Papuans killed on World Indigenous Day
On 9 August 2008, an indigenous Papuan l identified as Opinus Tabuni (35) was shot dead by the Indonesian security forces when a group of people raised the ‘Morning Star Flag’ during a peaceful demonstration to mark the United Nations World Indigenous Peoples Day held at Wamena in West Papua. Three other flags - the UN flag, the Indonesian flag and a SOS flag – were also raised alongside the outlawed flag. About 20,000 West Papuans, who had travelled mostly from the Baliem Valley and neighbouring highland areas attended the rally to mark the United Nations World Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The Indonesian Police claimed that the victim was killed by a fellow Papuan among the crowd who was wielding traditional swords and spears. However, the autopsy report has revealed that the deceased was killed by a bullet shot through his chest. Two other West Papuans were reportedly seriously injured by Indonesian security forces – one shot at and the other beaten by police using rifle butts.
The government of Indonesia regards the banned ‘Morning Star Flag’ as a symbol of Papuan separatist movement. The unfurling of the Morning Star flag is a crime punishable by life imprisonment.
Earlier on 19 July 2008, 41 West Papuans, including ex-political prisoners and women, were arrested by the Indonesian Police for raising the Morning Star flag at Fakfak. The police had allegedly beaten and kicked the demonstrators with boots and later they were allegedly stripped to their underwear before being taken to the police compound. Of the arrested, six were reportedly charged with "Subversion" under Section 110 of Criminal Code. They have been identified as Simon Tuturop (58); Tadeus Weripang (52); Viktor Tuturop (42); Tomas Nimbitkendik (19); Benedidiktus Turuop (35); and Teles Piahar (20). Three others identified as Walter Wareopor (60), Daniel Nimbitkendik (14) and Simon Hindom (50), who had bush knives/ machetes in their possession were charged under Emergency Regulation Section 12.
Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage are currently serving prison sentences of 15 and 10 years respectively for raising the Morning Star Flag in Abepura on December 2004.
At the UPR in May 2008, Indonesian delegation refused to answer questions pertaining to human rights violations and the right of selfdetermination. Indonesia stated that it considers the question of Papua as one of support to Indonesia’ efforts to improve the welfare of Papuans and the people of Indonesia. Indonesian representatives stated that in addressing the human rights violence in Papua, many capacitybuilding and other programmes have been implemented throughout the region, including training for the communities to understand their rights.
Obviously, there is no commitment to address the issue of impunity. The Indonesian security forces enjoyed virtual impunity killing the Papuans. The situation is yet to change as the latest killings indicate.