In brief
At the end of January 2015, there were at least 38 political prisoners in Papuan jails.
The notable apparent decrease in the number of political prisoners is due to updated information on cases where news is often inaccessible or hard to come by. As timely information is often difficult to obtain, it is at times challenging to confirm if a political prisoner has been released. Additionally, news was also received this month of the release of six political prisoners in the Aimas 1 May case last November, following the end of their 1.5 year prison sentences. While the number of political prisoners recorded this month is comparably lower than those recorded in previous months, reports of mass arrests, ill-treatment and torture continue.
In January, at least 78 people were arrested in Utikini village and detained at Mimika Regional police office following the shooting of two Mobile Brigade (Brigade Mobil, Brimob) officers and one Freeport security officer. During the large-scale raid in Timika, at least 116 people were rounded up, including 48 women and three children. At least four people were reported to have suffered serious injuries from torture and ill-treatment, 439 homes were reportedly burned down and five people, including a baby, are believed to have died due to a lack of food and medicine after fleeing the violence.
The terrorising of whole communities in retaliation for armed activity demonstrates a common form of collective punishment used by security forces against indigenous Papuans. Similar reprisal attacks were also seen in Pirime district, Lanny Jaya in July 2014 and Puncak Illaga district, Timika in December 2014. Local communities in conflict areas are often targeted for arbitrary arrest and suffer torture, ill-treatment and internal displacement. While it is hard to ascertain the exact number of people living in such areas who are at risk of serious human rights violations, reports received from Papuan human rights sources indicate that the figure is in the thousands. The raid on Utikini village in Timika this month alone has reportedly resulted in around 5,000 internally displaced people. It is difficult to obtain accurate and timely information on the situation in these areas as they are often remote and heavily controlled by security forces. Instead of ensuring the protection of basic rights for local communities, the presence of security forces seem to be deeply destabilising.
Also in Timika this month, a student was heavily beaten by Brimob officers because he could not afford to pay for a meal at a street stall. He was shot when he attempted to retaliate by fighting back and throwing stones. The tendency for security forces to resort to the use of firearms to respond to the slightest provocation or in some instances, as the first measure used on arrest or detention of unarmed individuals, is an ongoing serious concern regarding policing methods. Such trigger-happy responses were seen in the ‘Bloody Paniai’ incident and in demonstrations in Dogiyai last month, as well as events in Yotefa market in July and August 2014. It is important to highlight that in almost all recorded cases, the perpetrators continue to enjoy total impunity.
Newly received information regarding the Bloody Paniai case has revealed that on 8 December 2014, four Papuans were fatally shot, and not the previously reported number of six. While the National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia (Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia, Komnas HAM) has formed a Fact Finding Team (Tim Penyelidikan Fakta, TPF), such a mechanism is only able to submit recommendations to the Indonesian government. Human rights groups are pushing for Komnas HAM to establish an Investigative Commission into Human Rights Violations (Komisi Penyelidikan Pelanggaran HAM, KPP HAM) in order to be able to bring the case to trial.
Arrests
Mass arrests, ill-treatment and torture during large-scale security raid in Mimika
Scores of people were arrested in Timika following the fatal shootings of two Brimob officers and one Freeport security officer. Human rights workers and Papuan media also reported cases of torture, ill-treatment and indiscriminate shooting by security forces in response to the shootings which took place on 1 January 2015.
On 1 January, at around 21:00 Papuan time, Second Brigadier Officers Riyan Hariansyah and M Adpriadi and Freeport security officer Suko Miartono were fatally shot in an armed attack while they were passing through Utikini village, Tembagapura district, in a patrol car. An armed pro-independence branch of the West Papua National Liberation Army (Tentera Pembebasan Nasional Papua Barat, TPNPB) headed by Ayub Waker issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.
A report received from a local human rights source stated that 13 people were arrested later the same day and are currently detained at Mimika Regional police station. It is currently unclear whether the 13 detainees are affiliated with the armed group and what charges they face.
On 6 January, a joint police and military task force raided Utikini village and rounded up at least 116 people, including 48 women and three children. Some reports indicated higher figures of more than 200 people. Out of those rounded up at Utikini village, 65 people were arrested and interrogated at Mimika Regional police station, reportedly because they possessed membership cards for the West Papua Interest Association (WPIA), a group that supports self-determination. Kamaniel Wakel, a tribal chief from Utikini village, was one of the 65 believed to have been detained. On 23 January, 64 of the detainees were released from Mimika Regional police station. 35-year-old Maxson Waker remains in detention, however it is currently unclear what charges he faces.
