 |
| The Discussion held by the Papua Student Association of Central Mountains (AMPTPI) (Jubi) |
Jayapura, 22/3 (Jubi)- Papuans must be united if they want to win independence, a human rights activist said.
Unfortunately, many pro-independence Papuans tend to work by
themselves and deceive one another, according to human rights defender
Mama Yosepha Alomang during her presentation in the seminar and the
public discussion titled “Fighting for Just and Peaceful Democracy that
Stands for Papuan People” held by the Papua Student Association of
Central Mountains (AMPTPI) in Mimika student dormitory on Saturday
(22/3).
“The conflict in Timika is actually only for the benefit of others such as the Indonesian government, regents, Freeport, the military and police. As a result, the community is the victim, brothers kill brothers, “ Alomang said.
She further stated that their customary law is similar to the 10
commandments so, do not think they do not have such rules. ” I think the
youths might not want to kill their father-in-law or brothers,” she
said.
She asserted the interests of others caused Papuan people to kill
each other in the name Papua war or conflict. “Thus, I call every one to
get together for Papua Independence,” she added.
Markus Haluk, AMPTPI General Secretary, said there are three proverbs
known among Papuan people, Papuans deceive Papuans ( Papua tipu Papua),
the second is Papuans eat Papuans and the last is Papuans kill Papuans .
“Therefore, for me the dialogue is not the goal, referendum is not the goal and neither independence, ” Haluk explained.
He added all Papuans should work based on their skills and expertise in order to reach the gold city.
Meanwhile, one of the other speakers, Esther Haluk, confirmed there
is not only the security forces who became the repressive actor against
the democratic freedom in Papua but also the Papuan elite within the
bureaucracy who are extremely allergic to protesters and criticism from
the critical community.
“They collaborate with the security forces in dealing with various forms of terror, threats and intimidation,” she stated.
The muzzling of Papuans democratic rights has peaked, with a full exhibition of military force while escorting all actions or peaceful process and pro-democracy groups in Papua.
“One of the real evidence is the deployment of troops with full equipment plus tanks and barracuda to escort student protests. They even restrict students from demonstrating only on campus area,” she added.
Not only that, Papua police does not often issue permission to protesters who want to hold the peaceful protest against the government policies since they believe it would disturb public stability.
Moreover, there is a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) between the
campus and Papua police on detaining and arresting students who are the
actors of the protest, she added.
“The most recent case is terror and intimidation against Yusak Reba, academician at Cenderawasih University who use his capacity as an academic to speak out,” she said.
The state policies have also been used in repressing democratic
space. “Many state policies benefit the state and be detrimental to
society, including people of Papua,” she said.
For example the Law on Public Organization
/ Community Organization instituted by Law No: 8 of 1985, updated in
Law No.17 Year 2013, despite protests, it was still passed by the House of Representatives and enforced throughout Indonesia.
“It means freedom of association and expression become taboo, if it is done by organization that not registered in Political and National Unity office ( Kesbangpol) ,” she further explained.
The second one is the Anti-Terrorism Act No. 15 of 2003 that gives
full access to re-play military presence in the public sphere. “In this
regulation, intelligent’s report will be a strong legal reasons to act
against the activists labeled as separatists, “he said.
The third, international funds must go through one door which enable
the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) to spy on all the financial
information of NGOs who speak out the issues related to civil and
political issues and even economic, social and culture issues. (Jubi / Dominggus A Mampioper/Tina)