Liputan 6
SCTV - November 25, 2010
Liputan6.com,
Yogyakarta – Scores of workers in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta from the
Security Employees Union (SPK) and the United Indonesian Labour Movement (PPBI)
demonstrated at the Yogyakarta mayor's office on Thursday afternoon, November
25. They were demanding wage improvements.
Unfurling
banners the demonstrators also urged the government to abolish contract labour
systems and defend the Indonesian working class. They also said that the
administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ignored the plight of
Indonesian domestic workers. The foreign exchange heroes [as the government
refers to them] are simply being sent off without guarantees or protection.
In the East
Java provincial capital of Surabaya, students and workers demonstrated in front
the Negara Grahadi building where they opposed the Surabaya city minimum wage
for this year, which they consider unreasonable. The demonstrators also urged
East Java Governor Sukarwo to immediately revise the 2011 minimum municipal
wage.
In the North
Sumatra city of Medan, scores of dismissed workers pelted the North Sumatra
Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) office with rotten eggs. The former PT
WRP Buana Multicorpora employees said that that the people's representatives
(legislators) had failed them in dealing with the problem of workers who have
been arbitrary dismissed.
The protest
action continued for around one-and-a-half hours. Unfortunately, their demands
were not realised. (WIL/SHA)
[Translated
by James Balowski.]
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Rights activists disappointed by Papuan military tribunal verdict
Kompas -
November 12, 2010
Jakarta – Rights activists have expressed disappointment over the Cenderawasih Regional Military Command (Kodam) military tribunal's verdict in the case of the Papuans that were tortured in Tingginambut, Puncak Jaya regency, a video of which was circulated via YouTube not long ago.
Speaking in Jakarta on Thursday November 11, the coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Haris Azhar expressed his regret that the trial process was forced through. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) he said, should conduct and independent investigation and that the case should be tried by a human rights court.
Papuan Presidium Council Secretary General Thaha Al Hamid also expressed regret that it was not revealed whether or not the people that were tortured were actually members of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM).
On Thursday, a judge at the Cenderawasih XVII Kodam III-19 military tribunal handed down sentence of five months in jail against master private Syahmin Lubis, second private Joko Sulistyono and second private Dwi Purwanto. The sentences were heaver than the three months demanded by the prosecutor.
The soldiers were found guilty of violating Article 103 of the Military Criminal Code in connection with Article 56 of the Criminal Code, namely violating the orders of a superior and failing to obey an official order to treat members of the public correctly.
Infantry Second Lieutenant Cosmos, who gave the order, was sentenced to seven months in jail for violating the same articles. This sentence was heaver that the three months initially demanded by the prosecutor. "This is in fact a problem of view point. Jakarta still views Papuans as the enemy," said Hamid.
Kontras believes that the verdict ignored the testimonies of the victims, namely Goliat Tabuni, K. Wenda and Tives Tabuni. The sentences will also not secure responsibility from the military command. "This is evidence that the mechanism of military courts is unable to provide a sense of justice for the victims and the public and is far from human rights standards", said Azhar.
Separately, the Army's elite Special Forces (Kopassus) has been accused of spying on religious figures in Papua. This was revealed by US journalists Allan Nairn in his blog on November 9. On his blog, Nairn also attached copies of a Kopassus Kotaraja military post quarterly report and a daily report.
Army information office chief Brigadier General Widjanarko said that they will conduct an evaluation in connection with the leak of the documents. (EDN)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the report was "Papua torture video – a disappointing verdict".]
Jakarta – Rights activists have expressed disappointment over the Cenderawasih Regional Military Command (Kodam) military tribunal's verdict in the case of the Papuans that were tortured in Tingginambut, Puncak Jaya regency, a video of which was circulated via YouTube not long ago.
Speaking in Jakarta on Thursday November 11, the coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Haris Azhar expressed his regret that the trial process was forced through. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) he said, should conduct and independent investigation and that the case should be tried by a human rights court.
