INDONESIA
Irian Jaya: Recent Arrests
May 1996
AI INDEX: ASA 21/21/96
DISTR: SC/CC/CO
SUMMARY
In March 1996 at least 120 people were detained by military and police authorities in connection with riots in the eastern Indonesian province of Irian Jaya. While most of those arrested have since been released, at least 39, currently detained in Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya, are facing charges. Amnesty International believes that most of the 39 may be political prisoners.
Many of those arrested in Irian Jaya were detained for their alleged involvement in violent acts during riots. Amnesty International recognises the right of the Indonesian authorities to bring to justice those responsible for acts of violence. However, in view of recent serious human rights violations in Irian Jaya, including reports of torture by members of the Indonesian Armed Forces (Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia - ABRI), which have been confirmed by Indonesias own National Commission on Human Rights, the organization fears for the safety of any individual taken into military detention. Concern for such detainees is compounded by the fact that they are not afforded safeguards guaranteed by international standards, including the right to prompt access to, and confidential communication with, independent lawyers and the right to notify and receive visits from family members. The organization is also concerned that those now facing charges will be denied a fair trial. Amnesty International is therefore calling on the authorities to ensure that the trials are held in public, that independent monitoring is allowed, and that any individual who is detained has prompt and continuing access to independent lawyers.
Also in March, four other Irianese activists were arbitrarily detained in connection with peaceful protests in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. They were held in incommunicado detention for up to nine days and released without charge. The four appear to have been targeted for their peaceful activities. Amnesty International is concerned that their arrests may signal that other Irian Jayan activists are also at risk of arbitrary and incommunicado detention.
The urgent need for the Indonesian authorities to allow independent human rights monitoring in all areas of Irian Jaya has been highlighted by these recent events. Such monitoring is currently prevented because of official restrictions on access to most areas of Irian Jaya and because of the high level of military surveillance which hinders the gathering of human rights information.
This report summarizes a document (2600 words), Indonesia - Irian Jaya: Recent Arrests (AI Index: ASA 21/21/96) issued by Amnesty International in May 1996. Anyone wishing further details or to take action on this issue should consult the full document.
Introduction
In March 1996 at least 120 people were detained by military and police authorities in connection with riots in the eastern Indonesian province of Irian Jaya. While most of those arrested have since been released, at least 39, currently detained in Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya, are facing charges. Amnesty International believes that most of the 39 may be political prisoners.
Many of those arrested in Irian Jaya were detained for their alleged involvement in violent acts during riots. Amnesty International recognises the right of the Indonesian authorities to bring to justice those responsible for acts of violence. However, in view of recent serious human rights violations in Irian Jaya, including reports of torture by members of the Indonesian Armed Forces (Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia - ABRI), which have been confirmed by Indonesias own National Commission on Human Rights, the organization fears for the safety of any individual taken into military detention. Concern for such detainees is compounded by the fact that they are not afforded safeguards guaranteed by international standards, including the right to prompt access to, and confidential communication with, independent lawyers and the right to notify and receive visits from family members. The organization is also concerned that those now facing charges will be denied a fair trial. Amnesty International is therefore calling on the authorities to ensure that the trials are held in public, that independent monitoring is allowed, and that any individual who is detained has prompt and continuing access to independent lawyers.
Also in March, four other Irianese activists were arbitrarily detained in connection with peaceful protests in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. They were held in incommunicado detention for up to nine days and released without charge. The four appear to have been targeted for their peaceful activities. Amnesty International is concerned that their arrests may signal that other Irian Jayan activists are also at risk of arbitrary and incommunicado detention.
The urgent need for the Indonesian authorities to allow independent human rights monitoring in all areas of Irian Jaya has been highlighted by these recent events. Such monitoring is currently prevented because of official restrictions on access to most areas of Irian Jaya and because of the high level of military surveillance which hinders the gathering of human rights information.
