Donate Fundraising: Global Justice
Global Justice
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Recent Cause Activity
Herman Wainggai has organised a protest in support of the West Papuan students currently in Indonesian custody. They meet tomorrow (27th March 09) in Canberra at the US, English & Indonesian embassies (not sure where sorry) at 10am.
Cooma supporters - letter writing at my place, 2pm Sunday 29th.
Oppose the possible nomination of Adm. Blair as intelligence director
Dennis Blair has a quite sordid record when it comes to East Timor and Indonesia. As militia and Indonesian military violence was escalating in 1999 Blair went to Indonesia. Instead of delivering a strong message that the Indonesian military should back off and respect human rights, he offered understanding and further U.S. military assistance. The East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) describes this here http://etan.org/news/2008/12blair.htm and sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/blair01...
Oppose the possible nomination of Adm. Blair as intelligence director
Dennis Blair has a quite sordid record when it comes to East Timor and Indonesia. As militia and Indonesian military violence was escalating in 1999 Blair went to Indonesia. Instead of delivering a strong message that the Indonesian military should back off and respect human rights, he offered understanding and further U.S. military assistance. The East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) describes this here http://etan.org/news/2008/12blair.htm and sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/blair01...
NO surprises here, but while we may have shut down the exhibition, the fact remains the scummy trade continues, blatantly. Help stop this. please. I figure all you mob can at least put your energy you going to put on the streets to something needed right now.
The Jakarta Post - RI, Australia to co-produce weaponry 6:06pm
RI, Australia to co-produce weaponry
Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian and Australian defense companies will jointly build military equipment for both countries in the near future under a partnership that may ease Indonesia's dependence on weapons imports.
After meeting his Australian counterpart Joel Fitzgibbon in Jakarta on Thursday, Indonesia's Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said officials of the Indonesian Military and representatives of defense companies would soon fly to Australia to discuss what equipment would be built under the partnership.
"It will be equipment for our Navy, Air Force and Army. We must be able to increase domestic share of the production of any military equipment that the country uses to lessen our dependence on foreign countries," Juwono told a joint news conference.
Indonesian defense manufacturers, including PT Pindad, PT Pal, PT Dahana and PT Dirgantara Indonesia, produce 30 percent of the country's defense equipment, he said.
The minister said he was hopeful the negotiations could include technology sharing, although he added that he was aware the partnership must be mutually beneficial.
Fitzgibbon said the partnership would forge stability in the region.
"We're happy to provide all the assistance they need," he said.
Restricted by an arms embargo imposed by the United States, Indonesia has turned to Russia and China to procure equipment and establish partnerships to modernize its underbudgeted defense force.
Juwono said Jakarta was planning to buy three more Russian Sukhoi fighters to add to the four it acquired in 2003.
Last month, Indonesia received six Mi-17 helicopters from Russia following an agreement between the countries signed in 2007 that saw then Russian president Vladimir Putin provide a $1 billion loan for Indonesia to purchase 22 helicopters, 20 tanks and two submarines from Russia.
Indonesia's 2008 defense budget is $3.2 billion. Juwono previously said $10 billion was required to bring to an acceptable level the defensive capabilities of the country, which is home to 230 million people and more than 17,500 islands.
Juwono said the country's prioritization of economic development was evidence Indonesia was not involved in an arms race, despite significantly increased spending on weapons by neighbors Australia and China.
"We just want to keep our minimum striking force and technology on par with our neighbors," he said.
Fitzgibbon said Indonesia played a key role in ensuring security in the region "and as the minister indicated once the government has dealt with their immediate social and economic challenges they will understandably seek to develop their military capability."
Indonesia and Australia signed the Lombok defense pact in 2006 after Jakarta had torn up a previous pact with Canberra nine years ago when Australia led an international force in East Timor.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd this month said he was concerned about the potential for an arms race with China, and to a lesser extent India, which have expanded their defense budgets.
Experts have estimated China's secretly guarded defense budget to be between $US59 billion and $100 billion.
