped that when the body of the former Governor of Papua arrives that there will be no movements that could disturb the security conditions of public order (kamtibmas) in Papua,

 especially Jayapura Regency.

“This is still a Christmas atmosphere so the community must continue to maintain security and social order in the jurisdiction of Jayapura Regency,” he said.

He explained that the pick-up would take place at Theys Hiyo Eluay Airport, then he would be buried at STAKIN (in front of Battalion 751) and continue to Koya Koso, Muara Tami District, Jayapura City, Papua.

“We suggest that mourners who want to pick him up avoid crowds at Sentani Airport so that it doesn’t disrupt operations and can welcome him at his burial place,” he said.

He added that his party really hopes for the participation of families, sympathizers and the entire community together to maintain the condition of social security and order.

“We will guard the procession so that it can run safely and smoothly, let’s protect his good name. What he has done in the Land of Papua can be an important note for those of us who are still enjoying it,” he said.

The Police Chief reminded families, sympathizers and the public not to be surprised and afraid of the presence of security forces, both police and TNI, when picking up the body of the late Lukas Enembe.

“Of course, if you see a lot of officers, don’t worry, we are there and present to ensure that the activity can run safely and smoothly,” he said. (*)

Benny Giay remembering Lukas Enembe’s legacy, reflecting on challenges within Papua’s political landscape  

News Desk – Lukas Enembe Passed Away

 28 December 2023

Jayapura, Jubi – Papua figure Rev. Benny Giay deeply mourned over the passing of former Governor Lukas Enembe on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Giay urges the Papuan community to remain calm and focused on honoring Lukas Enembe, a great leader who contributed significantly to Papua.

“Let us honor this great leader of ours, by receiving him well, and burying him with dignity. When we receive a departed soul, it’s our chance to remember the good things they have done. After that, let us continue the good deeds he wished to accomplish but could not finish; let us carry them forward,” Giay told Jubi on Tuesday.

Lukas Enembe passed away at the Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital in Jakarta on Tuesday due to kidney failure, according to Enembe’s lawyer, Petrus Bala Pattyona.

Benny Giay admitted being deeply shocked by the news of Enembe’s passing.

“The news shook us. We were not prepared [for it]. Last night we were talking with several members of the Papua Legislative Council, hoping for Lukas Enembe’s speedy recovery. But this afternoon, we received news of his death. It is a heavy blow for us,” Giay stated.

Giay regarded Lukas Enembe as a significant leader who initiated development in Papua, even in the most remote regions.

“Since Mr. Lukas Enembe became Governor in 2013 until his tenure ended, he was the driving force of development [in Papua]. He initiated movements to uplift his people, bringing hope to us,” he remarked.

According to Giay, Enembe made significant strides that would be recorded in history.

“I believe the majority of the community, including myself, appreciate many things, including hosting the National Sports Week XX in Papua, extending development to remote areas that were untouched before 2013,” he added.

Benny Giay also praised Lukas Enembe’s attention to providing education to Indigenous Papuans.

“His attention to education, sending indigenous Papuan students abroad, even though I have heard that Papuan students abroad face difficulties now. I think he was quite energetic. We lose him in that aspect,” Giay mentioned.

He also considered Enembe a figure who remained courageous and critical despite holding the position of Governor.

“His critical voice as an official shows that his conscience was not silenced by bureaucracy, a Governor who worked with his heart,” Giay stated.

He further asserted that Lukas Enembe was the first Governor of Papua from the central mountainous region, an area with limited access and facing various challenges in education and healthcare services. For Giay, Enembe’s political career achievements in reaching the Governorship were extraordinary.

“For us mountain people, he was an important Governor of Papua because previously, all Governors were not from the mountains. Throughout his 20-year political career, he did remarkable things. As a two-term Governor of Papua, he showed how someone from the mountains could sit in Dok II (the center of governance in Papua). Looking at Enembe, considering the fact that he had work, during two terms, he left his mark there,” Giay expressed.

