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THE RECORD: IRIAN JAYA (WEST PAPUA, NEW GUINEA): THE QUEST FOR INDEPENDENCE-MARCH 3, 2000 NEWS SUPPLEMENT
=======================================================
Subj: KABAR-IRIAN: Irian News: March 3-4 (freeport, nabire)
======================================================= Subj: Nabire Cooling Down But A Key Eyewitness Died
=======================================================
Subj: Indon Environment Min Wants Review of Freeport Contract
=============================================================================
Subj: Jakarta Must Respect Irian Jaya Or Lose It -Governor
===================================================================================== Subj: Indon Govt Report Blasts Freeport for Environmental Damage
=================================================================================
Subj: KABAR-IRIAN: [EN] Security Situation To Return To Normal Soon, Says President
===============================================================================
Subj: KABAR-IRIAN: [EN] Rais rejects Kissinger=92s statement
======================================================================
Subj: KABAR-IRIAN: [EN] 2 articles: Freeport
===============================================================================
Subj: KABAR-IRIAN: [EN]Papuan Legislators Meet House of Assembly
================================================================================
Subj: KABAR-IRIAN: [EN] Warning shots fired as police attempt to clear streets in Irian Jaya (more)
=========================================================================
Copyright 2000
Date: 3/3/00 8:57:55 PM Central Standard Time
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The Jakarta Post.com
Across the Archipelago
March 04, 2000
Movement leader dies from wound
NABIRE, Irian Jaya (JP): An alleged mob leader identified as Willem
Manimwarba died on Friday, a day after being shot in a drive-by.
Phil Karel Erary, an advisor to the province's State Minister for
Human Rights Office, told The Jakarta Post that Willem died while
under medical treatment at the Sri Wini Hospital. Serious bleeding
from a gunshot wound in his leg was the cause of Willem's death,
Karel said.
The attackers reportedly rode an ambulance during the dawn attack
which occurred at Oyehe subdistrict.
Willem was allegedly leading 2,000 people to attack a police station
on Wednesday in protest of the death of fellow Irianese Manase Erary
in a previous fray here.
No official confirmation of the shooting of Willem was available,
but provincial police deputy chief Col. Thamrin Simanjuntak said
Willem had been involved in a series of crimes.
The killing of Willem brings the death toll in several days of
unrest here to four. Two civilians, Maximus Bunay and Dapius Sani,
died in Wednesday's incident. (eba/edt)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
r
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday, March 3 11:44 AM SGT
Irian Jaya Bans Arco From Exploring Gas Pending Report
JAYAPURA, Indonesia, AsiaPulse March 3
Irian Jaya environmental authorities here have forbidden US-based
natural gas company PT Arco British Gas (ABG) to conduct exploration
activities in the Weriagar region of Manokwari district pending the
submission of the report on its analysis of the likely consequences
of its operations on the environment.
A local environment official said his office had asked ABG to make
the analysis before exploring for gas, but so far the company had
not handed the results of the analysis.
During preliminary exploration, the company had found sizable
natural liquid gas deposits in the Weriagar region.
In fact, the deposits had been described as being the biggest in
Southeast Asia, he said.
Manokwari district authority said the company had conducted
preliminary explorations after paying a Rp1 billion (US$133,333) fee
to the local administration.
The company had promised to recruit locals as workers in its
operations. It had also sent six locals abroad to attend an
apprenticeship program and would employ them after they complete the
program.
-- (ANTARA)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jakarta must respect Irian Jaya or lose it-governor
By Chris McCall - 3 Mar 2000 13:32GMT
JAKARTA, March 3 (Reuters)
Pressure for independence is bound to grow in Indonesia's restive
Irian Jaya province if its people are treated as second class
citizens and its resources only benefit outsiders, its governor said
on Friday.
But he said it was still possible to convince the ordinary Irianese
they were better off in a reformed Indonesia, by improving their
standard of living.
Better welfare -- that is the question, he said. In Irian Jaya it is
not only the business, it is the human touch. That is more important
than everything. But if you touch them in the wrong way everything
is rejected.
A clean break must be made after 30 years of repression from
Jakarta, including investigating human rights abuses.
Irian Jaya, the western half of New Guinea, is Indonesia's
easternmost province and is one of several areas where demands for
independence are strong.
Armed separatists from the Free Papua Movement are fighting for an
independent state called West Papua. East Timor's bloody
independence last year has only strengthened pro-independence
feelings.
In the latest violence, two tribesman were killed on Thursday and
eight wounded after Indonesian police opened fire to disperse an
angry mob which attacked a police headquarters in the town of
Nabire, the official Antara news agency reported.
Numberi said Jakarta's treatment of Irian Jaya compared poorly with
that of Dutch colonialists. In the past, anyone who questioned the
status quo was liable to be arrested, he said.
But if standards of living could be improved, Irianese could yet be
persuaded that their lives would be better within a reformed
Indonesia than outside it, Numberi said.
The main business operating there, PT Freeport Indonesia's hugely
profitable copper and gold mine, had failed badly by treating the
region's indigenous people as inferiors, he said.
Numberi, who also serves in the cabinet as minister for
administrative reform and is Irianese, cited the example of his
nephew, who was paid less by Freeport than American employees,
despite having a degree from a U.S. university.
Irianese wanted to feel that in the future their own people would be
sitting on the boards of companies like Freeport, controlled by
U.S.-based Freeport McMoRan Copper Gold Ltd.
Numberi cited the enormous natural riches of Irian Jaya, including
deposits of uranium, gold, oil and gas, massive forests and fishing
grounds as examples of the region's potential.
With greater autonomy, the provincial government could ensure
development projects were completed rather than always having to
await approval from Jakarta.
He cited the failure in 30 years to build a road between two of the
main towns, Jayapura and Wamena, blaming it on delays in funding
from the central government.
The problem is because everything is coming from Jakarta. The
initiative is coming from Jakarta but when the initiative is in the
region, it is very easy.
Irian Jaya was incorporated into Indonesia in 1963 in controversial
circumstances, after heavy diplomatic pressure on the former
colonial power, the Netherlands.
In 1969, a U.N.-run plebiscite was held among local leaders which
resulted in a vote to join Indonesia. Its legality and fairness have
been widely disputed.
