By APR editor – 

May 17, 2025

By Anish Chand in Suva

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji . . . campaigning also against colonisation and for justice in Kanaky, Palestine and West Papua. Image: FWCC/File

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Fiji’s coalition government are “detached from the values that Fijians hold dear”, says the NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR).

The rights coalition has expressed deep concern over Rabuka’s ongoing engagements with Indonesia.

“History will judge how we respond as Fijians to this moment. We must not stay silent when Pacific people are being occupied and killed,” said NGOCHR chair Shamima Ali.

• She said Rabuka was extended a grant of $12 million by Indonesia recently and received proposals for joint military training.

“Is Fiji’s continuing silence on West Papua yet another example of being muzzled by purse strings?”

“As members of the Melanesian and Pacific family, bound by shared ancestry and identity, the acceptance of financial and any other benefit from Indonesia—while remaining silent on the plight of West Papua—is a betrayal of our family member and of regional solidarity.”

“True leadership must be rooted in solidarity, justice, and accountability,” Ali said.

“It is imperative that Pacific leaders not only advocate for peace and cooperation in the region but also continue to hold Indonesia to account on ongoing human rights violations in West Papua.”

Republished from The Fiji Times with permission.

Solomon Islands LEADER of Opposition Matthew has strongly condemned the latest murders in West Papua by the Indonesian military.

Hon Wale’s call comes amidst recent media reports of Indonesian military unit that are roaming Intan Jaya Regency, slaughtering West Papuans at will.

The recent killings have also included minors.

“Solomon Islands as a Melanesian country must continue to stand against the ongoing atrocities in West Papua. We are Melanesians,” Hon Wale said.

In a statement today, Hon Wale said it is heartless to note that the Prime Minister and the GNUT government have opted to remain silent on these ongoing atrocities in West Papua.

The Opposition Leader also called on the rest of the MSG to condemn these recent murders and to demand withdrawal of military from the highlands; and to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua.

“I am calling on the Prime Minister and the rest of MSG to call on the Indonesian government to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua. In fact this is inline with the resolution made by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) last year,” he said.

Hon Wale said it is time the MSG Leaders rethink their stand on West Papua.

“Diplomacy and geopolitics should never cloud our solidarity with our Melanesian people of West Papua,” Hon Wale said.

The Opposition Leader emphasized the ongoing human rights crisis in West Papua as a pressing regional issue that still remains unresolved.

He said the Prime Minister has visited Jakarta last year but sadly there was no discussion with Indonesia about the systemic repression of West Papuan lives and voices.

Hon Wale said the lack of dialogue on ongoing human rights violations with Indonesia would suggest that GNUT’s priorities are negotiable, or even expendable, for financial gain.

– Opposition Press

Categories: News, News – National By Moffat Mamu January 22, 2025

December 10, 2024 23:53 GMT+700 Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Defense Ministry has said that engaging Pacific nations in the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus has become a part of Jakarta’s diplomatic strategy to safeguard its national interest in Papua.

The diplomatic strategy was disclosed by director for mobilizing defense components at the ministry’s Defense Strategic Directorate General, Brigadier General Mohamad Nafis, during a focus group discussion here Monday.

Nafis said that the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) from the defense perspective has paved the way for engaging Pacific nations in ADMM Plus.

Therefore, when hosting the ADMM and ADMM Plus in January this year, Indonesia successfully encouraged ASEAN countries to agree on the implementation of AOIP from the defense perspective, he informed.

The collective agreement paved the way for the Pacific nations’ participation in activities related to the ADMM and ADMM Plus, such as working groups and joint exercises in the region, Nafis added.

“The implementation of AOIP will enable the ADMM to work with the Pacific nations more closely, and it will help us show that the Pacific nations and their ASEAN counterparts have a good relationship,” he said.

The situation would hopefully encourage the Pacific nations to be more favorable to ASEAN, he told the participants of the discussion forum, organized by the Indonesian Defense University (Unhan).

As reported earlier, to advance Indonesia’s diplomacy with the Pacific nations, the Defense Ministry initiated a goodwill mission to four countries in the South Pacific region.

As part of the mission, Indonesian warship KRI Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo (WSH) -991carried out humanitarian visits in the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.

In Vanuatu, KRI WSH-991 provided health services for the community, including general examinations, such as blood pressure checks, physical checks, and consultations.

It also provided services through the ENT (ear, nose, throat) polyclinic as well as X-rays and CT scans, and dental and oral health checks and treatment.