Arrests in Irian Jaya
On 10 March, riots broke out in the Irian Jayan town of Tembagapura. The riots were believed to have been sparked by an incident in which a local resident was injured in a road accident involving an employee of the PT Freeport Indonesia Mine - an American-owned mine. (The mine has been at the centre of local protest concerning the perceived lack of benefits from the mine to the local community, the social impact of the mine's presence, environmental issues and human rights violations which have occurred around the mine area. See Amnesty International Irian Jaya: National Commission on Human Rights Confirms Violations, ASA 21/47/95, September 1995.) Some 200 people are said to have been involved in the disturbances in Tembagapura. By 12 March the rioting had spread to neighbouring towns including Timika, with attacks on the airport, Freeport property and facilities. The riots were reported to have involved thousands of local residents. At least two individuals were reported to have been wounded when troops fired on a crowd of rioters. Three others are believed to have been killed during the riots.
According to Antara, Indonesia's official news agency, on 10 March Jerry Kogoya, Edison Murip, Fedelis Songgohau, Arsinus Murip, Otto Dianal, Tinus Waker and Juaringgo Kogoya were arrested on suspicion of instigating the riots in Tembagapura. It is believed that all seven were released within three or four days of their arrest, however it is not clear whether they now face charges. Amnesty International is not aware of any individuals arrested as a result of the events in Timika or Tembagapura who are still detained.
The following week rioting broke out in Abepura, some 20 kilometres from Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya. The riots were the result of public anger over the manner in which the military authorities handled the return to Jayapura of the body of a former Irian Jayan prisoner. Dr Thomas Wainggai, a prisoner of conscience, died on 12 March on route to hospital from Jakartas Cipinang prison. Dr Wainggai was arrested in December 1988 during a peaceful flag raising ceremony in Jayapura to proclaim an independent state of West Papua. He was charged under the Anti-Subversion Law, tried and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in September 1989. An autopsy revealed that Dr Wainggai died of natural causes. Amnesty International is concerned however that when Dr Wainggai refused to be taken to a military hospital after complaining of ill-health, the prison authorities rejection of his request for treatment in a private hospital resulted in him not receiving any medical treatment at all.
On 18 March, Dr Wainggais body arrived by plane at Jayapuras Sentani Airport. Thousands of people had gathered to pay their last respects to him, but tensions rose as protestors discovered that Wainggais body was to be transported in a military vehicle. Mourners were prevented by the security forces from conducting a procession with Wainggais body from the airport to Jayapura, past Cenderawasih University at Abepura. Rioters burnt cars, damaged buildings, threw stones and set fire to the Abepura market. There are reports that up to five people may have died as a result of the riots, including one member of the Armed Forces.
By the evening of 18 March, a military spokesperson said that over 10 people were detained in police custody for their alleged role in the riots. By 20 March, the number in detention had risen to 89, with the military stating that 20 were being investigated as the main organisers of the riot. The arrests continued as the military conducted raids on houses and on the campus of Cenderawasih University. Out of a final total of 113 who were arrested, 39 are still in detention. At least half of these are university and high school students. All 39 are believed to be detained at Regional Police Headquarters in Jayapura. It is thought that charges against at least 17 of this group have been lodged by the police with the Prosecutors Office in Jayapura. Besides the 39 in detention, the police are still investigating other individuals for their alleged role in the riots. It is believed these include a university lecturer, detained earlier for his alleged role as the mastermind of the riots but who was subsequently released.
It is not known precisely what the charges against the 17 are, however military authorities have stated that those in detention are accused of offences including tearing the Indonesian flag, setting fire to the Abepura market and damaging or burning cars and shops. It is not clear whether there are now any individuals detained for peaceful activities, although an earlier report by an Indonesian newspaper stated that one of those in detention had been arrested for raising the West Papua flag. (Kompas, 22 March 1996.)
The arrests were conducted by both police and soldiers and some individuals were reported to have been beaten, in some cases seriously, during arrest. There are also reports that at least five of those arrested in Jayapura on 18 March were severely tortured. Concern for the safety of the detainees was heightened by the news that some of those arrested were held initially in military custody, increasing the risk of beatings and torture. Most of those arrested appear to have been denied prompt access to independent legal counsel and the opportunity to inform their families of their arrest.
Amnesty International is now concerned that those in detention, most of whom may be political prisoners, and any other individuals facing charges, may be denied a fair trial. Individuals facing charges in relation to political activities are frequently subjected to unfair trials in Indonesia and East Timor during which they can be denied access to independent lawyers, denied information about the process and timing of their trials thus depriving them of adequate time and facilities to prepare their defence, prevented from bringing witnesses before the court and subjected to ill-treatment and torture in order to obtain confessions and testimonies which are later used as evidence in court. The organizations concern that the group will be denied a fair trial has been heightened by reports that the families of some of those in detention have already been intimidated by the authorities into not seeking legal assistance from independent lawyers in Jayapura.
