On behalf of the West Papuan people, I wish our brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea a happy Independence Day.
Fifty years of independence is an amazing achievement. Papua New Guinea has developed into a strong free Melanesian state, retaining its tribal identity while becoming a regional leader at the Pacific Islands Forum and Melanesian Spearhead Group. Though the country faces challenges, PNG is a beacon of hope to all West Papuans who dream of independent New Guinea, liberated from colonialism in any form.
No matter which corner of our island we were born, we are all Papuans, sharing thousands of years of rich cultural, linguistic, and ethnic history. And yet the Papuan people and Papuan spirit are still divided. Indonesian colonialism is an open wound at the heart of our island.
Why are Papua New Guineans free to live how they please, while West Papuans have become a minority in our own land? Why is the PNG population over ten million, when the indigenous West Papuan population is only three million? When Indonesia invaded our populations were equal.
I believe that New Guinea will only be free once all its people are free. Papua New Guinea has a big role to play in the fight against Indonesian occupation.
While you celebrate your independence, I ask Papua New Guineans to also pray for their brothers and sisters across the border. One day soon, all Papuans will be able to walk their forests and tend their gardens in peace.
God bless Papua New Guinea.
Benny Wenda
President
ULMWP
Image credit: Planet Volumes
