West Papuans still inspired by the heritage of Arnold Ap

Arnold Ap (left) and Sam Kapissa founded Mambesak. Photo: Courtesy Constantinople Ruhukail

In 1969, Indonesia annexed the western half of the island of New Guinea, through the so-called Act of Free Choice.

As Indonesian authorities began to expand legal systems and education in Bahasa Indonesia, a generation of young West Papuan intellectuals responded through a cultural renaissance, recording and performing traditional West Papuan songs.

For Arnold Ap, Sam Kapissa and Eddie Mofu, music was a vital tool for raising awareness about human rights abuses, environmental degradation and the social and political issues facing communities . . .

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