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Summary

There were 245 new political prisoners between 1 January 2019 and 30 September 2020. While 198 of the political prisoners on record have now been released, 27 remain in prison serving their sentences, seven are currently on trial and another is awaiting trial. There are at least twelve people on the police wanted list.

For 2019, the new political prisoners cases can be divided into three categories: those who were arrested at a particular event in January; those who were arrested during the “West Papua Uprising” from August to September; and those who were arrested in the lead up to and during the 1st of December: Commemoration of West Papua Independence Day.

As for the 2020 cases, this update only covers the arrests and detentions up to 30 September 2020.

The list provided at the end of this update also includes the political prisoners from before 2019 who remain in prison, still serving their sentences.

103 treason cases

Of the 245 new political prisoners on record, 103 were charged with treason: 97 in 2019 and 6 in 2020. In the 2019 cases, based on the categories described above, 3 were detained and charged with treason in January, 40 during the West Papua Uprising, and 54 between November and December 2019.

For the first time, an Indonesian (non-West Papuan origin) was sentenced to prison for treason in a West Papua-related protest.

KNPB members arrested in Timika

In January 2019, the police arrested eight KNPB (National Committee for West Papua) members for gathering and holding a traditional prayer ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of KNPB and the New Year. Five were released, but three were detained for treason: Yanto Awerkion, Sem Asso, and Edo Dogopia. Despite the initial charges of treason, the court only found them guilty of incitement and sentenced them to 1 year, ten months and 8 months in prison respectively.

22 people detained during the Uprising

During the West Papua Uprising in August and September 2019, 22 people were charged with treason for their involvement in the Uprising. All their trials took place in 2020. All completed their sentences in prison and have since been released. Below are the summary cases of these arrests:

  • Jayapura (7)

Seven West Papuan political activists were arrested in Jayapura between 6th and 14th of September 2019. Buchtar Tabuni, Agus Kossay, Stevanus Itlay, Alexander Gobai, Ferry Gombo, Irwanus Uropmabin, and Hengky Hilapok were activists from the ULMWP (United Liberation Movement for West Papua), KNPB, and student groups. They were arrested and initially detained in Jayapura, Papua Province, but later transferred to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Lawyers for the seven have stated that the transfer was in breach of the criminal procedure law. During the trials in Balikpapan, the prosecutors demanded harsh sentencing, namely 5 years for two of them, 10 years for two others, 15 years for two more, and 17 years for one of them. However, the final sentences handed down were 10 months for four of them, and 11 months for the three others. They were all released not long after their sentencing because they had served most of their prison term while waiting for the trial.

  • Jakarta (6)

Five West Papuan student activists, Ambrosius Mulait, Ariana Elopere, Dano Tabuni, Charles Kossay, Isay Wenda, and an Indonesian political activist Paulus Suryanta Ginting, were arrested and charged with treason for holding a protest with the Morning Star flag (the symbol of West Papuan independence) outside the Indonesian State Palace in Jakarta in August 2019. The prosecutors demanded a 1 year and 5 months prison sentence for five of them and a 10 months prison sentence for the other. They were sentenced to 9 months (5 people) and 8 months (1 person) in prison. All were released not long after their sentencing.

  • Sorong (4)

Student activists Rianto Ruruk, Yoseph Syufi, Manase Baho and Ethus Miwak Kareth were arrested in September 2019 for organising a protest in Sorong, West Papua Province. They were found guilty of treason. They all received 8 months and 15 days prison sentence, and were freed in May 2020 after serving a full jail sentence, which included detention time prior to their trials.

  • Manokwari (4)

Four activists were arrested related to the Uprising protest in September 2019. Sayang Mandabayan, Erik Aliknoe, Yunus Aliknoe and Pende Mirin were arrested for carrying Morning Star flags, and for organising and participating in a protest in Manokwari. Their trials took place in February 2020 and they were sentenced to 9 months, not for treason but for incitement. They were all released not long after the sentencing.

  • Jayapura (1)

In September 2019, West Papuan film-maker and activist, Assa Asso, was arrested in the capital city of Jayapura, over a Facebook post that he made regarding the West Papua Uprising. He was charged with treason and incitement, but was sentenced to 10 months in prison only for incitement, and he has since been released.

1st of December Commemoration (54)

In late November and early December 2019, 54 people were detained and charged with treason for planning or attending the 1st of December Commemoration. Eleven were arrested in Sorong, 20 in Jayapura and 23 in Fakfak. The Sorong and Jayapura cases have at the time of publication not been heard in court. Meanwhile, the Fakfak cases were heard in October 2020 and all 23 individuals have since received their sentences.

Timika 2020 (3)

Three individuals among those arrested in 2020 were charged with treason. Indius (Ivan) Sambom, Temianus Wandikbo and Elpiau Magai were all arrested under allegation of being involved in a shooting incident at the Freeport mining site in Kuala Kencana, Timika, which resulted in the death of a foreign mine worker. Their cases are currently under investigation, with Indius Sambom’s case having progressed to the preliminary hearing stage in October 2020.

129 Non-treason cases

There were a total of 129 non-treason cases in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, the majority of the cases (111) came from the West Papuan Uprising arrests. Prior to the Uprising, only three West Papuans were arrested under non-treason charges. Three cases were reported for 2020 for non-treason related charges.

  • January 2019 arrests

Two people were arrested separately in Jayapura in January 2019. One, Sami Lokon, a KNPB member, was arrested for theft. He was sentenced to jail for 8 months and he died while serving his sentence. Wene Bahabol, also a KNPB member, was arrested for the possession of documents and symbols pertaining to the ULMWP. He was investigated and charged under the 2009 Electricity Law.

  • The West Papuan Uprising arrests

The events surrounding the West Papua Uprising led to the detention of 135 individuals with charges that were not related to treason. Out of these 135 who were charged, 100 faced trial and 29 were released without trial, although their charges have not so far been dropped. All of those who faced trial were sentenced and served prison sentences. All but six have since been released. Summaries of the non-treason cases from the West Papua Uprising in 2019 can be found here: Jayapura (42), Wamena (33), Deiyai (14), Timika (12), Manokwari (12), Sorong (8), Fakfak (6), Oksibil (6).

Unknown Cases

There are a total of 12 unknown cases. They are the people who are still ‘persons of interest’ who remain on the police ‘Wanted’ list. They are: Dance Hegemur, Yakobus Temongmere, Bahlua Tabuni, Victor Yeimo, Veronica Koman, Akon Wenda, Lenggenus Wanimbo, Miron, Nerius Waker, Wendanak Wanimbo, Lerymayu Enumbi and Obet Magai. The first 5 are from 2019 and the rest are from 2020.


Treason and non-treason arrests for Indonesian solidarity actions outside of West Papua

In 2019 there was an increase in prosecution against Indonesian activists of non-West Papuan origin who are supporters of West Papuan self-determination protests.

  • In addition to Surya Anta who was charged with treason along with 5 West Papuans in the Jakarta 6 Case, four other non-West Papuan activists in North-Maluku were arrested and face treason charges. These student activists initially faced expulsion from their University for organising a peaceful rally in solidarity with West Papua. They appealed the decision of the University at the Court in North Maluku. Later, while the Court hearing for their appeal was on-going, they found out that they were also facing criminal investigation by the police. They are currently facing trial for crimes of treason, with threats of lengthy prison sentences.
  • During the West Papua Uprising, human rights lawyer Veronica Koman and documentary filmmaker Dandhy Laksono were targeted for posting information on their social media about the events surrounding the Uprising in West Papua. Veronica Koman is currently on the police ‘Wanted’ list, under suspicion of several criminal charges. Dandhy Laksono was arrested and questioned by the police in September 2019 in Jakarta. Although he was released immediately after questioning, the ITE Law violation charge against him has not been dropped.

