1) West Papua solidarity in Timor-Leste

2) Indonesia deepens defense ties with Australia, Papua New Guinea 

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https://www.insideindonesia.org/editions/edition-162-oct-dec-2025/west-papua-solidarity-in-timor-leste

1) West Papua solidarity in Timor-Leste

IVO MATEUS GONÇALVES DA CRUZ FERNANDES

  

 Published: 25 November 2025

                                            A collection box at Dilicious Restaurant/ Vannessa Hearman

Students and youths have been instrumental in driving grassroots solidarity and activism

Forms of solidarity have persisted between Indonesians and East Timorese after the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence in May 2002. This solidarity is underpinned by shared historical experiences of New Order authoritarian rule and a commitment to dismantling colonialism. While much post-independence solidarity has focused on reconciliation and addressing the history of violence, occupation and human rights abuses, grassroots activism advocating for West Papua’s right to self-determination has also arisen in Timor-Leste.

Students and youths have been instrumental in this activism. Those from the National University of Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) have organised demonstrations, disseminated public statements, and convened forums to advocate for the West Papuan cause. As well, civil society organisations have organised protests, often in front of the Indonesian Embassy in Dili. These have involved acts such as displaying the Morning Star flag, appeals for United Nations intervention, and public awareness raising. In May 2025, UNTL students held a press conference and called on UN member states and the Indonesian government to hold ‘another referendum’, a reference to the flawed 1961 UN Act of Free Choice.

In responding to West Papua-related activism, the East Timorese government has sought to balance the country’s right to freedom of expression on the one hand and its relationship with Indonesia on the other. State repression has most acutely impacted grassroots activists. In August 2019, 46 students were arrested for protesting Indonesian policies in West Papua. A few months later, on 10 December 2019, Human Rights Day, five Timorese students were detained during a protest.

Protest bans increased around the time of Pope Francis’s visit in September 2024. Authorities banned protests about West Papua, Palestine and LGBTIQ+ issues, citing national security concerns. The decision drew sharp criticism from legal experts and civil society groups. They argued it was unconstitutional and a backward step in realising Timor-Leste’s commitment to human rights.

In the lead-up to the Pope’s visit, human rights defender Nelson Roldão was arrested at Dili Airport on 2 September 2024 for carrying a bag adorned with West Papuan symbols. He was subjected to interrogation, physical assault, and prolonged detention. On 10 September, another activist, Nelson Xavier—who lives with a disability—was arrested for displaying 'Free West Papua' and 'Free Palestine' placards during the papal visit.

Despite such incidents, East Timorese activists remain resolute. Among them is César Trinito Gaio, a young restaurateur who champions locally grown organic food in Timor-Leste. 'West Papua’s fight is real', he affirms. 'It’s about freedom—just like ours was. We know this struggle because we lived it.'

For years, César’s restaurant, Dilicious, has served as a hub for activists and youth movements, as well as a space for solidarity gatherings in Dili.

However, the political climate has shifted. 'I’ve been threatened by police and monitored by intelligence agents', he recounts. 'They warned me not to host events on 1 December, West Papua’s Independence Day. So, for two years, we had to stop.'

But César believes Timor-Leste bears a moral responsibility to speak out. 'We can’t stay silent. West Papua had its own flag, parliament, and government before Indonesia invaded. That history matters. Solidarity isn’t just politics—it’s about justice.'

Ivo Mateus Gonçalves da Cruz Fernandes received his PhD from the Australian National University in 2024. His thesis examines Timor-Leste’s history of activism, with a focus on student movements. 

Inside Indonesia 162: Oct-Dec 2025

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https://en.antaranews.com/news/395032/indonesia-deepens-defense-ties-with-australia-papua-new-guinea

2) Indonesia deepens defense ties with Australia, Papua New Guinea 

 December 4, 2025 14:06 GMT+700

Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin strengthened military cooperation with Australia and Papua New Guinea during a trilateral meeting in Papua New Guinea on Wednesday.

“Such meetings are essential to advancing and expanding defense collaboration among our nations,” Sjafrie said in a statement received in Jakarta.

He described the talks as a strategic government agenda with the potential to deliver important progress in defense dialogue.

The cooperation aims to enhance security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

Sjafrie noted that the meeting could open pathways for deeper strategic partnerships and stronger mutual trust in defense.

The trilateral gathering was attended by Papua New Guinea Defense Minister Billy Joseph and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles.

