Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Lynn Meradi
Back Ground:
In 1969, after being ruled over by the Dutch, West Papua had the choice to become an independent nation or to become a territory of Indonesia. This was known as “the Act of Free Choice”. The vote came out to be unanimous by 1,205 electors out of a region made up of 800,000 people. The decision declared West Papua to become an Indonesian territory. This was met with criticism, stating this was a representation of unfair and undemocratic process.
Movements arose, such as the Free Papua Movement (OPM), where they declared West Papua as a free, independent state. Open combat occurred between Indonesia’s government and the West Papua Nation Liberation Army (TPNPB). West Papua has not given up and the conflict only grew in 2019, when Indonesia decided to proceed with a total blackout in Papua and restrict any foreign national traveling to Papua. This was in response to multiple protests.
The OHCHR monitored the situation for the last decade. However, in March of 2022, a statement was issued that declared ending the”…ongoing human rights violations against indigenous Papuans.” This declaration was made to address the killings, torture, and forced displacement by government security forces, which led to issues like food scarcity and poor access to healthcare.
The TPNPB have since committed a multitude of terrorist acts, in order to try and reject Indonesia’s rule. The acts go from arson, to kidnapping, torture, public shootings, and more. The group went even as far as to state its rule for war and actually went on to declare war in 2018. These terrorist acts have been ongoing and the severity seems to be only increasing. As for the United Nations Security Council, they have not been able to issue a resolution in recent years.
Policy:
The Republic of Sierra Leone is focused on building up its economy seeing as the Civil War only ended in 2002, leaving drastic effects. The economy has strained Sierra Leone’s society in terms of poverty and leaving a fragile democracy. While the nation has noticeably improved throughout the years, with building schools, clinics, and rebuilding roads, it still has a long way to go. With that being said, Sierra Leone has not had any present or past relation with Indonesia and West Papua. This is due to the fact that they are across the world from each other, with Sierra Leone being in West Africa and Indonesia being in Southeast Asia. These two sovereign nations have faced similar situations with being colonized by European powers, however, that’s the extent of it.
However, Sierra Leone is always sympathetic and willing to aid the nation in any way it can. This gives an opportunity to build a relationship with Indonesia and start a new history, seeing as Sierra Leone can relate to the overall circumstances.
Proposal:
Sierra Leone proposes to focus on constructing a plan that will bring peace to Indonesia and West Papua. Furthermore, Sierra Leone is thinking of creating a peacekeeping operation in Indonesia to bring protection to the innocent civilians being affected.
Sierra Leone is more than open to more proposals, since the nation does not have much involvement in the situation, there’s very little the country can do on its own. Sierra Leone recognizes that it will take a great deal of effort to try and combat this situation, but it needs the help and agreement of other nations to do the same. Overall, the Republic of Sierra Leone does not have direct involvement with this situation, leaving limited proposals to be declared at the moment. The peacekeeping operation could be a viable part of a bigger picture, seeing as Sierra Leone has been thanked personally by other countries for its efforts in its peacemaking missions. Leading to a hopeful outcome for the Republic of Indonesia and West Papua, aiming for order and peace.
