ANALYSIS: Tensions have been building in West Papua over the last month following the killing of an Indonesian intelligence chief. Here, two experts lay out what's been happening and what could come next.
“Destroy them first. We will discuss human rights matters later.” These are the reported words of Bambang Soesatyo, chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly to the Indonesian military (TNI), last month.
He was talking about the Indigenous people of the contested territory of West Papua, who are seeking independence from Indonesia. This has sparked concerns West Papua may again be on the brink of a violent crackdown or worse executed by Indonesia’s elite security forces, including the notorious Kopassus.
These have occurred before, for example, the well-documented massacres in the Baliem Valley in 1977-78 and on Biak Island in 1998.
“Destroy them first. We will discuss human rights matters later.” These are the reported words of Bambang Soesatyo, chairman of the People&rsqu
West Papua is on the verge of another bloody crackdown laosnews.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from laosnews.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
West Papua is on the verge of another bloody crackdown theconversation.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theconversation.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.