Activists commemorate Anti-violence Against Women Day in Surabaya

Detik Surabaya – November 27, 2011

Fitri Mey Budianto, Surabaya – Around 100 or so people from various non-government organisations (NGOs) commemorated Anti-violence Against Women Day, which falls on November 25, at the Bungkul Park in the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya.

The sympathetic action, which is held routinely every year was joined by the Samitra Abhay Pro-Democracy Women's Commission (KPPD), the East Java Indonesian Women's Coalition (KPI Jatim), the East Java the HMI Women's Corps (women's arm of the Muslim Students Association), the Sidoarjo Water Users Farmers Association (P3A Sidoarjo), the Savy Amira Women Crisis Center, the Consortium for the Supervision of the Surabaya Budget (KPAS), the East Java Integrated Services Centre (PPT Jatim), the Surabaya Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras Surabaya), JASS Indonesia, WSM, the Center for Marginalized Communities Studies (CMARS), Sapulidi, Bhinneka (Diversity) and the East Java Women Empowerment and Family Planning Board (BPPKB).

Singing marching songs condemning violence against women, the protesters held a long-march around Bungkul Park. They also unfurled a banner with the message "Violence against women is a crime" as well as distributing flowers and leaflets.

It was not just women that took part in the action, but transsexuals also enlivened the event. They also read out poems and handed out flowers and leaflets to passers by.

"I strongly support this event, with this event I hope that men will not see women and transsexuals as weak. Women should be equal to men", said one transsexual, Savy, when speaking to Detik Surabaya on Sunday November 27.

Event coordinator Erna said that the action was aimed at opening public perception to the idea that women must be protected not treated as slaves.

"I regret that there are still many women who are oppressed. Moreover cases of violence against women have been increasing by more than 200 percent every year", she said. Yet, said Erna, the local government has issued Bylaw Number 9/2009 on the protection of women and children.

"I also don't understand why women are always considered weak and always oppressed. Yes, hopefully with events such as this women's eyes will be opened [to see] that they are not weak. Women are the same as men", she asserted.

In addition to the sympathetic action, they also held workshops, activates and training for women and a seminar on reproduction. This was done to open up the women's thinking to the importance of their position as women who will reproduce the next generation. (fat/fat)

[100-an Orang Gelar Aksi Simpatik Anti Kekerasan Perempuan - detikSurabaya. Minggu, 27/11/2011. Translated by James Balowski.]

Women in Lhokseumawe demand protection, fulfillment of women's rights

Serambi News - November 25, 2011

Lhokseumawe – Scores of women from various different organisations held an action to commemorate Anti-Violence Against Women Day in the Acehnese city of Lhokseumawe on Friday November 25.

During the street protest, which was centred on the Simpang Jam traffic circle, the women gave speeches and issued an ultimatum to the government demanding protection to the fulfillment of women's rights.

"In order that all parties are able to implement regulations related to the protection and fulfillment of women's rights", said action spokesperson Safwani.

Safwani also read out a statement from the women of Lhokseumawe, which called for the socialisation of the women's rights in order to reduce the level of sexual violence, rapes, and limitations on access to education and healthcare.

During the action, which continued for around half-an-hour and was watched over by police, the women handed out flowers to passing road users.

[Wanita Lhokseumawe Bagikan Bunga Peringati Anti Kekerasan Perempuan - Serambinews.com. Jumat, 25 November 2011. Translated by James Balowski.]

Protest in Medan calls for law reform, strengthening of gender perspectives

Detik News - November 25, 2011

Khairul Ikhwan, Jakarta – Around one hundred women from a number of non-government organisations (NGOs) held a demonstration at the Jl Gatot Subroto traffic circle in the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan this afternoon. The action is part of a 16 day campaign on violence against women and children.

In addition to bringing posters condemning the widespread violence experienced by women, the protesters also gave speeches. One of the demonstrators, Ramida Sinaga, said that even though the United Nations issued the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1993, the Indonesian government had still not enacted a specific law to protect women from violence.

"[The number of] Women who experience violence continues to grow from year to year. There is still no specific law that can protect women against violence, either physically or psychologically", said Ramida.

According to the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) there were 91,311 cases of [sexual] violence against women between 2008 and 2010. Of these cases, only 0.5 percent have been dealt with while the remainder have been left unresolved.