Indonesia and Australia recently reaffirmed their bilateral Defence Cooperation Arrangement (DCA), signed in August 2024, which includes joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and expanded defense dialogue.

In October 2025, the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) held high-level talks on joint training and operations at Lanud Leo Wattimena in Morotai.

The two countries also conducted the Bhakti Kanyini Ausindo 2025 tsunami mitigation exercise in Banten, underscoring closer defense and humanitarian cooperation.

Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have also taken concrete steps to deepen defense cooperation. During a meeting in Port Moresby on July 7, 2025, Sjafrie and PNG Defense Minister Billy M Joseph discussed accelerating a bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement through a joint working group.

The agreement outlines plans for joint military training, personnel exchanges for education and training, and potential collaboration on military technology and operational readiness.

Related news: Indonesia, Australia agree on new defense pact

Related news: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea eye stronger defense ties

Translator: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Primayanti

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Papuan Skies -A great informative night

A very informative night

 Green Left

                                 Photo Peter Boyle

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The Gecko Project 

Papuan Skies: On the frontlines of Indonesia's "food estate" project (Bahasa Indonesia & English)

   https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3TodspXXUDs

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1) LP3BH Receives Report of Alleged Rocket Bombing in Two West Papuan Villages

 

2) TAPOL's September-November Quarterly Update

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A google translate

Original Bahasa link

https://jubi.id/domberai/2025/lp3bh-terima-laporan-dugaan-penggunaan-bom-roket-di-dua-kampung-papua-barat/

1) LP3BH Receives Report of Alleged Rocket Bombing in Two West Papuan Villages

December 2, 2025 in Domberai Reading Time: 2 mins read

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Author: Gamaliel M. Kaliele - Editor: Angela Flassy

Sorong, Jubi – The Manokwari Institute for Research, Assessment, and Development of Legal Aid (LP3BH) expressed deep concern over the alleged military operation in Maybrat and Teluk Bintuni Regencies in late November 2025, after receiving an initial report from a contact person in Bintuni.

LP3BH Executive Director, Yan Christian Warinussy, SH, stated that his office received information on Monday (November 2, 2025) that state security forces allegedly used rocket bombs around Aimau and Teyef Villages, Southwest Papua, on Saturday (November 29, 2025) and Sunday (November 30, 2025).

He also emphasized that the reports received were not just ordinary explosions, but rather loud booms suspected to have come from rocket launchers.

"The report indicated that several explosions hit residential areas. As a result, residents' homes were reportedly severely damaged," he said.

According to the LP3BH, the damage included buildings, property, and public facilities, although there have been no official reports of casualties. "As of now, there is no information on fatalities. However, the situation on the ground is very worrying," he explained.

Warinussy stated that the report also included visual evidence in the form of photographs and footage from residents showing traces of the explosion and metal fragments. "This evidence shows a shape that physically resembles rocket projectile debris. However, this must be independently verified," he said.

LP3BH emphasized that the use of explosives in security operations in civilian areas poses a potential massive threat to public safety. "If rocket-propelled grenades are indeed used, this constitutes a humanitarian emergency," Warinussy asserted.

He stated that this situation has not only impacted residents of Maybrat, but also civilians in the Moskona area, Teluk Bintuni Regency, near the site of the alleged operation. Residents in Moskona have also reported the sound of explosions and the movement of security forces. They are living in fear and uncertainty,” he said.

LP3BH expressed deep concern over the increasing intensity of security operations in various regions of Southwest Papua. “We see a pattern of increasingly large deployments of force. This is very dangerous if not closely monitored,” Warinussy said.

In the statement, LP3BH requested that the National Commission on Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia (Komnas HAM RI) immediately take action on the ground.

“We urge Komnas HAM to form an independent investigative team to investigate the alleged use of these rocket bombs,” he said.

Warinussy stated that the investigation must be thorough, including collecting debris, taking resident testimonies, and mapping the impact of the damage. Komnas HAM must directly inspect the area where the alleged explosions occurred. “The safety of civilians is a priority,” he said.

"LP3BH Manokwari also urges the attention of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. We call on the international community, particularly the UN Human Rights Council, to closely monitor this situation," he said.

According to him, international oversight is crucial to prevent excessive escalation that could lead to human rights violations. International oversight will put pressure on security operations not to be carried out indiscriminately in residential areas.

