English
Bahasa IndonesiaThe joint submission by TAPOL and BUK provided information on human rights in Indonesia to the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review in April 2017. The submission focuses on human rights issues in Papua, with a particular focus on ensuring freedom of expression in West Papua.
Freedom of Expression
The fundamental right to freedom of expression is the cornerstone of our work in promoting human rights, peace and democracy in Indonesia. It is strategically important to improving the overall human rights environment in Indonesia, and to ensuring that Human Rights Defenders can carry out their vital work free from intimidation and violence.
The appalling plight of political prisoners during the 1965 anti-Communist purges in Indonesia prompted the establishment of TAPOL in 1973, and our support for the right of all people to freely express their political views and aspirations has been a recurrent theme of our advocacy ever since. Our Papuans Behind Bars project continues that tradition, and supports the admirable work being undertaken by local and national civil society groups to challenge repressive policies and practices that are used to restrict free expression in West Papua, Maluku and elsewhere in Indonesia.
The Papuans Behind Bars project focuses on the routine use of Indonesia’s treason laws to punish peaceful actions in West Papua, such as raising the Papuan Morning Star flag, expressing political aspirations and holding demonstrations. The comprehensive database on Papuan political prisoners provides evidence of the arbitrary detention, torture and maltreatment, and the systematic denial of the right to free expression in West Papua. This information enables campaigners and policymakers to monitor of trends and the impact of policy change over time.
News
Melkias Ky Trial Verdict Due
Melkias Ky (23) has become the victim of a wrongful arrest by the police, during the trial surrounding the events that took place in Kisor, Maybrat, on 2nd September 2021. The sentencing will take place on Friday 3rd February 2023. For more information on the background of this event and the broader situation in Maybrat, please take a look at our video series and our briefing.
8 Countries Call out Indonesia's Actions in West Papua at UPR
On 9th November 2022, Indonesia’s 4th cycle of Indonesia's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) began at the UN in Geneva. A total of 108 Member States offered oral statements and recommendations on how Indonesia may be able to improve their human rights situation. Eight of which called out Indonesia's actions in West Papua.
Take a look at our full statement.