Giay did not deny that Lukas Enembe was shadowed by corruption allegations. However, Giay reminded that Enembe became Governor of Papua in a financial management system that was already broken, making it difficult for anyone within the system to escape the shadow of corruption.

“It is good to criticize those in office. But we have to accept that our officials, including those who become Governor of Papua, they exist within a corrupt and rampant corruption system. Even the Corruption Eradication Commission chair (Firli Bahuri) is corrupt. Papua’s elite suffers within this broken system,” said Benny Giay. (*)

—————————–

2) Lukas Enembe passed away, prompting half-mast flag request from govt  

News Desk – Lukas Enembe Passed Away

 28 December 2023

Jayapura, Jubi – Former Papua Governor Lukas Enembe passed away at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital in Jakarta on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. His death was due to kidney failure, according to Enembe’s lawyer, Petrus Bala Pattyona.

The Papua Provincial Government then requested the community to fly the Indonesian flag at half-mast to mourn and honor the late Lukas Enembe. The request was conveyed through a Circular Letter from the Acting Governor of Papua, Ridwan Rumasukun, on Tuesday.

Yohanis Walilo, the Acting Assistant I for Governance in the Papua Provincial Secretariat, stated in a press release on Tuesday that the directive was addressed to government agencies, the military and police, religious leaders, social institutions, and all citizens in the province from the 27th to the 29th of December 2023, as a symbol of mourning.

Walilo emphasized that Lukas Enembe was not only a Papuan son but also one of the finest leaders in Papua.

“The Acting Governor of Papua, the Acting Secretary of the Papua Provincial Secretariat, and the entire community deeply mourn this loss. We received this sad news while celebrating Christmas,” he expressed.

Regarding the funeral arrangements for Lukas Enembe, Walilo mentioned that discussions were ongoing with the family and the church.

Enembe’s body is currently lying in state at Sentosa Funeral Home in Abdul Rachman Saleh Street, Central Jakarta. The body is scheduled to be flown to Jayapura on Wednesday night and is expected to arrive at Theys Eluay Sentani Airport on Thursday.

Walilo urged everyone to maintain peace in Papua Land, in honor of Lukas Enembe’s passing.

“We urge all residents to collectively maintain peace and security, as well as to pray as a form of respect for the deceased,” he added.

The late Lukas Enembe served as Governor of Papua for two terms, from 2013-2018 and 2018-2023. Prior to that, Enembe held positions as Deputy Regent and Regent of Puncak Jaya. He began his career in the bureaucracy as a civil servant. (*)

——————–

Jayapura Sentani tribe bid rousing farewell to Lukas Enembe

Jayapura (ANTARA) – The funeral procession of former governor of Papua, Lukas Enembe, was welcomed by singing and wailing, locally known as hela-hili, by the Sentani tribe community in Kampung Harapan, East Sentani Sub-District, Jayapura, Papua, on Thursday.

Customary leader of Sentani, Dantje Nere, stated in Sentani on Thursday that the indigenous people, who are also members of the local Kampung Harapan Filadelfia Church’s congregation, feel a great sense of loss following the demise of Enembe, who made a significant contribution to the local community.

“Today, we are standing in front of the Lukas Enembe Stadium and the Kampung Harapan Filadelfia Church, which are the work of the late LE (initials of Lukas Enembe),” he remarked.

According to Nere, hela-hili is a form of the deepest sense of grief expressed to send off the passing of the highest leader, namely by lamenting in the Sentani regional language while dancing and waving leaves and flowers.

“We appreciate the procession crowd because they were very orderly and respected the culture of the Sentani tribe while welcoming the arrival of Mr Lukas Enembe’s coffin in Kampung Harapan,” he stated.

He noted that all village, customary, and church communities awaited the arrival of Enembe’s coffin with flowers as a form of love for the former governor.

“Goodbye, Mr Lukas Enembe. We, the people of the Sentani tribe, really love and are proud to have you,” he remarked.