The warship, which is part of the 2024 Pacific port visit task force, began its 48-day mission on October 9, 2024, and returned to its headquarters in Sorong, Southwest Papua, on November 25.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Vanuatu, Siswo Pramono, has dismissed recent claims of health risks associated with Indonesian medical services as baseless.

“This is not an allegation but a hoax,” he said. He defined a hoax as a “deliberate act meant to deceive or trick people into believing something false, often for personal gain, amusement, or to create confusion.”

Prior to the arrival of the Indonesian navy hospital ship, WSH-991, in Port Vila, the Special Envoy of West Papua in Vanuatu Morris Kaloran warned the people of health risks and urged them to stay away.

He also describes the vessel’s presence as a ‘slap in the face’ to the Melanesian people, particularly Vanuatu which has been a vocal advocate for the rights of west Papuans.

In his response, Ambassador Pramono emphasized the advances made in public health in Papua, Indonesia, citing statistics that demonstrate improved life expectancy among Papuans over the last five years under Indonesia’s public health services.

“In Indonesia, health services are pretty much standardized,” he said.

He drew a comparison between Port Vila, which has a population of around 50,000, and the Regency of Keerom in Papua, which has approximately 60,000 residents.

According to data from the Statistics of Papua Provinces in 2021, Keerom is served by 33 doctors, 234 nurses, 114 midwives, 30 pharmacists, and 29 nutritionists.

“This shows that the government of Papua’s provinces is committed to promoting public health, with significant support from Indonesia’s central government,” he said.

In alignment with Vanuatu’s public health goals, Pramono noted that, at Prime Minister Charlot Salwai’s request, Indonesia recently dispatched ten experienced nursing trainers to Port Vila to enhance the quality and capacity of nursing services.

“The mission is to help improve the quality and capacity of Port Vila’s nursing services, and we will continue this program into next year,” he said.

Ambassador Pramono, who is based in Australia, also highlighted Indonesia’s international reputation for public health development.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia was entrusted by the United Nations to serve as a co-chair of the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Advance Market Commitment, ensuring equitable vaccine distribution among developing countries, including Vanuatu.

“According to Our World in Data, Indonesia was among the five countries with the highest COVID vaccination rates among developing nations,” he said.

He said that the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recognized Indonesia’s effective governance during the pandemic by raising its Democracy Index from 6.3 in 2020 to 6.71 in 2021.

“This progress reflects the Indonesian government’s commitment to providing the basic human right of health,” he said.

In response to Vanuatu’s request for further healthcare support, the recent visit of the Indonesian Navy hospital ship to Port Vila is seen as an extension of Indonesia’s humanitarian cooperation with Vanuatu.

“This mission, like our support during COVID-19 through COVAX, illustrates our commitment to being a good partner,” said Mr. Pramono.

He said that Vanuatu’s government has expressed interest in expanding the program, with requests for the hospital ship to visit other islands.

“As the Indonesian Ambassador, I will recommend that the Indonesian government seriously consider this request,” he added.

glenda@dailypost.vu

by Johni Korwa and Barrisen Rumabar 18 September 2024

Towards the end of Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s tenure, he and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape stepped up cross-border cooperation between Indonesia and PNG by signing four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), on 15 July 2024.

Two of the MoUs are particularly attention-grabbing: the agreements on Cross-Border Movement for Commercial Buses and Coaches, and on Cross-Border Transport of Goods by Motor Vehicles. They are unprecedented in the history of bilateral relations between Indonesia and PNG, overcoming a long-standing reluctance to permit public transport across the border. However, the agreements are limited to the cities of Jayapura and Vanimo, located on either side of the border in the northern part of New Guinea.

These MoUs undoubtedly pave the way for increased cooperation between the two countries, offering significant benefits to the people living in Jayapura and Vanimo, who now have access to public transport for crossing the border.

From a regional perspective, these agreements reflect Indonesian foreign policy under the Jokowi administration, which sought to strengthen ties with the Pacific community, with PNG serving as a notable example. From a local perspective, this breakthrough marks a significant step in the sister-city cooperation between Jayapura and Vanimo, which has been renewed for a second term since 2016.

While this breakthrough represents progress, several challenges remain. First, road conditions pose a challenge, particularly on the PNG side, between the Wutung border post and Vanimo city, a journey which takes approximately 1.5 hours by taxi. Several bridges along this route are susceptible to river water flowing over the upper surface — worse during the rainy season — which can make driving hazardous for those without the special skills to navigate safely.

