Indonesian police arrest Buchtar Tabuni and two Papuan ‘ministers’

 Source: Asia Pacific Report

A United Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) leader, Buchtar Tabuni, about to be arrested by
Indonesian police outside his home in Jayapura earlier this week. Image: Jubi/ULMWP

Indonesian police have arrested Buchtar Tabuni, one of West Papua’s most important liberation leaders, along with three other United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) ministers, reports the movement in a statement.

“Indonesia are once again suppressing freedom of expression and assembly in West Papua, in an attempt to crush our spirit and commitment to our struggle,” said interim president Benny Wenda.

Buchtar Tabuni is chair of the West Papua Council, and a member of the ULMWP Council Committee. His arrest was confirmed by police.

Other West Papua human rights issues

He was arrested with Bazoka Logo, Minister of Political Affairs, and Iche Murib, Minister of Women’s and Children’s Affairs, said the statement.

The trio were arrested at Tabuni’s house in Jayapura, following an annual ULMWP meeting, and interrogated at a nearby police station.

“What is their crime? What possible justification can there be for this crackdown? This was after a peaceful meeting at a private residence,” the statement said.

“The right to assembly is a basic human right, enshrined in the constitutions of countries around the world, including Indonesia.”

Buchtar Tabuni . . . arrested outside his Jayapura home after a peaceful meeting. Image: ULMWP

Sharing information

The National Parliament of the ULMWP meets annually to share information on events in their regions and discuss the situation of the struggle.

“West Papuans have the right, under international law, to peacefully mobilise for our independence,” Wenda said.

He called on anybody concerned by the arrests to to express their disgust to the Jayapura police chief.

Wenda said the arrests were in breach of basic principles of international diplomacy and human rights.

Both the ULMWP and Indonesia are members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, a regional political forum.

“We sit around the table together as equals. Imagine if British police arrested a Scottish parliamentarian following a peaceful meeting in their own home — there would be international outcry.

“This is the brutal reality of Indonesia’s colonial occupation.”

Tabuni targeted

Buchtar Tabuni . . . arrested outside his Jayapura home after a peaceful meeting. Image: ULMWP

The statement said this was not the first time Tabuni had been targeted by the Indonesian state.

Tabuni has spent much of his life behind bars, and was previously arrested and charged with treason for his involvement in anti-racism protests in 2020.

“This is political persecution: the harshness of Buchtar’s treatment is due only to his position as a respected leader of the independence struggle,” said Wenda.

“History tells us that there is no such thing as a fair trial for West Papuans in Indonesia. Victor Yeimo is still gravely ill in prison, where he has been held on spurious treason charges since May 2021.

“We urgently need the assistance of all international solidarity groups and NGOs — you must pressure your governments to help secure Mr Tabuni’s release, and all other West Papuan political prisoners.

Wenda said that the ULMWP demanded that Indonesia immediately release him with Bazoka Logo and Iche Murib.

Freedom ‘essential’

“Their freedom is essential in order to keep the peace,” he said.

According to Tabloid Jubi, Jayapura City police chief Senior Commander Victor D. Mackbon had confirmed that his office had arrested Buchtar Tabuni.

He said Tabuni was arrested to “clarify the activities” held at his home.

“Buchtar Tabuni’s arrival is to clarify his community gathering activities,” said Commander Mackbon.

Brief History of How & Where the Name Kagamuga Came About

Kagamuga means " lady with big bum" in Oksapmin dialect, Teliformin District, West Sepik Province. Kaga " lady" Muga " big bum".

Geographically, Teliformin  District is located on the Sepik Central Range along the Bismark Peninsula that stretches through the Highlands Region and covers some parts of Momase Region. It shares border with Indonesia on the eastern end and with our provincial borders Western Province, ESP, Enga, Hela & SHP. 

There is no such word as " Kagamuga" in Melpa Dialect that you could find in WHP. During the colonial era, White Administrators (Kiaps) brought in casual labourers from different parts of PNG to work on the Kagamuga Airport project including Teliformin people to work alongside with Western Highlanders & Jiwakas. Kiaps would assign people with different tasks. Teliformin women were assigned to carry out the task of rollers for compacting and stabilizing the soil/ground given their physique body built. They would join hands in straight line, chanting and singing their favourite traditional songs whilst jumping to and fro compacting the soil/ground with their bear feet. It was all purely done by manpower using physical strength. No machineries involved at that time.