Issues of concerns in the 2019/2020 political prisoners situation

2019 was an unprecedented year for the political prisoners situation in West Papua. Firstly, there were mass civilian protests in many cities in West Papua as well as in several cities in other provinces of Indonesia. The protests in West Papua developed into the 2019 West Papua Uprising.

Secondly, there was increased criminalisation by the Indonesian Government of those taking part in the West Papua Uprising. The Government tried to crack down on mass protests by deploying additional security forces to West Papua, which used forceful dispersal tactics and arrested people who were suspected of or known for their involvement in those protests. This response to the Uprising contributed to the highest number of political prisoners in West Papua in 2019. While the majority  were prosecuted under non-treason-related charges, the Government also reinvigorated the use of treason (makar) charges to suppress those expressing/supporting the right to self-determination.

In the months that followed the Uprising, especially in November and December 2019, the authorities continued to use treason charges in the arrests of those peacefully planning or participating in the 1st of December flag-raising ceremony in West Papua.  

Procedural Violations

There are several ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of West Papuan political prisoners during this period.

  • Arrests/detention:

In 2019, the police commonly carried out arrests without presenting any arrest warrants. At the same time, when people were arrested, their families did not receive any information from the police regarding their whereabouts. The police also carried out interrogations of the suspects without their lawyers present. With regard to family members’ access, the police did not consider any specific circumstances of individual detainees, including those with children.  

Prisoner in focus: Sayang Mandabayan. After she was detained, Sayang was seen breastfeeding her baby behind bars. Later, the baby’s access to her was made very difficult by the authorities.

  • Treatment of political prisoners

Torture was used against many political prisoners in 2019, from when they were arrested to during detention. Forms of torture reported as part of interrogation techniques include beatings, electrocution, and reduced, delayed or refused access to health treatment, among others.  In these instances, interrogations were carried out without the presence of a lawyer. In 2019, there were 5 children (minors) reported among the detainees. Four had pretrial release however one was prosecuted for four months. Meanwhile, all political prisoners in custody during the COVID-19 outbreak were at risk of infection because the Indonesian Government refused to release them even though they released hundreds of other prisoners.  

Prisoners in focus:   Wamena 33. There are reports that the authorities carried out interrogations using torture to get these detainees to confess. Interrogations were also carried out without the presence of a lawyer.

Lawyers appeal: On 15th April 2020, international human rights lawyers submitted an urgent appeal to the United Nations regarding health concerns for West Papuan political prisoners due to COVID-19.

  • Prisoner transfers

There is a repeat pattern in West Papua of political prisoners being transferred from one location to another, in some cases more than once. This pattern not only continued but intensified in 2019 when West Papuan political prisoners were transferred not only within West Papua but also outside of West Papua. Even when prison transfers take place within West Papua, this not only reduces family members’ access to prisoners but also their lawyers, creating less transparency and justice to the process. Transfers outside of West Papua isolate the prisoners from support and advocacy even more and are deemed in breach of the Indonesian Criminal Procedural Code by lawyers.

Prisoners in focus: Balikpapan 7. On 4 October, the police transferred seven of eight political prisoners in Jayapura, charged with treason, to police detention in East Kalimantan. Lawyers for these seven political prisoners stated that the transfer was unlawful as it violated Article 85 of the Criminal Procedural Law. This determines that suspects can only be transferred after investigation processes have been completed and filed with the District or State Prosecutor’s Office, and only the Prosecutor’s Office can authorise the transfer of suspects under certain circumstances.

Challenges to legal advocates who defend political prisoners 

For the political prisoners arrested in 2019, particularly from the West Papua Uprising and later, their cases were heard in 2020, when the spread of COVID-19 also greatly affected their lawyers’ work. For example, the legal advocacy team for the Balikpapan 7 had to travel the long distance to Balikpapan in order to defend their clients. In addition to travelling at personal cost, they were also at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

It has also been reported that some West Papua-based lawyers who have recently taken part in various webinars have been receiving intimidation and threats from unidentified individuals. Not only do they work at the cost of personal finance and health, but also their personal security is often at stake.

What happens to political prisoners after they are released

Some political detainees in 2019-2020 were granted pretrial release. However, while they might have escaped trial, the charges against them were not dropped. This means that they can be re-arrested and detained at any moment.

It is not uncommon that former political prisoners continue to experience intimidation from the authorities after their release. In 2019-2020, some resumed their roles in the organisations they were associated with and became aware that their activities continued to be closely monitored by the authorities. Some ex-political prisoners are labelled by the authorities as “repeat offenders” due to their political activities.

In 2019-2020, it has also been reported that political prisoners were made to sign a ‘Declaration of Allegiance’ as part of their release process. This Allegiance reportedly  includes reference to a “100% Unitary Republic of Indonesia”, i.e. denying their right to continue pursuing self-determination for the people of West Papua.

All of the above are limiting the freedom of former political prisoners as free individuals in a democratic nation.

List of Political Prisoners

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(English) Prisoner Update: Jan 2019 – Sept 2020

Summary

There were 245 new political prisoners between 1 January 2019 and 30 September 2020. While 198 of the political prisoners on record have now been released, 27 remain in prison serving their sentences, seven are currently on trial and another is awaiting trial. There are at least twelve people on the police wanted list.

For 2019, the new political prisoners cases can be divided into three categories: those who were arrested at a particular event in January; those who were arrested during the “West Papua Uprising” from August to September; and those who were arrested in the lead up to and during the 1st of December: Commemoration of West Papua Independence Day.

As for the 2020 cases, this update only covers the arrests and detentions up to 30 September 2020.

The list provided at the end of this update also includes the political prisoners from before 2019 who remain in prison, still serving their sentences.

103 treason cases

Of the 245 new political prisoners on record, 103 were charged with treason: 97 in 2019 and 6 in 2020. In the 2019 cases, based on the categories described above, 3 were detained and charged with treason in January, 40 during the West Papua Uprising, and 54 between November and December 2019.

For the first time, an Indonesian (non-West Papuan origin) was sentenced to prison for treason in a West Papua-related protest.

KNPB members arrested in Timika

In January 2019, the police arrested eight KNPB (National Committee for West Papua) members for gathering and holding a traditional prayer ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of KNPB and the New Year. Five were released, but three were detained for treason: Yanto Awerkion, Sem Asso, and Edo Dogopia. Despite the initial charges of treason, the court only found them guilty of incitement and sentenced them to 1 year, ten months and 8 months in prison respectively.

22 people detained during the Uprising

During the West Papua Uprising in August and September 2019, 22 people were charged with treason for their involvement in the Uprising. All their trials took place in 2020. All completed their sentences in prison and have since been released. Below are the summary cases of these arrests:

  • Jayapura (7)

Seven West Papuan political activists were arrested in Jayapura between 6th and 14th of September 2019. Buchtar Tabuni, Agus Kossay, Stevanus Itlay, Alexander Gobai, Ferry Gombo, Irwanus Uropmabin, and Hengky Hilapok were activists from the ULMWP (United Liberation Movement for West Papua), KNPB, and student groups. They were arrested and initially detained in Jayapura, Papua Province, but later transferred to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Lawyers for the seven have stated that the transfer was in breach of the criminal procedure law. During the trials in Balikpapan, the prosecutors demanded harsh sentencing, namely 5 years for two of them, 10 years for two others, 15 years for two more, and 17 years for one of them. However, the final sentences handed down were 10 months for four of them, and 11 months for the three others. They were all released not long after their sentencing because they had served most of their prison term while waiting for the trial.

  • Jakarta (6)

Five West Papuan student activists, Ambrosius Mulait, Ariana Elopere, Dano Tabuni, Charles Kossay, Isay Wenda, and an Indonesian political activist Paulus Suryanta Ginting, were arrested and charged with treason for holding a protest with the Morning Star flag (the symbol of West Papuan independence) outside the Indonesian State Palace in Jakarta in August 2019. The prosecutors demanded a 1 year and 5 months prison sentence for five of them and a 10 months prison sentence for the other. They were sentenced to 9 months (5 people) and 8 months (1 person) in prison. All were released not long after their sentencing.

