1965 affair not a tragedy

Sinar Harapan Newspaper - August 31, 2013

Fransisca Ria Susan, Jakarta – The kidnappings, forced disappearances and killing of more than 1 million Indonesians between 1965-1967 were not a tragedy, because they did not occur as part of a two-sided conflict. The killings were carried out by one side, were planned, systematic, and were given the go-ahead by an official government body to occur.

This is the conclusion that emerged from a teleconference called "Historical Justice in Confronting the 1965 Tragedy" that was held by The University of Melbourne in conjunction with the Driyarkara College of Philosophy, Jakarta, on Friday (30/8).

This teleconference also included several speakers located in Vancouver, London and Copenhagen. It included historians, military specialists, intellectuals and academics interested in the 1965 affair, including Kate McGregor, Jess Melvin, Max Lane, Djin Siauw, John Roosa, Asvi Warman Adam, Hilmar Farid, Bonnie Triyanya, Stanley Prasetyo and director of The Act of Killing, Joshua Oppenheimer. Also present was Nani Nurrachman, daughter of Major General Soetojo (one of the generals whose bodies were discovered down the well in Lubang Buaya in October 1965) as well as survivors from the 1965 affair.

Hilmar Farid in his presentation explained the need for a human rights report on 1965 that can be relied upon. Without such a report, denial about the killings will continue. "We need to convince the public, who remain in denial," he said.

Hilmar observed how in the public space, denial about the truth about what happened takes several forms. One form includes denying that the killings ever occurred, or by saying that that the killings occurred on both sides.

However, there was no war at this time. There was not two sides attacking each other, just one. "So it was not a tragedy, it was not a conflict, but a massacre," explains Hilmar. Before this, John Roosa expressed the same sentiment. "There was no war", he explained.

Former National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) commissioner Stanley Adi Prasetyo explained how Komnas HAM's findings into the 1965 killings clearly explained how the state was involved in the killings. The Operational Command for the Restoration of Security and Order (Kopkamtib) – an institution directly responsible to President Suharto at this time - was fully responsible for the affair.

"The 'receipting' (pengebonan, the borrowing of prisoners - ed), torture, rape and killing occurred at detention centers and Chinese schools that were converted into detention centers", Stanley explained.

The 1965-1967 killings, in Stanley's opinion, fulfill nine out of the 10 types of human rights abuses. "The only element that was not fulfilled was (discrimination based on) skin colour, he said.

Say sorry

Joshua Oppenheimer, based in Copenhagen, in his address to the teleconference, put pressure on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to issue an apology for the killings. "The people of Indonesia must demand the President issue an apology. What occurred at that time was genocide, it was wrong," he said.

He explained how such an apology could become the basis for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. "Without (knowing the) truth, there will be no reconciliation," he explained.

His film "The Act of Killing" has stirred up controversy by telling the story of Anwar Congo, who was involved in operations to kill PKI cadre in 1965-1967. Joshua has been able to strip bare how these killings were indeed carried out in a coordinated and systematic manner.

Joshua has explained how the film is his attempt to open the eyes of the world to what happened in Indonesia at this time. "Such things cannot be allowed to happen again," he says.

The film, in Joshua's opinion, holds a mirror up to us all. "Not only Anwar Congo, but all regimes, and indeed all of us," he explained.

He is aware that even today many people in Indonesia are scared to talk about the killings. Reconciliation, in his opinion, can only occur if we are brave enough to confront our fears by teasing out the true facts of what happened. (Inno Jemabut)

[Peristiwa 1965 Bukan Tragedi - Sinar Harapan. 2013-8-31. Translated by Jess Melvin for the Indoleft news service.]

Indonesia must ratify convention on forced disappearances

Kompas Newspaper - August 31, 2013

Jakarta – The Indonesian government is being called on to ratify the International Convention on Enforced Disappearance of Persons. At the United Nations Hearing on Human Rights last month, the Indonesian government through the human rights director at the Home Affairs Ministry, Muhammad Anshor, said that the document or draft ratification has already been submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR).

"So, we are waiting on the government and the DPR to ratify it soon", said Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) Coordinator Haris Azhar when asked about the commemoration of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances on August 30 in Jakarta on Friday.

