Snap Rally at Indonesian Embassy & Consulates in Melbourne, Canberra & Darwin

West Papua human rights advocates held urgent snap actions at Indonesian consulates in Darwin, Melbourne, and Canberra in response to escalating violence in West Papua on September 2.

In Sorong, last Wednesday, Indonesian police opened fire on peaceful protestors and arrested 30 activists. Among those most at risk is Sayang Mandabayan – a respected pro-democracy leader and mother of five – who has been singled out by the Indonesian military (TNI) and remains on their wanted list for arrest. Advocates are demanding immediate international attention to ensure her safety.

Other cities under Indonesian rule have seen riots over the past days, as community anger at President Prabowo Subianto's authoritarian government boils over. Large crowds of primarily young Indonesians have fought riot police and attacked government buildings, expressing fury at government corruption, and labelling the police and military as 'pembunuh' or 'killers'.

In West Papua, repression of the pro-independence movement has seen dozens jailed on 'treason' charges simply for seeking peaceful dialogue with the Indonesian administration. Ms Mandabayan's home was raided twice last week and her husband arrested. Political prisoners are frequently transferred away from West Papua, to isolate and demoralise them.

“This is a deliberate campaign to criminalize political leadership, intimidate women defenders, and silence West Papua’s democratic voices,” said Canberra-based West Papuan activist Ronny Kareni.

“In West Papua, talking about peace is seen as treason. These raids, transfers, and arrests are not isolated. They are part of a long-standing pattern of state systemic violence designed to crush West Papua’s movement for justice. Leaders like Sayang Mandabayan are not criminals — they are voices of democracy that the Pacific must defend,” continued Mr Kareni.

Darwin-based West Papuan human rights advocate Billee McGinley said:

“Luke Gosling, our federal MP, holds a close relationship with the Indonesian consulate. He must speak up about the human rights crisis in West Papua, and take urgent steps to protect innocent pro-democracy activists like Sayang Mandabayan from the TNI.”

“The Indonesian Army is committing war crimes. Urgent international action is required now to protect the people of West Papua.” 

These attacks come as President Prabowo Subianto, long accused of war crimes and notorious for his poor human rights record, tightens his grip on power. Protestors across Indonesia are rejecting his authoritarianism: in Makassar, the parliament building was set ablaze as thousands demanded democracy and an end to state violence.

"While the Indonesian military persecutes urban activists, up in the mountains they are torching villages and murdering with impunity," said Melbourne-based West Papua advocate Zelda Grimshaw.

"Only days ago, a 13-year-old child was shot in the thigh when TNI attacked her village at 3am, with both ground troops and helicopters. Then, when advocates such as Sayang Mandabayan protest military abuses, Prabowo's regime locks them up for treason," she said.

"The new generation of Indonesians understands that West Papua is Indonesia's colony, and that whatever crimes the army commits there may one day be committed against them. They will not stand for another dictatorial government. Neither should we."

Media contact:

Billee McGinley

freewestpapuadarwin@gmail.com