News From Free Papua Movement OPM/TPN
23 men woman and children, who were innocent advocates of their of their
flag, were taken prisoners, at 3.am local time by the indonesian military
machine. These unarmed political prisoners add there names to the already long
list of disappeared and still held without trial, native Papua's, who's only
crimes have been the un-armed defence of their culture.
They are:
1/ YEHUDA SEROUTOP
2/ ANDREAS PICJAI
3/ PELIPUS PEKEY
4/ YULIANUS PEKEY
5/ HERUMELINA FELLE
6/ ALEX BARUNSANO
7/ JOJO AWOM
8/ JEMI DOYAFO
9/ YUNUS YABI
10/ DARIM DANYA
11/ NICO WANYGOBER
12/ OSKAR W. MAY
13/ ISACK AYONI
14/ JUSUF KAFIAR
15/ YAKOB KAFIAR - 8 YEAR OLD SON OF JUSUF
sorry these are all the names available at present - remember there are
another 8 un-know at this time.
That and the 5 main members of the PPC (Papua Presidium Council) are also
being detained, without charge and expect to be until the 20th of December, as
provided for in the indo constitution. To assist in their well being and early
release, please, contact the chief of police, MR DAUD SIHOMBING. SH at
KAPOLRES (POLICE STATION) JAYAPURA. and protest in the strongest possible
term. Clearly informing them that the world is watching. Office Tel: +62 967
531014 Office Fax: +62 967 533763 Home: +62 967 531015
Further information can be obtained from the commander and chief of SAGAS
(Papua defence Force)
COMMANDER ROBERT TAIMAI
SAGAS PURAT
PENIS GOURD ASSEMBLY
TEL: +62 967 5372127 IN JAYAPURA, CAPITAL OF WEST PAPUA
All of you will be pleased to hear that the threatened violence did not
happen, at least during the day light hours when the worlds media were
present. I would like to add, that does not mean it will not, in the coming
hours or days. The situation, as of this moment, 9:00pm, is the flag in the
main square in Jayapura is still flying, though some now believe that will
only last until 6:00am, when the deadline for the indonesian falls.
For the moment I will recap on the days very tense, but also joyful events.
The square, was. for the most part, full of Papuan's, with full battle dress
riot police, armed with automatic weapons at every entry point to the square.
Speeches, prays and singing all created a peaceful carnival atmosphere. It was
incredible to see, no fear, from any of the man woman and children present.
Even though clear to me they were were in grave danger. Each speaker asked the
Papuans, if they wanted the flag taken down and in a unanimous and resounding
defiance of the indonesian order, they, time after time shouted back "no, no,
no. Freedom to Papua (Papua Merdeka)"
Interestingly all but one had anything close to traditional dress on. A
clear sign of the devastating effects missionaries have had. The fact was,
that even though there was quite a number of highlanders present, the bulk,
were lowlanders. Or those most exposed to the trappings of the modern world. A
point I raised with a few, with the answer being "oh that is old fashioned"
Clear sign to me that the culture has already been eroded to the point that
social peer pressure now counts for more than the traditional culture. A
classic first sign of the dire effects of christian based indoctrination.
At about 9.30pm, the Police all withdraw, leaving the SAGAS (wP defence
force) to take up their positions. The town remains heaving with Papuan's, all
determined to not have their flag taken down. Though in carnival sprit, they
know there safety is threatened, but that is the case on a daily basis, when
living under such a desperate regime, like indonesia.
NEWS FLASH 1.00am
The military came in with force, taking the place of the police. 50 tribesman
from Wamena and some SAGAS inter-linked arms around the flag pole. The
indonesian army, with automatic weapons threatened them, that the flag must
now be taken down by 3.00am. And so the stand off continues, with the deadline
ever closer. I am returning to town shortly to gather further video footage.
The predicted bloodshed, is still I'm afraid very likely to occur.
rains
Pro
Jakarta Village Leaders Successfully Recruited.
