MSG Foreign Minister Meeting | 20 June 2025 | Fiji, Suva | ULMWP Spokesperson Raki Ap | West Papua

Summary

In this powerful address, Rakia, spokesperson for the United West Papua (UWP) delegation, urges the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to act on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in West Papua. She outlines the brutal military actions by Indonesia against the Melanesian people, including mass displacement, killings, and the suppression of basic rights. Rakia calls for Indonesia's suspension from the MSG until military operations cease and displaced persons can return home. She stresses the urgency of standing in solidarity with Melanesians, emphasizing the importance of truth and justice over power and exploitation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Rakia, serves as an additional spokesperson for the United West Papua (UWP) delegation and addresses the assembly with gratitude for the opportunity.
• 😀 Rakia expresses regret that West Papua cannot participate fully in the 23rd MSG summit due to the ongoing crisis in the region, highlighting severe human rights violations.
• 😀 Over 100,000 people in West Papua are displaced, with many lacking access to food, water, and medical care.
• 😀 Thousands of civilians, including women and children, have been forced from their homes due to military actions, with some murdered or left to die in the forest.
• 😀 The Indonesian military's actions are described as ruthless, including shooting civilians and burning churches, with no accountability or foreign media coverage.
• 😀 The speaker stresses that Melanesians' unity is being exploited, with foreign powers fearing a united Melanesian front. This unity is seen as key to their survival and strength.
• 😀 The population of West Papua has significantly decreased from 1975 to the present, with indigenous people now a minority in their own land despite the area's natural wealth.
• 😀 The speaker calls out Indonesia for ignoring the demands of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and refuses a UN human rights visit despite repeated calls.
• 😀 Rakia questions the MSG's actions, asking why Indonesia continues to be allowed to participate while engaging in military operations that harm Melanesian people.
• 😀 The speaker calls for the suspension of Indonesia's participation in the MSG until military operations stop and displaced people can return home, and advocates for an upgrade in UWP's standing within the MSG.
• 😀 The closing message emphasizes the urgency of the situation, calling for Melanesian unity and action before time runs out, and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the people of West Papua.

Q & A

What is the primary issue that Rakia addresses in this speech?

Rakia primarily addresses the ongoing crisis in West Papua, focusing on human rights violations, displacement, and the violence inflicted on the people of West Papua by the Indonesian military. She also questions the role of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in addressing this crisis.

How does Rakia describe the condition of displaced people in West Papua?

Rakia describes over 100,000 displaced Papuans hiding in the bush, without basic necessities such as food, water, or medicine. She emphasizes the dire situation, including the displacement of women and children and the lack of international attention to these atrocities.

What specific examples of violence does Rakia provide to highlight the situation in West Papua?

Rakia provides several disturbing examples of violence, such as civilians being shot for gathering firewood, children being gunned down, and a woman being buried in a shallow grave, her body rigged with explosives to harm her family. These examples aim to underscore the brutality faced by West Papuans.

What does Rakia say about Indonesia's treatment of West Papuans?

Rakia criticizes Indonesia for hiding the truth about its military actions in West Papua, restricting foreign media and international witnesses. She condemns the country's actions as genocidal and accuses Indonesia of disregarding international calls for a human rights visit.

What is Rakia's stance on the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and its role in the West Papua crisis?

Rakia questions the MSG's lack of action regarding the West Papua situation. She highlights that despite repeated calls for full membership and human rights visits, Indonesia has ignored these demands, and the MSG has failed to take meaningful action.

What does Rakia suggest as a course of action for the MSG?

Rakia suggests suspending Indonesia's participation in the MSG until its military operations in West Papua cease and the displaced people can return home. She also calls for UWP (United West Papua) to be granted an upgrade within the Melanesian spirit network.

What rhetorical device does Rakia use to emphasize the moral high ground of the UWP?

Rakia uses the biblical reference to David and Goliath, positioning the UWP as David, who fights with the strength of right on their side against a much more powerful foe (Indonesia), thus emphasizing the moral superiority of the UWP's cause.

How does Rakia portray the political and social situation of the Papuan people?

Rakia portrays the Papuan people as marginalized, with their population reduced from 1.2 million in 1975 to a minority in their own country. Despite the region's wealth in natural resources, she highlights the systemic poverty, lack of healthcare, and education, and the prevalent racism and military oppression faced by the Papuan people.

What is the broader significance of Rakia's message to the Melanesian community?

Rakia's message urges the Melanesian community to stand together in solidarity with West Papua. She challenges the MSG to take action not just for the sake of West Papua but for the future of Melanesia as a whole, questioning whether Melanesians will allow their brothers and sisters to suffer in silence.

What emotional appeal does Rakia make to the delegates at the end of the speech?

At the end of the speech, Rakia appeals to the delegates' sense of solidarity and moral responsibility, asking them to consider the fate of West Papua and urging them to act before it is too late. She highlights that history will judge their actions, positioning this moment as a critical juncture for Melanesia's future.