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In Indonesia there is a major conflict in West Papua. In 1962 the Netherlands relinquished control of West Papua as a colony and the following year Indonesia came in and took control of the territory. In 1969 Indonesia had West Papua vote on integration, but only allowed 1,025 selected representatives from the population of around 800,000 West Papuans to vote.

Not having a proper vote on self determination has led to an independence movement going for the last 5 decades. The conflict hasn’t been peaceful with nearly 100,000 people having been displaced and between 100,000-500,000 people have been killed.

Many western countries like Australia, The United States, the UK and the netherlands trade arms with Indonesia as well as engage in large scale mineral extraction in West Papua. The question is if western countries should support West Papua in its goal for self determination, even if that means hurting relations with Indonesia.

If you haven’t heard of this conflict here’s a little summary. The Netherlands relinquished control of West Papua in 1962 and the following year Indonesia took control of the territory. In 1969 Indonesia had West Papua vote on integration, but only allowed 1,025 selected representatives from the population of around 800,000 to vote. 

Not having a proper vote on self determination has led to an independence movement going for the last 5 decades. The conflict hasn’t been peaceful with nearly 100,000 people having been displaced and between 100,000-500,000 have been killed.

Certain conflicts around the world get international support like Ukraine, Palestine, and Taiwan. I’m curious as to why people seem to be okay with turning a blind eye to the plight of West Papuans?