  • Sorong (4)

Student activists Rianto Ruruk, Yoseph Syufi, Manase Baho and Ethus Miwak Kareth were arrested in September 2019 for organising a protest in Sorong, West Papua Province. They were found guilty of treason. They all received 8 months and 15 days prison sentence, and were freed in May 2020 after serving a full jail sentence, which included detention time prior to their trials.

  • Manokwari (4)

Four activists were arrested related to the Uprising protest in September 2019. Sayang Mandabayan, Erik Aliknoe, Yunus Aliknoe and Pende Mirin were arrested for carrying Morning Star flags, and for organising and participating in a protest in Manokwari. Their trials took place in February 2020 and they were sentenced to 9 months, not for treason but for incitement. They were all released not long after the sentencing.

  • Jayapura (1)

In September 2019, West Papuan film-maker and activist, Assa Asso, was arrested in the capital city of Jayapura, over a Facebook post that he made regarding the West Papua Uprising. He was charged with treason and incitement, but was sentenced to 10 months in prison only for incitement, and he has since been released.

1st of December Commemoration (54)

In late November and early December 2019, 54 people were detained and charged with treason for planning or attending the 1st of December Commemoration. Eleven were arrested in Sorong, 20 in Jayapura and 23 in Fakfak. The Sorong and Jayapura cases have at the time of publication not been heard in court. Meanwhile, the Fakfak cases were heard in October 2020 and all 23 individuals have since received their sentences.

Timika 2020 (3)

Three individuals among those arrested in 2020 were charged with treason. Indius (Ivan) Sambom, Temianus Wandikbo and Elpiau Magai were all arrested under allegation of being involved in a shooting incident at the Freeport mining site in Kuala Kencana, Timika, which resulted in the death of a foreign mine worker. Their cases are currently under investigation, with Indius Sambom’s case having progressed to the preliminary hearing stage in October 2020.

129 Non-treason cases

There were a total of 129 non-treason cases in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, the majority of the cases (111) came from the West Papuan Uprising arrests. Prior to the Uprising, only three West Papuans were arrested under non-treason charges. Three cases were reported for 2020 for non-treason related charges.

  • January 2019 arrests

Two people were arrested separately in Jayapura in January 2019. One, Sami Lokon, a KNPB member, was arrested for theft. He was sentenced to jail for 8 months and he died while serving his sentence. Wene Bahabol, also a KNPB member, was arrested for the possession of documents and symbols pertaining to the ULMWP. He was investigated and charged under the 2009 Electricity Law.

  • The West Papuan Uprising arrests

The events surrounding the West Papua Uprising led to the detention of 135 individuals with charges that were not related to treason. Out of these 135 who were charged, 100 faced trial and 29 were released without trial, although their charges have not so far been dropped. All of those who faced trial were sentenced and served prison sentences. All but six have since been released. Summaries of the non-treason cases from the West Papua Uprising in 2019 can be found here: Jayapura (42), Wamena (33), Deiyai (14), Timika (12), Manokwari (12), Sorong (8), Fakfak (6), Oksibil (6).

Unknown Cases

There are a total of 12 unknown cases. They are the people who are still ‘persons of interest’ who remain on the police ‘Wanted’ list. They are: Dance Hegemur, Yakobus Temongmere, Bahlua Tabuni, Victor Yeimo, Veronica Koman, Akon Wenda, Lenggenus Wanimbo, Miron, Nerius Waker, Wendanak Wanimbo, Lerymayu Enumbi and Obet Magai. The first 5 are from 2019 and the rest are from 2020.


Treason and non-treason arrests for Indonesian solidarity actions outside of West Papua

In 2019 there was an increase in prosecution against Indonesian activists of non-West Papuan origin who are supporters of West Papuan self-determination protests.

  • In addition to Surya Anta who was charged with treason along with 5 West Papuans in the Jakarta 6 Case, four other non-West Papuan activists in North-Maluku were arrested and face treason charges. These student activists initially faced expulsion from their University for organising a peaceful rally in solidarity with West Papua. They appealed the decision of the University at the Court in North Maluku. Later, while the Court hearing for their appeal was on-going, they found out that they were also facing criminal investigation by the police. They are currently facing trial for crimes of treason, with threats of lengthy prison sentences.
  • During the West Papua Uprising, human rights lawyer Veronica Koman and documentary filmmaker Dandhy Laksono were targeted for posting information on their social media about the events surrounding the Uprising in West Papua. Veronica Koman is currently on the police ‘Wanted’ list, under suspicion of several criminal charges. Dandhy Laksono was arrested and questioned by the police in September 2019 in Jakarta. Although he was released immediately after questioning, the ITE Law violation charge against him has not been dropped.

Issues of concerns in the 2019/2020 political prisoners situation

2019 was an unprecedented year for the political prisoners situation in West Papua. Firstly, there were mass civilian protests in many cities in West Papua as well as in several cities in other provinces of Indonesia. The protests in West Papua developed into the 2019 West Papua Uprising.

Secondly, there was increased criminalisation by the Indonesian Government of those taking part in the West Papua Uprising. The Government tried to crack down on mass protests by deploying additional security forces to West Papua, which used forceful dispersal tactics and arrested people who were suspected of or known for their involvement in those protests. This response to the Uprising contributed to the highest number of political prisoners in West Papua in 2019. While the majority  were prosecuted under non-treason-related charges, the Government also reinvigorated the use of treason (makar) charges to suppress those expressing/supporting the right to self-determination.

In the months that followed the Uprising, especially in November and December 2019, the authorities continued to use treason charges in the arrests of those peacefully planning or participating in the 1st of December flag-raising ceremony in West Papua.  

Procedural Violations

There are several ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of West Papuan political prisoners during this period.

  • Arrests/detention:

In 2019, the police commonly carried out arrests without presenting any arrest warrants. At the same time, when people were arrested, their families did not receive any information from the police regarding their whereabouts. The police also carried out interrogations of the suspects without their lawyers present. With regard to family members’ access, the police did not consider any specific circumstances of individual detainees, including those with children.  

Prisoner in focus: Sayang Mandabayan. After she was detained, Sayang was seen breastfeeding her baby behind bars. Later, the baby’s access to her was made very difficult by the authorities.

  • Treatment of political prisoners

Torture was used against many political prisoners in 2019, from when they were arrested to during detention. Forms of torture reported as part of interrogation techniques include beatings, electrocution, and reduced, delayed or refused access to health treatment, among others.  In these instances, interrogations were carried out without the presence of a lawyer. In 2019, there were 5 children (minors) reported among the detainees. Four had pretrial release however one was prosecuted for four months. Meanwhile, all political prisoners in custody during the COVID-19 outbreak were at risk of infection because the Indonesian Government refused to release them even though they released hundreds of other prisoners.  

Prisoners in focus:   Wamena 33. There are reports that the authorities carried out interrogations using torture to get these detainees to confess. Interrogations were also carried out without the presence of a lawyer.

Lawyers appeal: On 15th April 2020, international human rights lawyers submitted an urgent appeal to the United Nations regarding health concerns for West Papuan political prisoners due to COVID-19.

  • Prisoner transfers

There is a repeat pattern in West Papua of political prisoners being transferred from one location to another, in some cases more than once. This pattern not only continued but intensified in 2019 when West Papuan political prisoners were transferred not only within West Papua but also outside of West Papua. Even when prison transfers take place within West Papua, this not only reduces family members’ access to prisoners but also their lawyers, creating less transparency and justice to the process. Transfers outside of West Papua isolate the prisoners from support and advocacy even more and are deemed in breach of the Indonesian Criminal Procedural Code by lawyers.

Prisoners in focus: Balikpapan 7. On 4 October, the police transferred seven of eight political prisoners in Jayapura, charged with treason, to police detention in East Kalimantan. Lawyers for these seven political prisoners stated that the transfer was unlawful as it violated Article 85 of the Criminal Procedural Law. This determines that suspects can only be transferred after investigation processes have been completed and filed with the District or State Prosecutor’s Office, and only the Prosecutor’s Office can authorise the transfer of suspects under certain circumstances.

