The Melanesian Country or Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) reaffirmed its recognition of Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua as stated in the document “Joint Communique 22nd MSG Leaders Summit” on 24 August. The communique was the result of the MSG Summit in Vanuatu on 23-24 August. Indonesia is present at this High Level Conference as an associated member.

“The leaders reaffirmed Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua,” the document said.

Indonesia also attended the forum, but walked out when the leader of the separatist United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Benny Wenda, was about to make a speech.

Benny was invited to the High Level Conference to discuss the issue of the status of ULMWP, which currently still has observer status.

MSG members include Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and the New Caledonia Socialist National Liberation Front of the Children (FLNKS).

The following are the points from the MSG High Level Conference which discussed the issue of Papua.

1. The most appropriate forum to discuss West Papua at the UN

The leaders acknowledged that the most appropriate forum to discuss human rights issues was the United Nation (UN) through the Human Rights Council.

2. Acknowledge Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua

“The leaders reaffirmed Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua,” the document said.

MSG leaders have also expressed their collective views regarding the situation contained in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) communiqué.

3. Urge PIF

The MSG also urged the PIF to implement the decisions of the PIF leaders’ communiqué in August 2019.

“That the UN Human Rights Commissioner carry out a mission to a number of provinces in West Papua and consider the root of the problem,” the document continued.

4. Write to Indonesia to allow the UN to go to Papua

Apart from that, MSG also asked the head of this organization to write a letter to “associate members” or association members, in this case Indonesia, to allow the visit of the UN Human Rights Commissioner to West Papua.

“And ask the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to make a report on Human Rights violations in Papua, submitted at the right time for consideration at the next MSG High Level Conference in 2024,” said the document.

5. MSG accompanied UN when they went to Papua

The leaders also asked the secretariat to accompany the UN Human Rights Commissioner during his visit to Papua.

“And make a report on constructive socio-economic developments in West Papua and the Papua region and submit it for consideration at the MSG High Level Conference in 2024,” they continued.

6. Build a dialogue discussing Papua

The MSG leaders also asked the secretariat to establish dialogue arrangements through the Indonesian government, during the high-level meeting.

“Where relevant stakeholders can be invited to address issues related to developments in the Papua region.”

Responding to this communiqué, the Director General of Asia Pacific at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Kadir Jailani, welcomed it.

“We welcome this communiqué because it reaffirms Indonesia’s sovereignty in Papua,” said Kadir.