The Land of Papua has again been bathed in blood of the people, that is the people of Indonesia. The Wamena incident of 6 October 2000 which began with the taking down of the ‘Sparkling Star’ flag, took dozens of lives and hundreds were wounded, in particular those referred to as ‘immigrants’, who have had to flee to save themselves. The CCI deeply regrets these events.

We see that this is a horizontal Conflict between neighbours which has been feared would happen in the Land of Papua, and which is now becoming a reality. If this matter, the demand of the Papuan people for freedom, is not dealt with according to peaceful and democratic principles which give high regard to Human Rights, it will not be unthinkable that the horizontal conflict will continue as is being experienced in Aceh, East Timor and Ambon/Moluccas, etc.

If the above occurs, this county will again experience a humanitarian tragedy which is at odds with all religions norms of the people of this nation, from Sabang to Merauke. In the eyes of the world, the name of the people of Indonesia will become better known as a people in the world who prefer to seek the way of violence in ending problems rather than means that are peaceful, democratic and respect Human Rights.

The Communion of Churches in Indonesia understands the demand of the people of Papua is a demand for justice and respect for the human rights of the people of Papua.

There are a number of factors that encourage the people of Papua to demand their freedom, among others that the people of Papua feel side-lined in the land of their birth. The actions towards them have wounded their hearts; they have been treated as from another culture and civilisation; their human rights as people with their own unique culture is not respected; thousands of them have become victims in the violent and inhumane way their issue are dealt with by those in authority and the security forces in the past and until now.

Therefore, the Central Committee of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia call for:

1. We ask that in dealing with the social political problems related to the demand of the people of Papua for independence, the Government in association with the Security Forces also hold fast to the principles of peace, democracy and a high regard for Human Rights.

2. Particularly for those in the security forces we ask that you truly act as to protect and cradle the people Maintain law and order with a persuasive style, which is determined by your heart and love of your own people, respecting and regarding highly Human Rights, and not with violence and guns.

3. We ask the government to open the door as wide as possible for an intensive dialogue with the people of Papua to hear their words and their lamentations, of they who have been oppressed until now.

4. We ask that the political differences within the political elite in this country not result in those who ask for no more than justice, rights and Human Rights becoming victims.

B. To all the people of the Land of Papua/Irian Jaya

1. Stop using violence to further your aspirations. Brothers and Sisters, don’t let the attitude of the your ancestors towards justice and human rights be stained by acts of violence and inhumanity towards your fellow human beings. Remember the words of the bible: ‘Blessed are the gentle, for they shall posses the earth. Blessed are those who bring peace for they shall be called the children of God.’ (Matthew 5: 5,9). If you choose the way of peace, the land of Papua/Irian Jaya will continue to be yours. Because this country is a country blessed by God for you and all who love peace!

2. We call upon all the people of the Land of Papua/Irian Jaya to be on the watch for spirits of division within the community. Don’t be tempted by issues of division which seek to put at odds ‘people of the mountains and people of the coast’, between ‘indigenous people and immigrants’, between ‘Christians and Muslims’, etc. We are all brothers, fellow human beings, and are all creations of God. Anyone who hates their fellow human being, also hates and is an enemy of God who created human kind.

3. To those in leadership and communal figures we ask that you truly adopt an attitude that speaks on behalf of the people. Don’t neglect opportunities given by the LORD GOD to promote justice and human rights for all and in particular the people of Papua. Guide and lead the people with wisdom in struggling for their aspirations with ways that are peaceful and true and do not fall into violence. Remember the words of the Bible: ‘Open your mouth for those who are dumb, for the rights of all who are helpless. Open your mouth, taking decisions in justice and give to those who are oppressed and poor, their rights. (Prov. 31:8-9)

This is our call. May the LORD open the hearts of all who hear this call.

Jakarta, 9 October 2000
Central Committee
Communion of Churches in Indonesia

Rev. Dr. Natan Setiabudi
Rev. Dr. Ishak P. Lambe
General Moderator General Secretary

NB: Translator’s notes:
1] Bintang Kejora. The Indonesians never want to call it what it is, the ‘Bintang Pagi’ (Morning Star) flag. This is a euphemism.
2] ‘people’ is here used to translate 4 phrases ‘bangsa’ which is more ‘race’ or ‘nation’, ‘raykat’ which is more ‘a (mass of) people’, ‘orang-orang’ which is a ‘plurality of a individuals’ and ‘masyarakat’ which can also mean community.
3] ‘Freedom’ is here used to translate ‘kemerdekaan’, which can also mean ‘independence’.