Situation in Indonesia and West Papua

Topic:
Country: United States of America
Delegate Name: Manya Tijoriwala

SIMUN
Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Manya Tijoriwala
The United States recognizes the ongoing conflict in West Papua as a complex and deeply rooted issue with significant humanitarian, political, and security implications. The situation, which stems from the contested 1969 “Act of Free Choice” and the subsequent rise of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), has resulted in decades of violence, human rights violations, and political instability. The United States is committed to promoting peace, human rights, and democratic governance in West Papua while supporting Indonesia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This position paper outlines the U.S. stance on the West Papua conflict and proposes a path to address the crisis.
The United States recognizes Indonesia’s sovereignty over West Papua and supports its territorial integrity. However, the U.S. emphasizes that this sovereignty comes with the responsibility to ensure the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the well-being of all citizens, including the Indigenous Papuan population. The United States is deeply concerned by the reports of human rights abuses in West Papua, including killings, torture, forced displacement, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. The U.S. calls upon the Indonesian government to allow unfettered access to the region for international human rights organizations, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), to investigate these allegations and ensure accountability and repercussions occur.
The United States is committed to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in West Papua to address issues such as food insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and economic inequality. The U.S. encourages international partners to contribute to these efforts and calls on the Indonesian government to facilitate the delivery of aid to affected communities.
The United States proposes the establishment of a way that conflict can be mediated internally, which is facilitated by the United Nations or a neutral third party, to encourage peace talks between the Indonesian government and Papuan leaders. This mechanism should include representatives from civil society, women, and youth to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue. The United States is prepared to offer counterterrorism assistance to Indonesia to address the threat posed by the TPNPB, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to international human rights standards in all security operations.
The United States is committed to supporting a peaceful, just, and sustainable resolution to the West Papua conflict. By promoting human rights, inclusive dialogue, and economic development, the U.S. aims to help build a future where the people of West Papua can live in dignity, security, and prosperity. The U.S. calls on all parties to prioritize peace and work together to end the cycle of violence and instability in the region.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Nico Mocker

The Republic of Korea recognizes the important role of strong international connections in order to maintain peace and financial security within our region. Korea and Indonesia’s strong cultural and financial ties have resulted in regional prosperity, a distribution of valuable natural resources, and cultural exchange. We stand by our support of Indonesia, and will continue to deepen our diplomatic ties with our neighboring ally. Korea supports Indonesia’s sovereignty and authority in West Papua, and will work towards a solution that maintains the peace and economic stability of the region.
After experiencing similar struggles in the 1950’s to 1970’s while adapting to a new, democratic post-colonial government, the Republic of Korea established diplomatic ties with Indonesia. Through exchange of workers, natural resources, and cultural ideas, we have built a close relationship that has led to economic and cultural prosperity in both countries. Our financial investment in Indonesia has led to a mutual growth in technology and green energy, and together we have helped decrease carbon emissions, increase usage of electric cars, and transitioning Indonesian cities to more sustainable development practices. It is only through our countries’ close relationship have we been able to make this progress towards a greener future.
Korea stands by Indonesia’s authority in defense decisions, and will continue to grow our strategic defense relationship. Through our contribution of military equipment and our implementation of bilateral training opportunities, we are committed to supporting the development of our ally’s national defense. It is our stace that the situation between West Papua and Indonesia should be handled by the Indonesian government, as a conflict in their sovereign territory. We will support Indonesia and continue to foster the economic and cultural growth of the region.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Victoria Reichel