CEB Reporting from Port Numbay)
We received a phone call today from Wamena, saying that Indonesia has
mobilised village leaders lead by Nico Huby, the younger brother of current
Baliem Regent (Bupati). The army (KOSTRAD) and village leaders from Baliem
Valley (there are many valleys in Baliem Valley) met yesterday and discussed
possible actions to support Indonesia. The meeting concluded that these
village leaders will lead their tribal troops and fight against other Papuans
fighting for independence. The independence supporters suspect Indonesia has
given a large amount of money, most of them from a Crash Programme launched by
the Indonesian government for year 2000.=20
The money from the Crash Programme has been largely misused by Indonesian
officials to fund militia activities (i.e., purchase arms, supply arms, pay
the militia groups, etc.). Only small amount of the money was reported used
according to the openly acknowledged purpose, i.e., economic development. For
Wamena Regency only, a total money of 28 million rupiahs was given, and most
of the money are used to fund the militia activities. The house of
representatives in Wamena had questioned Bupati for the use of money, but they
were not allowed to ask such a question by the military.
After the meeting the houses of the village leaders are now well-guarded by
Indonesian army from Kostrad; five army members for each house. Nico Huby in
Wesaput got 5 army members guarding his house today. The same thing happen to
Hurubit Huby in Gunung Susu Village, Eliarek Huby, in Holima village, Theo
Huby at Pikhe Bridge. There main bridges are also guarded by the military from
today; - Pikhe Bridge, Elagaima Bridge, and Wouma Bridge. Wouma is the village
that attacked the Indonesia police on October 6, where 42 civilians and 8
police were killed.
According to a "Top Secret Document" release by Reuters Nov. 26 by Terry
Friel revealed Jakarta is now recruiting East Timor style militia groups and
this will probably end until May 2001. Village level militia activities are
encouraged by the document, and the fact is that some villages are not the
strongholds of the White-and-Red Task Force. A local independence leader said,
"We let them to do what they want. But West Papua independence is certain. No
one can say 'No!' to it. The important thing is we know that they are Papuans,
and we will never blame them for what they are doing right now. Finally, they
will understand whether or not they are correct."
Thu, 23 Nov 2000 Dear all,
- The USA resumed its military relation, which means Indonesia can use arms
to kill Papuans in West Papua, no one will get angry at Indonesian
anymore.
- At the same time, the British Hawks is now being shipped to Indonesia,
due to arrive in Indonesia by December 2000.
- Today, at 09:00 am Papua time, 3 hercules aircraft full with Indonesian
army were dropped into Baliem Valley of Kurulu sub-District. The parachutes
were dropped through the hercules, witnessed by the tribal people. What is
Indonesia doing? It wants to threaten tribal people here. More than 8,000
troops have been deployed to Wamena Regency only. (see photos)
- At the same time, tribal people in Wamena are not scared at all. They are
even happy that Indonesia is getting more stupid. The use of modern arms and
troops have created more problems than solutions in West Papua, East Timor,
Acheh and Molucas. This New Order (Suharto) approach should be left behing.
Since 1998, Papuans have been asking for a meaningful dialogue with Jakarta,
by Indonesia has been stuborn to open its hearts for a dialogue. Where will
the issue end up? I think when more civilians are killed in West Papua, then
Indonesia will be forced to say "YES!!" to dialgoues.
- West Papua will announce its independence by December 1, 2000. The plan
is sorted. The only problem now is there will be war and bloodshed in main
cities all over Papua. Will the world repeat its past mistake, by letting
more bloodsheds and then too late to act to safe our face? There will be no
one telling such stories to come like I am telling now. And if we want to
help, the time is now to warn Indonesia NOT TO REPEAT THEIR PAST MISTAKES.
Killing civilians and tribal people is not humane. Papuans are not at war
with Indonesia. THey are just telling the world, "This is our land, and we
want to be in our own, peacefully here, without rape, without intimidation,
without murder, etc.etc."
There is a very important meeting today. The participants are those who
want independence in West Papua this year. Where is the Presidium Council?
