Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on behalf of the European Commission
21.2.2022
EU-Indonesia relations are underpinned by the 2014 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Recent discussions took place in the context of the Human Rights Dialogue (27 May 2021)[1] and Joint Committee (22 June 2021). Since its democratic transition, respect for human rights in Indonesia has greatly improved. Nonetheless, the safeguarding of freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly remain matters of concern in West Papua. The EU supports Indonesia’s territorial integrity and encourages inclusive dialogue to address grievances felt by the local population and ensure respect for human rights. Respect for human rights, including fundamental labour rights, will also be embedded in any Free Trade Agreement, the 11th round of negotiations for which, took place on 8-12 November 2021[2].
The EU encourages Indonesia to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua and has urged Indonesia to extend standing invitations to all Special Rapporteurs and Mandate holders.
Since 2001, the EU has supported the government's efforts to promote Papua and West Papua’s sustainable development, by allocating EUR 4.7 million specifically to these two provinces in the field of democracy, civil society, peace process, healthcare, education, and land-use planning. Additionally, the EU has funded projects in Indonesia for over EUR 112 million in the sectors of climate change, deforestation, education, health and human rights, which included activities also in Papua and West Papua.