Indonesian political organisations appeal to President Widodo for access to Nduga, Papua

July 17, 2018

Civilians under crossfire in Nduga Regency, Papua, and demands for curtailing potential abuses of human rights

Jaringan Masyarakat Sipil (Civil Society Network) are pressuring President Joko Widodo to allow independent instutions into Nduga Regency, in the province of Papua, Indonesia. The pressure comes due to reports of a crossfire that could threaten residents’ safety. Until now, there have been no confirmations of the situation due to the lack of access. Meanwhile rumours are spreading that residents of Nduga have been terrified and fled to the surrounding forest, paralysing economic activity and education.

The results of investigations by Papuan media and local organisations found the bodies at least three victims of the crossfire. The discovery demonstrates that the situation is not yet under control — however access has still not been granted to the region. Without outside intervention the situation could fester with more civilians falling victim to the crossfire.

Wherefore Jaringan Masyakarat Sipil submit the following demands:

Pressure the security apparatus to curtail repressive action that could victimise innocent civilians and cause serious trauma in society.
Pressure security forces, central government, regional governments, and foreign armed forces to ensure the safety of residents in Nduga Regency as a priority, and to avoid prolonged trauma — especially of women and children.
Ask the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan), the National Police Commission (Kompolnas), Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) and regional human rights commissions to visit Nduga, along with journalists, in order to identify the pressing needs of residents in the area, and to share their findings with the public in order to circumvent falsified reports.
Responses must allow access to national agencies — such as Komnas HAM, Komnas Perempuan and Kompolnas — for accountability and to avoid human rights abuses upon residents.
In order to provide for the basic needs of residents and displaced communities, the government must grant access for the Indonesian Red Cross Society (PMI) to provide humanitarian assistence, as well as food aid, medical support and trauma healing to residents, and especially to women and children.

Jakarta, 15 July 2018

Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), Perhimpunan Bantuan Hukum Indonesia (PBHI, Indonesian Legal Aid Association), PUSAKA, SKPKC Fransiskan Papua, Yayasan Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Indonesia (YLBHI, Legal Aid Foundation Indonesia), Lembaga Hukum Pers (LBH Pers, Press Legal Aid Institute), Gema Demokrasi, Papua itu Kita, Civil Liberty Defender (CLD), SKPKC Ordo Santo Agustinus Vicariat Christus Totus Papua, SKP Kesukupan Agung Merauke, SKP Keuskupan Timika, SKP Keuskupan Manokwari Sorong, Indonesian Legal Roundtable, Kontras, Imparsial, Setara Institute, Yayasan Satu Keadilan, KPKC GKI

Contact:
– Franky (PUSAKA): 0813 17286019
– Hafiz Muhammad (HRWG): 0812 82958035
– Yati Andriani (Kontras): 081586664599
– Asfinawati (YLBHI): 0812 8218930
– Dora Balubun (KPKC GKI): 081322582582

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