By Ezra Toaral

Indonesia has expressed concerns over Vanuatu’s public support for West Papua’s independence movement and its diplomatic ties with the West Papua Mission in Port Vila.

In a recent Q&A with the Vanuatu Daily Post, the Indonesian Ambassador to Vanuatu, Dr Siswo Pramono, stated that Indonesian officials had met with many Ni-Vanuatu who expressed a willingness to work more closely with Indonesia.

In response, Vanuatu’s Special Envoy for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Morris Kaloran, dismissed the notion, stating that those supporting Indonesia in Vanuatu are, in reality, strong advocates for freeing West Papua from Indonesian control.

He said all Ni-Vanuatu are well aware of the roadmap set by the nation’s founding leader, Father Walter Lini, who famously declared, “Until all of us are free, none of us are free.”

The Special Envoy emphasised that this statement continues to resonate deeply in the hearts of Ni-Vanuatu.

Kaloran further critiqued Indonesia’s narrative, saying, “The long list of assistance mentioned by Indonesia reflects the concept that all the resources strengthening their economy are derived from the land of Melanesians. They are not hesitant to ask for more.” He underscored that Vanuatu will always stand for vulnerable people fighting for their freedom, not only for West Papua but for the betterment of the global community.

He pointed to Vanuatu’s consistent advocacy on international issues, including the country’s strong support for the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision on the Chagos Islands. Kaloran affirmed that Vanuatu will always lend a helping hand to any nation seeking justice and freedom.

Quoting Ben Namakin, a passionate advocate from Kiribati and Pacific Regional Director for Financial Empowerment Partners (FEP), Kaloran concluded, “We are the solution to each other. Vanuatu will always remain a solution, no matter what.”