What does Indonesia want in the Melanesian forum?

ULMWP officials. From left: Rex Rumakiek (Secretary), Paula Makabori, Benny Wenda (Chairman), Octovianus Mote (Vice-chairman), Oridek Ap.

Currently, officials of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), including the West Papua council of Churches, are in Port Vila Vanuatu to attend the summit of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) regional forum. 

One of the main agendas that will be discussed is the process of ULMWP's entry into full MSG membership. This is considered an important stage by West Papuans in the context of their struggle for self-determination from Indonesia. The latter is an associate member of the MSG since 2015.

This is not the first time Indonesia has confronted the ULMWP. However, this time, with the possibility of the ULMWP being accepted as a full member of the MSG, the Indonesian delegation looked tense and angry.

An incident occurred during the opening of the summit: fiveteen Indonesian diplomats simultaneously walked out of the meeting room before the speech given by ULMWP president Benny Wenda. An act that seemed very haughty and disrespectful, considering that Indonesia was simply a guest. 

It should be noted that so far, during MSG meetings, Indonesia has only been fond of discussing issues around development and economic cooperation, but has never touched on the sixty years of human tragedy in its easternmost province. 

Indonesia also proudly claims to be the home of some 13 million Melanesians. They live not only in West Papua, but also in the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Islands. But strangely, when attending the MSG meeting, it turned out that the majority of Indonesian delegation members were not Melanesians.

What does Indonesia really want in the Melanesian forum? 

For Markus Haluk, executive director of ULMWP, Indonesia's main goal in MSG is none other than to thwart ULMWP's efforts to become a full member.

Markus also added: "The Indonesian delegation has walked out since Mr. Octavianus Mote, ULMWP vice chairman spoke on August 21, 2023 at the Foreign Ministers Meeting. On August 23, 2023, the Indonesian delegation requested that "When Indonesia speaks, ULMWP shall not enter. Then vice versa when ULMWP speaks, Indonesia will walk out" as seen in this video:

Indonesia is a guest in the Melanesian house. But it knows no manners. It thinks that its financial assistance to the MSG Secretariat gives it the right to dictate to MSG leaders. I think that Indonesia's disgraceful behavior offends the MSG leaders. Hopefully there will be a good outcome for the ULMWP and Indonesia can permanently exit the MSG."

Markus Haluk (ULMWP Executive Director) on the right wearing a light blue shirt.

I.P.