Chairman of the Sentani Tribal Customary Council, Orgenes Kaway, stated that the arrival of the body of late Lukas Enembe was highly awaited by all Papuan people in the Sentani customary area.

“The late Lukas Enembe was the best son of Papua who made many changes to development in this land,” he stated.


Acting Governor of Papua Ridwan Rumasukun hospitalized after thrown stone at funeral

News Desk 30 December 2023

Jayapura, Jubi – Acting Governor of Papua Ridwan Rumasukun faced a distressing turn of events while partaking in the solemn duty of escorting the body of former Governor Lukas Enembe. The procession, from Sentani Airport to STAKIN Sentani, took an unforeseen and tumultuous twist when Ridwan Rumasukun was struck by a stone, causing severe head injuries.

Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo confirmed the news.

“The Acting Governor of Papua was struck by a stone in the head,” Benny told journalists on Thursday, December 28. 2023.

Hastily transported to Dian Harapan Hospital in Jayapura, Ridwan was urgently shifted from the Emergency Unit to the hospital’s VIP section for immediate and intensive medical care.

“The Acting Governor has been moved to the VIP ward and is in stable condition following the necessary medical attention after sustaining head injuries,” one of the medical workers at the hospital who refused to be named told Jubi

Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a glimmer of hope for his recovery, although concerns remained paramount.

Plans for Ridwan Rumasukun’s transfer to Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital in Jakarta were swiftly arranged to ensure specialized care and further treatment.

However, this distressing incident did not just impact Ridwan Rumasukun. It also caused collateral damage, with reports indicating harm to police vehicles and various public amenities during the funeral.

Amidst the chaos, heightened security measures were implemented at Dian Harapan Hospital as investigations continue into the incident that disrupted the solemn ceremony of Lukas Enembe’s funeral. (*)

——————————————————————

2) Chaos unfolds at Lukas Enembe’s funeral  

News Desk 30 December 2023

Jayapura, Jubi – Thousands gathered to bear the body of former Governor Lukas Enembe from the Sentani Airport to the STAKIN Sentani cemetery grounds on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Initially, a group of students, church leaders, and several others intended for the body to be transported by vehicle, accompanied by the people walking. However, the fervent desire of the masses prevailed, leading to the collective decision to carry the body and proceed on foot from Sentani Airport to STAKIN.

The late Lukas Enembe’s body was eventually carried by the crowd while walking.

Simultaneously, several members at the forefront hurled stones at houses, shops, and parked vehicles along the route, causing damage. Observations on the ground revealed significant damage to vital establishments such as banks in Sentani due to the mob’s actions, causing concern over the escalating unrest.

As the rally moved towards STAKIN, the crowd continued to rampage, converging on the Papua Police Chief’s entourage and other attendees walking alongside them. Multiple four-wheeled vehicles intending to enter STAKIN were destroyed, including the burning of a vehicle parked by the roadside.

Amidst the chaos, Sentani’s Indigenous Community Leader, Frits Maurits Felle, emphasized the need for dignified proceedings during this time of mourning.

“This is a great leader of Papua; the funeral process must be carried out with dignity. His contributions to the development of Papua must be honored and continued,” Felle expressed, acknowledging the difficulties in controlling the situation.

The aftermath revealed the grim extent of the unrest. The Papua Police reported approximately 25 buildings and shops in the district of Waena, Jayapura City, were set ablaze during the funeral procession.

“There were 14 reported injuries at the STAKIN incident, including one military personnel, seven police officers, the Acting Governor of Papua, and five civilians. A car was set ablaze, five vehicles severely damaged, and two buildings vandalized,” said Papua Police Chief Insp. Gen. Mathius Fakhiri.

Expressing dismay at the events, Fakhiri urged the community to mourn respectfully, adhering to Papuan traditions, and avoiding actions that degrade the dignity of the people. Security measures were reinforced, with plans to maintain vigilance until Friday to disperse the masses peacefully after the burial. (*)

——————————————————

https://www.indoleft.org/news/2023-12-30/knpb-denies-involvement-in-riots-at-convoy-escorting-lukas-enembes-body.html

3) KNPB denies involvement in riots at convoy escorting Lukas Enembe’s body

Suara Papua – December 29, 2023

Jayapura – The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has stated that it was not involved in the torching of shop houses, assaults and vandalism in Jayapura Regency and Jayapura City during the convoy accompanying the body of the late former Papua governor Lukas Enembe (LE) on Thursday December 28.

