Right of Reply Delegation of the Republic of Indonesia to the statement made by Vanuatu, February 2022
Mr. Vice President,
1. We wish to exercise our right of reply to the statement made by the delegation of Vanuatu who regrettably, has made false and unsubstantiated remarks about my country.
2. We especially reject Vanuatu’s unfounded allegations, supporting the narrative of those who want to damage the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.
3. The arrest of Mr. Yeimo was strictly made in relation to his alleged involvement in the incitement of the mass riots of Jayapura, Papua Province, on 30 August 2019.
4. Video footage – which is readily found online, as well as well as the testimonies of numerous witnesses, have all indicated Mr. Yeimo’s involvement in inciting the destruction of public property in and around the Office of the Governor of Papua on 30 August 2019.
5. Further, Mr. Yeimo’s alleged incitement is also based on his advocacy for separatism and secession from the Republic of Indonesia – a clear violation of Indonesia’s national laws, international law, as well as the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
6. His statements on this matter, including those made prior to the riots, can also be found online.
7. After his arrest, contrary to the false allegations made, the Indonesian Government has continued to ensure Mr. Yeimo’s rights, particularly his right to due process and access to healthcare and routine medical examinations.
8. We therefore fully reject the false allegations made by Vanuatu.
9. Indonesia therefore invites Vanuatu to continue to work together in a spirit of collaboration, including in fighting rampant corruption in Vanuatu, instead of opting for propagating falsehoods in multilateral forums for the sake of misinformed and shortsighted political agenda.
Thank you.