Papuan news site Jubi also reported torture, ill-treatment and unprocedural use of firearms by security forces during the raid. Two men from the village, Narogay Ela and Yondiman Waker, reportedly suffered gunshot injuries. Another Papuan, Merson Waker, is reported to have suffered serious stab wounds. According to a report by the Baptist Voice of Human Rights in West Papua (Suara Baptis Papua), 30-year-old Seribu Kogoya was reportedly tortured during the raid after he tried to speak out when police severely beat Senimela Wakerkwa, a Lanny Jaya tribal chief. Security forces allegedly slashed his head and sprayed salt water on his wounds while interrogating him. Local human rights activists told Jubi that those in need of medical treatment following the violence could not access hospitals as roads were being blocked by security forces.
According to witness testimony, security forces burned down 439 homes and confiscated pigs belonging to the villagers. Benny Pakage, a human rights activist with the Tabernacle Church in Papua (Kingmi Papua), told Jubi that as many as 5,000 villagers have fled the village to escape the violence. Due to the displacement, they sought temporary shelter in forests without adequate food and water and were then forced to find refuge in other regions. Five people, including a baby, is reported to have died due to a lack of medication or starvation while hiding in the forests.
According to a press statement by the Head of National Police, Inspector General Yotje Mende, 1,576 security personnel were involved in the raid. Among them, two-thirds of the officers were from the Mimika Regional police, 453 from the Amole Task Force and 150 from the Mimika District Military Command Battalion.
Due to difficulty in obtaining accurate and timely information from Timika, it is still unclear whether the 13 people arrested on 1 January are still in detention. It is believed that the 13 detainees, along with Maxson Waker, do not currently have any legal representation. Papuans Behind Bars will continue to report on this case as developments come to light.
Releases
Six detainees in Aimas 1 May case released
On 1 November 2014, Hengky Mangamis, Yordan Magablo, Obaja Kamesrar, Antonius Saruf, Obeth Kamesrar and Klemens Kodimko were released following the end of their 1.5 year prison sentences. Isak Klaibin, the only remaining detainee in the case, continues to serve a 3.5 year prison sentence in Sorong prison. The seven men were sentenced for conspiracy to commit treason under Articles 106 and 110 of the Indonesian Criminal Code and possession of weapons under Emergency Law 12/1951. They were arrested on 30 April 2013 during a gathering of community members to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the administrative transfer of Papua to Indonesia on 1 May 2013. Security forces had fired into the crowd for 20 minutes, causing the death of two Papuan men.
Salomina Klaibin, the sister of Isak Klaibin, suffered serious gunshot injuries and later died in hospital under suspicious circumstances.
Pastor arrested in Lanny Jaya raids released
Information received from Jayapura-based human rights workers indicate that Pastor Ruten Wakerkwa, who was arrested on 1 August 2014 during a military raid in Lanny Jaya has since been released. Wakerkwa was arrested when fighting broke out between security forces and an armed group led by resistance leader Enden Wanimbo.
KNPB Merauke activists released
Reports received from local human rights workers state that Ferdinandus Blagaize and Selestinus Blagaize, two activists of the West Papua National Committee (Komite Nasional Papua Barat, KNPB) have been released from detention in Okaba District police station. The two activists were arrested for possessing a referendum-related document and books on Papuan history that were intended for a socialisation event in their home village of Okaba.
Timur Wakerkwa released
In early November 2014, Timur Wakerkwa was released following the end of his 2.5 year prison sentence. On 1 May 2012, he was arrested alongside Darius Kogoya for taking part in a demonstration marking the 49th anniversary of the administrative transfer of West Papua to Indonesia. Both men were charged with treason under Article 106 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. Kogoya continues to serve a three-year sentence in Abepura prison.
Election boycott detainees released
Human rights lawyers reported the release of Sudi Wetipo, Elius Elosak, Domi Wetipo and Agus Doga from Jayawijaya Regional police station in Wamena. According to updated information obtained from sources in Wamena, the four men were arrested in Silokarno district on 11 July 2014, instead of 14 July as previously reported. They were detained alongside the five detainees in the Pisugi Elections Boycott case. On 13 July, they were released without charge. The four men were arrested because they chose not to participate in the Presidential Elections in July 2014 and had called for an election boycott.
Political trials and cases overview
Yosep Siep not receiving psychological treatment; trial for four others suspended
Defence lawyers from the Democracy Alliance for Papua (Aliansi Demokrasi untuk Papua, AlDP) have reported that Yosep Siep, one of the five men arrested in the Pisugi Election Boycott case, is no longer in detention in Wamena prison. Last month, Siep was hospitalised for chest and ear pains endured as a result of torture he faced on arrest. He also seemed to be suffering from stress and was unable to concentrate when answering questions. He has been advised to consult with a psychologist by the general practitioner of the hospital, but as there are no such services in Wamena, he has not been able to receive the treatment he needs for a full recovery. As there are no definite arrangements with the District Court to ensure that Siep is receiving the medical treatment he needs to be fit for trial, he has since returned home. However, his status as a suspect in the case remains and he is still at risk of re-arrest or trial. Court hearings for the four other detainees have been repeatedly postponed due to a lack of witnesses willing to submit testimony.
