Sep 3, 2007

URGENT APPEAL FROM PAPERNAS (INDONESIA)

by Peter Boyle

I have just been telephoned by Katarina Pujiastuti, InternationalRelations Officer of the national Liberation Party of Unity (PAPERNAS- www.papernas.org) in Indonesia about a serious threat of attack from right-wing militia against a mass gathering of some 500-700 Papernas activists in the city of Lampung.

They do not have access to internet at present but can be reached on their mobile phones (Dita Sari + 62817711122, Katarina Pujiastuti +6281584368608).

Although they had prebooked their venue a month ahead, the owners are now asking that they leave for fear of attack and while the police had granted them a permit for the gathering, they are now setting up bureaucratic obstacles to recognising that permit.

The owner and the comrades have been receiving threats by telephone from a militia group called Pemuda Pancasila which claims to be about to attack with a force of 1000. Papernas has been the subject of serial violent attacks from right-wing militia groups since its formation.

Papernas is asking for supporters around the world to send urgent calls supporting their right to assembly to:

Governor of Lampung: Syarudin J P +62811888877, +628127211629

Regional Police Chief: Suharjono Kamimo +628127214625

And to send messages of solidarity to Katarina Pujiastuti +6281584368608 .