Indonesia over-reacts to ETAN protest in San Francisco

Indonesia over-reacts to ETAN protest in San Francisco

Comment by Made Supraitma

Made Supriatma is an independent scholar and regular contributor to IndoProgess.

Feb. 16, 2016 - Today, President Jokowi visited the city of San Francisco. He was in the United States to attend a consultation meeting between the government of the United States and ASEAN. The meeting was held in the city of Palm Springs. Jokowi then took time to stop in San Francisco, possibly to make up for his failure to pay a visit to the West Coast during his visit to the U.S. last year. At that time, he shortened his visit due to catastrophic wildfires.

This afternoon, he met with the people who are members of an organization called Diaspora Indonesia. There was also a protest on that occasion. They raised posters that shouted their concerns about some of the issues that should be considered by the president. One banner urged him to "Reject Reclamation Benoa Bay." Other issues included  human rights violations in Papua, the oppressed religious minorities such as Ahmadis and Shias, and the LGBT issues that are now emerging. Incidentally, San Francisco is the one of the most tolerant and supportive cities in America for LGBT people and their struggles.

The President and his aides who participated in the visit might have been surprised, wondering why local issues such as "Reject Reclamation Benoa Bay" sail away to the United States? That's because this issue is no longer a local issue. It is an international matter.

I doubt whether the president and his entourage had a chance to ask or especially reflect on an answer. They were too busy. Tomorrow they will meet with officials of tech companies (some of them LGBT!). But it would be a big mistake for the president and his entourage ignore these issues.

I just heard some stories that did  preoccupy the president's entourage. A few days before his arrival, consular officers were busy contacting comrades planning the protest. They even send SMS messages saying, "Boss, there were guests from Jakarta who want to see you. Let's coffee-coffee."  The Jakarta "guests" were from BIN (Indonesia's intelligence bureau). Brothers and sisters, you know it would be the greatest stupidity on the face of this earth to want to have coffee with the BIN! Is not it? Remember the case of Munir, who was poisoned cowardly when invited to drink coffee? Ha, that's him ...

During the action Jokowi's entourage did other annoying things, Officers from Paspampres (presidential security force) tried to  prohibit the demonstration in front of the venue. What happened? San Francisco local police intervened, saying the demonstrators had a permit. This is America! Not Indonesia! Paspampres retreated.

Also annoying was the behavior of BIN. They tried to ask the names of the participants in the action, where they live, how long they have been in America, and so forth. Then out of nowhere, they began to call the name of one of the participants in the action in a very provocative manner.

I think as a matter of free speech we suffered a setback at the time of Jokowi's visit. I remember the [September 2012] demonstration against SBY in New York . Indonesian spies did not dare to approach. They just take photos from across the street. They did organize a counter demonstration and accused us of being paid protesters. This accusation was met with a very sweet by John M. Miller, ETAN coordinator, "We do not rent the crowd here in the U.S., but we do not mind to take your money. ETAN needs money for campaigning."
Intelligence was contrived to provide an early warning about the opponents of foreign states and countries, especially those who would undermine the existence of the state, not to silence opposition or pressue those who disagree with the government to change their minds. Jokowi, I think government should be reminded of that.

My honeymoon with Jokowi's reign is over. I wait for you in New York, Mr. President!

see also San Francisco Protest: Demand President Jokowi Support Justice for All

Demand President Jokowi Support Justice for All in San Francisco

Demand President Jokowi Support Justice for All

Location  : The Palace of Fine Art Theatre
Address  :  3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Time      :  February 16, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Peter Phwan, ETAN/ICANet, SF (415) 812-2414
Muhamad Amin, San Francisco (415) 412-6372
John M. Miller, East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN), +1-917-690-4391john@etan.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1231440526883481/

Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is back in the United States for the US-ASEAN Summit Meeting near Palm Springs, CA. On February 16, President Jokowi will meet and address Indonesians in San Francisco before touring Silicon Valley hi-tech companies. 

