By Ezra Toara Dec 4, 2024
December 1, 2024 is a date deeply significant to all West Papuans, marking 63 years since the Morning Star Flag was first raised for independence and justice for West Papua.
This year’s event in Vanuatu’s capital was commemorated at Sorovango School.
“As we honour those who have fallen in our struggle, we also celebrate our ongoing resistance to Indonesian colonialism,” said Benny Wenda, Interim President of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Provisional Government.
The Interim President reflected on December 1, 2020, as a pivotal date when the ULMWP announced the establishment of the Provisional Government of West Papua. “Since then, we have solidified our foundations, drafting a Constitution, forming a cabinet, adopting a Green State Vision, and appointing seven executives representing West Papua’s customary regions,” he said.
The legitimacy of this government lies in the people’s mandate, with a historic milestone reached in 2023 during the ULMWP Congress—the first democratic election in West Papua’s history. More than 5,000 West Papuans gathered in Jayapura to elect leaders and assert control over their movement. “This came at great sacrifice, but it was necessary to demonstrate our commitment to democracy even before achieving independence,” Wenda noted.
The Congress confirmed three central agendas: full membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), securing a United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights visit, and a resolution at the UN General Assembly. “Through our Congress, we have firmly placed the struggle in the hands of our people. The ULMWP is prepared to act when the time for liberation comes,” he declared.
Mr. Wenda acknowledged the inherent challenges of unity in any revolution. “Differing views are inevitable, but the ULMWP and our constitution provide the sole pathway to liberation. We are not separatists; we are a government-in-waiting, representing the unified will of our people.”
Honouring West Papua’s history, Wenda affirmed the ULMWP Constitution’s recognition of prior independence declarations, including those from 1961, 1971, 1988, 2000, and 2011. “Each declaration represents an unyielding rejection of Indonesian colonialism and embodies the spirit of Merdeka (freedom),” he emphasised.
However, concerns persist regarding the policies of Indonesia’s new president, Prabowo Subianto. “His administration has deployed more troops to West Papua, resumed illegal settlement programs, and initiated large-scale deforestation projects, endangering our land and culture,” Wenda warned.
He called on all West Papuans—whether in cities, rural areas, refugee camps, or in exile—to unite under the ULMWP Provisional Government. He urged the international community to intensify pressure on Indonesia to revisit the fraudulent Act of No Choice and uphold West Papua’s right to self-determination.
Condemning the criminalisation of pro-independence activities, Wenda cited the case of Defianus Kogoya, an activist tortured and imprisoned for his beliefs. “If Indonesia’s offer of amnesty is genuine, it must include the release of all political prisoners and allow peaceful activism,” he said.
Despite challenges, 2023 saw notable advancements. The Pacific Islands Forum reaffirmed its call for a UN Human Rights visit to West Papua, supported by over 100 nations. Meanwhile, the formation of the West Papua People’s Liberation Front (GR-PWP) has strengthened the movement on the ground.
Wenda concluded by thanking the GR-PWP administration, the National Committee for West Papua (Komite Nasional Papua Barat or KNPB), and the Alliance of Papuan Students for their invaluable contributions. “Your efforts carry the spirit of Merdeka and bring us closer to liberation,” he said.
Source :https://www.dailypost.vu/news/port-vila-commemorates-63-years-of-west-papua-s-struggle-for-independence/article_938a8527-9d9f-51b7-aa61-f3624768e1d9.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3WSAe-A0Oy-_RgQkhaybyOOaGO9ynFE6CMjJ1f757m42ELLN1JKMQZeeQ_aem_Ui0emmOtYprY-eKZPZgaTg
