The first time I was arrested for subversion, I was forced to sit at a table in a police station; an Indonesian police officer sat across from me and placed a gun on the table near his burly hands. I remember the gun was large and dark silver. He told me they could kill me if they wanted and there would be nothing my family could do. But in my mind’s eye, the gun was a bible and I realized that whether I am in prison or anywhere else, I am never alone. This gave me the strength to endure prison, and the resolve to fight harder, fight braver - Herman WainggaiHerman Wainggai, is a visiting scholar at George Mason University's School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution in Fairfax, Virginia. He is a politician, diplomat and a leader in West Papua’s self determination struggle. He also represents the Federal Republic of West Papua at the United Nations in New York.
The Wainggai family is from Yapen Island on the north coast of West Papua. Herman’s mother and father, Laurina Karubaba and Zadrach Wainggai, moved to Jayapura where Herman was born in 1973. He is the the oldest of six children. As a child, his parents shared the story of the 1969 “Act Of Free Choice” that forced West Papua to integrate into Indonesia. As well as Indonesia’s failure to allow Melanesians to manage their own affairs as it is clearly stated in the agreement. For years Herman’s father participated in nonviolent activism and took care to nurture Herman’s understanding of the practices and ideologies their struggle was based upon. Besides the influence of his parents, Herman’s Christian faith has been a faithful companion and guide throughout his life; teaching him patience, and guiding him through difficult decisions related to his growing activism.
When he was a child, Herman, who was a bit shy, and quiet, began teaching Sunday school at the Evangelical Christian Church (GKI) where he learned to enjoy sharing God’s word and taught his pupils how to appreciate life and have faith that God will help the Melanesian Papuans. Herman taught at the Evangelical Christian Church (GKI) for many years throughout his teens. Between 1994 and 1996, he participated in the production of the ‘Jesus Film’ produced by Dr Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ International) in West Papua. This project freed Herman from his shyness and he was able to raise his voice and inform Papuans of the importance of participating in the nonviolent struggle for self-determination.
During the 1990s (when nearly all the 'West Melanesia' lecturers were incarcerated), he was a law student at a University in West Papua. He was at the forefront of developing non-violent resistance with legal argument, political debate and an emphasis on the grace-filled virtues of justice, peace, and love. A passion for political development and social progress was inspired by his father's brother, Dr Thomas Wainggai, a formidable intellectual and passionate nationalist who demonstrably influenced the freedom struggle by raising a flag in the name of ‘West Melanesia’ in 1988. (He was charged with subversion and incarcerated. He died in Cipinang Prison in 1996, after being poisoned by the Indonesian authorities)
Thom Wainggai, was a respected lecturer at Cenderawasih University. He was a popular, dynamic political leader and the architect of the West Melanesian Movement. Mr. Wainggai had recently returned with his Ph.D from the United States where he studied Public Administration at Florida State University. At this point West Papuans knew him as “Dr. Thom”. Herman and his uncle developed a special relationship as his uncle began to educate him in the theory and the principals behind the West Melanesian Movement nonviolent struggle founded by Dr. Thom. Herman learned how spirituality is omnipresent in nonviolent resistance and that his faith should guide him when he is wrestling with difficult decisions. Dr. Thom’s philosophies and instructions became integrated into Herman’s developing ideology. The lessons learned about the Papuan nonviolent resistance campaigns remain active and easily accessible in Herman’s memory when he faces his own difficult choices, which are many for leaders of political activism. Dr. Thom served as a revered leader and remained dedicated to the idea of freedom, free expression, and safety for the Melenesian people.
In the 1970s, Thom traveled to the University of Japan to study law at Okayama University. When he returned to West Papua in 1973, he was arrested for the first time because of his political activism. He was sentenced to six months in the Indonesian Army prison. Once released, Thom returned to Japan to complete his law degree. Shortly after completing his law degree, he traveled to the United States as a Fulbright Scholar where he earned a Masters degree in Public Administration followed by a Ph.D. in political philosophy at Florida State University. The purpose of his higher education was not to remain in the United States, but rather to increase his knowledge and skills and return to West Papua to continue his fight for freedom and pass on some of his new knowledge to the nonviolent resistance campaign. On December 14, 1988, Dr. Thom made a revelatory proclamation that Papuans are Melanesian with a strong cultural heritage that is distinctly West Melanesian and has no historical connection with the citizens of Indonesia. He described Melanesian woman as the “the Birds of Paradise”, and Melanesian men as “Pigeon”. Dr. Thom’s proclamation was also very political, as it left an open space for him to describe West Papua as a Nation, a State and a Government with the goal of conforming to Western terminology and the politics they practice. In 1988 he was arrested for subversion and sentenced to 20 years in the army prison in Waena Jayapura. The result of expressing his ideological conviction that a true democracy, administered by Melanesians, is the only acceptable solution for his people. Herman has vivid memories of his visits with his uncle while he was imprisoned. Some of his memories were in good spirits while others were frightening. One memory in particular is watching the Indonesian prison guards use the tip of their sharp bayonet to haphazardly rummage through the food that Herman brought for his uncle. During these visits, the capricious guards were waiting for a justification to enforce further punishment. Herman also remembers the extreme disrespect shown to his vulnerable uncle. It was obvious to Herman that the guards saw Melanesians as dogs but it was the dehumanization of his cherished Dr. Thom that was so abominable and influential in Herman’s explicit choice to fight smarter, stronger, and braver for West Papua’s independence.