Australia's defense spending has leapt 56 percent in the past seven years to $25.66 billion.
UNFKNBELIEVABLE. SO THIS IS WHAT THE KRUDD GUBBAMENT IS ALL ABOUT. Instead of stopping or even raising concerns about human rights atrocities by the Indonesian military, we are helping them make the guns bombs tanks and bombers to slaughter innocent people across Indonesia and West Papua. Please immediately write to Joe lFitzgibbon to express your outrage that this is what is being done in our name, again.
Nick Chesterfield at 6:26pm September 19
KRUDD and his gibbon are no better than genocidists themselves. RIghto you mob, time to raise hell. This cannot happen. We shut down the Asia Pacific Defence Ehibition before it even started, lets do the same with this actual implemenation of the evil. Australia must hang its head in SHAME if it allows our companies to produce more weapons to kill Papuans and Indonesians.
NO surprises here, but while we may have shut down the exhibition, the fact remains the scummy trade continues, blatantly. Help stop this. please. I figure all you mob can at least put your energy you going to put on the streets to something needed right now.
The Jakarta Post - RI, Australia to co-produce weaponry 6:06pm
RI, Australia to co-produce weaponry
Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian and Australian defense companies will jointly build military equipment for both countries in the near future under a partnership that may ease Indonesia's dependence on weapons imports.
After meeting his Australian counterpart Joel Fitzgibbon in Jakarta on Thursday, Indonesia's Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono said officials of the Indonesian Military and representatives of defense companies would soon fly to Australia to discuss what equipment would be built under the partnership.
"It will be equipment for our Navy, Air Force and Army. We must be able to increase domestic share of the production of any military equipment that the country uses to lessen our dependence on foreign countries," Juwono told a joint news conference.
Indonesian defense manufacturers, including PT Pindad, PT Pal, PT Dahana and PT Dirgantara Indonesia, produce 30 percent of the country's defense equipment, he said.
The minister said he was hopeful the negotiations could include technology sharing, although he added that he was aware the partnership must be mutually beneficial.
Fitzgibbon said the partnership would forge stability in the region.
"We're happy to provide all the assistance they need," he said.
Restricted by an arms embargo imposed by the United States, Indonesia has turned to Russia and China to procure equipment and establish partnerships to modernize its underbudgeted defense force.
Juwono said Jakarta was planning to buy three more Russian Sukhoi fighters to add to the four it acquired in 2003.
Last month, Indonesia received six Mi-17 helicopters from Russia following an agreement between the countries signed in 2007 that saw then Russian president Vladimir Putin provide a $1 billion loan for Indonesia to purchase 22 helicopters, 20 tanks and two submarines from Russia.
Indonesia's 2008 defense budget is $3.2 billion. Juwono previously said $10 billion was required to bring to an acceptable level the defensive capabilities of the country, which is home to 230 million people and more than 17,500 islands.
Juwono said the country's prioritization of economic development was evidence Indonesia was not involved in an arms race, despite significantly increased spending on weapons by neighbors Australia and China.
"We just want to keep our minimum striking force and technology on par with our neighbors," he said.
Fitzgibbon said Indonesia played a key role in ensuring security in the region "and as the minister indicated once the government has dealt with their immediate social and economic challenges they will understandably seek to develop their military capability."
Indonesia and Australia signed the Lombok defense pact in 2006 after Jakarta had torn up a previous pact with Canberra nine years ago when Australia led an international force in East Timor.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd this month said he was concerned about the potential for an arms race with China, and to a lesser extent India, which have expanded their defense budgets.
Experts have estimated China's secretly guarded defense budget to be between $US59 billion and $100 billion.
Australia's defense spending has leapt 56 percent in the past seven years to $25.66 billion.
UNFKNBELIEVABLE. SO THIS IS WHAT THE KRUDD GUBBAMENT IS ALL ABOUT. Instead of stopping or even raising concerns about human rights atrocities by the Indonesian military, we are helping them make the guns bombs tanks and bombers to slaughter innocent people across Indonesia and West Papua. Please immediately write to Joe lFitzgibbon to express your outrage that this is what is being done in our name, again.