“In response to the accusations addressed at the KNPB through the media regarding incidents of arson, assault and destruction of facilities in Jayapura, these are false accusations. The KNPB is not responsible”, said KNPB national spokesperson Ones Suhuniap in a statement on Friday December 29.

Suhuniap said that the convoy escorting Enembe’s body from Sentani to Central Koya was not part of the KNPB’s agenda. The KNPB never issued any verbal or written instructions for its members to accompany Enembe’s body from the Sentani airport to Koya.

“This is slander against the KNPB. The welcoming committee was not the KNPB, but the Papua provincial government itself, but instead the KNPB was blamed. The KNPB as an organisation was not involved in picking up the late Lukas Enembe’s body”, he said.

According to Ones, the accusations by Cenderawasih/XVII regional military commander (Pangdam) Major General Izak Pangemanan are irresponsible and a hoax. The KNPB cannot always be accused of being the perpetrator behind every violent incident that occurs in Papua without objective evidence and facts.

He also said that the media should not create an uproar by spreading news that does not match the facts. News must be based on valid evidence.

“The Cenderawasih Pangdam and the Papua Polda [regional police] have authority over intelligence to anticipate and guarantee security and must be held responsible. They have a duty to maintain security so they are responsible for the activities during the pickup and escorting of the late LE’s body”.

“Don’t blame the KNPB if you are incapable of or failed to maintain security and public order. The accusations against the KNPB are part of diverting the issue away from Lukas Enembe’s death. We believe that there is a scenario where there are efforts to scapegoat the KNPB like in 2019 in the racism case. It is very similar.”

“Stop accusing the KNPB of being the actor, because the KNPB sees Lukas Enembe as part of the Indonesian government. The KNPB had nothing to do with the welcoming committee or the mourning committee for Lukas Enembe.”

“We ask the Cenderawasih Pangdam to clarify the fake news accusing the KNPB of being the perpetrator.”

Notes

According to a CNN Indonesia report on December 29, Major General Izak Pangemanan asserted that the rioting that occurred when the convoy was escorting Lukas Enembe’s body was masterminded by members of the KNPB and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).

“KNPB and ULMWP members rioted when accompanying the body from the STAKIN [Evangelical Theology School] in Sentani, Jayapura Regency, to the deceased’s residence in Koya Tengah, Muara Tami district, Jayapura City”, Pangemanan was quoted as saying after a meeting with community members at the Cenderawasih/XVII Regional Military Command Headquarters in Polimak, Jayapura, on Friday December 29 (https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20231229154149-20-1043219/pangdam-cenderawasih-knpb-dalang-rusuh-jelang-pemakaman-lukas-enembe)

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was “KNPB Bantah Terlibat Pembakaran dan Pengrusakan Ruko Saat Iring-Iringan Jenazah Lukas Enembe”.] Source: https://suarapapua.com/2023/12/29/knpb-bantah-terlibat-pembakaran-dan-pengrusakan-ruko-saat-iring-iringan-jenazah-lukas-enembe/

MARKUS HALUK’S CALL FOR ULMWP 9TH ANNIVERSARY

December 09, 2023
MARKUS HALUK’S CALL FOR ULMWP 9TH ANNIVERSARY

On December 6, 2023, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) celebrated its 9th anniversary.

ULMWP is the coordinating body of all organizations fighting for the independence of West Papua from Indonesian occupation (1963-present). The following article explains why the ULMWP was established, what it has done since 2014, the challenges it faces, and what it hopes to do in the future.

