Papua Press Agency

Ukraine isn’t invited to its own peace talks. History is full of such examples – and the results are devastating

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 01:27:00 -0800

Ukraine has not been invited to a key meeting between American and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia this week to decide what peace in the country might look like.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will “never accept” any decisions in talks without its participation to end Russia’s three-year war in the country.

A decision to negotiate the sovereignty of Ukrainians without them – as well as US President Donald Trump’s blatantly extortionate attempt to claim half of Ukraine’s rare mineral wealth as the price for ongoing US support – reveals a lot about how Trump sees Ukraine and Europe.

But this is not the first time large powers have colluded to negotiate new borders or spheres of influence without the input of the people who live there.

Such high-handed power politics rarely ends well for those affected, as these seven historical examples show.

1. The Scramble for Africa

In the winter of 1884–85, German leader Otto von Bismarck invited the powers of Europe to Berlin for a conference to formalise the division of the entire African continent among them. Not a single African was present at the conference that would come to be known as “The Scramble for Africa”.

Among other things, the conference led to the creation of the Congo Free State under Belgian control, the site of colonial atrocities that killed millions.

Germany also established the colony of German South West Africa (present-day Namibia), where the first genocide of the 20th century was later perpetrated against its colonised peoples.

2. The Tripartite Convention

It wasn’t just Africa that was divided up this way. In 1899, Germany and the United States held a conference and forced an agreement on the Samoans to split their islands between the two powers.

This was despite the Samoans expressing a desire for either self-rule or a confederation of Pacific states with Hawai'i.

As “compensation” for missing out in Samoa, Britain received uncontested primacy over Tonga.

German Samoa came under the rule of New Zealand after the first world war and remained a territory until 1962. American Samoa (in addition to several other Pacific islands) remain US territories to this day.

3. The Sykes-Picot Agreement

As the first world war was well under way, British and French representatives sat down to agree how they’d divide up the Ottoman Empire after it was over. As an enemy power, the Ottomans were not invited to the talks.

Together, England’s Mark Sykes and France’s François Georges-Picot redrew the Middle East’s borders in line with their nations’ interests.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement ran counter to commitments made in a series of letters known as the Hussein-McMahon correspondence. In these letters, Britain promised to support Arab independence from Turkish rule.

Baca juga: What was the Sykes-Picot agreement, and why does it still affect the Middle East today?

The Sykes-Picot Agreement also ran counter to promises Britain made in the Balfour Declaration to back Zionists who wanted to build a new Jewish homeland in Ottoman Palestine.

The agreement became the wellspring of decades of conflict and colonial misrule in the Middle East, the consequences of which continue to be felt today.

4. The Munich Agreement

In September 1938, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and French Prime Minister Édouard Daladier met with Italy’s fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini, and Germany’s Adolf Hitler to sign what became known as the Munich Agreement.

The leaders sought to prevent the spread of war throughout Europe after Hitler’s Nazis had fomented an uprising and began attacking the German-speaking areas of Czechoslovakia known as the Sudetenland. They did this under the pretext of protecting German minorities. No Czechoslovakians were invited to the meeting.

The meeting is still seen by many as the “Munich Betrayal” – a classic example of a failed appeasement of a belligerent power in the false hope of staving off war.

5. The Évian Conference

In 1938, 32 countries met in Évian-les-Bains, France, to decide how to deal with Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Nazi Germany.

Before the conference started, Britain and the US had agreed not to put pressure on one another to lift the quota of Jews they would accept in either the US or British Palestine.

While Golda Meir (the future Israeli leader) attended the conference as an observer, neither she nor any other representatives of the Jewish people were permitted to take part in the negotiations.

The attendees largely failed to come to an agreement on accepting Jewish refugees, with the exception of the Dominican Republic. And most Jews in Germany were unable to leave before Nazism reached its genocidal nadir in the Holocaust.

6. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

As Hitler planned his invasion of Eastern Europe, it became clear his major stumbling block was the Soviet Union. His answer was to sign a disingenuous non-aggression treaty with the USSR.

The treaty, named after Vyacheslav Molotov and Joachim von Ribbentrop (the Soviet and German foreign ministers), ensured the Soviet Union would not respond when Hitler invaded Poland. It also carved up Europe into Nazi and Soviet spheres. This allowed the Soviets to expand into Romania and the Baltic states, attack Finland and take its own share of Polish territory.

Unsurprisingly, some in Eastern Europe view the current US-Russia talks over Ukraine’s future as a revival of this kind of secret diplomacy that divided the smaller nations of Europe between large powers in the second world war.

7. The Yalta Conference

With the defeat of Nazi Germany imminent, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and US President Franklin D Roosevelt met in 1945 to decide the fate of postwar Europe. This meeting came to be known as the Yalta Conference.

Alongside the Potsdam Conference several months later, Yalta created the political architecture that would lead to the Cold War division of Europe.

At Yalta, the “big three” decided on the division of Germany, while Stalin was also offered a sphere of interest in Eastern Europe.

This took the form of a series of politically controlled buffer states in Eastern Europe, a model some believe Putin is aiming to emulate today in eastern and southeastern Europe

UN Declarations on Indigenous Populations and Proposal for Ratification in Papua New Guinea

noreply@blogger.com (WANTOKtube) — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:46:00 -0800

Namah Blasts PNG Government Over ‘serious’ Indonesian Border Issues

Click HERE FOR THE DEBATE

The PNG/Indonesia Border Treaty was debated by MPs in Parliament before it adjourned.

Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah during debate criticised PNG government officials for failing to secure national interests during border liaison meetings.

Border liaison meetings are called to manage border issues.

Meanwhile Morobe Governor Luther Wenge told Parliament the 2007 UN Declaration On Indigenous Peoples Rights ratified by the General Assembly stops the PNG/Indonesia Border Treaty to be implemented correctly.

He said Parliament is yet to ratify the 2007 UN Declaration On Indigenous Peoples Rights.

Governor Wenge questioned how self - determination for indigenous people in West Papua covered under the 2007 UN Declaration On Indigenous Peoples Rights can be defined by both countries.

PNGNews President Widodo arrives in Port Moresby

noreply@blogger.com (Papua Travel) — Tue, 4 Jul 2023 22:10:00 -0700

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo has arrived in Port Moresby for a one day visit.

He was welcomed at the Jackson’s International Airport by Prime Minister James Marape and cabinet ministers.

A 21-gun salute was displayed for President Widodo, who arrived from Australia. He was there for a 3-day with Australian officials.

The President will pay a courtesy visit to the Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, at the Government House, before he holds bilateral talks with PM Marape at the APEC House.

President Widodo is the seventh and current President of the Republic of Indonesia.

A member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, he was the country's first president to not have emerged from the country's political or military elite.

#JamesMarape #JokoWidodo #visit #PortMorebsy #NCD #PapuaNewGuinea #Indonesia #LoopPNG #LoopNews

BILATERAL TALKS UNDERWAY BETWEEN PNG AND INDONESIA

noreply@blogger.com (Papua Travel) — Tue, 4 Jul 2023 22:07:00 -0700

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his entourage arrived in Papua New Guinea to a red carpet welcome and 21-gun salute by the PNG Defence Force, at Port Moresby's Jacksons International airport this morning.

Mr. Widodo flew in from Sydney on his Presidential plane, after completing his State visit to Australia.

The President was met at the airport by Prime Minister, James Marape, sidelined Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, NCD Governor, Powes Parkop and other ministers, Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu and PNG Defence Force Commander, Major-General, Mark Goina.

From the airport, President Widodo paid a courtesy visit to the Governor-General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, before heading to the APEC Haus, for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Marape.

Discussions will include Indonesia-PNG Border Agreement, Trade and Investment, Business-to-Business as well as People-to-People connection.

President Widodo's trip to PNG follows Prime Minister Marape's visit to Indonesia last year, further solidifying the strong relationship between both nations.

NBC News PNG - Denyse Kalau

Pictures by P.M's Media

Is it time that Melanesian leaders allow West Papua to sit at the MSG table?

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 23:14:00 -0700

IN anticipation of the upcoming Melanesian Spearhead Group Leader’s Summit in Vanuatu this month, there is a growing call for West Papua to be granted full membership in the organisation.

