Police admit misconduct in dealing with recent Papua congress

The police have admitted that some of their personnel had acted out of line in dealing with participants of the Third Papuan People`s Congress in Abepura recently.

“Some of our members had overstepped the limits of proper conduct in dealing with the Papua Congress people. But these officers have been held to account by our Ethics Council. They ignored the law when carrying out their security duties,” the head of the National Police`s public relations division, Inspector General Saud Usman Nasution, said here on Monday (28/11).

The police officers concerned, 15 in number, made procedural mistakes when they dispersed the congress but they had now been given sanctions, Saud said.

The cases of the 15 erring police officers were handled by the Police`s Ethics Council in four sessions.

“The first session involved four members of the Mobile Brigade of the Papuan regional command and two of them were given a written reprimand, two others were put in solitary confinement for 14 days,” he said.

The former chief of the Jayapura city resort police was processed in an ethics session on November 22, 2011 and given a written reprimand.

Seven other police officers have also been given written reprimands. Five petty officers meanwhile were processed on November 23 and given seven days in solitary confinement and written reprimands, he said.

“The city resort police chief was the responsible one and members have been processed through ethics sessions and given punishment depending on their activities when enforcing the law against the attack on the legitimate government on November 19, 2011,” he said.

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) following its investigation on October 23-27 into the incident connected to the 3rd congress of Papuans concluded that the police had violated procedures when dealing with it.

Source: ANTARA News

Interpol seeks Benny Wenda

An Indonesia’s Papuan criminal who escaped from jail and has been granted asylum in the UK, named on an Interpol wanted list.

Benny Wenda, 37, is wanted by Indonesia on arson and murder charges.

“Benny Wenda is a wanted person by our police. That’s why police requested help in delivering him back to Indonesia for crimes he’s allegedly committed,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Michael Tene.

“He’s been involved in certain acts of violence and attacks. He will go through a fair trial process, and if he’s innocent, he’ll be let free.”

Wenda escaped from a Papuan jail in 2002 while on trial for arson and murder after allegedly inciting a deadly attack on a police station in 2000, in which six officers and civillians died.

He run away to Papua New Guinea (PNG), then using fake PNG passport fled to the UK.

A red notice acts as an alert to Interpol’s 190 member countries that an individual is wanted by another country.

Anyone subject to it can be arrested and is liable to be extradited.

In Wenda’s case, Interpol said the red notice was issued by Papua Regional Police CID for “crimes involving the use of weapons/explosives”.(*wpnn)

Police arrest 12 suspected OPM members in Papua

Police in Papua have arrested 12 suspected separatist Free Papua Organization (OPM) members who had attacked a security post in Mulia, Puncak Jaya and burned a government office on October 5, 2011, a spokesman here said.

“Our team on November 22, 2011 caught 12 alleged members of the OPM and has brought them to the local resort police station. Another one known by his initials as SW was shot dead while trying to escape,” head of the National Police Headquarters` public relations division, Inspector General Saud Usman Nasution, said here on Thursday (24/11).

The 12 arrested suspects were identified by their initials as JT, KW, YW, SP, AT, KT, KW, WT, PT,MT, S alias P and YW, he said.

“They were hiding in a honai (traditional Papuan house) when police arrested them. Police first separated those who were indigenous Papuans from those who were not. They were then checked and interrogated to classify those who were members of the group of trouble makers. Later the results will be verified during investigation,” he said.

Saud said, after carrying out their actions, they had escaped to a village but the police could not as yet confirm if the villagers had helped them hide.

“We cannot as yet say if they had received help because they entered a villager`s home and the owner was afraid to report them,” he said.

He said the police were now still investigating them to see if they were also involved in the killing of Mulia district police chief Adjunct Commissioner Dominggus Oktavianus Awes at Mulia airstrip in Puncak Jaya on October 24.

The killers numbering two were believed to be members of OPM who suddenly attacked Dominggus and grabbed his gun and with it shot him in the nose and neck.

In connection with the incident the National Police`s Crime Investigation Agency had sent three teams to Papua to find the killers.

“We need strong teams. Even we are helped by the TNI (military) to chase them,” the agency`s chief, Commissioner General Sutarman said.

Source: ANTARA News

Police call on Papuan not to worry

Papua regional police chief Inspector General Bigman Lumban Tobing called on the people to not worry over circulation of text messages ahead of December 1.

“December 1 means nothing. So, if people send text messages (in connection with it) let them do it. Do not worry and become provoked. The fact is activities in Papua in general remain normal and nothing has happened,” he said here on Wednesday (23/11).