Targeting non-governmental organizations
Since the riots began in Tembagapura, statements by members of the armed forces have attempted to blame unspecified non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for organising the disturbances, a tactic which has been used in the past by the authorities as a pretext for the arrest and imprisonment of individuals considered by Amnesty International to have been prisoners of conscience. On 15 March, Lt General Suyono, chief of ABRI General Staff, was quoted as saying that a domestic NGO was suspected of orchestrating the riots in Timika and Tembagapura and also of involvement in the January 1996 hostage-taking of 26 civilians by the secessionist Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka - OPM): Do not be surprised if the ABRI decides to question one of the local NGOs. (Antara, 15 March 1996.) Suyono later denied that he had said this, but stated that the mastermind of the riots may have used the name or attributes of an NGO. (Radio Australia, 23 March 1996.)
Since then, at least three local NGO activists in Irian Jaya have been questioned by the military authorities in connection with their alleged role in the riots, despite the fact that one of the activists was in Jakarta at the time the disturbances broke out. Other NGOs continue to report increased monitoring of their activities by the authorities. On 13 April, a peaceful meeting arranged by a local NGO in Timika was broken up by members of the military in what Amnesty International considers to be continuing intimidation by the military of local activists engaged in peaceful campaigning activities.
Irian Jayans in Jakarta have experienced similar harassment. In March 1996, four Irian Jayans were arrested and arbitrarily detained without charge in incommunicado detention for, among other things, their alleged connection with peaceful protests in Jakarta. The four were Yusak Wonatorey, Reverend Michael Woriyosi, Hengky Joku and Sam Setya. All four have since been released, but Amnesty International is concerned that the arrests indicate a wider crackdown by the authorities on individuals engaged in human rights and environmental campaigning concerning Irian Jaya.
Yusak Wonatorey, a student and member of the Forum for Communication of the Younger Generation of Irian Jaya (Forum Komunikasi Generasi Muda Irian Jaya, FKGMIJ) was believed to have been arrested by intelligence officers from the Jakarta Regional Military Command (KODAM Jaya) at around 10 am on 19 March without a warrant. He was arrested along with Reverend Michael Woriyosi from the Reverends house. Yusak Wonatorey was taken to the Intelligence Section of KODAM Jaya in Jalan Kramat VII where he was interrogated for five hours concerning a demonstration outside the Indonesian Government State Secretariat in Jakarta in February, FKGMIJ, and his relationship with other organizations in both Jakarta and Irian Jaya. He was then believed to have been transferred to police custody at Regional Police Headquarters where he was again interrogated. On 21 March he was released from police custody at 3 am, only to be taken into military intelligence custody again at around 7 am the same morning. Yusak Wonatorey was detained by military intelligence until the evening of 25 March, when the commander of the military intelligence section of KODAM Jaya ordered his release. However, after only several hours he was again arrested by military intelligence officers. During his third period of detention, Yusak Wonatorey was detained at KODAM Jaya again and finally released, without charge, on 29 March.
Reverend Michael Woriyosi, arrested at the same time as Yusak Wonatorey on 19 March, was believed to have been held for 11 hours before being released. The arrest was conducted without a warrant by four officers who took the Reverend to the intelligence section of the West Jakarta District Military Command (KODIM Jakarta Barat). According to lawyers from Indonesias Legal Aid Institute (Lembaga Bantuan Hukum - LBH) Reverend Woriyosi was questioned about his role in the demonstration outside the State Secretariat in February and his involvement with particular OPM leaders, and the deceased prisoner Dr Thomas Wainggai.
Sam Setya, 55 years old, was arrested on 20 March. Sam Setya was also believed to have been arrested without a warrant and without the identity of the arresting officers being revealed to him. He was detained for nine days before being released without charge on 29 March. Sam Setya was reportedly blindfolded while being moved around, but it is believed that he spent all or the majority of his time in detention at the Intelligence Section of KODAM Jaya.