The Russian Federation maintains a long and multifaceted relationship with the Republic of Indonesia, characterized by cooperation in political, economic, and some defense sectors. This partnership is mainly grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and territorial integrity. In these contexts, Russia acknowledges Indonesia’s sovereignty over the provinces of Papua and West Papua and regards the situation in these regions as an internal matter for the Indonesian government.
The historical trajectory of West Papua has been extremely complex. Following the decolonization of Indonesia from the Netherlands, the status of West Paupa has become a point of contention. The “Act of Free Choice,” from 1969 which was made under the supervision of the United Nations, resulted in the integration of West Papua into Indonesia. Whilst the process ended up facing criticism, it was also recognized by the international community, including the United Nations, thereby affirming Indonesia’s sovereignty over this region.
In recent years, the Indonesian government has undertaken initiatives to help address separatist sentiments in Papua and West Papua. These efforts included some economic development programs, different infrastructure projects, and social initiatives aimed at the improvement of the welfare of its local population. The Russian Federation is supporting Indonesia’s endeavors to help promote stability and development in these selected regions. The presence of these separatist movements, such as the Free Papua Movement and its armed wing, the West Papua National Liberation Army, has led them to security challenges in the region. The TPNPB has been responsible for many attacks, including kidnappings and assaults on civilians and infrastructure. Notably, in February 2023, the TPNPB abducted New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, who was helped for 19 months before his release in September of 2024. These actions underscore the ongoing security challenges in this region.
The Russian Federation also acknowledges reports from international organizations that express concerns about human rights conditions in Papua and West Papua. These issues such as allegations of extrajudicial killings, different forms of torture, and restrictions on the freedom of expression are highlighted. Russia emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns through constructive dialogue and cooperation with the Indonesian government, whilst respecting their sovereignty. Russia upholds the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states. The situation in Papua and West Papua can and is recognized as an internal matte for Indonesia. Russia encourages the international community to help support Indonesia’s efforts to maintain national unity and help promote socio-economic development in this region.
The Russian Federation reaffirms its support for Indonesia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, thus recognizing Paupa and West Wapua as some integral parts of this Indonesian state. Russia encourages continued efforts by the Indonesian government to help address this aspiration and concerns of the local population with inclusive dialogue and some sustainable development initiatives. The Russian Federation remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Indonesia and contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: People’s Republic of China
Delegate Name: Chloe Falkenstern

The People’s Republic of China views the ongoing conflict in the West Papua and Indonesian territories as a matter whose history is long and very complex. When the Dutch agreed to terminate their subordination of the territory known as West Papua in 1962, the right to oversee it was transferred to Indonesia. The West Papua National Liberation Army, or the TPNPB, came into the limelight as a result. Later, in the 1969 Act of Free Choice, representatives of the West Papua region voted to stay with a united Indonesia, and many people of the territory were outraged at the result. Since the TPNPB has carried out strategic attacks against the Indonesian government and in recent years, this conflict has reached its peak. The Indonesian government has been faulted in its handling of the conflict, as the legislation proposed focuses primarily on the prevention of attacks rather than a focus on the source of the problem.
While China is not directly involved in the region, Indonesia remains one of China’s largest trading partners. In the year 2021, China and Indonesia’s trading amounted to approximately 60 billion dollars, with large trading in electronics and capital goods. As such a resource-rich territory, it comes as a large worry that unrest is rampant in the region. China has not encountered a similar problem in the past, and thus cannot offer advice on the procedures to move forward that have occurred in its history. However, China strongly disproves any imposition of foreign laws on either entity, as it would be against China’s core beliefs. Forcing either entity to comply with legislation passed at a United Nations committee would fall strongly against this. As such, China simply wishes for the region to receive suggestions on a path forward.
In totality, China hopes for a solution that will respect the sovereignty of Indonesia while also providing an opportunity for both the West Papua territory and Indonesia to resolve problems peacefully. It is within the best interest of the United Nations to respect the dignity of Indonesia and also to prioritize allowing both parties to resolve this problem in their manner. As peace talks for both parties have not yet begun, China encourages this to be a priority.
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Agreement between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning West New Guinea (West Irian). (1962). In United Nations, United Nations Treaty Series (No. 6311; Vol. 1962). https://treaties.un.org/doc/publication/unts/volume%20437/volume-437-i-6311-english.pdf China product exports and imports to Indonesia 2021 | WITS Data. (n.d.). https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/CHN/Year/2021/TradeFlow/EXPIMP/Partner/IDN/Product/All-Groups Cline, A. K. (n.d.). West Papua – resource wealth. https://www.cs.utexas.edu/~cline/papua/wealth.htm Jscarr, A. (2024, April 26). Unraveling the injustices in West Papua – UAB Institute for Human Rights blog. https://sites.uab.edu/humanrights/2024/04/26/unraveling-the-injustices-in-west-papua/