Nick Chesterfield at 6:26pm September 19
KRUDD and his gibbon are no better than genocidists themselves. RIghto you mob, time to raise hell. This cannot happen. We shut down the Asia Pacific Defence Ehibition before it even started, lets do the same with this actual implemenation of the evil. Australia must hang its head in SHAME if it allows our companies to produce more weapons to kill Papuans and Indonesians.
I think this is a great cause, but why make a dodgy USA group like Global Justice, the benefactor of donations?
Please change this so the people of West Papua benifit.
I think this is a great cause, but why make a dodgy USA group like Global Justice, the benefactor of donations?
Please change this so the people of West Papua benifit.
22 April Urgent action: Students detained & demonstration in Jayapura today
POSTING FROM Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
22 April 2008
Urgent action: Students detained & demonstration in Jayapura today
A demonstration involving about 500 West Papuan people was reported to have occurred in Abepura today.
Large numbers of Brimob (Para-military police) and Military were visible in and around the Jayapura and also the rural districts of Deparpre, Dempta and Genyem this morning.
Police and Military reportedly stopped large groups of people who sought to attend the demonstration. These reports said that 300 people were stopped in Boroway outside Sentani, who were from Genyem, Yuk and Lereh Districts. Another group of 300 people from Kerom District were stopped by the army at the Tami River.
The West Papuan student organisation Front Pepera, was reported to have organised the demonstration and was demanding that the Republic of Indonesian recognise West Papuan sovereignty back to the year 1961. Front Pepera was reported to be demanding that the Indonesian Government begin negotiations about sovereignty with the West Papuan people.
Police arrested 7 students as they were unfurling banners at 10.30 am this morning. The names of arrested students are Yosias Yeimo 22, Benyamin Sabu 30, Nebon Pahabol 25, Marthen Goo 29, Santon Tekege 27, Emilianus (Demianus) Keiya 27 and Gunawan Inggeruhi 22.
The students were taken by heavily armed police to Jayapura police station at 11.30 today after being detained in Abepura Police Station.
A group of three human rights lawyers: Alo Renwarin Els-ham, Aberth Rumbekwan Komnas Ham and Gustav Kawer are representing the group at the main Police Station in Jayapura.
Mr Renwarin has reported that Police have said they would release the group tomorrow after 24 hours. Mr Renwarin said that the Police said group were being treated as witnesses at this stage and would not been charged.
The students had refused to answer questions from the local Military commander in the Abepura before being transferred to Jayapura police station.
Serious concern is held about the detention of this group.
Other West Papuans who have been first held as witness have been charged with subversion related crimes.
There are now 20 West Papuans political prisoners who have been detained for involvement in peaceful demonstrations in recent months. A group of six demonstrators has been convicted in Timika and there are two groups in Manokwari and Jayapura awaiting trial.
We are advised that concerned persons should contact the police station in Jayapura to support the release of the 7 students.
The Chief of Police is Commander Roberth Djoenso and telephone numbers are +62 812 4809366, +62 813 44808899 and +62 812 4811950
Tell the Indonesian Police your name, where you are from and your country and politely ask them to release the students named above.
The contact details for the lawyers acting for the students are:
Alo Renwarin +62 816 4336370
Alberth Rumbekwan +62 813 51994742
For further information contact:
Paula Makabory, Els–ham in Australia +61 (0) 402547517
Matthew Jamieson, IPAHR + 61 (0) 418291998
Matthew Jamieson
Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
PO Box 1805, Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia
matthew(at)hr.minihub.org
tel +61(0) 418291998
22 April Urgent action: Students detained & demonstration in Jayapura today
POSTING FROM Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
22 April 2008
Urgent action: Students detained & demonstration in Jayapura today
A demonstration involving about 500 West Papuan people was reported to have occurred in Abepura today.
Large numbers of Brimob (Para-military police) and Military were visible in and around the Jayapura and also the rural districts of Deparpre, Dempta and Genyem this morning.
