Gloria Bauai – The Free West Papua campaign PNG chapter office was launched yesterday by international campaigner Benny Wenda.

This entity based in Port Moresby will coordinate and centralise the awareness and advocacy efforts in Papua New Guinea on the West Papuan issue.

The core objective is towards creating and educating Papua New Guineans on the plight of the Melanesian people in West Papua under the oppressive Indonesia colonial rule.

"We have a voice but our voice has been silent for more than 50 years. The Papuan issue is a regional issue and we call on our brothers and sisters in PNG to work with us hand in hand," said Mr Wenda.

According to Patrick Kaiku, an academic at the University of Papua New Guinea, many Papua New Guineans are still illiterate on West Papuan issues and even its location.

Following the launching of the office, Mr Wenda with other West Papuan independence advocates will initiate a series of activities to mobilise Papua New Guinea grassroots and national political support to free West Papua from continued colonial subjugation.

He said the Free West Papuan campaign recognised that Papua New Guinea is the official battleground in the liberation of West Papua and has called upon Papua New Guineans to help in their fight for the right to self determination.

"We are one land, one culture, one people, and one ancestor. We are one people and we cannot do this without PNG," said Mr Wenda.

Ken Mondia, the director for NGO Partners with Melanesia, is challenging the government of Papua New Guinea to stop dealing with international issues and start looking to help their brothers and sisters who are separated from them only by a political border.

Mr Benny Wenda has travelled the world on the campaign for Free West Papua and countries in Europe, Africa and other Melanesian islands such as Vanuatu and Solomon Islands have recognised the campaign and have set up offices.

[Gloria Bauai is a UPNG journalism student.]