West Papua's struggle: who does it belong to?

Morning Star, flag of independent West Papua

Since the establishment of  the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) in 2014, the West Papuans struggle for independence from Indonesia has been directed towards the Melanesian South Pacific region. 

The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was established with the aim of promoting unity among ethnic Melanesian countries in the South Pacific through cooperation in all fields, including assisting the liberation of Melanesian territories that are struggling for the Right to Self-Determination.

Thus, ULMWP's bid to become a full member of MSG is expected to strengthen the West Papuan struggle: Politically, this will facilitate ULMWP to lobby at the international level, from forums of Pacific islands, Africa, Caribbean and up to Europe. A strong ULMWP's legal standing can break Indonesia's attempts to criminalize the West Papuan struggle.

However, since joining the MSG in 2016, the ULMWP has only been an observer member, while Indonesia has the honor of being an associate member. To the disappointment of many, the latest MSG Summit ended yesterday without the much-anticipated acceptance of ULMWP's full membership. The MSG simply assured that a work plan is being developed to review the ULMWP's application. Meanwhile, the Melanesian prime ministers decided to leave the West Papua issue to the Pacific Islands Forum.

As we can imagine, the disappointment was huge among West Papuan pro-independence activists. On social media, many criticized the MSG's soft stance. "Melanesian leaders prefer Indonesia to perpetuate colonialism rather than save the people of West Papua...", said Ambrosius Mulait on his Twitter status. This is to remember that before and during the MSG Summit, thousands of people both inside and outside Papua took to the streets. Dozens of them were arrested.

Indeed, there is no struggle without tears. Being jailed and killed is sometimes the price to pay. However, when the struggles of the common people are betrayed by the leaders who supposedly defend them, this is a shame! It is time to realize that the fate of West Papua is not in the hands of politicians. The West Papuan struggle is not exclusive to the Melanesian people, but to all who uphold the values of humanity and justice. 

Let us remember the aphorisms of Filep Karma, often dubbed the Papuan Nelson Mandela, died last year. When asked who Papuans are, Filep replied that Papuans are all those who fight for Papuan independence. As a true freedom fighter, Filep did not seek fame and prestige. He even asked that his name never be mentioned again if one day West Papua becomes an independent state. Not everyone who fights for West Papua has pure motivations. Therefore, Filep provides a living example for all of us to be humble, abandon the ambition to be great, and rather strive to be useful to many.

I.P.