Peaceful demonstrations are often held by some people who call themselves the "Free West Papua Campaign (FWPC)" is in front of the Embassy of London led Benny Wenda seraca not to be taken politically, because it was just the way they make money by attracting the attention of tourists. This was said by one of his former political combatants Free Papua Movement (OPM) which has officially returned to the bosom of the motherland Indonesia, Nicholas messed.
"Action demonstration in front of the Embassy London starring Benny Wenda who wore traditional dress of Papua's indigenous people is an art attraction, so as not to be taken politically, but viewed from the side of the art of traditional dress. Pendemonya shouting If Papuan independence then it is not needs ignored, "he said.
Benny Wenda should not need to seek a political sensation abroad, but just go back to Papua, his homeland and with his brothers to build Papua New Papua is more just, peaceful and prosperous.
Benny Wenda should be aware she is currently being used by certain NGOs to the NGO's own interests that the ends are pulled sympathetic to bring more money for the success of the political agenda of these NGOs. FWPC in action never received support from the British government, for their own FWPC not recognized as an official organization in the UK. So what FWPC campaigning for Papuan independence, if the UK supports the integrity of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia and Papua part of Indonesia.
'It should be noted, the British Government has formally and consistently recognized Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia, "he said. According messed, what is done Benny Wenda with his colleagues was just a waste of time and energy. Far better he returned to Papua to build this land of Papua.
"I've had decades of experience in foreign countries struggling for independence of Papua, but the struggle was futile, even torment yourself and harming others in the land of the people of Papua," he said. "Whether or not good, my land Papua better. Rain in the land of gold, stones rain in their own country, right in their own country," he said poetically.
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Selasa, 19 Januari 2010
Rabu, 13 Januari 2010
Free Papua Organization (OPM) group founder back in Indonesia
Free Papua Organization (OPM) rebel group founder Nicholas Jouwe arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday and vowed to spend the rest of his life in the country. Jouwe, 86, proceeded to the office of the Coordinating Public Welfare Minister Agung Laksono upon his arrival in Jakarta. Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi, who is a native Papuan, was also seen at the meeting.
“I left the Netherlands to settle on my home soil of Indonesia for good,” Jouwe was quoted by Antara.He said he was happy with the Indonesian government’s reception of him and its commitment to solving Papua’s problems.
In press conference Nicolas Jouwe said that I think Papua is part of Indonesia. We talked about the cooperation program, which is what we need. We have to develop the Papua land,” .
When asked about a series of attacks which are linked to OPM in Papua, Jouwe said the perpetrators were just “young people who know nothing.” “They emulated what other people in other parts of Indonesia did,” he added.
Source : Papua Today
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“I left the Netherlands to settle on my home soil of Indonesia for good,” Jouwe was quoted by Antara.He said he was happy with the Indonesian government’s reception of him and its commitment to solving Papua’s problems.
In press conference Nicolas Jouwe said that I think Papua is part of Indonesia. We talked about the cooperation program, which is what we need. We have to develop the Papua land,” .
When asked about a series of attacks which are linked to OPM in Papua, Jouwe said the perpetrators were just “young people who know nothing.” “They emulated what other people in other parts of Indonesia did,” he added.
Source : Papua Today
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Keerom district should be RI`s showcase on PNG border
Keerom district bordering Papua New Guinea (PNG) should be treated as the country`s "front yard" and therefore it should have adequate public facilities and a community welfare improved through empowerment programs, a regional official said.
The efforts needed to be made to make a positive impression with neighboring countries, said Keerom District Chief Celcius Watae here Tuesday.
He said the border region had strategic potentials but was also prone to security , political, socio-economic and cultural problems. Therefore, it should receive more attention, in order to create harmony with the neighboring country and prevent its community from becoming poorer than people on the other side of the border.
However, in reality development in the border area was making very slow progress as if it was the country`s "backyard," he said. . This way of things should be changed and the border region should be regarded as the country`s front porch in which outsiders could see the face of the nation, he said.
He said conditions in Keerom district on the border with PNG had unique characteristics because its people still had ties of kinship, culture and indigenous ownership of traditional lands with people on the other side of the border. Many people in Keerom still had relatives living just across he border with PNG with whom they shared customary ownership of land.
Conversely, many PNG citizens had relatives living on Indonesian territory and even owned land in the Republic of Indonesia.
"Resident who lives here (Indonesia) and there (PNG) experienced life as one big village that makes them need each other over the yearsm," he said and pointed out that the Walsa and Fermagem tribes were each actually part of the same extended family but lived in both Indonesia and PNG.
Both these tribes, he said, had members scattered in 14 villages living on PNG territory and in six villages on Indonesian territory , namely Kampung Ampas, Kalifam, Banda,: Pund, Kalimo and Yuwainde. Until July 2009, as many as 464 people from PNG were still living in and had settled down in the villages of Kampung Yabanda, Sengi sub-district, Keerom district.
Despite the efforts of the government to make the local people aware of their Indonesian citizenship the mobility of people between villages along the border was difficult to stop, especially in Keerom where a market selling a variety of basic needs was also attracting buyers from across the border.
To anticipate developments in the neighboring country, the Indonesian government which had the authority to handle the border areas to build public facilities such as roads, bridges, educational facilities, health services and schools.
Regarding the security situation on the border with PNG, Cenderahwasih XVII regional commander Maj. Gen. AY Nasution said security conditions there were expected to improve in 2010.
Moreover, the Free Papua Organization (OPM)figure Nicolaas Jouwe who had settled abroad, returned to Papua and chose to be an Indonesian citizens. Nicolaas, reportedly arrived in Jakarta on Monday (Jan 111) and will soon head to Jayapura.
Source : ANTARA News
Read More..
The efforts needed to be made to make a positive impression with neighboring countries, said Keerom District Chief Celcius Watae here Tuesday.
He said the border region had strategic potentials but was also prone to security , political, socio-economic and cultural problems. Therefore, it should receive more attention, in order to create harmony with the neighboring country and prevent its community from becoming poorer than people on the other side of the border.
However, in reality development in the border area was making very slow progress as if it was the country`s "backyard," he said. . This way of things should be changed and the border region should be regarded as the country`s front porch in which outsiders could see the face of the nation, he said.
He said conditions in Keerom district on the border with PNG had unique characteristics because its people still had ties of kinship, culture and indigenous ownership of traditional lands with people on the other side of the border. Many people in Keerom still had relatives living just across he border with PNG with whom they shared customary ownership of land.
Conversely, many PNG citizens had relatives living on Indonesian territory and even owned land in the Republic of Indonesia.
"Resident who lives here (Indonesia) and there (PNG) experienced life as one big village that makes them need each other over the yearsm," he said and pointed out that the Walsa and Fermagem tribes were each actually part of the same extended family but lived in both Indonesia and PNG.
