Markus Haluk: "Why do I write?"

Markus Haluk (right)

After the great Papuan uprising in August 2019, the Indonesian police and military unleashed a wave of repression. Many key Papuan activists were arrested. One night, I too faced death—confronted by unknown armed men who threatened my life.

That night changed everything. I realized, as a freedom fighter, my life could be taken at any moment. I asked myself: “If I die tomorrow, what remains of this struggle? What legacy can I leave for my people?”

Without hesitation, I grabbed a pen. I began to pour out everything I had seen, heard, lived, and suffered during my twenty years resisting the colonial occupation of West Papua. I wrote down the sacrifices of our people—those struggling inside the country, in exile, and across the world. Page after page, memory after memory, the words kept flowing.

At first, I categorized the writings into 17 themes. Later, I condensed them into five burning pillars of truth—five book series that speak of our history, our pain, and our unwavering hope:

Series 1: West Papua’s return to the Melanesian home – a chronicle of our political journey, the birth of ULMWP, and the sacred right to self-determination.

Series 2: Human rights in West Papua – an unfiltered testimony of the total failure of Jakarta’s so-called “Special Autonomy”

Series 3: With God, we will win – a prophetic voice against the racist, militarized policies that dehumanize us

Series 4: One common oven in the Papuan house – a celebration of the Melanesian spirit, solidarity, and visions for a liberated future

Series 5: Crimes against humanity – a powerful denunciation of Freeport’s destruction and the blood spilled in places like Degeuwo and Paniai

These books are now reaching church leaders, scholars, and justice-seekers in Indonesia. Their impact is growing. But this is just the beginning.

Today, they are only available in Indonesian. Tomorrow, I will ensure they are published in English and French—so that the world hears the truth from our own voices.

Ora et labora. Let us work and pray for our land while the sun still rises.
Waaa... waaa... waaa...