Australia has supported many countries in their neighborhood, especially in advocacy and material support. Australia has also played an active role in the conflict between the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, and Australia West Papua association.
However, many people think this country has always been blind to what was happening in Papua and Indonesia.
In economics and government, many have been vocal about the oppression in these two countries. They also noticed that Australia chose to prioritize its cooperative relationship with Indonesia.
Australia West Papua Association In Check
Australia west Papua association is said to be the ground position to grant the more stable position of West Papua independence from Indonesia. Many have come to them to negotiate the relationship between the two countries for a better position.
The history of West Papua and Indonesia starts with the colonization era. The Dutch used to be the ones who colonized this region. They claimed West Papua, or what used to be called Western New Guinea, as their colony.
The United States and United Nations have claimed their support for Indonesia over Papua. Many have claimed that this was caused by their fear of communist rule in Indonesia.
Under Soeharto’s influence, the Dutch and Indonesia negotiated an agreement over Papua’s state. The people of Papua could choose to be part of Indonesia’s sovereignty or not. This was also called the Act of Free in 1969. The act itself resulted in Papua becoming part of Indonesia.
After that, some people agree with the results, and many are not. These people then became separatists for West Papua. These people still believed that Indonesia was a foreign occupier and did not agree with Indonesia’s sovereignty.
These separatists continue to have conflicts with the government of Indonesia over political and humanitarian situations. Many also claimed that the government used violence to deal with the separatist. The separatist also seems to do violence to fight their beliefs.
Papua’s conflict with the government started with the opening of Freeport mining in this region. This mining site from America is said to ruin the local tribe’s social and religious activity and many others. That is because the site is built over some sacred place known to the local tribe.
The other problem is the transmigration plan from Soeharto that made many local people move away from their homes—making them lose their own homes to people from another island in Indonesia.
In this matter, Australia seems to have outed itself and decided not to be included in the situation between the two parties. Many believe that they fear that the topic will ruin their relationship over trade, investment, and diplomacy.
The Indonesian and Australian governments have a long history before Papua. Many believe the Indonesian government still distrusts Australia over what happened with Timor Leste. Their relationship seems tightened since Australia also has military training for Indonesian forces.
The relationship between the two countries seems to have continued for some time. Due to their geographical location and agreements, these countries can continue their cooperation.
Wrapping Up
Cooperation between two parties, such as Indonesia and Australia, is strong. These neighboring countries always engage in economic and social relationships in many ways. Certain actions have been taken by Australia that may sound like it was one-sided. Hence, many countries would think Australia has turned its attention from West Papua. However, Australia west Papua association is still tight.
