Jayapura, Jubi – Representatives and supporters of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) have agreed to begin a process of reconciliation and reunification, following a meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Saturday (22/08/2026).
The meeting was convened by Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards and Disaster Risk Management, and Joe Natuman, the government’s Special Envoy for Decolonisation and Maritime Boundary Delimitation.
The participants discussed the need to overcome divisions within the ULMWP and work together to advance the aspirations of the people of West Papua.
The meeting acknowledged continuing differences between ULMWP factions, represented at the meeting by Octavianus Mote and Benny Wenda. The participants also recognised the need to preserve and strengthen the West Papuan movement through cooperation and mutual respect.
They agreed in principle to take part in a reconciliation ceremony to be held in Port Vila in November 2026, which is intended to mark an important step towards restoring unity and encouraging constructive engagement among all stakeholders.
The meeting also recognised and supported the work of a Reconciliation Committee established in West Papua, which has been engaging with churches, customary leaders, communities and the wider West Papuan population.
As part of the process, the participants agreed to launch a structured “Reconciliation Pathway”, beginning immediately and leading towards the proposed reconciliation meeting in November.
The process will receive technical facilitation from the Berghof Foundation, the Pacific Conference of Churches, the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs and the Vanuatu National Council of Women.
The Vanuatu government said it was prepared to host and facilitate the process as part of its efforts to strengthen a united West Papuan voice on issues concerning the dignity, rights, welfare and human rights of Melanesian people in West Papua.
The government also urged all stakeholders to approach the reconciliation process in good faith, with humility, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the future of the people of West Papua.
Participants reaffirmed their belief that reconciliation and reunification were essential foundations for effective advocacy and joint engagement on issues affecting West Papua at national, regional and international levels.
The statement of intent was witnessed by Job Dalesa, chair of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, along with ULMWP members and senior officials attending the meeting. (*)
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