We expect more money to follow and hope that money can continue to be raised to directly support the people in West Papua.

Updates on Prisoners in Wamena, per 29 April 2003

There are two new prisoners in Wamena Police Station: Mikhael Heselo and Des Wenda. They have both been severely beaten and tortured. Reports suggest they will not survive much longer in the prison. A further 8 people have been arrested by the Indonesian military, but their whereabouts are unknown.

Their families are still waiting information as to what has happened to them.

Wamena Police Station Phone Number: +62969 31110

RECENT CONDITIONS IN THE HIGHLANDS REGION IN PAPUA

PUNCAK JAYA:-

After 8 days of hiding in the forests, hundreds of refugees, a large proportion of which are women and children from the Kuyawage region, have begun entering Puncak Jaya because they are scared to return to live in their own villages. They were forced to flee from their homes because of police and military operations, which resulted in the burning of the
homes of civilians, church buildings and a school.

The police and military operations, which are still in operation, are in response to the attack on the weapons holding at military command post 1702, Wamena on 4 April 2003.

Reports received from Kuyawage, Puncak Jaya Regency, were received in Wamena via SSB owned by the church, which were carried into the forests by the villagers. They report that it is difficult to understand what is going on in the city because they are still hiding in the forest. What they could report is that churches, and schools owned by both the Indonesian government and missionaries, as well as a hospital have been destroyed by the
military.

The number of victims is reported to be 30 (of that total a nominal amount have been said to have been killed- but this figure is to be cross checked), the victims of the church and home burnings cannot yet be determined but it is known that many villagers ran to the church for protection, considering the churches to be safe from military attack. The fate of many of the
villagers is still unknown. It is also still unclear as to the number of rapes and beatings which occurred because the military operation is oppressive and restrictive so human rights workers and informants are not permitted to enter the military operation areas.

Meanwhile in Wamena, on 24 April 2003 at 23.00 (WIT) (names of informants are confidential, information is received from church sources) informants have reported that: the whereabouts of the native Papuan soldiers, who were arrested because they were suspected of assisting those who attacked the weapons holding in Wamena, are still unclear, but the informant alleges that at least one has been sent out of Wamena by air, but it is unclear where to.

The others are still being held in the prison in Wamena.

The question now is who will protect these people? The church itself cannot do much because of its own internal rules regarding the military, despite the fact that the human rights of its members are being violated. We call on all authorities and organisations to act swiftly to ensure that these people are justly treated. Their arrest and detention violates Indonesian criminal procedural requirements.

The 8 Papuan members of the military who have been arrested and detained, but whose fate and whereabouts is still unknown are:-

1. Martinus Yikwa
2. Terianus Yikwa
3. Paus Kogoya
4. Iton Kogoya
5. Pelius Wenda
6. Tornagen Wenda
7. Taunus Kogoya

The eight names mentioned above were taken in a closed truck to meet a Hercules aircraft at 13.30 on 24 April 2003, which left Wamena with an unknown destination.

Besides these 8 mentioned above, including Marthen Wenda, were moved from the military prison to the Wamena Prison.

Considering these circumstances, it is hoped that all organisations and authorities will urge international human rights investigations teams to immediately go to the field in Wamena to investigate the attack on the military's weapon holding in Wamena and the repressive military operations the local civilian population.
--
  Koteka Prisoner Support
  koteka_prisoner_support@xsmail.com

Update on Prisoners in Jayapura - 17th April 2003

First, amongst the terrible news from Wamena, some good news - Allius
Tabuni who was arrested on 19 December 2002 for raising the West Papuan
flag and sentenced to one year has been released after just 3 months.
Reports are that this never normally happens and the prison guards are
feeling scared and confused because we are phoning them!!!

We also have news of three more prisoners being held in Lembaga Abepura
(phone: +62 967 581705). They were arrested for a flag raising ceremony
and are on trial at the moment. There names are:
1.      Herman Wainggai
2.      Edison Waromi
3.      Jordan Iek
--------------------------------------------------
  Koteka Prisoner Support
  koteka_prisoner_support@xsmail.com

UPDATE ON WAMENA PRISONERS - 17th April 2003

Please phone: KODIM (TNI) Office in Wamena: +62969 31089

Yapenas Murib has been brutally dragged through the streets by chains around his neck and then died whilst being held in the army post Kodim 1702 in Wamena.

Kanius Murib was treated the same and is still being held in the army post. His life is in serious danger.

