Geneva, 4 September 2019
“I have been disturbed by escalating violence in the past two weeks in the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, and especially the deaths of some protestors and security forces personnel. This is part of a trend we have observed since December 2018, and we have been discussing our concerns with the Indonesian authorities. There should be no place for such violence in a democratic and diverse Indonesia, and I encourage the authorities to engage in dialogue with the people of Papua and West Papua on their aspirations and concerns, as well as to restore internet services and refrain from any excessive use of force. Blanket internet shutdowns are likely to contravene freedom of expression and limiting communications may exacerbate tensions”.
“I welcome the appeals made by President Widodo and other high-level figures against racism and discrimination – a long-standing, serious issue in Papua and West Papua provinces – and their calls for dialogue and calm. I note that some arrests have been made and some members of security forces have been suspended in relation to the original violent attacks on Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang, but I am concerned about reports that nationalist militias and groups are also actively involved in the violence. Local human rights defenders, students and journalists have been facing intimidation and threats and should be protected”.
This article was quoted from https://reliefweb.int/report/indonesia
Recently, a few media accused our website of twisting info about this speech made by HE Mrs. Michelle Bachelet. The central accusation lies on our claim whether her organization echoes what Indonesian government has endeavored in navigating the recent outbreak in West Papua.
We are fine with the accusation because in the end we see it as a ‘good’ exposure for our website. But one should read the whole statement made by the UN Human Rights chairwomen above. It is true that she was disturbed by the violence happening in West Papua which we were too! But she also WELCOMEed the efforts made by the Indonesian government for calling for dialog and calm.
In fact, she was also regretful for the fall of victims that were not only civilians but also security personnel. From both groups, there were people of West Papuan and non-West Papuan ethnicity.
We decided not to respond the accusation made by some media and this sensational sort-of research company because it would do nothing for the better of West Papua. However, we see it as a good moment for people around the world to read our stories more. So, thank you instead… (*)