Both these tribes, he said, had members scattered in 14 villages living on PNG territory and in six villages on Indonesian territory , namely Kampung Ampas, Kalifam, Banda,: Pund, Kalimo and Yuwainde. Until July 2009, as many as 464 people from PNG were still living in and had settled down in the villages of Kampung Yabanda, Sengi sub-district, Keerom district.
Despite the efforts of the government to make the local people aware of their Indonesian citizenship the mobility of people between villages along the border was difficult to stop, especially in Keerom where a market selling a variety of basic needs was also attracting buyers from across the border.
To anticipate developments in the neighboring country, the Indonesian government which had the authority to handle the border areas to build public facilities such as roads, bridges, educational facilities, health services and schools.
Regarding the security situation on the border with PNG, Cenderahwasih XVII regional commander Maj. Gen. AY Nasution said security conditions there were expected to improve in 2010.
Moreover, the Free Papua Organization (OPM)figure Nicolaas Jouwe who had settled abroad, returned to Papua and chose to be an Indonesian citizens. Nicolaas, reportedly arrived in Jakarta on Monday (Jan 111) and will soon head to Jayapura.
Source : ANTARA News
Read More..
Mimika students, councilors call for end to tribal clashes
Markus Makur
Fifth-grader Eikman Songgonao from the SD Inpres state elementary school in Kwamki Lama in Mimika, Papua, has not been to school since tribal clashes erupted last week.“My friends and I want to go back to school, but we’re terrified of the fighting still taking place in Kwamki Lama,” Songgonao told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
He appealed to the upper and lower Kwamki Lama tribes involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities so the students could return to school. The feud is blamed on the failure of one of the tribes to pay compensation for a rape allegedly committed by a member of the rival tribe six months ago.“Students from both warring tribes have missed out on school, and some have even joined their parents in the fighting,” Songgonao said during a visit by Mimika and Papua legislators.
“I’ve asked my parents to stop their involvement in the conflict.”
The school has been closed for the past week, following the tribal clashes that often play out right in front of the schoolyard.
Songgonao said teachers were no longer willing to come to Kwamki Lama due to the conflict.
“I don’t know when this war will end. I’m very sad about the situation in Kwamki Lama,” he said.
“The warring groups, those who still have family ties, must immediately stop the conflict.”
Songgonao added he had earlier taken part in the fighting, while his friends were still engaged in it.
Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Moh. Sagi said police had tried to mediate in the dispute.
Police have cordoned off the main battleground and posted personnel in the area. Both warring groups, previously armed with bows and arrows, have since laid down their arms, and for the most part the attacks had ceased over the weekend.
“Councilors from the Mimika and Papua legislatures are here today to meet both communities in an effort to stop the conflict,” Sagi said.
“I hope the groups are able to end the hostilities and seek a peaceful way to reach a peace agreement.”
Mimika councilor Elminus Mom, from the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), said the regency legislature had been trying to forge a peaceful resolution for the past week.
“As a native of Kwamki Lama and a tribal member sitting in the legislature, I urge the groups to end the fighting today,” he said.
“The Mimika and Papua councilors will only be here today and are waiting for the two to make peace.”
Mimika councilor Pieter Magal, from the Democratic Party, echoed the call.
“I’m present and standing here now to urge the people to stop the fighting,” he said, adding he himself was from the local Amungme tribe.
Upper Kwamki Lama battle leader Yulianus Agabal said he was open to the reconciliation efforts by the regency and provincial councilors.
“We accept every effort made by the Mimika and Papua legislators to end the conflict,” he said.
“As the victims, we will meet with the lower Kwamki Lama group to discuss ending the conflict immediately.”
Source : The Jakarta Post
Read More..
Fifth-grader Eikman Songgonao from the SD Inpres state elementary school in Kwamki Lama in Mimika, Papua, has not been to school since tribal clashes erupted last week.“My friends and I want to go back to school, but we’re terrified of the fighting still taking place in Kwamki Lama,” Songgonao told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
He appealed to the upper and lower Kwamki Lama tribes involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities so the students could return to school. The feud is blamed on the failure of one of the tribes to pay compensation for a rape allegedly committed by a member of the rival tribe six months ago.“Students from both warring tribes have missed out on school, and some have even joined their parents in the fighting,” Songgonao said during a visit by Mimika and Papua legislators.
“I’ve asked my parents to stop their involvement in the conflict.”
The school has been closed for the past week, following the tribal clashes that often play out right in front of the schoolyard.
Songgonao said teachers were no longer willing to come to Kwamki Lama due to the conflict.
“I don’t know when this war will end. I’m very sad about the situation in Kwamki Lama,” he said.
“The warring groups, those who still have family ties, must immediately stop the conflict.”
Songgonao added he had earlier taken part in the fighting, while his friends were still engaged in it.
Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Moh. Sagi said police had tried to mediate in the dispute.
Police have cordoned off the main battleground and posted personnel in the area. Both warring groups, previously armed with bows and arrows, have since laid down their arms, and for the most part the attacks had ceased over the weekend.
“Councilors from the Mimika and Papua legislatures are here today to meet both communities in an effort to stop the conflict,” Sagi said.
“I hope the groups are able to end the hostilities and seek a peaceful way to reach a peace agreement.”
Mimika councilor Elminus Mom, from the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), said the regency legislature had been trying to forge a peaceful resolution for the past week.
“As a native of Kwamki Lama and a tribal member sitting in the legislature, I urge the groups to end the fighting today,” he said.
“The Mimika and Papua councilors will only be here today and are waiting for the two to make peace.”
Mimika councilor Pieter Magal, from the Democratic Party, echoed the call.
“I’m present and standing here now to urge the people to stop the fighting,” he said, adding he himself was from the local Amungme tribe.
Upper Kwamki Lama battle leader Yulianus Agabal said he was open to the reconciliation efforts by the regency and provincial councilors.
“We accept every effort made by the Mimika and Papua legislators to end the conflict,” he said.
“As the victims, we will meet with the lower Kwamki Lama group to discuss ending the conflict immediately.”
Source : The Jakarta Post
Read More..
Minggu, 10 Januari 2010
Central Government Budget Assistance to Papua TA.2010 USD $ 21.89 Trillion
JAYAPURA/PT- On January 8, 2010 Papua receive Form Implementation of the central government budget which has increased from the previous year 2009 only Rp 19.058 trillion, then in 2010 was the Papua received Rp 21.89 trillion or an increase of about USD 2.8 trillion from the central government. In his speech the Governor of Papua Barnabas Suebu, SH said, the total fund of Rp 21.89 trillion from the State Revenues and Expenditures (Budget), among others sourced from a managed budget agencies of central government, the General Allocation Fund (DAU), the Special Allocation Fund (DAK), the Special Autonomy Fund (Autonomy) and Infrastruktut Autonomy Fund.