“The summit is set to be held in July in Port Vila, Vanuatu, which is expected to bring together leaders from Melanesian countries and territories to discuss regional cooperation and address challenges in the sub-region,” West Papuan global campaigner, Raki Ap said.

Mr Ap, who is currently in Solomon Islands, meeting with fellow campaigners and the Solomon Islands Solidarity group for West Papua, remarked that the Melanesian Spearhead Group was founded by Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Vanuatu with the goal of promoting decolonisation and freedom for Melanesian countries and territories in the South Pacific.

He said this is a key value and principle in which current MSG leaders should revisit and use as their sole guide to deliberate on the application of West Papuans.

The forum currently has five full members – Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG, Fiji and the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia (FLNKS) along with one associate member, Indonesia and two observers, East Timor and West Papua.

Mr Ap said representing West Papua in the forum is Indonesia and the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), a political organisation mandated by the indigenous people of West Papua with the purpose of uniting the factions in West Papua.

He added that both camps have however disputed each other’s legitimacy and argue over who truly represents the interests of West Papuans.

Indonesia asserts that its 13 million Melanesian residents gave it the right to represent West Papua in the MSG, whilst West Papuans argue that Indonesia prioritises its own political and economic interests over those of the local population.

Currently, Indonesia holds associate membership in the MSG, granting it limited participation and influence, whilst the ULMWP only has observer status, preventing it from effectively raising concerns about human rights violations and development needs in West Papua.

Meanwhile, Ap highlighted that ULMWP has submitted applications for full membership in 2013 and 2015 but those applications were unsuccessful.

He said the decision on membership rests with the full members of the MSG and consensus amongst the leaders is required, adding that in the past, divisions amongst forum members have hindered West Papua’s bid for full membership.

Nevertheless, Mr Ap revealed that there are signs of increasing support for West Papua’s membership through ULMWP.

The Campaigner for a free West Papua went on to add that, “Encouragingly, Vanuatu, the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front, and recently Fiji’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, have all indicated their support. The decisive decision may lie with Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.”

As the International Spokesperson for the Free West Papua Campaign and the Green State Vision, Mr Ap is currently on a speaking tour in the Pacific to raise awareness about the ongoing human rights violations and the environmental crisis in West Papua.

Mr Ap, whose father was assassinated by the Indonesian military, emphasises the importance of West Papua’s full membership in the MSG.

He stressed that the upcoming Melanesian Leader’s Summit will be a crucial one as it will also determine whether West Papua will finally be granted full membership and be allowed to sit at the table with other full MSG members as equals.

“The eyes of Melanesia and the world are on the summit, awaiting the decision of the leaders,” he added.

– SI Solidarity Group for West Papua

West Papua - Inalienable Right To Self - Rule vs Special Autonomy Chapter 2

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 05:46:00 -0700

So, Special Automy Chapter 2 plus the anti - terrorism card will neutralise the independence struggle?

The West Papua issue is already riding the waves, momentum generated by the successful internationalisation of the independence struggle through the process of self government or state formation pushed by United Liberation Movement for West Papua or ULMWP.

Here, a transition government or self - government or provisional government has already been announced prior to the Special Autonomy Chapter 2 law going through Indonesian Parliament.

We trace the insanity of an occupation industry across the border.

Jakarta drafted the Special Autonomy Chapter 2 law. And, it passed the law for its own purposes. The 1969 Act of Free Choice returned to haunt Indonesia.

No one is refusing the Special Autonomy arrangements, especially Indonesians as opposed to indigenous Melanesian Papuans, who were prepared for independence and self - rule by the Dutch colonial masters since 1961, 55 years ago.

The question is after Special Autonomy Chapter 1 that began post - Gus Dur era for 20 years this year, 2021.

Should independence be granted to West Papua? This law is traced to Jakarta's answer to the demands for independence by Aceh and West Papua. In other words, after special autonomy or autonomy, Independence follows.

For West Papua, unlike Aceh, or similar to Aceh, after 20 years the demand for independence is grounded in the arguments put to Jakarta.

So, the conclusion: after 20 years from 2000. West Papua is qualified to be free because the Special Autonomy arrangements did not put away the demand for freedom. Instead, it further consolidated, fuelled, the fire burning:(1) passionate aspirations; (2) articulate demands that have been already fine - tuned by internationalisation of the West Papua issue; and (3) popular mobilisation that grew more daring since 1961 until 2021, and as 20 years of Special Autonomy ended.

The colonial context of the West Papua issue makes the move by Indonesia to further extend its illegal claim to sovereignty over West Papua by 20 years definitely a silly move, insane.

Albert Einstein defined insanity as, ' doing the same thing over and over again, and expect different outcome or results'.

The implications:

(1) Special Autonomy Chapter 2 will attract equal and opposite reaction from indigenous Melanesian Papuans to demand independence from Indonesia.

At this stage, the West Papua Conflict or Masalah Papua has been amplified globally, internationalisation of the West Papua issue has been checked for its ability to be tested by scrutiny, and time.

And, on current trend or indication, the case for independence is validated, awaiting UN General Assembly resolution like East Timor in 1999.

(2) Indonesia will use more pre - New Order Suharto Era security measures or ' security approach' to address a ' frozen' post - colonial conflict by adopting the anti - terrorism card which will likely collapse.

The truth is on the table.

The US State Department declassified documents of the 1969 Act of Free Choice raised serious questions about democracy in Indonesia beginning in 1969.

And, Indonesia was to provide accurate answers to specific points raised about the implementation of the Special Autonomy Chapter 1 beginning 2001.

The package contained provision or arrangements for democracy to be a achieved including discussions with indigenous Melanesian Papuans for their freedom.

In 1961, self - government for West Papua was set in motion, freedom was promised, and the Dutch colonial masters ganered international best practice to grant independence by 1971, 10 years of self - government.

Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Commission is still awaiting a report from Indonesia on Special Autonomy Chapter 1.

It seems the Special Autonomy Chapter 2 law passed by the Indonesian Parliament last week is the answer. Insane!

(3) So, Special Autonomy Chapter 2 plus the anti - terrorism card will neutralise the independence struggle?

Here, a transition government or self - government or provisional government has already been announced prior to the Special Autonomy Chapter 2 law going through Indonesian Parliament.

The international community, including MSG, PIF, ACP, EU, and ultimate the UN General Assembly resolution will put the case for self rule for West Papua to rest. This is due to a simple reason, logic, formal logic.

Firstly, the Special Autonomy Chapter 2 will trigger more human rights attrocities. It will then validate the UN General Assembly resolution to cause West Papua to be re enlisted on the UN List of Non Self Governing Trust Territories.

MSG and PIF have begun the process to bring the West Papua issue to the UN. And, the driver to this option is the human rights situation inside the former Dutch colony.

Secondly, the Special Autonomy Chapter 2 law will trigger the opposite and equal reaction from the international community following the conversation on West Papua.

This is due to the ripples - effect of UN Protocol on Responsibility To Protect Doctrine Chapter 1 and 2 that MSG and PIF countries have acceded to.

Of course, Indonesia did not sign for many reasons including its status as the largest Muslim country in the world. It seems to be testing the ideals of Western democracy, big ideals, that trouble its world - view including whether or not to grant independence to West Papua.

During the 1960s, European and Western countries responded to demands for self - rule by colonized people. There was no choice because of the prophetic zeal of colonial powers or masters. To begin with, part of the civilising effect was to connect progress with the Christian Bible and Christianity.

Thus, Christianity promised liberty and freedom for all countries and humanity as an inalienable right for all.

Since 1960s, West Papua continued to be the ' pebble in Jakarta's shoes'. Now, the pebble is bigger, not smaller. A colonized West Papua or occupied West Papua that is rooted in the Christian Bible and Christianity doubles the trouble for neo - colonial, or colonial Indonesia.

(4) West Papua is the last bastion of the free world because of the colonial context. So, the struggle to be free will go on. Technology is discounted outright. Other factors come into play especially in 21st Century in the internet and cyberspace era.