The other task for the government and the DPR, said Azhar, is to include an article on the enforced disappearance of persons in the amendments to the Criminal Code (KUHP). In terms of outstanding cases, Indonesia still has a backlog of cases that need to be resolved such as the abduction of activists in 1997-1998, the case of Aceh and the disappearance of Aristoteles Masoka (the driver of murdered West Papuan independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay). The legal process into these cases has been halted.

From London human rights organisation Amnesty International urged the Indonesian government to stop postponing the establishment of a human rights court to try those responsible for the abduction and forced disappearance of 13 political activists in 1997-1998.

Amnesty International campaign spokesperson for Indonesia and East Timor, Joseph Benedict, in a press release said that the continuing failure to investigate these crimes is perpetuating human rights violations and contributing to a wider culture of impunity.

Bennedict wrote said that the families of the political activists that were disappeared in 1997-1998 continue to demand that the government uncover the truth about what happened more than 15 years ago. The disappeared activists that are still missing are Sonny, Yani Afri, Ismail, Abdun Nasser, Dedi Hamdun, Noval Alkatiri, Wiji Thukul, Suyat Herman Hendrawan, Bimo Petrus Anugerah, Ucok Munandar Siahaan, Yadin Muhidin and Hendra Hambali.

Azhar believes that the government is not following up on the recommendations of the 1997-1998 case and Masoka's disappearance in November 2001. Moreover in the Aceh case the state has done nothing at all.

Amnesty International also highlighted the issue of the formation of a truth commission and mechanisms to find the missing persons. According to a 2012 report, the United Nations Working Group on Forced Disappearances has information on 162 reports that have yet to be resolved in Indonesia and 428 cases that have yet to be resolved in East Timor over the period 1975-1999. (ONG)

[Anti-Penghilangan Paksa: RI Harus Ratifikasi Perjarliian - Kompas. Sabtu, 31 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Hard work needed to uncover the truth behind the 1965-66 affair

Kompas Newspaper - August 31, 2013

Jakarta – The long fight to uncover and moreover reconcile the 1965-66 affair is slowly starting to show results. Still needed of course is hard work and a readiness on the part of several parties to uncover the truth and come to terms with the facts of the affair.

"There is a point of light in the dark tunnel although this must be followed up because the nation cannot move forward if its feet are still tied to the darkness of the past", said historian Hilmar Farid at a conference titled "Historical Justice in Confronting the Tragedy of 1965" at the Driyarkara College of Philosophy in Jakarta on Friday August 30.

That point of light, according to Farid, is the outcome of the judicial review of Article 60(g) of Law Number 12/2003 on General Elections that restored the rights of former political prisoners to vote and be elected.

"Then there was MA (Supreme Court) decision 1050 of 2007 that found in favour of the heir of I Gede Puger, the former governor of Bali who was sadistically murdered in late 1965", said Farid.

Farid said that Kodam IX Udayana (regional military command) at the time seized land and property belonging to I Gede Puger. The Supreme Court ordered IX/Udayana to pay compensation of 128 million rupiah to I Gede Puger's heir. If the accused failed to do this, they must pay 1.5 million rupiah per day.

"Of course the decision was not implemented, but, yes, it would not indeed have been possible without cultural preconditions", he said.

Historian Asvi Warman Adam also conceded that reconciling the 1965-66 affair will not be easy. "As the momentum grows it will surely confront greater opposition. Big or small however it must be done. I for example have tried to rehabilitate [the name] of Waperdam (Deputy Prime Minister during the Old Order period) I Soebandrio", he said..

"The legal suit by former State Palace dancer Nani Nurani was also granted. Nurani finally obtained a KTP (ID card) for life and is now also demanding financial compensation for the actions of the government at the time", said Adam.

National historical commission

Adam also raised the need for the establishment of a national historical commission. Historica Magazine chief editor Bonnie Triyana also agreed with Farid. Such a commission would not have to be funded from the state budget, but could be formed by non-government organisations to study human rights violations linked with the 1965 affair.

"The Historical commission would pass on its recommendations to the state in order for it to deliver an admission of the state's neglect in the 1965 affair. Also to push the head of state to admit the crime and pursue formal channels to try the perpetrators", said Triyana.

