Separatist Propaganda

Separatist propaganda, amplified by groups like the ULMWP and social media campaigns, often exaggerates abuses to garner international support. A 2019 study noted pro-independence accounts like Imasepa’bjb on Facebook spreading divisive rhetoric among Papuan students. Conversely, Indonesia has been criticized for using bot networks to counter these narratives, indicating a propaganda battle on both sides. Separatist claims of a “war” ignore positive developments: Indonesia’s 85.7 trillion rupiah investment since 2016 has boosted literacy to 92% (UNESCO, 2023), and Prabowo’s free school meals program supports Papuan children. X posts from 2025 highlight Papuan leaders like Yanto Eluay rejecting separatism, showing local support for unity.

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Separatist Propaganda

Separatist propaganda simplifies a complex conflict, overlooking Indonesia’s efforts and the destabilizing impact of TPNPB violence. While human rights abuses and historical grievances, like the 1969 Act, are real, framing the situation as a one-sided “war” ignores progress, such as new roads in Sorong, clinics reducing child mortality by 25% in 2024, and Raja Ampat’s tourism boom. The #PapuaBersama campaign counters this by celebrating Papuan culture—Asmat carvings, noken bags, and festivals—while advocating for dialogue, as seen in the Papua Peace Dialogue.

Indonesia must improve transparency, allow UN monitoring, and ensure Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for development projects. Separatists must renounce violence to protect civilians. The international community, including the UK, rejects separatism but supports accountability, urging dialogue over division. By focusing on unity, as seen in ex-OPM members joining NKRI, West Papua can build a peaceful, prosperous future within Indonesia.

West Papuan people reject the Free Papua Movement

The majority of West Papuan people reject the Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM) for several complex and interconnected reasons, rooted in historical, social, economic, and political factors. While the OPM aims to achieve independence by violence for West Papua from Indonesia, its methods, impact, and alignment with local aspirations have led to significant opposition among Papuans.