SATU LUKA, SATU PERJUANGAN PAPUA & PALESTINA, 600.000 ORANG DI LONDON

Summary

On May 17, 2025, hundreds of thousands of people from diverse communities, including West Papua, Palestine, Kurdistan, and Kanaky, gathered in London to demonstrate solidarity for Palestine on the 77th anniversary of the Nakba. This massive peaceful protest, the largest in the UK since 2023, highlighted the shared struggles of oppressed peoples against colonialism and injustice. West Papua’s presence emphasized their fight for independence and human rights, aligning with global efforts to end occupation and systemic oppression. The event underscored the universal nature of the struggle for freedom and justice, with activists calling for global awareness and action.

Takeaways

• 😀 A large solidarity demonstration took place in London on May 17, 2025, with around 600,000 participants supporting Palestine on the 77th anniversary of Nakba.
• 😀 The protest included diverse communities from around the world, including West Papua, Kurdistan, and Kanak, emphasizing the global struggle for justice and freedom.
• 😀 West Papua’s presence in the protest was marked by the prominent display of the Morning Star flag, symbolizing their ongoing fight for independence and human rights recognition.
• 😀 The banner 'From West Papua to Palestine, one struggle, one pain' reinforced the connection between the Palestinian and West Papuan experiences of colonization and oppression.
• 😀 A young Papuan activist shared that the reason for their involvement in the protest was their shared experience of being silenced and accused of separatism when seeking freedom.
• 😀 Nakba, the term for the 1948 expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians, was highlighted as a continuing tragedy for the Palestinian people, not just a historical event.
• 😀 The demonstration was organized by groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al-Aqsa, and Stop the War Coalition, drawing participants from across the UK.
• 😀 Global South solidarity was emphasized, with the involvement of communities suffering from colonialism and oppression, including the Kanak people of New Caledonia and the Kurdish people.
• 😀 The protest was a powerful reminder that struggles for justice are not bound by national borders and that people worldwide must stand against systems of global injustice.
• 😀 The key message of the protest was that the oppression of one nation is a threat to the freedom of all, and the struggles of the Palestinian, Papuan, Kurdish, and Kanak peoples are interconnected.

Q & A

What is the main event described in the transcript?

The transcript describes a large solidarity demonstration in London on May 17, 2025, where hundreds of thousands of people from various global communities, including West Papua, Kurdistan, and Kanak, gathered to support Palestine, marking the 77th anniversary of Nakba.

Why is the participation of West Papua in this event significant?

West Papua's participation is significant because it demonstrates solidarity with Palestine and highlights the shared struggles of oppressed peoples. It also serves as a political statement about West Papua's own fight for independence and human rights recognition.

What does the 'Bintang Kejora' flag represent in this context?

The 'Bintang Kejora' flag, which was waved during the demonstration, is a symbol of West Papua's struggle for independence. Its presence in the protest reinforces the message that the fight for freedom and justice is universal, connecting West Papua's cause with Palestine.

What does the slogan 'From West Papua to Palestine, one struggle, one pain' signify?

The slogan signifies the shared experiences of colonialism, oppression, and the fight for freedom. It highlights the common struggles between West Papua and Palestine, both of which have faced occupation and marginalization by global powers.

What is the significance of Nakba in the context of the Palestinian struggle?

Nakba, meaning 'catastrophe' in Arabic, refers to the forced displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians and the destruction of over 400 Palestinian villages in 1948, marking the creation of Israel. It continues to symbolize the ongoing suffering of Palestinians due to occupation, illegal settlements, and systemic violence.

How does the transcript link the struggles of West Papua with global solidarity movements?

The transcript emphasizes that the struggles of West Papua, Palestine, Kurdistan, and Kanak are part of a broader global movement against colonialism and oppression. It underscores that these groups, despite their geographic separation, share a common fight for freedom and justice.

What message is conveyed by the phrase 'we are not superpowers, but we have the power of voice and history'?

This phrase conveys the idea that while oppressed nations may lack military or political power, they possess the strength of collective resistance and historical experience, which can be a powerful force in advocating for justice and change.

What role does the international community play in the struggles of these oppressed nations?

The international community plays a crucial role by either supporting or ignoring the struggles of oppressed nations. The transcript suggests that the silence or inaction of global powers contributes to the perpetuation of violence and injustice, as seen in Palestine, West Papua, and other colonized areas.

Why is the presence of West Papua in this international event an important moment for the West Papuan independence movement?

The presence of West Papua at this event is important because it highlights their ongoing efforts to bring global attention to their cause, despite not being officially recognized by the United Nations. It signals that their struggle for independence is not confined by international boundaries or diplomatic silence.

What is the main takeaway from the message 'oppression of one nation is a threat to the freedom of others'?

The main takeaway is that the oppression of any group or nation is a global issue, not confined to that specific region. The message emphasizes that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and the struggles of different peoples are interconnected.