Another important consideration is transnational crime. Local news often reports on smugglers transporting marijuana from Vanimo to Jayapura using unofficial land routes, boats, or even attempting to cross via the official border posts. While we often hear about those who are apprehended, there is concern about those who slip through. With these MoUs increasing interaction between the two communities and making cross-border public transport more frequent, security measures need to be strengthened — both before boarding public transport and at the border — to deter smugglers effectively.

The new cross-border public transport agreement will significantly increase the flow of people. An increased number of individuals from PNG will travel to Indonesia through Jayapura for various reasons, including family visits and sightseeing — though shopping will likely be the primary allure. The Skouw market at the border is already a popular destination, and this new cross-border transport option is expected to attract even more PNG visitors to Jayapura.

To ensure mutual benefits to both countries, this new transport arrangement should embrace the concept of reciprocity.  A much larger traditional market near the Wutung border post would attract more people from the Indonesian side. Additionally, there is an opportunity to develop more tourist attractions in Vanimo City to appeal to more Papuans and Indonesians, offering more than the mere purchase of items such as sausages, cornets, or Twisties.

Travel documentation is another crucial consideration, as crossing the Indonesian-PNG border requires either a type of border crossing pass — commonly known as the red and yellow cards — for individuals residing along the border, or a passport for those not classified as border residents. The border crossing pass is typically used for traditional purposes and within specific distances. However, with the new MoUs permitting commercial buses and motor vehicles to enter Jayapura or Vanimo, it is essential to establish clear immigration arrangements to manage the movement of people and goods effectively. Additionally, reducing visa fees from both countries would help facilitate this new cross-border public transport arrangement.

While these two MoUs on cross-border movement by public transport have yet to be implemented, there is no doubt that they represent a significant breakthrough in Indonesia-PNG relations. What needs to happen now is the effective implementation of these agreements, taking into account the more critical issues along with any other considerations, to ensure tangible benefits for both Jayapura and Vanimo, as well as Indonesia and PNG more generally.

by Johni Korwa and Barrisen Rumabar 18 September 2024

Towards the end of Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s tenure, he and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape stepped up cross-border cooperation between Indonesia and PNG by signing four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), on 15 July 2024.

Two of the MoUs are particularly attention-grabbing: the agreements on Cross-Border Movement for Commercial Buses and Coaches, and on Cross-Border Transport of Goods by Motor Vehicles. They are unprecedented in the history of bilateral relations between Indonesia and PNG, overcoming a long-standing reluctance to permit public transport across the border. However, the agreements are limited to the cities of Jayapura and Vanimo, located on either side of the border in the northern part of New Guinea.

These MoUs undoubtedly pave the way for increased cooperation between the two countries, offering significant benefits to the people living in Jayapura and Vanimo, who now have access to public transport for crossing the border.

From a regional perspective, these agreements reflect Indonesian foreign policy under the Jokowi administration, which sought to strengthen ties with the Pacific community, with PNG serving as a notable example. From a local perspective, this breakthrough marks a significant step in the sister-city cooperation between Jayapura and Vanimo, which has been renewed for a second term since 2016.

While this breakthrough represents progress, several challenges remain. First, road conditions pose a challenge, particularly on the PNG side, between the Wutung border post and Vanimo city, a journey which takes approximately 1.5 hours by taxi. Several bridges along this route are susceptible to river water flowing over the upper surface — worse during the rainy season — which can make driving hazardous for those without the special skills to navigate safely.

Another important consideration is transnational crime. Local news often reports on smugglers transporting marijuana from Vanimo to Jayapura using unofficial land routes, boats, or even attempting to cross via the official border posts. While we often hear about those who are apprehended, there is concern about those who slip through. With these MoUs increasing interaction between the two communities and making cross-border public transport more frequent, security measures need to be strengthened — both before boarding public transport and at the border — to deter smugglers effectively.

The new cross-border public transport agreement will significantly increase the flow of people. An increased number of individuals from PNG will travel to Indonesia through Jayapura for various reasons, including family visits and sightseeing — though shopping will likely be the primary allure. The Skouw market at the border is already a popular destination, and this new cross-border transport option is expected to attract even more PNG visitors to Jayapura.

To ensure mutual benefits to both countries, this new transport arrangement should embrace the concept of reciprocity.  A much larger traditional market near the Wutung border post would attract more people from the Indonesian side. Additionally, there is an opportunity to develop more tourist attractions in Vanimo City to appeal to more Papuans and Indonesians, offering more than the mere purchase of items such as sausages, cornets, or Twisties.