Kiaps could/would see their breast swung to and fro including their bums. Kiaps felt appropriate that the airport should be named after them as Kagamuga as a token of appreciation for their tireless commitment to the development of the airport. That's how name Kagamuga came about in Oksapmin dialect meaning " lady with big bum".

Thanks to all the people of Telifomin for your significant contribution to the development of Kagamuga Airport that is today enjoyed by many people.

Some even further worked on the plantations at Kindeng and Kudjip with then Warren Plantations & Estates, now WR Carpenters- the producer of National No: 1 tea. Special one to all the "Kagamugas" out there. You're not forgotten by us. We still keep your name alive!

Melanesian Ancestors Enjoyed Advanced Way of Life, But Abandoned it and Went Back to Simply Joyful Way of Life and Living

 I have said repeatedly to various parties in the world, in giving my talks on "Melnaesia" and "Melanesian Customs and Beliefs" that 

"Melanesian Ancestors Enjoyed Advanced Way of Life, But Abandoned it and Went Back to Simply Joyful Way of Life and Living"

I have said this not based on books written by modern anthropologists or historians or biologists, but based on our own 

PROFESSIONAL LEADERS NAMED IN VICE-MINISTERIAL ALLOCATIONS

#PNGSUNpolitics: Plans and visions are as good as composition of the executive and legislative arms of the Government.

In order to jump-start the economy, take PNG back fully and implement other development aspirations, right leadership for the right ministerial roles with the right qualifications is pivotal. The concept is also important to restore public confidence in the executive and the legislative arms of the government.

With this in mind, Prime Minister, James Marape today (Tuesday) announced 12 Vice-Ministerial allocations, in line with his Government’s focus on ‘Growing the Economy’ and ‘Strengthening Internal Security’.

He made the announcements before he left for London to attend the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II.

Of the 12 Vice-Ministers, four will be directly assisting PM Marape, in his role as Prime Minister and Minister for National Planning.

The four Vice Ministers assisting PM Marape are:

• Hon. Jimmy Maladina (Office of State Negotiations);

• Hon. Kinoka Feo (Strategic Planning);

• Hon. Muguwa Dilu (Constitutional Matters); and

• Hon. James Nomane (Planning PIP Budgeting)

The other eight Vice-Ministers and their allocations are:

• Hon. Solen Loifa (Treasury);

• Hon. John Boito (Finance and Implementation);

• Hon. Kessy Sawang (International Trade and Investment);

• Hon. Miki Kaeok (Works and Highways);

• Hon. Thomas Opa (Petroleum and Energy);

• Hon. Raphael Tonpi (State Enterprises);

• Hon. Graham Piniau Rumet (Cocoa and Copra); and

• Hon. James Donald (Mining and Border Issues).

“The four Vice-Ministers have been given specific tasks to assist me, likewise, the other eight Vice-Ministers,” PM Marape said.

“We are timebound and want to achieve results

“It is not just a ceremonial office they are holding, unlike the past, and they have been given specific tasks just like Ministers.

“We expect the Vice-Ministers to achieve in the tasks that they have been given.”

PM Marape said Ministers’ jobs were so “wide and huge” with Papua New Guinea not being like it was back in 1975, especially population growth.

He said when he returned from his international tour-of-duty, he would sit down with individual Ministers and Vice-Ministers, and tell them what was expected of them.

“All Ministers have already been given Key Result Areas, and when I return, I will sit down with them and the Vice-Ministers,” PM Marape said.

“Likewise, when I come back, I will meet all Governors at a Governors’ Forum and engage with them on what they must do.

“We will focus especially on provinces being less dependent on Waigani for finances, with more focus on agriculture, downstream processing of forestry, fisheries, tourism and other businesses.

“I want provinces to step up in these areas and take ownership of businesses instead of just being spectators and waiting for handouts from Waigani.

“This will complement our focus on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in all provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

“This, I believe, will really jumpstart our economy.”

Opposition says Indonesia’s ‘futsal gift’ should not deter our stand for West Papua

OPPOSITION Leader Hon Matthew Wale says the new Futsal Stadium handed over by the Indonesian government should not deter our support for fellow Melanesians in West Papua.

Whilst acknowledging the gift from Indonesia, Hon Wale said Solomon Islands should never allow this to be the 30 pieces of silver to betray our fellow Melanesians in West Papua.

