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The group claims that Indonesia described the incident as an airstrike targeting a West Papuan military position but ended up hitting civilians. They further state that the injured man is afraid to seek medical help due to fear of retaliation.
West Papuan activists have been fighting for self-determination from Indonesia for over 60 years. Source: AAP / EPA
International human rights organisation Human Rights Monitor says in the past six months, at least 13 people have been killed in West Papua, while more than 200 others have been victims of arbitrary detention, intimidation, ill-treatment, cultural rights deprivation, and freedom of assembly denial.
But activists say a lack of attention and international coverage of the region allows Indonesia to act with further impunity.
Melbourne-based Lewis Prai Wellip is a representative for West Papuans in Australia. Source: Supplied
Lewis Prai Wellip has the role of ambassador for West Papua, where he grew up, and is based in Melbourne.
Anthony Albanese is scheduled to depart for Indonesia on Wednesday to hold talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. In the past, he has commended the strong defense and security ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during an earlier visit to Indonesia. Upon starting his second term in office, he emphasized that Australia’s relationship with Indonesia is among its most crucial. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
Prai Wellip says that Albanese should confront Indonesia over human rights abuses in the disputed territory.
Indonesian-based Human Rights Watch researcher Andreas Harsono says Australia has enough political capital to influence Indonesia on this issue.
The incident sparked deep concern among Australia’s government and Opposition over the possibility of Russia storing weapons less than 1,400 kilometres from Australia.
Why is there increasing violence in West Papua?
“Even mainstream Indonesian think tanks acknowledge that human rights are being abused consistently in Papua, and not dealt with by the Indonesian military or police,” he said.
