A Melanesian specialist says the West Papuan nationalist coalition that received observer status at the Melanesian Spearhead Group could follow a similar path to the FLNKS, which represents New Caledonia’s Kanak people.

Associate Professor Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka, from the University of Hawaii, says while the decision to only grant the group observer status may be disappointing for some, it could improve their bargaining power down the track.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-29/west-papua-could-follow-same-path-as-the-flnks/6579820