West Papua, then known as Dutch New Guinea, was incorporated into the Republic of Indonesia in 1969. Since then, tens of thousands of people from elsewhere in Indonesia have immigrated to West Papua, resulting in local West Papuans being economically and politically sidelined. In 2001, Indonesia sought to contain increasing tensions by granting special autonomy, but the reality of human rights abuses and lack of freedom for indigenous West Papuans has not changed during the last decade.
In 2010, a council of West Papuan representatives 'returned' their special autonomy to Jakarta so that it did not continue to mask the true situation in West Papua.
The Moderator of the Uniting Church, Rev Ron Larkin says that the Indonesian Military is conducting a 'war of nerves' campaign similar to East Timor in the late 1990's.
"As recently as October, peaceful gatherings have been broken-up with unarmed participants fired upon, leaders beaten and many imprisoned," said Rev Larkin.
"We call upon the Indonesian Government to release political prisoners and to withdraw the Indonesian military from West Papua. And open dialogue to take place between West Papuans and the Indonesian Government about West Papua's future with responsible and moderate leaders that genuinely represent a major cross-section of the Papuan people."
When: From 4pm, Thursday 1 December 2011
Location: Wesley Uniting Church in the City, corner William and Hay Streets, Perth
Vision: Supporters will hold a prayer and candlelight vigil with banners and will distribute fliers highlighting human rights abuses in the Indonesian provinces, of Papua and West Papua.