Furthermore, LP3BH issued a direct appeal to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, as Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Head of State. "We ask President Prabowo to immediately order a halt to operations that could potentially threaten the safety of civilians," Warinussy said.

He believes that security operations must be carried out in a measured manner and must not endanger the surrounding community. Operations must adhere to the principle of proportionality and prioritize human protection. "That is a constitutional mandate," he said.

Warinussy emphasized that LP3BH will continue to gather evidence, monitor the situation, and voice findings in the field. We will not remain silent. "We will verify every piece of information we receive to ensure that no human rights violations are tolerated," he said.

He reiterated the urgency of an official investigation. The state must be present to protect its citizens. "The alleged use of rocket bombs must be thoroughly investigated for the sake of legal certainty and public safety," said Warinussy.(*)

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TAPOL

2) TAPOL's September-November Quarterly Update

As Indonesia marked its 80th birthday with much fanfare, pomp and ceremony, it has been clear that the country sits at an uncomfortable crossroads, with underlying challenges further buffeting Prabowo’s year in office. Mass protests exploded across the country, calling out the hypocrisy of the political elite, the worsening economic situation and then security force violence. This culminated in the death of motorbike delivery driver Affan Kurniawan, which led to an outpouring of grief and rage and then mass arrests of civil society actors.

 Internationally, Indonesia has been trying to flex its muscles to present an intermediate path in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but its intervention at an event during the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva shows its complete lack of sympathy for international understandings of indigenous peoples and their fight for recognition. This continues to be made manifest in the Indonesian government’s policy in West Papua, with prisoner transfers and expanding food estates showing the Government’s desire to pacify and make economic gains in the region at the expense of the actual welfare of the people…………………………………….

https://tapol.org/publications/tapol-september-november-quarterly-update

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1) Papua New Guinea calls for 'buffer zone' with Indonesia amid concerns over West Papua conflict

2) West Papua’s long struggle for independence under Indonesia colonialism 

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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-02/png-calls-for-buffer-zone-with-indonesia-amid-australia-treaty/106090380

1) Papua New Guinea calls for 'buffer zone' with Indonesia amid concerns over West Papua conflict

By Papua New Guinea correspondent Marian Faa and foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic

• Topic:Foreign Affairs
   3 Hours ago
  
  

In short:

Papua New Guinea has raised concerns over its border with Indonesia, calling for the establishment of a new 10-kilometre "buffer zone" between the two countries.

It comes as Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia prepare to hold trilateral meetings to help assuage Jakarta's concerns over a landmark defence treaty inked by Australia and PNG in October.

What's next?

The first meeting of defence ministers — featuring Australia's Richard Marles and his Indonesian and PNG counterparts — will be held tomorrow morning in Port Moresby.

Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia have started annual defence ministers meetings to build trust and boost military cooperation after a new defence treaty between Canberra and Port Moresby stirred anxieties in Jakarta.

Papua New Guinea has also raised concerns over its border with Indonesia, calling for the establishment of a new 10-kilometre "buffer zone" between the two countries, which military and government forces would be banned from entering.

It comes after Australia and Papua New Guinea inked a landmark mutual defence treaty in October, committing to defending each other in an armed attack.

Just over a month later, Australia and Indonesia announced they had concluded negotiations on their own security treaty, which is set to be signed in Jakarta by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Prabowo Subianto in January.

But Papua New Guinean Defence Minister Billy Joseph told the ABC that Indonesia had "raised concerns" about the Australia-PNG pact.

Under the deal, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, Australia has promised to help bolster Papua New Guinea's defence force by supplying weapons, military equipment, holding joint exercises and training.

The treaty will also allow Australia to recruit Papua New Guinean citizens into its defence force and vice versa.

It is Australia's third military alliance and the first in more than 70 years since Australia forged the ANZUS pact with the United States and New Zealand in 1951.

Dr Joseph said Indonesia, which shares an 820-kilometre land border with Papua New Guinea, was worried about the potential implications of the treaty.

"They have raised a few concerns, especially with regards to their sovereignty," he said.

Dr Joseph said the idea for an annual trilateral defence meeting between the three nations came about when PNG was consulting with Indonesia over the new agreement.

"It's something that we all thought was a good idea because we are good neighbours," he said.

"Transparency has been the name of the game for us and we have nothing to hide."

