Around 100 people arrested for protesting the “Day of Broken Promise” New York Agreement

August 16, 2017

Yesterday,  on 15th August 2017,  around 100 people were arrested in 3 cities and many were beaten for peacefully demonstrating for West Papua’s freedom and to remember what is known to the people of West Papua as the “Day of Broken Promise”. This day marks the “New York Agreement” of 15th August 1962 when West Papua was given over to Indonesia without the consultation of a single West Papuan.

Demonstrations took place across West Papua as well as in several Indonesian cities and internationally in the UK, Netherlands and Australia.

Demonstrations in West Papua

Port Numbay/Jayapura 

In Port Numbay/Jayapura the West Papua National Committee demonstrated to demand justice and refuse the legacy of genocide and colonialism in West Papua. They called for the promise of an independence referendum for West Papua to be fulfilled at last.

West Papuan people in Port Numbay/Jayapura demonstrating to demand justice after the New York Agreement. The banner reads: 15th August 1962-2017, a history remembered. UNTEA, the United States, The Netherlands and Indonesia knowingly violated and killed the political rights of the West Papuan people. Photo: KNPB.

Asmat

In the Fayit Sector of the Asmat Region in West Papua, people also demonstrated to demand that the promise of the New York Agreement be fulfilled.

West Papuan people in the Fayit Sector of the Asmat Region demonstrating to demand the promise of the New York Agreement be fulfilled. Photo: KNPB.

Timika

And in Timika, West Papuan political prisoner Yanto Awerkion recorded a powerful video message to show to the international community why he was arrested, and encouraging everyone who was taking action on this day. Watch his inspiring video below. Footage: KNPB.

https://www.facebook.com/freewestpapua/videos/10159235761160010/

Demonstrations in Indonesia

Semarang 

In Semarang, 47 people were arrested by the Indonesian police, supported by Indonesian nationalists. Action coordinator Janus Adii was reportedly tortured by having his dreadlocks pulled repeatedly for hours.

Activists being arrested for peacefully demonstrating. Photo: Liputan6.com

The names and details of those known to have been arrested in Semarang is as follows:

Jackson Gwijangge, Frans Yelemaken, Deva Yelemaken, Alfrida Kedeikoto, Mey Tebay, Theo Hisage, M.Kano (SeBumi), Saverius, Alex Duwitau, Bonni M, Yuli Gobay, Ney Sobolim, Deserius Dogomo, Lina Butu , Novela Wetipo, Danny Nawipa, Petu performing Tebai, Penthol (PPRI), Elizabeth Magai, John Tigi, Januarius Tibakoto, Yohanes Dogomo, Mark Butu, Bastian Tebai (reporter SP), Ferry Tibakoto, Deky Pagawak, Gamson Alom, Aperinus Waker, Gasper Alom, Ontas Aud, FinCEN Matuan, Dimes A, Nianus, Paul Wuka, Ayon Widigipa, Stephen Iyai, Tenus Tsenawatme, Zan Magai, Melianus Tabuni, Tamin Murib, Sigintak Wasiangge, Apoel Maloa (SeBumi), Frengky Yelipele, Bernardo Boma, Januarius Adi, Nicho (LBH) and Rizky (LBH).

Yogyakarta

In Yogyakarta, 29 people were arrested by the Indonesian police as demosntrators were met with a water canon and Indonesian nationalists.

Activists being arrested for peacefully demonstrating. Photo: Liputan6.com

The names and details of those believed to have been arrested in Yogyakarta is as follows:

Rico Tude, Gabriel Hegemur, Semi Yobe, Aris Wanibo, Aris Yeimo, Andreas Yeimo (AMP), Abbi Douw, Zayur Bingga, Ferri Edowai, Elijah Mote, Sael Makituma, Fabianus Pigome, Musa Pekei, Naomi Buyu Adiana Yogi, Bertha Haluk, Marlen (PDM), Opik (PMD), Syarul (PMD), Fitri Lestari (Liberation), Deven (Liberation), Is (Liberation), Randi (Liberation), Taufan (solidarity), Ardan ( Solidarity), Riden (solidarity), Adli (Liberation), Erwin (solidarity) and Prisoners.

Jakarta

Photo: Local media.

In Jakarta,  24 people were arrested by the Indonesian police, supported by Indonesian nationalists. Adam (FRI WP), Frans Nawipa, Jhon Gobay and Rudhi Amir (FRI WP) were all given serious injuries.

Evidence of brutality against a demonstrator. Photo: AMP.

The names and details of those known to have been arrested in Jakarta is as follows:

Jhems Nawipa, Jhon Gobay, Erepul Sama, Alber Mungguar, Surya Anta, Shiva, Agus, Rais, Apax, Erna, Adam, Edi, Alex, Peyon, Andi, Rulans, Olen, Dean , Rudhi, Rahman, Sam, Smit, Rifai, and Ucok Siagian (journalist).

Evidence of brutality against demonstrators. Photo: AMP.

Malang

In Malang, demonstrators were confronted by Indonesian police organisations and several Indonesian nationalist groups, including the notorious Pemuda Pancasila, Communication Forum of Purnawirawan TNI POLRI and Barisan Nagdagullah Nahdlatul Ulama.

In this demonstration, West Papuan activist  Isaiah Ukago was wounded on his left temple.

Other Indonesian cities 

Other demonstrations took place in the Indonesian cities of  Bandung, Surabaya and Ternate.

International demonstrations

London 

Free West Papua Campaign – UK demonstrating outside the Indonesian Embassy in London. Photo: FWPC UK.

In London, Free West Papua Campaign – UK marched from Trafalgar Square to the Indonesian Embassy and demanded an end to the ongoing genocide in West Papua and demanded the promise of an independence referendum be fulfilled in West Papua.

The Hague 

Free West Papua Campaign – Netherlands also held a demonstration and demanded justice and peace and a new referendum for West Papua, outside the Peace Palace in The Hague.

Free West Papua Campaign – Netherlands demonstrating outside the Peace Palace in The Hague. Photo: FWPC NL.

Perth 

In Perth, Free West Papua Campaign – Australia held a powerful demonstration at the beach and made a strong video message about the situation in West Papua. Watch the inspiring video below. Footage: FWPC Australia.