Police and Military reportedly stopped large groups of people who sought to attend the demonstration. These reports said that 300 people were stopped in Boroway outside Sentani, who were from Genyem, Yuk and Lereh Districts. Another group of 300 people from Kerom District were stopped by the army at the Tami River.
The West Papuan student organisation Front Pepera, was reported to have organised the demonstration and was demanding that the Republic of Indonesian recognise West Papuan sovereignty back to the year 1961. Front Pepera was reported to be demanding that the Indonesian Government begin negotiations about sovereignty with the West Papuan people.
Police arrested 7 students as they were unfurling banners at 10.30 am this morning. The names of arrested students are Yosias Yeimo 22, Benyamin Sabu 30, Nebon Pahabol 25, Marthen Goo 29, Santon Tekege 27, Emilianus (Demianus) Keiya 27 and Gunawan Inggeruhi 22.
The students were taken by heavily armed police to Jayapura police station at 11.30 today after being detained in Abepura Police Station.
A group of three human rights lawyers: Alo Renwarin Els-ham, Aberth Rumbekwan Komnas Ham and Gustav Kawer are representing the group at the main Police Station in Jayapura.
Mr Renwarin has reported that Police have said they would release the group tomorrow after 24 hours. Mr Renwarin said that the Police said group were being treated as witnesses at this stage and would not been charged.
The students had refused to answer questions from the local Military commander in the Abepura before being transferred to Jayapura police station.
Serious concern is held about the detention of this group.
Other West Papuans who have been first held as witness have been charged with subversion related crimes.
There are now 20 West Papuans political prisoners who have been detained for involvement in peaceful demonstrations in recent months. A group of six demonstrators has been convicted in Timika and there are two groups in Manokwari and Jayapura awaiting trial.
We are advised that concerned persons should contact the police station in Jayapura to support the release of the 7 students.
The Chief of Police is Commander Roberth Djoenso and telephone numbers are +62 812 4809366, +62 813 44808899 and +62 812 4811950
Tell the Indonesian Police your name, where you are from and your country and politely ask them to release the students named above.
The contact details for the lawyers acting for the students are:
Alo Renwarin +62 816 4336370
Alberth Rumbekwan +62 813 51994742
For further information contact:
Paula Makabory, Els–ham in Australia +61 (0) 402547517
Matthew Jamieson, IPAHR + 61 (0) 418291998
Matthew Jamieson
Institute for Papuan Advocacy & Human Rights
PO Box 1805, Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia
matthew(at)hr.minihub.org
tel +61(0) 418291998
Read Sabine Kueglers books "Jungle Child" and "Return to the Jungle". They have a lot of first hand information about West Papua.
Read Sabine Kueglers books "Jungle Child" and "Return to the Jungle". They have a lot of first hand information about West Papua.
I grew up in the Western province and there has been for many, many years now a steady stream of people and stories coming over the border because of the atrocities of the Indonesian army. This is Timor all over again - will so many more die or be abused until the international community take notice and do anything ???????
Don't Train Indonesia's Deadly Kopassus
Sign the Petition - http://www.gopetition.com/online/29600.html
Indonesia's Special Forces (Kopassus), more than any other unit in the Indonesian military, stands accused by the Indonesian people of some of the most egregious human rights violations.
The history of Kopassus human rights violations, its criminality and its unaccountability before Indonesian courts extends back decades and includes human rights and other crimes in East Timor, Aceh, West Papua and elsewhere. The crimes of Kopassus are not only in the past. A recently published Human Rights Watch report details ongoing Kopassus human right violations in West Papua.
In 2008, the Bush administration proposed to restart U.S. training of Kopassus. the State Department legal counsel reportedly ruled that the ban on training of military units with a history of involvement in human rights violations, known as the Leahy law, applies to Kopassus as a whole.
See the letter signed by more than 50 U.S. organizations opposing training for Kopassus: http://www.etan.org/news/2009/07kopassus.htm. Additional background about the crime of Kopassus can be found here: http://www.etan.org/news/2008/04brikop.htm.
http://www.etan.org