First Australia-PNG-Indonesia defence meeting taking place tomorrow

Indonesia's foreign ministry spokesperson sounded a note of concern when the treaty was inked, saying while "Indonesia respects the right of every country to reinforce its defence system", no treaty should escalate "geopolitical competition" in the region.

"Indonesia also expects Australia and PNG to consistently uphold transparency in the process of forming this co-operation agreement, as well as to honour their commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring countries, including Indonesia," they said.

But Jakarta has since struck a much less wary tone, with top commander Agus Subiyanto declaring later in October that "Indonesia and Australia stand side-by-side in maintaining stability, security and peace across the Indo-Pacific region".

One Indonesian government source told the ABC that while there were still reservoirs of distrust in the Indonesian system when it came to the treaty, Australia had done a "good job" explaining what the Pukpuk Treaty was about and allaying those concerns.

The first meeting of defence ministers — featuring Dr Joseph, Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles and Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin — will be held tomorrow morning in PNG's capital, Port Moresby.

One federal government source said the meeting could represent a "huge step" for Australia as it tries to build strategic trust between all three countries, although they cautioned that building trilateral military cooperation would take time.

The Indonesian government has been contacted for comment.

Papua New Guinea and Indonesia share an 820km land border

PNG proposes 'close collaboration' with Indonesia at border

Dr Joseph said PNG also held concerns about its border with Indonesia and the potential for tensions within West Papua to spill over into Papua New Guinean territory.

Indigenous groups in West Papua have been engaged in a decades-long struggle for independence from Indonesia, with reports of increasing violence and human rights violations within the territory.

Both Australia and Papua New Guinea are adamant that they respect Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua, although successive governments in Port Moresby have also raised their concerns about human rights abuses and violent crackdowns.

Dr Joseph said unrest in West Papua risked spilling over the border.

"We pretty much respect whatever happens within Indonesian territory to be an internal Indonesian matter," Dr Joseph said.

"But if it comes into the PNG side of our territory, definitely it involves us."

He said PNG had proposed building a 10km buffer zone along the border, which would become a "no-man's land" that would be free from military infrastructure.

"And then we build joint patrol posts along the way so that both TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) and PNGDF (Papua New Guinea Defence Force) can man, and both sides can police that no-man's land together," he said.

"That's the sort of close collaboration we want to see."

Posted 3h ago3 hours ago, updated 3h ago

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https://iexaminer.org/west-papuas-long-struggle-for-independence-under-indonesia-colonialism/

2) West Papua’s long struggle for independence under Indonesia colonialism 

By West Papua Campaign USA - December 1, 2025

By West Papua Campaign USA, Arso Gombo, and Mirius Wenda 

We are the West Papua Campaign USA, a nonprofit organization established in 2021 with the support of the Pacific Island Community Association of Washington State (PICA-WA). Our mission is to advocate on behalf of West Papua, addressing issues such as genocide, ecocide, ethnocide, education, immigration, refugee rights, and emergency assistance for West Papuan students in need. Our office is located near the Aurora Transit Center. Every December 1st, we commemorate the fallen leaders of West Papua’s freedom struggle.  

This day marks our collective remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of West Papua. Beginning on December 1st, we also celebrate 19 days of independence, honoring the resilience, courage, and spirit of our people in the ongoing struggle for self-determination.  

West Papua’s independence movement started in 1961 after Dutch colonization for over 300 years. That same year, Indonesia invaded West Papua, which today is an Indonesian colony that has faced challenges such as genocide, ecocide, and ethnocide.   

Genocide & Ethnocide 

Genocide is extremely committed by Indonesia government since 1961 up to now, Indonesia have launched over 17 military operations in Papua, and thousands and thousands of West Papuan lives have been taken.   

According to The Neglected Genocide, a report published by the Asian Human Rights Commission, using historical records, field research and the testimony of survivors in 15 affected communities, the groups identified 4,146 victims of the killings but said the total number of victims who died from torture, disease and hunger as a result of the violence could be as high as 10,000. The report concludes that bombings and “indiscriminate shootings” occurred alongside “unspeakable atrocities including rape, torture and mass executions.” Villagers were slashed with razors and forced to have sex in public. Some were buried, boiled, and burnt alive. 

‘While clashes with the Indonesian military were nothing new for the Papuans,” the report writes, “what was happening in the Central Highlands during 1977-1978 was extraordinary in terms of the number of casualties as well as military officials and type of equipment deployed.’” 

