IV. Recommendations

As the cases in this report demonstrate, violations of human rights by Kopassus forces are committed not only against those labeled as Papuan “rebels” or “separatists,” but against ordinary members of the population. To our knowledge, no soldiers have been investigated or punished in any way for any of the beatings described above. 

To the Indonesian Government

• Independently and impartially investigate allegations of human rights violations by Kopassus forces in Papua, including ill-treatment, torture, and arbitrary arrest and detention.
• Discipline or prosecute as appropriate perpetrators of abuses. Investigate and hold accountable superior officers for command responsibility if they knew or should have known of abuses and failed to prevent them or take action against those responsible.
• Take all necessary measures to protect victims and witnesses from retaliation by members of Kopassus or others.
• Ensure that Kopassus troops are not involved in law enforcement activities, which are the responsibility of the police.  Publicly list the duties of Kopassus in Papua.
• Provide greater transparency about the number of Kopassus soldiers deployed in Papua, their location, and their responsibilities.
• End restrictions on access to Papua for independent observers, including diplomats, foreign journalists, and human rights organizations, so that they can visit Papua without need for specific permission or approval.

To the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and other concerned countries

• Withhold training for Kopassus personnel until serious efforts are made to investigate and hold accountable Kopassus members, regardless of rank, responsible for past serious rights violations, including the incidents in Merauke reported here. Indonesia values its military-to-military relationships, in particular training for its personnel, and targeted sanctions on the Indonesian military can provide important pressure to help end the climate of impunity long enjoyed by the security forces.
• Urge the Indonesian government to investigate allegations of human rights violations by Kopassus personnel in Papua and hold accountable those responsible, regardless of rank.
• Provide greater assistance to local nongovernmental organizations in Papua and Indonesia to monitor human rights abuses, provide human rights education to government agencies and civilians, and assist victims of abuses to obtain legal and medical services.
• Support comprehensive police training in Papua to build police capacity to respond effectively to criminal complaints while respecting human rights.
• Publicly press the government to end restrictions on access to Papua for independent observers, including diplomats, international journalists, and human rights organizations.