Delivery of DIPA has a symbolic meaning that is very important, namely that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono wants the continuity of development which took place without a break, without stopping, in Papua Province. For that there is no reason to delay implementation of the budget in the form of development activities that have been planned in accordance with the stages according to the applicable government regulations, seriously guided by the principles of budget management is accountable, results-oriented, professional, proportionate , and open / transparent. In his speech President Yudhoyono asked the seriousness of all parties to not accumulate disbursements at year-end budget, but disseminate it more proportional to each quarter. That means that the implementation of the budget must be started early in 2010 so that the role of government budget as a stimulus to the economy actually improved efektifivitasnya.
The entire state budget funds in 2010 amounted to USD 1047.6 Trillion consisting of, the central government budget of Rp 725.2 trillion, and transfers to regional budgets amounted to Rp 322.4 Trillion
Of total central government budget, allocated to them, spending Employees Rp 160.3 trillion, spending Rp 107.0 T goods, capital expenditure Rp 82.1 trillion, social assistance and Rp 64.2 trillion debt interest spending, subsidies and spending Other-Other amounted to Rp 30.7 trillion.
Then the total budget allocation of funds for Papua Province, managed by government agencies is central to Rp 5.78 trillion, with the details, shopping Employees Rp 1.60 trillion, spending Rp 1.29 trillion of goods, capital expenditure Rp 1.95 Trillion , and social assistance Trilyun.Lembaga USD $ 0.92 this year the government allocated a large enough budget is the national education department Rp 0.54 trillion, the department of defense Rp 0.61 trillion, the Ministry of Public Works USD 1.44 Trillion, National Police Rp 0.63 trillion, the Ministry of Health amounted to Rp 0.07 trillion, and the Department of Transportation is Rp 0.65 trillion.
National Education Fund Allocation of them will be used for Social Assistance Institute of Education, Office of Education, Youth and Sports of Papua province to Rp 360.5 billion. Allocation of Department of Public Works of which USD 1.3 Trillion, will be used for the construction of roads and bridges, residential infrastructure development, development of water management and environmental health as well as the settlement of natural resource management and other activities on the field of Public Works.
Allocation of funds National Police will be used mostly for police operations throughout the province of Papua. Department of Health Allocation of funds for other than operational expenditure will also be used for the construction of Jayapura Office of Health Polytechnic of Rp 17.5 billion.
As for the Papua province in the fiscal year 2010 funding was obtained allocations that make up the bulk of the Papua Provincial structure as follows: DAU Rp 11.119 trillion with the details of the Papua Province DAU USD 1.148 trillion and DAU County / City of Rp 9.971 trillion. Then Papua Province DAK Rp 1.5 trillion, with details of the Papua Province DAK Rp 75 billion and DAK County / City of Rp 1.453 trillion. Next fund Otsus Rp. 3.49 trillion, which consists of funds from 2 percent of national DAU Rp. 2.69 trillion, and Rp infrastructure funds. 0.8 trillion. Thus, the total of all funds derived from the state budget allocated for the Province of Papua in the Fiscal Year 2010 is Rp. 21.89 trillion.
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Delivery of DIPA has a symbolic meaning that is very important, namely that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono wants the continuity of development which took place without a break, without stopping, in Papua Province. For that there is no reason to delay implementation of the budget in the form of development activities that have been planned in accordance with the stages according to the applicable government regulations, seriously guided by the principles of budget management is accountable, results-oriented, professional, proportionate , and open / transparent. In his speech President Yudhoyono asked the seriousness of all parties to not accumulate disbursements at year-end budget, but disseminate it more proportional to each quarter. That means that the implementation of the budget must be started early in 2010 so that the role of government budget as a stimulus to the economy actually improved efektifivitasnya.
The entire state budget funds in 2010 amounted to USD 1047.6 Trillion consisting of, the central government budget of Rp 725.2 trillion, and transfers to regional budgets amounted to Rp 322.4 Trillion
Of total central government budget, allocated to them, spending Employees Rp 160.3 trillion, spending Rp 107.0 T goods, capital expenditure Rp 82.1 trillion, social assistance and Rp 64.2 trillion debt interest spending, subsidies and spending Other-Other amounted to Rp 30.7 trillion.
Then the total budget allocation of funds for Papua Province, managed by government agencies is central to Rp 5.78 trillion, with the details, shopping Employees Rp 1.60 trillion, spending Rp 1.29 trillion of goods, capital expenditure Rp 1.95 Trillion , and social assistance Trilyun.Lembaga USD $ 0.92 this year the government allocated a large enough budget is the national education department Rp 0.54 trillion, the department of defense Rp 0.61 trillion, the Ministry of Public Works USD 1.44 Trillion, National Police Rp 0.63 trillion, the Ministry of Health amounted to Rp 0.07 trillion, and the Department of Transportation is Rp 0.65 trillion.
National Education Fund Allocation of them will be used for Social Assistance Institute of Education, Office of Education, Youth and Sports of Papua province to Rp 360.5 billion. Allocation of Department of Public Works of which USD 1.3 Trillion, will be used for the construction of roads and bridges, residential infrastructure development, development of water management and environmental health as well as the settlement of natural resource management and other activities on the field of Public Works.
Allocation of funds National Police will be used mostly for police operations throughout the province of Papua. Department of Health Allocation of funds for other than operational expenditure will also be used for the construction of Jayapura Office of Health Polytechnic of Rp 17.5 billion.
As for the Papua province in the fiscal year 2010 funding was obtained allocations that make up the bulk of the Papua Provincial structure as follows: DAU Rp 11.119 trillion with the details of the Papua Province DAU USD 1.148 trillion and DAU County / City of Rp 9.971 trillion. Then Papua Province DAK Rp 1.5 trillion, with details of the Papua Province DAK Rp 75 billion and DAK County / City of Rp 1.453 trillion. Next fund Otsus Rp. 3.49 trillion, which consists of funds from 2 percent of national DAU Rp. 2.69 trillion, and Rp infrastructure funds. 0.8 trillion. Thus, the total of all funds derived from the state budget allocated for the Province of Papua in the Fiscal Year 2010 is Rp. 21.89 trillion.
Read More..
Sabtu, 02 Januari 2010
Jakarta-Papua talk still possible
Neles Tebay,
Despite the killing of Kelly Kwalik by Indonesian Mobile Brigade Police on Dec.16, 2009, at Timika, the capital of Mimika regeny, Papua, the Indonesian government under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Pa-puans have not yet shut down the window for dialogue.