-- (c) 2000 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Jakarta Post.com
National News
March 04, 2000
Freeport told to donate 20% of shares for locals
JAKARTA (JP): Outgoing Irian Jaya Governor Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi
petitioned mining-giant PT Freeport Indonesia on Friday to donate 20
percent of its shares and profits to the regional administration in
Irian Jaya to support the community where the company exploits the
natural resources.
The current contract stipulates that approximately 20 percent of the
company's operation be owned by the Indonesia government and another
Indonesia company.
Freddy, who also holds the post as State Minister for Administrative
Reforms, said that some of the profits should be channeled directly
to the surrounding community.
"The local government never got anything from the deal," Freddy told
reporters on Friday.
PT Freeport Indonesia is 81.28 percent owned by United States mining
company Freeport McMoran Copper & Gold. The Indonesian government
holds a 9.36 percent interest in the company along and PT Indocopper
Investama Corporation owns an equal interest.
Indocopper is 50.48 percent owned by Nusamba Mineral Industries,
which is linked to former president Soeharto. Freeport McMoran holds
a 49 percent stake in Indocopper and the investing public holds 0.52
percent.
Freeport has been criticized by many parties believing its mining
activities in the Grasberg area of Irian Jaya have adversely
affected the environment.
State Minister of Environment Sonny Keraf last month said his office
would audit, and perhaps redo, the environmental impact analysis
(Amdal) of PT Freeport Indonesia as the existing report contains
several irregularities.
Sonny did not elaborate on the alleged irregularities in the report
but remarked that they included inconsistencies in reports on the
company's environmental management and environmental work plan. He
further remarked that the tailings disposal system was inadequate.
Some have openly questioned the validity of the environmental audit
results of American auditor Montgomery Watson, who lauded Freeport's
environmental protection as exemplary.
Two commissions at the House of Representatives also have
recommended a review of the contract of work held by PT Freeport
Indonesia.
During a meeting with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry
Kissinger, who is a member of the company's board of directors,
President Abdurrahman Wahid on Monday pledged to honor the
government's contract with the company.
Nevertheless, he asked Freeport to be more mindful and concerned
with developing the community where it conducts its activities.
Speaking during a luncheon with the Indonesian Australian Business
Council here, Freddy also dismissed the idea of annulling the
Freeport contract.
He conceded that he had received numerous reports of detrimental
effects of Freeports' activities but asserted that the government
will honor its contract.
"I see it as a legal problem so we'd better settle the problem in
court not by revoking the agreement,' he said of the allegations of
environmental destruction by the company.
Freddy said he had also sent an official letter to the World
Wildlife Fund for Nature asking for assistance in dealing with the
environmental issues.
Freddy, who will officially relinquish his gubernatorial post on
March 20, said it was crucial for the government to honor the
contract.
"It is the right of the company to do business here, we have to
respect that," he remarked.
Nevertheless there should be several changes in the agreement which
would allow the people of Irian Jaya a stake in the business. Such
changes will be necessary to implement regional autonomy likely to
be enacted in the near future.
"There were some small mistakes made in the past that we have to
revise," he said while pointing to the fact that the company was not
obligated to deal with the local administration.
Freddy further remarked that the public should view the presence of
the company objectively.
"The company does bring some advantages for us, like job
opportunities and other profits," he contended. (dja)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday, March 3 9:51 PM SGT
Irian Jaya governor urges Freeport to renegotiate mining contract
JAKARTA, March 3 (AFP)
Irian Jaya Governor Vice-Admiral Freddy Numberi on Friday urged the
giant US copper and gold miner PT Freeport Indonesia to renegotiate
its contract with Indonesia to incorporate a shareholding for the
provincial government.
The Freeport contract and others like it no longer reflect the
prevailing conditions, Numberi told a business luncheon here.
"This must be changed, the province must have a share," said
Numberi, who is also Minister for State Administration Empowerment.
"We respect the contract but the clauses inside we can discuss, we
can amend that."
Freeport is 81.28 percent owned by New Orleans-based mining company
Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold, with the central government
holding a small share. It is also Indonesia's largest taxpayer.
Numberi rejected statements earlier this week by Henry Kissinger, a
board member of the parent company, that the contract should not be
challenged as this would damage investor sentiment.
"Only the Holy Bible and the Al-quran (Koran) we cannot discuss
because they're coming from God. But the others (contracts), why
not?" Numberi said.
He said until Freeport and other similar companies invited more
direct provincial and local participation in their projects, social
problems and rising separatist sentiment would remain.
"This is another issue that has made the people think the (central)
government is in collusion with Freeport," Numberi said.
"This situation also creates the feeling of disintegration."
"As long as the right action is not taken, not only Irian Jaya but
also the other provinces will want to be independent," Numberi said.
Numberi said oil companies Atlantic Richfield Co., and Conoco Inc.,
should learn from PT Freeport Indonesia as an example of a project
that has gone wrong socially.
"Honestly speaking, Freeport has done many (good) things in
Indonesia but the one thing they missed is speaking to the people,"
Numberi said.
"I tell Freeport that for me, you have failed because there's no
participation of the people.
He said companies operating in Irian Jaya must make an effort to
hire local people and ensure their direct participation at the
highest levels in new projects.
"In 30 years, there (should) be indigenous people sitting there with
you as the managers," earning the same salaries if they have similar
qualifications, he said.
He said the province of Irian Jaya was fed up with exploitation by
foreign companies and the central government, which many indigenous
people resented as a worse form of "colonialism" than that of the
former Dutch colonial administration.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Received from Joyo Indonesian News
Indonesia Environment Min Wants A Review On Freeport
JAKARTA (Dow Jones/March 3)
Indonesian Environment Minister Sonny Keraf said Friday the
government should review the mining contract of gold and copper
miner PT Freeport Indonesia over its environmental record in
connection to its operations in the Indonesian province of Irian
Jaya.
"Personally, I think the Freeport contract should be reviewed to
(further efforts to) conserve the environment (near its mining
site)," he told reporters.
Last week, Keraf said Freeport Indonesia, a unit of Freeport-McMoRan
Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) of the U.S., was neglecting its obligations
to conserve the environment around its mine in Irian Jaya.
He said a recent audit of Freeport conducted by Montgomery Watson,
which largely praised the miner's environmental record, was
incomplete because it didn't cover the disposal of waste products
and handling of toxic and hazardous substances.
However, Mines and Energy Minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said
several times the Indonesian government would honor the contract.