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.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Neel Grover

The UK views the Indonesian-West Papua situation as a very complex geopolitical matter with vital humanitarian and security significance. 30 years after the 1969 Act of Free Choice, tension between the Indonesian regime and the Papuan people are still being fueled by allegations of human rights abuses, restriction of political liberties, and armed rebellion. The escalation of brutality, particularly towards indigenous peoples, has been raising concerns about transparency and the protection of fundamental human rights. The UK acknowledges Indonesia’s sovereignty but urges compliance with international human rights standards and the need for a dialogue-based approach to resolving long-term problems.
The United Kingdom has been an outspoken proponent of human rights, resolution of conflict, and stability on the regional scale. The UK has collaborated intensively with international partners like the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to monitor West Papua’s Progress. The UK has long pressed for the upholding of democratic values and accountability and has pressed the Indonesian government to allow free inquiry into alleged human rights violations. In addition, the Uk has supported international efforts to enhance human rights protection throughout Indonesia through diplomacy and development that improves governance, economic progress, and civil rights.
The United Kingdom believes that there needs to be an extensive international response to address the humanitarian concerns in West Papua. The UK urges Indonesia to allow independent UN observers and human rights organizations unrestricted access to the Papua region to bring transparency and accountability. This would allow for a reliable assessment of allegations of killings, forced displacement of indigenous peoples, and other abuses or rights violations. The UK also calls on the UN Human Rights Council to take a more active role in investigating these claims and making recommendations to the Indonesian government regarding the protection of human rights. Continued international observation is critical in the decrease of regional tensions.

Topic: 2025-Situation in Indonesia and West Papua
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Ethan Hess

When Indonesia gained its independence from Dutch influence in the mid-1900s and sought to negotiate the transfer it faced pushback from both the Dutch and the young United Nations to help them unite West Papua into their territory. It took until 1962 for the Dutch to hand West Papua to Indonesia, an act facilitated by the UN after several decades of failed resolutions. Yet even then fighting between groups who would later become the Free Papua Movement and Indonesian forces continued up through1969 when the Free Choice Act which sought to survey whether West Papua would seek to join Indonesia was put to vote. This coercive vote ended in favour of a united Indonesia, but the vote did nothing to quell the West Papuan’s desire for self-determination.
In the modern day, fighting between Indonesian forces and the Free Papua Movement continues through sporadic guerilla attacks by the Free Papua movement on Indonesia. Riots too occur throughout villages in both regions. Indonesia has been accused of committing a genocide of West Papuans, but no United Nations body has assigned this conflict as such. Indonesia has been faulted as focusing on the effects rather than the causes of this conflict, as their government has focused on counter-insurgency initiatives rather than sincere political negotiations with members of the Papua Liberation Movement or representatives of the Indigenous Papuans.
Somalia is sympathetic to Indonesia’s situation, a situation of internal civil unrest caused by colonization even decades after European forces left their nation. These circumstances are all too familiar to Somalia. Our delegation hopes to urge the United Nations towards a resolution aiding Indonesia in the same way we would hope to be aided. We hope the United Nations will commit itself to helping Indonesia quell the persistent Insurgent group or at least permit aid towards that end, and we hope to see the UN condemn the Free Paupa Movement’s methods of conflict and its role as an insurgent group.

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.

Position papers for SIMUN 2025 will appear above this line, with the newest being at the top.