America lost in Vietnam. Russia lost in Afghanistan. Indonesia cannot hope to win the hearts and minds of indigenous Melanesian Papuans.

It will lose West Papua, if not already. Its claim to sovereignty over West Papua is weakened further by the Special Autonomy Chapter 2 law, not consolidating its 55 years of occupation industry, it makes out.

In the aftermath, since last week, more protests will happen, shouting of slogans during rallies calling for the right to self-determination in the Indonesian controlled part of New Guinea.

Last word.

May be the Special Autonomy Chapter 2 law passed for West Papua to become economically strong is a slap in the face for all of Melanesia. And, the democratic proposition that is fulfilling the aspirations of Melanesian countries to build a future for their people without colonial control.

Indonesia. Questions. Insanity.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian.

"We hope that this law will accelerate development in Papua and see Papuans prosper," he told parliament after the Bill was ratified.

He hopes. The problem is still there 20 years on from 2000.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-parliament-passes-revised-autonomy-law-restive-papua-2021-07-15/

The awakening of Melanesian consciousness for West Papua has peaked. PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Kanaky pose the question that matters in any historical epoch.

For all Christian countries, there is no question West Papua is qualified to be free. So, Indonesia fumbled with the thorny, yet matter of national interest issue for its lawmakers.

And, got the answer wrong again. The correct answer is still illusive. Indonesia should be asking the right question, or questions, 55 years on.

The question to be asked is this one:

https://fpif.org/would_an_independent_west_papua_be_a_failing_state/.

And, allow a referendum for the people of West Papua themselves to decide.

So, Special Autonomy Chapter 2 law was the wrong move. It was time to heed freedom's call for West Papua.

Read, here:https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4133608256718495&id=100002080838086

West Papua - The Quasi State?

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Fri, 5 May 2023 17:32:00 -0700

According to Montevideo Convention, place becomes a state when it has:

(1) a defined territory;

(2) a permanent population;

(3) a government; and,

(4) the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Meeting all of these fulfils the declarative theory of state.

It follows that the referendum - constitution method being the other theory of how nations should form.

West Papua is qualified to be independent. It has met the prerequisites:

(1) passionate aspirations for freedom was there from day one, and freedom fighters continue to do so. The latest New Zealand pilot kidnapping incident and all the world news about it is evidence of passionate aspirations by a people for freedom.

It is an inalienable human right. And, West Papua put its hands up from day one.

Checked. Passed.

(2) Articulate demands for freedom. ULMWP is the umbrella organisation putting the case for self determination very well.

First, MSG, PIF, ACP, and then one or all of those regional political regional and sub - regional political groupings can verbalise their support at the UN General Assembly.

Checked. Passed.

(3) Popular mobilisation. The civil society protested against the 1969 Act of Free Choice because only 1022 indigenous Papuans voted out of a population of about 700,000 at the time.

Then, OPM took up the liberation struggle and the momentum increased, escalated, and the West Papua issue reached the UN General Assembly for debate.

It will continue. The fraud of West Papua is exposed today.

Checked. Passed.

(4) Articulate arguments. The Dutch argument that West Papua was racially different from other ethnic groups in Indonesia led to the deadlock over West Papua between the Netherlands/Indonesia between 1945 and 1949.

The New York Agreement provided for a referendum supervised by the UN to allow indigenous Papuans to exercise a right to self - determine.

Only 2022 indigenous Papuans voted under gun - point to choose integration with Indonesia.

ULMWP has united pro - freedom groups who are lobbying the region with articulate arguments to separate from Indonesia.

And, the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples Rights (UNDRIP), 2007 is driving the racial argument for West Papua to step up on the roadmap to freedom.

Now, this one. ULMWP has rejected the Uti Possidetis Juris principle of international law which Indonesia used to claim West Papua as part of its territory since 1960s. There were 2 points:(1) 1969 AFC failed to give one - man one - vote or provide the free choice and international best practice;and, (2) If West Papua remained a colony after Indonesia declared its independence in 1945, which led to the Netherlands/Indonesia deadlock then the decolonization process is yet to be completed by Indonesia.

Checked. Passed.

West Papua is a quasi state. Taiwan is. Palestine is. East Timor was, until the UN resolution caused Indonesia to collapse, its claim to sovereignty over East Timor shred to pieces.

And, referendum was held. In 1999, the majority chose separation. It is long - past time for West Papua to be free.

Papua Merdeka!

Indonesia upgrades operation in West Papua

noreply@blogger.com (WANTOKtube) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 01:00:00 -0700

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has officially escalated its operational status in West Papua to “ground combat ready” following a clash with the West Papuan Liberation Army over the weekend with multiple casualties reported on both sides.

TNI commander Yudo Margono made the announcement in Jakarta on Tuesday upon returning from West Papua.

Margono said the decision was reached after a “very thorough evaluation” of the joint police and military operation to rescue New Zealander Phillip Mehrtens who was taken hostage by the West Papua separatists in February.

He said it was also in light of the high number of casualties being reported from the clash with the Papuan rebels , who claimed to have killed and captured over a dozen Indonesian soldiers.

According to The Jakarta Post, TNI claims it used a “a peaceful approach to the rescue operation…to keep the local population safe.”

However, the fatal clashes “altered the outlook” of its operation, Yudo said.

“To deal with such attacks, we will raise the troops’ status to combat ready,” he told the news outlet.

Meanwhile, the West Papua Liberation Army is calling on the New Zealand government to intercede and de-escalate the tensions in Ndugama in Highland Papua.

RNZ Pacific has also received reports of Indonesian airstrikes on the separatists’ positions which rebel leaders say further endanger the life of Mehrtens.

They are calling for a ceasefire and urging Jakarta and Wellington to stop ignoring their requests for peaceful negotiations.

RNZ Pacific reached out to the New Zealand and Indonesian foreign affairs ministries for an update on the situation.

An MFAT spokesperson said: “We are aware of the reports but will not be making any comment.”

“The welfare of Mehrtens is our top priority. We’re doing everything we can to secure a peaceful resolution and Mehrtens’ safe release, including working closely with the Indonesian authorities and deploying New Zealand consular staff.”

“We are also supporting Mehrtens’ family, both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and in Indonesia. They have asked for privacy at this incredibly challenging time,” the MFAT spokesperson added.

Source: RNZ

The UK House of Lords Parliamentary Debate: West Papua: UN Access

noreply@blogger.com (Papua Travel) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 05:20:00 -0700

Question 14:48:00

Asked by

Lord Harries of Pentregarth

To ask His Majesty’s Government what progress has been made in obtaining access to West Papua for the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con)

My Lords, the United Kingdom welcomes recent engagement between Indonesia and the UN, as part of Indonesia’s universal periodic review in November 2022. We continue to support a visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the region of Papua. We recognise that a significant amount of time has passed since the visit was first proposed, but we hope that both parties can come together to agree dates very soon.

Lord Harries of Pentregarth (CB)

I thank the Minister for his Answer. He mentioned the universal periodic review of Indonesia. He will know that, at that review, a number of major countries, including the United States, Australia and Canada, called for an intervention from the UN in Indonesia and an immediate visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is not at all clear that the United Kingdom was among those supporting that call. Perhaps the Minister will be able to enlighten us.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)

I hope the Answer I have given in the House today reassures the noble and right reverend Lord that we support an early visit. I am cognisant that this visit was first proposed under High Commissioner Zeid, who has since been succeeded by High Commissioner Bachelet and subsequently by High Commissioner Türk. The visit has been pending for a long time, and it is important that it takes place at the earliest opportunity.

Lord Lexden (Con)

Is it not clear that this small country is suffering grievously under a colonial oppressor, Indonesia, which is busily exploiting the country’s rich mineral resources and extensive forests in its own interests? Will the Government do all in their power, in conjunction with Commonwealth partners in the region, to get the UN to act and to act decisively?

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)

My Lords, what is important is that we highlight the human rights issues as they arise, as we do with key partners. Ultimately, I agree with my noble friend that we need the UN, and the next step is very much for the high commissioner to undertake this important visit.

Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)

My Lords, it is over a year since the UN special rapporteur’s allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the forced displacement of thousands of indigenous Papuans. Have the Minister, his ministerial colleagues or our ambassador in Jakarta made representations to their Indonesian counterparts about the contents of the report?

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)

My Lords, I assure the noble Lord that we engage with them quite regularly. We recently had a visit from our team on the ground in Papua. We use our bilateral engagement, which is very strong with the Indonesian Government, to raise issues, including the situation in Papua and a broader range of human rights issues.

Lord Hannay of Chiswick (CB)

My Lords, could the Minister go a little further to explain why the UK does not seem to have been part of that group of eight countries that pressed for an early visit by the High Commissioner for Human Rights? It is surely reasonable to ask a democratic country such as Indonesia to admit the high commissioner to look into abuses of human rights. That is what it should do, and I hope that we will press that strongly.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)

My Lords, that is exactly what we are doing. As I indicated in one of my earlier responses, the visit was first proposed in 2018; I remember having a conversation about it with the then High Commissioner for Human Rights. It is important that such a visit goes ahead, and I assure the noble Lord of our full support for it.

Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)

My Lords, human rights concerns were rightly highlighted by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s human rights report published last autumn for 2021. It made a specific point of highlighting the UK Government’s policy of seeking equitable and fair development within Papua and West Papua. However, in the Government’s strategic partnership road map for Indonesia published last year, there is reference only to terrorism in Papua and no reference to any equitable development or to human rights. What is the point of the Foreign Office highlighting human rights concerns if it does nothing about them in its negotiations with the country in question?

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)

My Lords, the noble Lord understates the importance of the human rights report, which I am very proud that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to produce. It is focused not just on those countries with the worst records when it comes to human rights. Importantly, a condition in that report is where we can bring influence. As I said earlier, Indonesia is an important bilateral and regional partner with which we engage widely on a range of issues of peace, conflict and stability in and across the region; it is a key partner. In all our meetings, we raise human rights in the broad range of issues, and we are seeing some progress in Indonesia, including on freedom of religion or belief.

JERUSALEM CELEBRATES PALM SUNDAY 🌿🌿🌿💚

noreply@blogger.com (Papua Travel) — Sat, 8 Apr 2023 23:01:00 -0700

New Zealand pilot taken hostage in Papua

noreply@blogger.com (Papua Travel) — Wed, 8 Mar 2023 02:02:00 -0800

Reuters Jakarta ● Tue, February 7, 2023 Separatist fighters in Papua region have taken a New Zealand pilot hostage after setting a small commercial plane alight when it landed in a remote highland area on Tuesday, a pro-independence group said in a statement.

A police spokesperson in Papua province, Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Adi Prabowo, said authorities were investigating the incident, with police and military personnel sent to the area to locate the pilot and five passengers.

"We cannot send many personnel there because Nduga is a difficult area to reach. We can only go there by plane," he said. A military spokesperson in Papua, Lt. Col. Herman Taryaman, said the pilot had been identified as Captain Philip Merthens and it was unclear if the five accompanying passengers had also been abducted. The plane operated by Susi Air landed safely early on Tuesday morning, before being attacked by rebel fighters, authorities said.

The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement seen by Reuters, saying the pilot would not be released until theIndonesian government acknowledged the independence of West Papua.

The TPNPB made no mention of the passengers, but said this was the second time the group had taken a hostage. The first incident was in 1996. The New Zealand embassy in Jakarta and the Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment Susi Air founder and former fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti said on Twitter she was praying for the safety of the pilot and passengers.

This article was published in thejakartapost.com with the title "New Zealand pilot taken hostage in Papua - Archipelago - The Jakarta Post". Click to read: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2023/02/07/new-zealand-pilot-taken-hostage-in-papua.html.

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Rabuka backs call for Papua group to fully join MSG

noreply@blogger.com (WANTOKtube) — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 16:36:00 -0800

Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Journalist

Kelvin Anthony, RNZ Pacific digital and social media journalist

Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Journalist

Benny Wenda, left, and the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka Photo: Government of Fiji

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is the first Fijian leader in 16 years to hold a one-on-one meeting with the head of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), while also confirming his government will support the independence campaigners bid to become full members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

However, "sovereignty issues" will need to be considered, Rabuka told RNZ Pacific.

ULMWP's exiled president Benny Wenda said "Melanesia is changing" following his meeting with the Fiji PM on Wednesday.

Wenda said Rabuka welcomed him with an open heart and listened about the human rights atrocities faced by indigenous Papuans.

He described Rabuka holding the Morning Star flag - which is banned by Indonesia - as "overwhelming".

"The people of West Papua are celebrating because after 16 years somebody [from Fiji Government] has stood up for West Papua and held the Morning Star Flag flag with the president of the United Liberation Movement.

"I think that gives us confidence that the issue now is in Melanesia's hands," Wenda said.

Rabuka said the ULMWP understand the international ramifications and objective of having discussions with governments.

The ULMWP have been campaigning to gain full membership with the MSG and currently has observer status.

The bloc includes Fiji, New Caledonia's FLNKS, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, which is the current chair of the group. Indonesia has associate membership.

The West Papua independence campaigners have submitted its application for membership twice, in 2015 and 2019.

Rabuka said the MSG had precedent for granting full membership to an organisation.

"We had the FLNKS as full members of the MSG before New Caledonia as such became part of the MSG," he said

"Yes, we will support them [ULMWP] because they are Melanesians."

"I am more hopeful [ULMWP gaining full membership]," he said, adding "I am not taking it for granted. The dynamics may have changed slightly but the principles are the same."

Wenda said the MSG leaders are expected to meet in July and he feels assured after his meeting with Rabuka that Melanesian leaders will respond to their calls.

"I am going back with a good spirit and my people are all celebrating," he said.

Marape: Indonesian control must be respected

But earlier this week at a joint press conference, Rabuka and Papua New Guinea's PM, James Marape, stressed that Indonesia's sovereignty over Papua must be respected.

Marape said while PNG sympathised with the Melanesians of West Papua it "remains part of Indonesia."

"We do not want to offset the balance and tempo," Marape said.

Rabuka added there were also similar cases existing in the Pacific territories.

"We have Micronesian, Melanesian communities in Fiji and their original home countries now respect the sovereignty of Fiji," he said.

"I am sure they [other Pacific nations] have people-to-people direct contact with [communities in Fiji] to enhance their livelihood here and also continue to promote their culture because of their heritage."

He said it was the same for for the indigenous Papuans of Indonesia.

"We must respect the sovereignty issue there because it could also impact on us if we try to deal with them [West Papua and Indonesia] as separate nations within a sovereign nation."

Benny Wenda, left, hands a Morning Star flag to Sitiveni Rabuka Photo: Government of Fiji

Yikwanak Yamin Kogoya: Where is West Papua now?

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Wed, 8 Feb 2023 02:12:00 -0800

Analysis - Indonesia is splitting West Papua into three. Where does this leave the region now?

By Yamin Kogoya

The Papuan people's unifying name for their independence struggle, West Papua, is now being shattered by Jakarta's draconian policies. Under this new legislation, the two existing provinces have been divided into five, which include South Papua, Central Papua and Highland Papua.

Indonesian Vice President, Ma'ruf Amin told an audience at the Special Autonomy Law Change gathering in Jayapura (Papua's capital) on November 29, "Right now, we are building Papua better," according to Indonesian News Agency, ANTARA. He also said: "Changes to special autonomy are a natural thing and are in the process of the national policy cycle to make things even better."

While Jakarta is busy tearing apart West Papua with these deceitful words, Papuans everywhere raised the banned, Morning Star flag on December 1, to commemorate West Papua's 61st Independence Day, stolen by Jakarta in May 1963.

The day is significant and historic because it was on October 19, 1961 that the first New Guinea Council, known as Nieuw Guinea Raad, named West Papua as the name of a new modern nation-state; the Papuan Independent State was founded. It was before Papua New Guinea (PNG) gained independence in 1975 from Australia. Papuans were subjected to all kinds of abuse and violations due to how this island of New Guinea was named and described in colonial literature.

