Victor Mambor, the owner of the pro-democracy news outlet Jubi, has called on journalists in West Papua to take a more active role in reporting on key issues in their region. Speaking at the inaugural Papua Media Festival held in Nabire Regency, Central Papua, Mambor urged Indigenous Papuan journalists to become the primary sources of information about their homeland, rather than leaving the narrative to foreign media.
The event, which saw participation from university students and journalists, was moderated by Roni Hisage. It was designed to empower local media professionals and increase their engagement in covering the unique potentials and challenges faced by Papua.
In a separate but related development, Mambor has faced challenges himself, as the North Jayapura Police recently concluded their inquiry into an explosion that occurred outside his home in January. The investigation has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency and procedural irregularities, leaving Mambor only informed of its outcome in October through local human rights representatives.
Despite these obstacles, Mambor’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of local journalists reflects a growing movement within Papua to reclaim narrative ownership. By fostering a robust local media presence, there is potential for more nuanced and comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter most to the Papuan people, contributing to a more informed public discourse.
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