Gaye Demanuele · @gayedemanuele
1st Dec 2015 from TwitLonger
Media Release: West Papua Honai Embassy Melbourne #freeWestPapua
IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE 01/12/2015
Concerned citizens for #freeWestPapua on Global 'Rise of the Morning Star' flag raising day.
Today activists for a Free West Papua raised the Morning Star flag on land opposite the Indonesian consulate, Queens Rd, Melbourne. Land that was never ceded by the Kulin Nations. Members of West Papuan community and supporters also raised a traditional West Papuan honai embassy to symbolise indigenous people's struggles as they are displaced from their homelands, their culture, language and freedom. The flag was raised in solidarity with activists across West Papua repressed by Indonesian forces as they attempted to raise the flag this morning.
Solidarity actions of raising the Morning Star flag are happening in cities around the globe. Meg, Jaadwa woman and member of Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, said that she came in solidarity with West Papuan brothers and sisters in their shared struggles. “We condemn the Australian government's involvement in training and funding Indonesian paramilitary forces that protect the interests of Australian and multinational mining corporations,” said Meg. She drew parallels between the forced closures of Aboriginal homeland communities and reiterated that "we, as indigenous people, are united".
Since the Morning Star flag was first raised 54 years ago, the Melanesian peoples of West Papua have continued to suffer under Indonesian occupation with an estimated 500,000 people missing or murdered since the Indonesian occupation in 1963. The Australian government is complicit in this slow genocide through its military and diplomatic support of the Indonesian government. Multinational mining corporations wreak environmental devastation for huge profit while local people are displaced from their homelands.
West Papuans are still fighting for independence. Spokesperson, Ronny Kareni said, “we have made much progress this year with our success at the Melanesian Spearhead Group and the Pacific Islands Forum. Support for our cause is gaining momentum globally.”
West Papuan exiles in Australia gathered with supporters in Melbourne to call for West Papua's independence. One West Papuan mother and activist, Sixta, said, “I hope that my baby daughter will grow up to see a free West Papua.” Another freedom fighter expressed the basic need for all people to feel safe in their own homes.
West Papuans and their supporters from all over the world call on their governments to support West Papua's claim on their homeland and freedom for their people.
Media contact:
Ronny Kareni 0401 222 177
Izzy Brown 0411 299 462