Tuesday, October 16, 2012

1) A Papuan who writes prolifically to promote the identity of his people




1) A Papuan who writes prolifically to promote the identity of his people
2) 
West Papuan activists find a musical voice in Australia  
3) For Papua, the root of the roblem is its history 

4) 5.3-magnitude quake jolts Papua

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from Tapol
1) A Papuan who writes prolifically to promote the identity of his people
Bintang Papua, 5 October 2012

Papuan leader  keen to affirm the identity  of his people

The Rev. Socrates S. Yoman is well known for his prolific writings about his people's struggle. He was recently interviewed by Bintang Papua at his home.

The problem of West Papua has for a long time stagnated,  spreading fear among the Papuan people who are confronted by a brutal governmental system that lacks any sense  of humanity. This is why the Rev. Yoman spends most of his time writing books that are often very controversial. Some of his books have been banned in Indonesia.  He said that the Papuan leader who has inspired him for years is Arnold Ap, the anthropologist who was murdered in 1984 by Kopasanda (now called Kopassus). He was well known for the Mambesak songs  he composed.

The songs were all about promoting the identity of the Papuan  people and were intended to foster the spirit of the Papuan people. His songs called on the Papuan people to use their own language  and to revive their own culture. Although Ap was murdered many years ago, he is still an inspiration  for his people.

'As for me, I am not able to sing  but God has given me another talent, the ability to write for which I thank the Almighty.'

The support from his wife and children  and all those who are part of the Alliance of Baptist Churches in Papua has been a source of inspiration for him, encouraging him to produce a number of books, some of which are now well known in other countries.

His intention has always been to call on his people to be true to their own identity in face of the attempts by Indonesia to bury it.

While other clerics give sermons from the pulpit, he has decided  to write books to spread his message. 'Whether or not people can accept them is of less importance to me because my intention above all else is to persuade my people that they have an identity of their own.'

'I also try to tell my people that they are the legitimate owners of the land. My message to  those Indonesians who have now settled in Papua is that you have been mis-informed by your government. about the Papuan people. '

He said that some of his books are now in the library of the US Congress. 'They wrote to me two years ago and asked me to send them some of my books.' His latest book is now being edited in preparation for printing and is being sought by people here in Indonesia as well as in other countries.

The Dutch author, Pieter Grooglever, has said: 'People should read the books by Rev. Yoman. 'His is a voice full of sadness which no  one should ignore.'

The title of his latest book is The Voice of a Shepherd who Opposes the Crimes against Humanity in the Land of  Papua. He has also received an offer  of money to pay for the book to be translated into English.

And moreover, he has already written two other books that are likely to be published quite soon.

[Translated by TAPOL]
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2) 
West Papuan activists find a musical voice in Australia   
Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Produced by Anokhee Shah

Story audio


The Indonesian province of West Papua has been the subject of a decades-long struggle for independence that has been firmly suppressed by the nation’s government. The recent killing of resistance leaders such as Mako Tabuni, has put West Papua back in the news, and some journalists have skirted the media lockdown imposed on the province to report on allegations of human rights abuses and violence perpetrated by Indonesian troops. But not many are aware of the peaceful resistance strategies of West Papuans living right here in Australia.


Collaborations between West Papuan, Melanesian and Australian artists in Melbourne have created a vibrant community that is raising awareness about the plight of West Papuans … through music, and cultural dance. (Image: Courtesy of 'Rize of the Morning Star')

Featured in story
Nick Chesterfield - Editor, West Papua Media
Lea Rumwaropen - Lead singer, Tabura
Ronny Kareni - Musician and founder of Rize of the Morning Star



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3) For Papua, the root of the roblem is its history
JUBI, 5 October 2012

Jayapura:  The conflict in Papua is a reflection of the Papuan people's dissatisfaction with integration and with all their suffering. According to a young Papuan intellectual, there are differing opinions among Papuans about integration.

According to Beatus  Tambaib, there have been disagreements  ever since the time of the first rebellious actions which occurred in the coastal regions.

The coastal Papuans were the ones who first became Papuan nationalists and gradually the struggle spread to the interior.

'I often ask myself, why is it that Papuan nationalism emerged in the interior? The answer is because of their endless sufferings .  Nationalism emerged because of all the suffering the  Papuan people experienced,' he said.

According to John Norotouw, the chairman of the Sentani Traditional Authority, Papuan nationalism has lasted for such a long time is because the government has constantly stood in the way of development in Papua. There is a big contradiction between Papua and Jakarta, and as long as this continues, the crisis in Papua will continue.'

These Papuans were speaking during a discussion about a new book by Father Neles Tebay. The title of the book is: Use Your Pens to Promote Dialogue.

According to Norotouw, one of the ways to end this crisis is to hold dialogue with Indonesia. 'The conflict has emerged because Papuans don't  feel that they are part of the nation,' said Norotouw.

[Translated by TAPOL]
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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/85045/53-magnitude-quake-jolts-papua

4) 5.3-magnitude quake jolts Papua

Tue, October 16 2012 16:59 | 87 Views
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A 5.3-magnitude earthquake shook the waters northeast of Intan Jaya in Papua province on Monday night at 11.35 p.m. western Indonesian time, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

The epicenter of the quake was located at 3.13 degrees southern latitude and 137.05 degrees eastern longitude or 410 km northeast of the provincial capital Jayapura at a depth of 97 km, the agency said.

The quake did not have the potential to cause a tsunami, the agency noted.
(T.A059/S012/B003)


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http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=71590

Posted at 17:56 on 16 October, 2012 UTC
Indonesia has told the United Nations Human Rights Council, or UNHRC, that it cannot allow foreign journalists free access to Papua and West Papua provinces.
The Jakarta Post reports that a UNHRC Universal Periodic Review in May made a number of requests of the Indonesian government, including a proposal by the French review delegation for access to the eastern region.
The Foreign Ministry says it has abided by the Constitution in its response which includes a list of items that the government is unable to support.
A Ministry spokesman says foreign journalists are allowed to enter Papua region as long as they follow all the regulations laid out by the government.
Jakarta also rejects a recommendation to halt human rights violations by military personnel and police officers, and put an end to the general state of impunity in Papua, as recommended by Japan.
The government says the recommendations do not reflect the actual situation on the ground.

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