The Saralana Declaration and the birth of ULMWP

The formation of the ULMWP was the result of a joint declaration by key representatives of the West Papuan struggle at Saralana, Port Vila Vanuatu, on December 6, 2014.  https://tpnpbnews.wordpress.com/2016/06/09/saralana-declaration-on-west-papua-2014/   Three factors drove its establishment:

1. The process of consolidation and reconciliation among Papuan freedom fighters during 2012-2014, spearheaded by Kris Dogopia, Sem Awom, et al.

2. The insistence of the Indonesian government through its President at the time, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), who hoped for a clear interlocutor who could represent all factions of the Papuan independence struggle. In his conversation with Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O’Neill during the APEC meeting in Bali in 2013, President SBY told Prime Minister O’Neill: “Administratively, (West) Papuans have Indonesian ID cards and passports but as a nation, they are part of you. So you please help me unite them.”

3. The urgency and hope of the international community, especially the leaders of the South Pacific forum Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). They have called for West Papuans to unite in a common platform in order to then apply for MSG membership. This was affirmed at MSG meetings in Noumea, New Caledonia in 2013 and in Port Moresby, PNG in June 2014.

ULMWP, West Papua representative body

Broadly speaking, there are three groups of main actors in the West Papuan struggle. They are:

1). West Papuans with Indonesian citizenship,

2). West Papuan diaspora who live abroad,

3). West Papuans who reject Indonesian citizenship and fight by taking up arms.

These three groups are incorporated in three different resistance organizations, namely NFRPB (Federal State of the Republic of West Papua), PNWP (West Papua National Parliament) and WPNCL (West Papua National Coalition for Liberation).

West Papuans welcomed the birth of ULMWP it as the most beautiful Christmas gift. Open statements and letters of support to the ULMWP leadership poured in from everywhere. But at the same time, a series of challenges came.   


ULMWP faces many obstacles

From within: Forkorus Yaboisembut, President of the NFRPB faction rejected the ULMWP. Seeing the potential for division, Edison Waromi as Prime Minister of the NFRPB managed to maintain the ULMWP as a coordinating forum for West Papuan Unity.

From the outside: The Indonesian government has been trying to destroy and degrade the ULMWP in every way possible. The most common method used is to silence and criminalize the ULMWP’s nonviolent actions.

Likewise, abroad, the Indonesian government has worked hard to discredit the ULMWP’s diplomacy. For example, at the MSG leaders’ meeting in Vanuatu last August, the Indonesian delegation insisted on rejecting the ULMWP’s presence, even if only as an observer.

As a middle ground, the MSG leaders then decided to postpone accepting the ULMWP’s full membership. On the other hand, they urged the Indonesian government to grant access to the UN High Commission on Human Rights to visit West Papua within ten months.

From August 22 to September 3, 2023, the second ULMWP Summit took place in Port Vila Vanuatu. Although fraught with tension, the meeting was peaceful. The ULMWP Constitution 2023 was ratified and the new ULMWP leadership for the period 2023-2028 and its work program were established.  https://markushalukpapua.blogspot.com/2023/09/west-papuan-leadership-now-centred-in.html?m=1

Unfortunately two months later, trouble struck again: The PNWP (West Papua National Parliament) defied the previously agreed decision in Port Vila. They rejected the legitimate leadership of the ULMWP by unilaterally appointing, in a congress on behalf of the ULMWP: Benny Wenda as President of the Provisional Government and Edison Waromi as its Prime Minister. A serious rift has developed between West Papuan leaders.   https://en.jubi.id/ulmwp-suspends-key-members-benny-wenda-and-buchtar-tabuni-sparking-leadership-dispute/

ULMWP, West Papua’s hope for independence

Aware of this precarious situation, on December 6, 2023, at the ULMWP’s 9th anniversary service in Jayapura, Markus Haluk, executive secretary of the ULMWP, made several calls:

1) ULMWP must be maintained as a coordinating forum for national unity for all West Papuans.

2) Good coordination and communication is needed between the ULMWP’s internal organization and founding organizations, solidarity groups, NGOs, church leaders, academics, students, traditional and religious leaders in West Papua.