Challenges to legal advocates who defend political prisoners 

For the political prisoners arrested in 2019, particularly from the West Papua Uprising and later, their cases were heard in 2020, when the spread of COVID-19 also greatly affected their lawyers’ work. For example, the legal advocacy team for the Balikpapan 7 had to travel the long distance to Balikpapan in order to defend their clients. In addition to travelling at personal cost, they were also at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

It has also been reported that some West Papua-based lawyers who have recently taken part in various webinars have been receiving intimidation and threats from unidentified individuals. Not only do they work at the cost of personal finance and health, but also their personal security is often at stake.

What happens to political prisoners after they are released

Some political detainees in 2019-2020 were granted pretrial release. However, while they might have escaped trial, the charges against them were not dropped. This means that they can be re-arrested and detained at any moment.

It is not uncommon that former political prisoners continue to experience intimidation from the authorities after their release. In 2019-2020, some resumed their roles in the organisations they were associated with and became aware that their activities continued to be closely monitored by the authorities. Some ex-political prisoners are labelled by the authorities as “repeat offenders” due to their political activities.

In 2019-2020, it has also been reported that political prisoners were made to sign a ‘Declaration of Allegiance’ as part of their release process. This Allegiance reportedly  includes reference to a “100% Unitary Republic of Indonesia”, i.e. denying their right to continue pursuing self-determination for the people of West Papua.

All of the above are limiting the freedom of former political prisoners as free individuals in a democratic nation.

List of Political Prisoners

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UPDATE: Manokwari and Sorong: prosecutors’ charges

Manokwari

On 12th May 2020, prosecutors in Manokwari, West Papua province, sought ten months in jail on charges of treason for Sayang Mandabayan.

Ms Mandabayan was arrested on 2nd September 2019 while carrying 1,496 small Morning

Star flags at Manokwari airport. She participated in and gave speeches at protests, part of the Papua Uprising, on 19th and 27th August 2019 in Sorong. When she was arrested at Manokwari airport on 2nd September 2019, she had just arrived from Sorong to attend a protest in Manokwari that day.

Airport staff conducted an inspection on the aircraft and its passengers because a lifejacket was missing from the aircraft. They found 1,496 small, paper Morning Star flags in Mandabayan’s bag. The police were called and subsequently arrested her. She has been charged under Article 106 of the Criminal Code. Ms Mandabayan was a Member of the Sorong City Council, however she was fired due to this incident. She has suffered from persistent toothache but has not been afforded proper medical treatment while in detention. Her trial began on 13th February 2020.

Sorong

On 13th May 2020, prosecutors in Sorong,West Papua province, sought one year and four months in jail on charges of treason for Rianto Ruruk, Yoseph Syufi, Manase Baho and Etus Kareth.

The four individuals currently detained in Sorong are student activists and were arrested on18th September 2019 for organising a protest that day. Each of these individuals has been charged under Articles 106 and 110 of the Criminal Code. Police arrested Rianto Ruruk and Etus Kareth shortly after they delivered speeches to a group of protestors while waiting to be joined by another group of protesters, led by Yoseph Syufi and Manase Baho. Both Mr Syufi and Mr Baho were also arrested. The initial plan was to march together to the Mayor’s office. Police accuse the four of flying Morning Star flags, while in fact they were only wearing small Morning Star stickers. Their trial began on 5th March 2020.

Updated: 13th May 2020

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Tahanan politik baru, pasal makar dan kurangnya transparansi yuridis dalam kasus-kasus tahanan politik

Unduh versi pdf di sini: PBB Jan 2018 – Oct2019 ID.pdf
Diterbitkan pada 20 November 2019

Ringkasan

Banyak penangkapan politik yang terjadi sepanjang tahun 2018 dan 2019 akibat dari usaha aparat keamanan Indonesia untuk menekan aksi-aksi politik di West Papua dan Indonesia. Khususnya, pasal makar telah digunakan dalam tingkat yang belum pernah terjadi sebelumnya ketika menangkap aktivis politik sepanjang Agustus dan September tahun ini, sebagai respon terhadap peningkatan dukungan yang nyata atas perjuangan penentuan nasib sendiri West Papua di seluruh Indonesia. Baik pembela hak asasi manusia (HAM) lokal maupun asing juga mengalami tekanan yang serupa.

Orang Papua di Balik Jeruji (Papuan Behind Bars/PBB) mendokumentasikan dan mengidentifikasi tahanan/narapidana politik guna memberikan sorotan terhadap kasus-kasus mereka, serta memantau peradilan yang mandiri dan bebas. Orang-orang yang terlibat dalam pengumpulan data adalah para pengacara nonprofit, lembaga bantuan hukum mandiri di West Papua yang memberikan bantuan hukum kepada para tahanan politik, serta para pembela HAM dan aktivis. Mereka berkolaborasi hingga mendapatkan data yang akurat tentang tahanan/narapidana. PBB juga menganalisis konsistensi antara data yang dikumpulkan dengan pemberitaan di media. Akan tetapi, sebagian besar dari kasus-kasus ini tidak terliput di media.

Tahanan dan narapidana politik periode Januari 2018 hingga Oktober 2019

  • •  Dipenjara hingga ketiga kalinya akibat aktivisme damai: Buchtar Tabuni, Steven Itlay, dan Yanto Awerkion
  • •  Perempuan Papua pertama yang dikenakan pasal makar sejak tahun 2000: Ariana Lokbere dan Sayang Mandabayan
  • •  Warga Negara Asing (WNA) pertama yang dikenakan pasal makar: Jakób Skrzypski
  • •  Aktivis non-Papua Indonesia pertama yang dikenakan pasal makar: Surya Anta Ginting
  • •  Pembela HAM non-Papua Indonesia pertama yang dikriminalisasi atas advokasi West Papua: Veronica Koman
  • •  Jurnalis/pembuat dokumenter pertama yang dikriminalisasi atas twit tentang West Papua: Dandhy Laksono

Secara total, sejak Januari 2018 hingga Oktober 2019 terdapat 99 tahanan/narapidana politik West Papua.

Pada 2018, PBB mendokumentasikan 26 tahanan politik yang ditahan di West Papua: 25 orang West Papua dan satu orang berkewarganegaraan Polandia. Mayoritas dari tahanan politik Papua tersebut dikenakan pasal kepemilikan senjata, meski terdapat dua di antaranya yang dikenakan pasal makar. Sebagian dari tahanan ini sudah dibebaskan atau akan dibebaskan pada akhir tahun ini atau awal tahun 2020.

Tapol West Papua dari Januari 2018 hingga Oktober 2019

Untuk pertama kalinya, terdapat seorang WNA ditahan di dalam penjara West Papua. Polisi menangkap seorang WNA Polandia, Jakób Skrzypski, pada Agustus 2018 karena ‘melakukan aktivitas jurnalistik’ meski nantinya atas dugaan pertemuan dengan Tentara Pembebasan Nasional Papua Barat. Ia diadili atas makar akibat percakapan beberapa baris di Facebook Messenger dengan seorang mahasiswa Papua, yang juga diadili atas makar bersama dengannya, mengenai senjata api. Tuan Skrzypski membantah seluruh tuduhan dan mengajukan banding atas kasusnya namun ditolak. Saat ini ia sedang menjalani lima tahun masa tahanannya di penjara Wamena.

Pada 2019, terjadi peningkatan tajam  jumlah tahanan/narapidana politik West Papua. PBB mengidentifikasi sekitar 77 tahanan politik baru yang berkaitan dengan West Papua tahun ini. Sebagian besar dari tahanan ini ditangkap atas keterlibatannya dalam demonstrasi sipil besar-besaran sepanjang Agustus dan September. Sebagian besar dari mereka ditangkap atas tuduhan-tuduhan yang berkaitan dengan partisipasi mereka dalam aksi, yang berubah menjadi kekerasan di beberapa tempat. Sebagian ditahan atas makar dan lainnya dikriminalisasi karena turut menyebarluaskan aksi-aksi ini di media.

