Wednesday for Political Prisoners / TAPOL
- Merdeka Secretariat
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Solidarity Alert!
The struggle for justice and self-determination in West Papua is ongoing, and the plight of Political Prisoners (TAPOL) is a critical frontline.
Every Wednesday, we invite everyone to join West Papuan activists as they carry out visits on West Papuan political prisoners in jail, bringing essential items, sharing stories, and exchanging vital information.
These visits also include symbolic action right outside the prison walls, demanding the immediate release of all West Papuan political prisoners.
Let us send a clear signal to the Indonesian government that the world is watching.
We enjoin the world to amplify their call against arbitrary arrest, torture, and unfair trials for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
A Crisis of Freedom: The West Papuan Political Prisoners
Human rights monitoring group highlights the persistent and alarming number of arbitrary arrests and detentions targeting West Papuan activists.
Data compiled by Papuans Behind Bars (PBB) initiated by West Papuan civil society groups and managed by TAPOL (the UK-based human rights organization focused on Indonesia) shows a pattern of widespread suppression of West Papuan and advocates right to dissent.
In 2013 alone, a record high of 548 political arrests were recorded, with the majority related to participation in peaceful demonstrations. That is almost 2 arrests per day in West Papua.
PBB's records show 531 political arrests in 2023, and 370 political arrests in 2024, overwhelmingly for peaceful political activity.
The most frequently used charge against political detainees is Treason (Article 106 and 110 of the Indonesian Criminal Code), often levied simply for organizing or participating in protests or raising the Morning Star flag, the symbol of West Papuan independence.
The Indonesian government also employs the tactic of transferring West Papuan political prisoners to courts and prisons far from their homes, often citing vague "security concerns," which effectively functions as a form of non-judicial exile to increase their hardship and isolate them from crucial support.
This maneuver, exemplified by the transfer of activists like the Sorong Four from Sorong, West Papua, to Makassar, South Sulawesi (a distance of over 1,300 kilometers), severely restricts the prisoners' ability to mount an effective defense by making it difficult for their families, communities, and legal counsel to attend trials and maintain contact, thereby undermining their right to a fair trial and breaking their support network.
These figures demonstrate a continuous crackdown on fundamental freedoms and highlight the critical need for sustained international solidarity.
Join the Global Call for Justice and Self-Determination!
The "Wednesday for Political Prisoners / TAPOL" action is a lifeline to those detained for seeking freedom.
The rising number of political prisoners in West Papua supports the Indonesian government's effort to suppress the West Papuan struggle for self-determination against occupation and human rights violations.
Arrests and detentions, often under severe charges like treason for peaceful acts such as raising the Morning Star flag or organizing protests, demonstrate a strategy to criminalize legitimate political expression and dismantle the movement's leadership and support structures.
Highlighting the denial of fundamental freedoms and strengthening the global consensus that the underlying conflict is a political one rooted in the unfulfilled right of the West Papuan people to determine their own destiny.
We invite the global community, solidarity networks, and human rights advocates to amplify this crucial work. Whether through advocacy, photo and video messages, writing a letter to your own government to raise awareness about the West Papuan political prisoners, or financial support, your solidarity makes a profound difference in the lives of our imprisoned West Papuan brothers and sisters.
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Let them know they are not alone.
Support the call to Free All West Papuan Political Prisoners!
Papua Merdeka!