Recently, Keraf has been vocally criticizing foreign companies
accused of polluting the environment in Indonesia as well as local
companies such as pulp and rayon producer PT Inti Indorayon Utama
(P.IIU).
Indorayon's rayon plant in Porsea, North Sumatra was forced to close
in 1999 after violent protests over alleged pollution.
The company has repeatedly called for an independent audit to decide
whether t should be allowed to reopen, but the government has
dragged its feet after initially agreeing to the proposal.
Keraf said Friday the government hasn't made any decision on
Indorayon yet.
Indorayon is controlled by the Raja Garuda Mas group, which in turn
is held by the Tanoto family.
-------------------
Call for Probe of Freeport Indonesia by Independent Auditor
JAKARTA, March 3
Asia Pulse/Antara
An independent auditor should carry out due diligence of Freeport
Indonesia to put an end to controversies surrounding the US copper
and gold mining company, the Indonesian Transparency Community
(ITC).
ITC secretary Erry Riyana H. said due diligence would show the
company's financial contribution to Indonesia and the amount of
natural wealth it has taken away from the country.
Freeport Indonesia has been accused of colluding with government
officials in securing its contract of work. It has also been blamed
for causing extensive damage to the environment in its mining area
in Irian Jaya.
Legislators have called for a review of Freeport's contract as it
had failed to comply with its contract requiring it to divest part
of its shares to local partners.
The government, however, has assured the company that it would honor
the contract. The assurance came after a meeting between former US
Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and President Abdurrachman Wahid.
Kissinger said after the meeting that Indonesia should honor the
contract it has signed.
Freeport Indonesia started operation in Irian Jaya in 1968 on
contract of work under which it was required to divest part of its
shares to local partners, but under its latest contract it has no
obligation to work with a local partner based on a new regulation
allowing full ownerhip of company by foreign investors.
KABAR IRIAN ("Irian News")
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Date: 3/3/00 6:29:57 AM Central Standard Time
From: tapol@gn.apc.org (TAPOL)
To: reg.westpapua@gn.apc.org
NABIRE COOLING DOWN BUT A KEY EYEWITNESS DIED
Report ELS-HAM at 10:00 am
.
3 March 2000
After days of clashes between the security aparaturs (Brimob and military)
and the Papuans in Nabire West Papua since February 28 this morning (10:00)
3 March ELS-HAM's sources in nabire reported that the situation is now
calming down. "Today people walking around in the streets. Government
employees go to their offices, but not the school children yet. Merpati
flight to Nabire from Biak arrived this morning as scheduled, except cessna
flights to the interior of West Papua now stoped due to this tensed
situation, " says Mathius O, ELS-HAM's source in Nabire.
Despite this recovering situation of Nabire ELS-HAM's source in Nabire also
reported this morning that Mr. Willem Manimnwarba (27) a key eyewitness to
the shooting of Mr. Menase Erari (28) on 28 february insident who was shot
by the police yesterday (2 March) at Oyehe - Taman Gizi, Nabire where the
west papuan and indonesian flags flying died in the Nabire Hospital. As
ELS-HAM reported yesterday (2 March) Mr. Willem Manimnwarba was wounded by
the shootings that fired by Brimob and Yonif 753 troops who were on a
civilian ambullance and 6 army trucks.
When confirmed with docter Osok at Nabire Hospital this morning he said
that Mr. Willem Manimnwarba died because of bleeding from his wounds in the
left hand and right foot. "He died at 4:00 am at the hospital. He died
because of the bleeding from his wounds. We gave him anti-biotik and have
recommended him to be sent to Jayapura hospital today (3 March)," said
docter Osok.
Docter Osok also confirmed to ELS-HAM that a car from Farmachy Store Nabire
Hospital has been used by the securities (Brimob and military) to arrest
and torture people including shooting to the people that gathered near the
flag pole. "Because of this (the car being used by the security) our
employees under threats by the people," complained docter Osok. But he said
that the hospital never allowed the security to use their car.
With the death of Willem Manimnwarba ELS-HAM's sources in Nabire said that
if there isn't any urgent steps taken to coll down this situation there
would be hard to prevent violence to occur anytime.
For further information contact:
John Rumbiak, Supervisor
Lembaga Studi dan Advokasi Hak Asasi Manusia (ELS-HAM)
Institute for Human Rights Study and Advocacy (Ihrstad)
Jl. Kampus STTJ - Padang Bulan, Jayapura - West Papua
Tel/Fax: 62-967-581600; email: els-ham_irja@jayapura.wasantara.net.id
-----------------------------------------------------
Click here for Free Video!!
http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TAPOL, the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign
111 Northwood Road, Thornton Heath,
Surrey CR7 8HW, UK
Phone: 0181 771-2904 Fax: 0181 653-0322
email: tapol@gn.apc.org
Internet: www.gn.apc.org/tapol
Campaigning to expose human rights violations in
Indonesia, East Timor, West Papua and Aceh
26 years - and still going strong
Date: 3/3/00 3:50:14 PM Central Standard Time
From: tapol@gn.apc.org (TAPOL)
To: indonesia-act@igc.apc.org, reg.westpapua@gn.apc.org
Received from Joyo Indonesian News
also: Call for Probe of Freeport Indonesia by Independent Auditor; Send the
National Commission for Human Rights to Freeport; The government asks
concessions from Freeport
Indonesia Environment Min Wants A Review On Freeport
JAKARTA (Dow Jones/March 3)--Indonesian Environment Minister Sonny Keraf said
Friday the government should review the mining contract of gold and copper
miner PT Freeport Indonesia over its environmental record in connection to
its operations in the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya.
"Personally, I think the Freeport contract should be reviewed to (further
efforts to) conserve the environment (near its mining site)," he told
reporters.
Last week, Keraf said Freeport Indonesia, a unit of Freeport-McMoRan Copper &
Gold Inc. (FCX) of the U.S., was neglecting its obligations to conserve the
environment around its mine in Irian Jaya.
He said a recent audit of Freeport conducted by Montgomery Watson, which
largely praised the miner's environmental record, was incomplete because it
didn't cover the disposal of waste products and handling of toxic and
hazardous substances.
However, Mines and Energy Minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said several
times the Indonesian government would honor the contract.
Recently, Keraf has been vocally criticizing foreign companies accused of
polluting the environment in Indonesia as well as local companies such as
pulp and rayon producer PT Inti Indorayon Utama (P.IIU).