He said the police were still investigating with regard to the circulation of text messages which were aimed at disrupting social conditions in Papua ahead of December 1.

December 1 has been considered by some quarters in Papua as the independence day of West Papua.

Bigman said the police were still studying the device while the phone card could possible be burned or thrown away to make it difficult to trace.

He said so long as people did not disturb the four pillars and maintained the national unity the police would not act but if they disrupted peace they would take a firm action.

“If their activities are not violating the four pillars and they maintain national unity they may go ahead. But if they disrupt security the police would act firmly. We have been ready and that is also our commitment,” he said.

In connection with the case Bigman called on all parties to maintain situation in Papua and prevent possible threats and security disruptions from certain parties who did not want to see peace in the region.

“We are hoping for participation of all parties including the government, religious, traditional, youth and community figures to create conducive situation in Papua,” he said.

Bigman said the police would not tolerate any individuals acting against the unitary state of Indonesia.

“We will make our forces ready on December 1. We will act firmly against anyone seeking to create disturbance moreover conduct December 1-laced commemorative activities.

Source: ANTARA News

TNI in Papua for peaceful purposes

Chief of Staff of the Cendrawasih Military Command Brigadier General Indra Hidayat said National Defense Forces (TNI) personnel were in Papua for peaceful purposes.

“They are present in Papua to maintain peace. In fact, some of them have died during their tours in this region. So please stop blaming or pointing fingers at TNI personnel over recent events in Papua,” he said here on Wednesday (23/11). He spoke after a meeting with Papua Governor Syamsul Ariv Rivai, Chairman of the Regional Legislative Council Jhon Ibo, Papua district chiefs, police and armed forces personnel stationed in Papua province.

“Our job is to maintain peace. But many times we are insulted or even shot at. Our soldiers are only defending themselves but there are always people calling them human right offenders, while the media sometimes publish news without first checking the validity of their information,” he added.

Indra said the TNI actually already knew the masterminds of the terror attacks that had happened in the region but always chose to apply a persuasive approach towards them.

“We could have just cracked down on and arrest them but because we adhere to humanitarian considerations, we always resort to persuasive approaches. We don`t want Papuans to resent our presence here,” he said.

Indra called on all elements of Papua`s community to cooperate in creating a conducive situation in the province.

Source: ANTARA News

Dance, Bonai, dance!

Titus Jhon Londouw Bonai

Papua’s local hero is making his way to the top stage of Indonesian soccer. After a tremendous season with Persipura Jayapura, he’s ready to pave a glorious path with the national team.

Titus Jhon Londouw Bonai is an example of how optimism can make a great athlete…and great sportsman.

At 22, Bonai is young, energetic — and dangerous, when in front of the opponent’s goal. At the same time, he puts ego and aggression aside and is a gentleman on and off field.

And here he is doing what he loves the most after given second chance by the universe.

“I started to play soccer seriously in the fifth grade in Jayapura,” he said.

Bonai was no different from Papua’s other golden talents — lively on the pitch, strong, talented and in love with the game.

“I was a left winger back in the days when I entered Persipura U-15 and Persipura U-18, but I can play with both my left and right foot.”

He took things to the next level by joining Persipura’s U-21 club and the PON Papua team. All proceeded in a way that was organic; he was ready for a top slot on Papua’s number one team, which has been home to many beautiful soccer players from the province.

But then, during the 2007/2008 season, Bonai met with defeat. The coach at that time, Raja Isa, didn’t want him to be a part of the senior team.

“Raja Isa left me. He didn’t pick me for the team, so I had to go,” he said.

Bonai joined PKT Bontang, where he racked up success after success as a leading goal scorer, and then Persiram Raja Ampat, where he struggled against top flight competition. Bonai then received an unexpected telephone call from Persipura team captain Eduard Ivakdalam at the end of the season.

“I got a call from Kaka Edu. He asked me to come to a soccer game after the season finished,” Bonai said.

Eduard was (and is) a living legend, remembered by fans in Jayapura for his everlasting dedication to the team. The invitation to join the game proved decisive.

“Apparently lots of Persipura’s senior players played in that [last] soccer match. I thought it was only a game, a casual one. But immediately after that, Pak Rudy [Maswi] the manager came up to me. Bonai, are you ready to play with Persipura Jayapura?’” Bonai said.

“Well, as a local boy, I didn’t have anything else on my mind. Of course, I’m ready to come home if needed. I said yes, easily, and that I was very happy to finally play with Persipura’s senior team.”

