THE Pacific Conference of Churches deplores the treatment of Reverend Dr Benny Giay by Indonesian security forces

THE Pacific Conference of Churches deplores the treatment of Reverend Dr Benny Giay by Indonesian security forces in Jayapura on Monday. Reverend Dr Giay – a senior and respected member of the Papuan and Christian community – was treated like a common criminal when he did no more than attempt to pray at the offices of the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Papua (Papuan People’s Representative Council). 

The PCC is deeply saddened that the Indonesian security forces continue to disrespect Papuan leaders and people, despite the Special Law on Autonomy for West Papua. Enacted in 2001 and renewed this year without consultation, the law was supposedly designed to enshrine the values and ideals of the indigenous population and provide them justice and equitable treatment. 

Reverend Dr Giay is Chair of the Kingmi Synod in Papua and Moderator of the West Papua Council of Churches. He deserves to be treated with respect – not because of his position, but for the fact that Indonesian Special Law 21 on the Autonomy for West Papua. 

The treatment of Rev Dr Giay shows that despite its own laws, Indonesia treats the people of Papua unjustly, undemocratically and inhumanely. Pacific governments must address this issue with Indonesia which wants to become part of the regional community through its many development agencies. 

 The PCC calls on Indonesia to end the cruel and violent treatment of Papuans by its security forces. The PCC also calls for the release from detention of Victor Yeimo, Chairman of the Komite Nasional Barat Papua and urges that he be treated with dignity and justice. #freepapua #PapuaMerdeka #justice #PapuanLivesMatter #pcc