A dialogue between Jakarta and Papua is important for both parties to jointly reach a peaceful and negotiated solution to the Papua conflict. From the Papuans side, they have already demonstrated their commitment and willingness for a peaceful dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
The world has witnessed that during and after the Kwalik's burial in Timika town, Papuans were able to calm themselves. They did not retaliate against the police. There was no atrocity initiated by the Papuans. The Papuans have rejected violent approaches, such as killing, for it will never settle the conflict. They have already chosen dialogue as a civilized way to reach a dignified solution to the Papua conflict.
The Papuans publicly announced they wanted to settle the Papua conflict through a civilized way, through a neutral third party, which will mediate the dialogue between Jakarta and Papua. Kwalik's assassination has even renewed and strengthened their commitment to dialogue, as clearly communicated in the speech of the chairperson of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP).
It is the belief of the Papuans that the Indonesian authority will not keep repeating its violent approach and therefore choose a civilized way, such as dialogue, to settle the Papua conflict. This belief is based on the fact that the government under the leadership of Yudhoyono has successfully settled the government's armed conflict with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), through a third party-mediated dialogue with the signing of Helsinki Agreement in August 2005.
Yudhoyono has been reelected for the second term of his presidency. Yudhoyono's reelection gives hope that the government under his leadership will handle the Papua conflict through dialogue with the Papuans, as was done in Aceh.
During his first term, Yudhoyono made several public statements announcing the government's commitment to settle the Papua conflict through dialogue.
However, the promised dialogue has not taken place. The Papuans understood well that the President was not able to initiate a dialogue with them because his political party, the Democratic Party, was new and small. Yudhoyono might have been reluctant to settle the Papuan conflict through dialogue because his political support in the House of Representatives was weak and his attention was focused on the implementation of the Helsinki Agreement in Aceh.
For the second term of his presidency, Yudhoyono has very strong political backing in the House. His political party won the April legislative elections and his party has formed coalition with some other big and influential parties. Therefore, there is less possibility for him to face resistance in the House.
Yudhoyono, at the same time as being the head of state and government, is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Indonesian army.
It is in the second term of his presidency, then, that it seems proper for him to settle the Papua conflict through dialogue as all of the country's power now at his disposal.
Yudhoyono's initiative for the dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will certainly be supported by the House, the government, and the Indonesian Military (TNI).
That's why the Papuans see that dialogue between Jakarta and Papua is still possible, particularly during Yudhoyono's presidency.
Once the Jakarta-based government engages in dialogue with the Papuans, and the Papua conflict is settled without bloodshed, then this peaceful settlement to the conflict would be the Yudhoyono's legacy.
The history of Indonesia will record and tell that he was the only Indonesian president who was able to settle peacefully and permanently, the Papua conflict through dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
Not like in Aceh, where former vice president Jusuf Kalla was also involved, the peaceful settlement to the Papua conflict is and will be the Yudhoyono's work. It will be recognized his own idea.
A dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will really be considered as a manifestation of the Yudhoyono's genuineness and personal initiative.
As a result, he will be recognized internationally as a man of peace. It may even win him a Nobel Peace Price in the years to come.
It is needless to say that dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will certainly bring about a good reputation for the country of Indonesia before the eyes of international community. Therefore there is still hope and possibility for the present government to take the initiative for dialogue to settle the Papua conflict.
The writer is a lecturer at the Fajar Timur school of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura, Papua. Read More..
Despite the killing of Kelly Kwalik by Indonesian Mobile Brigade Police on Dec.16, 2009, at Timika, the capital of Mimika regeny, Papua, the Indonesian government under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Pa-puans have not yet shut down the window for dialogue.
A dialogue between Jakarta and Papua is important for both parties to jointly reach a peaceful and negotiated solution to the Papua conflict. From the Papuans side, they have already demonstrated their commitment and willingness for a peaceful dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
The world has witnessed that during and after the Kwalik's burial in Timika town, Papuans were able to calm themselves. They did not retaliate against the police. There was no atrocity initiated by the Papuans. The Papuans have rejected violent approaches, such as killing, for it will never settle the conflict. They have already chosen dialogue as a civilized way to reach a dignified solution to the Papua conflict.
The Papuans publicly announced they wanted to settle the Papua conflict through a civilized way, through a neutral third party, which will mediate the dialogue between Jakarta and Papua. Kwalik's assassination has even renewed and strengthened their commitment to dialogue, as clearly communicated in the speech of the chairperson of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP).
It is the belief of the Papuans that the Indonesian authority will not keep repeating its violent approach and therefore choose a civilized way, such as dialogue, to settle the Papua conflict. This belief is based on the fact that the government under the leadership of Yudhoyono has successfully settled the government's armed conflict with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), through a third party-mediated dialogue with the signing of Helsinki Agreement in August 2005.
Yudhoyono has been reelected for the second term of his presidency. Yudhoyono's reelection gives hope that the government under his leadership will handle the Papua conflict through dialogue with the Papuans, as was done in Aceh.
During his first term, Yudhoyono made several public statements announcing the government's commitment to settle the Papua conflict through dialogue.
However, the promised dialogue has not taken place. The Papuans understood well that the President was not able to initiate a dialogue with them because his political party, the Democratic Party, was new and small. Yudhoyono might have been reluctant to settle the Papuan conflict through dialogue because his political support in the House of Representatives was weak and his attention was focused on the implementation of the Helsinki Agreement in Aceh.
For the second term of his presidency, Yudhoyono has very strong political backing in the House. His political party won the April legislative elections and his party has formed coalition with some other big and influential parties. Therefore, there is less possibility for him to face resistance in the House.
Yudhoyono, at the same time as being the head of state and government, is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Indonesian army.
It is in the second term of his presidency, then, that it seems proper for him to settle the Papua conflict through dialogue as all of the country's power now at his disposal.
Yudhoyono's initiative for the dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will certainly be supported by the House, the government, and the Indonesian Military (TNI).
That's why the Papuans see that dialogue between Jakarta and Papua is still possible, particularly during Yudhoyono's presidency.
Once the Jakarta-based government engages in dialogue with the Papuans, and the Papua conflict is settled without bloodshed, then this peaceful settlement to the conflict would be the Yudhoyono's legacy.
The history of Indonesia will record and tell that he was the only Indonesian president who was able to settle peacefully and permanently, the Papua conflict through dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
Not like in Aceh, where former vice president Jusuf Kalla was also involved, the peaceful settlement to the Papua conflict is and will be the Yudhoyono's work. It will be recognized his own idea.
A dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will really be considered as a manifestation of the Yudhoyono's genuineness and personal initiative.