Foreign powers continue to dissect West Papua, renaming it, creating new identities, and reinventing new definitions by making it merely an outpost of foreign imperialism in the periphery where abundant food and minerals are extracted and stolen, without penalty or consequence. Papuans do not appear to give up their sacred ancestral land without a fight.

The name "West Papua", however, remains a burning flame in the hearts of all living beings who yearn for freedom and justice. The name was chosen 61 years ago because of this reason. This is the name of a newborn nation-state.

After Indonesia invaded West Papua on May 1, 1963, the name West Papua was changed to Irian Jaya. West Papua was called The Netherlands New Guinea up to the point of the first New Guinea Council in 1961.

archaic Autochthons, the spiritual ancestors of our dream-time spiritual warriors - the pioneers of nature - the first voyager across dangerous seas and land - the first agriculturalist - the most authentic, the original - we are the past and we are the future. West Papua is the original dream that has yet to be realised - a dream in the process of restoration to its original glory.

This is where West Papua is now. You cut me into pieces millions of times in millions of years, I will rebuild West Papua with these pieces a million times over again.

This article first appeared on Asia Pacific Report on December 1.

Yikwanak Yamin Kogoya: Where is West Papua now?

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Wed, 8 Feb 2023 02:09:00 -0800

Analysis - Indonesia is splitting West Papua into three. Where does this leave the region now?

By Yamin Kogoya

This is where West Papua is now. You cut me into pieces millions of times in millions of years, I will rebuild West Papua with these pieces a million times over again.

This article first appeared on Asia Pacific Report on December 1.

Wenda says Melanesia cannot flourish until West Papua is free

noreply@blogger.com (WANTOKtube) — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 17:00:00 -0800

By Len Garae

West Papua independence campaigner Benny Wenda is in Vanuatu to meet Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau's newly-installed Government.

Wenda said he would also "strategise" on the way forward towards gaining eventual sovereignty from Indonesia. and would be discussing ongoing issues in West Papua.

These include human rights abuses, and internal displacement of at least 160,000 Papuans by the Indonesian military while, he says, Jakarta continues to "pretend that nothing is happening in West Papua".

(from left:) United Liberation Movement for West Papua chairman Benny Wenda, Vanuatu prime minister Charlot Salwai and deputy prime minister Joe Natuman, as well as ULMWP deputy chairman Octo Mote at the Movement's summit in Port Vila, 1 December 2017. Photo: Australia West Papua Association

Wenda said seven church pastors are among more than 200 who have died in the conflict in the region in the last five years.

Wenda's United Liberation Movement for West Papua has observer status in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

"We are developing in Melanesia, but unfortunately we cannot develop on top of all the suffering in West Papua which is another Melanesian country," he said.

"I look forward to meeting Vanuatu's new Government leaders to brief them on the realities happening in West Papua. For example in the last five years, almost 240 Melanesians died in West Papua.

"So far seven of our church pastors have been killed including the most well-known Pastor Sanabani - a Bible translator.

"Indonesian soldiers also target our children while women give birth in the bush. Nobody has any statistics because Indonesia has banned all journalists for almost 50 years now, from entering and reporting on what has been happening in our country."

Comparing their situation with that of Russia's war with Ukraine, he said television viewers are focused on their screens while no one really cares about what is happening in their next door neighbour of West Papua.

"We, the Melanesian countries call ourselves Christians but where is the Melanesian spirit of Christian brotherhood regarding West Papua?"

"We badly need Melanesian Good Samaritans and perhaps now is the right time to prove that level of responsible leadership," he said.

Vanuatu has pushed through the West Papua case at the South Pacific Forum as well as further abroad at the Asia Caribbean Pacific forum in Brussels.

Paragraph Fernando Ortiz, Sebagai Bahan Referendum ulang, Ternyata Sarat Kontroversi.

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Sat, 6 Aug 2022 03:12:00 -0700

{Oleh : Opius Maryan, 22 September 2021}

Tanpa Editor.

Berikut Fakta kemungkinan Kontroversi di balik pernyataan sir Fernando Ortiz yang terkesan mengontra pendapat nya sendiri, Namun juga ada kesaksian yang benar dari yang Ia sampaikan sbb:

1. Sebelum nya Beliau mengatakan bahwa Pemerintah INA Melanggar New York Agrrement / 22, Tentang kebebasan Termasuk berpendapat masyarakat status dan Pikiran nya, Namun pada paragraph 138, hal. 45. Ortiz menyatakan sbb :

"Pandangan dan keinginan rakyat dinyatakan melalui berbagai saluran. Pernyataan-pernyataan dan komunikasi lain disampaikan kepada saya secara tertulis atau lisan, demostarasi-demostrasi damai, dan beberapa terwujud pada ketidakpuasan rakyat, termasuk peristiwa-peristiwa sepanjang perbatasan antara Irian Barat dan wilayah Papua dan New Guinea yang dikuasai oleh Australia (Paragraph 138, hal. 45).

Dimana pengekangan kebebasan rakyat seperti pada bukti SK soekarno No. 8, Mei 1963 Tidak di implementasi dan semua aktivitas riel Termasuk kebebasan berpendapat Tidak di bendung.

2. Sir Fernando Ortiz mengatakan bahwa

Rakyat papua ingin merdeka sendiri sebagaimana paragraph yang ada & Tidak menutup kemungkinan pernyataan itu mungkin didapat dan dilakukan kelompok Niew Guinea Raad yang juga melakukan gerakan untuk menentukan DMP (Dewan Musyawarah Pepera) sebagai pelaksanaan New York Agreement

Sementara Hal yang di Temui Fernando dilapangan justru berbeda antara demus dan sebagian rakyat sebagaimana paragraph yang ada sebagai berikut :

Pernyataan-pernyataan (petisi-petisi) tentang pencaplokan Indonesia, peristiwa-peristiwa ketegangan di Manokwari, Enarotali, dan Waghete, perjuangan-perjuangan rakyat bagian pedalaman yang dikuasai oleh pemerintah Australia, dan keberadaan tahanan politik, lebih daripada 300 orang yang dibebaskan atas permintaan saya, menunjukkan bahwa tanpa ragu-ragu unsur-unsur penduduk Irian Barat memegang teguh berkeinginan merdeka. Namun kemudian tertera Paragraph Fernando Ortiz yang menegaskan bahwa OAP melalui Demus ingin tinggal di INA sbb :

"Namun demikian, jawaban yang diberikan oleh dewan musyawarah atas pertanyaan yang disampaikan kepada mereka (OAP) sepakat tinggal dengan Indonesia "( paragraph 250, hal. 70).

Jikapun Sir Ortiz Mempermasalahkan PEPERA yang bercampur dengan Hukum Lokal yang padahal system Perwalian lebih mendukung karena keadaan yang ada, Dari problematika transportasi dan medan di Papua yang menyulitkan, Mobilitas serta Infrastruktur yang Tidak mendukung ketika itu, sehingga percampuran cara Hukum Lokal pun bagian Toleransi untuk di gunakan, Namun ingat! Walaupun ada permasalahan kembali lagi bahwa dalam paragraph 250 Hal. 70 Ortiz menyaksikan sendiri keinginan Rakyat papua yang Memilih ke-Indonesia.

PANDANGAN HUKUM LOKAL SOAL PEPERA YANG DI TERIMA BAIK OLEH INTERNASIONAL.

Kelompok pembebesan selalu mengatakan bahwa Refendum Tahun 1969 adalah Ilegal dengan dasar Pasal XVIII ayat (d) New York Agreement yang menyatakan "Dimana pelaksanaan harus di lakukan seluruh orang dewasa baik lelaki atau perempuan OAP, Namun Fakta keputusan internasiol yang tetap mengesahkan sesuai Resolusi MU PBB No.:2504/IV/19 November 1969 Tentang Ter-integrasian Papua Ke-INA juga membuktikan bahwa Pelaksanaan Hukum lokal yang turut mensuskseskan "NYA" dengan berbagai rumusan 1 ayat yang diantaranya di Non fungsi demi mempermudah Kebutuhan di lapangan yang ada adalah Legal.