These people suspected that the PDP has signed a document for a wider-autonomy
in West Papua within Indonesia, and they are not happy about it, because the
people's aspirations has been one and clear enough: THEY WANT INDEPENDENCE BY
THIS YEAR. While Indonesia is supplying tanks, jet fighters, and Kopassus
troops (special forces) into the gound. Yesterday two batallions were reported
deployed in addition to more than 700 Jihad Troops, more than 8,000 army
troops, more than 6,000 police plus the troops in Papua before.
Indonesia also trained militia groups in West Papua. It is not so difficult
to predict that there will be another Dilli Massacre in Port Numbay, the
capital of West Papua, next month. West Papuans have announced that: 1.
Refugees from Sentani should take refuge in the Walter Post Theological
College campus and its vicinity in Post 7, Sentani 2. Refugees from Abepura
should take refuge in Cenderawasih University (Uncen) Campus and other
campuses around Uncen Campus. 3. Refugees from Port Numbay should take refuge
at the Papua governor building and arund. 4. Places for journalists and
foreign observers are around the PNG Consulate General Office, i.e., Dafonsoro
dan Yasmin Hotels. There area will be safe from any attach by the Papuans.
This was a letter that Demmak sent to the missionary organisatiosn working
in WP so that they do not repeat their past mistake, i.e., leaving the Papuans
die on the hands of the INdonesian military and then return after the
situation calms down, this is not what the mission and vision of the
missionary organisations.
THANKS, SK
The Penis Gourds People's Assembly Council Spokesperson for Foreign
Affairs
Port Numbay, 25 October 2000
URGENT ACTION ALERT FOR WEST PAPUA SITUATION
To: The Members of Missionaries Working in West Papua
Dear Sirs, To prevent the repetition of the past mistake, i.e.,
missionaries leave the Papuans being killed by the Indonesian army and then
return after they surrender, the Penis Gourds People's Assembly Council
(Demmak) would like to ask all members of missionary organisations serving in
West Papua to help us with the following points:
- We are asking you all to pray for all Papuans, for Indonesians and for
everybody of us so that God may protect us in current circumstance.
- We are asking members of the missionary organisations to report to your
countries about what is happening in West Papua. If you regard yourselves as
the shepherds, then telling your countries about murders in West Papua and
staying with us is part of the job. We believe that all Papuans believe in
Jesus and God Trinity and there is no way to change this. The only problem
now is that the Christians are now treated brutally and we are asking
missionaries to help us by telling your countries about the reality. Telling
reality is not a sin, it is not forbidden, and we believe it is part of your
service.
- If anyone of you leaves this island in this emergency situation, it tells
us that you do not care about other humans and the Christians here. You care
only about yourselves. We demand that those who are leaving West Papua in
this situation MUST NOT RETURN after the situation calms down. We want
missionaries who want to serve the Lord in every circumstance. We will do
whatever we can to refuse any missionary who leaves West Papua now and then
comes back after peace is settled. We curse missionaries that want to serve
the Lord in Paradise but not in this messy world.
- All Papuans who live in Port Numbay and its vicinity will not leave their
homes. We are not fighting against TRUTH, but LIES. Papuans are fighting for
the TRUTH, to prove that we are innocent from the beginning until now. All
Papuans here will not take refuge in the jungles or in PNG. They will all be
staying in Post 7, Sentani and around. We are asking you to tell your
countries and your people about this. There will be a great number of
refugees in the jungles, villages and towns.
Any query, please contact: skaroba@yahoo.com read our news at:
http://www.westpapua.net and http://www.westpapua.org.uk
Thanks very much. God bless you.
Yours sincerely in solidarity,
signed
Sem Karoba Rev. Timothy Wanimbo Benny Wenda
17 Oct 2000
Today, Tuesday 17 October 2000, a meeting was held between the Papua
Presidium Council and the Commander of the Papua Police and Army with PApua
Governor. The meeting discussed in depth on whether or not to lower down the
Papuan FlagL: The Morning Star.