As a result, he will be recognized internationally as a man of peace. It may even win him a Nobel Peace Price in the years to come.
It is needless to say that dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will certainly bring about a good reputation for the country of Indonesia before the eyes of international community. Therefore there is still hope and possibility for the present government to take the initiative for dialogue to settle the Papua conflict.
The writer is a lecturer at the Fajar Timur school of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura, Papua. Read More..
Kamis, 31 Desember 2009
Papuan Council Recalls Former President Gus Dur
Head of the council Thaha al Hamid said on Thursday papuans will never forget the swift measure by Gus Dur in December 1999, in approving the use of the original term for their region, Papua, as the official name of province.
The measure replaced the name of Irian, Jaya given during Soeharto presidency, within only two months after the cleric assumed office which remained until now.
During his unfinished term he made two visits to the island in 1999 and 2000 and met with a senior papua leader Theys Hiyo Eluay jailed by the Indonesian authority during the second visit. “Even several times, when we had not visited him so often anymore, Gus Dur would asked and then we would come to visit him. So our contact was maintained even when was no longer holding the presidential post”
The last visit was in 2006 when Gud Dur was out of the office and in which Thaha said, Gus Dur made a plea to the governemnt to name Theys as a national hero.
His figure, Thaha went on, was too extraordinary for Papua and papuans. “We are not just losing a cleric, a former president, and a teacher, but actually we are losing a living scripture. A scripture that continuously giving advise.”
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The measure replaced the name of Irian, Jaya given during Soeharto presidency, within only two months after the cleric assumed office which remained until now.
During his unfinished term he made two visits to the island in 1999 and 2000 and met with a senior papua leader Theys Hiyo Eluay jailed by the Indonesian authority during the second visit. “Even several times, when we had not visited him so often anymore, Gus Dur would asked and then we would come to visit him. So our contact was maintained even when was no longer holding the presidential post”
The last visit was in 2006 when Gud Dur was out of the office and in which Thaha said, Gus Dur made a plea to the governemnt to name Theys as a national hero.
His figure, Thaha went on, was too extraordinary for Papua and papuans. “We are not just losing a cleric, a former president, and a teacher, but actually we are losing a living scripture. A scripture that continuously giving advise.”
Read More..
Kamis, 24 Desember 2009
The killing of Kelly Kwalik and Papua conflict
Neles Tebay
Kelly Kwalik was recognized as a prominent Papuan leader of the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). He resisted Indonesia’s rule over Papua until the last day of his life, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009.
He was shot to death by the Indonesian Mobile Brigade Police in Timika, the capital of Mimika regency, Papua.
In the absence of Kwalik, the police can easily justify the killing by linking him with allegations of misconduct.
Police might link Kwalik to the series of shootings near Timika over the past six months targeting the operations of the US mining company, Freeport-McMoran.
Kwalik might be accused of having ordered the kidnapping of the two Belgian journalists who were released after two months in 2001.
They might allege he was involved in the killing two US Freeport employees in 2001. The list can be made longer by adding other allegations against Kwalik.
Despite the allegations, he was killed neither during a war nor in an exchange of fire.
Indeed, he was assassinated in a time of peace in a raid conducted by the police.
Since he was assassinated in a time of peace, Kwalik’s death might not be the final goal of the killing.
The killing is simply a means to achieve a certain goal.
Kwalik could have been killed deliberately in order to address a particular problem and to achieve a certain goal. What goals could be achieved through this killing? There are two possibilities:
The first is that Kwalik was possibly killed to put an end to the attacks initiated in June 2009 targeting Freeport mining operations.
Police might have considered Kwalik as the main cause of the attacks, although he denied any responsibility.
Therefore, the police might have decided to eliminate Kwalik to address the security problem within the Freeport concession area.
However, the truth is that despite its investigation, underway since June, the police to date have not been able to identify those parties responsible for the attacks.
Freeport-McMoran Copper and Gold Corporation has long been linked to human rights abuses involving Indonesian troops who secure the company’s facilities.
Making Kwalik a scapegoat then, only serves to mask the failure of Indonesian authorities to credibly resolve the case.
If the above analysis is true, then the killing of Kwalik will not resolve the security problem in the Freeport consession area.
Therefore, sooner or later, the attacks will happen again in the same area, unless all parties demanding protection money from Freeport are satisfied with the huge amount of money.
The second possibility is that Kwalik was assassinated to settle the conflict between the Indonesian government (Jakarta) and the Papuans (Papua) which has been going on from 1963 until today. Police might have considered Kwalik the main cause of the conflict.
Therefore the best way chosen by the police to settle the conflict was by assassinating Kwalik in a raid.
The questions should be: Is it true that Kwalik was the main cause of the conflict between Jakarta and Papua?
In order to answer this question, we need to explore the root cause of the conflict: What is (are) the main cause(s) of the unsettled Papua conflict?
The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has conducted research for four years on the conflict between Jakarta and Papua and identified, in the book entitled Papua Road Map published in 2009, four main problems as the main causes of the conflict.
The first problem would be the government’s failures in development, particularly in the area of education, health care, infrastructure, and people’s economic development.
Its indicator is that many Papuans remain living under the poverty line, despite the wealth of natural resources in Papua.
Second is the marginalization of, and discrimination against, the indigenous Papuans under Indonesian domination.
Third, the human rights abuses allegedly committed by the Indonesian security forces since May 1, 1963 until today.
The fourth problem is the different interpretation of the history of integration of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia.
As of today the conflict between Jakarta and Papua remains unsettled because these four identified problems have not yet been addressed.
So it would have been a great mistake if Indonesian security forces thought the assassination of Kwalik was the solution to the Papua conflict.
It is necessary for the Indonesian government to be reminded again that the killing of Kwalik and other Papuan rebel leaders will never overcome any of the four identified problems.
Nobody in Papua believes that the assassination of Kwalik settles neither the security problems around the Freeport mining area nor the conflict between the government and the Papuans.
Having rejected the violent approach, the Papuans have already started discussing the possibility of having a neutral, third-party mediated dialogue between Jakarta and Papua. Despite the assassination of Kwalik, the Papuans will keep moving toward a dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
In the wake of this killing, will the government finally engage in dialogue with the Papuans to settle the Papua conflict by addressing the four identified problems?
The writer is a lecturer at the Fajar Timur School of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura, Papua.
Read More..
Kelly Kwalik was recognized as a prominent Papuan leader of the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). He resisted Indonesia’s rule over Papua until the last day of his life, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009.
He was shot to death by the Indonesian Mobile Brigade Police in Timika, the capital of Mimika regency, Papua.
In the absence of Kwalik, the police can easily justify the killing by linking him with allegations of misconduct.