"System musyawarah" Bukan Tanpa dalil, hal ini sesuai The ‘Secret’ Memorandum of Rome pada bagian 3. Yang mengatakan " The execution of the 1969 Act of Free Choice would be carried out based on the Indonesian parliamentary 'musyawarah' (deliberation) practices. (Artinya : Pelaksanaan 1969 Penentuan Pendapat akan dijalankan berdasarkan cara Indonesia ‘musyawarah’)

Disini membuktikan pandangan Dualisme HI ( Hukum Internasional ) seperti yang dikampanyekan Kelompok referendum memang akan sarat Kontroversi.

Roma agreement sendiri sepertinya condong dan dapat memiliki pandangan monisme primat nasional ; dimana dalam pandangan Monisme antara HI dan HN (Hukum Nasional) adalah Dua komponen dari satu kesatuan system hukum, dari 16 Perwalian PBB hanya 1 yang sedikit tidak puas yaitu Sir Fernando Ortiz walaupun beliau juga terlibat Approvel dalam ketidakpuasan.

Bagaimanapun Harus di akui; Faktanya dari 114 Negara sebanyak 84 negara setuju, tidak ada yang tidak setuju, dan hanya 30 yang abstain. Itu berarti membuktikan ketentuan dan Tindakan Hukum nasional tersebut Dianggap sesuai dengan Hukum internasional dengan Juga ketentuan "monisme Naturalis"

Sekali lagi harus di akui 84 Negara yang telah setuju menempatkan Hukum lokal menjadi Fakta yang Legal dihadapan Internasional dan Sesuai VCLT pasal 27 Tahun 1969, yang bermakna bahwa ; Tidak berarti bahwa hukum internasional tidak mementingkan Hukum nasional. & Terbukti sesuai Internasional sebagai Hukum utama dapat menempatkan Hukum lokal yang di permasalahkan Ortiz sebagai suatu Fakta yang Legal dengan suara setuju 84 Negara dengan baik pertimbangan.

Aliansi Mahasiswa Papua-AMP,PapuanizeKNPB Media Rakyat.

Thank you to the Green Party MP's Stephen, David and Jordan

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Thu, 4 Aug 2022 03:36:00 -0700

Thank you to the Green Party MP's Stephen, David and Jordan to hold the meeting Yesterday was amazing so we West Papua delegation updates about the recent situation on the ground and to better understand how we can work together to advance human rights and support the liberation movement in West Papua.

The Greens have a strong commitment to the people of West Papua and condemning the human rights abuses perpetrated against them by the Indonesian military.

Some of the people in attendance today were Benny Wenda, President of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua, Ralph Regevanu, the Opposition Leader of Vanuatu and Alex Sobel, a Labor MP from the UK.

Image 1 depicts Jordon posing with Benny Wenda, Ralph Regevanu, Alex Sobel, Dr. Siobahn McDonnell and the delegation of West Papuan representatives. Alex and Ralph are holding up the West Papuan flag in the middle of the group which has a red rectangle with a white star in the middle on the left side and white and blue stripes on the right side. Image 2 shows Greens MP's Stephan, David and Jordon sitting at the meeting table listening as others speak.

24 years since the Biak massacre on 6th July

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Tue, 5 Jul 2022 17:14:00 -0700

AWPA Statement -5 July 2022

If Canberra is reluctant to raise the West Papuan issue, the Pacific leaders are not

The 6th July marks 24 years since the Biak Massacre when the Indonesian security forces massacred scores of people in Biak, West Papua.  The victims, included women and children who had gathered for a peaceful rally. They were killed at the base of a water tower flying the Morning Star flag.

On the 2 July in 1998, the West Papuan Morning Star flag was raised on top of a water tower near the harbour in Biak. Activists and local people gathered beneath it singing songs and holding traditional dances. As the rally continued, many more people in the area joined in with numbers reaching up to 500 people.

On the 6 July the Indonesian security forces attacked the demonstrators, massacring scores of people. The victims included women and children who had gathered for the peaceful gathering were killed at the base of the water tower.  Other Papuans were rounded up and later taken out to sea where they were thrown off naval ships and drowned.  No Indonesian security force member has been charged or brought to justice for the human rights abuses committed against peaceful demonstrators”. 

According to" the Papuan Institute for Human Rights Studies and Advocacy (Elsham Papua) recorded eight people died, three went missing, four severely injured, 33 mildly injured, and 150 people arrested and persecuted during the Biak massacre. The report also said 32 bodies were found in Biak water at that time". In tabloid Jubi (July 5 2021)

Tragically, the Australia Government knew of the Massacre but failed to condemn the Indonesian military.  Shortly after the massacre an Australian military attaché and intelligence officer, Dan Weadon, from the  Jakarta embassy visited Biak.  The  same officer was also handed photographic evidence by West Papuans on Biak.  The photos were distributed to his superiors within defence, but they never saw the light of day. New evidence suggests they have since been destroyed by the defence department despite consistent calls for a proper investigation into the atrocity.  It is thanks to West Papuan supporter Anthony Craig who got a copy of the report under FOI laws that we know the photos were destroyed.

Joe Collins of AWPA said, “it’s tragic that the Australian Government helped cover up a massacre in West Papua and even now are still reluctant to raise the issue of human rights abuses in West Papua with Jakarta. The message for West Papuans  is that  they will not receive much support   from Canberra in their struggle for justice under Indonesian rule , at this stage. This is not to take away from the many individual parliamentarians  and Senators who do raise concern about the human rights situation in the territory". 

If Canberra is reluctant to raise the West Papuan issue, the Pacific leaders are not. Many of the Pacific leaders have raised concern about the human rights situation in West Papua at the UN and other international fora.

The 51st Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is being held  in Fiji (11-14 July).     West Papua is on the PIF agenda and hopefully the abuses in West Papua will be raised this year with Indonesia who is  a Forum Dialogue Partner. 

Joe Collins said, “  The situation in West Papua continues to  deteriorate with ongoing armed clashes between the Indonesian security forces and the  West Papua National Liberation Army.   The security forces have cracked down on  peaceful demonstrations against the  decision  to create three new provinces in the territory, arresting and beating many  of the demonstrators.   The decision the create more provinces is a divide and rule tactic by Jakarta. More provinces mean more security forces and will only lead to more human rights abuses.  
Three new provincial police forces planned    https://en.antaranews.com/.../three-new-provincial-police...
300 security forces to secure Jayawijaya ahead of new Papua provinces’ endorsement 
https://en.jubi.id/300-security-forces-to-secure.../

There are also  large numbers of internal refugees created by the military operations in Nduga, and the  Maybrat Regency over the past years.

In the past the West Papuan people have commemorated  the Biak massacre on the 6 July.   Hopefully the security forces will allow any planned commemorations this year to go ahead peacefully.

Ends

-------

YouTube video

We Have Come To Testify

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5wwsb72-cg

‘Killed like animals’: documents reveal how Australia turned a blind eye to a West Papuan massacre

https://www.theguardian.com/.../killed-like-animals...

The  Biak Massacre Citizens Tribunal

https://www.biak-tribunal.org

Seth Jafeth Roemkorem, TPN OPM and Papua Merdeka

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 14:53:00 -0700

This is the man who put the Papuan Rebel Army together to resist the Indonesian occupation since 1961 and promulgated the Provisional Constitution of West Papua on 1 July 1971 at Waris and hence the formation of the Provisional Government of West Papua.

The matters of society, state, and governance for Melanesia’s West Papua have been run by the West Papua Provisional Government for the past 50 years….in exile. He is from Biak Island and left the Indonesian Armed Forces to mastermind a road map to freedom for his people. His name is Brigadier – General Seth Rumkorem.

West Papua, the restive and thoroughly - troubled province of the vast Indonesian archipelago looks set to renew its bid for freedom. It lies 155 miles north of Australia, on the western half of the island of New Guinea. For more than 40 years it has been waging a small-scale war against the occupying Indonesian army.

After the death of the Indonesian dictator Suharto in 1998, West Papua enjoyed a brief political respite. The Papuan Presidium Council (PDP) was launched, the OPM declared a ceasefire, and independence rallies and flag raisings were common. But the Indonesian military moved in. Thousands were rounded up and imprisoned, and many others disappeared. An escalation in events culminated in the assassination of the PDP chairman, Theys Eluay in November 2001. The Federal Democratic Republic of West Papua was formed by his successor, Paramount Chief, Forkorus Yoisembut and the Papuan Caucus following the proclamation of independence from Indonesia on 16 October 2011, last year.