This trip will be all about business. Jokowi was elected with the promise that his administration would be different. He has yet to fulfill this promises on human right and many other issues. Positive initiatives by President Jokowi have been undermined by his own officials and many important issues, such as justice and accountability for past human rights crimes, have not been seriously addressed. 

Please join us on February 16 as we break the silence and demand that President Jokowi seriously address the following issues:

1. Indonesia must reveal the truth and provide justice for past human rights violations from the mass killings in 1965 on to the illegal invasion and occupation of East Timor
It is 50 years since Suharto's 1965 seizure of power and 40 years after Indonesia's illegal invasion of East Timor (Timor-Leste). During Suharto's decades in power, Indonesian security forces and their proxies killed hundreds of thousands. Indonesia has taken only halting steps to acknowledge these crimes against humanity and has yet to take serious steps to hold those responsible for the crimes committed throughout the archipelago from Aceh to Timor-Leste (East Timor) to West Papua. Many of those responsible maintain powerful positions, including in Widodo's own political party and administration. Refusing to acknowledge the past, the Indonesian military is increasingly re-inserting itself into domestic affairs.

2. End the Persecution of Religious Minorities 

Religious minorities in Indonesia remain under threat. The recent burning of churches in Aceh and bans on Ahmadi worship are among the most recent examples. Followers of minority religions continue to face persecution and to have trouble opening houses of worship, including GKI Yasmin and HKBP Philadelphia churches. Many localities enforce discriminatory regulations in violation of national law.

3. End the Persecution of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender people

Public officials have made a series of troubling anti-gay statements, urging barring LGBT people from universities and other institutions. Recently, the Communication and Information Ministry threatened to ban gay and lesbian emoji or stickers in WhatsApp, Facebook andTwitter.

4. Stop Human Right Violations in West Papua

While Jokowi has promised a new deal for Papua, many of those promises remain unfulfilled. About 40 political prisoners remain in jail and the rules governing media access remain murky. West Papuans advocating for freedom face harassment, arrest or worse. Expanded "development" projects threaten indigenous rights and livelihoods. Indonesia continues to rebuff appeals for direct dialogue with the independence movement.

5. Protect the Environment, Stop Deforestation

Indonesia's forests continue to be stripped to establish palm oil and other plantation agriculture. The rate of deforestation is among the worst in the world. Illegal logging is often facilitated by lax enforcement and corrupt military and police. Haze from the seasonal burning of forests in Indonesia affects the health and well-being of millions in several Southeast Asian countries. Plans to add additional coal-fired electric plants also pose health hazards and will contribute to climate change that already threatens Indonesia's coral and coasts. The massive Benoa Bay Reclamation Project would destroy a large conservation area in Bali for hotels and tourism.

Join ETAN's email listservs on Timor-Leste, Indonesia and West Papuahttps://fs20.formsite.com/jmm555/form2/index.html

Read the December 2014 West Papua Report: TNI in Papua, political prisoners, protesters under attack, more

Read the December 2014 West Papua Report

CONTENTS

This edition's Perspective is the first part of an article by Made Supriatma about Indonesian security force deployments in West Papua. In Update: Papuan leaders from around the world gathered in Vanuatu. Peaceful Papuan demonstrators were detained and shot during events commemorating the founding of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB). Papuan Behind Bars reports that 69 West Papuan political prisoners are currently in Indonesian government custody. The U.S. government plans to expand its support for "modernization" of the Indonesian military (TNI). Reform of that deeply corrupt, human rights abusing and unaccountable institution is not on the U.S. or TNI "modernization" agenda. Indonesia's new defense minister plans to re-institute military influence in civilian sectors. The plan would undo much of the limited post-Suharto reforms with specific negative consequences for West Papua. Another military plan, apparently endorsed by President Widodo, would put new military commands in West Papua. In Chronicle, Papuan political prisoner Filep Karma is interviewed by Michael Bachelard. A review of the 2001 Bloody Waisor incident provides important context to new logging plans. Budi Hernawan revisits the murder by Kopassus of Theys Eluay and the disappearance of his driver. Finally, we note a timely analysis of Indonesia's growing efforts to wield influence in Melanesia where support for West Papuan self determination is growing.