Paulina Itlay was arrested by TNI soldiers whilst leaving her village of Pugima for the market in Wamena. They asked where her husband was, saying that he had stole the guns. They beat her and then ripped her clothes from her body. She was then taken to Kodim 1702 where the soldiers cut off her breasts and cut her thighs, they then stuck burning cigarettes in her wounds and stubbed them out in her vagina. They still asked where are the OPM/TPN and she replied that she didn't know. They also took all her money she was going to put in the bank. She was thrown out on the street at 10pm and was found and is now in the Wamena hospital.

The following are all being held in Kodim 1702 and are in serious danger.
1 Danius Murib
2 Marthen Wenda
3 Telianus Jikwa
3 Turangen Murib
5 Marthinus Jikwa
6 Jos Jikwa
7 Paul Kogoya
8 Ikon Kogoya
9 Darius Kogoya

Also, operations are planned for tomorrow in Ragayam, Bogolakme and Pyramid where the army are likely to burn more houses, beat more people and arrest more people.

Our experience is that DIRECT PHONE CALLS to the army/police can help these people. There is an urgent need to let the Indonesian authorities (esp. army) in Wamena know that we know what they are doing. Please make phone calls tonight and over the Easter weekend.

KODIM (TNI) Office in Wamena : +62969 31089
BUPATI (Regent) of Wamena : +62969 31005
POLICE Office in Wamena: +62969 31110
 
PLEASE PHONE (esp. KODIM) and say the names of the above people. Ask questions or use some of the Indonesian below.

Also, some money is being sent out to support Paulina and the family of Yapenas and the other people being held. If you want to send a donation plaese send a cheque payable to KSAS and post to KSAS, c/o SDEF, Prior House, 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, BN2 2GY stating that it is to support Wamena prisoners.

Some Indonesian phrases you can use (pronunciation guide in brackets):
Kami marah sekali tentang sifat TNI (Karmee marar saykarlee tentang
seefat TNI) - We are very angry about the behaviour of TNI
Saya telepon tentang . (Sy-ar telepon tentang..) - I am telephoning about
...
Hati hati (Harti harti) - Be careful
Kami jaga lihat anda sekarang. (Karmee jargar leehat anda seykarang) - We
are watching you now
Saya dari Inggris. (Sy-yar dary Ingrees) - I am from England
Kamu pratikan baik kesehatan mereka, minum, makan dan keselamatan mereka.
(Karmu prateekan bike kay-say-hartan meraykar, minum, makan dan
kay-selamtan meraykar) - Treat them well, give food, water and look after
them
Kami tahu apa yang lakukan di KODIM. (Karmee tarhoo apa yang larkookan
dee lembarga) - We know what you do in KODIM
Kami adalah teman mereka. (Karmee ard-ar-lar tayman meraykar) - We are
their friends
Papua Merdeka! - Free Papua!

Wamena, ELSHAM News Report - WPNews

Report received by Elsham and Demmak contact persons in Wamena mentioned one of those arrested by the TNI (Indonesian army), Yapenas Murib, from Ilekma village, died early this morning. He died due to heavy torture by the TNI.

A day before he died (14/4), at 16:00 Papua Time (PT), Yapenas Murib and Kanius Murib were dragged towards Ilekma village, 3 km south of Wamena town. Kanius' arms were tied up, while Yapinus' neck was tied with 2 steal chains (treatment like an animal/ cow), then they were both dragged backwards. When Yapenas fell down, he was kicked and told to wake up. This drama of violence repeatedly dan villagers around the area came to witness what was happening along the way from Sinakma to Ilema.

One eye witness said that after his return to Ilekma, 1t 18:00 PT, Yapenas had his dinner, but then in the morning he was found dead. Even Doctor Nugroho, who carried out autopsy on Yapenas corpse, when phoned for confirmation from Elsham at 14:16PT did not want to give any clarification. When asked the outcome of medical analyses and the cause
of his death, dr. Nugroho put off his telephone after knowing that he was receiving call from Elsham in Port Numbay. Three times Elsham contacted again, but dr. Nugroho did not answer the phones.

There is no clarification yet what caused his arrest and torture and died in the hands of TNI/ Kodim 1702 Wamena. Available information indicates that both Yapenas and Kanius were those who gave back 3 guns to the mediators of the military operations underway in Wamena at the moment. The guns were returned to the mediators in Ilekma village. Elsham as well as Demmak have has not yet received information how both of them got the
guns.

Sargent Fred Koridama, TNI member at Kodim 1702 post in Wamena who received a phone call from Elsham papua on Tuesday (15/4) at pukul 12.42 PT to get further information for the Human Rigths Monitoring Staff and requested the commander of Dandim Wamena, but Koridama replied that Mr. Dandim is in Jakarta for a meeting held by the TNI Headquarter. Polres (Police Resort) Wamena confirmed the death of Yapenas Murip.