Kasus makar

Terdapat peningkatan yang signifikan atas penggunaan pasal makar pada 2019: 22 kasus dibandingkan 5 pada 2018. Dari total 27 kasus makar sepanjang 2018 dan 2019, 25 orang di antaranya ditangkap karena turut menjadi bagian dari perkumpulan damai dan demonstrasi politik. Tiga tersangka makar pada 2018 ditangkap ketika sedang melakukan acara adat ‘bakar batu’ dan ibadah di kantor Komite Nasional Papua Barat (KNPB) Timika. Sedangkan, 22 tersangka makar pada 2019 ditangkap karena turut berpartisipasi dalam demonstrasi politik sepanjang periode Agustus-September. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa aparat keamanan Indonesia menggunakan pasal makar untuk membungkam ekspresi politik bebas, sebuah hak yang dijamin oleh konstitusi Republik Indonesia.

Para anggota dari organisasi-organisasi hak politik seperti Komite Nasional Papua Barat (KNPB), United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Aliansi Mahasiswa Papua (AMP) dan Front Rakyat Indonesia untuk West Papua (FRI-WP) adalah target dari pasal makar karena mereka menyuarakan hak orang West Papua atas penentuan nasib sendiri. Dari 22 tahanan yang dikenakan pasal makar pada 2019 di antaranya adalah Agus Kossay, Ketua Umum KNPB, dan tokoh kunci lain dari gerakan non-kekerasan, Buchtar Tabuni dan Steven Itlay. Lainnya meliputi pimpinan mahasiswa Fery Gombo dan Aleksander Gobai, serta Surya Anta Ginting, juru bicara FRI-WP.

Pemindahan tahanan politik

Pada 4 Oktober, polisi memindahkan tujuh dari delapan tahanan politik yang dikenakan makar di Jayapura, ke tahanan polisi di Kalimantan Timur. Para pengacara dari ketujuh tahanan politik ini menyatakan bahwa pemindahan tersebut melanggar hukum karena melanggar Pasal 85 Kitab Undang-undang Hukum Acara Pidana (KUHAP). Ketentuan ini mengatur bahwa tersangka hanya bisa dipindahkan setelah proses investigasi dirampungkan dan dilimpahkan ke kejaksaan negeri, dan hanya kejaksaan lah yang bisa mengijinkan pemindahan tersangka dalam keadaan tertentu.

Pemindahan ini dianggap sebagai upaya isolasi dari komunitas dan budaya para tahanan. Dalam kasus ini juga berarti menjauhkan mereka dari hak mereka atas akses ke bantuan hukum, mengingat kesulitan yang dihadapi oleh lembaga-lembaga bantuan hukum di seluruh Indonesia.

Tantangan dalam advokasi tahanan politik

Melakukan advokasi bagi tahanan politik di West Papua sangat sulit dilakukan karena hal-hal berikut ini:

  • •  Keterbatasan sumber daya bantuan hukum
  • •  Minim transparansi yuridis dan akuntabilitas akibat situasi politik
  • •  Pembela/pengacara HAM memiliki keterbatasan untuk secara bebas melaksanakan tugas mereka
  • •  Kurangnya independensi hakim dalam memutuskan kasus West Papua yang politis
  • •  Kriminalisasi aktivis sebagai cara baru yang digunakan negara untuk menindas kerja advokasi hak-hak sipil dan politik

Keterbatasan sumber daya bantuan hukum:

Akibat dari situasi politik dan geografis, sumber daya bantuan hukum di seluruh wilayah West Papua hanya mampu memberikan bantuan hukum dalam jangkauan yang terbatas. Hanya segelintir lembaga bantuan hukum yang dipercaya oleh para tahanan politik West Papua. Mereka adalah lembaga-lembaga bantuan hukum nonprofit yang sudah memberikan bantuan hukum bagi para aktivis politik selama bertahun-tahun. Hal kedua, karena berada di lokasi yang terpencil, sebagian besar tahanan politik tersebut harus menunggu beberapa hari sejak ditahan sebelum mendapat bantuan hukum dari pengacara mereka. Tergantung pada lokasi, kerapkali para pengacara tersebut perlu melakukan penerbangan untuk mengakses klien mereka. Selain itu, lembaga-lembaga bantuan hukum tersebut hanya memiliki sumber daya dan kapasitas untuk bepergian yang terbatas.

Minim transparansi yuridis dan akuntabilitas karena situasi politik:

Pelanggaran atas hukum acara pidana terjadi pada hampir semua penangkapan yang didokumentasikan oleh PBB. Artinya, seringkali tahanan politik diinterogasi tanpa didampingi oleh pengacara. Aparat juga bisa mempersulit pengacara dengan cara memindah-mindahkan para tahanan (lihat Kotak: Memindahkan Tersangka Makar Meniru Perilaku Kolonial).

Banyak penangkapan dan penahanan diwarnai oleh pelanggaran prosedur, dakwaan yang keliru, perlakuan yang semena-mena, dan penyiksaan. Prosedur yang salah termasuk ketika seorang tersangka tidak mendapatkan pendampingan hukum selama interogasi atau sidang, tidak mendapat surat penangkapa pada waktu penangkapan, atau mengalami penyiksaan. Dalam beberapa kasus, aktivis mengalami beberapa jenis pelanggaran prosedur sekaligus. Terhadap mereka yang sakit atau ditembak, akses terhadap penanganan medis dihalangi. Dalam banyak kasus, polisi atau aparat militer menggunakan kekuatan berlebihan ketika menangkap tahanan politik yang terdokumentasi dalam laporan ini.

Pembela/pengacara HAM memiliki keterbatasan untuk secara bebas melaksanakan tugas mereka:

Dalam beberapa bulan terakhir ini para pembela/pengacara HAM di West Papua mendapatkan ancaman terang-terangan. Pemerintah Indonesia berupaya melakukan kriminalisasi para pengacara/pembela HAM atas keterlibatan mereka dalam advokasi hak-hak sipil dan politik rakyat West Papua. Tindakan yang dialami Veronica Koman, Surya Anta Ginting dan Dandhy Laksono adalah contoh-contoh terakhir. Cara-cara kriminalisasi tersebut adalah upaya pemerintah untuk membatasi hak asasi manusia dan kebebasan sipil di Indonesia, khususnya di West Papua. 

Kurangnya independensi hakim dalam memutuskan kasus West Papua yang politis:

Para pengacara yang mendampingi tahanan politik West Papua mengeluhkan para hakim yang kerap berat sebelah dalam menangani kasus-kasus politik West Papua. Misalnya, seorang hakim di pengadilan Timika membacakan putusan, yang sudah disiapkan sebelumnya, atas kasus Yakonias Womsiwor dan Erichzon Mandobar (para aktivis KNPB) tepat setelah pengacara mereka selesai membacakan pembelaan kedua. Peristiwa tersebut terjadi pada 13 Mei 2019. Juga sudah biasa terjadi dalam kasus-kasus politik West Papua dimana para hakim tidak merujuk ke pembelaan pengacara, kecuali sepatah dua kata saja, dalam pertimbangan putusan mereka.

Kriminalisasi aktivis sebagai cara baru yang digunakan negara untuk menindas kerja advokasi hak-hak sipil dan politik:

Setelah pembebasan lima tahanan politik West Papua pada tahun 2015 dalam periode pertama kepresidenan Presiden Joko Widodo, pasal makar tidak lagi sering digunakan terhadap aktivis West Papua. Lalu ada 5 kasus makar pada tahun 2018, dan pada bulan Agustus dan September tahun ini ada 22 kasus.