Papuan Presidium Council Secretary General Thaha Al Hamid also expressed regret that it was not revealed whether or not the people that were tortured were actually members of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM).
On Thursday, a judge at the Cenderawasih XVII Kodam III-19 military tribunal handed down sentence of five months in jail against master private Syahmin Lubis, second private Joko Sulistyono and second private Dwi Purwanto. The sentences were heaver than the three months demanded by the prosecutor.
The soldiers were found guilty of violating Article 103 of the Military Criminal Code in connection with Article 56 of the Criminal Code, namely violating the orders of a superior and failing to obey an official order to treat members of the public correctly.
Infantry Second Lieutenant Cosmos, who gave the order, was sentenced to seven months in jail for violating the same articles. This sentence was heaver that the three months initially demanded by the prosecutor. "This is in fact a problem of view point. Jakarta still views Papuans as the enemy," said Hamid.
Kontras believes that the verdict ignored the testimonies of the victims, namely Goliat Tabuni, K. Wenda and Tives Tabuni. The sentences will also not secure responsibility from the military command. "This is evidence that the mechanism of military courts is unable to provide a sense of justice for the victims and the public and is far from human rights standards", said Azhar.
Separately, the Army's elite Special Forces (Kopassus) has been accused of spying on religious figures in Papua. This was revealed by US journalists Allan Nairn in his blog on November 9. On his blog, Nairn also attached copies of a Kopassus Kotaraja military post quarterly report and a daily report.
Army information office chief Brigadier General Widjanarko said that they will conduct an evaluation in connection with the leak of the documents. (EDN)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the report was "Papua torture video – a disappointing verdict".]
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Rights activists oppose Suharto's nomination as national hero
Kompas -
November 10, 2010
Jakarta – On Tuesday November 9 activists from the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) and other organisations working against violence and crimes against humanity visited the Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Kemko Polhukam) on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta.
The visit was to oppose former President Suharto's nomination as a national hero. The activists, who waited for around an hour, failed to meet with any ministry officials to present the petition.
"We were not received by Kemko Polhukam staff for an audience. Yet not long ago the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs was kind enough to receive us. We oppose plans to give the title of hero to former President Suharto because of the many human rights violations he left behind," said Kontras Coordinator Haris Azhar and the grouping of non-government organisations.
According to Azhar, it is more important to expose the stalled legal efforts to address human rights crimes that were allegedly committed by Suharto and his cronies. This is especially so because many of those who allegedly committed systemic crimes are still alive today. The exposure of these crimes will prove whether or not those concerned are fit to receive the title of national hero.
Sumarsih, a family member of a victim of human rights violations said that Suharto does not meet the criteria of moral integrity required to receive the title of hero. "Suharto does not meet the criteria of providing an example and shed much blood from the beginning to the end of his leadership. He also cannot be said to have rendered a service [to the country] because the physical development pursued [under his administration] created fertile ground for corruption", she said.
Bejo Untung from the Institute for the Study of the 1965-1966 Massacres (YPKP 65) explained that the nomination and selection of Suharto as a hero would be an insult to common sense.
The activists cited a series of crimes against humanity that Suharto has been accused of including the incarceration of political prisoners on Buru Island (1965-1966), the mysterious shootings involving the extrajudicial execution of alleged criminals (1981-1985), the Tanjung Priok massacre of Muslim protesters (1984-1987), the Talangsari Lampung massacre of Muslim villagers (1984-1987), the Military Operational Zone (DOM) in Aceh (1989-1998), the DOM in Papua (1963-2003), the July 27 attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party headquarters (1996), the abduction and forced disappearance of activists (1997-1998), the fatal shooting of Trisakti University students (1998) and the May 13-15, 1998 riots in Jakarta. (ONG)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Jakarta – On Tuesday November 9 activists from the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) and other organisations working against violence and crimes against humanity visited the Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Kemko Polhukam) on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta.
