West Papua Independence movement thank PNG Government

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua [ULMWP] President Benny Wenda has thanked Prime Minister James Marape for directly raising the issue of West Papua in his recent meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Mr. Wenda described the move as “brave and rare” especially for Melanesian leaders to openly confront the Indonesian President about West Papua.

He added that by raising West Papua at Prabowo’s inauguration, Marape is inhabiting the spirit of Melanesian brotherhood and solidarity

Mr. Wenda who spoke to NBC Online from London, United Kingdom questioned about Subianto’s offer of amnesty.

"The offer of amnesty for West Papua by [President] Prabowo is a direct result of him being ambushed by PM Marape on West Papua, but what does amnesty mean?" he asked.

"All West Papua support Merdeka. Independent.

"All West Papua want to raise the morning star but pro-independent actions of any kind are illegal in West Papua.

"If we raise our flag or call for self-determination, we are beaten, arrested or jailed.

"If their offer of amnesty is real, it must involve releasing all West Papua political prisoners.

"It must involve allowing us to peacefully struggle for our freedom without the threat of imprisonment."

Mr. Wenda has called on the new Indonesian President to allow a self-determination referendum denied his people since the 1960s.

"To [President] Prabowo, I say this, a true amnesty means giving West Papua our land back by withdrawing your military and allowing the self-determination referendum we have been denied since 1960," he added.

Prime Minister James Marape met the new president of Indonesia late last month and said Papua New Guinea will continue to advocate for issues affecting the people of West Papua.

But, he said PNG will respect Indonesia's sovereignty.