Meanwhile, there is also a report that on Saturday (12/4) one of those being detained, whose name has not yet been identified was brought to the hospital in Wamena. This detainee was tortured heavily (his chest and back were sliced into pieces with razor blades). Medical workers in Wamena hospital only told to treat them with bethadine liquid.

For more info see: www.westpapua.net
--
  Koteka Prisoner Support
  koteka_prisoner_support@xsmail.com

Introduction to West Papuan Political Prisoners, by Koteka Prisoner Support, March 2003

West Papua, the Western half of a large and diverse island shared with Papua New Guinea, has been under Indonesian military rule since the 1960's. Indigenous Papuans, traditionally living balanced and autonomous tribal lives, have continuously been displaced, tortured and killed, and their land exploited by corporations. West Papuans are demanding their freedom and have been resisting the Indonesian army for over forty years.

The repression against them is severe, and includes Indonesian police picking out those that are active and putting them in prison under terrible conditions where many 'disappear' or are poisoned.

These prisoners need support, and support from the West can make a difference in the way they are treated. One Papuan prisoner, who people in the UK phoned the prison about, reports: "I was being kept in the pitch black in an overflowing toilet. I was cuffed at my hands and feet. After two weeks the guards pulled me out and asked me why all these people were phoning and enquiring about me. They looked scared and I told them that now the world is watching them. I was returned to my cell but they now cleaned it, put a light in and removed the cuffs. It made me feel strong to hear people outside were supporting me."

West Papuans are collecting information about prisoners and publishing lists. We are hoping people will pick up on this and spare some time to phone a prison, or write to the prisoners or the prison governors.

There will also occasionally be co-ordinated efforts to get people to phone for specific prisoners on certain days.

The following political prisoners are being held in the Lembaga Abepura prison.

Phone: +62 967 581705
Address: LP Lembaga Pemasyarakatan, Abepura,
Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia
Head of Prison: Bapak Sudarsono KLAPAS
Head Guard: Salim Maretma

1. Ilion Murib - arrested 2nd December 2002 - age 34
2. Allius Tabuni - arrested 19th December 2002 - age 36
3. Kornelius Tier - arrested 6th December 2002 - age 20
4. Yulius Pisya - arrested 6th December 2002 - age 22

The following political prisoners are being held in the Lembaga Manokwari prison.
Phone: +62 986211387

1. Bosa Rawo, employee at University Papreta
2. Keliopas Penetruam Kepala Desa Pabo (Pabo Village Head)
3. Frengki Rawo
4. Karel Kosona, works for Kelapa Sawit (Coconut Oil Plantation)
5. Dominggus Anto
6. Bernadus Ajomy.
7. Rudy Beney.
8. Manof Balumy, works for Kelapa Sawit
9. Zet Dimara, ex policeman, arrested for flag raising in Manokwari
10. Ronal Ramandey
11. Martikus Densue
12. Amelia Konik

Information for phoning:

You can phone Indonesia from UK for 15p per minute by first dialing 0905 306 0197, then the international number.

They are 9.5 hours ahead of the UK, so it's daytime there around midnight or first thing in the morning from UK. However the phone will be answered 24 hours so just ring when you can.

The most important thing is just to say their names a lot, even if they don' t understand English, and make it clear you are phoning from abroad.

Some Indonesian phrases you can use (pronunciation guide in brackets):

Saya telepon tentang . (Sy-ar telepon tentang..) - I am telephoning about
..................................................

Hati hati (Harti harti) - Be careful

Kami jaga lihat anda sekarang. (Karmee jargar leehat anda seykarang) - We are watching you now

Saya dari Inggris. (Sy-yar dary Ingrees) - I am from England

Kamu pratikan baik kesehatan mereka, minum, makan dan keselamatan mereka. (Karmu prateekan bike kay-say-hartan meraykar, minum, makan dan kay-selamtan meraykar) - Treat them well, give food, water and look after them)

Kami tahu apa yang lakukan di lembaga. (Karmee tarhoo apa yang larkookan dee lembarga) - We know what you do in the prison

Kami adalah teman mereka. (Karmee ard-ar-lar tayman meraykar) - We are their friends

Papua Merdeka! - Free Papua!


Contact: Koteka Prisoner Support at koteka_prisoner_support@xsmail.com
For more information about the West Papuan struggle, check out:
http://www.westpapua.net