LEMBAGA STUDI DAN ADVOKASI HAK ASASI MANUSI (ELS-HAM)
Institute for Human Rights Study and Advocacy
Jln. Kampus ISTP - Padang Bulan, Jayapura - PAPUA BARAT
Telp/Facs: 62-967-581600/581520; email:
elsham_irja@jayapura.wasantara.net.id

Tension Rises Between The Police And Pro-Independence Militia
"Possible Violence May Occur Anytime"
(Jayapura, October 31, 2000)

Contineus "pressure" from the police urging to pull down the West Papuan flag "Morning Star" have developed reaction from the pro-independence militia in West Papua. As reported by ELS-HAM that after a deadline to pull down the flag on oct. 19, an "agreement" between 'Presidium Council Papua' (Presidium) and Papua Province officials that the flag will not be pulled down until a meeting between Presidium and President Gus Dur happens. As reported this meeting failed to convince that the flag will not be pulled down. President Gus claims that the flag is a cultural symbol, meanwhile Presidium claims that the flag is a symbol of independence movement. The situation is deadlock.

Meanwhile in Jayapura the police chief of Jayapura, Lieutenant Col. Daud Sihombing sent a letter dated oct 30 to the chairman of pro-independence militia urging them to immediately leave DKIJ. Mr. Sihombing has given Nov 1 as deadline and if not they will use strong measures to force the militia leaving DKIJ. This letter is based on a letter dated Oct 28 sent by Musiran, the care taker Governor of Papua Province, which calls on militia to "make in
order" DKIJ. Musiran was formerly deputy Governor of East Timor Province before the referendum. DKIJ is a government asset that used to be a cultural center. This place has been used as militia base and also for raising the Papuan flag.

This pressure from the authorities has encouraged the pro-independence militia to build up their forces. Alex Baransano, chairman of pro-independence militia at DKIJ said he has mobilised 4000 of his member to defend the flag and DKIJ, and that they will not leave the building nor pull down the flag. Last night (oct 30) about 300 people gathering at DKIJ discussing about how to anticipate the situation if security forces do anything. So far the
situation is still normal, no security forces (in uniform) seen. However ELS-HAM believes that approaching the deadline (Nov 1) they will come.

ELS-HAM is concerned that this situation will lead up to violence and that the Wamena tragedy may be repeated in Jayapura or elsewhere in Papua. (@)