Indonesia: Papuan activists call for strike Jan. 10-11

Event

Activists from several Papuan separatist organizations, including the National Committee for West Papua (KNPB), have called for a national civil strike and will likely stage demonstrations Jan. 10-11. Any industrial action and rallies will likely occur in Papua and West Papua provinces, Jayapura, Manokwari, Nabire, Timika, and Wamena cities, as well as Intan Jaya, Mimika, Puncak Jaya, Tolikara, and Yahukimo regencies. Protests may also take place in Jakarta and Surabaya, where Papuan activists have previously staged major rallies. Likely action sites include government buildings like governor offices or provincial and city councils, as well as other popular gathering locations such as monuments and parks. Dozens to hundreds of people may participate in any action.

Any industrial action could cause production disruptions in affected areas. Workers could demonstrate near factories and industrial zones and block access to sites during the labor action. Short-term delivery and order fulfillment delays are possible.

Officials will almost certainly implement strict security measures in Papua and West Papua provinces, as well as any protest sites in Jakarta and Surabaya. Heightened security is also almost certain at the mining company PT Freeport Indonesia's (PTFI) facilities, especially Grasberg mine in Mimika Regency's Tembagapura District, as armed groups have carried out shootings near the mine. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely due to increased security measures and any strike action or protests. Clashes between security personnel and activists are possible. Mass arrests may occur if authorities consider any action to violate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions or requirements for public gathering permits.

Context

The call for a national civil strike came amidst recent security incidents in Papua Province. Unknown armed men had shot at a commercial helicopter hired by PTFI, in Tsinga, Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Jan. 6, while another group of assailants torched a foreign humanitarian organization's plane in Pagamba Village, Biandoga District, Intan Jaya Regency on the same day. While police investigations are ongoing, officials attributed the attacks to armed groups and said the incidents could be connected. Armed organizations are active in Papua and West Papua provinces, pointing to the continued tension between the Papuan people and Indonesian authorities. Reasons for the tension include the Papuan peoples' claims that the Indonesian central government racially discriminates against Papuans, that it does not sufficiently develop the provinces' infrastructure, and that it is working with international corporations to exploit resources without benefiting the locals. The armed groups typically target Indonesian soldiers and police officers, as well as workers and facilities of PTFI.

Advice

Use caution if operating near possible protest sites. Avoid any demonstrations due to possible clashes. Seek updated information from local contacts on rally locations and related disruptions. Plan for localized disruptions near any gatherings and seek alternative routes to circumvent affected areas. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.