Time for Change at MSG
The change in chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) allows for new initiatives in this sub-regional bloc. But do the Melanesian leaders have the courage to address the huge elephants which exist in the
West Papua
Indonesia bombs West Papuan villages again – Civilians flee to the bush
In a renewed wave of airstrikes, Indonesia has bombed several villages in Ilaga, Puncak Regency, West Papua—displacing entire communities and reigniting memories of past
We Say: When issues find voice
As an oral people, Pacific islanders often put their thoughts into words and later into song or chants. These cries from the soul speak to the issues which trouble indigenous people – colonisation, suppression of
Papuans worry about new plan to revive transmigration
Transmigration is the process of moving people from densely populated regions to less densely populated ones in
Indonesia criticises Vanuatu’s support for West Papua, Vanuatu stands firm
Indonesia has expressed concerns over Vanuatu's public support for West Papua's independence movement and its diplomatic
Solomons maintain ‘balanced stance’ on West Papua issue, ahead of PM’s Indonesia trip
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ measured approach to the West Papua issue, stating that his GNUT administration respects Indonesia's
New Zealand pilot freed after 19 months in Papua rebel captivity
A New Zealand pilot held hostage for 19 months by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region was freed on Saturday, Indonesian authorities said, bringing an end to a standoff that had drawn international
Indonesian forces retrieve New Zealand pilot’s body in Papua
The body of a New Zealand helicopter pilot shot dead by rebels in eastern Indonesia’s restive Papua region has been retrieved, the joint task force of police and soldiers leading the search said on Monday. Glen
ULMWP condemns killing of NZ pilot, blames Indonesia for danger
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has condemned the reported killing of New Zealand helicopter pilot Glen Malcolm Conning in Alama, Mimika Regency “If true, I condemn this killing in the
West Papuans still inspired by the heritage of Arnold Ap
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
Opinion: Question for PNG foreign minister Tkatchenko – what does the defence pact mean for West Papua?
Papua New Guinea and Indonesia have formally ratified a defence agreement a decade after its initial signing. PNG’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko and the Indonesian ambassador to the Pacific nation,
“We are facing Goliath” – West Papuan church leaders call for solidarity
“We are facing Goliath, or even the Pharaoh,” says West Papua church leader Rode Wanimbo, “but we still have to speak out strong.” Wanimbo is coordinator of the Women’s Department of the Evangelical Christian
Pacific Conference of Churches begins Assembly in Noumea
A fortnight after the Pacific Islands Forum brought political leaders to Rarotonga, Cook Islands, church leaders from across the region are gathering in New Caledonia, to attend the 12th General Assembly of the Pacific
MSG meeting in Rarotonga appoints special envoy on West Papua
Meeting in Rarotonga in the lead up to the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has agreed to appoint a special envoy to engage in talks with Indonesia on the issue of West Papua. Following a
Indonesia cancels West Papua rights meeting with Melanesian nations, delegate says
Indonesia cancelled a regional meeting this week on the human rights situation in its Papuan provinces on the grounds that the leaders of Melanesian nations weren’t attending it, a member of Papua New Guinea’s
Indonesia’s MSG bid on back burner: PM Marape
A one-year moratorium has been placed on Indonesia’s application to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Prime Minister James Marape said this was so that Pacific Island Forum could address the West Papua issue
West Papua high on agenda as MSG leaders set to convene in Port Vila
The Pacific region’s focus will shift briefly to Port Vila this week when Vanuatu hosts the heads of governments from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and the leader of the FLNKS of New Caledonia for the
Port Moresby suppresses West Papua flag raising ahead of Indonesian president’s visit
Authorities in Papua New Guinea have clamped down on displays of the West Papuan independence flag ahead of the Indonesian president’s visit to the Pacific island country this week. Papua New Guinea, which has a
West Papuan provisional government backs full membership of MSG
The self-styled provisional government of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua “with the people” of the Melanesian region have declared political support for full West Papuan membership of the Melanesian
Indonesia recovers bodies of 4 troops killed in Papua clash
Indonesian security forces recovered the bodies of four government soldiers who were killed in a separatist attack while searching for a New Zealand pilot taken hostage by the rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua
Papuan rebels holding NZ pilot prepared to drop key demand
Separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region who are holding a New Zealand pilot hostage are prepared to drop a demand that Jakarta recognise the independence of the area before they could consider freeing him, a
Tide turns for West Papua
The recent visit to Fiji by West Papuan freedom fighter, Benny Wenda, signals a shift which may just end in a new member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Since 2011, Fiji has been Indonesia’s closest ally in the
Indonesia vows restraint as troops surround rebels holding NZ pilot
Security forces in Indonesia’s restive Papua region have surrounded separatists holding captive a New Zealand pilot, but will exercise restraint while negotiations for his release continue, a top security official