Is there a genocide in West Papua?
The Act Element of the Crime of Genocide Indonesian military and police forces have engaged in widespread violence and killings in West Papua.
Why did Indonesia take over West Papua?
The Indonesian government wanted all of the former Dutch colonies in the Asia-Pacific region and the Indonesian military soon invaded West Papua. Conflict broke out between the Netherlands, Indonesia and the indigenous population regarding control of the territory.
Does Papua New Guinea support West Papua?
Across the border, support for West Papuan independence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been growing. Even though PNG’s prime minister has not expressed support for West Papuan independence as Vanuatu has, the grassroots support in PNG is arguably stronger than in Vanuatu.
What is the issue in West Papua?
In 2019 unrest broke out in West Papua after police in Java—Indonesia’s most populous island, home to the capital Jakarta—reportedly called a group of Papuan students racist names like “monkey.” At least 43 people were killed, including at least one Indonesian soldier, according to Human Rights Watch.
How many West Papuans have been killed?
Since the Suharto dictatorship of Indonesia annexed West Papua in a 1969 U.N. referendum – largely viewed as a land grab – an estimated 500,000 West Papuans have been killed fighting to achieve independence.
What language do they speak in West Papua?
The official language of West Papua is Indonesian, with limited recognition for Papuan Malay, a local West Papuan language that has some limited presence in the border regions with Papua New Guinea.
How many Indonesians live in West Papua?
In 2020, Western New Guinea had an estimated population of 5,437,775, the majority of whom are Papuan people. The official language is Indonesian….Western New Guinea.
| Western New Guinea Papua West Irian / Irian Jaya / West Papua | |
|---|---|
| • Total | 5,437,775 |
| • Density | 13/km2 (34/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+9 (Indonesia Eastern Time) |
| ISO 3166-2 | ID-PP |
What do Indonesians call West Papua?
Irian Jaya Barat
West Papua (Indonesian: Papua Barat), formerly Irian Jaya Barat (West Irian), is a province of Indonesia. It covers the two western peninsulas of the island of New Guinea, Bird’s Head Peninsula and Bomberai Peninsula, along with nearby islands.
Is West Papua occupied?
Indonesia has controlled West Papua since invading in 1963 and formalising its annexation through the controversial, UN approved, ‘Act of Free Choice’. Security forces are accused of severe human rights violations during the occupation with an estimated 500,000 Papuans killed.