Hengky Joku, also from FKGMIJ, was arrested by officers from the East Jakarta District Military Command (KODIM) at the office of FKGMIJ at around 10 pm on 25 March. Hengky Joku was also taken to the Intelligence Section of KODAM Jaya. His wife, who was not provided with information from the authorities about the reason for his arrest and the place of detention, twice visited the Regional Coordinating Agency for the Maintenance of National Stability (Bakorstanasda) to inquire after her husbands whereabouts. She was turned away both times without being given any information about his whereabouts or being granted permission to visit her husband. Hengky Joku was interrogated throughout his four days in detention, with one session lasting from 8 am until 11 pm. He was questioned about the demonstration at the State Secretariat, about contact with groups outside of Indonesia and about his relations with other NGOs. He was released without charge on 29 March.
Amnesty International is concerned that the four were arbitrarily detained by the military apparently as a result of their entirely peaceful activities, that they were denied prompt access to independent lawyers and that they were not provided with the opportunity to inform their families of their arrest. Lawyers for the four have expressed concern about the possibility of further arbitrary detention of Irianese in Jakarta in the wake of on-going harassment of the four. After their release from detention, their relatives reported receiving harassing phone calls from members of the military prior to a planned press conference at LBHs office about the arrests. (Jakarta Post, 9 April 1996.) The press conference was postponed because the four men did not appear at the LBH office.
Conclusion
In an effort to prevent further arbitrary detentions, torture and unfair trials of Irian Jayans, Amnesty International is urging the Indonesian authorities to ensure that all of those currently in detention in Jayapura, most of whom Amnesty International believes may be political prisoners, have immediate and continuing access to legal counsel of their own choice and are treated and tried in accordance with international standards. The organization also urges the authorities to ensure that any Irian Jayans engaged in peaceful protest activities are not at risk of arbitrary detention. Finally, the organization calls on the Indonesian Government to allow for the presence of independent monitoring of the forthcoming trials in Jayapura, and to allow independent human rights monitoring in all areas of Irian Jaya.
Irian Jaya: Recent Arrests
May 1996
AI INDEX: ASA 21/21/96
DISTR: SC/CC/CO
SUMMARY
In March 1996 at least 120 people were detained by military and police authorities in connection with riots in the eastern Indonesian province of Irian Jaya. While most of those arrested have since been released, at least 39, currently detained in Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya, are facing charges. Amnesty International believes that most of the 39 may be political prisoners.
Many of those arrested in Irian Jaya were detained for their alleged involvement in violent acts during riots. Amnesty International recognises the right of the Indonesian authorities to bring to justice those responsible for acts of violence. However, in view of recent serious human rights violations in Irian Jaya, including reports of torture by members of the Indonesian Armed Forces (Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia - ABRI), which have been confirmed by Indonesias own National Commission on Human Rights, the organization fears for the safety of any individual taken into military detention. Concern for such detainees is compounded by the fact that they are not afforded safeguards guaranteed by international standards, including the right to prompt access to, and confidential communication with, independent lawyers and the right to notify and receive visits from family members. The organization is also concerned that those now facing charges will be denied a fair trial. Amnesty International is therefore calling on the authorities to ensure that the trials are held in public, that independent monitoring is allowed, and that any individual who is detained has prompt and continuing access to independent lawyers.
Also in March, four other Irianese activists were arbitrarily detained in connection with peaceful protests in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. They were held in incommunicado detention for up to nine days and released without charge. The four appear to have been targeted for their peaceful activities. Amnesty International is concerned that their arrests may signal that other Irian Jayan activists are also at risk of arbitrary and incommunicado detention.
The urgent need for the Indonesian authorities to allow independent human rights monitoring in all areas of Irian Jaya has been highlighted by these recent events. Such monitoring is currently prevented because of official restrictions on access to most areas of Irian Jaya and because of the high level of military surveillance which hinders the gathering of human rights information.
This report summarizes a document (2600 words), Indonesia - Irian Jaya: Recent Arrests (AI Index: ASA 21/21/96) issued by Amnesty International in May 1996. Anyone wishing further details or to take action on this issue should consult the full document.
