PNG: West Papua supporters march

Issue 

On May 26, demonstrators marched to the Indonesian embassy in Port Moresby calling on the new Indonesian leader to grant the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya its independence.

They presented a petition signed by pro-independence leaders Michael Kareth and Francis Mirino, PNG Council of Churches general secretary Reverend Leva Kila Pat and West Sepik provincial governor John Tekwie, who is parliamentary leader of the Indigenous People's Movement Party.

Kareth and the leader of Melanesian Solidarity, Powes Parkop, said copies of the petition were being given to PNG prime minister Bill Skate and opposition leader Bernard Narokobi.

The petition called on world leaders to "accept, respect and recognise the rights of the people of West Papua as an independent state of West Papua New Guinea."

On May 22, Rex Rumakiek, spokesperson for the rebel Free Papua Movement, issued the following statement:

"We welcome Suharto's resignation and congratulate the students for bringing about his demise.

"Suharto's military dictatorship has caused much suffering in West Papua. More than 300,000 have perished at the hands of Suharto's military forces. There are more than 140 political prisoners in jail, most of them in Java.

"Suharto was responsible for the fraudulent "Act of Free Choice" in 1969 that resulted in the annexation of West Papua from the rest of New Guinea.

"His military operations in the Central Highlands of West Papua during the 1997-98 drought stopped humanitarian aid reaching the people, causing the death of more than 1000 innocent people.

"We demand Suharto stand trial for all the crimes his regime has committed against the people of West Papua.

"We demand the immediate release of all West Papuan political prisoners, whose only crime was wanting to be free on their own land."

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.