He does that by acting as an educator, mentor, and trainer of students committed to peacefully working together to make a positive change in the world and international advocating for West Papuan independence.
While Dr. Thom was in prison, Herman felt tremendous fear for his cherished uncle’s safety. Everyone was well aware of the danger Dr. Thom was in, but was powerless to help him. Then the event Herman feared, happened shortly before his next visit with his uncle. Sadly, Dr. Thom, died alone in prison at the age of sixty-one because of the duplicitous act of poisoning his food. Thousands of Melanesians were overcome with grief upon hearing of Dr. Thom’s death. The loss was deep for Papuans. Losing Dr. Thom meant losing an exceptional man. One who faithfully served Papuans as a leader, an educator, an activist, a friend, and a beloved family member. West Papuan’s were deeply disappointed and struggled with the unnecessary death of such a great man. The next day the news headlines in Indonesia referred to him as the “Nelson Mandela of Irian Jaya”, a label Papuans saw fitting for their hero, Dr. Thom Wainggai.
Dr. Thom’s death was heart wrenching for Herman and his sorrow was deep. He still vividly feels the moment he learned of his uncle’s death: first came a gasp, then tears; and as he wiped the tears away he felt a renewed and empowered commitment to fight, using only nonviolent strategies, for independence with his fellow Melanesian Papuans.
One may stop to ponder where West Papua would be if the military did not murder the West Papuan “Nelson Mandela”. Herman takes comfort in his belief that his beloved uncle is pleased that his death ignited the Second Papuan National Awakening that remains mobilized and buttressed by ubiquitous Melanesian. It was created to function as the transitional Papuan government in the period following independence. Once the West Papua's government and secure and supported in the international community, the Third Congress will act as the permanent governing body.
The death of Dr. Thom was a tragedy for Herman and all Melanesians. It goes without saying that Herman lost his teacher, his role model, his mentor, and of course his dear uncle. This loss has become a part of Herman, just like the lessons on the philosophies of fighting for freedom from Indonesia’s evil grasp Dr. Thom gave him as a young boy. Herman is steadfast in his commitment to continue fighting for self-determination and although his uncle was killed, his activism will continue for independence with self-determination for West Papua’s indigenous peoples. There is no doubt that Dr. Thom’s remains with his nephew, Herman, who himself has matured into a prominent leader for West Papua independence and an important voice in the international community. “My loved one is an eternal, immortal soul who continues to live in another dimension more beautiful than the one in which I currently exist.”
Herman has his own story of danger, adventure, and triumph in his quest for independence. While studying Law and Theology, Herman became a key figure in the nonviolent student movements. He organized peaceful demonstrations to advocate human rights, democracy and freedom in West Papua.
At the age of twenty, Herman founded the West Papua National Youth Awareness Team (WESTPANYAT). WESTPANYAT's objective was the promotion of a 'West Melanesia' philosophy of non-violent resistance and nation-making based on land rights and responsibilities. Beginning as an organization of seven, its clandestine workshops were disciplined and popular. By 2000, there were eighteen thousand WESTPANYAT's raising awareness of Melanesian cultures, identities, and beliefs in West Papua, PNG, Bougainville, the Solomons, Fiji, Kanaki, and Vanuatu.
In addition to WESTPANYAT, another student organization was founded. West Papua Student Union (SONAMAPA) was created to mobilize reconciliation and unity between West Papuan leaders.
In 2000, SONAMAPA brought sixteen West Papuan political organizations into agreement during a meeting at AWAWI on the PNG border. During this, Herman was charged with subversion and incarcerated in Abepura Prison for four months. His own father was incarcerated before him on December 14th, 2000, and the day he joined his father in prison was the worst day of his life. They were released on the same day in 2001 after serving 4 months. Herman was so inspired by and learned so much from his activist father. He felt truly proud to be a part of a family that was trying so hard to make a difference.