Police might link Kwalik to the series of shootings near Timika over the past six months targeting the operations of the US mining company, Freeport-McMoran.
Kwalik might be accused of having ordered the kidnapping of the two Belgian journalists who were released after two months in 2001.
They might allege he was involved in the killing two US Freeport employees in 2001. The list can be made longer by adding other allegations against Kwalik.
Despite the allegations, he was killed neither during a war nor in an exchange of fire.
Indeed, he was assassinated in a time of peace in a raid conducted by the police.
Since he was assassinated in a time of peace, Kwalik’s death might not be the final goal of the killing.
The killing is simply a means to achieve a certain goal.
Kwalik could have been killed deliberately in order to address a particular problem and to achieve a certain goal. What goals could be achieved through this killing? There are two possibilities:
The first is that Kwalik was possibly killed to put an end to the attacks initiated in June 2009 targeting Freeport mining operations.
Police might have considered Kwalik as the main cause of the attacks, although he denied any responsibility.
Therefore, the police might have decided to eliminate Kwalik to address the security problem within the Freeport concession area.
However, the truth is that despite its investigation, underway since June, the police to date have not been able to identify those parties responsible for the attacks.
Freeport-McMoran Copper and Gold Corporation has long been linked to human rights abuses involving Indonesian troops who secure the company’s facilities.
Making Kwalik a scapegoat then, only serves to mask the failure of Indonesian authorities to credibly resolve the case.
If the above analysis is true, then the killing of Kwalik will not resolve the security problem in the Freeport consession area.
Therefore, sooner or later, the attacks will happen again in the same area, unless all parties demanding protection money from Freeport are satisfied with the huge amount of money.
The second possibility is that Kwalik was assassinated to settle the conflict between the Indonesian government (Jakarta) and the Papuans (Papua) which has been going on from 1963 until today. Police might have considered Kwalik the main cause of the conflict.
Therefore the best way chosen by the police to settle the conflict was by assassinating Kwalik in a raid.
The questions should be: Is it true that Kwalik was the main cause of the conflict between Jakarta and Papua?
In order to answer this question, we need to explore the root cause of the conflict: What is (are) the main cause(s) of the unsettled Papua conflict?
The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has conducted research for four years on the conflict between Jakarta and Papua and identified, in the book entitled Papua Road Map published in 2009, four main problems as the main causes of the conflict.
The first problem would be the government’s failures in development, particularly in the area of education, health care, infrastructure, and people’s economic development.
Its indicator is that many Papuans remain living under the poverty line, despite the wealth of natural resources in Papua.
Second is the marginalization of, and discrimination against, the indigenous Papuans under Indonesian domination.
Third, the human rights abuses allegedly committed by the Indonesian security forces since May 1, 1963 until today.
The fourth problem is the different interpretation of the history of integration of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia.
As of today the conflict between Jakarta and Papua remains unsettled because these four identified problems have not yet been addressed.
So it would have been a great mistake if Indonesian security forces thought the assassination of Kwalik was the solution to the Papua conflict.
It is necessary for the Indonesian government to be reminded again that the killing of Kwalik and other Papuan rebel leaders will never overcome any of the four identified problems.
Nobody in Papua believes that the assassination of Kwalik settles neither the security problems around the Freeport mining area nor the conflict between the government and the Papuans.
Having rejected the violent approach, the Papuans have already started discussing the possibility of having a neutral, third-party mediated dialogue between Jakarta and Papua. Despite the assassination of Kwalik, the Papuans will keep moving toward a dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
In the wake of this killing, will the government finally engage in dialogue with the Papuans to settle the Papua conflict by addressing the four identified problems?
The writer is a lecturer at the Fajar Timur School of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura, Papua.
Read More..
Rabu, 23 Desember 2009
Deforestation threatens Indonesia's Papua region
Jayapura – Logging and agribusiness is threatening environmental destruction in Indonesia's Papua region, one of the world's last vast wildernesses.The governors of the two provinces in the region on the western end of New Guinea island told an international environmental conference a strategy was needed to avoid the mistakes that have decimated other Indonesian regions.
Kalimat berikutnya
West Papua Governor Abraham Atururi said that pressure and threats to biodiversity in Papua are increasing. Papua is becoming a target for massive agro and forestry industry investment. His government had received an increasing number of requests for development and feared environmental destruction from illegal logging aimed at clearing land for plantations. In this regard, Papua should not repeat the failure to manage forests and biodiversity that has happened in Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sumatra.
In the meantime, The governor of Papua province, which sits on the eastern end of the region, Barnabas Suebu, said preserving the tropical forest-blanketed region was key to helping absorb the gases that cause climate change. The capacity of Papua's 42 million hectares (104 million acres) of forests to process CO2 is equivalent to the carbon footprint of nearly all the population of Europe.
Indonesia, which spreads across over 17,000 islands, has been a key advocate for plans being floated ahead of global climate talks in Copenhagen in December that would see developing countries paid to conserve forests and peatlands. Deforestation, largely on Borneo and Sumatra, has seen the country become the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases
Source : Agence France Presse Read More..
Kalimat berikutnya
West Papua Governor Abraham Atururi said that pressure and threats to biodiversity in Papua are increasing. Papua is becoming a target for massive agro and forestry industry investment. His government had received an increasing number of requests for development and feared environmental destruction from illegal logging aimed at clearing land for plantations. In this regard, Papua should not repeat the failure to manage forests and biodiversity that has happened in Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sumatra.
In the meantime, The governor of Papua province, which sits on the eastern end of the region, Barnabas Suebu, said preserving the tropical forest-blanketed region was key to helping absorb the gases that cause climate change. The capacity of Papua's 42 million hectares (104 million acres) of forests to process CO2 is equivalent to the carbon footprint of nearly all the population of Europe.
Indonesia, which spreads across over 17,000 islands, has been a key advocate for plans being floated ahead of global climate talks in Copenhagen in December that would see developing countries paid to conserve forests and peatlands. Deforestation, largely on Borneo and Sumatra, has seen the country become the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases
Source : Agence France Presse Read More..
Senin, 14 Desember 2009
Landslide kills Freeport employee
Because of deforestation and mining, an employee of mining company PT Freeport died and four others suffered injuries in a landslide at the company’s mining site in Papua on Sunday. The incident took place at the Ridge Camp area at mile 72 (near the Aptonal hill) at about 8:30 pm local time after heavy rains in the area. Five other workers recovered from the ground according to head of the Public Communication unit of Papua Police Agus Rianto were in critical condition. And were being treated at Tembagapura Hospital.
One mining worker in the Freeport McMoran goldminer complex in Papua was killed in a rain triggered landslide on Sunday night which also injured four of five other workers.
Spokesman for Freeport McMoran, Mindo Pangaribuan confirmed the accident but said only four other workers we injured in the accident.
