West Papuan clergy seek resolution to humanitarian crisis in Puncak Jaya
West Papuan representatives of the clergy from 20 different churches in District Yamu in Punjak Jaya have meet with Els-ham (Institute for Human Rights study & Advocacy) to jointly work to resolve the humanitarian crisis occurring in the Puncak Jaya region.
These clergy have said that 5000 members of church congregations from Catholic, Kingmi and Baptist churches have been displaced by the Indonesian military & police operations. These 5000 people are from Yamu district and are said to be hiding in the jungle.
These clergy have reported that members of the church congregations have been in the jungle since December 2006 when they fled the military operations. The clergy state that there is no civilian access allowed into the region and the Police & Army deny this access.
On civilian, Lenus Murib, has been reported shot dead by military in Yamu District. There is concern for the health and well being of women and children.
Els-ham reports that in similar military operations in 2004 & 2005 there were 6000 people from 27 villages displaced from their homes. Famine and many famine related deaths were reported.
Rev Socratez Yoman in a recent report stated that the Indonesian military and police are responsible for promoting the conflict situation and resulting humanitarian crisis in Puncak Jaya.
Local sources report that there are 3000 troops in Puncak Jaya in the town. Additional Brimob (Paramilitary Police) & Indonesian military are reported to be undertaking operations outside the town.
Human Rights workers report that many civilian houses have been burned and that Government buildings and vehicles have been reportedly taken over by the military. The Cenderwasih Post (Jayapura, 14 January 2007) reports that the Indonesia Police dispute the number of 4000 people who have fled military operations in Puncak jaya. The police a reported to say that the people have returned to there villages as they have nothing to fear.
For further information contact:
Paula Makabory +61 402547517, Els-Ham West Papua
Rev Socratez Yoman +62 812 4888458, President Communion of Baptist churches
Rev Benny Giay +62 852 44373166 Kingmi Church
These clergy have said that 5000 members of church congregations from Catholic, Kingmi and Baptist churches have been displaced by the Indonesian military & police operations. These 5000 people are from Yamu district and are said to be hiding in the jungle.
These clergy have reported that members of the church congregations have been in the jungle since December 2006 when they fled the military operations. The clergy state that there is no civilian access allowed into the region and the Police & Army deny this access.
On civilian, Lenus Murib, has been reported shot dead by military in Yamu District. There is concern for the health and well being of women and children.
Els-ham reports that in similar military operations in 2004 & 2005 there were 6000 people from 27 villages displaced from their homes. Famine and many famine related deaths were reported.
Rev Socratez Yoman in a recent report stated that the Indonesian military and police are responsible for promoting the conflict situation and resulting humanitarian crisis in Puncak Jaya.
Local sources report that there are 3000 troops in Puncak Jaya in the town. Additional Brimob (Paramilitary Police) & Indonesian military are reported to be undertaking operations outside the town.
Human Rights workers report that many civilian houses have been burned and that Government buildings and vehicles have been reportedly taken over by the military. The Cenderwasih Post (Jayapura, 14 January 2007) reports that the Indonesia Police dispute the number of 4000 people who have fled military operations in Puncak jaya. The police a reported to say that the people have returned to there villages as they have nothing to fear.
For further information contact:
Paula Makabory +61 402547517, Els-Ham West Papua
Rev Socratez Yoman +62 812 4888458, President Communion of Baptist churches
Rev Benny Giay +62 852 44373166 Kingmi Church
posted by Pax Christi @ Thursday, January 18, 2007
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