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, the officials of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), together with representatives of the West Papua Council of Churches, are gathered in Port Vila, Vanuatu, for the summit of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). 

One of the most anticipated items on the agenda is the discussion surrounding ULMWP’s application for full membership in the MSG. This is a vital step in the long and painful journey of West Papuans toward their right to self-determination—something they have been denied for over sixty years.

Indonesia, which has been an associate member of the MSG since 2015, has once again found itself at odds with ULMWP. But this time, the stakes are higher. With full membership on the table for ULMWP, the Indonesian delegation appeared tense, visibly disturbed by the momentum of the Papuan struggle.

A symbolic incident occurred at the opening session: fifteen Indonesian diplomats abruptly walked out of the meeting room just before ULMWP President Benny Wenda delivered his address. Their collective exit was perceived as an arrogant and disrespectful gesture—especially since Indonesia, in this context, is merely a guest.

For years, Indonesia’s involvement in MSG meetings has revolved around development rhetoric and economic cooperation. Yet, it has consistently avoided addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis and decades of violence in West Papua. Curiously, Indonesia often boasts of representing some 13 million Melanesians across West Papua, the Moluccas, and Lesser Sunda Islands. However, when the MSG summit convened, most of the Indonesian delegation present were not Melanesians at all.

What, then, is Indonesia truly seeking within the Melanesian forum?

For Markus Haluk, Executive Director of ULMWP, the answer is clear: Indonesia's sole intention at MSG is to block ULMWP’s path to full membership.

He explains, "The Indonesian delegation has been walking out since August 21, 2023, when ULMWP Vice Chairman Octovianus Mote spoke at the Foreign Ministers Meeting. On August 23, they even requested that ‘when Indonesia speaks, ULMWP must leave, and when ULMWP speaks, Indonesia will walk out.’ This behavior, captured on video, speaks volumes."

"Indonesia is a guest in the Melanesian house," he continued, "but it acts without manners. It believes that by giving financial aid to the MSG Secretariat, it can control the agenda and silence voices like ours. But such behavior is an insult to the MSG leaders and to Melanesian dignity. We hope the outcome of this summit favors justice—and that Indonesia finally steps out of the MSG permanently."