3) Continuous coordination and consolidation with West Papuan support groups in Indonesia, especially the Indonesian People’s Front for West Papua (FRI-WP), academics, students and NGOs in Jakarta.

4) Intensive coordination with various parties at the Melanesian Regional level, the Pacific and the international community in order to support ULMWP’s struggle for the Right to Self-Determination of West Papua.

5) Moral support and active participation in supporting the legitimate leadership of ULMWP 2023-2028.

Markus invites all parties to selflessly support ULMWP for the survival of the West Papuan nation:

“Do not ask what we can get from ULMWP but ask ourselves: what can we give and do through ULMWP to save the remaining West Papuans before they are annihilated by the Indonesian Colonial regime?”

-- 
etanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetanetan

Indonesia’s deforestation rate off target for 2030 climate goal 

News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta   ●   Wed, December 13, 2023 

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo recently bragged to other world leaders about Indonesia’s achievements in significantly reducing deforestation, which is helping the country reach its carbon emissions reduction target to tackle the climate crisis. But environmentalists refuted the claim, saying that Indonesia is actually behind in realizing its deforestation targets and urged the government to develop a more robust forest protection policy. During the World Climate Action Summit segment of COP28 in Dubai on Dec. 2, Jokowi boasted Indonesia’s work in curbing the deforestation rate by 75 percent, and claimed that the current rate was the lowest in the last two decades.

The President referred to data from the Environment and Forestry Ministry that showed a reduction in deforestated land from 462,000 hectares in the 2018-2019 period to 115,000 ha in 2019-2020, according to a statement the ministry issued on Dec. 5.

Jokowi reiterated one of Indonesia’s climate targets in Dubai, saying 

that deforestation reduction was part of the country’s goal of achieving a forest and other land use (FOLU) net carbon sink – a condition in which the carbon absorbed is higher than the carbon emitted each year. Under the net sink plan, Indonesia plans for the FOLU sector to contribute to the country’s emissions reduction by absorbing 140 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of greenhouse gases. To achieve the FOLU net sink target, Indonesia must limit deforestation by up to 4.2 million ha between 2013 and 2030, according to the environment ministry’s estimate. 


Read also: Indonesia’s call for support in COP28 shows ‘no new’ commitment



However, Greenpeace Indonesia’s analysis of government data revealed that the country had exceeded the deforestation quota to reach the net sink condition by 500,000 ha, as Indonesia saw 4.8 million ha of deforestation of forests and peatlands between 2013 and 2019. “There [should] be no more deforestation after 2019 […] but in fact it is still happening to date,” said Greenpeace Indonesia researcher Sapta A. Proklamasi during a public discussion in Jakarta on Friday. 

The ongoing deforestation was not surprising for Sapta, as he blamed the government for not “intending to completely halt deforestation from the beginning” by not setting clear annual deforestation reduction targets. In 2021, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar asserted that the 2030 net sink target did not mean that deforestation would stop, as Indonesian forests and other natural resources should be sustainably used for the country’s development. She added that the development during Jokowi’s tenure “should not stop in the name of carbon emissions or because of deforestation.”


Sapta acknowledged the downward trend in deforestation since 2018, but the annual loss of 100,000 ha of forest and peatland, which is 1.5 times bigger than Jakarta, is still alarming. Agus P. Sari, CEO of environmental consultancy firm Landscape Indonesia, concurred with Sapta on the government’s deforestation reduction claim, saying authorities should carefully check the data from every region. “Maybe in many places, deforestation is decreasing. But in some other areas, [the deforestation rate] is rising,” Agus said, citing a rise in deforestation in Papua in recent years. To cut the deforestation rate even more, Sapta urged the government to make permanent a moratorium on primary forest clearing for timber and oil palm plantations, which many researchers believe to be the main driver of deforestation. The moratorium on oil palm plantation permits, first issued through a Presidential Instruction (Inpres) in 2018, requires government agencies to stop granting new licenses for oil palm concessions and to review existing plantations. But the policy expired in September 2021. 

