Jakarta Action Demands Resolution to Wasior-Wamena Case
Viva News - July 14, 2013
Finalia Kodrati, Arie Dwi Budiawati -- Papua National Solidarity (NAPAS) is demanding that the National Human Rights
Commission (Komnas HAM) and the Attorney General's Office fully resolve the alleged human rights violations that took
place in Wasior and Wamena, West Papua, in [2001 and] 2003.
In addition to this, they also called on the government to form an investigation team to look into the case.
"Through Humanitarian Candles for Papua (Link Papua) we are urging Komnas HAM to fully resolve the gross human rights
violations in Wasior and Wamena", said Link Papua public relations officer Elias Ramos Patege following a peaceful
action at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta on Sunday evening, July 14.
NAPAS held the action because they are annoyed that Komnas HAM and the AGO have been slow in resolving the case. They
feel that each party is holding firmly on to their respective views.
"The AGO returned the case file to Komnas HAM because it was deemed to be incomplete. Komnas HAM meanwhile is of the
view that they have conducted [the investigation] in accordance with [prevailing] laws", he added.
In addition to this, they are also urging the government to resolve the case. "We are urging the government to form an
investigation team without waiting for a decision from the AGO, we a calling on the government to fulfill the rights of
the victim's families", said Patege, who originates from Nabire, Papua.
The demonstration began at around 10pm and was attended by scores of people originating from student groups and social
organisations. The action, which proceeded peacefully, did not attract tight security from police. In addition to the
action at the Hotel Indonesia, NAPAS will hold protests in several other parts of the country.
"This action [is one of a series of] simultaneous actions across Indonesia, Java and Bali. Actions are being held in
Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Salatiga, Jombang, and in Papua, namely in Sorong, Manokwari and Jayapura. Similar actions will
also be held in Manila by Filipina Women's Solidarity, in Amsterdam by the Amsterdam Labour Movement and in Sydney by
[Papuan] students studying there", said Patege.
ENDS