Two years later, the AWAWI signatories set up the United West Papua National Front for Independence from which, the West Papua National Authority mushroomed.
In 2002 Herman was invited by Hilda Lini, the director of the Pacific Concerns Resource Center, to create the Fiji-West Papua Foundation. In this foundation, West Papua delegation instructed Fijian members in lobbying techniques, the necessary skills to increase their base of support and distributed writings to the sixteen members of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) countries. In August 2002, the Pacific Island Forum was held in Suva, Fiji. Herman and Hilda’s hard work was a success. Once this was complete Herman returned to West Papua and was again arrested and incarcerated for two grueling years.
For political prisoners such as Herman Wainggai, release from prison does not imply safety. The reality for political prisoners, especially political leaders like Herman, is that they remain as prisoners in the sense that they are closely monitored, and can and will be arrested again for any reason the Indonesian military can find. Melanesians seeking political voice are closely watched by the Indonesian military, frequently imprisoned again, or, frequently they “mysteriously” die. Herman was a respected public figure in the growing nonviolent struggle for freedom and Indonesia knew this. The military viewed Herman as a threat and consequentially his life was in grave danger. He feared he could possibly be a victim of a terrible “accident”.
Herman knew had to make some tough decisions, he knew there were only two options. In order to make a decision he delved into a period of introspection, contemplation, and prayer. He found clarity; and decided to do what he thought would be best for the Melanesian Papuans, to attempt an escape to Australia. He knew that being alive in Australia campaigning would help Papuans much more than being dead in West Papua.
In 2005 Herman organized himself, and forty-two other West Papuans, to circumnavigate their homeland in a traditional double-outrigger canoe (especially built for the journey) and cross the dangerous Torres Strait currents to the north coast of Australia. Torres Times photographer Damien Baker captured their landing on an isolated inlet at Mapoon in far-north Queensland, and the remarkable odyssey sparked media reports around the world.
For Herman, the choice to use the traditional outrigger canoe as his vessel to reach Australia was not based on a spontaneous moment of fear to escape, but rather on a strategic desire to broadcast West Papuan messages to the international community. The first message, meant exclusively for Herman, was a plea to Australia for protection and long-term security within their national boundaries. However the salient message based within the larger political international community was in the form a metaphorical declaration of West Papuans readiness for self-determination. The outrigger canoe Herman chose for his journey was similar to the canoes used in the past to navigate through the Melanesian archipelago but it also was a metaphor for the WPNA. As Herman explains in his briefing paper delivered at the Comprehending West Papua, conference organized by the West Papua Project of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at Sydney University in February 2011,
“The Traditional canoe is used as a metaphor of the WPNA. The struggle of the ancestors is passed on to the next generation through knowledge, loyalty and perseverance. The WPNA is like a canoe carrying different tribes united by nationalism to be one people and one nation.”
When the canoe approached the shoreline of Mapon it bore the political message “Save West Papua people’s souls from genocide, intimidation, and terror inflicted by the military government of Indonesia, we, West Papuans need freedom, peace, love and justice in our homeland,” illustrating that Papuans are ready and capable to be an independent nation-state that practices self-determination through a democratic society, with equal inclusions and protections of all West Papuans. It also bore the message that independence for Papuans is nonnegotiable and they will persist fighting for it until it is won.
Australian Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone granted them asylum a couple of months later. Indonesian President Yudhoyono angrily recalled his Ambassador from Canberra. Prime Minister Howard’s efforts to reconstruct his government’s relationship with Indonesia culminated with the Lombok Treaty (2006), which outlawed independence activities in both countries. Herman meantime assisted a bevy of Australian NGOs settle his companions in Melbourne, including setting up the West Papua Christian Fellowship at St Hilary’s Anglican Church.
While in Australia Herman established a radio program called Voice of West Papua’ radio show. This 3CR Community Radio Program gave a platform for West Papuan activists and community members to voice the aspirations of Papuas struggle as well as share songs, interviews, music and stories.
During this time, Herman participated in and completed human rights advocacy training, as well as, congressional visits as part of the annual June survivors week in 2011 and 2014 at the Coalition of International Torture Abolition and Survivors Support (TASSC), UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. in Washington, DC.
Herman developed his non-violent approach to independence after questioning how the grace-filled virtues of justice, peace, and love could influence his work as an activist, politician, scholar, leader and diplomat. He comes from a tradition of disciplined orators, craftsmen and musicians, and believes people’s dignity and their culture, as well as God’s laws and international secular laws are fundamental to the West Papuan self-determination project. He believes the independence of West Papua will be a major development in the democracy of Indonesia. In this capacity he attended the Fletcher Summer Institute for the advanced study of non-violent conflict at Tufts University in Boston, June 2009. After decades of fighting the good fight, Herman believes there are rumblings in the plates of Indonesia’s power structure. Critical to this movement are the nonviolent resistance campaigns organized and fought in the conflict. Herman’s activism and advocacy has expanded to Washington D.C. where he is raising awareness of Indonesia’s ongoing brutality in West Papua by addressing the need for Melanesian Papuans to have political space and a voice in their destiny.