Read the report here: http://etan.org/issues/wpapua/2014/1412wpap.htm 

Support ETAN. Donate today!

Coming New York Events by ETAN

Saturday, September 27, 2014, 6:30 pm
exhibit on display until Sunday, October 5

Timor-Leste Past and Present: Talks and an Exhibitwith Frederic Durand, Charles Scheiner and Jill Sternberg

The Commons, 388 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

nearby subways: A, C, G (Hoyt Schermerhorn);  2, 3 (Hoyt St.);  2,3,4,5 (Nevins St.), F, G (Bergen)

Frederic Durand, an historian who has focused on East Timor (Timor-Leste) for many years, has put together an bilingual (Portuguese and English) exhibit on Timorese history that has not been shown yet in the U.S. titled "Timor-Leste: A New State with Century-Old Roots in World History." He is flying over from Paris to introduce the exhibit, which will be on display at The Brooklyn Commons for a week following his talk on Saturday night. Charles Scheiner and Jill Sternberg are long-time East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) activists; they recently returned to U.S. after years of living and working in Timor-Leste. They will speak about current issues and challenges a dozen years after independence.

Contact ETAN or 718-596-7668 for more info.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1470640623220795/

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Thursday, October 2, 2014 7 pm - 10:30 pm

He's Back! Demonstrate against Henry Kissinger!
92nd St. Y, 92nd Street and Lexington Ave. in Manhattan

Kissinger has another book to hawk. Join ETAN and other organizations in protesting Kissinger's appearance at the 92nd St. Y.

Come and remind people about Kissinger's sordid history concerning Timor-Leste (East Timor), West Papua, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Chile, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Angola and elsewhere.

Call the 'Y and ask them why they are hosting an accused war criminal and treating him as a respectable commentator on international affairs. Urge them to cancel the event. Call the Y: 212-415-5500.

On December 6, 1975, then Secretary of State Kissinger and President Gerald Ford visited Jakarta. At their meeting, Ford gave Indonesia's dictator Suharto an explicit go ahead for the invasion of East Timor and Indonesia invaded the next day. According to East Timor's Commission on Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) up to 180,000 died as a direct result of the illegal invasion and occupation. Declassified and leaked documents show that Kissinger understood that Suharto was balking at invading, concerned that the U.S. would cut off its supply of weapons and military training. Kissinger guaranteed continuation of weapons shipments. According to Timor-Leste's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation as many as 180,000 people died as a result. For more on Kissinger's role in East Timor click here. Kissinger is currently out promoting his latest book World Order. 92nd St. Y event page ishere

In addition to ETAN, initial sponsors of the protest include War Criminals Watch, East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) and NYC War Resisters League. Let us know if your organization would like to sponsor.

Contact ETAN - 718-596-7668 for more information or to help out.

Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/343200435847269/?ref=22

more on Kissinger here

Protest Henry Kissinger! April 24 in NYC

Protest Henry Kissinger!

When: April 24, 2014 5:30 p.m.

Where: Central Synagogue, 652 Lexington Ave. @ 55 St., New York, NY
Near E, M, 6, 4, 5, N, Q, R, B, D, 1 subway stops & cross town buses via 57th or 50th 

Join ETAN and other organizations in protesting Henry Kissinger's appearance at the Central Synagogue as he shares "his candid perspective on Israel, current challenges in the Middle East, and his more than 60 years as a policymaker and trusted advisor in matters of foreign affairs." 

Sponsoring organizations include: ETAN, War Resisters League/NYC, War Criminals Watch/World Can't Wait, Brooklyn For Peace, and Veterans For Peace NYC Chapter 34; more to come. Let us know if your organization wants to co-sponsor.
Come and remind people about Henry Kissinger's sordid history concerning East Timor (Timor-Leste), West Papua, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Chile, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Angola and elsewhere.
More information here

Facebook page

Making a difference

Rev. Elice Higginbotham

East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN)

August  2013

Protester with signs outside ETAN's protest of the Appeal to Conscience award's ceremony in New York City. Photo by John M. Miller/ETAN.

