Indonesian Rejects Pro Free West Papua Become Full Membership at MSG

Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa Portal Desra Persaya

By Andreas Gerry Tuwo on June 18, 2016 17:31 pm

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The Indonesian government strongly rejected the separatist group called the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (UMLWP) joined the Group of Countries of Melanesia (Melanesian Spearhead Group / MSG).

"A group calling itself UMLWP simply and solely a separatist movement in a sovereign state. The movement has no legitimacy and is not representative of the Papuan people," said Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa Portal Desra Believe in a statement on Saturday ( June 18^th 2016).

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The statement was made Desra when he became Chairman of the Indonesian delegation at the meeting of Foreign Ministers MSG held in Lautoka, Fiji on Thursday, June 16^th 2016 last. He said that the statement related UMLWP efforts to raise the status of an observer group became a full member of MSG.

The Indonesian government rate, the effort is clearly contrary to the founding treaties MSG in 2007, which strictly respect the principles of sovereignty and not interfering in the internal affairs of member states.

After going through the internal discussion among members and intense lobbying by the Indonesian delegation, the attempt was foiled. Related to that, MSG only records the application and set up a committee to discuss the criteria for membership. Discussion of membership criteria was also associated with the wishes of the member states in order MSG Indonesia became a full member.

In a statement, Desra also expressed Indonesia's commitment to promote partnership and practical steps in the realization of cooperation between countries of Melanesia, particularly to encourage the achievement of the objectives of MSG, namely economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security in the sub-region of Melanesia.

At the end of the statement, Chairman of the Indonesian delegation was also invited MSG member countries to attend the Bali Democracy Forum which will discuss strengthening democratic capacities between countries, from 8-9 December 2016.

On the sidelines of the MSG meeting,  Desra have a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Fiji, Foreign Minister Solomon Islands, Chairman of the Delegation of Papua New Guinea, and the Director General of the Secretariat of MSG that convey an appreciation of the presence and commitment of Indonesia to contribute in achieving the goal of MSG, as well as the unequivocal support of the principle of sovereignty Indonesia.

Indonesia MSG Member

Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) is an international organization that originally consisted of four countries in Melanesia, namely Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as the National Liberation Front and the Socialist Kanak of New Caledonia.

The group was founded as a political association in 1986 and headquartered in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Director General of the first MSG is Rima Ravusiro of Papua New Guinea. Since September 2011, the Director General of the MSG held Peter Forau of Solomon Islands.

On the 18^th MSG Summit in Fiji in March 2011, Indonesia for the first time accepted as an observer country. It is expected to become an observer in the MSG, Indonesia will be able to work together more closely and to contribute to the countries members of the MSG.

In the 20^th MSG Summit held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on June 24^th to 26^th 2015, the MSG improve Indonesia's status from observer countries (observer) became associate members (associate member). 

Source: Read in Inonesian here: Indonesia Tolak Kelompok Pro-Papua Merdeka Jadi Anggota MSG

Edited, Translated and Republishing by

Sebby Sambom

West Papuan Human Rights Defender

(Former West Papuan political Prisoner)