Indonesian activists fear Papua violence will escalate
Govt s designation of separatists as terrorists could light the touch paper that sets the restive region on fire, they say
Updated: April 30, 2021 08:41 AM GMT
Trending
Papuan rebels are seen here in an undisclosed location. The Indonesian government has declared Papuan pro-independence groups to be terrorists. (Photo: Facebook of West Papua National Liberation Army)
Human rights activists and churchmen have voiced concerns over the impact of the Indonesian government s move to label Papuan pro-independence groups as terrorists, saying it will make peace even more difficult to achieve in the restive region.
Mohammad Mahfud MD, Indonesia’s coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, officially designated the separatist West Papua National Liberation Army and the Free Papua Movement as terrorists.
Indonesia designates Papuan separatists terrorists Reuters 3 hrs ago
By Kate Lamb and Agustinus Beo Da Costa
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia has formally designated Papuan separatists as terrorists , its chief security minister said on Thursday, a move activists said could expand the powers of security forces, including lengthy detentions without charge.
The legal designation follows a call by President Joko Widodo for a crackdown on Papuan rebels after an intelligence officer was shot dead on Sunday in the country s easternmost region, where a low-level rebellion has been fought for decades. The government thinks that organisations and the people in Papua who commit massive violence can be classified as terrorists, chief security minister Mahfud MD told a news conference.
Indonesia declares separatist rebels in restive Papua terrorists
April 29, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
In this photo released by Indonesian Presidential Palace, Indonesian President Joko Widodo delivers his televised remarks at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 26, 2021. (Indonesian Presidential Palace via AP) JAKARTA (Kyodo) The Indonesian government on Thursday officially declared separatist rebels in the restive province of Papua as terrorists and instructed security personnel to take necessary actions against them. Organizations and people in Papua who have committed brutal or massive violence are categorized as terrorists, chief security minister Mahfud MD said. He cited a 2018 law that defines a terrorist as anyone who plans, incites and organizes any action using violence that creates terror or massive fear.
Papuan Separatists Designated as Terrorist Organization Published April 29th, 2021 - 10:36 GMT
Papuan separatists. (AFP/ File Photo)
Highlights
Move comes after armed group killed Indonesian military general 2 days ago amid rumbling conflict in archipelago s far east
The Indonesian government officially designated the West Papua National Liberation Army, an armed separatist group in far east of the archipelago, as a terrorist organization.
The decision was taken based on suggestions from the community leaders, security forces, and the Papuan regional government, said Mahfud MD, the coordinating minister for political, legal, and security affairs of the country.
Indonesia has just declared the West Papua National Liberation Army a terrorist organisation.