The status of sovereignty and royalty as a nation – state under the Provisional Constitution of West Papua which was promulgated by the first Commander of the West Papuan National Liberation Army, Seth Rumkorem in Waris near the Papuan border on 1 July 1971 is still contentious and the application of international law regarding the sovereign status of the Federal Democratic Republic of West Papua is subject of inquiry by international society and foreign governments, especially the Netherlands which colonized West Papua together with the rest of the Indonesia archipelago until the 1969 annexation and integration of West Papua into the unitary republic state of Indonesia. However, the international practice of ‘one – man one – vote’ expected by the United Nations did not take place and Papuans led by its Rebel Army have resisted Indonesian presence ever since.

Hormat Bapak Komandan, the respected and honourable West Papuan leader who has passed on.The current OPM High Command believes the rebel army will access modern and sophisticated insurgency and global armed conflict weapons when the time is right, not to be the aggressor but for self - defence. Max Weber's principles of rationalism and professionalism underpin the diplomatic approach taken by the OPM with an excellent grasp of the global armed conflict process and approaches to a solution expected by Melanesia, the Pacific and the world. The Commander repeated that the 'process' be adhered to at all costs. I took my salute and left the rebel army hideout pondering Melanesia's options to correct the situation of a 'house on fire'.

Vanuatu Upset By Indonesia’s VT10.9M Donation to MSG

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 00:43:00 -0700

The Vanuatu Government through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marc Ati, has expressed utter dismay at the announcement by the Director General (DG) of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat regarding a recent voluntary contribution of 100,000USD (VT10.9 million) by the Indonesian National Police, to the Secretariat.

“The Secretariat’s accompanying press statement implied that the donation has the support of the membership, which it doesn’t,” Minister Ati conveyed yesterday.

“While the donation is to support the development of MSG’s Regional Security Strategy, it does not command the blessing of the entire membership.

“Moreover, given that the donation was to promote the MSG’s common goal of peace and security, sustainable development and prosperity, within its ‘2038 Prosperity for All’ Plan, consultation with the entire membership prior to accepting it would have been proper.

This is also mindful of related sensitivities surrounding Indonesia’s accession to the MSG, as an Associate Member.

“What is becoming increasingly clear to Vanuatu is that while Indonesia’s associate membership in the Group is by virtue of representing and protecting its ethnic Melanesian population, these same people continue to be marginalised and oppressed, especially in the Provinces of Papua and West Papua.

“As an organisation that was set up to raise the plight of Melanesian populations who continue to be marginalised in their own lands, the MSG has no place for the pursuit of subversive or domination politics, especially by bigger players, over its membership.”

Vanuatu appeals to members of the Global Community to prudently assert their influences, through the United Nations, its subsidiary organs, committees and conventions, to deal with the unfinished business of colonialism, and ongoing human rights violations in the Pacific, especially in West Papua.

The Vanuatu government also reiterated the call for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to undertake that long overdue fact-finding mission to West Papua, a call made by Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2019.

This is in addition to common security threats and challenges faced by the ‘MSG region’ and the Pacific, such as the existential threat of Climate Change, and the ongoing ravages of COVID-19.

news@dailypost.vu

source: VDP

Parliament to vote on referendum

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Thu, 7 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0700

April 6, 2022

Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama have signed the Era Kone Covenant which now paves the way for ratification of the 2019 referendum results leading to Bougainville’s independence.

The Era Kone Covenant is a significant milestone in this journey for both governments as it captures all aspects of the 97.7 per cent referendum results and the post-referendum consultations.

The decision to initiate the Era Kone Covenant was agreed last December by the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Government for it to guide the process for the results of the referendum and the joint consultations.

Mr Toroama said at the signing yesterday that the covenant now give effect to Section 342 of the National Constitution and thanked Mr Marape for the National Government’s commitment in this regard.

“I want to express my very sincere gratitude for your undivided leadership, perseverance and commitment on this journey in giving effect to Section 342 of the National Constitution which commits both governments to consult on the referendum result,” he said.

He expressed the intention to bring the Era Kone Covenant and the referendum results before the 11th parliament next year 2023 given the political tenures of both governments.

Mr Marape noted in agreement the importance of the Era Kone Covenant and pledged the support of the PNG government

“I reaffirm our agreement to determining a political settlement for Bougainville earlier than 2025 and no later than 2027 and that the Era Kone Covenant sets the pathway and acts as the indicative guide toward the political settlement for Bougainville by the 11th National Parliament” he said.

Following the covenant signing both parties will endorse the covenant through the respective executive councils and then the technical teams from both governments will draft the constitutional regulation which will carries the road map towards independence.

Mr Marape reassured Mr Toroama that despite the national elections coming up, the Era Kone Covenant now tied any PNG Parliament from hereafter to continue addressing the Bougainvillea referendum.

PRESS STATEMENT ON PRIME MINISTER MARAPE’S OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA FROM 30TH MARCH TO 01ST APRIL 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 06:22:00 -0700

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP has embarked on an Official Visit to the Republic of Indonesia at the invitation of His Excellency, President Joko Widodo from 30th March to 01st April 2022. This is an important bilateral relationship within the immediate region that deserved equal attention and respect.

“Indonesia and Australia are our closest bilateral partners. While I have made important strides in the PNG Australia relationship, I hope to strengthen the PNG Indonesian relationship, and this visit is timely”, Prime Minister Marape said.

This visit is significant and unlike other bilateral visits. Apart from the usual discussions on traditional issues relating to border management and combating cross-border crime, drug smuggling, and terrorism, the talks will focus on other strategic opportunities for the two countries. 

“The traditional issues are important but these are the traditional bilateral issues which are recurring in nature. There is a place for those, but it is vitally important that we use the opportunity to canvass other issues which are of strategic importance to us as a country”.

The visit is more strategic and will specifically focus on business, trade, and investment opportunities and capacity building of human resources, among other practical and meaningful outcomes to complement our development aspirations here in PNG.

“There is a lot to draw from our nearest neighbor in terms of enhancing our socio-economic development by providing market access for our natural products to enter the huge Indonesian market and it is now timely to exploit and pursue these opportunities with a renewed vigor and optimism to utilize the vast economic, trade and investment potential that currently exists between our two countries,” said Prime Minister Marape.

Papua New Guinea’s total exports to Indonesia was $55.3 million in 2019 but could have increased substantially if we had a market access arrangement in place. This is in particular is likely to increase the annual exports of Crude Petroleum ($35.3 million), Cocoa Beans ($9.98m), and Vanilla ($5.06 million).  

With the current surge in fuel prices and to ensure competitiveness in PNG, I will also raise with President Widodo a proposed partnership with Indonesian Petroleum giant Pertamina for alternative sources of fuel. 

 “I wish to allay any recurring doubts as to the purpose of this visit. I remain confident that our practical discussions and the culmination of the various Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) that will be signed between President Widodo and myself will greatly complement PNG’s future socio-economic agenda and reap tangible outcomes in the immediate to long term,” said the Prime Minister.

The following MoUs will be concluded:

MoU on Electricity between R.I. PLN and PNG Power to supply temporarily electricity from Jayapura to Vanimo;
MoU to Open the Flight Route from Port Moresby / Mt Hagen /Jayapura and Port Moresby / Daru / Merauke; (both Airlines to arrange);
 MoU on Customs;
MoU on Maritime Security with National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA);
Notification of Ratification for Basic Agreement on Border Arrangement between Republic of Indonesia (R.I) and PNG;
Grant Assistance by Indonesian State Own Enterprise (PT. Wika) for economic infrastructure support for Connect PNG Program;
Reviewing the MoU on PNG / Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Business Council;
Formalizing PNG / Indonesia Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA); and
Reviewing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement.
A business delegation is part of the Prime Ministers entourage. A one-day business and investment seminar will be held parallel to the Prime Minister’s bilateral program. He will address the PNG/Indonesia Business and Investment Seminar where he will use the occasion to invite potential and reputable Indonesian investors to develop downstream processing facilities to add value to our vast natural resources for export to Indonesia, ASEAN, and other global markets. 