"This not to mention violence as a consequence of gender injustice, customary law and in the political world", said Ramida.

In a statement the protesters urged the government, particularly the Bureau for Women's Empowerment, to strengthen gender perspectives among law enforcement officials.

In addition to this, the government must revise laws and regulations that put women in a subservient position, specifically those that lead to domestic violence, such as articles included in the Marriage Law and Law Number 7/1984 on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. (rul/anw)

[Seratusan Perempuan Gelar Demo Anti Kekerasan di Medan – detikNews. Jumat, 25/11/2011. Translated by James Balowski.]

Anti-ASEAN Summit protesters scuffle with police in Bali

Detik News - November 18, 2011

Gede Suardana, Denpasar – A protest action against the 19th ASEAN Summit in Balinese provincial capital of Denpasar on Friday November 18 was marred by a scuffle between police and demonstrators.

The action was held by scores of people from various groups under the Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights (ARDAM)

The demonstrators held actions in front of the United States Consulate General on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, the Japanese Consulate General and the Bajra Sandi Monument on Jl. Puputan Raya Renon.

Starting at the Bajra Sandi Monument, they gave speeches opposing the ASEAN Summit. "The ASEAN Ministerial Level Conference is of no benefit for Indonesia because it does not struggle for national interests. Dissolve the ASEAN Ministerial Level Conference", said one of the demonstrators in a speech.

The demonstrators then continued the protest by holding a long-march to the US Consulate General. It was there that the action became violent when demonstrators were blocked by police.

A scuffle broke out with protesters and police pushing and shoving each other and several of the demonstrators were pursued and arrested. A shot time later however they were released again.

Having been dispersed and scattered, they reassembled then moved the action to the Japanese Consulate General located not far from the US Consulate. (gds/fay)

[Pendemo KTT ASEAN di Denpasar Dihadang Polisi – detikNews. Jumat, 18/11/2011. Translated by James Balowski.]

Protesters say Papua already independent, call for international recognition

Java Post - November 18, 2011

Manokwari – Shouts of "Papuan is independent" enlivened a peaceful protest action at the West Papua Provincial House of Representatives (DPRPB) on Thursday November 17.

Thousands of protesters took to the street and marched from Jl. Pahlawan Sanggeng to Jl. Yos Sudarso and then to Jl. Merdeka before eventually conveying their demands on the grounds of the DPRPB.

Action coordinator Drs Abraham Ramar said the protest was held to request attention from both the Indonesian government as well as the international community and to point out that Papua has been independent since the Third Papuan People's Congress that was held on October 19, which declared the Federation of West Papua and Forkorus Yoboisembut (chair of the Papuan Customary Council, DAP) as president and Edison Waromi (president of the West Papua National Authority) as prime minister.

"This demonstration is calling for support from the international community. Papua has been independent since October 19, 2011 and all that remains now is recognition from other countries as one of the principle requirements for [a new] country. Pacific countries in particular will soon recognise us, also the United States", Ramar told journalists at the end of the protest action.

The protesters gathered at the Papua Traditional Council (DAP) offices then moved off at 10.30am, some on foot and others on motorbikes. Also taking part were a number of public figures such as former Regional Representatives Council (DPD) member Ferdinanda Ibo-Yatipai and church leader Pastor M.L. Wanma.

A number of banners and pamphlets embellished the protest action with messages such as "Stop Dialog, Referendum Yes", "Indonesia must be held liable for gross human rights violations post the October 19 2011 Third Papuan Congress", "We the nation of black-skinned and curly-haired Papuans want to be independent" and the "The Papuan struggle was finalised on October 19, 2011".

The protesters also brought photographs of US President Barack Obama and welcomed his arrival in Bali to attend the ASEAN Summit. "Welcome Barak Obama in Indonesia", read one of the banners. Photographs of Forkorus Yoboisembut and Edison Waromi also adorned the demonstration.

The protesters, who continued to shout "Papua is Independent", were received by DPRPB deputy speaker Robby Nauw along with several other legislators such as Obed Ayok, Efendi Simanjutak and Amelia Simorangkir. Scores of police officers meanwhile watched over the action.

M.L. Wanma (who is also the governor of the West Papua National Authority, WPNA), Markus Yenu (Manokwari WPNA Governor) and Ferdinanda Ibo-Yatipai (who is also the chairperson of Papua Women's Solidarity) took turns in giving speeches. Wanma said that Papua does not want independence, because it is already independent. He also touched on plans to establish a US marine base of 2,500 personnel in Australia.

