General
West Papuan separatists declare provisional government, tell Indonesia to leave the region
West Papuan separatists say they will form a new provisional government for the region and reject Indonesia’s rule, in a significant escalation of a decades-long battle over independence.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) — a coalition of independence groups — made the announcement on its self-proclaimed independence day, which is marked on December 1 each year.
It said it planned to reclaim the land, appoint its own prime minister and cabinet, and “no longer bow down to Jakarta’s illegal martial rule”.
The move is the culmination of an increasingly violent conflict being waged between separatists and Indonesian authorities who have no plans to relinquish control of the region.
-
Noosa News20 hours agoSunshine Coast shines in tourism awards
-
General21 hours agoNational tax regulator shuts down Coolah firm and bans director after large-scale theft
-
General9 hours agoVote counting begins for Townsville mayoral by-election
-
Noosa News21 hours agoAfter tireless advocacy and a dark history, Australia has a treaty with its First Peoples