Farid proposed that there be serious efforts undertaken to investigate and draft a weighty report on the 1965-66 affair. Such a report would require the involvement of human rights activists, historians and researches. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) report into 1965 that was drafted last year could be used as a point of reference.

Farid and Triyana both explained the progressive steps taken by Guatemala. Not long ago a Guatemalan court found former dictator Rios Montt guilty of the mass murders that took place in 1982-1983.

Former Komnas HAM member Stanley Adi Prasetyo also questioned the government's seriousness in resolving the human rights violations that took place in 1965.

During the event, though teleconferencing, a discussion was held involving hundreds of participants from Melbourne (Australia), Vancouver (Canada), Copenhagen (Denmark) and London (Britain). Clergyman Baskara T Wardaya and his team also launched the book The Truth will Out, a translation of the book Suara di Balik Prahara (Voices Behind the Tempest) containing narrations by victims of the 1965 tragedy. (RYO)

[Masih Perlu Kerja Keras: Perjuangan atas Peristiwa 1965-1966 Mulai Membuahkan Hasil - Kompas. Sabtu, 31 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Workers reject new wage rise limit, plan series of massive protests

The Daily Investor - August 30, 2013

Jakarta – The Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) and several other labour associations have emphatically rejected the issuance of a presidential instruction (Inpres) on limiting wage rises in order to stimulate the economy and overcome a slump in the value of the rupiah.

KSPI President Said Iqbal said the Inpres will in no way improve workers' welfare and instead has the potential of returning the country to a low-wage regime. According to Iqbal the weakening rupiah is not being caused by a drop in labour productivity or because workers are demanding high wages but because the maturation of an excessive private sector and government debt, particularly private sector debt that is out of control and hence the growing need for dollars.

Iqbal said the weakening rupiah is also being caused by a rapid decline in exports so employers are parking their money overseas. "It needs to be clarified that the weakening of the rupiah has no relationship with workers but rather with private sector debt", he said at an event KSPI Press Conference Rejects Inpres Wage Determination at the Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) offices in Jakarta on Friday August 30.

Attending the press conference were several labour association including the All Indonesia Workers Organisation (OPSI), the National Industrial Trade Union (SPIN), the Independent Trade Union Federation (FSBI), the [Pulogadung] Industrial Zone Labour Front (FBKP), the Jakarta Provincial Labour Forum, the Association of Independent Trade Unions (GSBI), the Cross-Factory Labour Forum  (FBLP) and the Joint Labour Secretariat (Sekber Buruh).

Iqbal said the issuance of the Inpres conflicted with the law, where it stipulates that regional minimum wages should be set by governors, not a minister, the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) or illegal employers. He added that the Inpres is simply a political machination hatched between employers and the government to return the country to a regime of low wages.

Iqbal said that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) should not get caught up in low-wage policies that will reduce people's purchasing power, which totally contradicts the president's state of the nation speech on August 16 in which he said that purchasing power should be protected and Indonesia as a middle-class country is no longer orientated towards low-wage policies. "The government should be intelligent in overcoming this problem, don't be influenced by employers", he said.

Iqbal said the KSPI also rejects a statement by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hatta Rajasa who declared that workers' minimum wage would be set based on the results of a survey by the National Statistics Agency (BPS) and wage rises be limited to 10 percent for general industries and 5 percent for labour intensive industries. According to Iqbal Indonesian workers reject the setting of the minimum wage based on a BPS survey, which should be carried out by regional wages councils.

Iqbal said that the KSPI and other trade unions reject the Inpres as a standard to set 2014 minimum wage increases because it is part of the politics of the government and employers. The KSPI said that setting the 2014 minimum wage rise comes under the authority of governors based on Law Number 13/2013 on Labour, and ministers, let alone employers and Apindo do not have this authority.

Iqbal added that the KSPI also opposed the 2014 minimum wage increase being based on a maximum inflation rate of 10 percent because it should be based on the reasonable living cost index (KHL) and economic growth. KSPI is demanding that the number of items that make up the KHL be increased from 60 to 84. "We also call on all regional heads to take a realistic position and be able to work together", he said.

According to Iqbal if the government sticks to the Inpres and sets minimum wage increase based only on inflation then all Indonesian workers will mobilise and hold a series of massive rallies starting on August 31 in Bekasi, West Java, in which 20,000 workers will take to the streets.