He said the new Futsal Stadium is a dream come true for the futsal code in the country, but it should never change our stand and perspective on West Papua.

The Opposition Leader said it is not right that Solomon Islands voice is silenced by this ‘gift’ from speaking for the voiceless people of West Papua who continue to suffer under the colonial oppression of Indonesia.

Hon Wale said the Prime Minister knows well because he is a strong supporter of West Papua.

“Our current Prime Minister is a strong supporter of West Papua and I urge him to raise the issue of West Papua to the visiting Indonesia delegation during their meetings,” he said.

Hon Wale also issued a call to the visiting Indonesia government delegation to facilitate Solomon Islands earlier calls to enable the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua.

ENDS///

• Opposition Press

Africa History Note; Emperor Menelik II and his consort, Empress Taitu

A combined repost with appropriate edits to mark the joint birthday of Emperor Menelik II and his consort, Empress Taitu.

178 years ago in the town of Angolalla in Northern Shewa, a son was born to Abeto Beshah Wered (later Negus Haile Melekot) and Woizero Idjigayehu Lemma.  A lot of speculation exists about the origins of his mother, but she was in fact a lady of a family of northern Shewa, in the service of Beshah Wered’s great-grandmother Zenebework, widow of Merid Azmatch Wossen Seged. The child would be baptized as Sahle Dengel, but his grandfather Negus Sahle Selassie, king of Shewa, renamed him Menelik.  Menelik’s paternal line had reigned as rulers of Shewa as Merid Azmatches and then Kings.  They were descended from Abeto Yacob, the youngest son of Emperor Libne Dengel.

The baby born on August 17, 1844 would eventually mount the Imperial throne as Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia.  He would successfully consolidate the authority of the central government over peripheral areas, and restored the sovereignty of the Ethiopian Crown over the various vassal kingdoms and sultanates who had functioned with autonomy since the Zemene Mesafint.  He would successfully defend his realm against Italian colonialism, decisively defeating the largest European army assembled in Africa until that time at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.  He started his country on the road to modernity, setting up the foundations for development.

Menelik was married three time.  His first wife was Alitash Tewodros, daughter of Emperor Tewodros II whom he abandoned when he escaped from Magdala and returned to Shewa to reclaim his crown.  His second wife was Bafena Wolde, a formidable woman of great beauty from Merhabete who plotted against her husband in order to place her sons from a previous marriage in power.  Menelik divorced her due to this plotting.  His third wife was Taitu Bitul, the intelligent and resolute woman who would be his partner in power.  More on her below. 

Menelik II was the type of leader who suspended the collection of taxes when a rinderpest outbreak killed off most cattle including ploughing oxen, leading to a devastating famine.  He led by example going out to personally break the earth with a hoe, to encourage cattle-less farmers to do the same, stressing that there was no dishonor in working with one’s hands.  Easily moved by the plight of others, compassionate and merciful, he earned the nickname Imiye Menelik እምዬ ምኒልክ (Mother Menelik) because he was seen to be more like an indigent and affectionate mother figure, than the typical stern father figure image of traditional Emperors.  Tolerant in matters of religion, firmly believing that everyone had the right to practice their religion unmolested, he nevertheless was personally a devout member of the Orthodox Church and devoted to the Virgin Mary.   He had the ability to turn enemies into friends, but was firm when firmness was needed. 

In recent years, shameless revisionists have tried to turn Emperor Menelik II into a monster.  It is an insidious effort to undermine the Ethiopianism he stood for.  However, truth and history cannot remain buried or be corrupted forever.  The truth will prevail.

Taitu Bitul Haile Mariam was born at Debre Tabor some time between 1840 and 1853.  Scholars seem to lean towards 1851.  She was the third of five children of Ras Bitul Haile Mariam, half brother of Dejazmatch Wube Haile Mariam of Simien.  Her mother Woizero Yewubdar was a noblewoman of Begemidir and Gojjam.  Her uncle Dejazmatch Wube once ruled a big chunk of northern Ethiopia from his seat in Simien, including Tigray and wide swaths of what is now Eritrea.  He was one of the most powerful nobles of his day and even had ambitions of being crowned Emperor being descended from a daughter of Emperor Susenyous the Catholic.  Her Yejju relatives were the Wereshek dynasty of Princes who had ruled as Regents the Ethiopian Empire in the place of the then powerless Emperors throughout the Zemene Mesafint period.  Tewodros II swept away the power of the regional landlords, by first deposing her Wereshek relatives, and then her uncle Wube, being crowned Emperor in the very church Wube had built for his own planned coronation.  Many of her relatives found themselves imprisoned by the new Emperor.