Read also: World far off track on pledges to end deforestation by 2030 – report 

Sapta also called for the government to focus on completely stopping deforestation, instead of just lowering the deforestation rate every year. “The downward trend shouldn’t be regarded as an achievement as the forests are still being cut down, just at a different rate,” he continued. Sapta also voiced concerns that the reduction in deforestation might not be sustainable if Jokowi’s successor decides to increase the deforestation quota and allow more forests to be cut down to other uses after being elected next year. The government should also have a more comprehensive policy that details the role of civil society and the private sector in the country’s forest management, said forest policy professor Hariadi Kartodihardjo at the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB). “The key is to not maximize profits,” Hariadi said, adding that the government should use market and non-market instruments to push for better forest management. (alf)

—————————————————

Papua rights activist Victor Yeimo banned from overseas travel, denied passport

Suara Papua – December 10, 2023

Jayapura — West Papua National Committee (KNPB) international spokesperson Victor Yeimo says that the Jayapura immigration office has banned him from overseas travel (dicekal) and refuses to issue him a passport.

Yeimo conveyed this to Suara Papua after receiving an online travel ban notification from the Immigration Intelligence and Enforcement

(Inteldakim) Section on Thursday December 8 at 9.49 am.

According to Yeimo, this is because of a travel ban that had been issued by the national police (Polri) on December 25, 2021.

He says that the ban is a violation of his human rights because he has been released from prison and is no longer linked to any criminal cases.

“I think that the immigration department should not restrict my rights as a citizen to have a passport as an overseas travel document”, said Yeimo.

Yeimo said that when he was at the immigration office he explained that he was no longer linked to any cases, however immigration officials suggested that he first ask the police to revoke his travel ban on the Cekal Online website.

Thus as a follow up, he said, he will ask for legal assistance to write to the Papua regional police chief and the Papua Justice and Human Rights regional office to ask that the overseas travel ban be revoked immediately because it has the potential to restrict his rights as a citizen.

Yeimo is a KNPB activist and political prisoner who was convicted of makar (treason, rebellion, subversion), and was only released from the Abepura Correctional Institution in Jayapura on Saturday September 23.

He was charged with makar because he was deemed to have organised demonstrations that took place in Jayapura city in 2019 on August 19 and

29 protesting racist slurs directed against Papuan students at the Kemasan III Papua student dormitory in Surabaya, East Java, on August 16, 2019.

On November 10 Yeimo was given the Voltaire Empty Chair award by the Australian organisation Liberty Victoria for his perseverance in defending human rights in Papua.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was “Victor Yeimo Dicekal dan Paspornya Tidak Diterbitkan”.]

Komnas HAM Papua reports 65 alleged human rights violations in Papua during 2023

News Desk – Armed Conflict In The Land Of Papua 

14 December 2023

Jayapura, Jubi – Frits Ramandey, the Head of the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua), revealed that his office received 65 complaints concerning alleged human rights abuses in Papua from January to December 2023. This announcement came during the 75th World Human Rights Day commemoration in Jayapura, Papua Province, on Sunday, December 10, 2023.

Ramandey stated that out of the 65 complaints, 43 were related to alleged violations of civil and political Rights, predominantly involving armed violence.

“Meanwhile, the remaining 23 complaints were related to suspected violations of economic, social, and cultural Rights,” he added.

He further disclosed that as a consequence of the reported violence, 40 people died, 41 were injured, one was held captive, and one person went missing. These victims consisted of civilians (59), health workers (5), members of the West Papua National Liberation Army or TPNPB (10), Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers (5), and police personnel (3).

“We are deeply concerned about the continuous string of violence. Our condolences go out to the victims,” he expressed.

Ramandey emphasized that the ongoing and repeated violence indicated flaws in handling the situation in Papua. He highlighted the significance of the Humanitarian Pause appeal made by several national figures in Jakarta on November 9, 2023, aimed at easing armed conflicts and improving the situation in Papua. Efforts to ease armed conflicts are essential for managing refugees and initiating peaceful dialogues in Papua to halt violence.