Indorayon's rayon plant in Porsea, North Sumatra was forced to close in 1999
after violent protests over alleged pollution.
The company has repeatedly called for an independent audit to decide whether
it should be allowed to reopen, but the government has dragged its feet after
initially agreeing to the proposal.
Keraf said Friday the government hasn't made any decision on Indorayon yet.
Indorayon is controlled by the Raja Garuda Mas group, which in turn is held
by the Tanoto family.
-------------------
Call for Probe of Freeport Indonesia by Independent Auditor
JAKARTA, March 3 Asia Pulse/Antara - An independent auditor should carry out
due diligence of Freeport Indonesia to put an end to controversies
surrounding the US copper and gold mining company, the Indonesian
Transparency Community (ITC).
ITC secretary Erry Riyana H. said due diligence would show the company's
financial contribution to Indonesia and the amount of natural wealth it has
taken away from the country.
Freeport Indonesia has been accused of colluding with government officials in
securing its contract of work. It has also been blamed for causing extensive
damage to the environment in its mining area in Irian Jaya.
Legislators have called for a review of Freeport's contract as it had failed
to comply with its contract requiring it to divest part of its shares to
local partners.
The government, however, has assured the company that it would honor the
contract. The assurance came after a meeting between former US Secretary of
State Henry Kissinger and President Abdurrachman Wahid.
Kissinger said after the meeting that Indonesia should honor the contract it
has signed.
Freeport Indonesia started operation in Irian Jaya in 1968 on contract of
work under which it was required to divest part of its shares to local
partners, but under its latest contract it has no obligation to work with a
local partner based on a new regulation allowing full ownerhip of company by
foreign investors.
-----------------
Kompas
Friday, 3 March 2000
Send the National Commission for Human Rights to Freeport
The government asks concessions from Freeport
Yogyakarta,
The Indonesian government decided to submit concessions from PT Freeport
Indonesia in relation with the Work Contract that is going on. The
concessions are chosen with considering profit and loss instead of reviewing
the contract. It is feared that that will exactly cause foreign investors to
transfer their investment. Thus said the Foreign Affairs minister Alwi Shihab
in Yogyakarta, Thursday (2/3).
If the Freeport Work Contract is canceled, it will create uncertainty of law.
This is harming for foreign investment, which we don't hope. we hope
concessions from Freeport. So correct what can be corrected and meets the
aspirations of the society," he said.
Regarding the draft of the concession that is being prepared, the Foreign
Affairs minister gave two possibilities, namely to leave it to Freeport to
plan it or through the former US Foreign Affairs minister Henry Kissinger who
is presently advisor for the president concerning matters with Freeport.
Meanwhile a university level instructor of the Economic Faculty of Gadjah
Mada University, Sri Adiningsih gave comment about the suspicion of
violations of human rights at the operation location of Freeport. That in
relation with information from former employees of Freeport that a group of
persons was put in a container and plunged into sea. That was already denied
by Freeport itself.
"The government must make a reevaluation, because the audit or investigation
either by the National Commission for Human Rights, the International Red
Cross, the diocese of Jayapura. the team of the US embassy and the Australian
Embassy was performed when the regime was not yet changed, so that there was
still a possibility to cover it up. Therefore is needed an independent
auditor or the National Commission for Human Rights should be sent again or
another independent investigator."
Clean business
At a separate place the chair person of the People's Advisory Assembly Amien
Rais stated that Indonesia didn't need to be anxious that foreign investors
would run away if clean business was implemented.
"If Indonesia is far from Corruption. Collusion or Nepotism they will
actually come here by throngs, said Amien. According to the general chairman
of the National Mandate Party the Indonesian nation has all this time
implemented its own logic that with not tinkering various working contracts
of foreign companies which clearly damaged the ecology and social order of
the local society, the foreign investors would come by throngs to Indonesia.
Whereas such a pattern is exactly causing more harm for the Indonesian nation
itself. Therefore, according to Amien, if the Indonesian business world
starts to change and doesn't implement KKN practices in business, foreign
investors will appreciate it and come to Indonesia to invest.
Regarding the intervention of the US in the PT Freeeport Indonesia (PT FI)
case, Amien Rais stated that Indonesia basically respects all Working
Contracts that were ever made, either on the oil and gas sector of the non
oil and gas sector.
But if during the Working Contract it proves that there are matters that
disturb the life of the people like damage of the environment as done by PT
FI. the Indonesian nation is entitled to correct it.
"Of course to correct in the direction of improvement, which doesn't mean to
cancel said Working Contract," said Amien.
The form of correction will be for instance how PT FI will account for the
damage of the ecology or how Indonesian citizens in the province of Papua
also get a proper portion of PT FI's profit.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TAPOL, the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign
111 Northwood Road, Thornton Heath,
Surrey CR7 8HW, UK
Phone: 0181 771-2904 Fax: 0181 653-0322
email: tapol@gn.apc.org
Internet: www.gn.apc.org/tapol
Campaigning to expose human rights violations in
Indonesia, East Timor, West Papua and Aceh
26 years - and still going strong
Date: 3/3/00 3:50:08 PM Central Standard Time
From: tapol@gn.apc.org (TAPOL)
To: reg.westpapua@gn.apc.org
Received from Joyo Indonesian News
Jakarta must respect Irian Jaya or lose it-governor
By Chris McCall
JAKARTA, March 3 (Reuters) - Pressure for independence is bound to grow in
Indonesia's restive Irian Jaya province if its people are treated as second
class citizens and its resources only benefit outsiders, its governor said on
Friday.
Rear Admiral Freddy Numberi said Jakarta should learn to meddle less in the
province's affairs, and the provincial government had to be given more
control over its own finances.
But he said it was still possible to convince the ordinary Irianese they were
better off in a reformed Indonesia, by improving their standard of living.
``Better welfare -- that is the question,'' he said. ``In Irian Jaya it is
not only the business, it is the human touch. That is more important than
everything. But if you touch them in the wrong way everything is rejected.''
A clean break must be made after 30 years of repression from Jakarta,
including investigating human rights abuses.
Irian Jaya, the western half of New Guinea, is Indonesia's easternmost
province and is one of several areas where demands for independence are
strong.
