OPM

Avatar Opens a Pandora's Box Reminiscent of Papua

Submitted by manukoreri on Wed, 03/10/2010 - 09:18

"The smell was of death and dying.  Everywhere was black and my people were crying.  Our sacred trees were falling, brutal alien men were driving massive yellow machines through our land and waters, taking our trees,  we were being herded out... Soldiers were firing at anything that moved, as helicopters were flying over what was left of our home, sending sheets of fire to burn everything... My mother died, my father died. All I have left is a memory of my home, and my sister alongside me today in this limbo... So of course I must go back and fight.  I was born as a warrior, even if I die early as one, I am still fighting for my people’s grandchildren.  These Garudas will eat every last one of us unless our poison arrows go for the heart of their greed. We must drive those aliens out, and remind them that THIS IS OUR LAND.” 

Is this a key scene James Cameron’s much talked about epic Avatar?  No, it is a description from a refugee student (let’s call him Melkias for his safety), of the situation that forced his flight from the Pandora of this planet, West Papua.  Interviewing him in a PNG border camp in May 2006, Melkias was describing to me what happened when a logging company, backed and run by the Indonesian military, started clearing out local people from the Boven Digul border area.

(Article originally published at Helo Magazine: www.Helo.Squarespace.com)

Bird of Paradise from Dancing Turtle Media

Forgotten Bird of Paradise - trailer

Submitted by Dancing_Turtle on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 09:03

British filmmaker Dominic Brown travelled without the knowledge or authority of the Indonesian authorities in order to film Forgotten Bird of Paradise. THe documentary provides a rare and moving insight into the forgotten struggle for independence that has gripped West Papua for over 45 years. It includes never before seen footage of OPM rebel fighters at their stronghold deep in the Papuan jungle, as well as interviews with human rights victims of the Indonesian regime.

Video thumbnail for Forgotten Bird of Paradise - trailer

New West Papua Film: Forgotten Bird of Paradise

Submitted by FdN on Thu, 08/13/2009 - 07:05

On the 40th anniversary of the Act of Free Choice, a shocking new documentary about the situation in West Papua will premier at the UK's prestigious Green Man Festival (www.greenman.net) next week.

Filmed undercover without the knowledge or authority of the Indonesian authorities, 'Forgotten Bird of Paradise' provides a rare and deeply moving insight into the West Papuan peoples ongoing struggle for freedom from Indonesian rule.

The documentary features interviews with human rights victims of the Indonesian regime, startling footage of OPM rebel fighters, and a moving interview recorded in secret with the Amnesty International recognised 'prisoner of conscience' Yusak Pakage. Currently serving a 10 year prison sentence for peacefully raising the West Papuan flag, the interview was recorded in hospital where he was receiving treatment for torture suffered at the hands of prison guards at Abepura Prison. There is also footage and interviews from the launch of International Parliamentarians for West Papua, revealing the developments being made on the international scene towards the goal of West Papuan self-determination.

West Papua Thumbnail

West Papua Report - August 2009

Submitted by rains on Thu, 08/06/2009 - 13:27

Summary:
The West Papua Advocacy Team was among the many international organizations which called for justice regarding violence which took the lives of three people in the area of the Freeport gold and copper mine in West Papua in July. A WPAT statement warned that in past violent episodes associated with Freeport, the role of the military was ignored despite evidence of its involvement. The statement also noted that in the past such Freeport incidents have led to retribution and injustice meted out against innocent Papuans. Papuan church leaders have called for an end to the persecution of innocent Papuans in the Timika area by Indonesian security forces. More than 50 U.S. non-governmental organizations urged the U.S. government not to begin training programs or other assistance benefiting Indonesian special forces (Kopassus). In making the case for continued prohibitions on such cooperation, the organizations noted in particular Kopassus's long record of abuse and impunity in West Papua. International criticism over the arrests and prosecution of Papuans in Nabire continued to grow. Human Rights Watch issued an appeal calling for an end to the prosecution of political prisoners in West Papua. Papuans have launched a legal suit against the Indonesian government over its collusion with the giant mining firm PT Freeport which has caused enormous damage to Papuan lives and land. Statistics released by the Indonesian government underscore that Papuans continue to endure poverty at disproportionate numbers relative to migrants and transmigrants. Indonesia continues to seek international respect in the area of human rights protection but at the same time continues to persecute peaceful demonstrators, especially those who display the banned "morning star flag."