Dear friend:

Do you ever wonder if signing a petition makes a difference?

Last spring, some shocked Indonesians informed ETAN that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was to be honored by the New York-based Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an organization dedicated (it said) to religious tolerance and human rights. Our immediate response was to organize protests against giving the "World Statesman Award" to SBY. Among other actions, we organized online petition that many of you signed.

I am writing to urge you to support ETAN by making a contribution today. Please go to www.etan.org/etan/donate1.htm to donate.

More than 2,000 of you spoke out against the award to SBY by signing ETAN’s petition. The petition motivated a spin-off in Indonesia, which gathered an additional 6,000 signatures, mostly from amazed, amused or outraged Indonesians. I was in Jakarta during this time and many Indonesians expressed their appreciation for ETAN's actions.

We weren’t surprised when SBY did, indeed come to New York to accept the “World Statesman Award.” Our old antagonist, Henry Kissinger, was on hand to present it at a big-ticket fundraising dinner. But so was ETAN’s “welcoming committee” of Indonesian, U.S. and other human rights advocates, who protested the award and spoke out about SBY’s real record on human rights, religious tolerance, and the rule of law in Indonesia.

Our actions helped to draw attention to Indonesia’s continued persecution of religious minorities and other human rights violations. For the first time the semi-weekly public protests by religious minorities in front of the National Palace in Jakarta drew regular media attention. Letters and other denunciations of the award from academics, rights activists, religious figures, and others generated news in Indonesia for weeks prior to the awards ceremony. Calls for SBY to make good on the promises he made in his acceptance speech continue to this day.

We were interested to learn just how “threatening” Indonesia’s diplomats find ETAN. We were told of a meeting among U.S.-based diplomats who blamed ETAN, among others, for the uproar about the award. We heard from Indonesians living in the New York area who had received offers of dollars and dinner to fill seats at the award presentation. Those bused in were forced to participate in a “counter-demonstration” aimed at covering up the truths that ETAN was exposing. We do not have access to the discretionary funds of the Indonesian Embassy; our protest was smaller, but all the more genuine.

Your signature made a difference. And so can your donation.

The “No Award for SBY” petition represents just one of ETAN’s deceptively modest efforts to keep Indonesia - and its continued military and economic support from the U.S. - in the public eye and before policymakers. These efforts have been making a difference for more than two decades and, with your support, will continue to do so.

Please contribute what you can. We depend on support from people like you. People who are dedicated to human and civil rights for the peoples of Indonesia.

Your financial contribution to ETAN will make a difference. With your help, ETAN can continue to:

• Keep you and others informed about violations of human rights, the role of corporate interests and other developments in West Papua through our monthly report,
  
• Respond to calls for action in response to reports of human rights violations,
  
• Provide firsthand reports on elections, legislation, economic development in Indonesia, West Papua, and Timor-Leste,
  
• Keep you aware of the influence of U.S. policy on events in Timor-Leste, Indonesia and West Papua – and keep U.S. and Indonesian policymakers aware that we are watching them.

Please see our website for information about our current campaigns.

Please give generously, so that together we can continue to make a difference. 
In solidarity,

Elice HigginbothamMember, Board of Directors, ETAN

P.S. Please consider becoming an ETAN sustainer by making a monthly donation by credit card. Help put ETAN on a firmer financial footing: information here.  

Protest When Kissinger Gets Intrepid Freedom Award

May 23, 2013. 5:30 pm

Protest When Kissinger Gets Intrepid Freedom Award 
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Pier 86, 12 Ave. & 46 Street
New York City

Join ETAN and other organizations in protesting Henry Kissinger's appearance at the Intrepid Air and Space Museum. Kissinger - whose government career involved denying people their freedom and democratic rights - is slated to receive the Intrepid Freedom Award for - we kid you not - "his distinguished career defending the values of freedom and democracy." The ceremony also will honor David Koch, executive vice president of Kansas-based Koch Industries, Inc.

