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Allegation by BIN will only conceal the root of the problem

Joint Press Statement - March 23, 2006

We strongly condemn the statement by Syamsir Siregar, the head of BIN (Badan Inteligen Negara - State Intelligence Bureau) and the Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono, alleging that local NGOs with the support of international NGOs were behind the riots in Abepura.

This statement which blackens the reputation of the NGOs is a repetition of the past inability of the government to resolve problems that have existed for decades in Papua and shows that no attempt is being made to exercise good governance in solving problems in Papua.

It is the work of intelligence to gather data in secret and submit the results to the President or the appropriate state institution, and not to make public statements consisting of accusations that can only worsen the situation. By issuing such a statement, the head of BIN has launched a political attack which is totally inappropriate for an intelligence agency functioning in a democratic system.

We also regard this statement as an attempt to shift responsibility, in a situation where BIN and other intelligences bodies of the police and the military have revealed their inability to anticipate the conflict and violence which occurred.

The root of the problem is that the existence of Freeport since 1967 has had negative consequences, both political and economic, for the Papuan people who have suffered the consequences of a damaged environment and a range of human rights violations. This is a conflict that has been continuing for years without any attempt to find a comprehensive solution.

We also state our deep concern at the dispatch of additional police and for those who died and fell victim during the Abepura riots. We call on the police force to handle the situation professionally and act in accordance with due process in connection with the incident, and avoid acts of revenge. If the Police Force fails to comply with the rule of law, this will only provide the potential for more human rights abuses such as arbitrary detention, torture or violence towards those who are at fault, such as has occurred already.

We therefore call for every effort to be made to act in accordance with the law, during the questioning and interrogations, which should be based on the principle of the right to a fair trial.

Jakarta, 23 March 2006

KontraS, PBHI, JRK, Praxis, HRWG, ICW, IMPARSIAL, KALYANAMITRA, WALHI, LPSHAM Sulteng, Adhoc KontraS Sulawesi, SKP-HAM Sulteng, Forum Belajar Bersama Prakarsa Rakyat, Tapal, Elsam, Jatam.

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