Source : The Jakarta Post , Tempo interactive
BAHASA INDONESIA
Tanah Longsor membunuh karyawan Freeport
Karena penggundulan hutan dan pertambangan, seorang karyawan dari perusahaan pertambangan PT Freeport tewas dan empat lainnya menderita luka-luka dalam tanah longsor di lokasi pertambangan perusahaan di Papua pada hari Minggu. Insiden terjadi di kawasan di Ridge Camp mil 72 (dekat bukit Aptonal) sekitar pukul 8:30 waktu setempat setelah hujan lebat di daerah tersebut. Lima pekerja lain pulih dari tanah menurut Kepala Unit Komunikasi Publik Papua Polisi Agus Rianto berada dalam kondisi kritis. Dan sedang dirawat di Rumah Sakit Tembagapura.
Salah satu pekerja di pertambangan Freeport McMoran di Papua goldminer kompleks tewas dalam tanah longsor dipicu hujan pada Minggu malam yang juga melukai empat dari lima pekerja lain.
Juru bicara Freeport McMoran, Mindo Pangaribuan membenarkan kecelakaan tetapi mengatakan hanya empat pekerja lain kita terluka dalam kecelakaan. Read More..
One mining worker in the Freeport McMoran goldminer complex in Papua was killed in a rain triggered landslide on Sunday night which also injured four of five other workers.
Spokesman for Freeport McMoran, Mindo Pangaribuan confirmed the accident but said only four other workers we injured in the accident.
Source : The Jakarta Post , Tempo interactive
BAHASA INDONESIA
Tanah Longsor membunuh karyawan Freeport
Karena penggundulan hutan dan pertambangan, seorang karyawan dari perusahaan pertambangan PT Freeport tewas dan empat lainnya menderita luka-luka dalam tanah longsor di lokasi pertambangan perusahaan di Papua pada hari Minggu. Insiden terjadi di kawasan di Ridge Camp mil 72 (dekat bukit Aptonal) sekitar pukul 8:30 waktu setempat setelah hujan lebat di daerah tersebut. Lima pekerja lain pulih dari tanah menurut Kepala Unit Komunikasi Publik Papua Polisi Agus Rianto berada dalam kondisi kritis. Dan sedang dirawat di Rumah Sakit Tembagapura.
Salah satu pekerja di pertambangan Freeport McMoran di Papua goldminer kompleks tewas dalam tanah longsor dipicu hujan pada Minggu malam yang juga melukai empat dari lima pekerja lain.
Juru bicara Freeport McMoran, Mindo Pangaribuan membenarkan kecelakaan tetapi mengatakan hanya empat pekerja lain kita terluka dalam kecelakaan. Read More..
Decentralization jeopardizes forest in Papua
Nethy Dharma Somba
Regional autonomy in Papua poses a threat to forests in the province because the infrastructure development following autonomy would exploit forested areas, says a forestry official.
"The forested areas currently available would unlikely still be there five to 10 years from now if regional autonomy continues as it would lead to physical development," said Papua Forestry Office head Marthen Kayoi, during the launch of the Forest Governance Integrity (FGI) at the Transparency International Indonesia office in Jayapura recently. He added that the regency capital of Keerom was previously a forested area but raised doubts whether it could still be described as such.
The current area of Papua's intact forest is 31.5 million hectares, while 5 million hectares had been categorized as critical areas from 1973 to 2003. Kayoi said only around 24 million hectares of the forested areas would remain given the pace of regional autonomy, which has so far produced 33 regencies and municipalities. This is what's happening now. The continuing process of regional autonomy, followed by infrastructure development would further reduce the size of forested areas he said. We also could not ensure whether the remaining forested areas would exist in the next five years.
The government has designated a 4,825,786-hectare forested area in Papua as a conservation forest, or natural preserve. However, for the past several years it has received pressure in the form of conversion into farmland, settlement and infrastructure development including illegal logging. The Lorentz National Park, a protected area that has now encompassed seven regencies, including the giant PT Freeport Indonesia gold and copper mining company, due to the impact of regional autonomy.
Marthen has urged every party, including Transparency International (TI) Indonesia, which is now present in Papua, to organize the forest in a wise manner for the sake of Papuan forest sustainability. This is a challenge for the forestry office to carry out development effectively, he said. TI's presence in Papua, said FGI Asia Pacific regional manager Agustinus Taufik, urged every party to fight illegal forestry practices. With the principle of united we stand, we could develop a community that is mentally and spiritually sound for the sake of mutual prosperity, Agustinus said. Agustinus said Papua's forest is one of the best tropical rainforests in Indonesia and serves as the lungs of the earth.
Papua's forest is a valuable asset that must be managed well to improve the quality of the ecosystem and the well-being of people in Papua in particular and in Indonesia in general.
Source : , The Jakarta Post
BAHASA INDONESIA
Desentralisasi mengancam hutan di Papua
Nethy Dharma Somba
Otonomi daerah di Papua menimbulkan ancaman bagi hutan di provinsi karena pembangunan infrastruktur berikut akan mengeksploitasi hutan otonomi daerah, kata seorang pejabat kehutanan.
"Para wilayah hutan yang tersedia saat ini tidak mungkin akan tetap ada lima hingga 10 tahun dari sekarang jika otonomi daerah terus karena akan mengarah pada pembangunan fisik," kata Kepala Dinas Kehutanan Papua Marthen Kayoi, pada peluncuran Tata Kelola Hutan Integritas (FGI) di Transparency International Indonesia di kantor di Jayapura baru-baru ini. Dia menambahkan bahwa ibukota Kabupaten Keerom sebelumnya sebuah kawasan hutan tetapi mengangkat keraguan apakah masih bisa digambarkan seperti itu.
Daerah saat ini utuh Papua hutan adalah 31,5 juta hektar, sementara 5 juta hektar telah dikategorikan sebagai daerah kritis 1973-2003. Kayoi mengatakan hanya sekitar 24 juta hektar dari kawasan hutan akan tetap mengingat laju otonomi daerah, yang sejauh ini telah menghasilkan 33 kabupaten dan kotamadya. Ini adalah apa yang terjadi sekarang. Proses yang terus-menerus otonomi daerah, diikuti dengan pembangunan infrastruktur akan semakin mengurangi ukuran wilayah hutan katanya. Kami juga tidak bisa memastikan apakah kawasan hutan yang tersisa akan ada dalam lima tahun.
