West Papua
MSG rejects West Papua membership bid
The Melanesian Spearhead Group has knocked back West Papua's bid to become a full member of the group, while elevating Indonesia's status. Audio
The Melanesian Spearhead Group and West Papua
Radio New Zealand International's Johnny Blades on the recent decision by the MSG to allow Indonesia full membership while denying it to the indigenous Melanesian people of West Papua. Audio
Indonesia says it will help develop Melanesia
The Indonesian government says it hopes to make a positive contribution to economic and developmental challenges in Melanesia.
West Papua group welcomes MSG appreciation
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has expressed gratitude for progress made but still intends pursuing full membership of the Melanesia Spearhead Group.
MSG decision disappointing, says academic
A Solomon Island academic says the Melanesian Spearhead Group's rejection of West Papua's bid for full membership, while elevating Indonesia's status, is disappointing.
MSG knocks back West Papua bid, elevates Indonesia
The Melanesian Spearhead Group has knocked back West Papua's bid to become a full member of the group, while elevating Indonesia's status.
West Papuans wait on MSG with bated breath
A West Papuan leader Benny Wenda says the movement has taken heart from a passionate speech by the new chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Audio
West Papuans wait on MSG with bated breath
West Papuans all over the world are waiting with bated breath for the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders decision on their application for membership to the sub-regional group. Audio
MSG Summit described as a test for Melanesian identity
A West Papuan in Australia says a lack of a philosophy on which Melanesia can identify its place in the modern world is holding the region's leaders back from advancing the interests of Melanesian… Audio
Jokowi hits development hurdle in bid to release 90 Papuans
A proposal in Indonesia's Parliament to pardon political prisoners in Papua has been rejected.
West Papuans confident Vanuatu still backing them
West Papuans happy that Vanuatu's positive support for them at the Melanesian Spearhead Group will continue despite the change of government. Audio
Further mixed messages from Indonesia on foreign media access
In another contradiction of the Indonesian President's vow to open up the provinces of Papua and West Papua to international media, the country's military chief says the policy of having guards…
West Papuans would take MSG observer status
The West Papuan group applying to join the regional agency, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, says it would accept observer status but wants full membership.
Students arrested at fundraising rally in Papua
14 members of a student group have been arrested by police in the Papuan town of Abepura, as they raised funds for a probe into the shooting deaths of fellow students last year.
MSG decision highlights Melanesian identity crisis
This week's Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders summit in Honiara looms as a test of Melanesian identity and solidarity. Audio
West Papua leader still doesn't know why he's blocked from US
The West Papuan independence leader, Benny Wenda, says he has still not heard why he was blocked from travelling to the United States a month ago.
West Papua leader confident of Vanuatu backing
The secretary general of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua says he is confident in Vanuatu's support, despite the change in government.
MSG foreign ministers meet in Honiara
Foreign ministers of Melanesian Spearhead Group member countries are meeting in Honiara today and tomorrow ahead of the leaders summit later this week.
West Papua movement in final push towards MSG
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua is planning its final push ahead of this week's vote on whether to admit West Papua to the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Audio
West Papua plans final push for MSG membership
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua is planning its final push ahead of this week's vote on whether to admit West Papua into the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