West Papua Thumbnail
admin's picture

OPM resist in West Papua highlands - BBC2 Newsnight pt2

Submitted by admin on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 15:06

This news report shows, the extremely committed West Papuans, in their desperately brave efforts to resist the brutal & illegal Indonesian occupation of their ancestral homeland.

Filmed undercover in West Papua 2008.

A film made with fPcN interCultural: assistance & co-operation.

admin's picture

OPM resist in West Papua highlands - BBC2 Newsnight pt1

Submitted by admin on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 14:55

This news report shows, the extremely committed West Papuans, in their desperately brave efforts to resist the brutal & illegal Indonesian occupation of their ancestral homeland.

Filmed undercover in West Papua 2008.

A film made with fPcN interCultural: assistance & co-operation.

Respect BBC2 for broadcasting this.

West Papua Report - May 2009

Submitted by rains on Wed, 05/06/2009 - 13:15

Contents:
* West Papua Advocacy Tam member Octo Mote spoke before the U.S. Congressional human rights commission regarding threats to the environment and human rights in West Papua
* ETAN and WPAT fault as insufficient Secretary Clinton's call for "a degree of autonomy" for West Papua*
* Repression and violence in West Papua escalates dramatically in April
* U.S.-based human rights groups call for an investigation of the violence and for dialogue
* Papuan clergy and civil society leaders also call for investigation of the violence

BBC News broadcasts undercover report on West Papua independence struggle

Submitted by Alezev on Fri, 03/13/2009 - 13:55

The BBC have broadcast a special report on the West Papua independence struggle, using footage filmed undercover and without the knowledge or authority of the Indonesian government.
It includes interviews with human rights victims and independence fighters including OPM leader General Goliath Tabuni

The report can be watched by clicking here

The file west_papua_5.gif is waiting to be converted.

PAPUA MERDEKA (2003, 43.06)

Submitted by rains on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 09:25

This film shows; the extremely brutal history the native population of West Papua have endured for many decades under the oppressive Indonesian Military.

How, to this day they continue to struggle for independence from Indonesia, with historical pieces showing the UN Shame vote: Act of 'NO' Choice which lead to their colonisation and the continued thief, of the West Papuan's natural resources.

Filmed undercover in West Papua 2000/1 with historical footage obtained from various sources.

A film was made by fPcN interCultural:

Links for: PAPUA MERDEKA. (2002, 43.06) (720x576 4:3)


admin's picture

West Papua Report - March 2009

Submitted by admin on Mon, 03/02/2009 - 12:48

Summary
The US State Department's just-published Annual Human Rights Report for Indonesia candidly describes repression of Papuan rights including security force murder, beatings and torture of peaceful dissenters and security force collusion in people trafficking and theft of Papuans' traditional lands. Notwithstanding her Department's strong report, Secretary of State Clinton failed to discuss human rights or not meet with Papuans. Her failure to publicly raise human rights concerns prompts concern that the Obama administration may proceed with Bush Administration plans to pursue ties with Indonesian Special Forces and intelligence agencies notwithstanding their egregious human rights records. An ETAN spokesperson urged the Obama administration to utilize its leverage to spur reform of the Indonesian military. Buchtar Tabuni faces charges of subversion because of his peaceful dissent. An Indonesian Human Rights Commission official has accused the Yudhoyono government of failure to prosecute Indonesian military officers for "widespread abuses in Papua." A Jakarta human rights official has criticized Jakarta's "Special Autonomy" as failing to make a difference in the lives of Papuans. A Papuan, also commenting on "Special Autonomy" observed that funds intended to be made available to assist Papuans have been used to "build the military" and spur migrant displacement of Papuans.