After settling few things, Bonai officially bore Persipura’s standard again. It wasn’t easy, Bonai said. Once you leave Persipura there aren’t be any second chances.

Before the season started, Ivakdalam left the team and joined Persidafon Dafonsoro, Persipura’s close neighbor. Bonai didn’t have the chance to play with the legend that brought him home.

Bonai started a new season – also his first with the senior team – and then got called up to the national U-23 team. His debut went well; Bonai scored the only goal during a 3-1 loss at home to Turkmenistan in an Olympic qualifying match.

Suddenly, again, things changed 180 degrees. Bonai was fired by the head coach for violating club rules.

“I thought my national career was over,” he says.

Bonai came home and competed as a hungry striker for Persipura. In the second half of the season, he scored goal after goal to win the main striker position, playing side by side with Boaz Solossa, his idol.

“Kaka Boaz is a very good captain. He is very responsible and a good role model for a young player like me.”

His firing was a big lesson on himself.

“After that, I became more responsible to my life and my family’s life,” he said.

During that hard moment, Bonai’s wife, Novalia Metiaman, said she stood by her husband.

“I told him to see our little kid, and he needed to be responsible for the child. God has given him very good talent. He has to change,” Novalia said.

Not many people know that Bonai is a decent, religious family man. During the off-season, you can spot Bonai spending time with his daughter, Natalie Crissnalia.

“I use number 25 on my jersey because of Christmas. It’s her birthday,” Bonai said.

“She was in Jakarta few weeks ago but now she’s home in Jayapura. I don’t think she liked this city.”

Persipura won its season ender. The team’s fight in the Asian competition also continued until the quarterfinals, when the team went down to Iraq’s Arbil FC.

Noting Bonai’s tremendous performance, the national team recalled him. This time, the coach was Rahmad Darmawan, a marine who brought Persipura its first crown back in 2005.

“Bapak Rahmad knows how to handle us all. He’s a very good coach.” Bonai said.

“He keeps us all in a very responsible mode all the time. Like this afternoon: I told him that I needed to have lunch with my wife. He gave permission as long as I reported back to him before today’s training session began.”

“He’s just like Bapak Jacksen. He can make the team feel like a big family that everyone belongs to,” Bonai said, recalling Persipura head coach Jacksen Tiago.

Bonai’s enthusiasm is reflected in his game. He keeps the team level in hard times, like when he helps roommate and striking partner Patrich Wanggai, a notorious hothead, maintain his cool on the pitch.

“I’m always a calm player. If you play soccer there’s nothing you take seriously when you’re on field. If you don’t want to be tackled, then don’t play soccer,” Bonai said.

Novalia, who was sitting next to Bonai during the interview, said her husband had more sangfroid than she did. “It’s me who gets easily upset if someone tackles him. I normally shout at Facebook after the game. But he is very cool with it.”

Bonai has two unique signature moves on pitch – shaking the opponent’s net every time the team wins a corner and dancing after he scores a goal.

“While shaking the net, I say three times: ‘In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus’. It’s something I believe, that God’s with me all the time. It works, right?”

Dancing is something you cannot miss while watching Bonai play.

“He loves to dance, especially to African rhythms,” Novia said. Teammates Bio Paulin Pierre, Persipura center back, and Zah Rahan Krangar, Persipura playmaker turned him on to African music, she added.

Bonai said he had to dance. “I always express myself after scoring goal with that signature dance, there’s nothing else I can do.”

The dance brings luck and charm to any team that Bonai plays for. As for the future after the SEA Games event, he’ll be home with Persipura, preparing for the next season.

“I can’t wait to play with [striker] Beto [Alberto Goncalves] and Boaz next season. I won’t leave Persipura. Last time, I had so many offers on the table from Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia and Australia. When I asked my wife, she instantly burst into tears.”

“I cannot go.” he said. “Persipura is my home.”

Source: The Jakarta Post

Franklin Ramses Burumi : Papuan bad boy turned Games hero

Franklin Ramses Burumi

With his individualist appearance and great sense of humor, Franklin Ramses Burumi, the talented young athlete who has contributed three gold medals for Indonesia in track and field at the 26th Southeast Asian Games comes across as a typical Papuan.

“My hard work, discipline and high dreams and with most of all help from God, have brought me here. I did not waste a chance,” the Games debutant told reporters on the sidelines of track heats at Jakabaring Sports Complex in Palembang, South Sumatra, recently.

Franklin nailed golds in the men’s 100-meter with 10.37 seconds, 200-m with 20.93 and as a member of the 4×100-m team.

Before reaping such magnificent results in the Games it is worth noting that the Indonesian Track and Field Association (PASI) had previously downgraded the 20-year-old in the national training camp.

