Fifteen Thousand Indonesian Troops Dropped Into West Papua

Large rallies are expected today to celebrate West Papua’s historic independence pronouncement on 1 December 1961, even as the Indonesian government drops in fifteen thousand extra soldiers.

“The West Papua National Authority request permission to hold the rally from the Indonesian Provincial Police on Saturday 28 November, so I am calling on the Indonesian authorities to control their security forces” said Rev. Terrianus Yoku, Chairman of the National Congress of the West Papua National Authority which is co-ordinating the rally in Imbi Park in Jayapura.

“We’ve invited Indonesian citizens who live in West Papua to come and join the indigenous Melanesians so we can build our future together” he added.

Other large celebrations are expected in Manokwari, Jakarta, Sorong, Melbourne, Serui, Biak, London, Wamena, Holland, Madang, Port Vila, Port Moresby.

Three weeks ago the West Papua National Intelligence Service reported that the Indonesian Army has dropped 500 extra troops into each of the thirty-one regencies. “Why all these extra troops, fifteen thousand extra soldiers for a peaceful rally?” said Jacob Rumbiak, the Coordinator of Foreign Affairs, West Papua National Authority.

“We don’t want the military, the police, the riot police, or intelligence to sabotage our rallies“ he added. “I would like to remind Indonesia that 1 December is our traditional national celebration, and since it is so close to 10 December we are celebrating Human Rights Day as well”

Forty-eight years ago, on 1 December 1961, West Papuans elected their own national parliament with Dutch preparations well advanced for the passage of independence in 1971. The Morning Star flag was raised alongside the Dutch flag, a national anthem ‘Papua is My Homeland’ was sung, and the crown pidgin was made West Papua’s national symbol.

ENDS