25 detained in Illaga raid released
On 12 December 2014, the 25 men arrested in the Puncak Illaga military raid were released. On 3 December, they were arrested in relation to the fatal shootings of two Brimob officers in Puncak Jaya. According to a local human rights investigator, the men were released from detention due to insufficient evidence linking them to the attack. Pro-independence armed group TPNPB had claimed responsibility for the attack, but stated that those who were arrested during the raid were ordinary civilians and not TPNPB members.
Cases of concern
Brimob shoots student in Timika
Papuan news site Majalah Selangkah reported that on 10 January 2015, Melkias Nawipa, a 20-year-old student was beaten and shot by Brimob officers because he was IDR 3,000 (USD 0.25) short of paying for his meal at a street side noodle stall. The stall owner reported him to police who proceeded to severely beat him. Brimob officers fired five shots in Nawipa’s direction when he retaliated by fighting back and throwing stones. He suffered a gunshot injury to his back and was taken to the emergency unit in Mimika Hospital.
Correction to Bloody Paniai report
New information from Nabire-based human rights investigators has revealed that on 8 December 2014, four Papuans were shot dead in the ‘Bloody Paniai’ incident, instead of six people, as reported in our December update. The victims were Simon Degei (an 18-year-old high school student), Alpius Youw, Alpius Gobai and Yulian Yeimo (all 17-year-old high school students).
Suara Papua reported that the situation in Enarotali, Paniai, is still tense and that the local community are severely traumatised by the shootings. On 7 January 2015, the National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia (Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Manusia, Komnas HAM) formed a Fact Finding Team (Tim Penyelidikan Fakta, TPF) which would be able to submit recommendations regarding the case to the government, but not to bring the case to trial. Papuan human rights groups have called on Komnas HAM to form an Investigative Commission into Human Rights Violations (Komisi Penyelidikan Pelanggaran HAM, KPP HAM) in order to be able to bring the case to trial in accordance with Law 26/2000 on the Court of Human Rights.
News
Note regarding the removal of three men from the political prisoner list
In this month’s update, we have removed three men – Deber Enumby, Tiragud Enumby and Yenite Morib – from the list of political prisoners. Papuans Behind Bars has not received any new information regarding the three men for more than a year. It is likely that they may have already been released. On 4 Janaury, Deber Enumby was arrested following the theft of eight firearms from the Kurilik police post. Several weeks later, Tiragud Enumby and Yenite Morib were arrested in a raid at Dondobaga Church in Kurilik village. We will continue to report on their case should any new developments come to light.
January 2015 Papuan political prisoners
| Prisoner | Arrested | Charges | Sentence | Case | Accused of violence? | Concerns reported re legal process? | Prison / Place of detention | |
| 1 | Areki Wanimbo | 6 August 2014 | Articles 106 and 110 | Awaiting trial | French journalists arrests in Wamena | Uncertain | Uncertain | Wamena |
| 2 | Yosep Siep | 9 July 2014 | Articles 187, 164 | Awaiting trial | Pisugi Election Boycott | Yes | Uncertain | Wamena |
| 3 | Ibrahim Marian | 9 July 2014 | Articles 187, 164 | Awaiting trial | Pisugi Election Boycott | Yes | Uncertain | Wamena |
| 4 | Marsel Marian | 9 July 2014 | Articles 187, 164 | Awaiting trial | Pisugi Election Boycott | Yes | Uncertain | Wamena |
| 5 | Yance Walilo | 9 July 2014 | Articles 187, 164 | Awaiting trial | Pisugi Election Boycott | Yes | Uncertain | Wamena |
| 6 | Yosasam Serabut | 9 July 2014 | Articles 187, 164 | Awaiting trial | Pisugi Election Boycott | Yes | Uncertain | Wamena |
| 7 | Alapia Yalak | 4 June 2014 | Unknown | Police investigation pending | Yahukimo arrests | Yes | Yes | Papua Police Headquarters |
| 8 | Lendeng Omu | 21 May 2014 | Unknown | Police investigation pending | Yahukimo arrests | Uncertain | Yes | Yahukimo Regional police station |
| 9 | Jemi Yermias Kapanai | 1 February 2014 | Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 | 3.5 years | Sasawa military raid arrests | Yes | Yes | Sorong |
| 10 | Septinus Wonawoai | 1 February 2014 | Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 | 3.5 years | Sasawa military raid arrests | Yes | Yes | Sorong |
| 11 | Rudi Otis Barangkea | 1 February 2014 | Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 | 3.5 years | Sasawa military raid arrests | Yes | Yes | Sorong |
