INDONESIA: A Papuan journalist faced terror and intimidation due to a loud explosion

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION – URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-001-2023

February 02, 2023

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INDONESIA: A Papuan journalist faced terror and intimidation due to a loud explosion

ISSUES: Press freedom, the freedom of expression, the rule of law, access to justice, the freedom of information
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The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) regarding the terror and intimidation experienced by a senior journalist of Jubi Papua, Mr. Victor Mambor, on Monday 23, January 2023. The terror and intimidation occurred near his house which is located in the Angkasa Pura Village, the Jayapura Utara District, the Jayapura City, the Papua Province, at 04.20 a.m. (Papua time).

CASE NARRATIVE:

Based on the chronology of the case that we received, on Monday, at around 02.00 a.m., Mr. Victor Mambor woke up and then left the house to do something. Subsequently, at around 04.00 a.m., Mr. Mambor went back into his house to watch television. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Mambor heard the sound of a motorbike approaching his house and the motorbike stopped for a few minutes. A few minutes later, the motorbike left Victor’s house, and subsequently, there was a loud explosion, which resulted in Victor’s house vibrating. It is estimated that the explosion occurred at around 04.20 a.m. Based on the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera installed in one corner of Victor’s house, it appears that an automatic motorbike passed Victor’s house right before the bomb exploded. There is a strong suspicion that it was the motorbike that planted the bomb at Victor’s house.

This case of terror is not the first time that Victor Mambor has experienced the same, as previously, on April 21, 2021, Victor’s car was damaged by an unknown person and to date, the perpetrators of the damage have not been uncovered by the law enforcement.

We are suspicious that the acts of terror and intimidation experienced by Mr. Victor Mambor are related to his profession as a journalist. Bearing in mind that Victor is the leader of the Jubi Papua Tabloid, and moreover, he is currently monitoring several cases that are currently happening in the Papua Island such as incidents of mutilation, the Bloody Paniai case, the shooting at Gunung Bintang, etc.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

In fact, journalists, in carrying out their duties, must be protected as stipulated under Article 8 of the Law, No. 40 of 1999 concerning the press. The freedom of the press is also guaranteed as a human right of citizens as stipulated under Article 4 of the Law, No. 40 of 1999. Furthermore, we also see that this act of terror and intimidation is a form of violation of Article 30 of the Law, No. 39 of 1999, concerning human rights, in particular, the right to feel safe and secure as well as protection against the threat of fear to do or not to do something.

Related to the case, the Government, through law enforcement instruments, is obliged to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure the security and safety of the victims and their families. This is important to do so that similar incidents do not happen again. Considering based on KontraS’ documentation, over the past year, from December 2021 to November 2022, there have been at least 48 cases of violence in Papua that have victimized civilians where 13 victims experienced intimidation and forced dissolution, 72 were arrested, 68 were injured and 28 were killed.

SUGGESTED ACTION:

Please write to the authorities listed below. Request the following action. Ask them to ensure:

Firstly, for the Papua Regional Police Office (Polda Papua) to be able to carry out their duties in a transparent and accountable manner in carrying out investigations related to this case, and thereby, the perpetrators can be exposed and prosecuted under the judicial processes.

Secondly, for the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to actively guarantee protection for the security and safety of Mr. Victor Mambor and his family.

The AHRC is writing a separate letter to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to the freedom of opinion and expression.

To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER