Peace Movement Aotearoa   |   West Papua index page


Morning Star

  Messages of solidarity
for the people of West Papua


Background information     Read the messages     Print the form

You are invited to send a message of solidarity to the people of West Papua. This web page was launched on 1 December 2004, the forty-third anniversary of the West Papuan independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1961.

Since 1963 West Papua has been occupied by Indonesian armed forces. For the past fifty-one years, the people of West Papua have been subjected to gross human rights violations including rape, torture, cultural genocide, murder and massacre - more than 100,000 West Papuans have been killed. More than 15,000 West Papuans are currently living in camps in Papua New Guinea; and others are forced to live in exile around the world because it is not safe for them to go home.

Multi-national corporations in cahoots with the Indonesian authorities have exploited West Papua's natural resources to an extraordinary degree. This has caused massive social dislocation, devastation of rainforests, and pollution of streams and rivers on which the local people depend for their survival. As well as the direct violent repression by Indonesian armed forces, they are creating armed militias, similar to what they did in East Timor.

Add your voice to those of people all around the world who are calling for justice, peace and self-determination for the people of West Papua.

If you would like your message included on this page, please send your name, address*, occupation / position and organisation (optional), and message to Peace Movement Aotearoa [* only the town / city part of your address will be put on this web page, not your full address.]

If you can help distribute 'Messages of solidarity' forms from stalls, or in newsletters or other mailouts, you can print off the form here, or email Peace Movement Aotearoa with your postal address; and let us know either the numbers of forms you require, or if we can send you the artwork so you can copy the form as needed. Thank you

  Messages of solidarity - updated 1 December 2014

  • This initiative was launched 10 years ago. Since then, a lot has happened, a lot is happening in terms of awareness of what is taking place in West Papua. There is a snowball effect in place, West Papua will be free one day. Keep fighting, keep pushing. Freedom for West Papua. Stay strong wantoks!  - Damien Rex-Horoi, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • The ongoing travesties and injustices continuing to be inflicted upon the beautiful peoples of West Papua are absolutely disgraceful. The international community has an obligation to force an end to disgusting practices such as those being committed by the Indonesian military (and their political, industrial and commercial supporters) to allow the peoples of West Papua to determine their own path in this world. Kia kaha mo to haerenga West Papua, we stand by your side, against the greed, oppression and injustices committed against you and your people, and although we cannot make it to one of the official celebrations being held in NZ to recognise and support your freedom and independence, we will be flying our West Papua flag high on Dec 1st 2014 in Palmerston North, Aotearoa. Blessings and safe journey to all the beautiful peoples of West Papua and those supporting this awesome kaupapa.   - Nga mihi mahana, Crystal Tanoa and whanau, Ngati Kahungunu, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Papua merdeka!   - Teresia Teaiwa, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Kupua'a kakou ma hope o ka pono. Let us all stand together behind what is right. Standing with you, in support   - Emalani Case, Hawai'i

  • West Papua! Merdeka! Stand!   - Tekura Moeka'a, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Greetings to the People of West Papua, with many others in Pax Christi and the Dominican Friars in Aotearoa New Zealand I have watched your long struggle for independence and simple justice. We honour your courage, patience and faith. We pray that you may continue to persevere until the world sees the truth of your situation and you are given increasing independence and freedom.   - Peter Murnane, Dominican Friars, Honiara, Solomon Islands

  • Papua merdeka! Never doubt the power of a small group of people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has   - Francesca Rex-Horoi, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I hope for freedom and independence for the people of West Papua. With love and solidarity   - Rosalind Dalefield, Masterton, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Merdeka West Papua   - Joape Rawalai, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Free West Papua!   - Kirk Sawrey, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • There is hope out there   - Wiliame Gucake, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Just learned about West Papua and want many other people to learn about this as I stand in solidarity with you.   - Ruci Tueli, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I have never been in your position and that's why I think it is important for me to stand here today and write this to you (Morning Star flag raising, Wellington, 1 December 2014). I hope sincerely that we in the rest of the world can champion justice for you all - that we can give you strength in solidarity, that we all together can be resilient and live in hope   - Rose-Deepa Sealy, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Stand strong, but we in New Zealand should be very much stronger in support of you brave people.   - Jim Whitman, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Colonisation has been so rampant in the last few hundred years it has become normalised and invisible. We should not allow this to make us forget the huge injustices that have been, and remain, in West Papua and many other places in the world.   - Sam Buchanan, Paekakariki, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Independence for West Papua and an end to Indonesian occupation   - Richard Sawrey, Porirua, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Stand up, give freedom to these people   - Jamie, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • As a parliamentarian of New Zealand, I add my voice to all those calling for human rights, justice, peace and indigenous self-determination in West Papua. Kia Kaha!   - Julie Anne Genter, Green Party Member of Parliament, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • We stand with you, being angry about your being unable to enjoy life in peace and freedom from fear. Justice needs to be done and be seen to be done in truth. All lives are precious in God's sight   - Joan Garman, Churton Park, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Kia kaha (stay strong), I honour your struggle and support the call for justice and Peace   - Catherine Delahunty, Green Party Member of Parliament, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • God bless you in your efforts and struggle for justice, human rights and a true peace in West Papua   - Martin de Jong, Lower Hutt, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Whakamutua te tahae whenua, puta noa i te ao.   - Gareth Seymour, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • You are not alone! A group of Catholic activists living in the small NZ town of Otaki meet together every Friday night, when we remember you and all your troubles and sufferings. We pray for you all and we work at finding ways to inform ourselves and stir up concern for your cause. Kia kaha, be strong, you are not forgotten   - Adi Leason, Otaki, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • My husband Martin and I have been deeply concerned about the situation in West Papua for many years. For example, we hosted John Rumbiak when he was in the country as an observer at a Pacific Nations Forum being held in Auckland. I don't remember which year that was. The devastation of West Papua's forests, waters, livelihoods and culture by multinational corporations, in collusion with the Indonesian military, should have led to international outrage years ago. Where is humanity?   - Lois Griffiths, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Justice and freedom are at the heart of all peoples' cry for the right to be.   - Richard Archer, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • The killings, torture and abuse of West Papuans is not a secret. We know that the Indonesian government is raping, murdering and torturing people in an attempt to crush their movement for independence and steal their resources. The international community looks on that government with shame and citizens of democratic nations are pushing for our governments to take action to stop you by any means possible.   - Jennifer Lawless, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Kia kaha koutou, stand strong and take solace and comfort in knowing that the people of New Zealand and the world will not stand for what is being done to your people and your country and we call for peace, justice and self-determination. Never give up -in the wise words of Nelson Mandela, "It always seems impossible until it's done".   - Gabie George, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I will continue to push for justice and true independence for the people of West Papua. The occupation by Indonesia must stop.   - Steffan Browning, Member of Parliament, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Kia kaha e hoa ma, freedom for West Papua and all the world's people. None are free until all are free!   - Peter Clayworth, Historian, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Merdeka for West Papua! You are not alone in your struggle. Aroha nui from your Pacific brothers and sisters.   - Jodi Devine, Student,Te Karaka, Gisborne, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Mana Motuhake - from your whanau in Aotearoa. One love.   - Alexjandra Jensen, Student, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • In solidarity!   - Jan Logie, Green Party Member of Parliament, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Indonesia out of West Papua  - Johnny Blades, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Human rights for the people of West Papua are long overdue. Please act to restore their freedom in the name of peace and justice.   - Noeline Gannaway, Retired, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • West Papuans need self determination!   - Kevin List, Green Party Political Advisor, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Solidarity!   - Joe Beaglehole, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your struggle for independence. We will do what we can to support your cause.   - Paul Barber, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Free West Papua!   - Alex Smith, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • We were born and given life by free parents which then makes us free people, with that justice, peace and individual freedom is granted to you. Nobody should tame anyone's freedom down / out. Keep the faith West Papua.   - Voni Taumanu, Student, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Kia Kaha! (stay strong!)   - Caitlyn and Jon, Kelburn, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • In solidarity with the Papuan people - Papua tanah damai!   - Foundation Pro Papua, Koen J. de Jager, The Netherlands

  • We, the members of the Justice Peace and Development Group of St Joseph's Church Upper Hutt call for Justice, Peace and self-determination for the people of West Papua and ask that their resources not be exploited but safeguarded for the people of the land. Arohanui   - Members of St Joseph's Social Justice Group, Upper Hutt, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • My heart has bled for the people of West Papua since visiting Jayapura, Biak, & Sorong in 1975 and seeing how the "decolonization" meant that the enclaves previously people by the Dutch were now peopled by Javanese. Papuans were clearly excluded from any positions of power or influence unless they'd been bought off by Jakarta. I was fortunate to run into and receive the hospitality of members of Operasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) on pulau Biak. My letters describing their plight to family members in England were opened stamped "DISENSUR" ("censored") and large parts were blacked out. Upon my return to Jakarta I was interrogated by MARBAK, the Indonesian security police who threatened and intimidated me for 10 hours before releasing me. Please know that there are some people (too few, I'm afraid) who know of your oppression and support your cause.   - Philip V. Hull, Clinical Psychologist, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, Hawa`i & California, USA

  • I support the Papuans call for freedom and request the UN to make up for injustice they did when they accepted the obviously pretended "Act of free choice".   - Markus Hagenauer, Surheim, Germany

  • It seems the West Papuans are the innocent victims of greedy business interests and power-hungry military forces. I join with many others to wish you success in reclaiming your land and your sovereignty. I call on the New Zealand and Australian Governments, in particular, to bring pressure to bear on Indonesia to ensure your human rights and protection in your homeland.   - Deborah Yates, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I join with the people of West Papua in calling for an end to the suffering perpetuated by the Indonesian armed forces and multinationals and any others. I join with others in calling for justice, peace and self-determination for the people of West Papua. These atrocities occurring in West Papua deny all of our humanity, particularly that of the perpetrators. Is this the legacy you wish to leave for your own children and future descendents – that you were involved in or responsible for such suffering?   - Leah Whiu, Senior Lecturer, Waikato Law School, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • The Australia West Papua Association (Sydney) joins in solidarity with the West Papuan people on this famous day in West Papuan history. We have a new Prime Minister and government in Australia and AWPA will be lobbying the new government to bring to its attention the ongoing human rights abuses being committed by the Indonesian military and police in West Papua. In Sydney, the Leichhardt council has agreed to allow the flying of the Morning Star Flag on its Town Hall. In solidarity   - Joe Collins, on behalf of the Australia West Papua Association (Sydney), Australia

  • I wish to add my support for justice for the people of West Papua who have suffered under oppression for more than forty years. The Biblical Commandments say "Thou shalt not steal" and "Thou shalt not kill". Governments world-wide enforce these principles for acts by individuals. West Papua needs international support for stopping the Indonesian Government, its Armed Forces, and multi-national corporations from stealing their land and resources, and killing their people.   - Kay Jones, Industrial Assistant, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I wish to convey my message of support to the people of West Papua. Your treatment by Indonesia is an outrage which the whole world should be opposing. I hope this will be happening to the level where Indonesia is forced to change. With best wishesfor a future of freedom from the treatment currently endured.   - Jocelyn Brooks, Retired, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • We are calling for justice, peace and self-determination for the people of West Papua. Stay strong.   - Andrew Winnington, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Greetings and solidarity for your struggle   - Marie Russell, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Thank you for your support for West Papua peoples determination, may Jesus Christ our savior bless all of you, sincerely yours   - Samuel Tabuni, West Papua

  • Kia kaha, do not give up hope. Your struggle against oppression is been supported beyond your shores. May peace and freedom come soon. Arohanui.   - Sonya Hoult, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Brothers and sisters from West Papua, my heart is with you on this sad day may it become a day for celebration very soon. I will fly the Morning Star in the German city of cologne today! In solidarity and hope for peace to Papuan people   - Marielle, Buchholz, Germany

  • Freedom for West Papua! Indonesian troops out now! Down with the corporate thugs who support the Indonesian military! Let there be peace, justice and self determination for the people of West Papua. Fly the West Papua morning star flag high remembering those who have been killed, jailed or tortured by the Indonesian Government and dying for their cause. In solidarity   - Vikki John, Bougainville Freedom Movement, Australia

  • Dear Friends in West Papua! We send to you our wishes for peace, self-determination, for health, shelter, food and joyfull living - the right of all human beings!   - Regina Birchem, Pennsylvania, USA

  • It's time to end the oppression of the West Papuan people and the exploitation of their natural resources. Let's build a world based on peace, friendship and mutual support - not war, oppression and exploitation.   - Bruce Campbell, Portland, Victoria, Australia

  • It is time for all supposedly democratic governments to grow a spine and oppose the Indonesian occupation of West Papua. We don't need the US implicating peoples and their land, in their politics. It is time for us to act and offer our support to West Papuan independence.   - Sarsha-Leigh Douglas, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I sincerely hope that during your lifetimes peace and freedom will come to your land. Do not give up hope.   - Abi Eastwood, Hokitika, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • May peace, justice and freedom come soon to your land.   - Hamish Low, Hiroshima, Japan

  • On this special day I want express my solidarity with the people of West Papua.   - Gerard Thijssen, Netherlands

  • West Papua must have self-determination; this is not negotiable. Australians and New Zealanders must continue to make this demand.   - Bill Fisher, Committee of Australia-East Timor Friendship Association (SA), North Plympton, Adelaide, Australia

  • On this day I fly the Morning Star for those who are not able to. For those for whom it is illegal and dangerous to do so. May they have justice, peace and self determination in their lifetime. Kia ora.   - S. Hensley, Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • My heart goes out to the people of West Papua in their struggle for freedom and self determination. I fervently hope that, as with East Timor, pressure mounts on Indonesia to release West Papua from oppression. I look forward to the Morning Star flag flying over a new nation.   - Rod Donald, Green Party Member of Parliament, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • It is time the United Nations revisited the so called 'Act of Free Choice' which has enabled Indonesia to destroy the people and environment of West Papua.   - Joan Macdonald, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (Aotearoa), Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • No government has any right to tell people what they can or can't celebrate. No government that wanted to be elected by democratic support would ever try - so this is such a statement of their own illegitimacy.   - Linda Hill, Researcher, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • On the 43rd anniversary of the West Papuan Declaration of Independence we are proud to support the many people of West Papua who continue to struggle for independence. We, like many around the world, continue to support a just solution to the ongoing abuse that occurs within this unique country. Many continue to suggest an independent West Papua is not likely. To those people I say two words: EAST TIMOR. To Indpendence and Freedom in Papua. In solidarity   - Tim O'Connor, Director AID/WATCH, Erskineville, Australia

  • I hereby support this letter calling for messages of solidarity with the peoples of West Papua. Hei konei, naku na,   - Whaitiri Mikaere, Psychologist, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Peace with justice and self-determination   - Grace Millar, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • On the forty-third anniversary of the West Papuan Declaration of Independence from Dutch colonial rule, I would like to express my solidarity with the people of West Papua who have been subject to brutal repression by Indonesian Armed Forces, the exploitation of the natural resources by foreign corporates, while being denied self determination. I make a plea to the new Indonesian Government to grant self determination to the people and allow them to determine freely their future without further interference from their powerful neighbours.   - Paul Bruce, Meteorologist, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I have lived in Papua New Guinea for 7 years. Having been in close proximity to West Papua, the situation of the people there has become very personal to me. I support the people in their stand for their Human Rights and deplore the way in which you are treated, and the way your land is being misused. I stand in solidarity with you and care what is happening to you.   - Norman Knipe, Upper Hutt, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I wish to add my voice in solidarity to all those people in many different countries who are concerned at the oppression the people of West Papua have suffered for more than forty years. The banning of the raising of the 'Morning Star' flag and the continued oppression of the West Papuan people by the Indonesian government does surely not go unnoticed. More and more people around the world are becoming aware of the plight of the West Papuan people and are making their voices heard, and the freedom and justice that the people crave and deserve will surely come.   - Peter Archer, Tauranga, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • May the next twelve months bring some movement towards independence - long overdue and much needed.   - Rebecca Spence Ph.D, Lecturer in Peace Studies, University of New England, Australia

  • Pull the Indonesian troops out and disband the militias now and start the independence programme immediately.   - Frank Rowson, Veterinarian, Matamata, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I will raise my 'Bintang Kejora' Morning Star flag in solidarity with you, the courageous people of West Papua who only ask to live in peace and freedom free from neo-colonial oppression and exploitation. The world wide support for your struggle is growing. VIVA a free West Papua.   - Brian T. Manning, Darwin, Australia

  • I wish to add my voice to the many others who totally condemn the Indonesian Government for its long running brutality in West Papua and in other islands within its control. What is happening in West Papua should be a national outrage here and our feelings conveyed to the Indonesians by our government. I call on the NZ government to kick the Indonesian representatives here out of this country until their army withdraws from West Papua.   - Brian Bargh, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Kia kaha people   - Simon, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Kia kaha and arohanui from Aotearoa New Zealand!   - Imogen Prickett, Information Officer, Council for International Development, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • In New Zealand we are free from the more extreme forms of oppression as experienced in West Papua, but in support and friendship for the people of West Papua. I and others will help make known what they are suffering and will resist all such oppression wherever it might take place.   - Jonathan Oosterburger, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • For a world without exploitation and oppression. For a society of freedom, solidarity and mutual aid   - Peter Steiner, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

  • I am strongly in support of your cause and, wishing you success soon, I will write to the Government of Indonesia about your suffering and ask them to grant you your independence.   - Sue Taylor, Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

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