Mama Ibo (Ibo-Yatipai) meanwhile focused on the shooting of Papuans by security forces at the Third Papuan People's Congress in Jayapura.

Ramar said the Papuan people do not need to hold a dialogue with the Indonesian government because all that remains now is recognition of Papua's independence by other countries.

Ramar also took the opportunity to read out a statement comprising two main pointes: First that that we, the people of the Papuan nation resolve to firmly reject all offers forced on the people of the Papuan nation by the Indonesian government, including increasing special autonomy funds or dialogue. Second, that we the people of the Papuan nation urge the government of the Republic of Indonesia to issue an "acknowledgement" of the Papuan nation's independence that was declared on October 19.

The statement was then handed over to Robby Nauw and Manokwari regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Commission A Chairperson Yusak Iryo.

The results of the Third Papuan People's Congress on the profile and attributes of the state were also read out: that it is called the Federation of West Papua, the state symbol is the Mambruk bird (crown pigeon), the state flag is the Morning Star, the national anthem is "Hai Tanah ku Papua" (Oh My Land Papua), the head of state is the president, the head of the government is the prime minister, with a judiciary and legislature, the country will be divided into regions headed by a governor, the currency will be the West Papua Golden, the national languages English, Fidjing and Bislama with an recognition of local dialects, and the territorial boarders cover an area of 160,000 square kilometres from 128 degrees 45 minutes to 141 degrees 48 minutes east longitude and between 1 degree 19 minutes north latitude and 10 degrees 45 minutes south latitude.

Robby Nauw stated that the DPRPB could only accept the protesters' wishes and convey them to the central government, but does not have the authority to respond to them. "The DPRD cannot not accept [your] aspirations. The House can only forward them to the Indonesian government", said Nauw, adding that the wishes conveyed by the protesters represent and extraordinary struggle.

After continuing for around an hour the peaceful action was closed with a prayer. The protesters then disbanded in an orderly fashion. (lm)

Notes:

The original Java Post article spelt the names Forkorus Yoboisembut and Edison Waromi as Foskorus Yaboisembut and Edison Waramoi.

[Ribuan Massa Teriakkan Papua Merdeka - Jawa Pos. Jum'at, 18 November 2011. Translated by James Balowski.]

Again, Papuans protest demanding independence

Tempo Interactive - November 14, 2011

Jerry Omona, Papua – Thousands of Papuans demonstrated in the Papuan provincial capital of Jayapura today demanding that a referendum or an act of self-determination be held immediately.

The protesters held a long-march from Abepura city towards Imbi Park in Jayapura, a distance of around 10-13 kilometers.

"Struggle never dies, there is only one word, keep fighting", said West Papuan National Committee (KNPB) deputy chairperson Mako Tabuni on Monday November 14.

The demonstrators brought scores of posters and banners calling for a referendum, United Nations flags and pamphlets with pictures of the Moring Star. Throughout the protest action, shouts of "Papua" were greeted with the word "Independence" by thousands of others.

"We call on everyone to join in, we are asking for a referendum, not dialogue", said KNPB coordinator for the Jayapura area, Victor Kogoya.

Scores of fully armed police officers could be seen watching over the action. "There are scores [of police officers], we hope there will be no anarchy", said Abepura sectoral police chief Police Commissioner Arie Sirait.

In mid-October, hundreds of residents also demonstrated in front of the Papuan People's Council (MRP) in Kotaraja, Jayapura, demanding independence. The demonstration was a protest against the government and to demand that a full-scale referendum be held on June 2010 (sic).

As a result of the protest action, traffic from Jayapura to Sentani was totally gridlocked and scores of shops and stalls closed. The demonstrators are still marching towards Jayapura where they plan to occupy the Papuan Regional House of Representatives (DPRP).

[Lagi, Warga Papua Demo Tuntut Merdeka - TEMPO Interaktif. Senin, 14 November 2011. Translated by James Balowski.]

Thousands of Papuans take to the streets calling for referendum

Okezone - November 14, 2011

Nurlina Umasugi, Jayapura – Thousands of Papuans from the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) held a 15 kilometer march on Monday afternoon to demand a referendum for the Papuan people.