Introduction
In March 1996 at least 120 people were detained by military and police authorities in connection with riots in the eastern Indonesian province of Irian Jaya. While most of those arrested have since been released, at least 39, currently detained in Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya, are facing charges. Amnesty International believes that most of the 39 may be political prisoners.
Many of those arrested in Irian Jaya were detained for their alleged involvement in violent acts during riots. Amnesty International recognises the right of the Indonesian authorities to bring to justice those responsible for acts of violence. However, in view of recent serious human rights violations in Irian Jaya, including reports of torture by members of the Indonesian Armed Forces (Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia - ABRI), which have been confirmed by Indonesias own National Commission on Human Rights, the organization fears for the safety of any individual taken into military detention. Concern for such detainees is compounded by the fact that they are not afforded safeguards guaranteed by international standards, including the right to prompt access to, and confidential communication with, independent lawyers and the right to notify and receive visits from family members. The organization is also concerned that those now facing charges will be denied a fair trial. Amnesty International is therefore calling on the authorities to ensure that the trials are held in public, that independent monitoring is allowed, and that any individual who is detained has prompt and continuing access to independent lawyers.
Also in March, four other Irianese activists were arbitrarily detained in connection with peaceful protests in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. They were held in incommunicado detention for up to nine days and released without charge. The four appear to have been targeted for their peaceful activities. Amnesty International is concerned that their arrests may signal that other Irian Jayan activists are also at risk of arbitrary and incommunicado detention.
The urgent need for the Indonesian authorities to allow independent human rights monitoring in all areas of Irian Jaya has been highlighted by these recent events. Such monitoring is currently prevented because of official restrictions on access to most areas of Irian Jaya and because of the high level of military surveillance which hinders the gathering of human rights information.
Arrests in Irian Jaya
On 10 March, riots broke out in the Irian Jayan town of Tembagapura. The riots were believed to have been sparked by an incident in which a local resident was injured in a road accident involving an employee of the PT Freeport Indonesia Mine - an American-owned mine. (The mine has been at the centre of local protest concerning the perceived lack of benefits from the mine to the local community, the social impact of the mine's presence, environmental issues and human rights violations which have occurred around the mine area. See Amnesty International Irian Jaya: National Commission on Human Rights Confirms Violations, ASA 21/47/95, September 1995.) Some 200 people are said to have been involved in the disturbances in Tembagapura. By 12 March the rioting had spread to neighbouring towns including Timika, with attacks on the airport, Freeport property and facilities. The riots were reported to have involved thousands of local residents. At least two individuals were reported to have been wounded when troops fired on a crowd of rioters. Three others are believed to have been killed during the riots.
According to Antara, Indonesia's official news agency, on 10 March Jerry Kogoya, Edison Murip, Fedelis Songgohau, Arsinus Murip, Otto Dianal, Tinus Waker and Juaringgo Kogoya were arrested on suspicion of instigating the riots in Tembagapura. It is believed that all seven were released within three or four days of their arrest, however it is not clear whether they now face charges. Amnesty International is not aware of any individuals arrested as a result of the events in Timika or Tembagapura who are still detained.
The following week rioting broke out in Abepura, some 20 kilometres from Jayapura, the capital of Irian Jaya. The riots were the result of public anger over the manner in which the military authorities handled the return to Jayapura of the body of a former Irian Jayan prisoner. Dr Thomas Wainggai, a prisoner of conscience, died on 12 March on route to hospital from Jakartas Cipinang prison. Dr Wainggai was arrested in December 1988 during a peaceful flag raising ceremony in Jayapura to proclaim an independent state of West Papua. He was charged under the Anti-Subversion Law, tried and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in September 1989. An autopsy revealed that Dr Wainggai died of natural causes. Amnesty International is concerned however that when Dr Wainggai refused to be taken to a military hospital after complaining of ill-health, the prison authorities rejection of his request for treatment in a private hospital resulted in him not receiving any medical treatment at all.
On 18 March, Dr Wainggais body arrived by plane at Jayapuras Sentani Airport. Thousands of people had gathered to pay their last respects to him, but tensions rose as protestors discovered that Wainggais body was to be transported in a military vehicle. Mourners were prevented by the security forces from conducting a procession with Wainggais body from the airport to Jayapura, past Cenderawasih University at Abepura. Rioters burnt cars, damaged buildings, threw stones and set fire to the Abepura market. There are reports that up to five people may have died as a result of the riots, including one member of the Armed Forces.