Presidium Council asked the Indonesian officials in Papua to sign a peace
deal to avoid further violations of human rights in Papua, but both the
Commanders of Police and Army refused and strongly indicated that they are
going to take down the Morning Star with force or repressive measures. They
will of course kill more people here.
Theys Eluway stated that he will be sitting on his flag from early morning
on Thurds 19 OCt. and he is ready to be shot at first for the sake of the
Flag.
THE WAR IS STARTING on Thursday, 19 October 2000.
WE ARE INVITING INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS, JOURNALISTS FROM TVs, PAPERS and
RADIOS TO COME AND WITNESS THIS BLOODY EVENT TO HAPPEN IN TWO DAYS TIME. We
guarantee fully the safety of journalists and observers. We will do whatever
we can to protect you as human beings. To voice another East Timor bloodshed,
please do help us.
In the name of those who have died and who will die on Thursday this
week.
Yours in solidarity
7 Oct 2000
Wamena: In today's war: 24 Indonesians were killed with bows and arrows, 3
Papuans were shot with modern weapons. (Wamena, October 7, 2000, CEB Reporting
from Baliem.)
More lives are taken today, but surprisingly more Indonesians than the
Papuans. 24 Indonesians were killed, including members of the army and police,
according to our source today. While the Indonesian police shot dead 3 Papuans
in the second-day war in Wamena, Baliem Valley. According our interview with
A.E. an American witnessing the war there since yesterday, most of the Papuans
were shot at their back, which means they were shot not when they were
fighting the police, but when they were running away from the modern weapons.
Asked if he is scared about the war and that he tries to get away from the
Papuans, he said, "I feel more secure with the Papuans. They protect me very
well. They feed me, they treat me like one of them. They are more humane than
the Indonesians. The Indonesia police are shooting everywhere. They do not
care whom they are shooting. They shoot trees, houses, dogs, Indonesians,
Papuans, birds, anything and anyone. This is brutal!"
Two battalions of army are deployed today to Wamena, to secure the
situation. They have two missions, according to our source. First of all, they
want to back up the Papuans to fight against the police. Last month, the
Commander of the army (Danramil) of Port Numbay town was shot by the police.
Following this, the police also shot Johan Sawaky, a student at law faculty of
Cenderawasih University because the police suspected him as a member of the
army. Early this year, there was a war between the army and police in Timika,
which caused the Danramil of Timika injured. The war between Indonesian air
force, Indonesian navy, Indonesian infantry with the Indonesian police is
apparent. They are fighting everywhere in Indonesia. Papuans are receiving the
impacts of the internal war of the army and police.
The second mission is to secure the territory from any attack from the Free
Papua Movement's West Papua National Liberation Army. They want to criminalise
this purely political issue. They want punish the police commander and isolate
the political issue to become a local issue only. (Please read our analytical
article on: The roots of war in Wamena!")
The people have suffered a lot. About 300,000 of Papuans have lost their
lives because of Indonesian invasion and occupation since 1963. They are
saying, "Finish us all, do not leave the rest of us alive. We will take
revenge. It is better kill us all." Tonight is probably the last night in
their life's history for some of the highlanders. They have dedicated their
lives to the independence movement. They are competing to die. They are
queuing up, waiting their turn to die. Their motto is this: "We are born to
die!" There is no way, we will all die. To die in wars is worth-wile than to
die because of sickness. These are not only words, these are facts. Four of
them died today, they are looking forward to die tomorrow? Is this a weird
reality? No, this is normal. They died for almost 40 years. They know that
they will die for another century. They cannot just wait to die on the hands
of military regime. They are humans. Of course, they want to tell the world
that Indonesia is brutal, that Wahid is not different from Suharto, that the
military regime is till here in West Papua. Responses are coming from various
parties in West Papua.
