Inside Indonesia's Secret War for West Papua | Foreign Correspondent

Summary

The video sheds light on the ongoing struggle for independence in West Papua, where activists fight against Indonesia's rule amid harsh repression. The documentary highlights the suffering of refugees, the suppression of protests, and the use of violence by Indonesian forces. With the Morning Star flag symbolizing the fight for freedom, activists both in Papua New Guinea and West Papua continue to push for international support. The region's complex political history, human rights abuses, and the role of youth and child soldiers are explored in depth, underscoring the urgent need for global attention to the crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 West Papuan activists are fighting for independence from Indonesia, facing a crackdown from Jakarta, including communication restrictions and foreign media bans.
• 😀 The Morning Star flag, a symbol of West Papuan independence, is celebrated by many West Papuans, despite the severe risks of imprisonment or worse for displaying it in Indonesian-controlled West Papua.
• 😀 The conflict over West Papua's independence began in 1969 when Indonesia conducted a controversial vote, called the Act of Free Choice, that is widely seen as unfair and led to ongoing tensions and human rights abuses.
• 😀 Thousands of West Papuans live as refugees in Papua New Guinea (PNG), struggling with poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities as they await a resolution to their fight for independence.
• 😀 The local population in PNG is increasingly sympathetic to West Papuan independence, with figures like Port Moresby's governor urging international support for the cause.
• 😀 The Indonesian government has been accused of using excessive force against protesters and civilians in West Papua, including mass arrests, shootings, and an internet blackout during last year's unrest.
• 😀 Activists like Victor Yemma lead a growing civil resistance movement, calling for a better future for West Papua and asking for international support, particularly from Australia.
• 😀 Journalists, such as Victor Man-Boy, continue to risk their lives to report on the situation in West Papua, highlighting the ongoing human rights violations and suffering of the population.
• 😀 The conflict intensified in regions like the Central Highlands, where the construction of a major highway triggered violence between separatists and Indonesian forces, displacing tens of thousands of people.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, many West Papuans, including those who have fled, continue to fight for their independence, driven by a deep sense of identity and a dream of a free homeland.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Morning Star flag in West Papua?

The Morning Star flag is a symbol of West Papuan independence and resistance against Indonesian control. It represents the struggle for freedom and dignity, and its display can lead to arrests or worse, making it a powerful symbol of sacrifice for many West Papuans.

Why are West Papuans in Papua New Guinea (PNG) seeking independence from Indonesia?

West Papuans are seeking independence due to historical grievances, including the 1969 Act of Free Choice, which they consider a flawed process that denied them a true vote on their future. Over decades, there have been ongoing human rights abuses, suppression of their culture, and violent repression by Indonesia, leading to a push for self-determination.

What happened during the 2019 unrest in West Papua?

The 2019 unrest in West Papua was sparked by racial abuse against Papuan students in Java, which led to widespread protests across the region. The Indonesian government's response was heavy-handed, involving the deployment of thousands of soldiers and police, with reports of violent repression, including shootings of unarmed civilians, and a subsequent internet blackout.

What role do refugee camps play in the lives of West Papuans in PNG?

Refugee camps in PNG serve as a temporary refuge for West Papuans fleeing violence and persecution from Indonesia. However, these camps often lack adequate support and resources, leaving many West Papuans in a state of limbo, suffering from poverty and a lack of opportunity, with no clear path to resettlement or integration.

How has the Indonesian military contributed to the conflict in West Papua?

The Indonesian military has been involved in numerous human rights violations, including violent crackdowns on protests and the suppression of independence movements. They are accused of using excessive force, including shootings and alleged use of chemical weapons, and have displaced thousands of West Papuans in operations to secure control of the region.

What are the human rights concerns in the conflict between West Papuans and Indonesia?

Human rights concerns in the conflict include violence against civilians, arbitrary arrests, torture, killings, and displacement due to military operations. The Indonesian government's actions have been condemned by various human rights organizations for their brutality and the lack of accountability for abuses.

What is the role of the international community in supporting West Papuan independence?

The international community plays a critical role in raising awareness of the situation in West Papua and supporting the call for human rights and independence. Activists, including leaders like Victor Yemma, have urged countries like Australia to stand in solidarity with the West Papuans and support their struggle for freedom, acknowledging the humanitarian crisis.

How does the use of child soldiers factor into the conflict in West Papua?

The use of child soldiers is a tragic and growing aspect of the conflict, with children being recruited by both the West Papuan independence fighters and Indonesian security forces. This is largely a result of long-standing repression, with many children growing up in a violent environment and being drawn into the conflict as a means of survival or resistance.

Why is the trans-Papua highway controversial among West Papuans?

The trans-Papua highway is controversial because many West Papuans fear it will facilitate the exploitation of their land and natural resources by Indonesia. While the Indonesian government argues that it will bring economic development, many locals view it as a tool for further colonization and cultural destruction, exacerbating tensions in the region.

What is the current state of activism and resistance in West Papua?

Activism and resistance in West Papua remain strong, with movements led by figures like Victor Yemma and organizations pushing for international support. Despite the dangers and the Indonesian government's crackdown on dissent, the fight for independence continues, with both peaceful protests and armed resistance being part of the broader struggle.