Armed separatists from the Free Papua Movement are fighting for an
independent state called West Papua. East Timor's bloody independence last
year has only strengthened pro-independence feelings.
In the latest violence, two tribesman were killed on Thursday and eight
wounded after Indonesian police opened fire to disperse an angry mob which
attacked a police headquarters in the town of Nabire, the official Antara
news agency reported.
Numberi said Jakarta's treatment of Irian Jaya compared poorly with that of
Dutch colonialists. In the past, anyone who questioned the status quo was
liable to be arrested, he said.
But if standards of living could be improved, Irianese could yet be persuaded
that their lives would be better within a reformed Indonesia than outside it,
Numberi said.
The main business operating there, PT Freeport Indonesia's hugely profitable
copper and gold mine, had failed badly by treating the region's indigenous
people as inferiors, he said.
Numberi, who also serves in the cabinet as minister for administrative reform
and is Irianese, cited the example of his nephew, who was paid less by
Freeport than American employees, despite having a degree from a U.S.
university.
Irianese wanted to feel that in the future their own people would be sitting
on the boards of companies like Freeport, controlled by U.S.-based Freeport
McMoRan Copper & Gold Ltd.
Numberi cited the enormous natural riches of Irian Jaya, including deposits
of uranium, gold, oil and gas, massive forests and fishing grounds as
examples of the region's potential.
With greater autonomy, the provincial government could ensure development
projects were completed rather than always having to await approval from
Jakarta.
He cited the failure in 30 years to build a road between two of the main
towns, Jayapura and Wamena, blaming it on delays in funding from the central
government.
``The problem is because everything is coming from Jakarta. The initiative is
coming from Jakarta but when the initiative is in the region, it is very
easy.''
Irian Jaya was incorporated into Indonesia in 1963 in controversial
circumstances, after heavy diplomatic pressure on the former colonial power,
the Netherlands.
In 1969, a U.N.-run plebiscite was held among local leaders which resulted in
a vote to join Indonesia. Its legality and fairness have been widely
disputed.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TAPOL, the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign
111 Northwood Road, Thornton Heath,
Surrey CR7 8HW, UK
Phone: 0181 771-2904 Fax: 0181 653-0322
email: tapol@gn.apc.org
Internet: www.gn.apc.org/tapol
Campaigning to expose human rights violations in
Indonesia, East Timor, West Papua and Aceh
26 years - and still going strong
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: 3/3/00 10:35:16 AM Central Standard Time
From: plovers@gn.apc.org (Tapol)
To: reg.westpapua@gn.apc.org, u.braun@xcc.de, slliem@xs4all.nl, taylorjb@vax.sbu.ac.uk
Subject: Indon Govt Report Blasts Freeport for Environmental Damage
Received from Joyo Indonesian News
also: Deforestation of national park sparks concern; and Australia to protect
RI reefs
Indonesian Observer
Feb 25, 2000
Report blasts Freeport for environmental damage
JAKARTA (IO) — Some 133,000 hectares of land in PT Freeport Indonesia's
mining concession in Irian Jaya have been seriously damaged and nearby rivers
have been polluted, says the Environmental Impact Assessment Agency (Bapedal).
"Of that figure, only 124 hectares have been rehabilitated by the company,"
head of the local Bapedal office, Ali Kastella, was quoted as saying by
Antara yesterday in the Irian Jaya capital of Jayapura. Bapedal recently
inspected Freeport's Tembagapura, Grasberg and Earsberg mines in Timika.
Kastella said the reclaimed area has been planted only with short lifespan
trees and plants, such as banana trees, pineapples and vegetables, which will
not bring long-term benefits to locals.
Such plants are also unlikely to firm the soil up and prevent landslides, he
added. Kastella said it would take Freeport a long time to reclaim the area.
"The company is too slow in taking measures that would prevent damage. It has
only reclaimed 124 hectares while the damaged area is very vast."
He expressed doubt in the company's promise to allocate US$100 million for
the reclamation and conservation of the environment.
Commenting on an audit on Freeport conducted by a firm from Montgomery,
Alabama, Kastella said it was rejected by the government because it failed to
reveal the extent of damage done to Irian Jaya's ecosystem. Nor did it
adequately explain what Freeport has done to overcome the problems, he added.
However, he said the US auditing company has recommended that Freeport check
the groundwater in Tembagapura, the center of the company's operations, as it
could have been polluted when Freeport drained Lake Wanagon.
Head of the auditing team, Alan Klause, on Tuesday said the groundwater being
used by residents of Mimika district could have been contaminated by water
from the lake.
Freeport promised to check the water quality, but Kastella said it may not
bother to do so until its contract of work expires. He also said the
company's policy of providing scholarships to 5,000 students as an act of
goodwill to further educate the natives is nothing but a ploy to win support.
"In 1996 and 1997 we received a donation of Rp41.1 billion [US$5.5 million]
for the studies of students, but in 1999 we got only Rp4.7 billion
[US$630,000] because they said [gold] sales decreased. But the purchasing
power of a billion rupiah in 1999 was much lower than in 1996, and the
company never put that it into consideration."
--------------
Indonesian Observer
25th February 2000
Deforestation of national park sparks concern
JAKARTA (IO) — Legislators yesterday expressed outrage over the systematic
clearance of over 13,800 hectares of rainforest in East Kalimantan's Kutai
National Park.
The rainforest was destroyed to make way for plantations, said Djafar Sidik,
head of a six-member team from the House of Representatives' commission on
agriculture that recently inspected the national park.
Kutai National Park covers a total of 198,604 hectares and is home to various
endangered species, including the orangutan, wild ox and Sambar deer.
Sidik said the team will soon present its findings to the government, Antara
reported.
East Kalimantan administration spokesman Arifin Saidi said the total area of
damage in the park is estimated at 100,000 hectares, and is continuing at a
rate of 10 hectares every day.
He said the provincial administration has proposed that 15,000 hectares of
the park be given to the Forestry Ministry to be converted into a
resettlement site for l3,000 people.
----------------
Indonesian Observer
Feb 25, 2000
Australia to protect RI reefs
JAKARTA (IO) — The Australian government has allocated a fund of A$8.2
million (Rp36.9 billion) for the rehabilitation and conservation of
Indonesia's coral reefs.
The importance of preserving the vast archipelago's reefs was recognized
yesterday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by
Australian Ambassador John McCarthy and Indonesian Institute of Sciences
(LIPI) Chairman Soefjan Stauri.
