Read the September 2015 West Papua Report

September 2015 West Papua Report is available here.

CONTENTS

This edition's Perspective provides background on the widely-respected West Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma.

In the "Update" section, the prospects for President Joko Widodo to fulfill his promise to release political prisoner releases. General Hartomo who was convicted for his part in the killing of Papuan leader Theys Eluay has been promoted. Indonesian military personnel killed two and wounded more in Timika. Religious leaders and the Indonesian Human Rights Commission are among those demanding justice. Papuans Behind Bars reports on growing threats to human rights defenders in Wamena. A proposal by senior Widodo administration officials to tighten restrictions on journalists was aborted, but policy regarding journalist freedoms remains unclear notwithstanding a May pledge by President Widodo to loosen restrictions. Vanuatu reiterates support for West Papua as the Pacific Islands Forum prepares to meet. Jakarta has admitted inadequate support for air traffic in West Papua, in the wake of a costly air crash there.

In Chronicle the report highlights to a commentary by Pastor Neles Tebay who underscores the importance of communications among Papuans in addressing issues confronting Papuans. The leader of the Muslim community in Tolikara has emphasized the role of customary law in addressing the violence in that community in July. An excerpt from a forthcoming book describes the West Papuan campaign for MSG membership.

Mourners accompany the bodies of Yulianus Okoare and Herman Mairimau, victims of a recent
 shooting by members of the military to the cemetery Photo: Antara/Husyen Abdillah

West Papua Report coverage of West Papuan application for membership in the Melanesia Spearhead Group (MSG) ETAN and West Papua Advocacy Team (and some friends) on the mining giant Freeport McMoRan Subscribe to ETAN's e-mail Listservs for news and views on Timor, West Papua and Indonesia Join ETAN, Sign up today!

ETAN Opposes Appointment of Retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu as Defense Minister

ETAN Opposes Appointment of Retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu as Defense Minister

Read in full here
October 26, 2014 - The East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) today condemned Indonesia President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's appointment of retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu as Minister Defense.

"The appointment of a hardliner like Ryamizard Ryacudu tells us that President Widodo is not serious about promoting human rights or reaching out to West Papua," said John M. Miller, Coordinator of ETAN.

"He is a relic of the past with a history of excusing rights violations by soldiers, threatening human rights critics, and asserting the military's right to meddle in civilian affairs."

Miller added, "While fighting corruption may be a priority for his administration. He certainly didn't take into account Ryamizard's well-reported statements on human rights. This speaks volumes about the importance of human rights to Jokowi."
Read the rest here.

Ryamizard Ryacudu