First, from The Penis Gourds People's Assembly Council (Demmak). Demmak
issued a Letter of Tribute and Condemnation to the murder in the Bloody Wamena
Massacre in these two days. Demmak is also blocking roads leading to the house
of the Chairman of the Presidium Council, Theys H. Eluway. They want Theys not
to escape from his responsibility on the Bloody Wamena Massacre. They want him
to go to Wamena and settle the peace in this main town of the highlanders.
Second, the Forum of Communication for West Papuan Students (FKMPB) blocked
the main road from Port Numbay to Sentani, at the front of the Cenderawasih
University, Abepura and demanded the Police Regional Commander for West Papua
to answer their questions. The police Commander for West Papua, Mr. Wenas
deployed one battalion of police to Wamena. He was quoted by a local daily
newspaper as saying, "The troops are not to frighten the people, but to settle
peace there." But he did not mention whether or not his troops will kill more
innocent villagers from this most unpriviledged regent of West Papua Province.
Last week three and two jet fighters Hakws-100 and Hawks-200 were flying over
Wamena in two days respectively, frightening the people. However, the
Commander of the Air Force based in Biak said today to the same local
newspaper as follows: "The planes came here for regular operation purpose.
This is normal, it is scheduled. We visit every region after six months."
However, "Why are they flying all over the province? Why are they flying again
in Wamena today? At the time when we were interviewing the American journalist
in Wamena, the jet hawks were flying very low over Wamena, did some maneuvers
on the air. As response, people are not scared at all.
They are ready to die, anyway. To die now or tomorrow is just the same. The
only difference is the time. The world is not doing anything today or
tomorrow, anyway. If the Indonesians kill us now or tomorrow, the world will
not help us anyway. If the world will help us tomorrow than today, then we
need to escape from death today, but if the story is the same, let us be ready
to die," says a war leader in Wamena today in a war speech in briefing his
bows-and-arrows troops. Will they win the war? Of course they will, because
they are fighting what they have from their past ancestors. They are not
buying bows and arrows like Indonesia is buying from England and the USA. If
they die for using their bows and arrows and for their land, it does not
matter. The matter for our humanity is who is selling the weapons to the
murderous Indonesia, and who is selling hawks to a country that does not
respect democracy and human rights. Where is the ethical foreign policy?
(sk/07/00)
29 Sept 2000
The Jayapura-based human rights organisation, ELS-HAM issued a press
release today 29 September 2000, which we summarise below:
An addition 650 troops from Infantry Battalion 713, North Sulawesi landed
at the naval base in Jayapura, West Papua around midday on 28 September aboard
the passenger ship Teluk Bone. The troops consisted of four companies and as
well as a number of Special Forces (the term Kopassus is not used).
At a welcoming ceremony, Brig-General Karel Ralahalu said that these troop
reinforcements would be sent to areas along the border between Indonesia and
Papua New Guinea. He called on the troops to maintain harmonious relations
with the community and said that they had been sent to help protect the
Unitary Republic against its enemies. He did not elaborate on who he meant by
'enemies'. He said he hoped that the troops would use their skills in the
areas of health and education to serve the community. As the welcoming
ceremony was in progress at around 2 pm, two British-made Hawk-100 and
Hawk-200 jet aircraft flew very low over Jayapura, diving several times. These
jet aircraft are currently based at the Franz Kaiseppo air base in Biak. The
tremendous volume of noise created by the jets frightened the inhabitants. As
reported in ELS-HAM's press release of 28 September (which we have not seen).
the presence of the Indonesian air force, AURI, in West Papua is related to
air operations code-named 'Alfa' and Oscar'. The arrival of thousands of
non-organic troops in West Papua in the recent period, including Brimob,
Kostrad, Kopassus and infantry battalions from other regional commands is
related to the Jakarta policy of identifying the demand for freedom for the
people of West Papua as a 'separatist' movement. There have been several
incidents, including the operation against flag-raisers in Sorong when three
people were shot dead and 28 people arrested. The most recent incident
occurred in Wamena on 26 September when Brimob troops maltreated five people
while trying to pull down a Papuan flag that they had unfurled. Reports from
Wamena say that the troops are planning to pull down the remaining Papuan flag
in Wamena. This has provoked a strong reaction from local people who are
determined to defend the flag.