On September 3 the Jakarta Provincial Labour Forum will mobilise as many as 5,000 people, on September 5 some 30,000 workers from the Greater Jakarta area will protest at the State Palace in Jakarta, on September 10 as many as 10,000 people will mobilise across East Java, on September 11 many as 11,000 will protest in the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan, on September 12 around 5,000 will demonstrate in Batam, Riau Islands, and on September 13 some 5,000 will mobilise in the West Java provincial capital of Bandung.

Massive protest actions will also be held the South Sumatra provincial capital Lampung, the North Sulawesi provincial capital Manado, the South Sulawesi provincial capital Makassar, Gorontalo province and Aceh, culminating in a national strikes in October and November involving 4 million workers.

[Asosiasi Buruh Tolak Penetapan Inpres tentang Pengupahan Buruh - The Daily Investor. Jumat, 30 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Government outlaws labour protests in 'vital' industrial sectors

Detik.com - August 28, 2013

Zulfi Suhendra, Jakarta – A number of companies and industrial zones have been included as Indonesian National Vital Objects (OVNI) in the industrial sector and now come under government protection. This protection covers security threats against OVNIs.

Indonesian Police chief (Kapolri) General Timur Pradopo explained that in relation to joint cooperation with the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin), there are at least 38 industries and 10 industrial zones that come under this protection. With this agreement, the national police will provide optimal protection of these sectors.

"We continue to work jointly managing and anticipating matters pertaining to security measures. Particularly in the industrial sector, the main factor stimulating national economic growth. It's not that we weren’t already doing this, but now it is being better optimised", said Pradopo at the offices of the Ministry of Industry on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta on Wednesday August 28.

Pradopo said that the national police will respond to threats against the industrial sector that cover conventional crimes, terrorism, demonstrations [strikes], sweeps [by workers] and other security disturbances. "Responding to these disturbances requires comprehensive measures. So they do not develop into disturbances", he said.

Pradopo said that the perpetrators of threats and disturbances against the industrial sector that involve violence and criminal acts, will obviously be processed legally and probably face criminal penalties. "All matters related to violence are protected by law. If it is a legal violation, obviously it will be dealt with legally", he explained. (zul/hen)

[Kapolri: Ancaman dan Kekerasan Terhadap Industri akan Ditindak Secara Hukum – Detikfinance. Rabu, 28/08/2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Islamist hard-liners FPI ready to make war on those who undermine NKRI

Kompas Newspaper - August 24, 2013

Bekasi – The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) held its 3rd National Conference (Munas) at the Wisma Haji building in Bekasi, West Java, between Thursday and Saturday, August 22-24. Conference participants discussed broadening the organisation's social role and continuing to defend the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

"For us NKRI (the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia) is non-negotiable. We do not want to establish a [new] state. We are ready to defend the Indonesian state and make war on anyone who undermines the state", said Islamic Defenders Force (LPI, affiliated with the FPI) General for Life Maman Suryadi during a break in the conference on Friday afternoon.

The FPI Munas, with the theme "NKRI under Islamic law", was opened by Religious Affairs Minister Agama Suryadharma [from this Islamic based United Development Party, PPP – JB] on Thursday evening. Around 2,000 people attended the Munas. They including representatives from the central, regional and branch executive boards throughout Indonesia. Over three days, they discussed a number of themes in commissions and plenary meetings, and made several recommendations.

Suryadi revealed that the FPI will continue to struggle for the values of Islamic law in the frame work of NKRI. The organisation will continue to respect state law but is also seeking to bring tough Islamic law into effect. Corruptors for example, must be sentenced to death.

Speaking separately, the chairperson of the FPI's Greater Bekasi Regional Executive Board (DPW) Murhali Barda said that Islamic law is in a sense a social order of life that is just, secure, affluent and prosperous. These ideals should be realised within NKRI however up until now, this dream have yet to be achieved.

Soft approach

In his greetings at the conference opening, Ali said he hoped that the FPI would play an active role in fighting poverty in ignorance. He warned and reminded participants that Islamic teachings emphasise an approach that is peaceful, soft and pleasing and is a bringer of calm. The Islamic struggle seeks to provide ideals that are good and positive for religion in Indonesia.