Hal ini bukan berarti gangguan yuridis terhadap aktivis damai West Papua telah berhenti. Para aktivis masih menjadi target dari berbagai tuduhan yang bermotivasi politis. Misalnya, Bazoka Logo, seorang aktivis ternama dituduh memalsukan dokumen jati diri, dan aktivis KNPB Sam Lokon dituduh mencuri sepeda motor. Analisis mendalam kini perlu dilakukan terhadap kasus-kasus di luar tuduhan makar atau penghasutan yang biasa digunakan.

Secara umum, situasi yang dipaparkan di atas menimbulkan masalah transparansi yuridis bagi semua tahanan politik di West Papua. Hal ini semakin menyulitkan advokasi bagi tahanan politik di sana. Pemerintah Indonesia telah gagal memenuhi tugas dan kewajibannya untuk menjaga transparansi yuridis di West Papua, terutama dalam kasus-kasus politik. Pengambilan keputusan yang tergesa-gesa, ketidakmampuan untuk menepati prosedur hukum, dan ancaman terhadap para pendamping hukum adalah bukti-bukti tidak netralnya hukum di West Papua. Hal ini akan membuka kesempatan untuk kesalahan dan pelanggaran dalam penanganan tahanan politik.

Memindahkan Tersangka Makar Meniru Perilaku Kolonial*

Oleh Anum Siregar
Tanggal 4 Oktober 2019, Polda Papua memindahkan 7 tahanan kasus makar dari rumah tahanan (rutan) Polda Papua ke rutan Polda Kalimantan Timur (Kaltim). Mereka adalah Buktar** Tabuni, Agus Kossay (ketua Komite Nasional Papua Barat atau KNPB), Fery Kombo, Alexander Gobai, Steven Itlay, Hengki Hilapok, dan Irwanus. Penasehat hukum (PH) para tersangka baru mengetahui pada pagi hari keberangkatan, saat salah seorang penyidik menghubungi dan mengantarkan surat pemberitahuan juga pada hari yang sama. Ketika sehari sebelumnya PH dari Buktar** Tabuni dkk. mengunjungi para tersangka dan bertemu penyidik, tidak ada pemberitaan apapun mengenai rencana pemindahan tersebut.

Perihal Pemindahan Tersangka diatur dalam Pasal 85 Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Acara Pidana (KUHAP) sebagai berikut:

“Dalam hal keadaan daerah tidak mengizinkan suatu pengadilan negeri (PN) untuk mengadili suatu perkara, maka atas usul ketua pengadilan negeri atau kepala kejaksaan (KN) negeri yang bersangkutan, Mahkamah Agung mengusulkan kepada Menteri Kehakiman untuk menetapkan atau menunjuk pengadilan negeri lain dari pada yang tersebut pada Pasal 84 untuk mengadili perkara yang dimaksud.”

Pasal ini menegaskan bahwa yang berhak untuk memindahkan tersangka untuk kepentingan persidangan adalah ketua pengadilan negeri atau kejaksaan negeri, tentu saja ketika proses penyidikan di kepolisian telah selesai, hal mana tersangka atau para tersangka dan berkas perkaranya telah dilimpahkan ke kejaksaan untuk menunggu proses persidangan. Adapun penyidik yakni pihak kepolisian tidak diberikan hak oleh KUHAP untuk memindahkan tersangka dengan alasan kepentingan persidangan .

Namun Buktar** Tabuni dkk. dipindahkan pada saat masih berada di tahap penyidikan, yang sebelumnya sudah diperiksa oleh Polda Papua, bahkan sebagian besar dari mereka telah ditahan lebih dari 20 hari dan menjalani perpanjangan 40 hari. Para tersangka belum dilimpahkan ke pihak penuntut umum atau kejaksaan setempat.

Dari segi manajemen penyidikan, terdapat kejanggalan pada Surat Perintah Pemindahan Tempat Penahanan nomor: SP.Han/381.g/X/RES.1.24/2019/Ditreskrimun tertanggal 04 Oktober 2019.

Pertama, surat dikeluarkan oleh Ditreskrimun Polda yang tujuan pemindahannya ke rutan Polda yang berbeda atau pada tingkatan provinsi. (Bahwasanya pemindahan dilakukan ke luar provinsi) maka kewenangan untuk memberikan persetujuan seharusnya ada pada Mabes Polri, namun tidak ada surat dari Mabes Polri yang menjadi dasar pemindahan. Pihak Mabes Polri bahkan mengatakan tidak tahu menahu mengenai pemindahan tersebut, yang dipertegas oleh Kabid Humas Polda Kalimantan Timur Kombes Pol Ade Yaya Suryana bahwa kewenangan pemindahan ada pada Mabes.

Kedua, salah satu dasar pertimbangan dari surat tersebut adalah surat Kapolda Papua nomor: R/205/X/RES.1.24/2019/Ditreskrimum tertanggal 03 Oktober 2019 tentang Permohonan Penitipan Tersangka TP Makar. Namun surat tersebut tidak menjelaskan ditujukan kepada siapa: apakah kepada Mahkamah Agung, Kapolri atau kepada Kapolda Kaltim.

Ketiga, tidak ada surat terkait dengan Penetapan dari Mahkamah Agung atau surat dari Kapolri yang menjadi dasar pemindahan. Sama artinya bahwa Kepolisian telah melanggar ketentuan Pasal 14 ayat (1) huruf l UU Nomor 2 Tahun 2002 tentang Kepolisian Republik Indonesia yang menegaskan “Dalam melaksanakan tugas pokok Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia melaksanakan tugas lain sesuai dengan peraturan perundang-undangan.”

Kejadian pemindahan para tahanan/narapidana politik Papua setidaknya dimulai terhadap tahanan/narapidana politik peristiwa Wamena tahun 2000. Ketika itu Pendeta Obeth Komba dkk. dituduh makar. Mereka menjalani persidangan di PN Wamena. Setelah menjalani pemidanaan di Lapas Wamena mereka kemudian dipindahkan ke Jayapura tanpa pemberitahuan kepada keluarga. Saat itu ada kekhawatiran bahwa mereka akan dibawa keluar dari Jayapura. Setelah dilakukan komunikasi di antara keluarga, tim PH dan Kementrian Hukum dan HAM, diputuskan bahwa mereka menjalani pemidanaan di Lapas Abepura.

Linus Hiluka dkk., terpidana kasus pembobolan gudang senjata Kodim Wamena tahun 2003, dipindahkan ke Lapas Gunung Sahari Makasar tahun 2004 setelah menjalani sidang di PN Wamena. Mereka kemudian menjalani masa pemidanaan di Makasar. Tahun 2007 Maikel Haselo salah satu rekan Linus Hiluka meninggal dunia, jenazahnya dibawa dari Makasar ke kampungnya di Anjelma Kurima, Yahukimo. Tahun 2009 Linus dkk. dipindahkan di Lapas Nabire dan Lapas Biak. Saat itu Komisi F DPRP mengambil peranan penting dalam pemindahan mereka ke Papua termasuk pemulangan jenazah Maikel Heselo.
Pada Mei 2015 mereka mendapatkan grasi dari presiden Joko Widodo.

Tahun 2004, terkait dengan peristiwa Mile 62-63 di Timika Antonius Wamang dkk., berjumlah 12 orang, ditangkap di Timika. Mereka kemudian diterbangkan ke Jayapura, menjalani pemeriksaan yang langsung dilakukan bersama Tim Mabes Polri di Polda Papua pada hari yang sama. Delapan dari mereka ditetapkan sebagai tersangka dan 4 lainnya dibebaskan. Sehari setelah itu mereka langsung diterbangkan ke Jakarta untuk selanjutnya menjalani pemeriksaan sebagai tersangka di Mabes Polri. Tidak ada pemeriksaan selama berhari-hari sebelum mereka dipindahkan ke lokasi yang lain.