26 Sept 2000
Today, at 14:02 pm local time (time difference is 8 hours ahead for Papua
time), two hawk jets were again showing their power over Papuans on this
island. They came here and did manouvers two times. After that, they
disappeared. There were three hawks yesterday, but only two of them today.
Yesterday, we phoned to Port Numbay (Japaura) the capital of Papua asking
if they had the same demostration of military power over West Papua, but they
said there were no single hawks there. This may mean the hawks came from Biak
or Ujung Pandang or from Jakarta.
While hawks were on the air, Javanese, Buginese, Bataknese, Torajanese, (in
short those from Western Indonesia) came out and appeared to be saying: "Look,
Papuans! You cannot win this war! We are far more equiped with the support
from the UK and the USA! These airplanes are from the UK, we have killed you
last time with Bronco fighters from the states. We are using weapons from
Europe, using telecomunication equipments from Canada and we are using money
from the IMF and the World Bank to kill you!, etc.!
The Collective Editorial Board of the Diary of Online Papua Mouthpiece did
a quick survey of the opinions towards three points: (1) The deployment of
Mobile Brigade personel into Wamena, (2) Air possibility of aerial
bombardment, and (3) the fear of putting down the Morning Staf Flag by
Indonesian mobile brigade.
All of the 20 Satgas Posts we visited said:
(1) We are ready to die for our land;
(2) Indonesia can use any tools and equipment that it has, from the West,
from the East, from heaven or from hell. It does not matter. Papuans are
fighting with bows and arrows and sticks, we are fighting with our culture for
our culture. THe truth is that we are innocent and we are on the side of the
truth. We will win the war, and therefore, we do not care about hawks and even
atom bomb, we do not care. The only thing Papuans know is that we are already
independent and we are now seeking international support for it.
(3) The present of Mobile Brigade does not fear Papuans whatsoever, even it
encourages the people to be more alert and more prepared. They learn more when
they face more threats.
They are ready to sacrifice all they have and even their lives, but they
are asking the world, particularly the UK and theUSA:
1) To stop military ties with Indonesia
2) To Reconsider British Ethical Foreign Policy and the sale of Hawks to
Indonesia
3) To start to seek the root of the problem in West Papua, i.e. the Act of
Free Choice which was unlawful.
Thanks very much,
CEB reporting from Wamena
24 Sep 2000
A Papuan from Mee tribe was severely beaten by a police in Wamena this
evening. The body is now in the emergency room of Wamena Hostpital as reported
by our currier.
The people are now surrounding Wamena Police Station and they will attack
the Police Station in the morning (tomorrow morning). Most probably the people
will demand for the police to be responsible and also they will ask to
withdraw the presence of police and army in West Papua.
Further report will follow tomorrow.
The CEB Reporting from Wamena.
29 Aug 2000
At 11.20 local time, the Liberation Army of West Papua (TPN) holding the
Command of the Free Papua Movement today came to the office of the Papua
Presidium Council (PDP) and FORERI and shut down both offices. Members of the
OPM were sent by the Supreme Commander of the TPN/OPM General TPN PB Mathias
Wenda using the Spokesperson of the Regional COmmander III, Nemangkawi that
Kelly Kwalik leads.The keys of the two offices are now on the hands of the
TPN/OPM members. There were four demands they reported to one of the local
papers, Cenderawasih Pos today. 1. That Presidium Council must come to the
Headquarter of the TPN/OPM and meet the Supreme Commander of the TPN/OPM
reporting what the Council has done so far. The Supreme Commader regreted that
the Council has now become a good tool for Indonesia to isolate the aspiration
of independence and to make it a local issue rather than an international
isue. 2. FORERI and the Council must got to Vanimo, the headquarter of the
TPN/OPM to take back the keys of the two offices. 3. The Council was,
according to the aspiration that was openly expressed on the West PApua
COngress II, 2000, what the people want is INDEPENDENCE, not investors.
