News Stories
Category: Human Rights
President Wenda: No Indonesian Independence Day Celebration in West Papua
August 14, 2025
As President of the ULMWP, I call on all West Papuans to refuse to take part in Indonesian Independence Day on August 17th. The presence of the Indonesian flag in West Papua is illegal. To my people, whether you are living in the cities, the villages, refugee camps in Papua New Guinea, or in hiding […]
President Wenda: Condolences on the death of Ambassador John Licht
August 12, 2025
On behalf of the ULMWP, I express my heartfelt sorrow and condolences on the death of John Licht, former Vanuatu Ambassador to Belgium, France, the UK and the EU. In his years of diplomatic service to the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr Licht was a constant champion of the West Papuan cause. He helped keep alive […]
Urgent notice: 42 ULMWP representatives arrested by Indonesian police
August 5, 2025
On behalf of the people of West Papua, I condemn the arrest of the 42 ULMWP representatives last week by the Indonesian police. Indonesia has proven once again that fundamental human rights do not exist in West Papua. John Wenggi, a 74-year-old tribal chief, was arrested at his residence during a political meeting in Waropen, Saireri, along […]
ULMWP President: Happy 45th Independence Day to Vanuatu
July 30, 2025
On behalf of the ULMWP and the people of West Papua, I wish the people and government of Vanuatu all the very best on your 45th Independence Day. This Independence Day is different from previous celebrations, as the entire Pacific holds its breath and braces for the impact of this tsunami. Nevertheless, as we all […]
Implementing democracy before independence: ULMWP inaugurates thousands of representatives
July 10, 2025
As President of the ULMWP Provisional Government, I welcome the Legislative Council’s first Plenary Session, which was held this week in Jayapura. After a year-long recruitment process, the ULMWP has now inaugurated 250 Senate Members, 350 Legislative Council Members, and 1740 Regional Council members: more than 2300 official representatives in total, ranging from the President […]
Interim President: Further Intan Jaya massacre shows West Papua needs MSG membership
June 19, 2025
I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of three West Papuans by Indonesian troops in Intan Jaya. The deadly incident occurred on 18th June, after soldiers conducted raids in the Sugapa district. Isak Kobogau, aged 43, Alphon Kobogau, aged 20, and John Tipagau, aged 40, were all shot dead while sheltering in their yard near […]
Benny Wenda: New massacre in Intan Jaya
June 9, 2025
A massacre has taken place in Intan Jaya Regency, with at least four West Papuan civilians dead and seven missing. Fresh details are now emerging of the Indonesian military operation, which took place in Sugapa and Hitadipa districts on 13th May 2025. Soldiers shot indiscriminately at villagers during a clash with the TPNPB, who reported that they suffered […]
Interim President: Bombing continues in Puncak
May 15, 2025
Indonesia has launched a number of devastating airstrikes on a handful of villages in Ilaga, Puncak Regency. These attacks follow last week’s brutal bombing attacks in Puncak, which killed one Papuan civilian and gravely injured another. Seven villages have been targeted as part of this operation, which is still ongoing. All of their inhabitants have been displaced, […]
Interim President: Indonesia bombing operations killing innocents in Puncak
May 7, 2025
Indonesia has committed a brutal bombing attack against a West Papuan village in Puncak Regency, killing at least one child and severely injuring others. Deris Kogoya, only 18 years old, was executed by a rocket attack from a helicopter while riding his motorbike near Kelanungin Village. His friend Jemi Waker sustained severe violent injuries, including to both […]
Interim President statement on the death of Chief General Mathias Wenda
April 14, 2025
In humble surrender to the absolute authority of God, I present this statement to the commanders of Military and Police and Heads of States of Melanesian countries, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG); to all Melanesian peoples across the archipelago; and particularly West Papuans living in the bush, in villages, in […]