The military operation listed above was conducted in West Papua over a two-year period. In that time, more than 5,000 West Papuans fled for their lives. West Papuan refugees now live around the border of West Papua, Indonesia, or Papua New Guinea. Some have run all the way to Australia and the United Kingdom due to ongoing aggressive military actions. 

According to Human Rights Monitor, “As of October 2025, more than 103,218 civilians across multiple regencies remained displaced due to military operations and armed conflict. The vast majority of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are Indigenous Papuans.” 

As a result, many IDPs do not have access to medical treatment, clean water, or food to eat. One refugee woman even gave birth in a jungle during one military operation. 

Serious concerns over healthcare and security in West Papua have sparked protests after two recent tragedies. 

In November 2025, in Jayapura, a pregnant woman named Irene Sokoy reportedly died—along with her unborn child—after being denied care at a hospital. Staff allegedly refused to admit her because she could not afford the costs of childbirth, a case that community members say reflects ongoing neglect of healthcare for Papuans. 

Separately, that same month, a high school student in Yahukimo Regency was seriously injured following an alleged Indonesian drone strike. The attack left him bedridden and prompted his family and local residents to gather in protest, demanding accountability from the Yahukimo government. 

Ecocide 

West Papua, home to the world’s third largest rainforest after the Amazon and Congo, is facing rapid deforestation. Since Indonesia’s takeover, illegal logging has surged. The UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific reports that Indonesia loses 1.6 to 2.8 million hectares of forest annually—about 3 to 5 hectares every minute—largely due to weak enforcement. In West Papua alone, 770,000 hectares of tree cover vanished between 2001–2024, according to Global Forest Watch. 

The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE), Indonesian government’s planned mega rice and sugarcane project, covering land the size of Lebanon, is expected to accelerate destruction, threatening biodiversity, indigenous communities, and contributing heavily to global climate change. 

Indonesia nickel mining in Raja Ampat has also destroyed the beauty of the tourist area of the region, and many Papuans have gathered to protest it. However, the company still operates and destroys the habitat of mammals. 

“Over 500 hectares of forest and native vegetation have been cleared for nickel mines on the islands of Gag, Kawe and Manuran in West Papua, resulting in soil runoff and sedimentation that endangers coral reefs and marine ecosystems,” according to a study by Greenpeace andAP News. Forests are also being converted into palm oil plantations in West Papua; we need people to hear and help us to advocate for serious ecocide that is going on there.

Controversy has emerged in West Papua following reports that Indonesian authorities burned traditional cultural accessories, including head crowns, body ornaments, and ceremonial decorations, after taking control of the region from Dutch colonial rule. These items, once carefully documented and preserved in Dutch museums and books, are said to have been destroyed, erasing vital records of Papuan heritage. 

Among the most sensitive issues is the burning of head decorations made from bird-of-paradise feathers, a sacred symbol in Papuan culture. The bird-of-paradise has long held ceremonial and spiritual significance, with its feathers used in traditional attire to represent identity, status, and connection to nature. 

Local anthropologist Selpi Yeimo has publicly criticized the government’s actions, calling them an insult to Papuan cultural identity. Yeimo argues that if authorities wish to enforce bans on hunting paradise birds for conservation purposes, they must first consult with the cultural owners rather than unilaterally destroying heritage items. 

The incident highlights a broader tension between wildlife conservation policies and Indigenous cultural rights. While protecting endangered species is a global priority, Papuan leaders insist that solutions must respect traditional practices and ensure that cultural heritage is not erased in the process. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) has faced backlash after burning traditional Papuan accessories made with bird‑of‑paradise feathers. Officials said the action was meant to protect the endangered bird from hunting, but many Papuans saw it as an attack on their cultural identity. 

Community members protested, accusing the institution of trying to eliminate Papuan traditions “one by one.” The bird‑of‑paradise holds deep spiritual and ceremonial meaning in Papuan society, and its feathers are used in headpieces and other cultural attire. Destroying these items was widely viewed as disrespectful to Indigenous heritage. 

Following the protests, BBKSDA issued an apology, acknowledging the sensitivity of burning cultural accessories. The incident has reignited debate over how conservation policies should be balanced with Indigenous rights, as Papuans demand consultation before decisions affecting their traditions are made. 

West Papua Campaign USA

 West Papua Campaign USA is Melanesian West Papuan-led non-profit organization committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of West Papuans in the United States.

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