| 12 | Kornelius Woniana | 1 February 2014 | Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 | 3.5 years | Sasawa military raid arrests | Yes | Yes | Sorong |
| 13 | Peneas Reri | 1 February 2014 | Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 | 3.5 years | Sasawa military raid arrests | Yes | Yes | Sorong |
| 14 | Salmon Windesi | 1 February 2014 | Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 | 3.5 years | Sasawa military raid arrests | Yes | Yes | Sorong |
| 15 | Obeth Kayoi | 1 February 2014 | Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 | 3.5 years | Sasawa military raid arrests | Yes | Yes | Sorong |
| 16 | Soleman Fonataba | 17 December 2013 | 106, 110)1, 53, 55 | Trial beginning on 6 August | Sarmi 2013 Morning Star flag arrests | No / not yet clear | No | On bail, cannot leave Sarmi |
| 17 | Edison Werimon | 13 December 2013 | 106, 110)1, 53, 55 | Trial beginning on 6 August | Sarmi 2013 Morning Star flag arrests | No / not yet clear | No | On bail, cannot leave Sarmi |
| 18 | Piethein Manggaprouw | 19 October 2013 | 106, 110 | 2 years | Third Papuan Congress demo in Biak | No | Yes | Biak |
| 19 | Oktovianus Warnares | 1 May 2013 | 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 | 7 years | Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration | Yes | Yes | Biak |
| 20 | Yoseph Arwakon | 1 May 2013 | 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 | 2 years and 6 months | Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration | Yes | Yes | Biak |
| 21 | Markus Sawias | 1 May 2013 | 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 | 2 years | Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration | Yes | Yes | Biak |
| 22 | George Syors Simyapen | 1 May 2013 | 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 | 4.5 years | Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration | Yes | Yes | Biak |
| 23 | Jantje Wamaer | 1 May 2013 | 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 | 2 years and 6 months | Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration | Yes | Yes | Biak |
| 24 | Isak Klaibin | 30 April
2013 |
106, 107, 108, 110, 160 and 164 | 3 years and 6 months | Aimas 1 May commemoration | No | Yes | Sorong |
| 25 | Isak Demetouw (alias Alex Makabori) | 3 March 2013 | 110; Article 2, Emergency Law 12/1951 | 2 years 2 months | Sarmi treason | No | Yes | Abepura |
| 26 | Niko Sasomar | 3 March 2013 | 110; Article 2, Emergency Law 12/1951 | 2 years 2 months | Sarmi treason | No | Yes | Abepura |
| 27 | Sileman Teno | 3 March 2013 | 110; Article 2, Emergency Law 12/1951 | 2 years 2 months | Sarmi treason | No | Yes | Abepura |
| 28 | Jefri Wandikbo | 7 June 2012 | 340, 56, Law 8/1981 | 8 years | KNPB activist tortured in Jayapura | Yes | Yes | Abepura |
| 29 | Darius Kogoya | 1 May 2012 | 106 | 3 years | 1 May demo and flag-raising | No | No | Abepura |
| 30 | Wiki Meaga | 20 November 2010 | 106 | 8 years | Yalengga flag-raising | No | Yes | Wamena |
| 31 | Meki Elosak | 20 November 2010 | 106 | 8 years | Yalengga flag-raising | No | Yes | Wamena |
| 32 | Filep Karma | 1 December 2004 | 106 | 15 years | Abepura flag-raising 2004 | No | Yes | Abepura |
| 33 | Yusanur Wenda | 30 April 2004 | 106 | 17 years | Wunin arrests | Yes | No | Wamena |
| 34 | Linus Hiel Hiluka | 27 May 2003 | 106 | 19 years and 10 months | Wamena ammunition store raid | Yes | Yes | Nabire |
| 35 | Kimanus Wenda | 12 April 2003 | 106 | 19 years and 10 months | Wamena ammunition store raid | Yes | Yes | Nabire |
| 36 | Jefrai Murib | 12 April 2003 | 106 | Life | Wamena ammunition store raid | Yes | Yes | Abepura |
| 37 | Numbungga Telenggen | 11 April 2003 | 106 | Life | Wamena ammunition store raid | Yes | Yes | Biak |
| 38 | Apotnalogolik Lokobal | 10 April 2003 | 106 | 20 years | Wamena ammunition store raid | Yes | Yes | Biak |
Papuans Behind Bars aims to provide accurate and transparent data, published in English and Indonesian, to facilitate direct support for prisoners and promote wider debate and campaigning in support of free expression in West Papua.
Papuans Behind Bars is a collective effort initiated by Papuan civil society groups working together as the Civil Society Coalition to Uphold Law and Human Rights in Papua. It is a grassroots initiative and represents a broad collaboration between lawyers, human rights groups, adat groups, activists, journalists and individuals in West Papua, as well as Jakarta-based NGOs and international solidarity groups.
Questions, comments and corrections are welcomed, and you can write to us at info@papuansbehindbars.org.
