This year the Fellowship of Reconciliation is working to raise awareness of the struggle of West Papuans. For more information on the background of West Papua please contact us for a copy of ‘Papua, an Island Divided’.

We would also like to draw your attention more specifically to the plight of two West Papuans, imprisoned for raising the flag of West Papua during independence celebrations in 2004.

December 1st is celebrated by West Papuans as their day of independence commemorating the declaration of Papuan independence in 1962.

Despite repealing certain repressive laws in Indonesia following the fall of General Suharto’s regime. Many prisoners remain in prison under laws restricting freedom of expression.

Filep Karma, a former government civil servant and Yusak Pakage, a student are serving prison sentences of 15 and 10 years respectively for peacefully raising the flag, the morning star, a symbol of Papuan independence.

We must act now and join the voices calling for the immediate release of both Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage.

Amnesty International USA notes that although legislation oppressing freedom of expression did fall out of favour following the Suharto regime, it has been increasingly relied upon since 2001 to silence critics and those calling for independence in Papua.

Right to freedom of expression is guaranteed under the 1945 Indonesian constitution. In 2006 the Indonesian Constitutional Court decriminalised the act of insulting the President of Vice President. Amnesty International welcomed this decision ‘as a significant step towards a comprehensive safeguard of the right to freedom of expression in the country.’ However despite positive steps many political prisoners remain in prison. Reports from the arrest of Filep Karma suggest he was badly beaten whist transported to prison and that the conditions there are poor. Yusak Pakage was arrested alongside 20 others as the protested against the detainment of Filep Karma. The others were later released.

Independence Day celebrations and flag raising ceremonies in 2006 occurred and no arrests were made. This seems like a success but it can and should only be seen as a small one. Whilst prisoners serve in jail for expressing their beliefs and the Papuans are forced to live in a society where there culture and identity are oppressed there is little to celebrate.

Please join with the campaign to free Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage. We have included the text here from a postcard campaign for the Free West Papua Campaign or please visit Amnesty International for their letter writing campaign.

For more information contact us at office@for.org.uk or telephone, 01865 748796

15 years in jail for raising this flag

Free Yusak & Filep!

Dear Ambassador,

I was shocked to discover that Indonesia has JAILED two West Papuans, Yusak Pakage and Filep Karma for 10 & 15 years respectively for peacefully raising the West Papuan independence flag in December 2004.

As you may know, Amnesty International had recognised Yusak and Filep as PRISONERS of CONSCIENCE.

I am calling on the Government of Indonesia to RELEASE them IMMEDIATELY.

Yours faithfully,

Name:
Address:

Date:

To be sent to:

His Excellency Dr Raden Mohammed Marty Muliana Natalegawa,
Ambassador,
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia,
38 Grosvenor Square,
London,
W1X 9ID