"Indonesian Military is Building Up: The Situation is Tense! Who are they going to fight?", says Amunggut Tabi, an OPM Spokesperson in Port Numbay, (24 November 2000, the CEB Reporting from Port Numbay)

Today is the day the Governor of Papua and his vice governor officially inaugurated by the Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs and Autonomy in Port Numbay. The issue to implement a broader autonomy in Papua by force and efforts to crack down the independence supporters in West Papua were, among others, issues raised in the speech today. This ceremony was very long awaited since the local people's representative both Mr. Jaap Salossa and Kostant Karma as the Governor and vice governor last month. There were various interpretations due to the delay. Some said Mr. Salossa is one of the strong supporters of the independence movement in West Papua. Others said Indonesia was waiting to see what will happen on December 1, 2000. But finally, he is now the governor of Papua for 2000-2005.

Meanwhile, some 200 metres from the Governor Building (Sasana Krida), at the Lantamal Sea Port, a war ship arrived with loads of troops and armored vehicles. The troops have been deployed to West Papua since 1964. Until today, more than 300,000 Papuans have lost their lives. In this year only more than 60 Papuans were shot by the Indonesian army, wearing the uniform of Mobile Brigade (Brimob). This day, November 24 2000, more troops are coming out from the warship to say to the Papuans, "We want more flesh and more blood. We are not satisfied with what we have done to the lives of Papuans!" This kind of ship is capable of carrying about 1,000 people.

While the troops were coming down from the ships, two tanks were well guarding the ship in a ready-to-shoot position. The tanks were patrolling around the Port Numbay city since this morning and also during the inauguration of the governor. At the same time, more army and police troops were on trucks, patrolling the town.

Watching this show of force by Indonesia, a tribesman and the spokesperson for the TPN/OPM spokesperson, Amunggut Tabi, said, "What are they doing here? "Indonesian Military is Building Up: The Situation is Tense! Who are they going to fight? These tribal people with bows, arrows and spears? Why can't Indonesia start a dialogue table? Papuans know that they cannot fight with arms struggle, that is why the TPN/OPM had a ceasefire last time, and now entrusted the Papua Presidium Council (PDP) to non-violently. But Indonesia is really mad. The military build-up against tribal people is not a civilised manner, inhuman and repressive." Both TPN/OPM and Indonesian army and police should guard the civilians, for whom they fight, from whom they come from. This situation is inviting a bad reputation for Indonesia. I cannot predict what is going to happen with Indonesia if they really shoot civilians on December 1 2000. What I can say is 'Goodbye Indonesia!', nothing else!"

In Maroke

Indonesian radio reported today that one battalion of 600 troops from Makassar just arrived today in Maroke to secure the PNG-Indonesia border in Maroke. Recent violent and murder by Indonesian police started to heat up the political climate there. Until today, tribal people in Maroke are on alert, waiting for the time for Indonesia to kill them.

In Wamena

Today, people in Baliem Valleys were shocked by parachutes drooped from three Hercules (belong to Indonesian air force)  in Kurulu area nearby Wamena town. Thousands of troops deployed today and three were reported died when they were landing on the ground. "What is actually happening?" asked Tabi again. He continued, "Just like in Acheh and Molucas, such an act to intimidate and threaten the tribal people will never make them feel scared. This even makes them braver and braver. Remember, highlanders are not scared of war. War is just like sports for modern people. They have been living without wars for years already, and now they want war, they will enjoy it. So, do not be foolish in this case, particularly for the highlanders."

A phone call from Wamena to the CEB in Port Numbay today confirmed that three Hercules were on the air for about 30 minutes, drooping the parachute troops. When asked about the feeling of tribal people there, he said, "Come on, how can people feel scared? They have been murdered so far. There is no feeling of fear here. People here are waiting when to start the war, that's all."

In Sorong

Last night, a phone call from Sorong confirmed that independence supporters are being chased for interrogation and arrest. The caller is also an independent fighter and said, "I am hiding all the day and come into my house at midnight." Asked about the military presence, he said, "Well, come here and see. This is like a village of army, or an open barracks for the army and police. They are here all over."

There is an important oil company in Sorong at Santa Fe and Indonesia is deploying more and more troops to secure the oiling area. Will this approach bring about result? The person on the phone said, "No, definitely not. People here are not worried about the army, the only thing in their minds is that Papua must become independence this year and that Presidium Council must declare the independence on December 1 2000."

In Timika

Yesterday (23/11/00), the CEB received four people from Timika area, sent by General Kelly Kwalik and Brigadier General Titus Murib of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN/OPM). Mr. Kwalik and Mr. Murib told us through their couriers: "We are going to burn down Freeport Copper and Gold operations this year, if it does not support the independence struggle in West Papua. All preparations for the job completed last month, and now is ready to press the button." The couriers also visited the Office of Satgas Papua at the Cultural Building in Port Numbay and stressed that both Commanders warned Satgas Papua and the PDP not to lower down the Morning Star Flag on December 1 2000 with any reason whatsoever. They said, "If they do allow it happen, they will face the independent fighters in the jungles who have been suffering a lot for more than 25 years." They continued the words from both Commanders that: "To die in the city on an important day like December 1 2000 is very important and historic. Our troops are ready to sort Freeport out.

The troops from General Mathias Wenda (The Commander in Chief of TPN/OPM) is ready to face the Indonesian army from the border area. General Lukas Tabuni will come to Arso and face the Indonesian army.

What are the activities of the TPN/OPM and its allies? Read our next articles. (at/ceb)

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