Demonstrating for independence in Jayapura 2004

Demonstrating for independence in Jayapura, West Papua spring 2004. Location: The guvernors office next to Governors beach in central Jayapura.

This circling dance and shouthing have
roots in tribal warfare from the central mountain ranges tribes (Dani tribe and Amugme). Altough this dance ritual often have been related to war and conflict, it is also used as a medium to gather people and support, in example tribal gatherings, church celebrations and student meetings.

Most of the people engaging in this demonstrating are from the highlands of Papua. Notabely Dani, Lani and Paniai people. The highland people commonely condsiders the coastal people to cowardliness, because of their lack of courage to stand up for the struggle to independence.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• West
• Papua
• Indonesia
• Dewan
• Adat
• Presidium
• Council
• Jayapura
• Bintang
• Kejora
• Manokwari
• OPM
• riot

[westpapuaeurope]

Hopefully, their case will be brought

back into international recognition,

and their right to free speach and

peacefull struggle, backed up by the

international community.

Today there is little support from countries apart from in the Pacific, even tough

the arguments are good for independence.

For Indonesians, this is a very sensetive case, since for them this is the most resourcefull province they have.But for Papuans, without independence,they will be a minority on their land,within 10 years

[westpapuaeurope]

I would say that the majority of the Papuans want freedom from the Republic of Indonesia. I presumed nothing before I got the chance to visit Papua in 1999. I have visited Papua many times since then threw a NGO, and this is the case. If your familiar with the Indonesian press, you might know that its not objective and full of propaganda. Many high standing Papuans which might say they are satisfied with indonesia in the press, but when asked privately, they embrace the tought of freedom!

[SUTIKNORJ99]

we come to defend indonesia from east to west,,,try to think escape,,,its no way for you to escape,,,with us or dead in guantanamo,,,,,grow up man,,,

[SairerinsoS]

@anggunayuk --> Check your English before posting it. It should be "What can they do...(bla bla bla)? Please mate, Do NOT under estimate our ability as West Papuans. Put in mind, Indonesia had not much Bachelors, Masters or even Doctors in 1945. If it survive until now, then why couldn't the West Papuans do anythin for their beloved new country? We may not be able to do everything, but every West Papuans can do something for West Papua.

[rudolfby]

are you blind? presiden kebanyakan orang jawa, mentri2 dan pejabat banyak orang jawa, pengemis juga orang kebanyakan orang jawa. bagaimana mau memajukan kita yang jauh kalau urus diri sendiri saja gak becus! banjir, bencana, terus-menerus terjadi karena kalian makan uang haram!! Freeport penyumbang devisa terbesar itu ladang uang haram bagi pejabat bangsa kasihan!

[anggunayuk]

if papua is free, alla the citizen is still stupid, what they can do for the new country ?

[Mamboro17]

Papua has been occupied by indonesian since the '60s. And since the invasion many thousands of papuans have been killed by Indonesian forces. papua just wants to be free!

[abrui]

Maybe in your stupid indonesian eyes,

But we are Different, Free West Papua.!!!!!

NKRI is Game Over in 2009 you stupid!!

[kewlkewl12]

yeah and become another failed state, like East Timor and Papua New Guinea

[abrui]

Bongkar Indonesia,..Papua Merdeka.!!!!

REFERENDUM NOW.!!!!!NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE.!!!!

Free West Papua, ONE PEOPLE, ONE SOUL

[magimee]

PAPUA MERDEKA!!!HIDUP OPM