Congress participants welcomed this appeal. Mahfud, the chairperson of the Pandegang regency DPW in Banten, said that the principle of amar makruf nahi mungkar (to maintain what is right and forbid what is wrong) needs to be carried out by the correct means.

As part of the FPI's 15th anniversary, the FPI is preparing to hold a white convoy through Jakarta on Sunday. Around 10,000 will people depart from the FPI's secretariat at Petamburan, Central Jakarta, and travel through several parts of the city. (IAM/K06)

Notes

NKRI: Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. A term which is often used in the context of nationalism and the desire to maintain the integrity of the Indonesian nation state.

[Organisasi Kemasyarakatan: FPI Siap Memerangi Perongrong NKRI - Kompas. Sabtu, 24 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Regulations discriminating against women, religious minorities on the rise

Kompas Newspaper - August 23, 2013

Jakarta – As of mid-August this year the number of discriminative regulations has risen two-fold, from 154 in 2009 to 342. Of these 334 are regency or municipal regulations and the province with the most discriminative regulations is West Java.

"Out of the 334 regional regulations, 265 target women in the name of morality or religion and 31 policies target religious minorities and indirectly discriminate against female members of these communities", said National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) commissioner Andy Yentriani at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday August 22.

Included within these 265 policies are 79 regulations that regulate what women wear, 124 that regulate prostitution and pornography, 27 on the separation of public space for men and women on moral grounds along with 35 regulations that place restrictions on women being out at night.

"In pornography cases, women who have fallen victim to human trafficking networks have instead ended up being accused", continued Yentriani. "Many Indonesian women have to go out at night, working to meet family needs. These regulations have claimed victims in Tangerang [West Java]."

All of these regulations indicate that real independence for Indonesian women remains far from the ideals of independence and demonstrate a low level of understanding of the Indonesian Constitution's mandate.

Komnas Perempuan also found 529 policies that were favourable in 2013, increasing from 252 in 2011. Of this total however, only 11 policies regulated comprehensive protection for women victims of violence.

According to Komnas Perempuan commissioner Kiai (religious leader) Husein Muhammad, religion, which is the source of values, does not need to be included in regulations that are of a particular character.

It was also revealed that there are well intended regulations but which are incorrectly implemented and become prejudicial. "Such as the virginity test [for female students in South Sumatra - JB]", said Muhammad, "This is an individual's private right, no one is allowed to interfere in this".

With regard to the continuing rise in the number of discriminatory regulations, Komnas Perempuan commissioner Kunthi Tridewiyanti said that policy makers do not yet fully understand constitutional guarantees, human rights and real equality. (MH)

[Hak Asasi Manusia - Jumlah Peraturan Diskriminatif Bertambah – Kompas. Jumat, 23 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.].

Carr backs Jakarta on Freedom Flotilla, accuses activists of spreading lies

Kompas Newspaper - August 21, 2013

In a press statement, Carr also warned activists who are citizens of his country that they would be subject to a sentence of five-years jail if they take the risk of violating Indonesian immigration regulations because they will be entering Indonesian territory without permission.

The Australian foreign minister also accused the activists of spreading gross lies as if the agenda of Papuan independence has already become an international issue.

The ships carrying 20 activist reportedly departed from a port in Cairns in the Australian state of Queensland on August 17. They are expected to reach Indonesian territory within the next three weeks.

Speaking separately, Natalegawa acknowledged that Carr had raised the issue at the bilateral meeting. The Indonesian government is simply taking a position of listening to Australia's explanations of the matter and its commitment to Indonesia's sovereignty and does not feel the need to issue a statement in relation to the case.

"We don't wish to respond to the behaviour of a certain group who are simply seeking publicity and do not know for sure what will happen in Papua", said Natalegawa.