“I was ousted from the national camp for three months because I really did badly during the Asian championships in Daegu, China,” said Franklin.

Franklin’s terrible performance was possibly due to his enjoying a rather full nightlife.

The son of father Max Burumi and Dolli Warusi admits that he was once a “bad kid” but managed to turn himself around.

“After the downgrade, I decided to join a camp in Surabaya, East Java, under coach Henny Maspaitella,” said Franklin.

“After the Surabaya camp, I showed my true abilities to PASI officials and they welcomed me back to the national camp in October,” added the lad from Serui.

Franklin praised the training program in Surabaya, adding that he was able improve his self-discipline during the camp. “I don’t know, I just felt I wanted to be more disciplined and did not want to skip a single program in the camp.”

During the Surabaya camp and Jakarta-based national training camp, Franklin did not take any overseas tryout sessions.

“PASI officials considered me as the underdog, but now I have proved to them what I’ve got with these golds. Although my time was just 10.37 seconds in the sprint, I’m still really grateful,” said the fan of actor Jason Statham and deceased Indonesian singer Broery Marantika.

Franklin said that he would need two years tops to match compatriot Suryo Agung Wibowo, the fastest man in Southeast Asia who recorded 10.17 in the Laos Games in 2009. Suryo did not join the Indonesian squad in the 26th Games due to his haj pilgrimage.

“My short-term goal is to get a better time in 100-m and below 20 seconds in 200-m. Meanwhile as a long-term goal, I really want to raise my level, hopefully I can make nine seconds in the sprint,” said Franklin.

His laudable achievements in the Games have also brought some relief for Papua, which is currently experiencing security troubles.

“Papuan youngsters must show what they’ve got. We really can achieve so much,” Franklin said.

Source: The Jakarta Post

Govt: Papua education system needs special attention

National Education and Culture Ministry deputy minister for education Musliar Kasim says the government needs to pay special attention to improve the education access for children in Papua.

“We need a special breakthrough to provide better access to education for children in Papua. We will make sure that every child in Papua can go to school,” Musliar said in Jakarta on Thursday (17/11).

The government plans to build new schools in strategic areas to overcome the main problem — the overwhelming distances between students homes and existing schools, he said.

Another way to resolve this problem could be to turn some of the schools in Papua into boarding schools, Musliar added.

Another problem that needs to be addressed is the shortage of teachers in the region. According to Musliar, many teachers in Papua preferred to teach in city areas than in outer regions.

Source: The Jakarta Post

Indonesian president defends military in Papua

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono defended on Saturday (19/11) the actions of its military in Papua province.

Yudhoyono said that there was accountability and military personnel who committed crimes would be investigated.

“The world must know that in Papua there are armed cells of separatist group who are launching attacks at us, including at an area of a firm there,” he said, referring to a mine run by Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Mine Inc where a worker was killed by gunmen on Thursday.

“When our soldiers are doing self-defense then it can’t be categorised as violating human rights.”

Three people were killed on Oct. 19 as police and military tried to disperse a political meeting in Abepura, a sub-district of Papua, a resource-rich yet underdeveloped province with a simmering separatist insurgency and heavy military presence.

The government’s national human rights commission found strong evidence of excessive acts that led to human rights violations.

Source: Reuters

Obama respects Yudhoyono`s policies on Papua

US President Barack Obama and Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

The US President Barack Obama has assured President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that Washington respects the policies the latter is pursuing in handling the problems in Papua, a spokesman for the Indonesian leader said.

The security situation in Papua that had been heating up recently was one of the topics of a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the 19h ASEAN Summit here on Friday (18/11).

Presidential spokesman Teuku Faizasyah who was present at the meeting said Obama listened carefully to President Yudhoyono`s explanations on the Indonesian central government`s policies on Papua.

He said Obama on the occasion also reiterated the US government`s support for the territorial integrity of the Unitary State of Indonesia.

“The US fully believed Indonesia knows what to do in cases of state apparatuses acting in violation of human rights. Surely, the law will be enforced and President Yudhoyono underlined that six months after he assumed office he had already instructed all state apparatuses in the field to respect human rights,” he said.

Obama had also said he understood Indonesia`s efforts in upholding democracy and human rights more comprehensively through among others pursuing a welfare approach in Papua although violence and human rights violations by state apparatuses continued to disrupt security and stability in the region.

The meeting which lasted about one hour however did not touch on the various incidents that happened recently in PT Freeport Indonesia`s concession area in Timika.

Source: ANTARA News