The visit was to oppose former President Suharto's nomination as a national hero. The activists, who waited for around an hour, failed to meet with any ministry officials to present the petition.
"We were not received by Kemko Polhukam staff for an audience. Yet not long ago the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs was kind enough to receive us. We oppose plans to give the title of hero to former President Suharto because of the many human rights violations he left behind," said Kontras Coordinator Haris Azhar and the grouping of non-government organisations.
According to Azhar, it is more important to expose the stalled legal efforts to address human rights crimes that were allegedly committed by Suharto and his cronies. This is especially so because many of those who allegedly committed systemic crimes are still alive today. The exposure of these crimes will prove whether or not those concerned are fit to receive the title of national hero.
Sumarsih, a family member of a victim of human rights violations said that Suharto does not meet the criteria of moral integrity required to receive the title of hero. "Suharto does not meet the criteria of providing an example and shed much blood from the beginning to the end of his leadership. He also cannot be said to have rendered a service [to the country] because the physical development pursued [under his administration] created fertile ground for corruption", she said.
Bejo Untung from the Institute for the Study of the 1965-1966 Massacres (YPKP 65) explained that the nomination and selection of Suharto as a hero would be an insult to common sense.
The activists cited a series of crimes against humanity that Suharto has been accused of including the incarceration of political prisoners on Buru Island (1965-1966), the mysterious shootings involving the extrajudicial execution of alleged criminals (1981-1985), the Tanjung Priok massacre of Muslim protesters (1984-1987), the Talangsari Lampung massacre of Muslim villagers (1984-1987), the Military Operational Zone (DOM) in Aceh (1989-1998), the DOM in Papua (1963-2003), the July 27 attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party headquarters (1996), the abduction and forced disappearance of activists (1997-1998), the fatal shooting of Trisakti University students (1998) and the May 13-15, 1998 riots in Jakarta. (ONG)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Workers mark Obama visit with protest against labour law revisions
Metrotvnews.com
- November 10, 2010
Jakarta – Several moments before the arrival of US President Barack Obama in Jakarta on the afternoon of Wednesday November 10, thousands of workers held a protest action demanding the cancellation of planned revisions to Law Number 13/2003 on Labour, which they say will harm workers.
During the action, the workers "occupied" Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta and as a consequence, traffic heading north from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to Harmoni was brought to a complete standstill.
Several demonstrators also forced Transjakarta busses coming from Harmoni in the direction of Sudirman to stop in order to attract the attention of officials, so police would open access to the road in front of the State Palace. This created tensions between the workers and police.
After maintaining their position for several hours along a stretch of Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, police finally opened access to the road and allowed the demonstrators to protest in front of the Palace.
During the action, the demonstrators demanded that the revisions to the labour law be cancelled because it will inflict severe financial harm to the working class, which is still not prosperous. Before ending the action, the protesters set fire to a coffin to symbolise the death of workers' future. (RIE)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Jakarta – Several moments before the arrival of US President Barack Obama in Jakarta on the afternoon of Wednesday November 10, thousands of workers held a protest action demanding the cancellation of planned revisions to Law Number 13/2003 on Labour, which they say will harm workers.
During the action, the workers "occupied" Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta and as a consequence, traffic heading north from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to Harmoni was brought to a complete standstill.
Several demonstrators also forced Transjakarta busses coming from Harmoni in the direction of Sudirman to stop in order to attract the attention of officials, so police would open access to the road in front of the State Palace. This created tensions between the workers and police.
After maintaining their position for several hours along a stretch of Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, police finally opened access to the road and allowed the demonstrators to protest in front of the Palace.
During the action, the demonstrators demanded that the revisions to the labour law be cancelled because it will inflict severe financial harm to the working class, which is still not prosperous. Before ending the action, the protesters set fire to a coffin to symbolise the death of workers' future. (RIE)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Papuan students demand closure of Freeport mine
Detik.com
- November 9, 2010
The action
was held immediately in front of the PT Freeport Indonesia office at Plaza 89
on Jl. HR Rasuna Said in Kuningan, South Jakarta.