Pemerintah telah menunjuk seorang 4.825.786 hektar kawasan hutan di Papua sebagai hutan konservasi, atau melestarikan alam. Namun, selama beberapa tahun ini telah menerima tekanan dalam bentuk konversi menjadi lahan pertanian, pemukiman dan pembangunan infrastruktur, termasuk pembalakan liar. Taman Nasional Lorentz, sebuah kawasan lindung yang sekarang meliputi tujuh kabupaten, termasuk PT Freeport Indonesia raksasa emas dan tembaga perusahaan tambang, karena dampak dari otonomi daerah.
Marthen telah mendesak semua pihak, termasuk Transparency International (TI) Indonesia yang kini hadir di Papua, untuk mengatur hutan dengan cara yang bijaksana demi kelestarian hutan Papua. Ini adalah tantangan bagi kantor kehutanan untuk melaksanakan pembangunan secara efektif, katanya. Kehadiran TI di Papua, kata FGI manajer regional Asia Pasifik Agustinus Taufik, mendesak semua pihak untuk memerangi praktek-praktek kehutanan yang ilegal. Dengan prinsip bersatu kita teguh, kita bisa mengembangkan komunitas yang sehat secara mental dan spiritual demi kesejahteraan bersama, kata Agustinus. Agustinus mengatakan hutan Papua merupakan salah satu hutan hujan tropis terbaik di Indonesia dan berfungsi sebagai paru-paru bumi.
Hutan Papua adalah aset berharga yang harus dikelola dengan baik untuk meningkatkan kualitas ekosistem dan kesejahteraan masyarakat di Papua khususnya dan di Indonesia pada umumnya.
Read More..
Regional autonomy in Papua poses a threat to forests in the province because the infrastructure development following autonomy would exploit forested areas, says a forestry official.
"The forested areas currently available would unlikely still be there five to 10 years from now if regional autonomy continues as it would lead to physical development," said Papua Forestry Office head Marthen Kayoi, during the launch of the Forest Governance Integrity (FGI) at the Transparency International Indonesia office in Jayapura recently. He added that the regency capital of Keerom was previously a forested area but raised doubts whether it could still be described as such.
The current area of Papua's intact forest is 31.5 million hectares, while 5 million hectares had been categorized as critical areas from 1973 to 2003. Kayoi said only around 24 million hectares of the forested areas would remain given the pace of regional autonomy, which has so far produced 33 regencies and municipalities. This is what's happening now. The continuing process of regional autonomy, followed by infrastructure development would further reduce the size of forested areas he said. We also could not ensure whether the remaining forested areas would exist in the next five years.
The government has designated a 4,825,786-hectare forested area in Papua as a conservation forest, or natural preserve. However, for the past several years it has received pressure in the form of conversion into farmland, settlement and infrastructure development including illegal logging. The Lorentz National Park, a protected area that has now encompassed seven regencies, including the giant PT Freeport Indonesia gold and copper mining company, due to the impact of regional autonomy.
Marthen has urged every party, including Transparency International (TI) Indonesia, which is now present in Papua, to organize the forest in a wise manner for the sake of Papuan forest sustainability. This is a challenge for the forestry office to carry out development effectively, he said. TI's presence in Papua, said FGI Asia Pacific regional manager Agustinus Taufik, urged every party to fight illegal forestry practices. With the principle of united we stand, we could develop a community that is mentally and spiritually sound for the sake of mutual prosperity, Agustinus said. Agustinus said Papua's forest is one of the best tropical rainforests in Indonesia and serves as the lungs of the earth.
Papua's forest is a valuable asset that must be managed well to improve the quality of the ecosystem and the well-being of people in Papua in particular and in Indonesia in general.
Source : , The Jakarta Post
BAHASA INDONESIA
Desentralisasi mengancam hutan di Papua
Nethy Dharma Somba
Otonomi daerah di Papua menimbulkan ancaman bagi hutan di provinsi karena pembangunan infrastruktur berikut akan mengeksploitasi hutan otonomi daerah, kata seorang pejabat kehutanan.
"Para wilayah hutan yang tersedia saat ini tidak mungkin akan tetap ada lima hingga 10 tahun dari sekarang jika otonomi daerah terus karena akan mengarah pada pembangunan fisik," kata Kepala Dinas Kehutanan Papua Marthen Kayoi, pada peluncuran Tata Kelola Hutan Integritas (FGI) di Transparency International Indonesia di kantor di Jayapura baru-baru ini. Dia menambahkan bahwa ibukota Kabupaten Keerom sebelumnya sebuah kawasan hutan tetapi mengangkat keraguan apakah masih bisa digambarkan seperti itu.
Daerah saat ini utuh Papua hutan adalah 31,5 juta hektar, sementara 5 juta hektar telah dikategorikan sebagai daerah kritis 1973-2003. Kayoi mengatakan hanya sekitar 24 juta hektar dari kawasan hutan akan tetap mengingat laju otonomi daerah, yang sejauh ini telah menghasilkan 33 kabupaten dan kotamadya. Ini adalah apa yang terjadi sekarang. Proses yang terus-menerus otonomi daerah, diikuti dengan pembangunan infrastruktur akan semakin mengurangi ukuran wilayah hutan katanya. Kami juga tidak bisa memastikan apakah kawasan hutan yang tersisa akan ada dalam lima tahun.
Pemerintah telah menunjuk seorang 4.825.786 hektar kawasan hutan di Papua sebagai hutan konservasi, atau melestarikan alam. Namun, selama beberapa tahun ini telah menerima tekanan dalam bentuk konversi menjadi lahan pertanian, pemukiman dan pembangunan infrastruktur, termasuk pembalakan liar. Taman Nasional Lorentz, sebuah kawasan lindung yang sekarang meliputi tujuh kabupaten, termasuk PT Freeport Indonesia raksasa emas dan tembaga perusahaan tambang, karena dampak dari otonomi daerah.
Marthen telah mendesak semua pihak, termasuk Transparency International (TI) Indonesia yang kini hadir di Papua, untuk mengatur hutan dengan cara yang bijaksana demi kelestarian hutan Papua. Ini adalah tantangan bagi kantor kehutanan untuk melaksanakan pembangunan secara efektif, katanya. Kehadiran TI di Papua, kata FGI manajer regional Asia Pasifik Agustinus Taufik, mendesak semua pihak untuk memerangi praktek-praktek kehutanan yang ilegal. Dengan prinsip bersatu kita teguh, kita bisa mengembangkan komunitas yang sehat secara mental dan spiritual demi kesejahteraan bersama, kata Agustinus. Agustinus mengatakan hutan Papua merupakan salah satu hutan hujan tropis terbaik di Indonesia dan berfungsi sebagai paru-paru bumi.
Hutan Papua adalah aset berharga yang harus dikelola dengan baik untuk meningkatkan kualitas ekosistem dan kesejahteraan masyarakat di Papua khususnya dan di Indonesia pada umumnya.
Read More..
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