Kisah tentang pemindahan para tahanan politik/makar menjelang proses persidangan di lingkup Papua sangat sering terjadi, namun setelah tersangka dan berkas perkaranya dilimpahkan ke penuntut umum/kejaksaan. Seperti yang terjadi pada kasus makar tersangka Areki Wanimbo tahun 2014. Areki Wanimbo, salah satu kepala suku di Lanny Jaya, ditangkap akhir Agustus 2014 di Wamena, lalu menjalani pemeriksaan di Polda Papua di Jayapura kemudian disidangkan di PN Wamena setelah berkas perkaranya diserahkan ke penuntut umum/kejaksaan. Jakub Fabian Skripzky*** ditangkap pada Agustus 2018 di Wamena atau Simon Magal ditangkap Agustus 2018 di Timika, keduanya menjalani pemeriksaan di Polda Papua Jayapura kemudian dipindahkan ke Wamena setelah berkas perkaranya dilimpahkan ke penuntut umum/kejaksaan. Sekali lagi, semua pemindahan ini berbeda dengan yang dialami oleh Buktar Tabuni** dkk. yang dipindah saat masih menjalani proses penyidikan dan tanpa prosedur yang semestinya.

Terlepas apakah pemindahan dilakukan secara prosedur atau tidak, jelas bahwa pemindahan selalu memiliki dimensi politik yang sangat kuat. Praktik ini sebenarnya telah terjadi pada masa kolonial sebelum tahun 1945, ketika Belanda mengasingkan pejuang kemerdekan Indonesia ke daerah terpencil, misalnya mengasingkan Bung Hatta, Sutan Syahrir, Sayuti Melik dll ke Boven Digul. Ini politik kekuasaan bukan pendekatan hukum. Jika dulu ada tahanan politik yang diasingkan dari Batavia ke Holandia (Papua) kini para tahanan politik diasingkan dari Holandia (Papua) ke ‘banyak tempat’ di Batavia (Indonesia).

Meski terhadap para aktivis politik yang sekarang ada proses hukum yang dilalui, pemindahan yang dilakukan merupakan tindakan pengasingan, penghukuman bahkan pembuangan agar mereka jauh dari komunitasnya, terisolasi dari segala hal yang dapat membuat mereka merasa ‘masih ada’. Dengan berada di tempat yang tidak memiliki isu dominan seperti di Papua maka diharapkan pemberitaan terhadap merekapun menjadi melemah. Sorotan media atau dukungan publik setempat jadi terbatas. Proses hukum terhadap merekapun akan menjadi konsumsi lokal yang biasa-biasa, tidak berada di front page. Padahal bisa saja situasi itu justru memperkuat batin dan pikiran mereka (dan rakyat Papua) untuk terus merekam masa lalu yang kelam dan penuh stigma sebagaimana yang dialami oleh Bung Hatta dkk.

Kebijakan ini tentu saja sangat tidak tepat untuk membangun kepercayaan dan hubungan yang baik antara pemerintah Indonesia dengan rakyat Papua, terlebih untuk memperbaiki situasi yang sangat sulit hari ini, yakni menegakkan hukum secara profesional dan adil serta menghentikan siklus kekerasan untuk merawat perdamaian di Tanah Papua.

* Artikel ini pertama kali muncul di laman Facebook penulis pada tanggal 11 Oktober 2019
** [Sic] Buchtar
*** [Sic] Jakób Fabian Skrzypski

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Intimidasi dan Kekerasan terhadap Mahasiswa dan Kelompok Masyarakat Sipil Papua

Laporan di format pdf: PBB Desember 2017 ID

Dalam laporan bersama mengenai situasi hak asasi manusia di Tanah Papua, Orang Papua di Balik Jeruji melaporkan adanya penurunan jumlah tahanan politik orang Papua secara umum.[1] Namun kecenderungan ini tidak menandakan adanya pengurangan insiden kesewenang-wenangan, gangguan dan intimidasi terhadap aktivis Papua dan pendukung mereka di seluruh Indonesia.

Update oleh Orang Papua di Balik Jeruji ini berfokus mengangkat intimidasi yang dialami oleh para mahasiswa dan kelompok masyarakat sipil Papua yang berada di luar Tanah Papua dalam periode September dan Desember 2017. Laporan ini dikumpulkan oleh Aliansi Mahasiswa Papua (AMP)[2] di Jawa dan Konsulat Komite Nasional Papua Barat (KNPB)[3] di Manado, serta telah diverifikasi oleh para peneliti Orang Papua di Balik Jeruji. Secara keseluruhan kasus-kasus yang diangkat dalam laporan singkat ini mengungkapkan kecenderungan yang mengkuatirkan akan pelanggaran hak sipil dan politik atas kebebasan berekspresi dan berkumpul. Seringnya insiden penangkapan yang sewenang-wenang juga menegaskan tidak adanya penghormatan terhadap hak atas kebebasan bagi mereka yang menyerukan keadilan sosial dan politik di Tanah Papua.

Tujuan dari Update ini adalah untuk menunjukkan adanya pelanggaran yang sistematis terhadap hak-hak orang Papua yang terjadi tidak hanya di Tanah Papua, namun juga di seluruh Indonesia. Dalam beberapa tahun belakangan ini asrama-asrama mahasiswa Papua menjadi target polisi, militer dan preman setempat. Kasus Obby Kogoya, yang terjadi pada waktu polisi mengepung asrama mahasiswa Papua di Yogyakarta (14-16 Juli 2016), merupakan satu contoh buruk dan mengundang kecaman ratusan kelompok masyarakat sipil Indonesia karena dianggap rasis dan diskriminatif.[4] Orang Papua di Balik Jeruji  yakin ada banyak lagi insiden serupa yang tidak dilaporkan.  karena begitu seringnya kekerasan dan intimidasi yang dialami oleh orang Papua sehingga dianggap menjadi normal dan tidak dilaporkan.

Orang Papua di Balik Jeruji akan terus melaporkan intimidasi semacam ini dengan maksud untuk menambah pemahaman, pendokumentasian dan pengungkapan berbagai bentuk diskriminasi terhadap orang Papua dan para pendukung mereka, serta penindasan terhadap hak-hak sipil dan politik mereka.

Manado, Sulawesi Utara

Pintu masuk (atas) dan halaman (tengah) di asrama Cenderawasih V dengan gambar Bintang Kejora sebelum didatangi polisi pada 19 September 2017; Hiskia Meage, Ketua Konsulat KNPB, dikelilingi polisi, 9 November 2017 (bawah)

Pintu masuk (atas) dan halaman (tengah) di asrama Cenderawasih V dengan gambar Bintang Kejora sebelum didatangi polisi pada 19 September 2017; Hiskia Meage, Ketua Konsulat KNPB, dikelilingi polisi, 9 November 2017 (bawah)

Sekitar pukul 7.30 pagi pada hari Minggu, 17 September 2017, tiga polisi berpakaian sipil mendatangi asrama mahasiswa[5] Papua Kamasan V di Manado, Sulawesi Utara. Menurut laporan, polisi mencari ketua Konsulat KNPB dan kepala asrama, yang saat itu sedang tidak berada di tempat. Karena tidak bertemu dengan orang yang dicari, polisi tersebut lalu mengajak semua penghuni asrama untuk berkumpul dan berfoto bersama. Tidak satupun penghuni asrama menyambut ajakan berfoto tersebut, walaupun polisi menjelaskan bahwa mereka mendapat perintah dari kepala polisi untuk “membangun hubungan baik” dengan orang Dua hari setelah mendatangi asrama Kamasan V, sekitar pukul 10.30 pagi pada tanggal 19 September 2017, lima polisi berpakaian lengkap dengan senjata menerobos masuk dapur asrama Cenderawasih V, asrama mahasiswa Papua yang lain di Manado. Sambil memeriksa isi asrama mereka mengambil foto lambang Bintang Kejora di lokasi. Polisi pergi setelah para mahasiswa protes atas kehadiran mereka yang tiba-tiba.