In a press release, the Australian Embassy said the fund will come from the
Australian government's aid agency, AusAID, for a three-year Coral Reef
Rehabilitation and Management Project (COREMAP).
The MoU also emphasizes the commitment of both governments to sustainable
coral reef management.
Indonesia's coral reefs are vital ecological and productive assets. The
protection and management of these reefs is central to fisheries, tourism,
natural heritage conservation and shoreline protection.
However, the reefs are under threat from pollution, mining and destructive
fishing practices.
Australia has extensive experience in coral reef management — much of it
gained through lessons learned in the management of the world's largest coral
reef, the Great Barrier Reef, which is located off the coast of Australia's
Queensland state.
The project in Indonesia will focus on training and "capacity building". A
specific project in Kupang Bay, eastern Indonesia, will work with communities
to strengthen local planning and management of coral reef resources, as well
as surveillance and enforcement of regulations.
The pilot project aims to improve the livelihoods of locals through
sustainable management of the reef and coastal zone and the development of
alternative income generating activities.
The Australian-funded project is part of a broader coral reef management
program co-financed by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the
Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Indonesian
government.
The COREMAP program aims to improve the management of coral reef systems
through developing community-based management, research and monitoring,
public awareness and law enforcement.
In a recent television interview here, Maritime Exploration Minister Sarwono
Kusumaatmadja said that of the country's 60,000 square kilometers of coral
reefs, only about 6% is in good condition.
**************************************************
Paul Barber
TAPOL, the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign,
25 Plovers Way, Alton Hampshire GU34 2JJ
Tel/Fax: 1420 80153
Email: plovers@gn.apc.org
Internet: www.gn.apc.org/tapol
Defending victims of oppression in Indonesia,
East Timor, West Papua and Aceh, 1973-1999
Date: 3/3/00 9:58:26 AM Central Standard Time
From: admin@irja.org
Sender: owner-kabar-irian@irja.org
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National News
Security Situation To Return To Normal Soon, Says President
Thursday, March 02, 2000/9:09:09 PM
Jakarta, March 2 (ANTARA)
President Abdurrahman Wahid has expressed confidence that the
conflicts in such provinces as Maluku, Aceh, Irian Jaya and West
Kalimantan will be over and the security situation in the country
return to normal soon.
"I want to see the situation return to normal in the near future,"
the President told tens of Dutch businessmen who met him here
Thursday.
He expressed optimism that all the conflicts will be solved in the
near future.
"Admittedly, acts of violence still occur there. But I can assure
you the problems are now in their final stages of settlement," he
said.
He said the security situation in the country's easternmost province
of Irian Jaya had become tense apparently because local figure Tom
Bienal no longer held a seat in the provincial legislative assembly
(DPRD). Tom Bienal was three times elected member of the legislative
assembly.
"I have said, if necessary, Tom Bienal will be appointed MPR
(People`s Consultative Assembly) member," the President said.
He said the security authorities had once banned Tom Bienal from
serving as member of the board of commissioners of copper and gold
mining company PT Freeport Indonesia.
But he added to prevent the question from dragging on, Tom Bienal
should be appointed member of the company's board of commissioners.
In the meantime, the Dutch businessmen expressed the hope that the
Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) would be transparent and
have exact schedules on the sale of assets from companies whose
managements had been put under the agency's control.
Also present at the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Economy,
Finance and Industry Kwik Kian Gie, Chairman of the Indonesian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Aburizal Bakrie, Chairman of the
National Business Development (DPUN) Sofyan Wanandi.
KABAR IRIAN ("Irian News")
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Date: 3/3/00 9:58:11 AM Central Standard Time
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Indonesian Observer
March 2, 2000
Rais rejects Kissinger=92s statement
JAKARTA (IO) =97 Speaker of the People=92s Consultative Assembly (MPR)
Amien Rais has rejected a statement by former US Secretary of State
Henry Kissinger that foreign investors would not come to Indonesia
if the country reviews business deals with giant copper and mining
company PT Freeport Indonesia.
Rais said he believes foreign investors will be enthusiastic about
Indonesia if the government seriously tries to uphold the supremacy
of law.
=93In contrast to the opinion of Kissinger, I think foreign investors
will come if we seriously uphold clean business and clean work
contracts,=94 Rais told reporters after inaugurating new members of
MPR at Parliament in Jakarta yesterday.
Leading environmental group, the Indonesian Forum for the
Environment (Walhi), said Kissinger=92s statement was a form of
=93intimidation=94 against the Indonesian government considering that
Freeport Indonesia was accused of pollution in Irian Jaya, where the
company is based.
=93We, Walhi, strongly protest against Kissinger=92s statement because
it sounds like intimidation. We think his statement is unethical and
bullying and ignores the democratization process now underway in the
country,=94 said a statement signed by Walhi leader Emmy Hafild.
Kissinger is a member of the board of directors of Freeport=92s parent
company, Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold Inc.
The former US Secretary of State said Indonesia should respect
working contracts it signed with Freeport, otherwise no foreign
investor would come to Indonesia.
Rais said when Kissinger was suggesting that Indonesia should not
review business deals with the giant copper and mining company PT
Freeport Indonesia, he was speaking in his capacity as commissioner
of the company.
=93But, I think there is a higher institution than a work contract,
namely the court,=94 he said.
Referring to similar cases in the electricity sector, Rais said any
allegation over possible corrupt practices should be brought to
court.
=93If it is proven that the company conducted corrupt practices, the
US Anti-Corruption Law demands penalties for those proven guilty,=94
he said.
Touching on PT Freeport Indonesia, Rais said we must evaluate
whether or not there is an element of corruption, collusion, and
nepotism (KKN) in Freeport. The MPR Speaker said we must review
whether there is environmental damage, over exploitation, or a high
social cost caused by PT Freeport.
=93If the anwer is yes, there are many disadvantages with Freeport,
then it must be brought to court. It will be fairer,=94 he said.
Rais suggested that Walhi should seriously find out indications of
corrupt practices carried out by PT Freeport Indonesia.
=93Then, the data should be reported to the US government. And the US
government will cooperate with Indonesia to assess the complaints of
people,=94 he said.
He also said he disagrees with President Abdurrahman =91Gus Dur=92 Wahid
=92s move appointing former US State Secretary Henry Kissinger as his
advisor, saying that Indonesia needs no advisors from foreign
countries.
