May 1: Day of Mourning

 May 1st is celebrated around the world as International Labor Day—a day that honors workers’ rights, solidarity, and social justice. 

It is a moment to reflect on the struggles of labor movements and the victories that have shaped more equitable societies. But for the people of West Papua, it is not a day of celebration, but one of mourning. 

While much of the world commemorates progress and empowerment, West Papuans remember this date as the beginning of a long and painful occupation. 

It was on May 1st, 1963, that administrative control of West Papua was handed over from Dutch colonial rule to Indonesian authorities under a UN-brokered agreement—an agreement made without the genuine consent of the West Papuans. What was presented to the world as a diplomatic transition marked, in reality, the beginning of decades of systemic oppression, cultural erasure, and brutal military repression.

West Papua has been subject to one of the most enduring and silenced conflicts in modern history. The occupation has been accompanied by a heavy military presence, widespread human rights abuses, and the exploitation of vast natural resources, often to the benefit of foreign corporations and the Indonesian elite.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 West Papuans have lost their lives due to Indonesian military operations and state-sanctioned violence—an alarming figure that underscores the scale of the suffering. Entire communities have been displaced, traditional ways of life disrupted, and a climate of fear imposed on a people whose only demand is to live with dignity and freedom on their ancestral land.

Adding to this humanitarian crisis is the environmental devastation caused by extractive industries—most notably the massive Freeport-McMoRan gold and copper mine, one of the largest in the world. Operating with the backing of the Indonesian state, this multinational venture has not only exploited West Papua’s natural wealth but has left behind a trail of ecological destruction. Rivers have been poisoned with tailings, forests have been cleared, and sacred indigenous lands have been desecrated—all in the name of profit.

This is not just a local tragedy; it is a global one. The silence of the international community continues to embolden the forces of exploitation and occupation. Acknowledging these injustices is the first step toward addressing them. The world must stand with West Papua—not only for the sake of human rights, but for the dignity of all people fighting for freedom against oppression.

If May 1st is to stand as a universal symbol of justice and human dignity, then we must also raise the voices of West Papuans who, for over 60 years, have marked this day not with celebration, but with grief!

Standing with West Papua: A Call for Global Solidarity

The international community can no longer turn a blind eye to the ongoing suffering in West Papua. Countries and international organizations must find the courage to exert meaningful diplomatic pressure on Indonesia—calling for an immediate end to military violence, unfettered access for international journalists, and the protection of fundamental rights, particularly the freedoms of expression and assembly. These are not radical demands; they are basic principles of human dignity.

At the grassroots level, solidarity is both powerful and essential. Street demonstrations, digital campaigns, and acts of collective resistance—no matter how small—send a message that the world is watching. As global citizens committed to justice, we have a responsibility to amplify the voices of West Papuans and to raise awareness of their history and current plight: decades of human rights violations, cultural marginalization, and the relentless exploitation of their land and resources.

Support can also take symbolic but deeply meaningful forms. Wearing the colors of the Morning Star flag, engaging with West Papuan music, literature, or visual art, and participating in exhibitions or events celebrating Pacific indigenous cultures are all ways to keep West Papua’s story alive in the global consciousness.

And perhaps the simplest yet most effective action anyone can take is to stay informed. Reading and sharing the content of the "Markus Haluk Papua" blog is a small gesture that can spark understanding, inspire empathy, and build momentum for change.

West Papua’s struggle is not just a regional issue—it is a test of our global conscience. Silence only serves the oppressor. Solidarity, however, can light the path toward justice.