TPN/OPM strongly refuse the involvement of investors in the politics of West
Papua remembering that West PApua is now within Indonesia due to conspiracy
for the sake of investment in West Papua. 4. TPN/OPM is now ready to take any
actions to channel the aspiration of Melanesian people in West Papua to gain
their full self-determination democratically and peacfully.
We are urging all supporters of West Papua independence movement to stay on
alert. Various incidents are likely to occur as follow ups of today's
action.
Amunggut Tabi
Spokesperson for Foreign Affais of the TPN/OPM Reporting from
Vanimo,PNG
FREE PAPUA MOVEMENT (FPM)
ORGANISASI PAPUA MERDEKA (OPM)
THE WEST PAPUA NATIONAL LIBERATION (ARMY)
TENTARA PEMBEBASAN NASIONAL
PAPUA BARAT
POINTS OF PRESS RELEASE No. 01.29.08.2000
People's Motion of Distrust to the Presidium Council of Papua
RECOGNISING:
- Political cirses in West Papua at the moment.
- Activities of the Indonesian army and police that continuously provoke,
intimidate, terrorise and murder West Papua people to block the aspiration
for resolving the political status of West Papua within Indonesia by
revisiting the Act of Free Choice, 1969.
- The need to draw a clear line of struggle to channel the people's
aspiration for a democratic and peaceful self-determination process.
- That the Presidium Council of Papua clearly sets aside the people's
aspiration for self-determination, but focusing more on the vested interests
of small groups and individuals in West Papua.
- The conspiracy between foreign investors such as Freeport McMoRan and
members of Presidium Council of Papua such as the one signed on 13th Juli,
2000 in New Orleans, the states.
- The people's decision on the Papua National Congress II, 2000 that the
issue of West Papua should go International and it should become an
international issue.
ASSESSING:
- There is a need to take accountability for the sacrifices of resources,
energy, time, and even blood for the sake of West Papua
self-determination.
- There is a need to channel the aspiration of the People that was openly
declared on the Papua National Congress II, 2000.
- There is an urgency to respond to the critalisation of the people's
demand for a self-determination this year.
- There is a suspicion that Presidium Council of Papua mediated by FORERI
is now deviating its role and activities from its early mission. People are
getting worried that the Council is doing its best for the people in West
Papua.
- There are some indications that the Council is a tool of the Indonesian
government to make the aspiration of the people for a democratic
self-determination as a local issue, not an international one. 6. Our
reliable sources confirmed that Indonesia and its army are trying to move
guerrilla fighters of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) into West Papua villages,
including the political refugees who now live in Papua New Guinea.
HEREBY WE DECLARE TO THE WORLD:
- That from now on, at 11.20, date August 30th, 2000, the office of both
the Presidium Council and FORERI are closed from its activities.
- That the leaderships of the Council and FORERI must take a clear stand on
the political agenda of West Papua people by setting aside the issue of
investment in this land because West Papua was given away to Indonesia on the
name of investors and investment in 1969.
- That the Council and FORERI Leaders must go to the Commander in Chief of
the TPN/OPM to report the progress of their diplomacy and international
lobbies because people are being killed day and night by Indonesia until
today.
- That if the Council and FORERI leaders do not respond to these demands
then we will take over the leadership of diplomacy and lobby at international
level to channel the voice of the people for a democratic
self-determination.
- Whoever opens the offices before the Council and FORERI responsible for
their conducts will face high risks and will be accountable for the people of
West Papua.
THIS STATEMENT IS APPROVDED BY ALL TRADITIONAL LEADERS OF PEOPLE IN WEST
PAPUA AND MADE KNOWN TO THE WORLD.
Spokesperson for NEMANGKAWI Regional Commander in the Central Highlands On
Behalf of the Commander in Chief of the TPN/OPM West Papua
Linde B. Kogoya
