Aida Ulim, Jayapura – The West Papua Independent Student Forum (FIM-WP) City Leadership Committee (KPK) in Sentani has expressed its rejection of the presence of PT Freeport Indonesia, while calling for the Papuan people to be granted the right to self-determination.
In a statement, the group argued that Papua was historically under Dutch administration, which had prepared the territory for independence in 1961. However, they said geopolitical developments involving Indonesia under President Soekarno and the diplomatic role of the United States led to negotiations with the Netherlands through the New York Agreement and subsequent arrangements in 1962. These processes, they noted, resulted in the gradual withdrawal of the Dutch and the transfer of West Papua to Indonesia on May 1, 1963.
The group further stated that under President Soeharto, the first Contract of Work with PT Freeport Indonesia was signed on April 7, 1967, prior to the Act of Free Choice. The contract, which took effect in 1973, was initially set for 30 years and has since been extended until 2061. FIM-WP Sentani alleged that the extension reflects broader political interests tied to control over Papua's natural resources.
According to the group, more than five decades of mining operations in the Amungme customary territory, particularly around Mount Nemangkawi, have failed to deliver meaningful benefits to Indigenous communities.
Instead, they claim the activities have caused environmental degradation, including pollution from mining waste, deforestation, and the erosion of social and cultural structures among the Amungme people.
FIM-WP Sentani also alleged that throughout the contract period, the Indonesian government has acted to safeguard corporate interests, with security forces frequently deployed to protect the company's operations and disperse protests considered a threat to its presence.
The group called for the closure of PT Freeport Indonesia and the restoration of sovereignty to Indigenous Papuans, arguing that such a step is necessary to prevent prolonged humanitarian conflict.
It also urged the company to take responsibility for what it described as unilateral and inhumane layoffs affecting around 8,300 striking workers, which it said have led to economic hardship, family breakdowns, health problems, and deaths.
In addition, the group rejected plans to develop Biak Island into a spaceport and satellite launch center in cooperation with foreign entities, including SpaceX, citing concerns over external control and its potential impact on local communities.
It also opposed the deployment of a territorial infantry battalion in Biak Numfor, warning of possible land appropriation affecting Indigenous residents.
FIM-WP Sentani further called for an end to military operations across Papua and the withdrawal of both organic and non-organic troops. It also urged the government to halt National Strategic Projects in regions such as Merauke and Sorong, which it claimed have led to land dispossession, environmental damage, and the loss of Indigenous living spaces.
The group concluded that ending all forms of investment and natural resource exploitation by illegal companies in West Papua, alongside granting the right to self-determination, remains what it described as the most democratic solution to ongoing issues in the region.