The long-march from the Abepura district towards the provincial capital of Jayapura city was closely watched over by Papuan police under the command of the regional and deputy-regional police chiefs. Several sections of road became congested because of the the overflow of protesters packing the main road.

During the action, which was centred at Imbi Park, the protesters wore traditional Papuan clothing. Others painted their bodies with designs of the Morning Star flag and brought scores of red KNPB flags. "We demand a referendum, we demand a referendum", shouted the demonstrators during breaks in the action on Monday November 14.

According to the protesters, a referendum is the best solution to resolve the current problems in Papua. Not dialogue between the central government and the Papuan people or efforts to accelerate development as drawn up by the central government through the Special Unit for the Acceleration of Development in Papua and West Papua (UP4B), as a consequence of the failure to implement special autonomy (Otsus) the land of the Bird of Paradise as Papua is known.

Action coordinator Yusak Pakage explained that what the Papuan people want is a referendum, not dialogue or the UP4B. If dialogue between the central government and the Papuan people keeps being pushed, it must be directed towards the return of Papua's sovereignty and facilitated by the United Nations Security Council.

"We don't trust the Indonesian government any more, so if dialogue is pushed through then it must be dialogue about the return of the Papuan people's sovereignty and it must be attended by the UN", insisted Yusak.

Yusak said that the march was also held to protest the human rights violations committed by security forces at the recent Third Papuan People's Congress in Abepura and to respond to hot issues in the lead up to the commemoration of West Papua's Independence Day that falls on December 1.

Yusak also appealed to the Papuan people to be creative in the lead up to December 1 because there are rumours circulating that Papua will heat up on the day. These rumours are absolutely untrue and are simply being invented by irresponsible rogue elements.

"We appeal to all Papuan people not to panic about issues that are circulating at the moment. Carry out [your] activities as usual, because there will not be any actions that will be able to harm any of us. Actually we are all sisters and brothers who could not possibly hurt each other. Let's joint together to safeguard security in Papua", he added.

Meanwhile, Yusuf also urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) to immediately order to the withdrawal of troops from the areas of Papua that are considered volatile. The situation in Papua is actually safe and favourable, although the central government makes out that Papua is unsafe in order to justify increasing troop numbers in Papua.

"We don't need troops to be sent to Papua simply to shoot the Papuan people dead. So the president must immediately withdraw these troops", said Yusak.

If after a period of time Yudhoyono does not carry out a withdrawal of the troops in Papua, then the Papuan people will request protection from the UN Security Council. Because Papuan is in a state of emergency and the party creating this situation is the Indonesian government.

"The Papuan people are no longer safe in their own land, so SBY must immediately withdraw all of his troops", he said. After giving speeches for around two hours, the protesters disbanded in an orderly fashion. (kem)

[Tuntut Referendum, Ribuan Orang Papua Turun ke Jalan - Okezone. Senin, 14 November 2011. Translated by James Balowski.]

Demanding referendum, thousands of Papuans protest in Jayapura

Detik News - November 14, 2011

Chazizah Gusnita, Jakarta – Thousands of Papuans from the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) demonstrated in front of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) building in the Papuan provincial capital of Jayapura today. The protesters demanded an end to violence in Papua.

"Those are the demands of many demonstrators. Hold a referendum, end the violence, otsus (special autonomy) has failed", said Papua district police public relations chief Senior Commissioner Wachyono when contacted by Detik on Monday November 14.

Wachyono said that the demonstrators began the action in Abepura then marched on foot towards Jayapura. As of 4.30pm the protest action was still continuing. "Yeah they walked from Abepura to Jayapura. Earlier starting at 2pm. It's still going on", he said.

The protest action was watched over by around 300 police officers and up until now has proceeded without incident. The demonstrators are still giving speeches and there has been no disorderly behaviour or problems. "They made an agreement that there would be no anarchy. So we are keeping watch with 300 personnel", Wachyono explained.

According to Wachyono, as security personnel, the police also have the same commitment as the protesters, namely ending all acts of violence because it has not just been Papuans that have suffered from the violence but police officers also.

"We the police also have such a commitment. We are following up on the earlier [Third Papuan People's] Congress. If there are members [of the police] involved [in violence] we will process them", he asserted. (gus/nwk)

[Tuntut Referendum, 1.000-an Warga Papua Unjuk Rasa - detikNews. Senin, 14/11/2011. Translated by James Balowski.]