Human rights group says move a publicity stunt
More than 700 West Papuans living in Papua New Guinea are choosing to return home to the Indonesian side of the border despite claims they face human rights abuses.
The Indonesian Embassy in PNG’s capital Port Moresby next month will begin flying the West Papuans to Vanimo in Sandaun Province on PNG’s north-east coast, before driving them across the border to their former homes.
Hakim Abdul from the embassy said the voluntary repatriations were happening because conditions in West Papua had steadily improved since 2001.
“The Indonesian government has made West Papua a special province, there is more autonomy than ever before. It’s very different now,” he said.
“The West Papuans living in PNG have realised conditions are better there.
“It’s good news as they now want to go home after learning about life in West Papua from friends and family, even reading the internet.”
The Indonesian government would pay for the repatriation and was working with the PNG government on the issue, he said.
But Felix Meraudje from the West Papua National Congress based in Port Moresby said it was a publicity stunt.
“It’s publicity to show Indonesia is good,” Mr Meraudje said.
“They promise them a lot and give a little pocket money.
“These people who have chosen to go back are frustrated with the lack of results from the United Nations to place us outside of PNG.
“The reality for most West Papuans is not good, most are scared and can’t be West Papuan.”
Meraudje said 10,000 to 20,000 West Papuans who fled their homes on the Indonesian side because of persecution by authorities lived throughout PNG.
Hundreds had settled in a refugee camp near the border in PNG’s Southern Highlands region while a majority lived and worked in the country’s major centres.
West Papuans fled their province following alleged human rights abuses by Indonesian authorities and security forces.
Indonesia’s hardline security measures, including arrests of activists who try to fly the outlawed Morning Star flag, have helped quell the West Papua separatist movement.
