Statement of Sarekat Hijau Indonesia:

End violence in Papua and build Papua – Land of Peace

Indonesian security forces stormed  the third Papuan Peoples’ Congress on 19th October 2011 in Abepura, Papua. The brutal attack ended the peaceful gathering with fatal casualties.  Three dead bodies were found in the vicinity following the attack and three more people are reported missing. In connection to the event, around 300 people were arrested and mistreated. Six people, including the organisers of the event, have been arrested and face charges of treason.

The violent act of clamping down this gathering is not acceptable under any circumstances. It has violated the Indonesian Constitution, Indonesian law on Human Rights, and the International Covenants on Political and Civil rights  and Economic, Social and Cultural rights (Ecosoc), of which Indonesia is a signatory.

Sarekat Hijau Indonesia believe that a peaceful approach is a prerequisite to create space for a society to respect, secure and protect the human rights of its members.

We have trust in peaceful dialogue as a means to reach a solution for the ongoing problems in Papua. Violent actions will only incite violent retaliations and further conflict. Like all human beings, the peoples of Papua hold the right to live in peace without facing intimidation and continuous threats.

Therefore, we urge all parties to respect the Declaration of Papua – Land of Peace,  signed in July 2011, as a building block toward a sustainable solution for Papua.

With regards to recent incidents in Papua, Sarekat Hijau Indonesia, call for:

• The President of the Republic of Indonesia to stop any human rights violation, under any circumstances, including in the name of nationalism and the Unitary State of Indonesia (NKRI).
• The President of the Republic of Indonesia to stop military intervention in Papua and withdraw armed troops with immediate effect to provide space for peaceful dialogue to prevail.
• The President of the Republic of Indonesia to account for atrocities and human rights violations in Papua.
• All parties, especially the Government of Indonesia, to respect the Declaration of Papua – Land of Peace signed by representatives of all parties.
• All parties to recognise and respect the Papuan peoples’ civil and political rights, and their economic, social and cultural rights.

Jakarta, October 25, 2011

Chairilsyah

Chairman

Sarekat Hijau Indonesia

Sarekat Hijau Indonesia is part of Asia Pacific Greens Network