4 Sep 2019

Coalescence around liberation movement raises tempo in Papua

From , 3:05 pm on 4 September 2019

An academic says Indonesia's government is unlikely to offer concessions to West Papuan independence aims following weeks of turmoil in the region

Pro-independence demonstrations by Papuans for the past two weeks have given way to an Indonesian security crackdown and deadly unrest in the Papuan provinces.

A professor of international politics at Deakin University, Damien Kingsbury, described the protests as the largest seen in Papua for decades.

He told Johnny Blades they reflect deep Papuan frustration with Indonesian rule, and a more focussed independence movement.

West Papuans demonstrating in Jayapura, 29 August, 2019.

West Papuans demonstrating in Jayapura, 29 August, 2019. Photo: Supplied