For over 25 years, 1988 – 2015, Herman has committed himself to playing a leadership role as a civil servant for West Papuans even though the sacrifices for him are large. Herman is forbidden to return to West Papua and see his fellow Melanesian people, whom he considers to be a part of his family. Being prohibited to visit his aging parents was quite painful, and he misses them greatly. Yet, Herman’s tenacity, and confidence allows him to persevere with his mission to fulfill the dream of Merdeka shared by all Melanesian West Papuans. It’s clear to everyone that his leadership role as a mentor to students, and community members in West Papua and Australia has had a substantial impact in the international community. He spreads the message that Papuans are prepared to govern West Papua independently.
Herman currently serves as the foreign advocate for the West Papua National Authority (WPNA) Asia-Pacific affairs based in Washington, D.C. and is co-founder and leader of the WPNA and represents the Federal Republic of West Papua at the United Nations in New York.
In September of 2010, Herman returned to the United States to attend the first U.S. Congressional Hearing on West Papua. In November 2010, the George Mason University Sociology Department conducted the symposium, “Democracy and Human Rights in Asia and the Pacific-Searching For Solutions–West Papua –The Washington Solution.” The conference built on understanding developed during the first U.S. Congressional Hearing on West Papua on 22 September 2010, and aimed-especially through the personal testimonies of West Papuans living under Indonesian rule-to deepen awareness and build relations between the peoples of West Papua, the United States, and Australia. To date he has organized two conferences at George Mason: The Washington Solution in 2010 and West Papuan Culture and Human Rights in 2012.
Herman’s topic, “Democracy and Political Protest: Towards a Free West Papua”, addressed the so-called “Democracy” that Indonesia exerts upon the Melanesian people on a daily basis. When Herman was asked what Papuans view as their highest priority: human rights, safety from the Indonesian military, or independence, he was quick to respond that independence, i.e. self-determination guaranteed by international law, is the only acceptable outcome for Melanesians. Herman regards his Washington, D.C. visit as an important milestone in his journey to advance a democracy that truly functions ideologically as a democracy; a stark contrast to the current operations of the Indonesian government.
In May 2011 Herman Wainggai, now a public figure in West Papua’s campaign, journeyed to Washington, D.C. with ambitions to widen the sphere of awareness to “political” Washington, and its citizens. Since he arrived in D.C., Herman has participated in numerous activities for West Papua’s interests including a personal meeting with some members of congress to discuss the continuing oppression. In June of 2011, Herman was invited to attend the “Torture Survivors Advocacy Week” held be TASSC (Torture Abolition and Survivors Conference) with participation by the American University, George Washington University and Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Additionally, Herman has participated in the First Annual Model UN Workshop organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information, United Nations Headquarters New York, the 27th through 29th of August, 2012. He also participated in UNITAR General Briefing for new delegates on the work of the sixty seven session of the General Assembly from 12th through 14th of September, 2012 at UN Headquarters in New York. He attended a conference “A Culture and Conflict Summit” on September 10th and 11th, 2014 at the Newseum in Washington DC at the United States Institute for Peace (USIP).
In addition to these activities, Herman is building his Washington, D.C. team, and organizing events at universities and churches, as well as through Facebook and Blogging. His optimism is high and his dedication is unwavering. Herman Wainggai currently resides in the Washington D.C. area and serves as an international advocate for West Papua with a goal of garnering U.S. support for West Papua’s independence. He has dedicated twenty-five years of his life to struggling for West Papua’s independence as a nonviolent political activist, educator, leader and trainer of thousands of university students in the art of Melanesian nonviolent civil resistance.
The United States citizens need to be informed about the genocide that is taking place so they can challenge the government and step in to protect the rights of the Melanesian people. Which includes the right of self-determination by indigenous people. The United States, as a leading world power, has a responsibility to step out of the political forum, acknowledge injustices of the past and present, end those, and become the support system that Melanesians need now, and during an estimated five years while West Papua is transitioning to a permanent functioning sovereignty in its own right.
Source : http://hermanwainggai.com/wp/?page_id=38
Source : http://hermanwainggai.com/wp/?page_id=38
herman wainggai (freewestpapuacampaign@lists.riseup.net)4.6.2015
https://theblacklist.net/
Comments