Dear Mr. Downer, from AWPA regarding Militia activities in West Papua

30 April 2002

Dear Mr. Downer,

I am writing to you in my capacity as secretary of The Australia West Papua Association, Sydney, concerning the recent reports that large numbers of members of the Laskar Jihad are moving into West Papua (reports indicate that there are at least 3000 Jihad members in Papua).

This is of great concern as the Laskar Jihad is blamed for the conflict between the Muslim and Christian communities in the eastern islands of Maluku, where large numbers from both sides have been killed. The presence of the Laskar Jihad in Papua has raised fears amongst West Papuans that the group may try to incite religious conflict in the province where previously all communities have lived in religious harmony.

The Laskar Jihad could not operate in West Papua without the knowledge and approval of the Indonesian Government and military. We believe the military are using the Laskar Jihad in West Papua to counter the West Papuan people in their peaceful struggle for self determination. 

To this end, the Laskar Jihad have been, distributing pamphlets and videos depicting sectarian fighting in Maluku. 

have set up military training camps, training people in combat skills (for pro Jakarta militias). 
have intimidated human rights activists distributing home-made guns and bombs


The Laskar Jihad has also been conducting religious activities in various areas of West Papua including , Sorong, Fak Fak and Manokwari, areas which have large populations of Muslim migrants from other provinces. As the Jihad militias view Papuan Christians as pro independence, it is believed they are trying to spark hatred between Muslims and non-Muslims which could have grave consequence for both communities in the province.

AWPA is also concerned about the ongoing human rights violations in Papua where intimidation, arbitrary arrest and torture are a regular occurrence.

We urge you to use your good offices to communicate to the Indonesian Government the Australian Government’s concern about the dangers the Laskar Jihad pose for stability. Stability and mutual trust are essential to promote peaceful dialogue between all parties wishing to solve the problems in the province and we also urge the Australian Government to send a fact finding mission to the province to investigate the human rights situation in West Papua.

Joe Collins
AWPA, Sydney