=93We will reject them because we are an independent state. We need no
Henry Kissinger, Goh Chok Tong, Ghadaffi, or Khatami from Iran. I
think Gus Dur was only pretending,=94 Rais said. .
KABAR IRIAN ("Irian News")
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday, March 2 11:04 AM SGT
Indonesia May Take Freeport to Court If Found Corrupt
JAKARTA, March 2 Asia Pulse
US gold and copper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia may be
brought to court if it proves to have committed corruptive and
collusive practices in winning its work contract, People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairman Amien Rais said Wednesday.
"According to the US Anti-Corruption Act, a company may be fined or
punished if it is proven involved in corruption and collusion in its
business or investment activities in foreign countries," he said.
Rais' statement came two days after former US foreign minister Henry
Kissinger made a statement calling on Indonesia to respect
Freeport's work contract.
The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) on Wednesday issued
a strong protest against Kissinger's threat and accused him of
having used power to pressure Indonesia.
Regarding Kissinger's statement, Rais said Kissinger fully
represented Freeport not the US government because "he holds no
government posts at all."
Rais supported Walhi's stand urging it to further investigate
indications of corruption and collusion in Freeport's working
contract.
If the company proved to have committed such practices, this had to
be reported to the US government so that a court could be jointly
set up by the US and Indonesian governments to deal with the case,
he said.
He said in the present era of democratization, the government's
position did not always have to prevail and conversely, the people's
views were not always wrong.
"If the government is right, the people should listen to it. On the
other hand, if the people are right, the government should do what
the people want," he said.
-- (ANTARA)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kompas
Friday, 3 March 2000
Send the National Commission for Human Rights to Freeport
-- The government asks concessions from Freeport
Yogyakarta, Kompas Online
The Indonesian government decided to submit concessions from PT
Freeport Indonesia in relation with the Work Contract that is going
on. The concessions are chosen with considering profit and loss
instead of reviewing the contract. It is feared that that will
exactly cause foreign investors to transfer their investment. Thus
said the Foreign Affairs minister Alwi Shihab in Yogyakarta,
Thursday (2/3).
If the Freeport Work Contract is canceled, it will create
uncertainty of law. This is harming for foreign investment, which we
don't hope. we hope concessions from Freeport. So correct what can
be corrected and meets the aspirations of the society," he said.
Regarding the draft of the concession that is being prepared, the
Foreign Affairs minister gave two possibilities, namely to leave it
to Freeport to plan it or through the former US Foreign Affairs
minister Henry Kissinger who is presently advisor for the president
concerning matters with Freeport.
Meanwhile a university level instructor of the Economic Faculty of
Gadjah Mada University, Sri Adiningsih gave comment about the
suspicion of violations of human rights at the operation location of
Freeport. That in relation with information from former employees of
Freeport that a group of persons was put in a container and plunged
into sea. That was already denied by Freeport itself.
"The government must make a reevaluation, because the audit or
investigation either by the National Commission for Human Rights,
the International Red Cross, the diocese of Jayapura. the team of
the US embassy and the Australian Embassy was performed when the
regime was not yet changed, so that there was still a possibility to
cover it up. Therefore is needed an independent auditor or the
National Commission for Human Rights should be sent again or another
independent investigator."
Clean business
At a separate place the chair person of the People's Advisory
Assembly Amien Rais stated that Indonesia didn't need to be anxious
that foreign investors would run away if clean business was
implemented.
"If Indonesia is far from Corruption. Collusion or Nepotism they
will actually come here by throngs, said Amien. According to the
general chairman of the National Mandate Party the Indonesian nation
has all this time implemented its own logic that with not tinkering
various working contracts of foreign companies which clearly damaged
the ecology and social order of the local society, the foreign
investors would come by throngs to Indonesia.
Whereas such a pattern is exactly causing more harm for the
Indonesian nation itself. Therefore, according to Amien, if the
Indonesian business world starts to change and doesn't implement KKN
practices in business, foreign investors will appreciate it and come
to Indonesia to invest.
Regarding the intervention of the US in the PT Freeeport Indonesia
(PT FI) case, Amien Rais stated that Indonesia basically respects
all Working Contracts that were ever made, either on the oil and gas
sector of the non oil and gas sector.
But if during the Working Contract it proves that there are matters
that disturb the life of the people like damage of the environment
as done by PT FI. the Indonesian nation is entitled to correct it.
"Of course to correct in the direction of improvement, which doesn't
mean to cancel said Working Contract," said Amien.
The form of correction will be for instance how PT FI will account
for the damage of the ecology or how Indonesian citizens in the
province of Papua also get a proper portion of PT FI's profit.
Amien Rais evaluated the need to give a special incentive for the
Papua people who are living in a big contrast compared with the
workers from PT FI with their profit from gold, silver and
copper.(*)
KABAR IRIAN ("Irian News")
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received from IRIAN-L
Papuan Legislators Meet House of Assembly
Translated by Amunggut Tabi, PNG
Source: Henky Jokhu, Jakarta
Tuesday, December 21, 1999
Literal Translation by A. Tabi
(Vanimo Jungle, Tuesday 21, 1999)
I. I am reporting now regarding the delegation of the House People's
Representative of Irian Jaya (colonial name for West Papua) called the DPRD
Tk. I chaired by its Chairman, Nathaniel Kaiway, SH and the "Team-100 PB"
(West Papuan Political Team Promoting Dialogue with the Indonesian
Government), led by Rev. H. Awom, S.Th, met the Head of Indonesia's House of
People's Representative (MPR RI), Prof. Dr Amin Rais, MA with his vice
Chairman Let. Gen. TNI Harry Sabarno, while West Papua delegation was
complete with 20 people, Team-10 (a Broaden Forum of the Team-100), consist
of Rev. Awom, Thom Beanal (One of the tribal leaders and chairman of
Team-100), Willy Mandowen, MA (Executive secretary of the FORERI, that
facilitated Team-100 to meet Habibie, on 26th April 1999), Ms B.
Koibur-Rumbino, Rev Mnusifer, M. Werimon, J. Awi, Saul Bomay (OPM/TPN
Leader), T. M. Al-Habid, A. Olua.
Points of Dialogue:
1. The aspiration for independent West Papua is 90%. West Papua people had
enjoyed their independence but Indonesia invaded West Papua. We are
demanding Indonesia to respond to our demand for the right of the people.
