Press Release

Results of Monitoring and Investigation of Five Incidents at Timika and One Incident at Hoea, Irian Jaya (West Papua), During October 1994 - June 1995

I. From 22 August 1995 to 15 September 1995 the National Human Rights Commission has carried out monitoring and investigation in the field on 6 (six) incidents that occurred in the area of the sub-district of Timika, the regency of Fakfak, and in the village of Hoea, the regency of Paniai, province of Irian Jaya (West Papua).

II. Based on information provided by 40 (forty) witnesses and 14 (fourteen) sources, the National Human Rights Commission concludes that between October 1994 until June 1995 clear and identifiable human rights violations have occurred in the afore-mentioned areas, i.e.,:

1. Indiscriminate killings,
2. Torture and inhuman/degrading treatment,
3. Unlawful arrest and arbitrary detention,
4. Disappearance,
5. Excessive surveillance, and
6. Destruction of property,

which were inflicted by elements of the security apparatus on local denizens.

III. Overall, the violations of basic human rights have resulted in the killings of 16 (sixteen) local residents at the villages of Agani and Harapan (Kwamki Lama) as well as Mile 67.5 along the road between Timika and Tembagapura; and the disappearance of 4 (four) local inhabitants who were detained at Timika and whose fate is unknown until today.

IV. The above-mentioned incidents are directly related to activities of the armed forces and military operations carried out in connection with efforts to overcome the problem of peace disturbing elements and the presence of the so-called Free Papua Organization, and in the framework of safeguarding mining operations of PT Freeport Indonesia which the government has classified as a vital project.

V. The National Human Rights Commission expresses its extreme regret and concern regarding the violations of basic human rights inflicted by elements of the security apparatus, even though the incidents were part of those elements carrying out orders. The Commission further emphasizes the need for the Government and the Armed Forces to take immediate and concrete steps to investigate the incidents, impose disciplinary order and solve this problem in accordance with the law. In addition, investigate the whereabouts of the 4 (four) missing persons as referred to in point III.

VI. The Commission especially regards as imperative that the government provides compensation for the inhabitants and families of victims of human rights violations.

VII. The Commission also expresses its concern over the negligence on the part of the provincial government of Irian Jaya (West Papua) which, clearly, had no knowledge (of the incidents - trans.) and therefore did not immediately take the necessary steps to prevent the human rights violations that occurred successively from October 1994 to June 1995. The incidents could have been foreseen and known by the government as protector and caretaker of the people.

VIII. In regard herewith, the Commission deems necessary that the scope of operational activities between the provincial government and the armed forces with PT Freeport Indonesia be defined clearly in order that the lines of functional responsibility are plainly visible, thus enabling further determination of the legal responsibility of the respective parties, which is the institutional basis for the advancement and protection of basic human rights.

IX. The Commission deems that the time has arrived to reconsider Government policies in handling security problems that has resulted in stigmatization of some communities and could influence communal cohesion towards more effective political, social and cultural approaches.

X. As regards the advancement of the Timika region, PT Freeport Indonesia which has operated a mining project in the area, naturally has responsibility for participating in seeking a solution of local environmental issues, including the advancement of education, conserving/developing culture and traditions, and improve the socio-economic life of the local population.

XI. The Commission observes and respects the dedication on the part of units and members of the armed forced and is aware of the difficult conditions in the field in relation to efforts to maintain security and unity of the people. The Commission extends its respects regarding the armed forces' dedication without a lessening of the armed forces' obligation to advance and protect basic human rights.

Jakarta, 22 September 1995

The National Commission of Human Rights

Signed, 2nd Vice Chairman, Marzuki Darusman, SH

Signed, Secretary General, Baharuddin Lopa