A pro-independence activist in the province of Papua in Indonesia says the recent shooting deaths of demonstrators is a chance for Pacific nations to challenge Indonesia.
Yoab Syatfle says two people were shot dead and others injured in Sorong, and a third died on Monday in hospital, while one person was shot dead on Biak Island and four were injured in Timika.
He says all the events were peaceful demonstrations organised to mark fifty years since the United Nations transferred what was West New Guinea to Indonesia.
Mr Syatfle says the Melanesian Spearhead Group has given its support to Papua and West Papua but all Pacific nations should voice their concerns.
He says it's a matter of life and death.
"If the Pacific region, still recognises Indonesian territory on West Papua, the Pacific region supports Indonesian destruction, to kill West Papuan people. If you support West Papuan independence, you save West Papuan lives."
Yoab Syatfle