Travel documentation is another crucial consideration, as crossing the Indonesian-PNG border requires either a type of border crossing pass — commonly known as the red and yellow cards — for individuals residing along the border, or a passport for those not classified as border residents. The border crossing pass is typically used for traditional purposes and within specific distances. However, with the new MoUs permitting commercial buses and motor vehicles to enter Jayapura or Vanimo, it is essential to establish clear immigration arrangements to manage the movement of people and goods effectively. Additionally, reducing visa fees from both countries would help facilitate this new cross-border public transport arrangement.

While these two MoUs on cross-border movement by public transport have yet to be implemented, there is no doubt that they represent a significant breakthrough in Indonesia-PNG relations. What needs to happen now is the effective implementation of these agreements, taking into account the more critical issues along with any other considerations, to ensure tangible benefits for both Jayapura and Vanimo, as well as Indonesia and PNG more generally.

26 August 2024 

Dear Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, 

I am writing to you concerning the issue of West Papua. 

We know that there are many issues of concern to discuss at the 53^rd Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Summit in Tonga and in particular that climate change is a priority issue for the Leaders and the People of the Pacific. AWPA believes that the issue of human rights in the region is also of concern.  

I would first like to thank the PIF leaders for discussing  the human rights situation in West Papua at previous Forums.  

Unfortunately since last year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting in Rarotonga, the human rights situation in West Papua has deteriorated further. AWPA will not reiterate the tragic history of West Papua of which  PIF Leaders are well aware. 

Numerous reports have documented the ongoing human rights abuses in West Papua, the burning of villages during military operations and the targeting of civilians. 

One incident in particular which highlights the ongoing abuses committed by the Indonesian security forces concerns  the brutal and horrific torture of a West Papuan man, Defianus Kogoya by Indonesian troops in early February this year. Anybody who saw the video footage of the Papuan man being tortured cannot help but be horrified and outraged. Tragically, this is not an isolated incident.  

There are regular clashes between the Indonesian security forces and the TPNPB (Free Papua Movement) who are fighting for their independence. As a result of these clashes the military respond with what they call sweeps of the area. 

Human Rights Monitor in its 2^nd quarterly report for 2004, pointed out that “as of early June 2024, over

76,919 people remained internally displaced  due to the armed conflict in West Papua, with no humanitarian access”.  

In a recent incident “Indonesian security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with protesters marking the 62nd anniversary of a U.N. agreement that paved the way for Jakarta’s annexation of the Papua region.  At least one protester was wounded by a rubber bullet and 95 people were arrested during the unrest in Nabire, the capital of Central Papua province, said Kimot Mote, one of the protest organisers” (Benar News 16 August 2024)  

There is no freedom of assembly in West Papua  

Article 19 of   The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states        

1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference. 

2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice. 

We thank Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka  and PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape for trying to secure an agreement to visit West Papua and urge all the PIF Leaders to continue to strongly urge Jakarta to not only allow a PIF fact finding mission to West Papua but also urge Jakarta to  finalise the visit by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to the territory. 

We are also concerned about the human rights situation in New Caledonia (Kanaky).  

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Right released a statement on the 20 August  expressing alarm at the situation of the indigenous Kanaks. 

Extract from statement 

“We are particularly concerned by allegations concerning the existence of heavily armed militias of settlers opposed to independence,” the experts said. 

“The fact that no measures have been taken by authorities to disband and prosecute these militias raises serious rule of law concerns.” 

The experts noted that the 2021 consultation on the sovereignty of the French colony of New Caledonia took place amidst the Covid-19 pandemic disregarding Kanak customary mourning and despite the objections of Kanak customary authorities and organisations. 

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/08/france-un-experts-alarmed-situation-kanak-indigenous-peoples-non-self

We urge the PIF Leaders to continue to raise concerns at the heavy-handed security  approach in New Caledonia (Kanaky)  by France and urge France (a dialogue partner) to accede to the requests of the Kanak people and their representatives  at the Summit. 

AWPA (Sydney)

Lydia Lewis, in Nuku’alofa, Tonga

West Papua is within the sovereignty of Indonesia, so responsibility lies with them in addressing independence demands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister, James Marape, says.

But the leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Benny Wenda, told RNZ Pacific the issue was not about sovereignty.

Marape was responding to questions from PNG journalists before travelling to the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53), which began in Tonga on Monday.

The PNG prime minister was asked whether West Papua would be openly discussed at the summit, particularly as Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto has advocated for West Papua.

Marape said just as PNG would not want its neighbouring countries talking about sovereignty issues within its borders, Indonesia would not want its neighbours talking about West Papua and its sovereignty.

He said all other areas of its relationship with Indonesia, such as economy, will be open for discussion at the meeting.

