West Papuan journalists in Fiji urge Pacific solidarity against Jakarta’s media crackdown
In exile but undeterred, three West Papuan journalists have traveled to Fiji to rally Pacific support against Indonesia’s ongoing media restrictions and human rights abuses. The visit is framed as part of a broader push to build media partnerships, university collaborations, and joint advocacy for self-determination and freedoms in the region.
Speaking after the screening of their documentary Pepera 1969: A Democratic Integration at the University of the South Pacific, the Jubi Media Papua team—Victor Mambor, co-founder and editor; Yuliana Lantipo, senior journalist and editor; and Dandhy Laksono, an investigative filmmaker based in Jakarta—shared the realities of reporting from West Papua, one of the most militarised and censored areas in the Pacific.
“We are here to build bridges with our brothers and sisters in the Pacific,” Mambor said, emphasizing the need for cross-regional support. Laksono added that “There is no hope from the Asian side,” explaining why they are seeking new audiences and allies in the Pacific to amplify West Papuan voices and to challenge the narratives pushed by Jakarta.
The journalists urged Pacific audiences to push for greater awareness of the West Papuan situation and to question dominant official accounts. “Don’t just listen to what Jakarta says,” Mambor urged. “Speak to Papuans. Listen to our stories. Raise our voices. We want to bring West Papua back to the Pacific—not just geographically, but politically, culturally, and emotionally.”
Mambor also highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by Jubi Media staff, describing how their work has become more difficult under Indonesia’s current leadership. He noted that two operational cars were destroyed and that journalists are subjected to constant intimidation, yet the team remains resolute in reporting the truth.
The West Papuan press climate remains perilous for both local and foreign journalists. Foreign reporters are routinely denied entry, internet access can be cut during periods of unrest, and Indigenous reporters face heightened risk of arrest or violence when covering sensitive issues such as human rights abuses or military operations.
Laksono—who is not Papuan but has long worked to document injustices in the region—warned that “Much of Indonesia has been indoctrinated through school textbooks and media into believing a false history.” He cited the “Act of Free Choice” of 1969 as a point of contention, arguing that the documentary seeks to present a more accurate history and to illuminate West Papua’s ongoing struggle for self-determination.
Lantipo spoke candidly about the daily trauma endured by communities caught between Indonesian security forces and the West Papua National Liberation Army. She described killings, displacement, children missing schooling, and limited access to healthcare, noting that women and children are often the most affected. As one of the region’s few Indigenous female journalists reporting from conflict zones, she also spoke about the challenges unique to her identity in the field—how gender and status can both open and restrict access to certain areas.
Despite the dangers, the journalists remain committed to their mission. “People need us to speak the truth. That is our responsibility. That is our profession,” Lantipo said.
About Jubi Media Papua
Jubi Media Papua, founded in 2001 by West Papuan civil society, has grown into a trusted and independent voice from the territory. With a newsroom of more than 30 reporters and 50 staff, Jubi has earned a reputation for fearless reporting. Mambor explained that Jubi means “to speak the truth,” and the organization recently created a special Pacific stories section to remind West Papuans that they are not alone and to strengthen ties with their Pacific identity.
Context and regional solidarity
The West Papuan case has resonated across the Pacific, with regional bodies and media groups calling for greater protections for journalists and an independent press. Reports from the region in recent months highlight growing concern about pressures, suspensions, and harassment of journalists in Pacific nations, including PNG, where both state-owned and independent outlets have faced disciplinary actions. Pacific media associations and regional forums have urged governments to safeguard editorial independence and to resist attempts to silence critical reporting.
Beyond West Papua, regional discussions have emphasized the importance of investigative journalism and the need to invest in newsroom capacity to hold power to account. The Pacific’s media landscape is increasingly seen as a barometer for regional democracy and governance, with many commentators noting that a free, independent press remains essential for transparency and human rights reporting.
A hopeful regional note
Interlinked with these efforts, Pacific media groups and universities have been exploring deeper collaborations to support self-determination narratives, climate reporting, and human rights advocacy. The Pacific region has also celebrated milestones in media education and reform, including forums and conferences that encourage open dialogue about press freedom, gender considerations in journalism, and the protection of reporters in conflict zones. These conversations are viewed as vital to sustaining independent reporting and to ensuring Pacific voices are heard on the world stage.
What readers can take away
The story underscores the resilience of West Papuan journalists who continue to tell truth to power despite threats. It also highlights the growing appetite in the Pacific for regional solidarity in defense of press freedom. To support these efforts, audiences can engage with West Papuan storytelling, seek out independent reporting from the region, and amplify Papuan voices through sharing films, articles, and discussions that illuminate self-determination and human rights issues.
Additional context and potential angles
– The Pacific’s broader advocacy networks, including regional press associations and freedom-of-information groups, are increasingly vocal about protecting journalists and ensuring access to information across Melanesia.
– Regional events and partnerships, such as dialogues between Pacific nations and institutions in West Papua, can help cultivate mutual understanding and practical support for independent reporting in conflict-affected areas.
– The ongoing struggle for press freedom in West Papua and across the Pacific is closely linked to larger conversations about self-determination, governance, and the role of media in promoting peace and accountability.
Summary and outlook
West Papuan journalists in Suva are turning their Fiji visit into a catalyst for regional solidarity around press freedom and human rights. Their experiences and call for Pacific audiences to listen directly to Papuan voices reflect a broader regional push to amplify independent reporting and to counter distortions of history. With continued cross-border collaboration and support from regional media groups, there is renewed hope for greater transparency, accountability, and protection for journalists in the Pacific and in West Papua.
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