What is the Free West Papua Campaign?
The Free Papua Movement (Indonesian: Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM) is an umbrella term for the independence movement established during 1965 in the West Papuan or West New Guinea territory which is currently being administrated by Indonesia as the provinces of Papua and West Papua, also formerly known as Papua, Irian …
Who is the president of West Papua?
On 19 October 2011, Forkorus Yaboisembut, the head of the West Papua National Authority (WPNA), proclaimed the Federal Republic of West Papua (Indonesian: Negara Republik Federal Papua Barat, (NRFPB)) with the Mambruk pigeon as the symbol of state.
Why did the UN give West Papua to Indonesia?
The Indonesian government wanted all of the former Dutch colonies in the Asia-Pacific region and the Indonesian military soon invaded West Papua. It was the height of the Cold War and the US government was worried that Indonesia seeking Soviet Union support might increase the spread of communism in South East Asia.
Is West Papua a country?
West Papua (Indonesian: Papua Barat), formerly Irian Jaya Barat or Irian Barat, is a province of Indonesia. It covers the two western peninsulas of the island of New Guinea, Bird’s Head Peninsula and Bomberai Peninsula, along with nearby islands.
How many West Papuans have been killed by Indonesian?
500,000 Papuans
Indonesia has controlled West Papua since invading in 1963 and formalising its annexation through the controversial, UN approved, ‘Act of Free Choice’. Security forces are accused of severe human rights violations during the occupation with an estimated 500,000 Papuans killed.
Does West Papua have their own government?
Independence leader Benny Wenda announced the formation of the Provisional Government of West Papua on 1 December 2020. The government-in-exile has declared Indonesia’s presence in its country an illegal occupation and asserted its right to rule over its own nation.
How many West Papuans have been killed?
Why was PNG splits from Indonesia?
The two landmasses became separated when the area now known as the Torres Strait flooded after the end of the last glacial period. Anthropologically, New Guinea is considered part of Melanesia.
Does Australia support West Papua?
For nearly 60 years, successive Australian governments have supported Indonesia’s territorial claim to West Papua, while the Australian left has strongly backed the Papuan independence movement. The Greens, Australia’s largest left-wing political party, strongly supports West Papuan self-determination.