 “We have to add value to our vast natural resources onshore through downstream processing and it is therefore important that I invite potential Indonesian Investors in this area as it will allow PNG to produce finished products and sell them directly to the global markets. This will greatly complement Government’s policy initiatives to grow the rural economies in PNG, “said Prime Minister Marape.

Additionally, discussions will also be held with President Widodo to improve and create opportunities for economic infrastructure development such as electricity, roads, and ports along our common border corridors to enable the creation of Special Economic Zones, apart from the usual border security issues.

Indonesia has indicated its support of the Connect PNG Program through a Grant Aid Assistance Program from its State Own Enterprises. This assistance will cover infrastructure development that should also elevate the economic corridor development concept as a major drive towards restructuring the PNG economy into a broad-based sustainable economy.

Also, on the agenda for discussion between both Leaders will be PNG’s proposal for a Trilateral Arrangement to strengthen socio-economic development and security cooperation with Australia, Indonesia, and PNG on the common land and maritime borders to be known as AUSINDOPA. To progress this proposal, a Concept Paper will be developed by the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Apart from the Official Bilateral discussions, a half a day business and investment seminary has been organized. Further, separate meetings have been arranged between the Indonesian and PNG Business Communities with focused on business, trade, and investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, minerals, and oil and gas sectors. 

“It is important that in the immediate future, PNG becomes a food bowl for the Asian region including for the provision of Halal-certified food for the Indonesian market,” said Prime Minister.

“I am bringing Papua New Guinean business people in the agriculture and logistics sector, to capitalize on the opportunities in marketing.”

The outcome of this Official Visit is expected the Conclusion of a Joint Communique at the Bogor Palace by both leaders detailing the above cooperative arrangements for immediate implementation through an Action Plan by the revived Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) and Senior Officials Meetings (SOMs).

Prime Minister Marape was accompanied by his wife Madam Rachael Marape, four (4) Ministers, one (1) Governor, Senior Government Officials, and a Business Delegation on this Official Visit who will engage in business and investment exchanges whilst the Government officials will progress sectoral issues with their Indonesian counterparts. The delegation returns to the country on 01 April 2022.

- Ends -

Reports West Papuans shot dead by Indonesian forces

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:18:00 -0700

Two West Papuans were reportedly shot dead by security forces last Tuesday during peaceful protests against Indonesia's plans to create six more provinces in Papua.

According to sources on the ground, at least seven others sustained injuries when the demonstrations turned violent in Dekai - the capital of Yahukimo Regency.

Three protesters are in critical condition at the Dekai Regional General Hospital.

West Papua Media coordinating editor Nick Chesterfield said the indigenous residents of Yahukimo don't agree with Jakarta's expansion plans.

Chesterfield said the Indonesian Government is promoting the idea that the creation of new provinces will improve the welfare of the people.

But he said the indigenous people see it as a "divide and rule tactic" by Jakarta and further militarisation of West Papua.

"Whilst they talk about decentralisation and delivery of services on the ground, the reality is that every new province gets another new battalion of military and another new battalion level of police. It's really about the militarisation of West Papua that most of the people have been objecting to these divisions," he said.

Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz

Voting PBB🇺🇳Kerja Sama PBB dengan Forum Pacifik (PIF)

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 22:06:00 -0700

Dari total 193 negara anggota PBB, 137 negara mendukung untuk dilakukannya kerja sama yang baik dengan negara-negara anggota Forum Kepulauan Pasifik.

Dalam voting itu, jumlah yang tidak mendukung adalah 0, dan sisanya 12 negara termasuk Indonesia abstain, atau [angkat tangan, Tidak Memilih]. PBB memberikan suara 137 berbanding 0 untuk bekerja (Foto: Fred Sarufa, Papua Nugini)

15 Agustus 2019, seluruh negara Pasifik dengan suara bulat telah mengesahkan 3 (tiga) butir resolusi bagi West Papua, yang kemudian dalam waktu yang tidak terlalu lama juga resolusi tersebut langsung direspon oleh 79 negara anggota Afrika, Karibia, dan Pasifik diadopsi sebagai resolusi.

Kemenangan West Papua di Pasifik (PIF) ini kami raih kurang lebih setelah 19 tahun kebangkitan perjuangan bangsa Papua melalui ULMWP, pasca kegagalan di Kongres 2000.

Negara-negara Afrika dan Karibia adalah negara-negara yang dulunya pernah memprotes hasil Pepera 1969 yang dilaporkan Indonesia dalam sidang umum PBB tahun 1969. Negara-negara Afrika dan Karibia mereka protes karena pelaksanaan Penentuan Nasib Sendiri yang dilakukan Indonesia 1969 tidak sesuai dengan standar internasional yang diatur melalui New York Agreement 1962.

Jadi keberhasilan perjuangan West Papua di Afrika, Karibia pada Desember 2019 kemarin ini merupakan kemenangan yang luar biasa setelah perjalanan panjang 50 tahun pasca Pepera 1969.

Untuk mendapatkan dukungan sebesar ACP ini tidaklah mudah. Kita telah habiskan waktu sekitar 50 tahun, baru tahun 2019 kita dapat. Dan di Pasifik juga sama, kita kembali mendapat dukungan setelah perjuangan panjang, habiskan waktu sekitar 19 tahun setelah gagal di Kongres 2000.

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Dimata dunia internasional, hari ini status RI dan ULMWP sama sederajat tingkat negara. ULMWP telah menganut sistem Trias Politica didalamnya terdapat (Eksekutif ULMWP, Legislatif ULMWP dan Yudikatif ULMWP) dengan pagar negara nya adalah West Papua Army (TPN-PB, TRWP dan TNPB), yang kesemuanya ini adalah proses metamorfosis menuju negara West Papua.

Lalu pertanyaannya: Kapan ULMWP umumkan negara?

Mari kita dukung dan doakan, agar semoga para pemimpin bangsa yang telah dipercayakan Allah Moyang bangsa Papua, mereka diberikan hikmat dan kuasa dari yang Tuhan, sehingga bangsa dapat memperoleh kemerdekaan secara hukum dan politik di luar kolonial NKRI dalam waktu dekat.

“Intinya persatuan adalah Kekuatan - Kunci kemenangan ada pada persatuan”

Damai Tuhan beserta, Amin!

BAZOKA LOGO

Kepala Biro Politik ULMWP

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Link 1:

https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/46748

Link 2:

https://www.facebook.com/396357444077782/posts/1091130811267105

Link 3:

https://www.facebook.com/396357444077782/posts/1092701321110054

Link 4:

https://www.facebook.com/396357444077782/posts/1098081013905418

Link 5:

https://www.facebook.com/396357444077782/posts/1097598173953702

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#LetWestPapuaVote #Referendum #FreeWestPapua

LATEST INFORMATION FROM WEST PAPUA NATION MELANESIAN RACE 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Wewo Kotokay) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 01:02:00 -0700

We, the people of West Papua, Ask the united nations to immediately enter the state of Indonesia so that the great nation of west papua is out of Indonesian's grasp. Today, Marc 15, 2022, two (2) Community members in Yahukimo Regency, a native of Papua, took to the streets this morning to reject the Indonesian's Government's Policy of acclerating the southern expansion of the PPS and the new Autonomius regions of the new autonomius regions. So that the Yahukimo masses remain abouve the sight of the Race of the papuan nation so that the state of west Papua is established. Help us papuans because stoday we want to live freely in our country west papuans to be free and prosperaous in prosperity for the papuan people. The president of the Republic of indonesia and the minister of Moldion and they have killed the papuan people by facilitating Armed forces, namely the TNI-POLRI throughout the land of the Melanesian Race of West Papua. Please come for the UN intervention in west papua. The President of the Republic of Indonesia did not solve the problem in West Papua, but he suppoted the case that accourred in UKRAINA. While he allowed the papuan people to be exterminated so that the papuan victims everywhere happened. So please monitor the world immediately UN intervention into West Papua.

By: Boychild Goroka