The protesters brought posters with messages such as "Close Freeport" and "F*ck You Freeport". One demonstrator, who appeared bare chested and only wearing underpants, walked round and round in a circle shouting "Close Freeport".
The protesters then sat down cross-legged spilling over onto the slow lane from Mampang to Kuningan. As a consequence, traffic in the direction of Kuningan ground to a halt. Vehicles stuck in the slow lane were forced to stop and wait and when two determined motorbike riders tried to force their way through the protesters became angry.
After a request by police however, demonstrators cleared a small portion of the road for motorbikes and drivers were finally able to pass. Cars meanwhile were redirected to the fast lane in front of the Justice and Human Rights Department.
The action proceeded peacefully watched over by scores of police officers.
[Slightly abridged translated by James Balowski.]
Moksa
Hutasoit, Jakarta – At least 30 people from the Papuan Student Alliance (AMP)
demonstrated in Jakarta on Tuesday November 9 demanding that the PT Freeport
Indonesia mine in Papua be closed.
The protesters brought posters with messages such as "Close Freeport" and "F*ck You Freeport". One demonstrator, who appeared bare chested and only wearing underpants, walked round and round in a circle shouting "Close Freeport".
The protesters then sat down cross-legged spilling over onto the slow lane from Mampang to Kuningan. As a consequence, traffic in the direction of Kuningan ground to a halt. Vehicles stuck in the slow lane were forced to stop and wait and when two determined motorbike riders tried to force their way through the protesters became angry.
After a request by police however, demonstrators cleared a small portion of the road for motorbikes and drivers were finally able to pass. Cars meanwhile were redirected to the fast lane in front of the Justice and Human Rights Department.
The action proceeded peacefully watched over by scores of police officers.
[Slightly abridged translated by James Balowski.]
Papuan students reject Obama visit, demand closure of Freeport
Tribunnews.com
- November 9, 2010
The
protesters, who gathered in front of the Freeport office in the Kuningan area
of South Jakarta, plan to continue holding actions by closing off one lane of
Jl. Rasuna Said. In addition to rejecting Obama's visit, the protesters also
demanded that the PT Freeport Mc Moran Gold & Cooper mine in Papua be
closed immediately.
Action coordinator Rinto Kogoya said that the various problems occurring in Papua need to be understood in the context of the interference by and role of foreigners, particularly the US, which continues to exploit Papua's riches and as the cause of crimes against humanity in Papua.
"Our aim is clear, we are demanding that Freeport be closed. Then sever bilateral relations with America in the military field. On this occasion we are also declaring our opposition to Obama's visit, which will not provide anything for the reform of America".
In speeches, they also urged the Indonesian government, the US and the United Nations to take responsibility for the political conspiracy that took place in 1969. Not only that, as an expression of their disappointment with the country and also against the US, they called on the government to end bilateral cooperation with the US in the military field.
[Translated by James Balowski.]
Alie
Usman, Jakarta – Scores of Papuan students from the Papuan Student Alliance
(AMP) have again protested against the visit by US President Barrack Obama who
is scheduled to arrive this afternoon. They are urging and calling on Obama to
cancel his visit to Indonesia.
Action coordinator Rinto Kogoya said that the various problems occurring in Papua need to be understood in the context of the interference by and role of foreigners, particularly the US, which continues to exploit Papua's riches and as the cause of crimes against humanity in Papua.
"Our aim is clear, we are demanding that Freeport be closed. Then sever bilateral relations with America in the military field. On this occasion we are also declaring our opposition to Obama's visit, which will not provide anything for the reform of America".
In speeches, they also urged the Indonesian government, the US and the United Nations to take responsibility for the political conspiracy that took place in 1969. Not only that, as an expression of their disappointment with the country and also against the US, they called on the government to end bilateral cooperation with the US in the military field.
[Translated by James Balowski.]
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