Late last week, Special Presidential Staff Member for International Relations, Teuku Faizasyah, said that the government through the foreign minister had warned Australian representatives to pay attention to the legal aspects and permits that are in effect when entering the sovereign territory of another country.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Justice and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto has stated that the Australian activists' ship is not sailing to Papua but to Papua New Guinea. (WHY/DWA)

[Isu Papua: Australia Takkan Bela Aktivisnya – Kompas. Rabu, 21 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Trade union says reports of South Korea factory closures a 'public lie'

Kompas.com - August 20, 2013

Alsadad Rudi, Jakarta – The Cross-Factory Labour Forum (FBLP) disputes the claim that four South Korean companies have left Jakarta. The companies that were cited as having closed, PT Hansol 1, PT Hansai 5, PT Winner 3 and PT Olimpic, are still operating in the Nusantara Bonded Zone (KBN) in the Cakung industrial area of East Jakarta.

FBLP chairperson Jumisih said that that deputy chairperson of the Jakarta provincial Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Sarman Simanjuntak is lying to the public.

"We refute Sarman's statement, who has committed a public lie. The four Korean companies are still operating in Cakung. We hope that a counter report will be published", said Jumisih when speaking with Kompas.com on Tuesday August 20.

Earlier it was reported that four South Korean companies had closed their factories in the KPN in Cakung. The grounds for this were because the companies were unable to pay wages in accordance with the Jakarta minimum provincial wage (UPM) that was set at 2.2 million rupiah a month in November 2012.

Notes

This is not the first time that these kind of claims have been made by business groups. In February the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) was quoted as saying that 10 foreign companies, mostly from South Korea and India, have relocated their businesses to other Asian countries because of recent wage rises, only to have the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) later publically refute the claim.

['Empat Pabrik Asal Korsel Tutup? Itu Pembohongan Publik!' - Kompas.com. Selasa, 20 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

President Yudhoyono's state of the nation speech 'like science fiction'

Tribune News - August 16, 2013

Jakarta – Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician Rieke Diah Pitaloka has criticised President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's (SBY) state of the nation speech as being no different from a work of science fiction.

According Pitaloka, most of SBY's speech was as if it was liberally dosed with spicy terms and English language theories that give the impression of being scientific. It was also accompanied with figures as if to demonstrate the accuracy of his achievements.

"Are these figures based on data and true reality? Or just fiction, only a wrapping for image building? The public is of course intelligent, and is capable of seeing what is actually happening", said Pitaloka at the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Friday August 16.

The member of Commission IX on labour affairs and welfare highlighted this by taking an example from Yudhoyono's claim that the welfare of the ordinary people during his administration has continued to improve. Yudhoyono based his argument on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (2004=$US1,177, 2009=$US2,290, 2012=$US3,092). In 2014 Yudhoyono stated that Indonesia's GDP per capita will be around $US5,000.0.

GDP measure the goods and services produced by a country. The question is, do all the Indonesian people enjoy this. Because the fact is that the ones that enjoy this are only those that have economic access.

"Take Papua for example. Its economic growth is the highest in Indonesia, but the poverty rate is also the highest. Let's think positive. A GDP of US$5000 per capita, that means 50 million rupiah per year or 4.2 million rupiah per month for each household. Meaning, per person 1 million rupiah per month", she said.

According to Pitaloka, statistical data from the National Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the number of people in society with disposable income above 1 million rupiah a month is only 16 percent. Meanwhile those that have disposable income of between 500,000 and 1 million rupiah per month are 30 percent and those with less than 500,000 rupiah stand at 55 percent.

"The question is what kind of prosperity does this mean if as many as 85 percent of the people have a purchasing power that is in fact less than 1 million rupiah a month. Purchasing power shows income per month. Moreover the data released by BPS was not calculated based on conditions following the increase in [subsidised] fuel prices", she said.

[Rieke: Pidato SBY Seperti Fiksi Ilmiah - Tribunnews.com. Jumat, 16 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Papua student protest in Bogor calls for freedom, self-determination

Pos Kota - August 15, 2013

Bogor – The momentum in the lead up to Indonesia's 68th Independence Day was used by scores of Papuan students to demand freedom and self-determination for the Papuan people. These demands were conveyed during a demonstration at the Tugu Kujang intersection on Jl. Padjajaran in Bogor, West Java, on Thursday August 15.

The action managed to attract the attention of passing drivers, however after finding out the demonstrator's demands, drivers 'curled their lips'. "That takes the cake. In the lead up to the 17 August independence anniversary, how come they're seeking attention so that the Papuan people can determine their own future", sneered one driver.