Sponsoring organizations include: ETAN, Big Apple Coffee Party, Chelsea Neighbors United to End the War, War Resisters League/NYC,Veterans for Peace Chapter 34, War Criminals Watch/World Can't Wait; more to come

Remind people about Henry Kissinger's sordid history concerning East Timor, West Papua, Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Angola and elsewhere.

Let us know your coming on Facebook

On December 6, 1975, then Secretary of State Kissinger and President Gerald Ford visited Jakarta. At their meeting, Ford gave Indonesia's dictator Suharto an explicit go ahead for the invasion of East Timor and Indonesia invaded the next day. According to East Timor's Commission on Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) up to 180,000 died as a direct result of the illegal invasion and occupation. Declassified and leaked documents show that Kissinger understood that Suharto was balking at invading, concerned that the U.S. would cut off its supply of weapons and military training. Kissinger guaranteed continuation of weapons shipments. According to Timor-Leste's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation as many as 180,000 people died as a result.  For more on Kissinger's role in East Timor click here. 

Indonesia invaded West Papua, then Netherlands New Guinea, in 1961. Henry Kissinger, in his capacity as the Secretary of State, played a personal role in insuring that West Papuans were not given the opportunity to have a genuine independence referendum in 1969. The sham "consultation" that took place instead, the so-called

"Act of Free Choice," condemned the West Papuan people to decades of terror under an Indonesian military occupation, which continues today. Kissinger later served on the Board of Directors of Freeport McMoRan, the U.S. company which controls one of the world’s largest copper and gold mine in West Papua. Kissinger defended the company’s interests in post-Suharto Indonesia.

Hold Kissinger Accountable leaflet: Educate about Kissinger's role in Indonesia's illegal and brutal invasion of East Timor and Indonesia's annexation of West Papua Print out and distribute at future demonstrations (PDF)

There will also likely be a demonstration the evening of May 30 in New York City, should the Appeal of Conscience Foundation go forward with its Statesman of the Year award to Indonesia's president. Stay tuned. In the meantime, sign the petition. 

Timorese students support West Papua. Three arrested in Dili.

Friday UPDATE: The three arrested have reportedly been released and are due in court early next week.

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A friend in Dili tells ETAN that police recently broke up a demonstration in support of West Papua. As we get more information, we will post updates on ETAN's blog here.

Police arrest Juvntina Correia Ximenes.

The morning of August 17, more than 30 Timorese students called for the right of West Papuan to self-determination and condemned human right violation by the Indonesian military and police against Papuans. The demonstration took place in front of Indonesia Embassy in Farol, Dili, on the 66th anniversary of Indonesia's independence proclamation.

Timor-Leste Police (PNTL) arrested three of the protesters -- Juventina Correia Ximenes, Domingos de Andrade and Letornino da Silva. All are currently studying at Timor-Lorosae National University, UNTL.

One of demonstrator, Nolasco Mendes, said that the PNTL treated the activists brutally. Police reportedly arrested the activist after the Indonesia Embassy asked the PNTL to stop the demonstration.

According to a Timornewsline report the pro-Papua protesters were members of the Students Solidarity Council (Dewan Solidaritas Mahasiswa Timor-Leste) which previously fought for Timor-Leste's independence.

Timor-Leste has a strict law on demonstrations which among other things requires four days notice and bans them within 100 yards of a government or diplomatic building.

Police vehicle removes students supporting West Papua from in front of Indonesian embassy in Dili.

Protest Kissinger - Monday, July 18, 2011, 5 - 7 pm New York City

Update: See photos from July and May demonstrations


He's Back! Spread the word!

Demonstrate against Henry Kissinger

Monday, July 18, 2011, 5 - 7 pm
Citi Building, 399 Park Ave. (btn. 53 & 54 Sts.), Manhattan


Join ETAN and other organizations in protesting Henry Kissinger's latest public appearance in New York. 

Photo by John M. Miller/ETAN

Remind people about Henry Kissinger's sordid and criminal history concerning East Timor, West Papua, Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Angola and elsewhere.

