Promoting peace, human rights and democracy in Indonesia
111 Northwood Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey, CR7 8HW
Tel: +44 (0)20 8771 2904/+44 (0)1420 80153 Fax: +44 (0)20 8653 0322
Email: tapol@gn.apc.org
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Promoting peace, human rights and democracy in Indonesia |
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Film screenings: Indonesia and the 1965 tragedy,
15 September 2010 |
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TAPOL – which means political prisoner in Indonesian – is a UK-based NGO founded in 1973 by Carmel Budiardjo, a former political prisoner in Indonesia and Amnesty International prisoner of conscience.
Our mission is to promote human rights, peace and democracy in Indonesia and East Timor based on the principles of justice, solidarity, partnership, equality and mutual respect. We undertake UK and European-based advocacy, provide a bridge between Indonesian civil society and western public opinion and policy makers, and contribute to building the capacity of our partner organisations. For more about TAPOL click here. |
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In the ten years since the downfall of former President Suharto, rapid social, economic and political developments have transformed Indonesia from a harshly repressive dictatorship to a chaotic yet functional democracy.
Another momentous election year in 2009 has seen a strong performance by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s Partai Demokrat in the April legislative elections and a decisive victory by the President himself in July’s Presidential elections. What does all this mean for Indonesia’s democratic transition?
Some of the answers may be found in a series of articles and news digests published by TAPOL on the elections. These can be obtained by clicking on the 'Elections' link above.
Perempuan Papua review
- Inside Indonesia book review by Carmel Budiardjo
Dialogue a must for Papua
- TAPOL press release
Resource-rich West Papua, but who benefits?
- Jakarta Post article by Carmel Budiardjo
Obama should help a people blighted by a US corporation
- Jakarta Post article by Carmel Budiardjo
Death of former Indonesian President, Gus Dur
- Tribute by Carmel Budiardjo
Death of Papuan leader, Kelly Kwalik
- TAPOL calls for investigation
Criminal defamation proceedings against Usman Hamid
- Letter to Indonesian Justice Minister
The Prospects for Papuan-Indonesian Dialogue
- Peace Magazine article by Carmel Budiardjo
- Jakarta Post/TAPOL article: West Papuan issues and the prospects for dialogue
- Review Papua Road Map
- Statement by West Papua National Coalition for Liberation
Security Council urged to ensure accountability for Timor crimes
- Joint NGO letter
Separatism stigma and rebellion charges widespread in West Papua
- TAPOL press release
Call for revocation of 1966 discriminatory law
- TAPOL statement
The Munir history test: Unfinished business of justice
- Jakarta Post article by Paul Barber & Usman Hamid on the 5th anniversary of Munir's assassination
East Timor Solidarity Activists Press for Justice
- IPS report profiles TAPOL's Carmel Budiardjo
Joesoef Isak 15 July 1928 - 15 August 2009
TAPOL obituary
15 Papuans face serious charges for peaceful demonstration
- TAPOL statement
TAPOL Supports Amungme People’s Lawsuit Against Freeport
- TAPOL statement
Papuan women victims of discrimination and abuse
- Article by Carmel Budiardjo published in Liberation
TAPOL calls on British Government to suspend training of Kopassus
- TAPOL press release
From bullets to ballots: Aceh elections bolster peace process
- TAPOL press release
Presidential election debates must include human rights
- TAPOL press release
Winners and losers in Indonesia's elections
- TAPOL press release
Papua violence mars Indonesian elections
- TAPOL press release
TAPOL protests defamation charges against Timorese journalist
- Statement
Women pessimistic about their prospects in Indonesian elections
- TAPOL press release
Perempuan pesimis soal peluang mereka dalam Pemilu
- Siaran Pers TAPOL
Security Council urged to ensure accountability for Timor crimes
- Joint NGO letter
Focus on corruption as Indonesian elections draw near
- TAPOL press release
Korupsi sedot perhatian menjelang pemilu
- Siaran Pers TAPOL
2009 Order of Timor-Leste
In August 2009, on the tenth anniversary of East Timor's vote for independence, Carmel was presented with the Order of Timor-Leste by the country's President, José Ramos-Horta, 'For her Impressive Contribution to Peace, to the Timorese People and to Humanity'.
2008 John Rumbiak Human Rights Defenders Award
TAPOL Founder Carmel Budiardjo was the first recipient of the John Rumbiak Human Rights Defenders Award, which honours a Papuan who, until suffering a debilitating stroke in 2005 was a leading voice in the defence of Papuan human rights:
‘Ms Budiardjo is a legendary defender of human rights for the people of the Indonesian archipelago, whose activism and advocacy extends back four decades. In particular, she has been a leading champion of rights for the Papuan people, working with great success to mobilize the international community in their defence.’
1995 Right Livelihood Award
In 1995, Carmel Budiardjo was awarded the Right Livelihood Award (unofficially known as the ‘alternative Nobel Peace Prize’), which was established in Stockholm and is presented in the Swedish Parliament ‘to honour and support those offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us today’. The Award Foundation citation stated:
‘Carmel Budiardjo has found in the repression suffered by her and her husband at the hands of the Indonesian Government the energy and dedication to campaign for over twenty years for Indonesian political prisoners and the oppressed and slaughtered people of East Timor. The jury honours her ‘for holding the Indonesian Government to account for its actions and upholding the universality of fundamental human rights.’
In the same year, Carmel received a certificate in acknowledgement of her activities from the Indonesian human rights organisation PIJAR and the following year was recognised by a coalition of Achenese NGOs:
‘Never in History So Many Owe So Much To So Few [sic] (Winston Chruchill): In the Intenationalization of the Acheh Conflict, Carmel Budiardjo of TAPOL is definitely an ace among these few.’
TAPOL Bulletin archive
We have a range of publications available for order.
To see a full list of these, and for details on how to order, please check out our publications section.