The MPR is the highest body that represent the people in Indonesia, and
therefore, we are asking a wise and comprehensive consideration and solution
to the problems in Irian Jaya.
2. The bad memories of Indonesia colonisation during 36 years towards
minority tribes in Papua land have caused sufferings, suffering in building
up the unity, united to demand for freedom. From these long sufferings, we
Papuans are now solidly united and asking for our basic rights. We cannot
manipulate or ignore it anymore.
3. The government need to quickly investigate and put on trials those who
violated human rights in Irja since May 1, 1963 until December 2nd, 1999,
which has cased hundreds of thousands of Papuan's lives. These prices can
not be paid back by just offering autonomy etc. Papuans do not have any
trust to the Indonesia government anymore. The only way is by giving back
our independent, through logical and comprehensive mechanisms, through
peaceful negotiations and dialogues based on justice, peace, honesty, truth,
transparency, equality and harmony.
4. To establish a Dialogue Team to correct the history of Papua people by
involving various parties, starting from local, national and international
levels so that we can put the core of the problems regarding Wet Papua on a
rational proportion, aspirative, constructive in order to help the people of
West Papua as a nation and as a people that has the basic rights to live as
human beings.
5. Two concepts being developed at the moment: First, developing the people
of Irian Jaya to reach the prosperity in socio-culture, economy, law. And
Second, to develop a dialogue which is constructive, starting from local
level, and then to national and international levels that consist of
Historical, Political , Socio-cultural and Human Rights aspects.
The material of the demand of the people in West Papua was submitted of the
Chairman of the DPRD TK. I Irian Jaya to the head of the House of
Representative (MPR RI) in Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Amin Rais, MA
The Comments of Mr Rais are as follows:
1. The problem regarding Irian Jaya or West Papua is serious and
fundamental, it needs dialogue and consensus for the sake of justice,
humanity and prosperity;
2. The cases of Irian Jaya are ours, they are sensitive, multidimensional,
should be handled with justice and dialogue;
3. Reformation has opened our mind and heart to see all things correctly;
4. The key words in the dialogue today, "The Dialogues started by previous
President BJ Habibie, should be followed up at the national and
international level. The process of dialogue is very important."
The Comments from the Vice Chairmen of the MPR RI, Harri Sabarno:
1. Irian Jaya will be given a special autonomy based on the MPR Decree 1999,
therefore, dialogue will be done, while the substance of special autonomy
should be carried out. However, the constitutions for this sort of
implementation have not yet been completed.
2. The facts regarding the Act of Free Choice (In Indonesian it is called
Penentuan Pendapat Rakyat -PEPERA) that we have with the information about
it are slightly different from the information and explanation from the
delegation and Team-10's that were given just now to us.
Notes:
A. This meeting with the MPR (Indonesia's House of Commons) is particularly
important and useful. The substance of problems related to West Papua were
exposed by the competent leaders of West Papua such as the Head of the DPR
RI Irian Jaya, N. Kaiway, J. Ibo, Abd Hakin, Mrs Wanggober, L. Imbiri, as
well as the Team-10: Tom Beanal, Willy Mandowen, Rev. H. Awom, Mrs Koibur.
It was a shame, only the VOA and Netherlands Radio covered this event, no
single TV crew was around.
B. Provocateurs from Jakarta slipped in with 3 people, pretending to be
representative from Irian Jaya, with the intention to disturb the meetings.
They are Frans Ansanai, Daniel Wanda and Boy Tato. The same pattern were
implemented by them with that had happened on February 26, 1999 at the
Presidential Palace.
Thank you very much,
Signed,
Henky, Jakarta
KABAR IRIAN ("Irian News")
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Date: 3/3/00 9:58:08 AM Central Standard Time
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>From mutu@earthlink.net Thu Mar 2 15:26:42 2000
Reply-To: "Margie Ulsh"
From: "Margie Ulsh"
To: "Mutu"
Subject: Irian News - 3/2/00
Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 17:18:52 -0500
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Thursday, March 2 5:12 PM SGT
Warning shots fired as police attempt to clear streets in Irian Jaya
JAKARTA, March 2 (AFP)
Warning shots were fired on Thursday as mobs attempted to prevent
police from clearing barricades from the streets in a town in
Indonesia's easternmost province of Irian Jaya, police said.
"They were only warning shots, as many people were preventing
members from the Brimob (police mass-control brigade) from clearing
the streets of obstacles and makeshift barricades around Oyehee
(area) at about noon," a policeman on duty at the Nabire district
police office said.
The policeman, who identified himself as Sergeant Wayan, said no one
was injured in the incident and that the mobs had again erected
obstacles on the streets after the incident.
But the Institute for the Study and Advocacy of Human Rights
(Elsham) in Jayapura, the main city of Irian Jaya some 560
kilometres (360 miles) west of Nabire, said that one man was injured
in the shooting.
Wellem Manimbara, 32, was shot in the hands and was currently under
treatment at the state hospital in Nabire, an Elsham report reaching
here said.
However the report did not say how serious the injury was and the
hospital could not be immediately reached for confirmation.
The incident followed a shooting in Nabire on February 28 which left
two demonstrators killed, shot dead by security personnel, Wayan
said.
Elsham said three people were shot dead in that incident.
On Wednesday, a mob of some 2,000 people, many armed with knives,
machetes and bows and arrows, attacked the district police
headquarters in Nabire, leaving one of the attackers injured.
Some 50 people had attacked a Brimob barracks in Nabire, on Monday
and troops opened fire to stop the mobs from entering the compound.
Irian Jaya has seen rising calls for independence since the fall of
former president Suharto in May 1998. Separatists are demanding an
independent West Papua state in Irian Jaya.
A Free Papua state was declared by Irian Jaya leaders while the
territory was still a Dutch colony on December 1, 1961.
Indonesia claimed Dutch New Guinea as its 26th province and renamed
it Irian Jaya in 1963 -- a move recognised by the United Nations in
1969.
But the people of the province, which shares a land border with
independent Papua New Guinea, consider themselves closer to the
Melanesian people of the South Pacific than the Malays dominating in
Indonesia.
A peoples' congress held over the weekend in Jayapura rejected the
1969 act of free choice, saying that only 1,000 people were
consulted.
KABAR IRIAN ("Irian News")
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