Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: India
Delegate Name: Madelyn Lower
Committee: United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Topic: Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: India
Delegate: Madelyn Lower, New Prairie High School, New Carlisle, IN
The unresolved situation in West Papua regarding alleged human rights abuses and unwillingness by the Indonesian government to grant self-determination to the indigenous Papuans poses a significant challenge to international stability in Southeast Asia. West Papua is fighting for its independence from the Republic of Indonesia which was rooted in Dutch colonialism. In 1969, West Papua was tasked with voting for self-determination through the “Act of Free Choice” bill. The Papuan people claim that this vote was manipulated by the Indonesian government through restrictive voting initiatives. Since this controversial vote, Indigineous Papuans have reported grievances regarding a lack of human rights, some even going as far as calling it a “slow genocide.” Indonesia has also exploited many of the region’s natural resources, including gold, copper, and timber, with little improvement to the Papuan economy or the people who live there. West Papua is having to deal with a lack of self-determination, human rights violations, and retaliatory violence from the Indonesian government.
This unrest in West Papua has implications on the trade relations between India and Indonesia. Papuans have a distinct cultural identity independent from that of Indonesia. India prioritizes the principle of sovereignty and independence among nations; however, India deeply condemns the violation of human rights. The current human rights abuses in West Papua contravenes Article 1 of both the United Nations Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with numerous reports of mass killings, torture, and suppression of freedom of expression by the Indonesian government.
India proposes peaceful negotiations between the Papuan people and the Indonesian government. India suggests that the United Nations facilitate dialogue between the two groups. Handling this in a peaceful manner should be the top priority while still acknowledging the Papuans efforts towards sovereignty. Resolving this situation is delicate in order to prevent regional instability economically, politically, and socially. We urge Indonesia to utilize the recommendations of the United Nations Human Rights Council to avoid further violence. India offers assistance in the industry building in Indonesia in exchange for West Papuan independence.
