ETAN/WPAT: Letter to Secretary Rice on recent arrests in W Papua
PO Box 21873, Brooklyn, NY 11202
March 25, 2008
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
U.S. State Department
2201 C St., NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice,
On March 13, Indonesian police arrested twelve people in Manokwari,
West Papua, during a demonstration against a 2007 law banning the
display of separatist symbols, including the Morning Star Flag. The
demonstrations also called for a referendum regarding the political
status of West Papua and expressed opposition to the 2001 Special
Autonomy Law that they claim has failed to bring improvement to the
lives of Papuan people. As
Human Right Watch has reported, one of the twelve arrested in
Manokwari is reported to be a 16-year-old boy. As of March 25 there
were reports that he had been released from custody but he may still
face charges. On March 19, Indonesian security officials in Jayapura
arrested four more Papuans in a similarly peaceful demonstration
that opposed the same 2007 law. On March 25, security authorities
arrested Eli Kaiway in connection with the peaceful demonstrations
of March 13 and 19.
The 17 individuals appear likely to face trial for breaching
Regulation 77/2007 and may also be charged with makar, which
translates into English as "rebellion." In the past, Papuan
activists openly supporting separatism have been sentenced to a
20-year prison term for the peaceful expression of their political
views.
Indonesia's arrest and detention of peaceful activists violates the
internationally recognized rights to freedom of expression and
assembly as set forth in the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, which Indonesia ratified in February 2006.
The West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT) and the East Timor and Indonesia
Action Network (ETAN) condemn Indonesia's violation of the
right of peaceful self-expression and urges the U.S. Government to
press the Indonesian government to drop all charges against these
peaceful demonstrators. WPAT and ETAN, recalling the recent UN
reporting regarding severe mistreatment of those detained by
Indonesian security officials, also urge that the U.S. Government
communicate to the Indonesian government its concern for the welfare
of these detainees pending their release.
Protester under arrest. Cenderawasih Post.
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The names of the detained are as follows: Arrested on March 13 in
Manokwari were: Yakobus Wanggai (Jack Wanggai), Frans Kareth, Markus
Solig Umpus, Edy Ayorbaba, Daniel Sakwatorey, Marthinus Luther, Noak
AP, George Risyard Ayorbaba, Amd T, Ariel Werimon, Leonardus Decky
Bame and Silas Carlos Teves May (16 years old).
Arrested on March 19 in Jayapura were: Zakarias Horota, Elias Weah,
Ester Dolorus Tapnesa, and Abu Mari.
According to credible reporting by international monitors, Papuan
and other journalists who have sought to monitor developments
associated with these demonstrations and other recent peaceful
demonstrations have faced intimidation and interference from
security forces. This security force conduct violates Indonesia's
commitments under international human rights instruments to which it
is party. WPAT and ETAN urge the U.S. Government to remind the
Indonesian Government of its obligations in this regard as well.
Sincerely,
West Papua Advocacy Team (WPAT)
East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN)
see also TAPOL:
Statement on Crackdown in West Papua against Flag-raisers
Read the
West Papua
Report (monthly news and analysis)
Indonesian Struggles