By the evening of 18 March, a military spokesperson said that over 10 people were detained in police custody for their alleged role in the riots. By 20 March, the number in detention had risen to 89, with the military stating that 20 were being investigated as the main organisers of the riot. The arrests continued as the military conducted raids on houses and on the campus of Cenderawasih University. Out of a final total of 113 who were arrested, 39 are still in detention. At least half of these are university and high school students. All 39 are believed to be detained at Regional Police Headquarters in Jayapura. It is thought that charges against at least 17 of this group have been lodged by the police with the Prosecutors Office in Jayapura. Besides the 39 in detention, the police are still investigating other individuals for their alleged role in the riots. It is believed these include a university lecturer, detained earlier for his alleged role as the mastermind of the riots but who was subsequently released.
It is not known precisely what the charges against the 17 are, however military authorities have stated that those in detention are accused of offences including tearing the Indonesian flag, setting fire to the Abepura market and damaging or burning cars and shops. It is not clear whether there are now any individuals detained for peaceful activities, although an earlier report by an Indonesian newspaper stated that one of those in detention had been arrested for raising the West Papua flag. (Kompas, 22 March 1996.)
The arrests were conducted by both police and soldiers and some individuals were reported to have been beaten, in some cases seriously, during arrest. There are also reports that at least five of those arrested in Jayapura on 18 March were severely tortured. Concern for the safety of the detainees was heightened by the news that some of those arrested were held initially in military custody, increasing the risk of beatings and torture. Most of those arrested appear to have been denied prompt access to independent legal counsel and the opportunity to inform their families of their arrest.
Amnesty International is now concerned that those in detention, most of whom may be political prisoners, and any other individuals facing charges, may be denied a fair trial. Individuals facing charges in relation to political activities are frequently subjected to unfair trials in Indonesia and East Timor during which they can be denied access to independent lawyers, denied information about the process and timing of their trials thus depriving them of adequate time and facilities to prepare their defence, prevented from bringing witnesses before the court and subjected to ill-treatment and torture in order to obtain confessions and testimonies which are later used as evidence in court. The organizations concern that the group will be denied a fair trial has been heightened by reports that the families of some of those in detention have already been intimidated by the authorities into not seeking legal assistance from independent lawyers in Jayapura.
Targeting non-governmental organizations
Since the riots began in Tembagapura, statements by members of the armed forces have attempted to blame unspecified non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for organising the disturbances, a tactic which has been used in the past by the authorities as a pretext for the arrest and imprisonment of individuals considered by Amnesty International to have been prisoners of conscience. On 15 March, Lt General Suyono, chief of ABRI General Staff, was quoted as saying that a domestic NGO was suspected of orchestrating the riots in Timika and Tembagapura and also of involvement in the January 1996 hostage-taking of 26 civilians by the secessionist Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka - OPM): Do not be surprised if the ABRI decides to question one of the local NGOs. (Antara, 15 March 1996.) Suyono later denied that he had said this, but stated that the mastermind of the riots may have used the name or attributes of an NGO. (Radio Australia, 23 March 1996.)
Since then, at least three local NGO activists in Irian Jaya have been questioned by the military authorities in connection with their alleged role in the riots, despite the fact that one of the activists was in Jakarta at the time the disturbances broke out. Other NGOs continue to report increased monitoring of their activities by the authorities. On 13 April, a peaceful meeting arranged by a local NGO in Timika was broken up by members of the military in what Amnesty International considers to be continuing intimidation by the military of local activists engaged in peaceful campaigning activities.
Irian Jayans in Jakarta have experienced similar harassment. In March 1996, four Irian Jayans were arrested and arbitrarily detained without charge in incommunicado detention for, among other things, their alleged connection with peaceful protests in Jakarta. The four were Yusak Wonatorey, Reverend Michael Woriyosi, Hengky Joku and Sam Setya. All four have since been released, but Amnesty International is concerned that the arrests indicate a wider crackdown by the authorities on individuals engaged in human rights and environmental campaigning concerning Irian Jaya.
