Indonesia has conducted lethal airstrikes in West Papua, leading to the death of at least one child and leaving several others severely injured. The attacks occurred on Wednesday as part of President Prabowo’s military operations. ULMWP President Benny Wenda confirmed that 18-year-old Deris Kogoya was killed when a rocket from a helicopter struck him while he was riding his motorbike near Kelanungin Village in Puncak Regency. Another individual, Jemi Waker, suffered critical leg injuries and has declined to seek medical help due to fears of further military retaliation.
Wenda condemned the incident and stated that these victims were innocent youths, not combatants as claimed by Indonesian authorities. He connected this most recent violence to previous military actions in West Papua, recalling the brutal military operations of the late 1970s, which resulted in the deaths of over 11,000 Papuans. Wenda highlighted an alarming escalation in military aggression under the current administration, accusing President Prabowo of employing tactics reminiscent of former President Suharto’s era of violence and suppression.
The ULMWP has pointed out a pattern of increased frequency and severity in military strikes, further emphasizing the need for international attention to the plight of West Papuans. Wenda voiced frustration over the lack of media coverage and international response, questioning how many more lives must be lost before the world takes notice of their struggle.
In response to these ongoing issues, Wenda made three key demands to the Indonesian government: allowing free press in West Papua, granting the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights access to the region, and withdrawing military forces to enable displaced persons to return home.
This escalating violence highlights the urgent need for dialogue and accountability, especially as past attempts at peace have often been met with limited success. While the situation appears dire, there is a glimmer of hope in the ULMWP’s unyielding commitment to non-violent advocacy for self-determination, emphasizing the global importance of Indigenous rights and autonomy.
The international community’s growing recognition of these issues may foster future discussions, potentially leading to a more peaceful resolution for West Papua, as voices for change continue to rise amidst adversity.
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