Sekitar pukul 2.15 siang pada hari yang sama, polisi dalam jumlah yang lebih banyak tiba. Mereka datang dengan tujuh mobil dan enam sepeda motor, bersama mereka juga ada perwira tinggi polisi. Dua puluh lima mahasiswa ditangkap dan dibawa ke kantor polisi setempat untuk diinterogasi. Mereka dilepaskan hari itu juga.

Pukul 7.30 pagi hari Kamis 9 November 2017, sekitar dua lusin petugas keamanan mendatangi kembali asrama Cenderawasih V. Mereka menuntut agar lambang Bintang Kejora yang ada di asrama dihapus.[6] Para mahasiswa menolak dan karenanya hampir terjadi perkelahian. Polisi berhasil menghapus lambang Bintang Kejora sekitar tengah hari. Tidak lama kemudian, sebelas anggota polisi datang untuk menggantikan kelompok yang pertama dan tinggal di sana hingga pukul 7 malam.

Polisi berpakaian sipil menghapus lambang Bintang Kejora, 9 November 2017 (atas); Polisi mendatangi asrama Cenderawasih V , 16 November 2017 (bawah)

Polisi berpakaian sipil menghapus lambang Bintang Kejora, 9 November 2017 (atas); Polisi mendatangi asrama Cenderawasih V , 16 November 2017 (bawah)

Satu minggu kemudian, pada tanggal 16 November, polisi kembali ke asrama Cenderawasih V untuk berbicara tentang radikalisme. Polisi juga memaksa agar gambar Bintang Kejora dihapus. Lambang itu baru dicat kembali oleh mahasiswa setelah dihapus oleh polisi beberapa hari lalu.

Tomohon, Sulawesi Utara

Pada hari Rabu, 4 Oktober 2017, sekitar pukul 3 sore, delapan polisi berpakaian lengkap dengan helm dan rompi mendatangi Kamasan VIII, asrama mahasiswa Papua di Tomohon, sebuah kota kecil berjarak sekitar 50 km dari Manado. Polisi ingin mengambil foto dari setiap mahasiswa penghuni asrama. Tidak ada satupun yang mau. Setelah polisi pergi para mahasiswa masih merasa takut karena insiden itu.

Bandung, Jawa Barat

Asrama mahasiswa milik pemerintah daerah Mamberamo Tengah di Bandung ini dua kali mendapat kunjungan polisi dan petugas keamanan berpakaian sipil dalam periode September – Desember 2017. Ini bukan kunjungan pertama kali, namun kunjungan-kunjungan sebelumnya tidak pernah dilaporkan.

Pada tanggal 24 Oktober 2017 sekitar pukul 10 pagi, empat polisi berseragam dan tiga intel berpakaian sipil memasuki asrama tanpa izin dan tanpa surat tugas. Mereka memaksa memeriksa semua ruangan dan meminta data pribadi semua mahasiswa penghuni asrama berikut aktivitas mereka. Insiden berikutnya terjadi pada tanggal 1 November sekitar tengah hari ketika delapan anggota polisi, satu anggota militer dan dua intel sipil memasuki asrama tanpa izin. Mereka menginterogasi setiap mahasiswa, memeriksa kamar tidur dan memaksa memeriksa telepon genggam mereka. Para mahasiswa melaporkan bahwa insiden tersebut membuat mereka merasa takut.

Malang, Jawa Timur

Ikatan Mahasiswa Papua (IMAPA) menyelenggarakan seminar 3 hari (3 -5 November 2017) untuk menyambut mahasiswa Papua yang baru tiba di Malang, kota kedua terbesar di Jawa Timur dan terletak sekitar 95 km dari ibukota Surabaya. Seminar yang diselenggarakan oleh IMAPA ini bertujuan memberikan panduan kepada mahasiswa baru, seperti bagaimana beradaptasi di perantauan dan berbagai peluang mengikuti kegiatan ekstra kurikuler. Sekitar pukul 7 malam sejumlah anggota militer datang tanpa diundang ke Villa Holanda, tempat penyelenggaraan seminar.

Pada hari kedua, polisi memaksa pemilik villa untuk menunjukkan surat izin penyelenggaraan acara, padahal tidak ada persyaratan resmi untuk mendapatkan izin polisi bagi penyelenggaraan acara di kediaman pribadi. Karena diancam acara akan dibubarkan, dua orang mahasiswa menyerahkan surat permohonan izin dan keduanya diinterogasi habis-habisan oleh polisi.

Pada tanggal 5 November tujuh anggota polisi, termasuk kepala polisi Malang, muncul pada acara penutupan seminar. Selain kehadiran mereka yang mengintimidasi, polisi juga menanyakan daftar lengkap peserta acara bersama para mahasiswa Papua lainnya yang hadir.

Jember, Jawa Timur

Sekitar pukul 3 sore pada hari Jumat 17 November 2017, lebih dari selusin aparat keamanan menyerbu sebuah rumah kontrakan mahasiswa Papua di Jember. Tiga mahasiswa yang sedang tidur di kamar dibangunkan dan dipukuli serta ruangan mereka digeledah. Satu orang mahasiswa yang berupaya mendokumentasikan insiden pemukulan malah diinterogasi dan dilarang untuk merekam kejadian. Keesokan harinya, para korban dibawa ke kantor polisi Jember. Polisi menjelaskan kepada para mahasiswa yang datang bahwa polisi tidak terlibat dalam peristiwa tersebut, melainkan anggota militer.

Kamar mahasiswa yang digeledah (kiri, tengah); Lutut Edmun Bawor yang bengkak karena dipukuli petugas keamanan (kanan)

Kamar mahasiswa yang digeledah (kiri, tengah); Lutut Edmun Bawor yang bengkak karena dipukuli petugas keamanan (kanan)

Jakarta

sms-(edit)3Pada tanggal 28 November 2017 sejumlah mahasiswa Papua menerima pesan singkat (sms) yang mengancam agar tidak ikut demonstrasi 1 Desember (foto kanan).

* Nama sengaja ditutup untuk melindungi jati diri 

Two plainclothes police officers came to Jayawijaya West Papuan student dormitory - 15 Dec.2017

Dua polisi berpakaian sipil mendatangi asrama mahasiswa Jayawijaya di Jakarta Timur.

Pada tanggal 15 Desember 2017 dua polisi berpakaian sipil mendatangi asrama mahasiswa Jayawijaya di Jakarta Timur. Mereka menanyakan keberadaan ketua AMP Jakarta (foto paling kanan).

Laporan di format pdf: PBB Desember 2017 ID

 [1] Human Rights in West Papua 2017, http://www.humanrightspapua.org/images/docs/HumanRightsPapua2017-ICP.pdf

[2] Aliansi Mahasiswa Papua (AMP) adalah organisasi massa cinta damai yang didirikan pada 27 Juli 1998 oleh para mahasiswa Papua di Jawa dan Bali. Tujuan utama organisasi ini adalah menegakkan hak Bangsa Papua atas penentuan nasib sendiri. Organisasi ini menggalang protes massal secara rutin di seluruh Jawa dan Bali pada hari-hari penting bagi Bangsa Papua. Mereka menjadi korban intimidasi dan penangkapan massal oleh karenanya.

[3] KNPB Konsulat Indonesia adalah cabang organisasi massa KNPB berbasis di Manado, Sulawesi, didirikan pada 26 Maret 2016. Mereka menggalang protes dan bentuk ekspresi lainnya secara damai untuk menegakkan hak penentuan nasib sendiri pada tanggal-tanggal bersejarah bagi Bangsa Papua. Mereka menjadi korban intimidasi dan penangkapan massal oleh karenanya.

[4] “Court Ruling Criticised as Racist by Rights Activists” http://www.papuansbehindbars.org/?p=3666

[5] Asrama mahasiswa daerah banyak dijumpai di dekat kampus perguruan tinggi di seluruh Indonesia. Asrama adalah sarana tempat tinggal yang terjangkau bagi mahasiswa di rantau. Beberapa asrama dibiayai oleh pemerintah daerah, ada juga yang dikelola swasta.

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