Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding the brutal attack on members of the Evangelical Church of Indonesia, who were protesting outside a mosque in Karubaga, Tolikara, Papua, by police officers of the Tolikara police resort (Polres Tolikara). One elementary school student died as a result, while 11 adults were seriously injured.
CASE NARRATIVE:
Between 15-20 July 2015, the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (known as GIDI) organized its international youth seminar and revival service (KKR) in Tolikara regency, Papua province, Indonesia. Near the GIDI church, the local Muslim congregations were to celebrate Idul Fitri on July 17.
GIDI’s leader issued a letter stating that they objected to the use of the loudspeaker during the Idul Fitri prayers in Karubaga, Tolikara on July 17, as it coincided with the national conference held by GIDI.
A similar notification letter was also sent by GIDI to the Tolikara police resort on July 13. After receiving the letter, the police chief stated that the loudspeaker can be used, and this was reaffirmed by the local regent.
The GIDI congregation then organized a protest near the Mosque on July 17, and began throwing stones at the Muslims celebrating Idul Fitri. In a brutal and excessive show of force, the police suddenly shot at the protesters, killing one elementary school child and injuring 11 adults. This violence angered the protesters, who subsequently burned down the Mosque of Baitul Mutaqin and other public facilities around the Mosque.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Religious violence is a serious problem in Indonesia, but the case in Tolikara, Papua constitutes the first such case occurring in Papua; the routine human rights violations occurring in Papua and West Papua are the result of political conflicts and natural resources. It is important for the Papuan and Indonesian authorities to take more effort in ensuring tolerance and peace in the society, and ensuring the right to freedom of religion and expression of all peoples.
The Tolikara police’s use of force was excessive. Strict action must be taken against the responsible officers, and the government must ensure that this does not recur. Furthermore, the local authorities failed in the responsibility to mediate between the two religious communities and ensure that no violence or hostility occurred.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write to the authorities listed below, asking them to ensure that the police officers responsible for shooting at the GIDI congregation are investigated and prosecuted. The victims and their families must be given adequate remedies.
The AHRC is writing a separate letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of expression and opinion, and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of religion and belief on this matter.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear ………………..,
INDONESIA: Police Failure to protec freedom of religion in Tolikara Papua
Name of victim: 12 GIDI congregants, one of whom died (an elementary school student), while 11 were injured.
Alleged perpetrators: Police officers of Tolikara police resort (Polres Tolikara), Papua, Indonesia
Date of incident: 17 July 2015
Place of incident: Karubaga, Tolikara Regency, Papua province, Indonesia
I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding the brutal attack on members of the Evangelical Church of Indonesia, who were protesting outside a mosque in Karubaga, Tolikara, Papua, by police officers of the Tolikara police resort (Polres Tolikara). One elementary school student died as a result, while 11 adults were seriously injured.
Between 15-20 July 2015, the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (known as GIDI) organized its international youth seminar and revival service (KKR) in Tolikara regency, Papua province, Indonesia. Near the GIDI church, the local Muslim congregations were to celebrate Idul Fitri on July 17.
GIDI’s leader issued a letter stating that they objected to the use of the loudspeaker during the Idul Fitri prayers in Karubaga, Tolikara on July 17, as it coincided with the national conference held by GIDI.
A similar notification letter was also sent by GIDI to the Tolikara police resort on July 13. After receiving the letter, the police chief stated that the loudspeaker can be used, and this was reaffirmed by the local regent.
The GIDI congregation then organized a protest near the Mosque on July 17, and began throwing stones at the Muslims celebrating Idul Fitri. In a brutal and excessive show of force, the police suddenly shot at the protesters, killing one elementary school child and injuring 11 adults. This violence angered the protesters, who subsequently burned down the Mosque of Baitul Mutaqin and other public facilities around the Mosque.
Therefore, I respectfully request you to ensure that the police officers responsible for shooting at the GIDI congregation are investigated and prosecuted. The victims and their families must be given adequate remedies.
I look forward to your prompt action regarding this matter.
Yours Sincerely,
……………….
PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Joko Widodo
President of the Republic of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 3458 595
Fax: +62 21 3484 4759
E-mail: webmaster@setneg.go.id
2. Mr. Yasonna Laoly
Minister
Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. 6–7
Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 525 3006, 525 3889
Fax: +62 21 525 3095
3. Dr. Mualimin Abdi SH., MH
Director General of Human Rights
Office of the Director General of Human Rights
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. 6–7
Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 5253006
Fax: +62 21 5253095
4. General Badroedin Haiti
Chief of National Police
KAPOLRI
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 384 8537, 726 0306
Fax: +62 21 7220 669
E-mail: info@polri.go.id
5. Inspector General Pol Yotje Mende
The Chief of Police Area of Papua [KAPOLDA]
Jalan. Sam Ratulangi No. 8, Papua 99112
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 967 531014
Fax : +62 967 533763
6. Mr. Luhut Binsar Panjaitan
Chairperson
National Police Commission
Jl. Tirtayasa VII No. 20
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 739 2315
Fax: +62 21 739 2352
E-mail: secretariat@kompolnas.go.id, skm@kompolnas.go.id
7. Mr. Nur Kholis
Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission
Jl. Latuharhary No. 4-B
Jakarta 10310
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 392 5227-30
Fax: +62 21 392 5227
E-mail: info@komnas.go.id
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
