FREE PAPUA: A WIN-WIN SOLUTION

Signing of a giant petition demanding an independent Papua, December 1, 2016

Most people believe that power belongs to the ruling class, whose policies are often reinforced by violence. Therefore, only armed resistance can counterbalance it. 

It is also assumed that peaceful struggle is only possible in countries founded on democracy, such as the USA and other Western countries. Unfortunately, many fail to see that the world's oppressed people have the power to bring about change when they fight together without resorting to violence.

History shows that over the last century, many bloodthirsty tyrants and military regimes have been neutralized and defeated thanks to non-violent resistance. The fall of dictators Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines in 1986 and General Suharto in Indonesia 1998 are clear examples. Just as fire is extinguished with water, weapons of mass destruction can only be neutralized by weapons of mass democracy.

That's why, since its inception in 2014, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has been committed to the peaceful struggle for Papuan independence. This is not a violent revolution, but a common effort to build brotherhood and humanity. This is not a confrontation between Papuans and Indonesians, but a cooperation between the two peoples to achieve peace and justice. Indeed, a peaceful Papua means a more prosperous Indonesia. When Papua is independent, Indonesia will be more well-respected. It's a win-win solution.