On December 6, 1975, then Secretary of State Kissinger and President Gerald Ford visited Jakarta. At their meeting, Ford gave Indonesia's dictator Suharto an explicit go ahead for the invasion of East Timor and Indonesia invaded the next day. According to East Timor's Commission on Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) up to 180,000 died as a direct result of the illegal invasion and occupation. Declassified and leaked documents show that Kissinger understood that Suharto was balking at invading, concerned that the U.S. would cut off its supply of weapons and military training. Kissinger guaranteed continuation of weapons shipments. According to Timor-Leste's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation as many as 180,000 people died as a result.  For more on Kissinger's role in East Timor click here.

In addition to ETAN, initial sponsors of the protest include World Can't Wait , War Criminals Watch, and the War Resisters League.


Download and print out ETAN's Hold Kissinger Accountable leaflet to distribute. 


Contact ETAN - 718-596-7668 for more information or to help out. 

Please help spread the word

Read The Trial of Henry Kissinger 

by Christopher Hitchens

Paperback $12
Order from ETAN 

Demonstrate against Henry Kissinger, May 31, 2011 in NYC

Hold Kissinger Accountable leaflet to distribute at this and future Kissinger appearances (PDF)

Demonstrate against Henry Kissinger, May 31, 2011
92nd St. Y, 92nd Street and Lexington Ave. in Manhattan

Join ETAN and other organizations in protesting Henry Kissinger's appearance at the 92nd St. Y, Tuesday, May 31 beginning at 6:30 pm. The 'Y' is located at 92nd Street and Lexington Ave. in Manhattan.

Remind people about Henry Kissinger's sordid history concerning East Timor, Vietnam, Chile, Cyprus, Bangladesh, Angola and elsewhere.

Ask the 'Y' why they are hosting an accused war criminal and treating him as a respectable commentator on international affairs. Urge them to cancel the event. Call the Y - 212-415-5500.

On December 6, 1975, then Secretary of State Kissinger and President Gerald Ford visited Jakarta. At their meeting, Ford gave Indonesia's dictator Suharto an explicit go ahead for the invasion of East Timor and Indonesia invaded the next day. According to East Timor's Commission on Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) up to 180,000 died as a direct result of the illegal invasion and occupation. Declassified and leaked documents show that Kissinger understood that Suharto was balking at invading, concerned that the U.S. would cut off its supply of weapons and military training. Kissinger guaranteed continuation of weapons shipments. According to Timor-Leste's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation as many as 180,000 people died as a result.  For more on Kissinger's role in East Timor click here.
Kissinger is currently out promoting his latest book on China.

In addition to ETAN, initial sponsors of the protest include The Indypendent, Veterans For Peace-NYC Chapter CH 34, Code Pink, World Can't Wait , Granny Peace Brigade, Movimiento la Pena del Bronx, War Criminals Watch and Bolivarian Circle Alberto Lovera NY.

Contact ETAN - 718-596-7668 for more information or to help out.

Get on the bus, train, metro - Protest in DC with Amnesty International at the Indonesia Embassy

On Friday April 15, 1:30 pm, join Amnesty International at a rally at the Indonesian Embassy (2020 Massachusetts Ave NW near Dupont Circle) to urge the government to release Filep Karma, West Papuan prisoner of conscience. The action at the Indonesian embassy is part of Amnety's Get on the Bus day long action. The rally will be to support of monthly rallies for Filep that take place at the embassy.

More information, a complete schedule and registration are here - http://amnesty133.org/bus/

On Friday, April 15, activists from high school, college and local Amnesty groups in the 6-states of the Mid-Atlantic region will converge on Washington, DC to demonstrate in support of human rights in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar/Burma, Zimbabwe, Chad, and Tibet. 

The Get on the Bus (GOTB) for human rights is a creation of Amnesty International USA Local Group 133 in Somerville, MA. For the past fifteen years, the members of Group 133 have organized 'buses' to New York City every April for an exciting day of activism and human rights! This will be the first time it will also take place in Washington, DC.