Not surprisingly, the action at the intersection of Jl. Padjajaran and Jl. Otista created traffic congestion and an escort from the Bogor municipal police. During the action, they brought banners and posters with pictures of the Papuan flag.

"The government must give freedom and the right to self-determination to the Papuan people. We don't want there to be [any more] repression", said the demonstrators. (iwan)

[Mahasiswa Asal Papua Demo di Bogor - Pos Kota. Jumat, 16 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

'Papua is not the Red-and-White, Papua is the Morning Star'

Merdeka.com - August 15, 2013

Arie Sunaryo – The Surakarta district police have seized two large banners depicting symbols of the Morning Star flag belonging to Papuan students that was to be used in a protest action at the Gladag traffic circle in the Central Java city of Solo on Thursday August 15.

Meanwhile yet another demonstration was held by scores of Papuan students on Thursday at the Gladag traffic circle demanding that the government give freedom and the right to self-determination to the people of the province.

According to Merdeka's observations, like the other two earlier demonstrations, the protesters sung the song, "Papua is not the Red-and-White, Papua is the Morning Star". This time however they did not adjourn their bodies with logos of or bring pictures of the Morning Star flag.

In a speech, action coordinator Frans Hisage questioned the follow up to the New York Agreement between the Netherlands and Indonesia. This agreement was related to the dispute over the territory of West Papua on August 15, 1962. Among other things, it stipulated an act of self-determination for the Papuan people.

"Indonesia, which was given responsibility to prepare for the administration of the [act] of self-determination and development in Papua did not undertake this in accordance with the New York Agreement. Particularly after the administrative transfer was carried out on May 1, 1963", asserted Hisage.

Satisfied with holding speeches, the students from the Papua Student Alliance (AMP) ended the action by reading out a statement containing three demands.

The demands were, namely, that they be given the freedom and right to self-determination as a democratic solution for the Papuan people, close down and halt all exploitative activities by multi-national companies throughout the land of Papua and, withdraw all organic and non-organic military (TNI) and police (Polri) from the land of Papua.

Scores of police were deployed to secure the action. In addition to police, a number of TNI members could be seen watching over the action from a distance. (bal)

[Spanduk bintang kejora milik mahasiswa Papua di Solo diamankan - Merdeka.com. Kamis, 15 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service.]

Papuan actions condemn New York agreement, call for self-determination

Selangkah Magazine - August 15, 2013

Yogyakarta – "Self-determination, the Democratic Solution for the Papuan People", shouted West Papuan students protesting the New York Agreement of August 15, 1962, and supporting the opening of a Free West Papua Campaign office in the Netherlands today, during an action coordinated by the Papuan Student Alliance (AMP) on Thursday August 15 in the Malioboro shopping district in the Central Java city of Yogyakarta.

The demonstration was one of a series of activities conceived by the Yogyakarta city AMP committee, included as part of the Art Platform night on Wednesday evening.

According to Selangkah Magazine's observations, the protesters began gathering on Jl. Abu Bakar Ali, north of Malioboro, then marched to the zero kilometre point in front of the central post office. The protesters adorned their bodies with three colours: red, white and blue, the three colours of the Papuan national flag, the Morning Star.

"New York Agreement was legally flawed, and cannot be accepted. The Papuan people who were the subject of the issue were not invited to sit down together, to discuss where to go. The Papuan people were not involved", shouted one of the Papuan students in a speech.

The students were protesting the contents of the New York Agreement (Pepera), specifically articles 14-21 that regulated an act of self-determination for the Papuan nation based on the international practice of "One Man One Vote", one person one vote.

Indonesia, which was given the authority to prepare the Pepera, did not follow this stipulation, and instead replaced it with "musyawarah" [a traditional consensus decision making process – JB] where the around 800,000 Papuan population at that time were only represented by 1,025 people, that is to say it was not the Papuan people who voted in the Pepera.

The students also highlighted the PT Freeport gold and copper mining company work contract agreement that was made in 1967, long before Papua had determined its course (Papua was still under a status quo or without ownership).

The Papuan students believe that the New York Agreement, which was made without involving the Papuan people as subjects of the issue, was the basis of the problem, after the annexation of West Papua by Indonesia through the Triple Commands of the People (Trikora) by Indonesia founding President Sukarno at the Yogyakarta North Square on December 19, 1961, 18 days after the country of Papua was formed.