Indonesia’s incoming president has indicated to give greater respect to indigenous views on customs, culture, and land rights and indigenous heritages should be preserved, he said.

However, Wenda told RNZ Pacific: “It’s not about sovereignty.”

“But this is about discrimination because we have been different, black Christians. That’s why Indonesia [has] committed genocide and ecocide West Papua.”

He said the indigenous West Papuans are facing the same issue as the Kanaks in New Caledonia.

“This is our sovereign state, our ancestral land, which was stolen from us, so we [have] the right to exist in our sovereign state of West Papua.”

Wenda said the people of PNG need to ask their government if they supported genocide.

“If they allow this [to] happen to their own brother, where is the Christian solidarity? Where is it?” he asked?

He said Pacific leaders have a “moral obligation” to find a solution for the indigenous Kanaks and West Papuans.

“The world is watching the Pacific leaders. What [are] the Pacific leaders going to do with two nations who are fighting the colonialism, imperialism and then ecocide, genocide or committed the illegal occupation.

“This is the Melanesian territory. This is the Pacific territory.”

He added it is important for Pacific leaders to take the make bold decisions on the issue.

Meanwhile, the Australia West Papua Association in Sydney is urging Pacific leaders attending the Tonga meeting “to continue to strongly urge Jakarta to not only allow a PIF fact-finding mission to West Papua but also to finalise the visit by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to the territory”.

In March, the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington said: “The Government of Indonesia is committed to its long-standing policy of respecting and promoting human rights as well as its strict policy of zero impunity for misconducts (sic) by security forces.”

————————————————————

Translator Najla Nur Fauziyah 

Editor Laila Afifa 

26 July 2024 09:10 WIB

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani closed the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) forum on Thursday, July 25, 2024. According to Puan, the forum discussed various issues from climate change to Papua.

Puan said that IPPP is a forum initiated by the Indonesian House of Representatives. “The Indonesian House of Representatives initiated this meeting because it considered that cooperation with Pacific countries would be geopolitically essential,” said Puan on Thursday.

Puan said several countries in the Pacific region attended the meeting, including Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Republic of Fiji, and Indonesia. In addition, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) organization was also present.

Regarding climate issues, Puan said the IPPP forum resulted in a joint commitment to work together to tackle the impacts of climate change.  

Meanwhile, the issue of Papua was discussed in the MSG-Indonesia meeting held on the sidelines of the IPPP. The meeting was attended by delegates from Fiji, Solomon, Papua New Guinea, and MSG representatives. 

“We relayed the information about our brothers and sisters in Papua, about how there are four provinces in Papua now, and about what Indonesia has done in regards to Papua,” said Puan.  

The IPPP Forum also discussed marine potential in the Pacific region, specifically on economic development which resulted in the agreement to advance multilateral agreements between Pacific countries.

Puan said that the IPPP Forum also produced several recommendations. “Among them is the mutual respect related to the principle of equal respect for sovereignty and territorial unity and how we maintain peace among the Pacific region,” she said.

In addition, Puan said that the Indonesian House of Representatives has committed to helping Pacific countries, especially in carrying out parliamentary functions and producing synergy between parliament and government.

Previously, the IPPP Forum was opened by President Joko Widodo or Jokowi on Thursday morning, July 25, 2024. Jokowi appreciated the partnership between the Indonesian House of Representatives and the parliaments of Pacific countries as a strategic initiative to strengthen partnerships in the Pacific region.

SULTAN ABDURRAHMAN

-ABC Pacific

1) MSG Director-General under fire for West Papua comments

Broadcast Thu 25 Jul 2024 at 6:00am

Audiohttps://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/msgwestpapua/104139636?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&fbclid=IwY2xjawEQ5TtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdv4DuFiv2PjKKemLd6O4bpC-CxGV8lgWjzL0XKKZ6btHmU0OyWMQS1udA_aem_CeTIQzOJOx9yzCUJVEx5hA

Play   Duration: 4 minutes 55 seconds

There has been a backlash against the Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Leonard Louma, after Indonesian media reports emerged of him saying the situation in West Papua was “stable and conducive” during a visit to the territory last month.

The visit, which was unannounced, has been criticised for lack of transparency.

“Melanesian countries want to see how the MSG is dealing with the human rights issue in West Papua so they need to be transparent in any of the trips made to that place,” said the President of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, Lai Sakita.

“The population of West Papua are Melanesian … and the entity called the MSG should be working for this population not for people who are outside.”

Credits

Leah Lowonbu, Reporter Image Details Leonard Louma(Melanesian Spearhead Group——————————