Yusak Wonatorey, a student and member of the Forum for Communication of the Younger Generation of Irian Jaya (Forum Komunikasi Generasi Muda Irian Jaya, FKGMIJ) was believed to have been arrested by intelligence officers from the Jakarta Regional Military Command (KODAM Jaya) at around 10 am on 19 March without a warrant. He was arrested along with Reverend Michael Woriyosi from the Reverends house. Yusak Wonatorey was taken to the Intelligence Section of KODAM Jaya in Jalan Kramat VII where he was interrogated for five hours concerning a demonstration outside the Indonesian Government State Secretariat in Jakarta in February, FKGMIJ, and his relationship with other organizations in both Jakarta and Irian Jaya. He was then believed to have been transferred to police custody at Regional Police Headquarters where he was again interrogated. On 21 March he was released from police custody at 3 am, only to be taken into military intelligence custody again at around 7 am the same morning. Yusak Wonatorey was detained by military intelligence until the evening of 25 March, when the commander of the military intelligence section of KODAM Jaya ordered his release. However, after only several hours he was again arrested by military intelligence officers. During his third period of detention, Yusak Wonatorey was detained at KODAM Jaya again and finally released, without charge, on 29 March.
Reverend Michael Woriyosi, arrested at the same time as Yusak Wonatorey on 19 March, was believed to have been held for 11 hours before being released. The arrest was conducted without a warrant by four officers who took the Reverend to the intelligence section of the West Jakarta District Military Command (KODIM Jakarta Barat). According to lawyers from Indonesias Legal Aid Institute (Lembaga Bantuan Hukum - LBH) Reverend Woriyosi was questioned about his role in the demonstration outside the State Secretariat in February and his involvement with particular OPM leaders, and the deceased prisoner Dr Thomas Wainggai.
Sam Setya, 55 years old, was arrested on 20 March. Sam Setya was also believed to have been arrested without a warrant and without the identity of the arresting officers being revealed to him. He was detained for nine days before being released without charge on 29 March. Sam Setya was reportedly blindfolded while being moved around, but it is believed that he spent all or the majority of his time in detention at the Intelligence Section of KODAM Jaya.
Hengky Joku, also from FKGMIJ, was arrested by officers from the East Jakarta District Military Command (KODIM) at the office of FKGMIJ at around 10 pm on 25 March. Hengky Joku was also taken to the Intelligence Section of KODAM Jaya. His wife, who was not provided with information from the authorities about the reason for his arrest and the place of detention, twice visited the Regional Coordinating Agency for the Maintenance of National Stability (Bakorstanasda) to inquire after her husbands whereabouts. She was turned away both times without being given any information about his whereabouts or being granted permission to visit her husband. Hengky Joku was interrogated throughout his four days in detention, with one session lasting from 8 am until 11 pm. He was questioned about the demonstration at the State Secretariat, about contact with groups outside of Indonesia and about his relations with other NGOs. He was released without charge on 29 March.
Amnesty International is concerned that the four were arbitrarily detained by the military apparently as a result of their entirely peaceful activities, that they were denied prompt access to independent lawyers and that they were not provided with the opportunity to inform their families of their arrest. Lawyers for the four have expressed concern about the possibility of further arbitrary detention of Irianese in Jakarta in the wake of on-going harassment of the four. After their release from detention, their relatives reported receiving harassing phone calls from members of the military prior to a planned press conference at LBHs office about the arrests. (Jakarta Post, 9 April 1996.) The press conference was postponed because the four men did not appear at the LBH office.
Conclusion
In an effort to prevent further arbitrary detentions, torture and unfair trials of Irian Jayans, Amnesty International is urging the Indonesian authorities to ensure that all of those currently in detention in Jayapura, most of whom Amnesty International believes may be political prisoners, have immediate and continuing access to legal counsel of their own choice and are treated and tried in accordance with international standards. The organization also urges the authorities to ensure that any Irian Jayans engaged in peaceful protest activities are not at risk of arbitrary detention. Finally, the organization calls on the Indonesian Government to allow for the presence of independent monitoring of the forthcoming trials in Jayapura, and to allow independent human rights monitoring in all areas of Irian Jaya.
Make a difference!
» Special Focus Case: Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage, Prisoners of Conscience
» Pressure Indonesian President to Release Papuan Prisoners of Conscience