“Otherwise, the cycle of violence will only escalate,” he warned.

Komnas HAM Papua urged the TNI and police as well as the TPNPB to cease armed violence and seek legal and humanitarian approaches to resolve issues in Papua. They also called upon the provincial and municipal governments in Papua to prioritize human rights issues and create a violence-free living environment.

Additionally, Komnas HAM Papua stressed the importance of considering the rights of indigenous communities in the development of the newly formed province resulting from the division of Papua Province, in line with human rights values and principles. (*)

————————————————————

4) Komnas HAM Papua voices concern over freedom suppression in Papua  

News Desk – Freedom Of Expression In The Land Of Papua 

14 December 2023

Jayapura, Jubi – Frits Ramandey, the Head of the Papua Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua), highlighted the consistent stifling of citizens’ freedoms by the state through police authorities in Papua. Speaking during the 75th World Human Rights Day commemoration in Jayapura on Sunday, December 10, 2023, Ramandey stressed that the values of freedom, equality, and justice for all in Papua are yet to be fully realized.

He emphasized that the freedom of expression and public opinion in Papua has consistently been and suppressed by the police, creating limited space for citizens to voice their aspirations.

“Human rights values must be respected, protected, and fulfilled by the state,” he stated.

Additionally, a report titled “Dong Penjarakan Tong Pu Suara dan Pikiran” (They Suppressed My Thoughts) by Pusaka Bentala Rakyat in 2022 documented 26 alleged cases of freedom of expression violations in Papua. These incidents led to three fatalities and 72 injuries, with 361 individuals arbitrarily detained. Among those arrested, 26 faced legal proceedings, and 18 were charged with subversion, facing potential life imprisonment.

Also speaking in the same event, Onan Kobogau, the Chair of the Student Executive Board of Timika University, reported that the Mimika Police forcefully disbanded the commemoration of World Human Rights Day in Timika, detaining 41 individuals. Kobogau and four others sustained injuries from police using firearm butts.

Jubi tried to obtain a response from the Mimika Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. I Gede Putra regarding the disbandment of the World Human Rights Day commemoration in Timika but to no avail as of Sunday. (*)

——————-

Indonesia prepares 1 mlllion hectares for sugar factories in Papua

Antara | 12 December 2023

Indonesia prepares 1 mln hectares for sugar factories in Papua

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The government is preparing one million hectares of land in Papua for investors interested in building sugar factories to help Indonesia achieve sugar self-sufficiency, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said on Tuesday.

“With one million hectares of land, we can attract a lot of companies. One sugar factory may need 20 to 40 hectares of land with a capacity of 12,000 tons of cane per day (TCD),” Sulaiman said after a meeting with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Jakarta.

He added that the government will not limit the number of domestic and foreign investors planning to build sugar factories in Indonesia.

“Yes, it is included in our sugar self-sufficiency plan. We can reach the target if we can build 20 to 30 sugar factories with a capacity of 12,000 TCD,” Sulaiman continued.

He estimated that up to Rp3 trillion (around US$192.7 million) would be needed to build one sugar factory with a capacity of 12,000 TCD.

Claiming that there are companies that have started planting sugarcane in Papua, Sulaiman said that Indonesia’s journey toward sugar self-sufficiency will still take a long time since sugarcane is an annual plant whose seedlings need to be cultivated in stages.

“Sugarcane is an annual plant with several processing stages. It also requires pure and superior seedlings from the beginning of the process,” he added.

Besides the need to adapt to the local agricultural climate, the stages of planting sugarcane seedlings can take more than three years, Sulaiman said.

He added that, to boost sugar production, sugar factories in Papua are expected to be built using modern technology.

“In India, sugar production can reach 150 tons per hectare, whereas in Indonesia it can only reach 60–70 tons. The most important thing is the high-quality seedlings, which can produce a minimum yield of 100 tons per hectare,” he disclosed.

12 Dec 2023