Her brothers, Wele and Alula Bitul were imprisoned at the mountain citadel of Magdala where they became friends with their fellow prisoner, Menelik, the Prince of Shewa who had been kept a prisoner since boyhood when his father King Haile Melekot had died leaving Shewa defenseless against the forces of Tewodros.  Their friendship had continued after Menelik escaped from Magdala and been restored to his Shewan kingdom.  In the mean time Taitu had entered at least three marriages of which little is known other than that she produced no children that survived infancy. After Menelik’s marriage to Bafena disintegrated, Menelik had rejected many a candidate for his hand.  Menelik was looking for a wife and his friend Ras Wele Bitul suggested he meet his sister.  It is said that Wele and Alula had intended to introduce Menelik to their sister Woizero Desta, but when he saw Taitu he was captivated.  They married in a communion marriage at Easter in 1883.  In 1889, Taitu was crowned Empress-consort (Etege) of Ethiopia on the second day of her husband’s coronation as Emperor.  

Taitu more than any other Ethiopian royal consort of a reigning Emperor, acted as a true partner in power to her husband.  She took part in every discussion in matters of state and took part in the both the process and decisions of policy and action. Empress Taitu was the the other side of the coin of Menelik’s reign, the Ying to his Yang.  Menelik II was debonair, playful, something of a procrastinator, and loathe to make decisions that he believed might result in negative feelings.  His favorite phrase when confronted with such decisions was said to be “alright, let’s discuss this further tomorrow”.  Taitu on the other hand had no problem saying “No!”  Menelik found it useful to deflect such difficult decisions to her, and Taitu dealt with them without hesitation.  This may have been one of the reasons that Menelik was so widely adored while Taitu inspired awe and nervousness in her lifetime..  She did not mind a certain level of unpopularity as long as it got things done.  Taitu played a vital role in the negotiations with Italy leading up to the Battle of Adwa, and led a troop of soldiers and camp attendants during that war.  It was Taitu who came up with the idea to cut off the water supply to the Italian fort at Enda Iyesus overlooking Mekele which resulted in victory there before Adwa.  She was often portrayed by foreign sources as anti-modernization and anti-foreigner in contrast to her husband who was an enthusiastic modernizer.  However, Taitu was not so much against modernization as she was concerned about the ability of the state to keep up with the increased public demands that rapid development might bring.  She regarded many of the modern marvels like automobiles and telephones with disdain.  She challenged Alfred Ilg, (one of the few westerners she actually got along well with) on the need to build a railway connecting Addis Ababa to Djibouti.  Who would feed the families of the mostly lowland Muslim caravan traders when the train put them out of business, she wanted to know?  How is a train a benefit if it robs a large group of their livelihood?  Among her greatest contributions was founding and naming the City of Addis Ababa. 

May the memory of Menelik II, King of Kings of Ethiopia, and Taitu Bitul, Light of Ethiopia, be eternal.

✍🏿 Solomon Kibriye

Civil Society Organisations (CSO) offered a word of prayer for the Struggle for Self-determination in West Papua

 

Civil Society Organisations (CSO) offered a word of prayer for the Struggle for Self-determination in West Papua before they head over to the meet the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at the Non State Actors Dialogue.

The delegation was led by Pacific Conference of Churches General Secretary, @Reverend James Bhagwan (Jimmy Bee) presented the PRINGO Alliance Covenant to the leaders during the morning tea.

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at the Non State Actors Dialogue this morning.

PRNGO Alliance again urged our leaders to re-affirm their calls for the UNHCHR and Indonesia to conduct the UNHCHR Office visit to West Papua and Papua Provinces within 12 months or in 2023.

for their fight for Independence before the CSO del heads over to meet the #PIFsLeaders at the #NSAdialogue.

The Pacific is not free until West Papua, Maohi Nui and Kanaky are free!

Fiji Council Of Social Services (FCOSS) ADRA Fiji PANG - TOK Pacific Disability Forum femLINKpacific DAWN feminist