On this basis, the AMP issued three political demands. First, urging all related parties to acknowledge and give the right to the Papuan people to self-determination as the only democratic solution for the Papuan people.

Second, urging all parties to immediately call for a halt to operations throughout the land of Papua by multi-national corporations owned by imperialist countries such as Freeport, BP, LNG Tangguh, Mecdo, Corindo and others.

Third, the AMP asked that all Indonesian military and national police immediately be withdrawn from the land of Papua because they are the mother of all violence in the land of Papua.

After reading out a statement, the action concluded with prayers and the hundreds of Papuan students disbanded.

In the Central Java city of Solo meanwhile, police sealed a house lived in by Papuan students who were in the middle of preparing to hold a demonstration on Thursday morning. As a result the demonstration was cancelled.

Selangkah Magazine has been unable to confirm why the police sealed the house although a reliable informant said it was done to thwart the planned action.

In the West Java provincial capital of Bandung, the Bandung AMP committee also held an action, protesting the New York Agreement that failed to involve the Papuan people, and supporting the opening of the Papua campaign office in the Netherlands.

The Papuan students that make up the AMP are in agreement that only self-determination as a nation, which is honest and democratic – not like the 1969 Pepera – is the best solution for the people of West Papua. (AD/BT/MS)

Notes

Trikora – After the Dutch announced the formation of a Nieuw Guinea Raad on April 1961, with the intention of creating an independent Papuan state, Indonesia's founding President Sukarno declared a military confrontation in his Tri Komando Rakjat (Trikora, Triple Commands of the People) speech in Yogyakarta, on 19 December 1961.

[Penentuan Nasib Sendiri, Solusi Demokratis bagi Rakyat Papua - Majalah Selangkah. Kamis, 15 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft news service.]

Low productivity caused by old machinery, poor infrastructure: Activist

Berita Satu - August 8, 2013

Shesar Andriawan/FMB, Jakarta – According to Budi Wardoyo, the national secretary of Politics of the People and the Joint Labour Secretariat (Sekber Buruh) working body, complaints [by employers] about the large number of public holidays that cause a drop in productivity are simply a red herring.

Wardoyo said other issues aside from public holidays contribute more to the decline in productivity. The following factors were mention by Wardoyo when contacted by Berita Satu by phone on Thursday August 8.

"First, machinery that is old and out of date. The older the machines the lower the performance. There was once a government program to replace old machines, but it failed to be realised."

"Second, infrastructure that is not good yet. For example there are roads with potholes that are the cause of traffic congestion. That's why if you want to transport goods to the Tanjung Priok [port in North Jakarta] it takes so long, so it's not possible to take advantage of optimal time."

And on the third issue, Wardoyo said that the real reason productivity is low is because of the continued dependence in imported raw materials.

"What often happens is we export raw materials, then it's processed overseas into a semi-finished material, and then we buy it back again. Since Dutch colonial times we've had a tendency to follow overseas market trends. In the past for example in Europe allspice was expensive, so we here were used as a center for its production", said Wardoyo.

Wardoyo said that Indonesian employers are not prepared to fight this situation. If there were then Indonesia could create its own market without needing to worry about overseas trends.

Wardoyo does not see that Indonesia needs to increase the number of working hours. "In Indonesia right now our working hours are 40 hours a week, but in Germany it's only 32 hours and [they] can still be productive. Another example is the issue of leave, in Venezuela if a female workers gives birth she's given one year's leave and an allowance as well so she can concentrate on taking care of the child", he said.

"Meanwhile in Indonesia it is only one month at most. So the child has to be left in the care of relatives or a child care centre. This can be a burden for the mother".

In order to increase productivity, Wardoyo said that workers need to have a higher level of education that now.

"The quality of workers' education in Indonesia is still low. Many of them cannot access adequate education. On average they have only graduated from junior high school, there are few senior high school graduates, let alone those with diplomas or degrees. The higher the education level the easier it is for workers to be taught many things", said Wardoyo.

[Serikat Buruh: Cuti Bersama Bukan Alasan Utama Produktivitas Rendah - beritasatu.com. Kamis, 08 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft news service.]